Canadian researchers identify new prion protein, adding pieces to CJD puzzle (CP via Yahoo! Canada News) TORONTO (CP) - Canadian scientists have discovered a new prion protein, a finding which could both help illuminate how prion diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob or mad cow disease destroy the brain as well as offer clues as to what is at play with other neurodegenerative diseases. [News Source]

New prion protein could yield clues to mad cow disease (CBC Calgary) A prion protein has been discovered that may offer new insight into how the brain functions in mad cow disease, according to new research from the University of Alberta. [News Source]

Briefs: Livini says no talks with Hamas; GOP says ’shalom’ to Karl Rove; Kosher slaughterhouse accused of lax Mad Cow … (The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles) Israel came out strongly against European calls for preliminary engagement with Hamas. [News Source]

New prion protein may offer insight into mad cow disease (PhysOrg) Scientists have discovered a new protein that may offer fresh insights into brain function in mad cow disease. “Our team has defined a second prion protein called ‘Shadoo`, that exists in addition to the well-known prion protein called ‘PrP` ” said Professor David Westaway, director of the Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases at the University of Alberta. [News Source]

New prion protein discovered by Canadian scientists may offer insight into mad cow disease (EurekAlert!) Scientists have discovered a new protein that may offer fresh insights into brain function in mad cow disease. [News Source]

Time for livestock registry (The Ashland Daily Press) The safety of our food is important for us as consumers and for our economy. When mad cow disease was discovered in the United States four years ago, one of the consequences was a $2 billion loss for the beef industry. [News Source]

FDA rules foster underground resistance (Boston Globe) Some people think of prairie dogs as affectionate pets. To the government, however, the animals are a potential source of disease. As a result, anyone who captures, transports, sells, or barters prairie dogs now must receive written permission from the Food and Drug Administration. [News Source]

Ag’s cloudy future (Casper Star-Tribune) DOUGLAS -- At the Wyoming State Fair to address an annual gathering of cattle producers, McFadden rancher Olin Sims had one overriding message about the politics behind the new farm bill in Congress. [News Source]

Bovine TB suspected in bull from Colorado (Denver Post) A Colorado rodeo bull has undergone a necropsy to determine whether it carried bovine tuberculosis as part of an investigation that so far has found one other animal testing positive for the disease. [News Source]