Lizard tails may help humans get new limbs

Now, scientists have solved the mystery of how lizards can regenerate their tails.

They discovered the genetic ‘recipe’ for lizard tail regeneration, which may come down to using genetic ingredients in just the right mixture and amounts.

By following the genetic recipe for regeneration that is found in lizards, and then harnessing those same genes in human cells, it may be possible to regrow new cartilage, muscle or even spinal cord in the future.

"Lizards basically share the same toolbox of genes as humans. They are the most closely-related animals to humans that can regenerate entire appendages," said Kenro Kusumi from Arizona State University.Researchers discovered that lizards turn on at least 326 genes in specific regions of the regenerating tail, including genes involved in embryonic development, response to hormonal signals and wound healing.

"Using next-generation technologies to sequence all the genes expressed during regeneration, we have unlocked the mystery of what genes are needed to regrow the lizard tail," explained Kusumi.

The findings may also lead to discoveries of new therapeutic approaches to spinal cord injuries, repairing birth defects, and treating diseases such as arthritis, said the study published in the journal PLOS ONE.

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Kerry urges China to be cooperative partner

Kerry, who is in Australia for annual talks on security and foreign policy, made the comments as Beijing accused Washington of deliberately stoking tensions in the South China Sea.

‘We welcome the rise of China as a global partner, hopefully, as a powerful economy, as a full participating constructive member of the international community,’ he said.

‘And we want China to participate in constructive ways, whether it is in the South China Sea, or with respect to Japan, and South Korea, with North Korea, with other issues that we face.’

Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, putting it at odds with countries including the Philippines and Vietnam, and there have been several tense encounters in the area over recent months.

China has rejected a US proposal for a freeze on provocative actions in the region, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi saying: ‘Some countries outside the region are restless, and stir up tensions... might their intention be to create chaos in the region? China and ASEAN are totally able to safeguard well the peace and stability of South China Sea, Wang said on Monday.

Kerry said the US was looking to cooperate with China.

‘We are not seeking conflict and confrontation. And our hope is that China will likewise take advantage of the opportunities that are in front of it and be that cooperative partner,’ he said in Sydney.

The US has sharpened its tone on the South China Sea following a series of maritime incidents between China and rival claimants, including Beijing's positioning of one oil rig in waters also claimed by Vietnam. The incident sparked deadly riots in Vietnam.

Kerry said that while there were always differences between countries, there were issues on which all parties could agree a diplomatic path forward.

‘Because everybody in the world understands that the world will be better off if great power nations are finding ways to cooperate and not confront each other,’ he said.

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RNA molecule prevents heart failure: Study

The molecule is a non-coding RNA which is named ‘Myheart’ by the researchers. It blocks a protein called BRG1 that interferes in usual genetic activities of the heart when it is in stress.

Scientists during the experiment restored levels of molecules in mice experiencing heart failure thus preventing the succession of the failure.

The scientists had earlier recorded that the protein which is crucial for the development of the heart in the foetus turns into a disruptor at later stages, especially when the heart undergoes stress due to high blood pressure.

The scientists discovered that during such periods of stress, it was noticed that production of Myheart is suppressed, leading to uncontrolled hara-kiri by BRG1.

In the new research, the researchers reported that in mice with stress-induced high levels of BRG1, they were able to restore Myheart to normal levels using gene transfer technology thus preventing heart failure in the process.

Dr Ching-Pin Chang, director of molecular and translational medicine, at the Krannert Institute of Cardiology said “I think of Myheart as a molecular crowbar that pries BRG1 off the genomic DNA and prevents it from manipulating genetic activity."

The team of researchers is trying to identify smaller areas of Myheart involved in the blocking activity as Myheart is too big a molecule to be delivered as a drug to humans.

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Omar Abdullah thanked Narendra Modi for power projects in Ladakh region

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 45 MW Nimoo-Bazgo hydroelectric power project in Leh and later, 44 MW hydro power project at Chutak village in Kargil district.

Addressing a function, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that Ladakh is one of the most beautiful corners in the world but is plagued by a few problems as well.

"This corner is the most beautiful area in the world. But there are problems as well. You will never find dearth of hospitality and smile among the people of this region. There was a cloud burst here in 2010.

"But people braved it and fought that calamity courageously. We can't find a trace of the after effects of cloud burst here now," he said.

