UPDATE: ATF: Accelerant poured around Palin's church... Dec 16, 2008
Federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Special Agent Nick Starcevic says laboratory tests will determine what the accelerant was. The blaze was set at the main entrance of the Wasilla Bible Church on Friday evening while a small group, including two children, were inside. (The Drudge Report)
Outbreak of bird flu in India Dec 16, 2008
Laboratory tests have confirmed that the birds in West Bengal state died of the deadly infection, secretary of animal resources development department Dilip Chakraborty said in local capital Kolkata. Culling would begin on Wednesday, the government said. (India Times)
Breast cancer Popular breast cancer drug could make disease more ... Dec 14, 2008
But now, scientists have conducted laboratory tests on cancer cells grown in test tubes and found evidence indicating that giving Tamoxifen to some patients could actually promote the disease ... He added: Also, we do not at this stage know what level is low enough for this effect to kick in, or indeed whether there is the same effect in humans as we are finding in laboratory tests. (Entertainment and Showbiz!)
FDA's Midnight Mischief Heightens Mercury Risk to Pregnant Women ... Dec 13, 2008
At EWG, our team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers pores over government data, legal documents, scientific studies and our own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment, and to find solutions. Our research brings to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know. (Environmental Working Group)
'Smart fabrics' to monitor health Dec 13, 2008
In laboratory tests, the researchers showed that the new E-fibers could light up a simple light-emitting diode when connected to a battery. In the new research, which is to be published in the latest issue of 'ACS' Nano Letters', scientists describe development of cotton fibers coated with electrolytes and carbon nanotubes (CNT) thin filaments 1/50,000 the width of a single human hair. (Hindu)
NDC MP-elect in trouble Dec 11, 2008
The presiding judge described the plea as a cat and mouse game and unacceptable, when counsel tendered another medical report that owing to power failure laboratory tests on his client had been scheduled for Wednesday, December 10 hence his absence in court. Mr George Kpodo, a State Attorney, prosecuting said "the report is not credible and vague than the previous one" and therefore asked the court to issue a bench warrant to arrest the accused. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
A cross-Canada look at welfare rates Dec 11, 2008
Taser International is responding to moves by several Canadian police agencies to pull some stun guns off the streets for testing following a recent CBC/Radio-Canada investigation into the devices, saying the U.S. laboratory tests commissioned by the CBC and Radio-Canada are "flawed." ... Taser International is responding to moves by several Canadian police agencies to pull some stun guns off the streets for testing following a recent CBC/Radio-Canada investigation into the devices, saying the... (CBC.ca)
'Smart Fabrics' That Monitor Health Dec 10, 2008
In laboratory tests, the researchers showed that the new E-fibers could light up a simple light-emitting diode when connected to a battery. When coated with certain antibodies, the fibers detected the presence of albumin, a key protein in blood a function that could be used to detect bleeding in wounded soldiers. (Science Daily)
Baseball to upgrade bat quality control for '09 Dec 10, 2008
The committee conducted field and laboratory tests, reviewed video of breakages and consulted with manufacturers and experts to come up with nine recommendations to be adopted immediately, CEO Sandy Alderson said. The committee isn't sure how many fewer bats will break this season, but it believes there will be significant progress. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
HK reports first H5 bird flu cases on local farm in 6 years Dec 10, 2008
"Three dead chicken found at a chicken farm at Yuen Long district were H5 positive after our laboratory tests," York Chow, Secretary for Food and Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, told a press conference. The alert level for bird flu has been raised to level "serious", he added. (Xinhuanet, China)
* Dublin scrambles to contain scare over tainted pork Dec 9, 2008
Rogan told RTE that laboratory tests had shown that the type of dioxins were consistent with this type of industrial waste oil type similar to that found in other [EU] member states and in other such incidents. . (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Deadly Fungus Hits Leading Vanilla Source Dec 9, 2008
Researchers propose a wholesale replanting of disease-prone species with a vanilla hybrid that, laboratory tests suggest, is fungus-resistant. If new plants are the answer, the government will have to help, said Charles Gabriel, a farmer in the affected region. (CBS News -- World)
Leeds research points to new therapy for hepatitis C treatment Dec 9, 2008
In laboratory tests their latest research shows that inhibiting p7 with drugs can prevent the spread of HCV.. "One of the challenges in finding treatments for viruses is their ability to constantly change their genetic makeup," says Professor Harris. (EurekAlert!)
