Posted by Deborah Dera on Nov 21, 2012 in Bankruptcy | 0 comments
You?ve decided to file for bankruptcy. You?re certainly not alone. Your biggest concern now that you?ve decided to explore filing is to find a bankruptcy attorney you can really trust to get you through the process. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you look around.
Find a Lawyer that Specializes in Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy laws are complex and vary from state to state. While there are tons of legal offices with lawyers specializing in many types of law, your best best is to find a lawyer who specializes in bankruptcy only. The laws are constantly changing and you?ll want to feel comfortable in knowing that you are with someone who knows the process inside out.
Free Consultations & Ultimate Fees
It?s common knowledge that lawyers like to charge for their time, but bankruptcy lawyers are a little different. Most will charge you a flat rate that includes the actual court filing costs plus their own service fees. The cost I spent on my own bankruptcy was approximately $1,500. That seems like a lot, but once your lawyer has told you to stop paying on the bills you?re filing against, you shouldn?t have a tough time scraping whatever amount is needed together.
Don?t, however, settle for a lawyer who won?t give you a free consultation. My bankruptcy lawyer spoke to me, at length, on the phone before setting up a formal consultation with a representative in his office. Some lawyers offer in-office consultations. I did have a meeting with a lawyer in the office, and a nominal fee that was put towards my total cost was charged.
Remember, the cheapest lawyer isn?t always the best lawyer. While it?s important to compare rates, there are other factors to consider as well.
Ask the Right Questions
You already feel vulnerable and the bankruptcy process isn?t exactly the most exciting or calming thing on earth. That said, you still have the right to ask your potential attorney some interview-style questions. Ask him how many bankruptcy cases he handles annually, what certifications he has, and who else in the office you will be working with aside from him. Most lawyers have clerical staff who will be the ones actually guiding you through the paperwork. I was surprised to have a different face show up at my meeting of creditors, too. It helps to know who you?ll be working with.
It?s best to choose an attorney local to you so that you can easily get to the office when it?s time to do paperwork. Trust me when I say that the thick pile of papers that actually makes up your bankruptcy petition is not something you?ll want to sort through on your own. At the end of the day, you?ll want to feel comfortable with the person you?re divulging your financial history to. If you?re not, simply move on. There are plenty of lawyers out there willing to help.
ScienceDaily: Gene Newshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/genes/ Genes and Genetics News. Read today's medical research in genetics including what can damage genes, what can protect them, and more.en-usThu, 22 Nov 2012 19:30:53 ESTThu, 22 Nov 2012 19:30:53 EST60ScienceDaily: Gene Newshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gifhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/genes/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily.Scientists describe elusive replication machinery of flu viruseshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121122152928.htm Scientists have made a major advance in understanding how flu viruses replicate within infected cells. The researchers used cutting-edge molecular biology and electron-microscopy techniques to ?see? one of influenza?s essential protein complexes in unprecedented detail. The images generated in the study show flu virus proteins in the act of self-replication, highlighting the virus?s vulnerabilities that are sure to be of interest to drug developers.Thu, 22 Nov 2012 15:29:29 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121122152928.htmProtein folding: Look back on scientific advances made as result of 50-year old puzzlehttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121122152910.htm Fifty years after scientists first posed a question about protein folding, the search for answers has led to the creation of a full-fledged field of research that led to major advances in supercomputers, new materials and drug discovery, and shaped our understanding of the basic processes of life, including so-called "protein-folding diseases" such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and type II diabetes.Thu, 22 Nov 2012 15:29:29 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121122152910.htmStep forward in regenerating and repairing damaged nerve cellshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121121145638.htm Researchers recently uncovered a nerve cell's internal clock, used during embryonic development. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new tools to repair and regenerate nerve cells following injuries to the central nervous system.Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:56:56 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121121145638.htmArchitecture of rod sensory cilium disrupted by mutationhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121121145621.htm Using a new technique called cryo-electron tomography, scientists have created a three-dimensional map that gives a better understanding of how the architecture of the rod sensory cilium (part of one type of photoreceptor in the eye) is changed by genetic mutation and how that affects its ability to transport proteins as part of the light-sensing process.Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:56:56 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121121145621.htmAging: Scientists further unravel telomere biologyhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121121130933.htm Researchers have resolved the structure of that allows a telomere-related protein, Cdc13, to form dimers in yeast. Mutations in this region of Cdc13 put the kibosh on the ability of telomerase and other proteins to maintain telomeres.Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:09:09 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121121130933.htmNovel mechanism through which normal stromal cells become cancer-promoting stromal cells identifiedhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121121104401.htm New understanding of molecular changes that convert harmless cells surrounding ovarian cancer cells into cells that promote tumor growth and metastasis provides potential new therapeutic targets for this deadly disease, according to new research.Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:44:44 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121121104401.htmEvolution of human intellect: Human-specific regulation of neuronal geneshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121120194926.htm A new study has identified hundreds of small regions of the genome that appear to be uniquely regulated in human neurons. These regulatory differences distinguish us from other primates, including monkeys and apes, and as neurons are at the core of our unique cognitive abilities, these features may ultimately hold the key to our intellectual prowess (and also to our potential vulnerability to a wide range of 'human-specific' diseases from autism to Alzheimer's).Tue, 20 Nov 2012 19:49:49 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121120194926.htmRibosome regulates viral protein synthesis, revealing potential therapeutic targethttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121120132906.htm Rather than target RNA viruses directly, aiming at the host cells they invade could hold promise, but any such strategy would have to be harmless to the host. Now, a surprising discovery made in ribosomes may point the way to fighting fatal viral infections such as rabies.Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:29:29 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121120132906.htmHow does antibiotic resistance spread? Scientists find answers in the nosehttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121120121835.htm Microbiologists studying bacterial colonization in mice have discovered how the very rapid and efficient spread of antibiotic resistance works in the respiratory pathogen, Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as the pneumococcus). The team found that resistance stems from the transfer of DNA between bacterial strains in biofilms in the nasopharynx, the area just behind the nose.Tue, 20 Nov 2012 12:18:18 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121120121835.htmScientists identify inhibitor of myelin formation in central nervous systemhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121120100155.htm Scientists have discovered another molecule that plays an important role in regulating myelin formation in the central nervous system. Myelin promotes the conduction of nerve cell impulses by forming a sheath around their projections, the so-called axons, at specific locations -- acting like the plastic insulation around a power cord.Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:01:01 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121120100155.htmTelomere lengths predict life expectancy in the wild, research showshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119213144.htm Researchers have found that biological age and life expectancy can be predicted by measuring an individual's DNA. They studied the length of chromosome caps -- known as telomeres -- in a 320-strong wild population of Seychelles Warblers on a small isolated island.Mon, 19 Nov 2012 21:31:31 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119213144.htmCancer: Some cells don't know when to stophttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119171403.htm Certain mutated cells keep trying to replicate their DNA -- with disastrous results -- even after medications rob them of the raw materials to do so, according to new research.Mon, 19 Nov 2012 17:14:14 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119171403.htmMultiple sclerosis ?immune exchange? between brain and blood is uncoveredhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119163301.htm DNA sequences obtained from a handful of patients with multiple sclerosis have revealed the existence of an ?immune exchange? that allows the disease-causing cells to move in and out of the brain.Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:33:33 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119163301.htm3-D light switch for the brain: Device may help treat Parkinson's, epilepsy; aid understanding of consciousnesshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119114249.htm A new tool for neuroscientists delivers a thousand pinpricks of light to individual neurons in the brain. The new 3-D "light switch", created by biologists and engineers, could one day be used as a neural prosthesis that could treat conditions such as Parkinson's and epilepsy by using gene therapy to turn individual brain cells on and off with light.Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:42:42 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119114249.htmBlood cancer gene BCL6 identified as a key factor for differentiation of nerve cells of cerebral cortexhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119093848.htm The cerebral cortex is the most complex structure in our brain and the seat of consciousness, emotion, motor control and language. In order to fulfill these functions, it is composed of a diverse array of nerve cells, called cortical neurons, which are affected by many neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Researchers have opened new perspectives on brain development and stem cell neurobiology by discovering a gene called BCL6 as a key factor in the generation of cortical neurons during embryonic brain development.Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:38:38 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119093848.htmMinority report: Insight into subtle genomic differences among our own cellshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121118141530.htm Scientists have demonstrated that induced pluripotent stem cells -- the embryonic-stem-cell look-alikes whose discovery a few years ago won this year's Nobel Prize in medicine -- are not as genetically unstable as was thought.Sun, 18 Nov 2012 14:15:15 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121118141530.htmSkin cells reveal DNA's genetic mosaichttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121118141524.htm The prevailing wisdom has been that every cell in the body contains identical DNA. However, a new study of stem cells derived from the skin has found that genetic variations are widespread in the body's tissues, a finding with profound implications for genetic screening.Sun, 18 Nov 2012 14:15:15 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121118141524.htmLikely basis of birth defect causing premature skull closure in infants identifiedhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121118141432.htm Geneticists, pediatricians, surgeons and epidemiologists have identified two areas of the human genome associated with the most common form of non-syndromic craniosynostosis premature closure of the bony plates of the skull.Sun, 18 Nov 2012 14:14:14 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121118141432.htmDNA packaging discovery reveals principles by which CRC mutations may cause cancerhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121117184658.htm A new discovery concerning a fundamental understanding about how DNA works will produce a "180-degree change in focus" for researchers who study how gene packaging regulates gene activity, including genes that cause cancer and other diseases.Sat, 17 Nov 2012 18:46:46 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121117184658.htmHepatitis C treatment's side effects can now be studied in the labhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121116161059.htm Adverse side effects of certain hepatitis C medications can now be replicated in the lab, thanks to a research team. The new method aids understanding of recent failures of hepatitis C antiviral drugs in some patients, and could help to identify medications that eliminate adverse effects. The findings may aid the development of safer and more effective treatments for hepatitis C and other pathogens such as SARS and West Nile virus.Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:10:10 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121116161059.htmReconsidering cancer's bad guyhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121116124644.htm Researchers have found that a protein, known for causing cancer cells to spread around the body, is also one of the molecules that trigger repair processes in the brain.Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:46:46 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121116124644.htmGene distinguishes early birds from night owls and helps predict time of deathhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121116124551.htm New research shows that a gene is responsible for a person's tendency to be an early riser or night owl -- and helps determine the time of day a person is most likely to die.Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:45:45 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121116124551.htmClues to cause of kids' brain tumorshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121116091226.htm Insights from a genetic condition that causes brain cancer are helping scientists better understand the most common type of brain tumor in children.Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121116091226.htmArthritis study reveals why gender bias is all in the geneshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115210541.htm Researchers have pieced together new genetic clues to the arthritis puzzle in a study that brings potential treatments closer to reality and could also provide insights into why more women than men succumb to the disabling condition.Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:05:05 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115210541.htmClass of RNA molecules protects germ cells from damagehttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115172255.htm Passing one's genes on to the next generation is a mark of evolutionary success. So it makes sense that the body would work to ensure that the genes the next generation inherits are exact replicas of the originals. Biologists have now identified one way the body does exactly that.Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:22:22 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115172255.htmQuick test speeds search for Alzheimer's drugs: Compound restores motor function and longevity to fruit flieshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115152655.htm Researchers report that an efficient, high-volume technique for testing potential drug treatments for Alzheimer's disease uncovered an organic compound that restored motor function and longevity to fruit flies with the disease.Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:26:26 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115152655.htmProtein-making machinery can switch gears with a small structural change process; Implications for immunity and cancer therapyhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115133414.htm For the past several years, research has focused on the intricate actions of an ancient family of catalytic enzymes that play a key role in translation, the process of producing proteins. In a new study, scientists have shown that this enzyme can actually also work in another fundamental process in humans.Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:34:34 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115133414.htmPlant derivative, tanshinones, protects against sepsis, study suggestshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115133312.htm Researchers have discovered that tanshinones, which come from the plant Danshen and are highly valued in Chinese traditional medicine, protect against the life-threatening condition sepsis.Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:33:33 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115133312.htmStructure of enzyme topoisomerase II alpha unravelled providing basis for more accurate design of chemotherapeutic drugshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115132903.htm Medical researchers have for the first time described the structure of the active site core of topoisomerase II alpha, an important target for anti-cancer drugs. The type II topoisomerases are important enzymes that are involved in maintaining the structure of DNA and chromosome segregation during both replication and transcription of DNA. One of these enzymes, topoisomerase II alpha, is involved in the replication of DNA and cell proliferation, and is highly expressed in rapidly dividing cancer cells.Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:29:29 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115132903.htmNewly discovered enzyme important in the spreading of cancerhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115132901.htm Enzyme hunters at UiO have discovered the function of an enzyme that is important in the spreading of cancer. Cancer researchers now hope to inhibit the enzyme.Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:29:29 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115132901.htmGenetics point to serious pregnancy complication, pre-eclampsiahttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115132613.htm New research has revealed a genetic link in pregnant moms - and their male partners - to pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening complication during pregnancy.Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:26:26 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115132613.htmMolecular mechanisms underlying stem cell reprogramming decodedhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115132344.htm Thanks to some careful detective work, scientist better understand just how iPS cells form ? and why the Yamanaka process is inefficient, an important step to work out for regenerative medicine. The findings uncover cellular impediments to iPS cell development that, if overcome, could dramatically improve the efficiency and speed of iPS cell generation.Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:23:23 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115132344.htmSurprising genetic link between kidney defects and neurodevelopmental disorders in kidshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115132342.htm About 10 percent of kids born with kidney defects have large alterations in their genomes known to be linked with neurodevelopmental delay and mental illness, a new study has shown.Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:23:23 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115132342.htmEven moderate drinking in pregnancy can affect a child's IQhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114172833.htm Relatively small levels of exposure to alcohol while in the womb can influence a child's IQ, according to a new study using data from over 4,000 mothers and their children.Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:28:28 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114172833.htmGene nearly triples risk of Alzheimer's, international research team findshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114171710.htm A gene so powerful it nearly triples the risk of Alzheimer's disease has been discovered by an international team of researchers. It is the most potent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's identified in the past 20 years.Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:17:17 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114171710.htmDiscovery could lead to faster diagnosis for some chronic fatigue syndrome caseshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114171708.htm For the first time, researchers have landed on a potential diagnostic method to identify at least a subset of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome - testing for antibodies linked to latent Epstein-Barr virus reactivation.Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:17:17 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114171708.htmResearch breakthrough could halt melanoma metastasis, study suggestshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114153227.htm In laboratory experiments, scientists have eliminated metastasis, the spread of cancer from the original tumor to other parts of the body, in melanoma by inhibiting a protein known as melanoma differentiation associated gene-9 (mda-9)/syntenin.Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:32:32 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114153227.htmPig genomes provide massive amount of genomic data for human healthhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114134512.htm Researchers provide a whole-genome sequence and analysis of number of pig breeds, including a miniature pig that serves a model for human medical studies and therapeutic drug testing.Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:45:45 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114134512.htmRare parasitic fungi could have anti-flammatory benefitshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114134054.htm Caterpillar fungi are rare parasites found on hibernating caterpillars in the mountains of Tibet. For centuries they have been highly prized as a traditional Chinese medicine - just a small amount can fetch hundreds of dollars.Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:40:40 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114134054.htmCancer therapy: Nanokey opens tumors to attackhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114113803.htm There are plenty of effective anticancer agents around. The problem is that, very often, they cannot gain access to all the cells in solid tumors. A new gene delivery vehicle may provide a way of making tracks to the heart of the target.Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:38:38 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114113803.htmHigh sperm DNA damage a leading cause of 'unexplained infertility', research findshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114113235.htm New research has uncovered the cause of infertility for 80 per cent of couples previously diagnosed with 'unexplained infertility': high sperm DNA damage.Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:32:32 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114113235.htmA risk gene for cannabis psychosishttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114083928.htm The ability of cannabis to produce psychosis has long been an important public health concern. This concern is growing in importance as there is emerging data that cannabis exposure during adolescence may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, a serious psychotic disorder. Further, with the advent of medical marijuana, a new group of people with uncertain psychosis risk may be exposed to cannabis.Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:39:39 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114083928.htmBacterial DNA sequence used to map an infection outbreakhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113214635.htm For the first time, researchers have used DNA sequencing to help bring an infectious disease outbreak in a hospital to a close. Researchers used advanced DNA sequencing technologies to confirm the presence of an ongoing outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a Special Care Baby Unit in real time. This assisted in stopping the outbreak earlier, saving possible harm to patients. This approach is much more accurate than current methods used to detect hospital outbreaks.Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:46:46 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113214635.htmGenetic variation may modify associations between low vitamin D levels and adverse health outcomeshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113161506.htm Findings from a study suggest that certain variations in vitamin D metabolism genes may modify the association of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations with health outcomes such as hip fracture, heart attack, cancer, and death.Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:15:15 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113161506.htmNew type of bacterial protection found within cells: Novel immune system response to infections discoveredhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113143656.htm Biologists have discovered that fats within cells store a class of proteins with potent antibacterial activity, revealing a previously unknown type of immune system response that targets and kills bacterial infections.Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:36:36 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113143656.htmGlutamate neurotransmission system may be involved with depression riskhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113134807.htm Researchers using a new approach to identifying genes associated with depression have found that variants in a group of genes involved in transmission of signals by the neurotransmitter glutamate appear to increase the risk of depression.Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:48:48 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113134807.htmTargeting downstream proteins in cancer-causing pathway shows promise in cell, animal modelhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113134230.htm The cancer-causing form of the gene Myc alters the metabolism of mitochondria, the cell?s powerhouse, making it dependent on the amino acid glutamine for survival. Depriving cells of glutamine selectively induces programmed cell death in cells overexpressing mutant Myc. Using Myc-active neuroblastoma cells, a team three priotein executors of the glutamine-starved cell, representing a downstream target at which to aim drugs. Roughly 25 percent of all neuroblastoma cases are associated with Myc-active cells.Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:42:42 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113134230.htmEven low-level radioactivity is damaging, scientists concludehttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113134224.htm Even the very lowest levels of radiation are harmful to life, scientists have concluded, reporting the results of a wide-ranging analysis of 46 peer-reviewed studies published over the past 40 years. Variation in low-level, natural background radiation was found to have small, but highly statistically significant, negative effects on DNA as well as several measures of health.Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:42:42 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113134224.htmLoss of essential blood cell gene leads to anemiahttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113122220.htm Scientists have discovered a new gene that regulates heme synthesis in red blood cell formation. Heme is the deep-red, iron-containing component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. The findings promise to advance the biomedical community's understanding and treatment of human anemias and mitochondrial diseases, both known and unknown.Tue, 13 Nov 2012 12:22:22 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113122220.htmWatching the developing brain, scientists glean clues on neurological disorderhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113122133.htm Researchers have tracked a gene's crucial role in orchestrating the placement of neurons in the developing brain. Their findings help unravel some of the mysteries of Joubert syndrome and other neurological disorders.Tue, 13 Nov 2012 12:21:21 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113122133.htmSolving the mystery of aging: Longevity gene makes Hydra immortal and humans grow olderhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113091953.htm Why do we get older? When do we die and why? Is there a life without aging? For centuries, science has been fascinated by these questions. Now researchers have examined why the polyp Hydra is immortal -- and unexpectedly discovered a link to aging in humans.Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:19:19 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113091953.htmMen and women battle for ideal height: Evidence of an intralocus sexual conflict currently raging in human DNAhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113083536.htm A battle about the ideal height would appear to be raging in men's and women's genes. A researcher in Sweden has shown that this conflict is leading to a difference in reproductive success between men and women of varying height.Tue, 13 Nov 2012 08:35:35 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113083536.htmCatch and release of rare cancer cells inspired by jellyfishhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112171314.htm A research team has developed a novel device that may one day have broad therapeutic and diagnostic uses in the detection and capture of rare cell types, such as cancer cells, fetal cells, viruses and bacteria.Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:13:13 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112171314.htmJellyfish-inspired device that captures cancer cells from blood samples could enable better patient monitoringhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112171312.htm Tumor cells circulating in a patient's bloodstream can yield a great deal of information on how a tumor is responding to treatment and what drugs might be more effective against it. But first, these rare cells have to be captured and isolated from the many other cells found in a blood sample. Scientists are now working on microfluidic devices that can isolate circulating tumor cells.Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:13:13 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112171312.htmNew cause of thyroid hormone deficiency discoveredhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135615.htm Researchers have discovered a new cause for thyroid hormone deficiency, or hypothyroidism. The scientists identified a new hereditary form of hypothyroidism that is more prevalent in males than in females. This sex bias shone a light on where to look for the underlying cause.Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:56:56 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135615.htmGenetic link between pancreatitis and alcohol consumptionhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135520.htm A new study reveals a genetic link between chronic pancreatitis and alcohol consumption. Researchers found a genetic variant on chromosome X near the claudin-2 gene (CLDN2) that predicts which men who are heavy drinkers are at high risk of developing chronic pancreatitis.Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:55:55 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135520.htmHumans are slowly but surely losing intellectual and emotional abilities, article suggestshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135516.htm Human intelligence and behavior require optimal functioning of a large number of genes, which requires enormous evolutionary pressures to maintain. A provocative theory suggests that we are losing our intellectual and emotional capabilities because the intricate web of genes endowing us with our brain power is particularly susceptible to mutations and that these mutations are not being selected against in our modern society.Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:55:55 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135516.htmHow chronic inflammation can cause cancerhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135512.htm A new study has found that interleukin-15 (IL-15) alone can cause large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia, a rare and usually fatal form of cancer. The researchers developed a treatment for the leukemia that showed no discernible side effects in an animal model. The study shows that IL-15 is also overexpressed in patients with LGL leukemia and that it causes similar cellular changes, suggesting that the treatment should also benefit people with the malignancy.Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:55:55 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135512.htmList of diseases spread by deer tick grows, including malaria-like problems and potentially fatal encephalitishttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135510.htm An emerging tick-borne disease that causes symptoms similar to malaria is expanding its range in areas of the northeast where it has become well-established, according to new research.Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:55:55 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135510.htmParkinson's disease: Compensation in the brain could lead to new treatmenthttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135404.htm New evidence indicates that Parkinson's disease is preceded by a period during which healthy regions of the brain take over the functions of damaged ones.Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:54:54 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135404.htm
Ever since the first generation of video game consoles began in 1972, the mindshare of american video game console buyers has been up for grabs. Almost anyone can enter the contest for a piece of the video game pie and go head to head with the top companies of the previous generation with a reasonable chance at coming up at the top. The inverse is also true. The top console manufacturers of the previous generation can be left in the dust by new contenders or even just fierce competition from existing players.
We?re currently in the tail end of the 7th generation of video game consoles. In the United States, the Xbox 360 was released on November 22, 2005, the Sony Playstation 3 on November 17, 2006, and the Nintendo Wii on November 19, 2006. While Microsoft and Sony are promising new console systems in the future, Nintendo released their 8th generation system, the Wii U, on November 18, 2012. The open source startup console Ouya is set for release in March of 2013.
The real question is as the title of the article reads: which game system should you buy this year? The answer to that question is incredibly easy if you already have a video game system: Wait a year for holiday sales of 2013, and/or buy a PC built for gaming (or upgrade your video card on your current PC) if you?re looking to play the latest and greatest video games released between now and November 2013.
If you don?t have a game system already, your decisions are a little bit trickier this year. We?ll break it down with opinions from Amanda, Taylor, and Danny on the major competitors in the console wars this year.
Sony PS3: Bundles starts at $250. Free online to play.
Taylor?s Opinion: I love my PS3. It?s a solid machine, it has a Blu-Ray player. It?s a champ. I love the free online set up, and it has apps for all the big name streaming names like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, and Crunchyroll. If you want a videogame console that pretty much can be your entertainment center, stick with the PS3. I mean sure, it doesn?t have the savvy when it comes to FPS games, (like Halo4) but it has it where it counts.
