clipped from view.newsletters.nas.edu

“This represents the largest commitment to scientific
research and innovation in American history.”
-President Obama addressing members of the National Academy of Sciences, 4/27/09

“I am here today to set this goal: we will devote more than three percent of our GDP to research and development. We will not just meet, but we will exceed the level achieved at the height of the Space Race, through policies that invest in basic and applied research, create new incentives for private innovation, promote breakthroughs in energy and medicine, and improve education in math and science.”

clipped from www.philly.com

A life on the front lines against deadly viruses

Frederick Murphy remembers the day in 1967 that live viruses arrived at his veterinary research lab from Marburg, West Germany. Seven people were already dead from an unknown monkey disease that had jumped to humans, causing them to bleed uncontrollably.

He was not afraid. As part of a small government team in Atlanta, it was his job to investigate such outbreaks.

“It was pure adventure,” Murphy said, to be out on the front lines identifying deadly microbes – first Marburg, later Ebola – that were entirely new to humans.

Today, Murphy will be in Philadelphia to receive the $100,000 Penn Vet World Leadership Award, the biggest cash prize for veterinary research. His animal studies years ago laid the groundwork for understanding many of the latest emerging human diseases.

clipped from latimesblogs.latimes.com

Animal research rallies peaceful; pro-research demonstration much larger

Competing rallies at UCLA today over the controversial issue of animal research are peaceful so far, with supporters of the research appearing to outnumber opponents by more than 10 to 1.

About 400 people, including UCLA faculty, staff and students, have joined a pro-research rally on the northwest corner of Westwood Boulevard and Le Conte Avenue, just south of the campus. The demonstrators are carrying signs with such slogans as “Animal research saves lives” and “Campus terrorism is not OK.”

clipped from www.sfgate.com

Animals in crisis: how you can help

A new Petfinder.com survey found that 84 percent of a total of 700 shelters and rescue groups that responded from across the country are experiencing an increase in pets being surrendered as a result of job loss and foreclosures linked to the economic downturn.

How can you protect your pet from financial uncertainty?

Budget for vet care in advance: Setting aside a few dollars every month can help ensure that you have enough cash to cover basic medical costs.

Invest in preventative medicine: Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date and don’t skimp on their annual checkups.

Consider subscribing to a pet health insurance plan: A small monthly contribution can help you sidestep unexpected big bills in the future.

clipped from news.yahoo.com

FBI’s newest ‘Most Wanted’ terrorist is American

WASHINGTON – For the first time, an accused domestic terrorist is being added to the FBI’s list of “Most Wanted” terror suspects.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, a 31-year-old computer specialist from Berkeley, Calif., is wanted for the 2003 bombings of two corporate offices in California.

Authorities describe San Diego as an animal rights activist who turned to bomb attacks and say he has tattoo that proclaims, “It only takes a spark.”

Officials have offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to his capture, five times the reward amounts offered for other so-called eco-terrorists wanted in the U.S.

clipped from www.msnbc.msn.com

Bonobos rate food on scale from bark to grunt

Great apes yell out food ratings using at least five distinct vocalizations

Bonobos yell out their food ratings using at least five distinct vocalizations, the study found. Since the calls are tonally similar to certain other primate sounds, such as the human exclamations “Yum!” and “Ewww,” the scientists think there might be a somewhat universal primate language when it comes to food.

clipped from www.venturacountystar.com

Panel approves pet neutering bill

SACRAMENTO — Treading cautiously back into an issue that lawmakers say generated more letters, e-mails and phone calls than any other last year, a Senate panel on Wednesday approved a bill that would force dog and cat owners to have their pet spayed or neutered if they are also cited for certain other offenses, such as allowing the animal to roam free.

Legislators have wrestled for years with the question of how far to go in trying to control the overpopulation of dogs and cats, and the costs to local governments for animal control services and operating animal shelters. State law already requires shelters to spay or neuter animals before they can be adopted and also imposes escalating state fees on owners who claim an unaltered pet that has been impounded.

clipped from www.latimes.com

Portuguese water dogs play key role in genetics research

The Obama’s puppy comes from the most studied breed in the world. The clues into what determines size and disease susceptibility help researchers looking into human disease.

clipped from www.ucla-pro-test.org

UCLA Community to stand up for Biomedical Research

The campus movement,
UCLA Pro-Test,
has organized a demonstration on
Wednesday, April 22nd
in order to support medical research; it will coincide with the “World Week for Animals in Laboratories” rally organized by various anti-research extremist groups.
The upcoming UCLA Pro-Test demonstration parallels the 2006 demonstrations by the UK student organization Pro-Test, which opened the public debate on animal research in the UK and contributed to the downfall of animal rights activism in the UK.
One of UK Pro-Tests founders, Tom Holder, will be on hand at the Los Angeles rally to show his support for our efforts and to emcee the event.