Chemspy chemistry news and views

(The Translational Genomics Research Institute) Whole genome sequencing -- spelling out a person's entire DNA genetic code -- has moved one step closer to being a medical option for direct patient care.

(ESO) The nebula Messier 78 takes center stage in this image taken with the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-meter telescope at the La Silla Observatory in Chile, while the stars powering the bright display take a backseat. The brilliant starlight ricochets off dust particles in the nebula, illuminating it with scattered blue light. Igor Chekalin was the overall winner of ESO's Hidden Treasures 2010 astrophotography competition with his image of this stunning object.

(Monarch Labs) The BioTherapeutics, Education & Research (BTER) Foundation publicly announced the recipients of the 2010 William S. Baer Award for Outstanding Service in the Advancement of Biotherapy. The six award winners were honored at the 8th International Conference on Biotherapy, held recently in Los Angeles; they are: Dr. David Armstrong, Dr. John Church, Pam Mitchell, Dr. Eliot Mostow, Dr. Kosta Mumcuoglu and Dr. Aletha Tippett.

(American Friends of Tel Aviv University) Professor Daniel Michaelson of Tel Aviv University says that a diet high in omega-3 oils and low in cholesterol can significantly reduce the negative affects of the APOE4 gene, which is an indicator of Alzheimer's disease.

(Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research) Alcohol dependence (AD) may develop through alcohol's effects on neural signaling. Researchers have found that neuroactive steroids may mediate some of the effects of alcohol on y-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. These findings suggest that genetic variations in neuroactive steroid-producing enzymes may be related to risk for AD.