Amanda?s Opinion: The only reason to get this console is for a few PS exclusive titles such as: Ni No Kuni, Beyond two souls, and The last of Us. Sure, free online gaming is cool, but seriously, you get what you pay for with *ahem* other systems. Playing online for free seems like fun, but in my opinion, it?leads to hooligans and?prepubescent?shenanigans. I say nay to that. Also, if you like playing with the most awkward controller since the SNES, then boy, you?ll love this one!
Danny?s Opinion: Worth it just to play The Last of Us when it comes out next year. Plus, you can play for free online.
Microsoft Xbox360: Bundles start at $250. Lower prices available through the subsidized pricing with 1 o 2 year Xbox Live agreement.
Taylor?s Opinion: Don?t get me wrong, I dont hate the Xbox 360. I have one. It?s served me well, but the sole fact that I have to pay an extra $50 a year just to play online or use my streaming apps kinda kills it for me. Yeah, Halo 4 is a huge win for this system, and if you?re a hardcore gamer, yes, buy this system. But it has no Blu-Ray, so unless you?re that hardcore gamer, and you don?t want the universal entertainment package, the Xbox is the right fit.
Amanda?s Opinion: Yes, yes, God yes. I could go on talking about 360?s for days! Excellent titles, clean dashboard, Halo 4, the BEST controller like, ever, the Kinect, and uh, Halo 4. You also have the apps, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc, so if you want to use your gaming console for show streaming, that?s definitely an option. Sure, you pay for XBL, but it?s without a doubt worth not playing with as many children or trolls.
Danny?s Opinion: Uhhh Halo 4? You can?t play Halo 4 without a 360. This isn?t a difficult decision. If you want to play Halo 4, or really any of the Halo games, this is your only option.
Nintendo WiiU: Starts at $300.
Taylor?s Opinion: No. Do not want. It is Nintendo playing catch up with another gimmick device. This time they screw you without including the hard drive that you need to pretty much do anything. I?ll pass until next gen, then it is a solid maybe.
Amanda?s Opinion: Only if you are like 13. Or if you don?t play anything other than Nintendo titles. It absolutely kills me that I?m not interested in Nintendos newest console, and I feel rather betrayed. Why Tendo, Why!?
Danny?s Opinion: Maybe if you?re trying to win over the heart of the casual gamer that plays those dancing games. Or Exercise games. And nothing else. It?s not exactly a strong buy, but for the casual gamer maybe they don?t need much more.
Apple iPad: Starts at $329 (ipad mini).
Taylor?s Opinion: It?s Apple trying to do what Google and Amazon have already succeeded at, and what they?ve brought to the table isn?t all that great. If you want an Ipad, stick with the normal one, otherwise this is pretty much just a slightly larger Ipod Touch.
Amanda?s Opinion: A bit expensive for what it is, I?d stick with the regular sized iPad. Or probably just go with a different tablet all together.
Danny?s Opinion: A little more expensive buy in, but a huge catalog of free and cheap (relative to the rest of the competition) makes this a contender at some level. While it?s not going head to head with the PS3 or the 360, it?s hard to argue that the casual gamer shouldn?t consider an iPad for their gaming experience. Even if they?re looking for a more of an opportunity to dip their toe into the more FPS arenas, N.O.V.A 3, Call of Duty Black Ops Zombies, Dead Space, RageHD, etc. all exist as solid FSP options.
?
Handhelds:
Nintendo 3DS: Starts at $180.
Danny?s Opinion: Pokemon. Worth it for this game alone. Although, you can buy a regular DS for cheaper and still play Pokemon. You still need a Nintendo handheld, and it?s probably a better option to buy the latest generation of device so that when the new Pokemon games come out as 3DS only titles, you won?t be left out.
Taylor?s Opinion: I dont see how Danny thinks Pokemon is a selling point, the 3DS doesnt even have one yet. The DS does, so its only a technicality. I had a 3DS, I got bored with it. Unless a system has 5 games I want, it?s not worth it to me. The 3DS has 4. I?ll wait.
Amanda?s Opinion: Okay, Nintendo wins this round! Yes, 3D is a little meh, but the titles are really the reason to get this. Starfox,?Ocarina?of time, Kid Icarus, AND Kingdom Hearts? Yup.
Sony PS Vita: Bundles start at $250.
Danny?s Opinion: If you already have or are considering a PS3, this compliments it nicely. If you?re in Microsoft?s camp, you might consider the 3DS rather than this. It?s a little pricey if you?re not in Sony?s camp already.
Taylor?s Opinion: I have a Vita. ITS AMAZING. I wish it would catch on, the think is so powerful and awesome. IT HAS NETFLIX! Skype, Facebook, etc. Plus the cross play is a huge win for people who have a PS3.
Amanda?s Opinion: I have enough paperweights around my house, thank you very much.
Apple iPod Touch: Starts at $200.