Airport urgent care clinic slated to open Dec 9, 2008
Jacksonville-based Solantic, which operates seven clinics in the Orlando area, will offer digital X-ray, immunizations, laboratory tests and physicals at the clinic, which will be located at the airport s B Terminal. It will treat everything from coughs and colds to cuts and fractures. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Tainted Irish pork may have reached 25 nations Dec 8, 2008
The Irish government said on Saturday that laboratory tests of animal feed and pork fat samples confirmed the presence of dioxins, with toxins at 80-200 times the safe limits. Preliminary evidence indicated the problem was likely to have started in September of this year, it added. (Scientific American)
Government says no "significant" risk from Irish pork Dec 7, 2008
The Irish government said on Saturday that laboratory tests of animal feed and pork fat samples confirmed the presence of dioxins, with toxins at 80-200 times the safe limits. The Irish Association of Pigmeat Processors said only 10 farms had been using the tainted feed, responsible for less than 10 percent of Irish pigmeat production. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Curbing Hormones' Effects In Obese Patients Could Aid Against Breast Cancer Dec 4, 2008
In laboratory tests, hormones produced by fat cells stimulate breast cancer cells to migrate and invade surrounding tissues, scientists at Emory University School of Medicine found. A class of drugs called epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors could block the stimulatory effects of the hormones. (Science Daily)
Agriculture: Gray Mold's Killer Gene Discovered Dec 4, 2008
In laboratory tests, Cane and the team introduced a mutant gene that deleted the sesquiterpene cyclase, which completely abolished production of the toxin. This means that if you can inhibit the enzyme from this pathway, you can eliminate this toxin, Cane said. (Science Daily)
South Africa: Limpopo River Contaminated With Cholera Dec 3, 2008
The diagnosis can be confirmed through laboratory tests. Water can be purified with a teaspoon of household bleach to a 5 litre bottle of water or mixing one capful of household bleach with 20-25 litres of water and let it stand for at least two hours (preferably overnight) before consumption. (allAfrica.com)
TV Worldwide's Maritime TV Selected as Official Webcaster of the International WorkBoat Show 2008, Dec 3, 2008
Laboratory tests have shown that Fuel Right is uniquely effective in protecting fuel systems against the ravages of fuel contamination. To learn more about these test results, go to See The Results (http://www. (Multichannel News)
Rabies Barrier To Save World's Rarest Wolf Dec 1, 2008
Fourteen wolves have died to date, and laboratory tests have confirmed our worst fears that we are facing another potentially devastating outbreak. If left unchecked, rabies is likely to kill over two-thirds of all wolves in Bale's Web Valley, and spread further, with wolves dying horrible deaths and numbers dwindling to perilously low levels. (Science Daily)
Govt slammed over 'failure' on HIV/AIDS Dec 1, 2008
He said laboratory tests should be made more accessible for all, healthcare providers should be given better understanding to deal with the disease and infected people should be treated immediately to prevent them from infecting others. Pandu also said the government should stop subsidizing treatment for wealthy patients and make it free for the poor only, as its policy of free medical treatment for all people living with HIV/AIDS had led to about 200 hospitals nationwide suffering a shortage in... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
'Unprecedented' biotech bankruptcies erupt amid finance crisis Nov 30, 2008
Driscoll said he considers the company, whose hepatitis C therapies are still in laboratory tests, fortunate. Investors will likely return to biotechnology once the economy stabilizes because the industry still promises attractive returns, said Brent Milner, managing director of health care investing at Stanford Financial Group Co., an investment bank in New York. (The Palm Beach Post)
12000 birds culled in Assam after bird flu outbreak Nov 29, 2008
The Indian health ministry Thursday confirmed the outbreak of bird flu after laboratory tests confirmed strains of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza. More than 300 birds died in the past one week in the area. (Hindu)
Calls for national infant formula recall spread Nov 29, 2008
Disclosure that laboratory tests have detected traces of contamination in several major brands of infant formula generated concern and confusion Wednesday, with a national consumer s group and the Illinois attorney general demanding a Food and Drug Administration recall and the federal agency saying it had released inaccurate information on what chemicals were found in which top selling products. As worried parents called manufacturers looking for guidance about the presence of melamine and a... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
