Paint 'to thwart chemical attack' Oct 27, 2009
Although current research is focussed on chemical warfare agents, scientists have also been looking at approaches that might tackle radiological and biological agents. Dr Mitchell was demonstrating the strippable coating technology during the opening of a new energy-efficient building at Porton Down. (BBC News -- Technology)
Don’t fall for hazmat hysteria Oct 8, 2009
Hazardous materials can range from antifreeze spills from fender-benders to the release of dangerous chemicals or biological agents. Boston has 55 fire companies, of which five - consisting of about 100 firefighters - have the specialized technician level training needed to analyze, contain, and remove hazardous materials. (Boston Globe)
BioWatch searches attacks out Oct 6, 2009
Slezak got the call because he helped pioneer the genetic analysis of biological agents at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California ... A federally funded, locally run program with an $80 million annual budget, it depends on a network of vacuum pumps that draw surrounding air through filters, sniffing for signs of biological agents. (USA Today)
GAO report says labsnot safe enough Sep 23, 2009
The labs only have to register with the government if they work with so-called "select agents," toxins or biological agents deemed by federal agencies potentially to pose a severe threat to human health or safety. The number of registered BSL-3 labs rose from 415 in 2004 to 1,362 in 2008, according to the GAO.. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Novel Temperature Calibration Improves Microhotplate Technology Aug 25, 2009
The novel NIST device is being developed as the foundation for miniature yet highly accurate gas sensors that can detect chemical and biological agents, industrial leaks and even signs of extraterrestrial life from aboard a planetary probe. See also. (Science Daily)
City farmers Aug 23, 2009
Today, about 300,000 oxen work on farms across the country and there are now more than 200 biological control centres which produce a whole host of biological agents in fungi, bacteria and beneficial insects. Havana has almost 200 urban allotments - known as organiponicos - providing four million tons of vegetables every year - helping the country to become 90% self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables. (BBC News -- Science)
TO KEEP NY STREETS SAFE Aug 20, 2009
Among the possible scenarios that experts point to are: "dirty bombs," designed to contaminate whole city districts; the release of chemical or biological agents in enclosed areas; a cyber-attack aimed at paralyzing our communications and power systems -- and a Mumbai-style commando raid. To deal with terrorist threats while keeping crime down, New York needs a new "Safe Streets"-type plan before things get bad. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Novel temperature calibration improves NIST microhotplate technology Aug 12, 2009
The novel NIST device is being developed as the foundation for miniature yet highly accurate gas sensors that can detect chemical and biological agents, industrial leaks and even signs of extraterrestrial life from aboard a planetary probe. The tiny microhotplatesno wider than a human hairare programmed to cycle through a range of temperatures. (EurekAlert!)
New biosafety lab will be addition to Wyoming Veterinary Laboratory (7) Aug 2, 2009
The lab will provide a safe and secure environment for diagnosticians and researchers whose work involves biological agents that may cause disease in animals or humans. When complete, the BSL-3 laboratory will significantly increase our ability to diagnose and then do needed research about these disease agents, said Frank Galey, dean of the UW College of Agriculture. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Material World: Graphene's Versatility Promises New Applications Jul 16, 2009
Low capacitance is particularly desirable for chemical sensing devices and biosensors as it produces a lower signal-to-noise ratio, providing for extremely fine-tuned resolution of chemical or biological agents. Improvements to graphene will allow its electrical behavior to more closely approximate theory. (Science Daily)
Does Plastic Art Last Forever? Jul 2, 2009
Curators also need to watch out for biological agents. Molds and bacteria have evolved to eat plastics, and although it's not their preferred food, some beetles will eat through Plexiglas if hungry enough. (Slate)
Cambridge is looking at its code again. Jul 1, 2009
The written regulation, still in its draft form and welcoming comments from the public, outlines certain requirements for the proper use of biological agents, extends the role of the Cambridge Biosafety Committee, along with stricter policies for issuing permits to local laboratories, said director of environmental health Sam Lipson. It s better to have a good and clear policy before you re faced with a difficult decision, he said. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Group does Fresno proud Jun 26, 2009
But if these two groups of veterans had been part of the study, the U.S. government would have had to admit that it has exposed these veterans to Agent Orange and other biological agents they shouldn't have been exposed to. So far, the dishonorable U.S. government still has yet to compensate the Vietnam veterans for their exposure to Agent Orange, and the same goes for the Gulf War veterans. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Powerful Nutrient Cocktail Can Put Kids With Crohn's Into Remission Jun 18, 2009
