Study aims to unlock mysteries of autism

Jessie Jacobsen became interested in the causes of autism spectrum
 disorders during her post-doctoral research in Massachusetts.

An Auckland University hunt for the genetic causes of autism has been secured by a five-year Government grant.

Scientist Dr Jessie Jacobsen is one of 10 top up-and-coming researchers to be awarded the Rutherford Discovery Fellowships, administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand and worth $8 million over five years.

It is estimated that 1 in every 100 people in New Zealand has autism spectrum disorder, a group of conditions including "classical" autism and Asperger syndrome. Autism spectrum disorders can have a range of symptoms which typically include impairments in communication and language, repetitive behaviours and restricted interests. The exact causes are not known.

Dr Jacobsen, who won the MacDiarmid Young Scientist of the Year award in 2007 for her PhD research on Huntington's disease, became interested in the causes of autism spectrum disorders during her post-doctoral research in Massachusetts.

She said a study in the United States earlier this year had estimated the incidence at one in 88.

"That's another reason why we need to get on and understand the disorder, the prevalence seems to be rising.


It affects a huge portion of the population."

Her research involves analysing DNA from blood and saliva samples taken from people who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, looking for genetic mutations or variations and linking them to clinical descriptions of the patients written by their doctors.

- Nzherald.co.nz

JELLYFISH-INSPIRED TENTACLES CAPTURE CANCER

A newe device inspired by jellyfish tentacles can
 be used to both count and sort cancer cells,
 which is an important indicator of how well
chemotherapy or other treatments are working.

Tiny strands of DNA that float like jellyfish tentacles can grab and hold tumor cells in the bloodstream in a device inspired by nature that may help cancer patients fight the dreaded disease.

The device can be used to both count and sort cancer cells, which is an important indicator of how well chemotherapy or other treatments are working. Doctors need to know whether cancer cells are being knocked out or developing immunity.

"The key is to know which drugs the remaining cells would be most susceptible to," said Jeffrey Karp, an author on the paper published today in the Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Science (PNAS) and co-director of the Center for Regenerative Therapeutics at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "Often these cells in the blood stream are at very low concentrations and it's difficult to isolate them. What you really want to do is collect them and study the biology of the cells and subject them to different kinds of chemo so you know which one is best to use."


Karp said he's been stung by jellyfish before while swimming with his son: "It doesn't do much damage, but it really hurts." The idea for the microchip came one day in the lab while brainstorming with one of his colleagues.

"We became inspired by jellyfish that have these long tentacles that extend far away from their main body," Karp told Discovery News. "Regardless where the food lands, they can capture it."


They took short strands of DNA called aptamers that bind with the targeted cancer cell surface, then copied them hundreds of times using something called rolling circle amplification. By connecting these aptamers, they came up with strands of material tens of microns long, much longer than the cell itself.

One end of the strand is connected to the microchip and the other floats free in the bloodstream. As the cancer cells drift by, the aptamers bind to them no matter where they touch, just like a jellyfish grabbing food, Karp explained.

During experiments, Karp and his team were able to capture 60 percent of the cancer cells floating by, a figure higher than an existing method that uses a tiny magnet that binds to the cancer cell and is then picked up by a magnetized micro-sorter.

- http://news.discovery.com/

UK shop closures at record 11.3%, highest in 15 months

More than one in 10 shops in British town centers are closed, as sales continued dropping and costs surged according to a survey from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Springboard market research.

The national town centre vacancy rate in the UK hit a record 11.3% in October 2012 (high streets and shopping centers), according to the report. Northern Ireland was the worst affected region with the rate reaching 20%. High vacancy rates were also recorded in Wales (15.1%) and the North & Yorkshire (14.6%).

"This new high in empty shop numbers really sets alarm bells ringing,” Stephen Robertson, the British Retail Consortium Director General said.

The data comes as several retailers such as electricals retailer Comet, sportswear group JJB Sports, video games retailer Game and greetings card firm Clinton Cards closed hundreds of shops after becoming insolvent.

