Biotech quick fix for superweeds could lead to ‘super superweeds’

(NaturalNews) Albert Einstein once defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. And that is exactly how the biotechnology industry and government agencies are trying to handle the escalating “superweed” epidemic. According to a recent report out of Washington University (WU) in St. Louis, Mo., the chemical industry’s answer to genetically-modified (GM) induced superweeds is to now tamper with the genetics of the superweeds themselves, which may appear to provide a quick fix, but will eventually spur an even worse breed of “super superweeds.” Superweeds, of course, are the byproduct of genetically-engineered (GE) crops that have been programmed to resist certain pesticides and herbicides. Use of these chemicals has increased as a result, and the weeds they were designed to kill have over time developed a resistance to them as well, having mutated into what we now know as superweeds (http://www.naturalnews.com/weeds.html). But instead of recognizing the problem as having stemmed from GE technology in the first place, purveyors of GMOs are now looking at ways to genetically modify superweeds. This insane notion will most likely not even work, but even worse is the fact that it is sure to exacerbate the problem even further to the point that there will eventually be no way to control ever-mutating stocks of “Frankenweeds.” WU researchers have basically identified the mechanism behind the ability of horseweed, a type of superweed, to resist Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, also known as glyphosate. And by playing around with varying temperatures and times of application, the scientists determined that in certain weather and under certain conditions, they were able to successfully mitigate the superweed. But this method of reactionary problem solving does not address the root cause of the issue, and in fact only makes it worse. GMOs and the pesticides they require to grow are spawning unnatural superweeds that are slowly destroying the whole of agriculture. And ironically, coming up with a quick fix such as tampering with the genetics of the superweeds themselves is a recipe for epic disaster in the long run. Sources for this story include: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616142901.htm

Exercise-induced cell regrowth critical to reducing stress, improving health

(NaturalNews) For many years, the medical community denied the possibility that adult brain cells could regrow. But researchers now know that neurogenesis, the process of brain cell regeneration, does occur, and it plays a very important role in mitigating stress and improving sexual and reproductive function — but it all hinges on getting plenty of regular exercise. Published in the journal Cell Transplantation the new study out of Hong Kong explains that the process of neurogenesis is spurred by exercise, which also tends to reduce stress and promote better sexual and overall health. After all, brain cells play an important role in the health of the entire body, and if exercise helps induce their regrowth, the healing potential is limitless. “Research has shown that exercise can improve mood and cognition and has also demonstrated that a deficit in adult neurogenesis may result in depressive disorders,” said Dr. Kwok-Fai So from the University of Hong Kong. “Our research is aimed at examining the relationship between exercise as a way of combating stress, and the possibility that exercise may promote neurogenesis, and that neurogenesis functions as the mechanism of benefit.” Stress has a severe negative effect on the hippocampus, also known as the “neurogenic zone,” of the brain. The more serious forms of stress, including depression and post-traumatic brain injury, can actually cause the hippocampus to shrink. But the team observed that exercise effectively helps to both improve the “plasticity” of the hippocampus and spur the growth of new neurons, which ultimately can reverse cell damage. Likewise, the new neurons created as a result of exercise also benefit the subventricular zone (SVZ) zone of the brain that plays a key role in reproductive function and potentially even maternal behaviors. “These reviews show that the process of neurogenesis has far-reaching implications, including a beneficial exercise-induced response to stress and some degree of involvement with sexual behavior and reproduction,” added Prof. Shinn-Zong Lin from the China University Medical Hospital. “The studies reinforce the importance of a naturally occurring process that, until recently, was believed to be impossible.” Sources for this story include: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-03/ctco-bcr031011.php

Mechanism behind demethylation pinpointed in APC gene mutants

Researchers demonstrate in a study the mechanism by which mutation of the APC gene affects a cellular process known as DNA methylation.

Vitamin D is essential for activating immune system function

(NaturalNews) Researchers have discovered that vitamin D plays a crucial role in activating the immune system’s ability to recognize and fight pathogens. While scientists have long known that vitamin D plays a critical role in bone health, recent research has begun to suggest that it also serves to regulate the immune system, helping prevent infection, cancer and autoimmune disorders. Until now, the mechanism by which the vitamin acts on the immune system has been unknown. In a study published in the journal Nature Immunology , researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that when a variety of white blood cells known as a T-cell comes across a pathogen in the bloodstream, it extends a receptor in search of vitamin D. If it encounters the vitamin, the T cell becomes “activated.” If there is not enough vitamin D in the blood, the cell remains passive and no immune response occurs. The body produces vitamin D upon exposure to sunlight. It can also be found in eggs, fatty fish, fortified milk and in supplement form. Once activated, a T-cell transforms into one of two kinds of cells. One type seeks out and destroys all traces of the infectious agent, while the other records information about the pathogen and transmits it to other parts of the immune system. These latter (“helper”) cells help the immune system respond quickly should infection with a similar pathogen occur at a later date. In addition to providing new information about the importance of vitamin D, the study provides hope for better understanding — and perhaps prevention — of the unhelpful immune responses that result in autoimmune disorders like allergies or Type 1 diabetes, as well as those that cause the body to reject transplanted organs. The researchers were able to determine what chemical steps occur to transform a T-cell from active to inactive, suggesting the possibility that doctors may eventually be able to initiate or block this process, depending on the patient’s need. Sources for this story include: http://news.ku.dk/all_news/2010/2010.3/d_vitamin/; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1256149/Sunshine-play-vital-role-in.html.

Gene network associated with vitamin A deficiency and lung birth defects

Researchers have discovered the mechanism responsible for the failure of the lungs to form as a result of vitamin A/retinoic acid (RA) deficiency. The study also shows that corrections to this network make it possible to prevent the lung defect in retinoic acid-deficient animals.