New System Improves Distribution of Donated Livers Nov 27, 2008
" People who were able to wait for long periods of time were less likely to need a transplant, explained Dr. Richard Freeman, professor of surgery at Tufts University School of Medicine, in Boston, and chairman of the committee that put the MELD system into place. Also, the old system could be manipulated. For instance, patients in intensive care were given preferential status, so doctors sometimes put patients in the ICU to bump them up on the list. "Doctors were trying to do the best thing for... (MEDLINEplus)
Nigeria: 25 Children Die From Tainted Drugs Nov 27, 2008
"The child had not been passing urine for the past six (6) days. She did not know the medicine store she purchased the drug from and had thrown the container away. Two of the hospitals where two of the patients were initially admitted before being referred to ABUTH were visited and the doctors informed that the patients were brought in with fever, diarrhea, vomiting and were unable to pass urine for several days."So today, in line with our usual tradition of prompt response to distress call and... (allAfrica.com)
Tests Continue In Alleged UCSF Poison Case Nov 26, 2008
(11-25) 12:36 PST SAN FRANCISCO -- A judge ordered the release from jail today of a UCSF lab researcher accused of trying to poison a co-worker, saying laboratory tests on a cup allegedly tainted with a harmful chemical had not been completed on time. Images. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
System cuts race bias from liver transplants Nov 26, 2008
"One theory is that black patients were getting referred to the list later, when they were sicker, so they couldn't accrue the waiting time."The new system has eliminated time on the waiting list as a criterion, and instead relies on laboratory tests that prioritize patients based on objective measures of organ function. It began six years ago. (News & Observer)
Caltech scientists develop 'barcode chip' for cheap, fast blood tests Nov 26, 2008
The chip offers a significant improvement over the cost and speed of standard laboratory tests to analyze proteins in the blood. In traditional tests, one or more vials of blood are removed from a patient's arm and taken to a laboratory, where the blood is centrifuged to separate whole blood cells from the plasma. (EurekAlert!)
How to Choose a Medicare Supplement... Nov 24, 2008
You may also choose to pay a small monthly premium to receive Medicare Part B, which covers some of the costs of doctor visits, laboratory tests, X-rays and other outpatient services. Nearly all Medicare beneficiaries choose to buy this additional coverage. (Suite101.com)
Faster Test For Food Protein That Triggers Celiac Disease Nov 22, 2008
Laboratory tests showed that it is superior to the so-called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), now the standard test for gliadin. It took the new test barely 90 minutes to detect gliadin in the parts per billion range, compared to 8 hours for the ELISA test. (Science Daily)
Skip the doctor's office, go right to the drugstore Nov 22, 2008
This week, an advisory council to Ontario's Health Ministry recommended that pharmacists in the province be allowed to write prescriptions for minor conditions, adjust dosages, extend prescriptions and order laboratory tests in some instances. The move follows developments across the country to expand the role of pharmacists. (Globe and Mail)
`Unprecedented' Biotech Bankruptcies Erupt as Global Crisis Curbs Funding Nov 22, 2008
Driscoll said he considers the company, whose hepatitis C therapies are still in laboratory tests, fortunate. Other biotechnology companies, unable or unwilling to find a partner, will go into hibernation, just doing enough to keep the technology alive and waiting for a better day, , the Boston-based global leader of Ernst & Youngs Biotechnology Center, said in an interview Oct. 31. (Bloomberg)
Early HIV Treatment Best for Babies Nov 21, 2008
And laboratory tests don't do a good job of predicting who will end up getting sick, Violari said. "Young infants are very different than adults or even children in their immune function and in their susceptibility to other dangerous illnesses," Violari said. (MEDLINEplus)
Toward A New Generation Of Paper-thin Loudspeakers Nov 21, 2008
In laboratory tests, the researchers mounted a thin CNT film onto two electrodes to form a simple loudspeaker. The speaker produced sound with the same excellent quality as conventional loudspeakers, but without magnets and moving components, the researchers say. (Science Daily)
American Chemical Society's Weekly PressPac -- Nov. 19, 2008 Nov 20, 2008
In controlled laboratory tests, the researchers exposed the capsules to either Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the deadliest and most common hospital-based pathogens, or Cobetia marina, a type of bacterium that fouls the hulls of ships and other marine equipment. After one hour of light exposure, the light-activated capsules killed more than 95 percent of the exposed bacteria, the researchers say. (EurekAlert!)