Danny?s Opinion: Weakest option, games are low cost, but the gaming experience isn?t quite there. Unless you already have an iPhone and games for it, this is really only for the most casual gamers that can?t afford the more expensive Nintendo or Sony games.
Taylor?s Opinion: I gave up on Apple years ago. I agree with Danny. Enough Said.
Amanda?s Opinion: As a gaming system? Nah. Just for music? Eh.. Maaaybe.
In conclusion, the answer is complicated. If you?re buying a system to play awesome videogames outside Nintendo?s first party titles (or if you?re interested in having the best of the best and are buying a PC to game with), you pretty much owe it you yourself to buy an Xbox 360 or a Sony PS3. Which one? As these are systems with aging graphics and a large catalog of titles, system exclusive titles are few and far between, but they do exist. It really comes down to which of these exclusive games are most important to you.
AT&T may be further relaxing its restrictions on FaceTime over cellular, allowing anyone with access to the feature to use it. AT&T had previously announced that all iPhone 5 customers, including those on individual plans, would be able to use the feature. Anyone with an iPhone 4S or a grandfathered unlimited data plan on AT&T was left out in the cold. However, it now appears that several customers previously unable to use FaceTime over cellular have been able to activate it. MacRumors reports that some of their users are seeing FaceTime enabled on their grandfathered unlimited data plans with the iPhone 5, with some users reporting that their 4S has recieved the feature as well:
This finding has been confirmed by a number of users in this discussion thread -- though some users have been unable to activate it so it may still be rolling out to some areas. AT&T had said the original rollout for tiered plans could take 8-10 weeks. Most of the positive responses have been those with the iPhone 5 and grandfathered unlimited data, but the original poster also had luck with an iPhone 4S.
Right now, AT&T has not confirmed that this is. Not everyone is seeing this, so it?s possible that this is an accidental activation that occured as AT&T was flipping the switch on the original expansion plan for FaceTime over cellular.
To check if FaceTime over cellular has been enabled on your device, go to Settings, FaceTime, and scroll to the bottom to see if Use Cellular Data is set to ?On?. You may need to restart your phone before you see it.
Are you an AT&T iPhone 5 user with unlimited data or an iPhone 4S user? Are you seeing this? Let us know below in the comments.
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Facebook Inc board member Marc Andreessen sold roughly $54 million worth of shares in the social networking company on Monday to cover taxes he owes on his holdings.
Andreessen's sales are among the latest transactions by Facebook insiders as trading restrictions have expired following the company's May initial public offering.
Donald Graham, chairman and CEO of the Washington Post Co, who is a director at Facebook, sold roughly $6.7 million worth of Facebook shares on Monday, according to a regulatory filing on Tuesday.
Both Andreessen and Graham are selling shares to cover tax obligations incurred from the recent vesting or settlement of restricted stock units in the company, Facebook noted in a separate filing earlier this year. Neither intends to sell shares for any other reason, the filing said.
The world's No.1 online social network became the only U.S. company to debut with a market value of more than $100 billion, but has faced a rough reception on Wall Street amid concerns about its long-term money-making potential.
Shares of the company have risen 20 percent since November 9, finishing Tuesday's regular session at $23.10, but remain well below their $38 offering price.
Several executives at the company have also sold shares as the so-called lock-up restrictions on trading have expired.
Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg sold roughly $4.2 million worth of Facebook stock on Monday, bringing her total share sales to roughly $15 million in recent weeks, while engineering vice president Michael Schroepfer sold a little more than $1 million worth of shares in recent days.
Andreessen, Graham, Sandberg and Schroepfer all sold their shares as part of pre-arranged stock trading plans.
(Reporting By Alexei Oreskovic; Editing by Bernard Orr)
Contact: Denise Henry henryd@uakron.edu 330-972-6477 University of Akron
3 generations of University of Akron scientists devise a polymer-based system that heals wounds, filters water and much more
Akron, Ohio, Nov. 19, 2012 Working in the lab for the last few years, three generations of University of Akron polymer scientists say their mutual and passionate curiosity about science has led to their discovery of a first-of-its-kind, easily adaptable biocompatible polymer structure able to fight infection, filter water and perform a host of other functions.
Darrell Reneker, 82, distinguished professor of polymer science; Matthew Becker, 37, associate professor of polymer science; and 25-year-old graduate student Jukuan Zheng developed what they call a one-size-fits-all polymer system that can be fabricated and then specialized to perform healing functions ranging from fighting infection to wound healing. The research, "Post-Assembly Derivatization of Electrospun Nanofibers via Strain-Promoted Azide Alkyne Cycloaddition," is published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society at http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja307647x?prevSearch=jukuan&searchHistoryKey.
The researchers devised a way to attach bioactive molecules to an electrospun polymer fiber mat, without compromising their biological functions. The possibilities for application should pique interest among developers and clinicians, say the scientists. Consider, for instance, Teflon-based vascular grafts used for aneurysm surgery since WWII being replaced by a strong, durable polymer structure with surface proteins that function as healthy blood vessels.