Snoop Dogg wants shares in Celtic

Celtic’s historic home win against European giants Barcelona in the Champions League a fortnight ago has inspired American rapper Snoop Dogg who is looking to invest in the Scottish side.

Just 16 per cent of possession was enough for the reigning Scottish champions to beat the Catalan side 2-1 at Parkhead and provide them with their first defeat of the season.

Their success has not gone unnoticed stateside as Snoop Dogg has volunteered to join the board.

“I didn’t catch the whole Barcelona game but I watched the highlights. Barcelona are a big deal, and it shows Celtic are a big deal as well,” the Daily Record quotes the rapper as saying.

“I see how passionate Celtic fans are about their team and I could see myself making an investment if any of the board wanted to sell.”

Snoop Dogg has also pledged to do his best to return his friend David Beckham back to the British Isles.

“I asked my man David [Beckham] about Celtic and he was like, ‘Yeah, teams don’t come much bigger’,” he said.

“I would try and sign him up for a season but he is pretty happy over here. Never say never.”

Snoop Dogg was first linked with Celtic in 2005 when he was pictured in a Hoops top, and has never lost interest in the side since then. His favorite player now is Greek international Georgios Samaras, whom he describes as a “proper athlete” and regards the key element behind the club’s success in Europe.

After upsetting Barcelona, Celtic sit second in Group G and with two games remaining and are comfortably clear of third place Benfica and Spartak Moscow.

- RT.com

Global rice production 'to outpace consumption'

Myanmar women harvest rice at a paddy field
 on the outskirts of Bago, north of Yangon

AFP - Global rice production for 2012 is forecast to outpace consumption this year and next because of a better-than-expected 2012 crop season, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said Monday.

"Compared to last year, world rice carryover stocks are expected to rise by seven percent, or 10 million tonnes, to a new high of almost 170 tonnes, marking the eighth consecutive year of stock accumulation," the FAO said.

It marks the eighth consecutive year of rice stock accumulation.

FAO raised its forecast for global production by 4.2 million tonnes because the season has been "progressing satisfactorily, especially after a revival of the monsoon rains since mid-August allayed fears of a repeat of the 2009 drought in India."

"Prospects improved not only for India, but also for Egypt, North Korea, the Philippines, the United States and Vietnam, while they worsened in Myanmar, Colombia and Senegal," the Rome-based agency said.

Box Office: 'Breaking Dawn Pt. 2' ends with an almost record setting $141 million

Proving you cannot underestimate the commitment of the "Twilight" fan base, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Pt. 2" opened to an estimated $141 million this weekend. 

The final chapter in the film series adapting Stephenie Meyers' popular novels came quite close to breaking the franchise opening record set by "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" which grossed $142.8 million three years ago. It does, however, top the $138.1 million "Part 1" found last year. The tally also knocks "Part 1" to No. 9 on the all time opening weekends chart as "Part 2" settles into the 8th spot.  It's been a dramatic year on the all time opening weekends list with four new additions including the new champ, "The Avengers" ($207.4 million), "The Dark Knight Rises" at no. 3 ($160.8 million), "The Hunger Games at no. 5 ($152.5 million) and "Breaking Dawn, Pt. 2."  It's worth noting the later two titles didn't have the benefit of inflated 3D or IMAX ticket prices contributing to their tallies.

Taking the second slot was Sony Pictures and MGM's "Skyfall" down just 52% from its own mammoth opening with another $41.5 million.  The domestic total for the 23rd James Bond thriller now stands at $162 million and it should surpass current record holder "Quantum of Solace" over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  At this point, a final take in the $225 million range is not out of the question.  Internationally, 007 could hit the $800 million mark.

Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" was impressive in third with $21 million in 1,775 theaters for $22.4 million to date. The critically acclaimed potential Oscar player surprised with a strong Friday to Saturday jump.  With a reported $75 million tally (although the filmmakers say the actual production was only $30 million), "Lincoln" still has a ways to go if its going to break even. DreamWorks Studios and 20th Century Fox co-financed the film and Fox will have the responsibility of making up the difference overseas when it begins its global rollout in 2013.  That's one reason landing a slew of Oscar nominations on Jan. 10 is so important for the 19th century political drama.