People Who Develop Kidney Stones Are At Increased Risk For Chronic Kidney Disease Nov 18, 2008
The investigators compared residents diagnosed with kidney stones with individuals without stones, noting who went on to develop CKD as determined by diagnosis codes and laboratory tests. Those with kidney stones were matched 1:3 to controls in the general population so that a total of 4424 stone formers and 10995 controls were identified and followed up, on average, for more than eight years. (Science Daily)
A New Way To Remove Unwanted Heparin From Blood Nov 18, 2008
In laboratory tests, the beads reduced concentrations of heparin to nearly zero within 10 minutes. Journal reference. (Science Daily)
Florida eye exam gets results Nov 17, 2008
General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease had already seen how, in laboratory tests, isoflurane spurred production of amyloid-beta protein - the brain plaque in Alzheimer's disease. As a next step, the researchers gave mice doses of isoflurane equivalent to what people would receive. (Boston Globe)
Independent Trial Finds NIVEA Visage DNAge to be More Effective Than Anti Ageing Products 6 Times its Price Nov 17, 2008
The products that were awarded Good Classification for 'Anti-Ageing Power' achieved this classification in both the objective laboratory tests and in the opinions of the users. NIVEA Visage DNAge, the cheapest product in the trial, achieved a Good Classification for 'Anti-ageing' - the highest classification awarded in this marker. (PR Newswire)
Fidelity violating permit with water tests (29) Nov 16, 2008
The fleas are used in laboratory tests as an indicator of toxicity. Fidelity is required to test for toxics by taking samples of its discharge water and putting in organisms to see if they survive. (Casper Star-Tribune)
GLOBAL NEWS: New outbreak of bird flu found in fowl in Thailand Nov 16, 2008
Director-general of the Livestock Department Sakchai Sriboonsue says laboratory tests have found the virulent H5N1 virus in chickens in Uthai Thani province, 180 kilometers north of the capital Bangkok. He said yesterday the virus has been found in about a dozen chickens raised in a backyard farm after several died. (Philippine Star)
'Two-headed' Antibody Poses A Double Threat To Breast Cancer Cells, Say Researchers Nov 15, 2008
14, 2008) A small, antibody-like molecule created by researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center can successfully attack two separate molecules on the surface of cancer cells at the same time, halting the growth of breast cancer cells in laboratory tests, the researchers say. See also. (Science Daily)
Regulator bans 22 performance-enchancing drugs Nov 15, 2008
" In a drug store in Jakarta, a box of a performance-enhancing drugs sells for more than Rp 25,000 (US$2). Husniah warned producers, distributors and retailers to stop producing and selling the items, adding that those failing to comply with the ban could face up to five years' imprisonment and Rp 100 million (US$) to Rp 2 billion in fines. If members of the public find these products for sale, they can report them to BPOM by phone (021) 4263333 or to their nearest provincial food and monitoring... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
McClure Hall rededicated tomorrow Nov 14, 2008
You can pre-register online for free laboratory tests at. Take cursor to bottom of web page and click on the 'Wellness Fair Registration' link. (Grants Cibola County Beacon, NM)
Aerial pesticide spraying put people at risk Nov 13, 2008
The report also admits that laboratory tests on a small number of animals might not be an adequate predictor of human health effects when large numbers of people - with different levels of sensitivity - are exposed to a pesticide. Finally, the state's report acknowledges that officials grossly underestimated the number of microparticles in the spray, those small enough to reach a person's deep lung tissue and enter the bloodstream. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Toy Helicopters Now Hover Over Whales to Monitor Their Health Out at Sea Nov 13, 2008
When the helicopter flies back, a lid is placed on the dish and the sample is captured, enabling laboratory tests. It's literally their breath: it's actually quite potent -- these are large animals that have been underwater for some time,'' Acevedo-Whitehouse said. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Hope College reopens after outbreak Nov 12, 2008
Laboratory tests in Michigan were inconclusive about what caused the outbreak, but food-borne illness has been ruled out, Felgner said. "The CDC is going to be testing some of our samples to attempt to determine the exact cause," Felgner said. (DetNews.com)
Can Vitamins And Minerals Prevent Hearing Loss? Nov 11, 2008
The nutrients were successful in laboratory tests, and now researchers are testing whether humans will benefit as well. "The prevention of noise induced hearing loss is key," says Glenn E. Green, M.D., assistant professor of otolaryngology at the U-M Health System and director of the U-M Children's Hearing Laboratory. (Science Daily)
'Assassin cell' therapy to tackle HIV Nov 11, 2008
The therapy which has proved effective in laboratory tests using human cell cultures will be tested in a clinical trial of 35 patients with advanced HIV infection that is due to start next summer. Efforts to find a traditional vaccine against HIV the virus that causes Aids have so far drawn a blank. (guardian.co.uk)
Putting Health Care on an Energy Diet Nov 10, 2008