"We can design a blood vessel that can be put in different places and coated with different materials specific for the heart, specific for vascular, specific for the brain," Becker says.
Through the development, scientists for the first time place small molecules such as peptides, proteins, drugs and carbohydrates, which normally influence how cells behave, and attach therapeutic concentrations of chosen bioactive substances to the surfaces of an implant, after it has been fabricated. The bioactive efficacy and biocompatibility of the base surface then enables it to be implanted into the human body and perform healing functions that can save lives.
"There have been many types of polymers used in biomaterials, but the challenge with that has been, every time you make a new product it requires a new process," Becker explains. "This chemistry will be very useful in that you can manufacture many different implant products that contain the same kind of sites for attachment and put any of a wide variety of bioactive substances on the same kind of attachment site."
An unlimited number of biologic molecule types can be attached to the surface of a fibrous system, from antibiotics to fracture-healing vitamins.
"Imagine an emergency combat medic carrying around a box of bulky bandages to provide exactly the needed function from a larger number of possible needs," Reneker says. "This system provides choice without bulk."
Jukuan adds that he envisions the multifunctional development transitioning into an easy-to-use formula.
"This material will make life easier," he says. "People will just open a package, mix two ingredients and it will be ready to use."
###
About The University of Akron
The University of Akron offers more than 300 associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate and law degree programs with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. With nearly 30,000 students and $65 million in research expenditures, UA is among the nation's strongest public universities focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in community and economic growth. Programs are targeted to diverse groups of learners, including full-time, part-time and online students, veterans and adults returning to the classroom. The distinctive Akron Experience enhances postgraduate success through internships and co-ops, academic research (both undergraduate and graduate), study abroad, on-campus student employment and service projects.
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Contact: Denise Henry henryd@uakron.edu 330-972-6477 University of Akron
3 generations of University of Akron scientists devise a polymer-based system that heals wounds, filters water and much more
Akron, Ohio, Nov. 19, 2012 Working in the lab for the last few years, three generations of University of Akron polymer scientists say their mutual and passionate curiosity about science has led to their discovery of a first-of-its-kind, easily adaptable biocompatible polymer structure able to fight infection, filter water and perform a host of other functions.
Darrell Reneker, 82, distinguished professor of polymer science; Matthew Becker, 37, associate professor of polymer science; and 25-year-old graduate student Jukuan Zheng developed what they call a one-size-fits-all polymer system that can be fabricated and then specialized to perform healing functions ranging from fighting infection to wound healing. The research, "Post-Assembly Derivatization of Electrospun Nanofibers via Strain-Promoted Azide Alkyne Cycloaddition," is published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society at http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja307647x?prevSearch=jukuan&searchHistoryKey.
The researchers devised a way to attach bioactive molecules to an electrospun polymer fiber mat, without compromising their biological functions. The possibilities for application should pique interest among developers and clinicians, say the scientists. Consider, for instance, Teflon-based vascular grafts used for aneurysm surgery since WWII being replaced by a strong, durable polymer structure with surface proteins that function as healthy blood vessels.
"We can design a blood vessel that can be put in different places and coated with different materials specific for the heart, specific for vascular, specific for the brain," Becker says.
Through the development, scientists for the first time place small molecules such as peptides, proteins, drugs and carbohydrates, which normally influence how cells behave, and attach therapeutic concentrations of chosen bioactive substances to the surfaces of an implant, after it has been fabricated. The bioactive efficacy and biocompatibility of the base surface then enables it to be implanted into the human body and perform healing functions that can save lives.
"There have been many types of polymers used in biomaterials, but the challenge with that has been, every time you make a new product it requires a new process," Becker explains. "This chemistry will be very useful in that you can manufacture many different implant products that contain the same kind of sites for attachment and put any of a wide variety of bioactive substances on the same kind of attachment site."
An unlimited number of biologic molecule types can be attached to the surface of a fibrous system, from antibiotics to fracture-healing vitamins.
"Imagine an emergency combat medic carrying around a box of bulky bandages to provide exactly the needed function from a larger number of possible needs," Reneker says. "This system provides choice without bulk."
Jukuan adds that he envisions the multifunctional development transitioning into an easy-to-use formula.
"This material will make life easier," he says. "People will just open a package, mix two ingredients and it will be ready to use."
###
About The University of Akron
The University of Akron offers more than 300 associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate and law degree programs with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. With nearly 30,000 students and $65 million in research expenditures, UA is among the nation's strongest public universities focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in community and economic growth. Programs are targeted to diverse groups of learners, including full-time, part-time and online students, veterans and adults returning to the classroom. The distinctive Akron Experience enhances postgraduate success through internships and co-ops, academic research (both undergraduate and graduate), study abroad, on-campus student employment and service projects.
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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Posted by Deborah Dera on Nov 21, 2012 in Bankruptcy | 0 comments 
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Public release date: 19-Nov-2012
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