Dr. Shamir's research was inspired by the problem of malnutrition and growth retardation in children battling IBD. Steroids and other biological agents, the most common treatment for IBD, were having an adverse affect on the children's growth, despite their effectiveness in adult patients. It was a problem first tackled by NASA: How could astronauts most efficiently get their daily nutrients. (Science Daily)
Facts of the Matter Jun 6, 2009
Many explosives as well as chemical and biological agents have characteristic THz signatures that can be used to identify these materials when concealed in clothing or bags ... Many explosives as well as chemical and biological agents have characteristic THz signatures that can be used to identify these materials when concealed in clothing or bags. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Avastin Shows No Benefit Against Early Stage Colon Cancer Jun 2, 2009
"With biological agents [such as Avastin], we definitely see improvements with metastatic cancer if we continue giving the drug," Chung added. "In adjuvant settings when the disease is gone, the question is how to we use biologics.'' "I would be concerned about side effects," added Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. Despite its vaunted status in treating a number of different tumor types, Avastin has been associated with a number of troublesome side effects,... (MEDLINEplus)
First Multi-pixel Terahertz Modulator Created May 31, 2009
6, 2005) T-ray sensing and imaging technology, which can spot cracks in space shuttle foam, see biological agents through a sealed envelope and detect tumors without harmful radiation, was the focus of a. (May 10, 2008) How does light pass through a tiny hole. (Science Daily)
Dramatic Increase In Metastatic Colon Cancer Survival May 29, 2009
ScienceDaily (May 28, 2009) Novel chemotherapy and biological agents for metastatic colorectal cancer, combined with surgical advances in liver resection, have resulted in a dramatic increase in survival for patients with advanced disease, according to researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center ... "Beginning in 1998 and even more by 2000, we started performing higher volumes of hepatic resections, and that coincides with the initial increase in survival. The second... (Science Daily)
New therapy enlists immune system to boost cure rate in a childhood cancer May 28, 2009
Maris added that the supply of the antibodies and cytokines used in the trial was limited, and that pediatric oncologists were seeking biotechnology companies to move the biological agents into commercial production to make the treatment readily available to children with neuroblastoma. . (EurekAlert!)
Cancer Stem Cells May Be Related To Prognosis In Primary Breast Cancer May 22, 2009
"Although early, the research stands highlights the concept that chemotherapy alone does not cure a significant number of primary breast cancer patients, and gives us an indication for a new line of therapeutic intervention that focuses on new biological agents that target cancer stem cells," said Cristofanilli, also a senior author on the study. "The research also presents a strong case for obtaining bone marrow specimens from locally advanced breast cancer patients undergoing surgery after... (Science Daily)
Local group reports 110,000 jobs created May 22, 2009
Eight of the clusters were in technology fields: pharmaceuticals; biological agents; infectious diseases; agricultural biotechnology; pervasive computing; advanced medical care; analytical instrumentation; nanoscale technologies; and informatics. The other two areas of focus were vehicle parts and distribution. (Triangle Business Journal)
New Tool For Next-generation Cancer Treatments Using Nanodiamonds May 19, 2009
One of the most significant aspects of this work is the Nanofountain Probe s ability to deliver nanomaterials coated with a broad range of drugs and other biological agents, Espinosa says. The injection technique is currently being explored for delivery of a wide variety of bio-agents, including DNA, viruses and other therapeutically relevant materials. (Science Daily)
Life-Lines - Internet, Phones, Utilities - In Jeopardy. May 10, 2009
Moreover, for an imaginative attacker, underground conduits accessible through manholes could be the vehicle for propagating other modes of attack such as chemical or biological agents. It behooves the nation to address this problem, assess the risks, and undertake a risk-based program to protect and secure our life-lines. (PR Newswire)
Hidden history of US germ testing May 10, 2009
" Subway experiment But it wasn't just the white coat volunteers and sailors who were subject to experiments. Scientists used what they thought was a harmless simulant in major bio-weapon tests across US cities and on public transport. It was a bacteria which they believed was harmless but which would mimic the dispersal of deadly biological agents such as anthrax. But later research showed that the strain of Bacillus globigii, or BG, did pose a risk to people who were ill or whose immune system... (BBC News)
General Dynamics unit inks $34M contract May 7, 2009
The product line detects and identifies airborne biological agents and triggers local and remote warning systems. The option modifies a contract initially awarded in 2004, bringing the total value of that contract to more than $260 million. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Spit, anyone? Apr 15, 2009
As an interdisciplinary research hub, CAMRA's goal is to help DHS Srstand the risks associated with certain biological agents, and build a national network beyond the scientific community for sharing those insights. Statistical predictions about flying saliva may seem like academic caricature. (EurekAlert!)