Right behind "Lincoln" was Disney stablemate, "Wreck-It Ralph." The CG animated comedy continues to rack up points with families as it found another $18 million for $121.5 million to date.  "Ralph" faces some tough competition for the demo this week when DreamWorks Animation's "Rise of the Guardians" debuts.  Reaching the $200 million level might not be as easy as many believed when "Ralph" began on level 1, er, opened just three weeks ago.

Another film showing strong word of mouth is Robert Zemeckis' "Flight." The Denzel Washington melodrama grossed another $8.6 million for the weekend and has made $61.3 million to date.  The Paramount Pictures release could easily end up with around $90 million domestic when all is said and done.

New films debuting over the Thanksgiving frame include Ang Lee's "Life of Pi," "Red Dawn" and the aforementioned "Rise of the Guardians."  "Hitchcock" and "Rust and Bone" will open in limited release on Friday. "Silver Linings Playbook" expands to 420 screens on Wednesday.

Final box office figures for the weekend are released on Monday.

Headline November20,2012

''THE WRATH OF KHAN!''

No student should ever think of missing this movie:Mongol.Set in the harsh terrain of the Mongolian Steppe, it involves the 12th century feuding tribes, braided hair and the frequent drinking of goat's milk.
It also involves one man's attempt to introduce some basic form of legality into the wilds of a lawless land, which -despite the film being spoken entirely in Mongolian with English subtitles -makes it one of the best cowboy movies since The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.

The Film was directed and co-written by Sergei Bodrov, a Russian who must have spent quite a lot of time studying the films of John Ford, for Mongol is crowded with open spaces, mountain ranges and valleys, against which we follow the story of Genghis Khan, from the brutal trials of his childhood to his assumption of Power over ''half the world''. The film was shot in China, Mongolia,and Kazakistan, locations not often seen on film and used here to stirring effect to give life to an ancient story of power, love and civilisation,the usual cowboy things.

Temudjin -played by Odnyam Odsuren- is the nine-year-old son of a tribal leader who wishes to make peace with the Merkit Clan.

They ride out to choose a Merkit wife -compensation for the father having stolen one of their women years before -but along the way they stop at another clan's camp where the nine-years-old finds Borte -Bayertsetseg Erdenebat- a girl he wants to marry. The father knows that this will lead to trouble, but he admires Temudjin for having his own resolve.

Later, when the father is killed, infighting and usurpation become the order of the day, and Temudjin, who should be his father's heir as leader of the clan, becomes a fugitive.

The film is an exciting essay on the meaning of belonging. Because of the way personal choices and national evolution are spliced with fight scenes, which in this film go from scrap to full blown operatic encounters under dark clouds on the open plain.

Mongol is said to be the first of three films on Khan's life -and the great battle scenes are as beautifully rendered as any in recent memory. And Mongol achieves a great deal with economy and grace, not just giant scraps,either, but mass mobilisations suggested by the particular characters of warriors with their own minds.
And this is the hallmark of the great Western -or Eastern, as this excellent Film might encourage us to say. The film summons every emotion and destiny!

Good Night & God Bless!

Czech Republic win Davis Cup

The Czech Republic won the Davis Cup after Radek Stepanek stunned Spain's Nicolas Almagro in the decisive rubber of the 100th final here on Sunday.

Stepanek, the world number 37, beat 11th-ranked Almagro 6-4, 7-6 (7/0), 3-6, 6-3 in three hours and 52 minutes in a clash of the teams' number-two players on the hardcourt of Prague's O2 Arena.

The Czech Republic lifted their first Davis Cup since gaining independence following a 1993 split with Slovakia. The former Czechoslovakia won the trophy in 1980.

The victory has also handed the Czechs a rare team double after their women lifted the Fed Cup here two weeks ago - a feat last achieved by the United States in 1990.

"It's amazing, we've written history here in our country," a jubilant Stepanek said after the game.

"I cannot describe what I'm feeling right now," added the 33-year-old.

"There are no words to say. Indescribable. This is the best thing that can be," said Tomas Berdych, his teammate.