Medical procedures, for instance, rack up massive energy tabs especially surgeries, emergency services and pathology laboratory tests. "Enormous amounts of energy are required to build and run high-tech systems in common use MRIs, CT scans, et cetera with many running 24 hours a day," says Pamela Gray, a trustee of the Transition Network, a U.K.-based organization that supports community-level initiatives to improve sustainability and combat climate change. (Time.com)
Virus outbreak closes Hope College Nov 8, 2008
At a press conference Friday -- the only sanctioned assembly until the ban is lifted -- county Health Promotions Officer Lisa Stefanovsky said the symptoms are consistent with a highly-contagious norovirus illness, although it may be next week before laboratory tests confirm it. Stefanovsky said the source of the virus may never be known. (Kalamazoo Gazette, MI)
Tiny Solar Cells Built To Power Microscopic Machines Nov 8, 2008
8 volts in their laboratory tests. The next step, she says, is to optimize the device to increase the voltage and then combine the miniature solar array to the carbon nanotube chemical sensors. (Science Daily)
Tiny 'Backpacks' For Cells Could Ferry Drugs Nov 7, 2008
17, 2006) MIT scientists are reporting synthesis and laboratory tests of a promising new group of degradable polymer delivery vehicles for gene therapy. The polymers are improved versions of materials first. (Science Daily)
Great Apes Debate Leads To EU Testing Ban Proposal Nov 6, 2008
BRUSSELS - Europe's environment chief plans to ban laboratory tests on mankind's closest relatives -- chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos and orang-utans -- in a clampdown on animal testing by the drugs industry and other laboratories. But some animal welfare groups and researchers accused the European Union of masking weak regulation with empty gestures, as no great apes have been used in EU research for six years. (Planet Ark, United States)
Tests indicate mailing a hoax Nov 6, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Marion County Health Department says laboratory tests found no anthrax in an envelope that was mailed to The Indianapolis Star. The envelope contained a CD with a sticker reading "anthrax sample" and a biohazard sign over what appeared to be a sugar packet. (WKRC.com, OH)
Cement companies face EU antitrust investigation Nov 6, 2008
The European Union's commissioner for the environment, Stavros Dimas, said Wednesday that he planned to ban laboratory tests on chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos and orangutans. But some animal rights groups accused the EU of masking weak regulation with empty gestures because no great apes have been used in EU research for six years. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Flu Pandemic Threat Remains as H5N1 Deaths Ease, Indonesia's Minister Says Nov 3, 2008
Laboratory tests and DNA analysis conducted by the health ministry's research center and the government-funded on ``hundreds of samples'' since the country stopped sending the virus to the WHO found no mutation toward a human-to-human transmission, she said. Indonesia in April released a national plan for coping with an influenza pandemic. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Ayurveda to cure chemotherapy effects Nov 3, 2008
"We have found favourable results after at least 10 years of laboratory tests and later by conducting trials on over 2,000 patients," said RD Katkar, chief executive of Hope Ayurvedic Medicine Private Ltd.. Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. (India Times, India)
Hotel footage shows nothing: Whytes Nov 2, 2008
Laboratory tests by the NSW Food Authority showed a sample of the dish tested positive for bilirubin, found in excreta. But the hotel has repeatedly denied the allegations and has refused to apologise to the family since the story was splashed across Sunday papers last week. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Poo ice-cream victim says hotel trying to 'discredit' her Nov 2, 2008
Laboratory tests have confirmed that the bowl of ice-cream contained faeces and investigations by the hotel and the New South Wales Food Authority are continuing into how it got there. Surveillance footage emerged today that disputed the Whyte family's recollection of events, but Ms Whyte says it is part of a smear campaign. (ABC Online)
Colic in Horses Oct 31, 2008
Your vet may also recommend running laboratory tests. Horses suffering from more severe cases may also require hospitalization and intravenous fluids as well as continuing care. (Suite101.com)
Gleevec Holds Potential As First Drug To Successfully Treat Neurofibromatosis, Scientists Report Oct 31, 2008
The research team is conducting clinical tests of the drug following successful laboratory tests and a "compassionate use" of the drug that showed dramatic results in a three-year-old girl at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Neurofibromatosis results from mutations in a gene called NF1, which causes tumors to form in the cells that make up the protective sheaths around nerves. (Science Daily)
World's Smallest Hand-held Instrument For Detecting Health And Safety Threats Oct 31, 2008
Laboratory tests showed that the Mini 11 could accurately identify the chemical composition of three commonly used commercial drugs within just one minute using tandem mass spectrometry. Unlike previous portable mass specs, this new instrument is capable of analyzing a wider variety of molecules, including large proteins, the scientists say. (Science Daily)
