Mutations associated with prion diseases are sufficient to cause transmissible neurodegenerative disease (News-Medical-Net) For the first time, Whitehead Institute researchers have shown definitively that mutations associated with prion diseases are sufficient to cause a transmissible neurodegenerative disease. [News Source]

Two Orlando theaters among 100-plus worldwide to stage ‘Laramie Project’ sequel (Orlando Sentinel) Productions will commemorate Matthew Shepard's murder Oct. 12 Two different theaters -- Orlando's Mad Cow and a small theater company from western Alachua County, FantasyLand Theatrical Productions -- have been given the rights to stage The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later, an epilogue to the highly acclaimed play about the killing of Matthew Shepard, in Orlando in October. The two performances ... [News Source]

Gene mutation alone causes transmissible prion disease (PhysOrg) For the first time, Whitehead Institute researchers have shown definitively that mutations associated with prion diseases are sufficient to cause a transmissible neurodegenerative disease. [News Source]

Gene mutation alone causes transmissible prion disease (EurekAlert!) ( Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research ) Whitehead Institute researchers have shown definitively that mutations associated with prion diseases are sufficient to cause a transmissible neurodegenerative disease. Until now, two theories about the role mutations play in prion diseases have been at odds. Deciphering the origins of prion diseases could help farmers and policy-makers determine ... [News Source]

Pass the prion: Inherited mutation leads to spontaneous prion infectivity (EurekAlert!) ( Cell Press ) A new study with transgenic mice provides the first concrete evidence that a disease-associated prion protein mutation in an otherwise normal mammalian brain can generate a unique self-perpetuating transmissible agent that is infectious to other animals. In addition to revealing critical new insight into prion biology, the research, published by Cell Press in the Aug. 27 issue of ... [News Source]

RICHARD O’HAGAN: Common sense would cost a lot less than ‘health and safety’ rules (Daily Mail) RICHARD O'HAGAN: Common sense would cost a lot less than 'health and safety' rules [News Source]

Umnos not-to-do list (Malaysia Today) (The Malaysian Insider) AUG 26 — Rohaizat Othman’s resounding defeat in Permatang Pasir exposed more than just the danger of fielding a flawed individual as an election candidate. [News Source]

No Chinese take-away for Umno (Malaysia Today) The surprising thing was Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Rohaizat Othman’s disappointment at the lack of Chinese votes for him. “I am saddened by the fact that the Chinese community here have failed to fulfill their vows of support.,” [News Source]