• Community news Apr 9, 2009
The course is designed to train the soldier to detect, identify and disarm non-nuclear explosive ordnance, and assist with disposal of munitions and explosive devices, fuels and oxidizers; assist in detecting, researching, and identifying chemical and biological agents; locate, gain access and dispose of buried ordnance, land mines and other explosive devices. Doherty is a 2006 graduate of Jerome High School. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Spanish Government supports Women Apr 8, 2009
"The construction of fired clay products is traditional in Spain because it is proved that burnt clay products have the greatest thermal behaviour and resist strong heat and even fire better than any other material." They have the strength of a stone, a better resistance against biological agents such as termites, warms or bacteria than any timber work, and they prevent buildings from hard water damages that may occur during the rainy season, the statement added. Spain will support the project... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* Japans parliament adopts resolution against Pyongyang Apr 1, 2009
It might be able to place biological agents on a missile or make a dirty bomb, where radiation is spread through conventional explosives. North Koreas planned missile launch is certain to feature on the sidelines of the G20 summit this week in London, where US President Barack Obama will meet Chinese President Hu Jintao (JA). (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
ECOWAS to adopt Ghana's malaria vector control project Mar 30, 2009
The project was the by-product of the 13th Ghana-Cuba Joint Commission of Co-operation, which was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Ghana and LABIOFAM for the use of biological agents for the eradication of malaria. The MOU aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce malaria cases and mortality by 50 per cent by 2010. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Porton Down 'not death sentence' Mar 25, 2009
But many have reported no ill effects after being exposed to chemical and biological agents, including anthrax, sarin and mustard gas. No lasting damage. (BBC News -- Health)
Rehberg bill gets funds to vets exposed to weapons tests (2) Feb 28, 2009
Weapons with chemical and biological agents such as VX and Sarin nerve gases and E. coli were tested on unknowing military personnel ... He believes that his health problems are linked to the chemical and biological agents to which he was exposed on an Army tugboat in the Pacific Ocean during the tests ... The military first said the spray was simulated chemical and biological agents, Thompson said, but eventually admitted they were real. (Helena Independent Record)
Banned from Britain, Dutch campaigner against Islam Feb 11, 2009
Was he planning to bring bombs or WMD or biological agents or a loaded. 45 into the country. (Independent)
Army halts germ research at lab Feb 10, 2009
The institute, which began operations shortly after WWII, studies biological agents that might be a threat to military but would also menace civilian populations, Ms. Vander Linden said. She downplayed concerns that the samples might have been stolen or otherwise left the site. (Insight on the News)
Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology Feb 8, 2009
Human exposure science is defined as: the study of human contact with chemical, physical or biological agents occurring in their environments, and advances knowledge of the mechanisms and dynamics of events either causing or preventing adverse health outcomes. Join the society. (Nature News Service)
Kids with Arthritis Often Disabled Feb 7, 2009
Ravelli's team points out that "for the most part, the study findings reflect the disease outcomes achieved with conventional treatment," because most children were diagnosed before the availability of new biological agents that can alter the course of arthritis. SOURCE: Arthritis atism, November 15, 2008. (MEDLINEplus)