- aljazeera.com

Hamilton beats Vettel in Texas

The Formula One title battle between Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso will go down to the wire in Brazil after McLaren's Lewis Hamilton won the US Grand Prix on Sunday.

Championship leader Vettel finished second after starting his 100th career F1 race on pole position while Alonso remained in contention with third place and is now 13 points adrift of the German with one race left.

While Vettel was denied a third straight title, Red Bull were able to celebrate the constructors' title - becoming only the fourth team in the 62 year history of the sport to take the championship three years in a row.

"It's incredible, something that everyone throughout the team has worked incredibly hard for and to have achieved it is something...I'm speechless really," said team principal Christian Horner.

India v England: Hosts win first Test by nine wickets on final day

India dismissed any chance of a famous England escape by wrapping up a nine-wicket win on day five of the first Test in Ahmedabad.
Alastair Cook (176) and Matt Prior (91) kept England alive on day four, but when they both fell to Pragyan Ojha, the tourists were on the way to defeat.
England were bowled out for 406 before lunch as Ojha finished with 4-120.
Set 77 to win, India lost Virender Sehwag, but Cheteshwar Pujara took them to victory inside 16 overs.

India 521-8 dec & 80-1 beat England 191 & 406 by nine wickets


Read More Here

If you’re 27 or younger, you’ve never experienced a colder-than-average month

This image sums up 2012, temperature-wise.

Nowhere on the surface of the planet have we seen any record cold temperatures over the course of the year so far. Every land surface in the world saw warmer-than-average temperatures except Alaska and the eastern tip of Russia. The continental United States has been blanketed with record warmth — and the seas just off the East Coast have been much warmer than average, for which Sandy sends her thanks.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration summarizes October 2012:

The average temperature across land and ocean surfaces during October was 14.63°C (58.23°F). This is 0.63°C (1.13°F) above the 20th century average and ties with 2008 as the fifth warmest October on record. The record warmest October occurred in 2003 and the record coldest October occurred in 1912. This is the 332nd consecutive month with an above-average temperature.

Emphasis added. If you were born in or after April 1985, if you are right now 27 years old or younger, you have never lived through a month that was colder than average. That’s beyond astonishing.

The year has also been remarkably dry, particularly in the United States.

- http://grist.org

Six Harvard students selected as Rhodes Scholars

Rhodes House in Oxford

Nearly half of next year’s Rhodes Scholars from the United States are connected to New England, with six award recipients hailing from from Harvard College.

Rhodes Scholarships cover expenses for two or three years at the University of Oxford in England for elite college graduates. It is widely considered the "world's most prestigious scholarship.

The Rhodes Trust announced the 32 American winners for 2013 this weekend; about 80 students receive scholarships worldwide each year.

In addition to the students from Harvard, seven winners are from Yale University, one is a woman from Maine studying at Stanford University, and another is a Brown University senior.

Elliot F. Gerson, American secretary of the Rhodes Trust, said in a statement that award recipients are chosen based on criteria outlined by the British philanthropist who created the scholarships, Cecil Rhodes.

“These criteria are high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership, and physical vigor,” Gerson said.

Montreal group hacks away at corruption one spreadsheet at a time

Jonathan Brun, co-founder of Quebec Ouvert, in Montreal.

MONTREAL - Armed with little more than their laptops and a trove of government records, a small army of activists in Montreal has dedicated itself to tackling the city's corruption troubles.
The group, which gathered at a downtown community centre to pore over spreadsheets and city council minutes last week, is part of a growing movement in Canada that sees open data as a key way to make governments more efficient and honest.
"To fight corruption in the 21st century, you have to use 21st century technology," said Jonathan Brun, co-founder of Quebec Ouvert, which organized the Montreal meeting.
"In order to do that, you have to use data."
More than 100 people, many of them computer programmers in their 20s and 30s, gathered for a "hackathon" — a marathon for computer hackers.
The idea was to help uncover shady transactions by sifting through municipal records. It meant designing computer programs that can show trends or connections across thousands of documents.
Connecting the dots is no easy task.
Read More Here