The Chief Minister highlighted the problems faced by people while travelling outside the state including high air-fare.

"Airlines should reduce the fares. In peak winters they have shell out up to Rs 22,000 for travelling to Delhi from Leh. We want this to be reduced and better connectivity for the people of this area," Omar said.

The Chief Minister also thanked former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for taking the initiative of early completion of Nimoo Bazgo hydro power project.

"I thank former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for promptly releasing required funds for early completion of the project," he said.

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Dainik Jagran’s Bharat Gupta conferred with ‘Youth Achievers Award’

The award function was organized to felicitate the young professionals who have excelled in their respective fields creating a niche for themselves.   

“It’s a very humbling experience. I have been in the media business for quite some time and the journey so far has been very exciting and engaging,” Bharat Gupta said.

“We are number one in Hindi news and we are working hard towards developing our social local mobile property. We believe these days it’s not about breaking news but more about the impact that news creates. Mobile today is the smartest medium and very recently our Facebook fan page crossed two million likes. With a large percentage of people today being underage and crores of people accessing the internet, our strategies are based around it,” he added.

Gupta, an engineering graduate, did a diploma course in media from Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad.

(JPN)

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We left NDA when BJP digressed from Vajpayee’s path: Nitish Kumar

"Till the time BJP was walking on the path laid down by Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the NDA coalition by keeping off controversial issues and disputed personality, we were with them. But the day they changed their track, we thought that it would be wise to leave," Nitish said while addressing the ‘Sankalp rally’ in Begusarai.
  
“The BJP had promised to not do anything beyond the issues on which there was a consensus among partners of the coalition,” he said.
  
"They betrayed us by moving away from the consensus agenda. We cannot compromise with our principles and decided to sever ties with them," the Bihar Chief Minister added.
  
The JD-U leader even took potshots at the media for ‘too much coverage’ of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, whose claim to fame, he alleged was developing an already developed state and ignoring his achievements in developing a backward state like Bihar.
  
"A person who claims of taking forward the state (Gujarat) which was already developed is getting all the limelight while the people who develop a backward state is ignored," he said.
  
Slamming a Gujarat minister for linking migration from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to surge in the number of poor in the state, Kumar said migrants on contrary contributes in the progress of these states.
  
The Bihar CM reiterated his party's demand for special category status for the state to spur its development and urged people to help them win all 40 seats in the coming Lok Sabha elections to continue their demand.

JD-U snapped its 17-year old political alliance with BJP after the saffron party anointed Narendra Modi as the chief of poll campaign committee last year.

The ruling party in Bihar had reservations over the Gujarat CM being named the BJP-led NDA’s prime ministerial candidate for Lok Sabha polls, which eventually resulted in breaking up of ties.

Since then, both parties are involved in a series of allegations and counter-allegations, taking pot-shots and exchanging verbal tirades in every single opportunity.

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Nido Tania’s parents to meet PM, Home Minister

"We will meet the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister and discuss the future course of action," said Tania's father and Arunachal Pradesh legislator Nido Pavitra.

Pavitra also said that he would meet the members of the media and others who have supported them in their hard times.

Nido was allegedly assaulted by shopkeepers on January 29 in south Delhi's Lajpat Nagar market following a row over his appearance and clothing. He died in a hospital the next day.

Following his death, there have been protests in the capital with students and activists from the North East demanding tough anti-racism laws.

(Agencies)

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Doubtful if key legislations can be passed this Parliament session: FM

"If Parliament does not meet to pass laws, and beginning today you will see Parliament will meet, but I doubt whether it will pass any law.

    

"We have to go through the ritual of attending Parliament everyday and come back empty handed," he said.

    

Chidambaram was addressing students of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) at its business conclave.

    

Later talking to reporters, he said the Finance Bill, Vote-on-Account and Appropriation Bill will be passed.

    

"But if it is passed without debate or discussion, I won't be happy. I want it to pass with discussion and debate," the Finance Minister said.

    

Government has listed several bills which it seeks to pass during the session which will end on February 21. Besides the interim budget, government wants to pass the Telangana Bill as well as some anti-corruption legislations.

Meanwhile, terming possible disruptions of Parliamentary proceedings over the Telangana issue as "hiccups", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told reporters outside Parliament House that he hoped all sections will have the  wisdom to set aside "prejudices" to ensure harmonious working of the session.

(Agencies)

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