Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The latest genomic studies of wheat sheds new light on crop adaptation and domestication

The latest genomic studies of wheat sheds new light on crop adaptation and domestication [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 25-Mar-2013
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Jia Liu
liujia@genomics.cn
BGI Shenzhen

2 separate studies published online in the same issue of Nature

March 25, 2013, Shenzhen, China The advanced online publication version of Nature today presents two manuscripts that provide an unprecedented glimpse into the adaptation and domestication of wheat. These achievements are the results of joint efforts led by the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), and BGI. The two projects sequenced and analyzed two ancestral wheat genomes of Triticum urartu and Aegilops tauschii, respectively, throwing light on the biology of the world's primary staple crop and providing valuable new resource for the genetic improvement of wheat.

Wheat is a globally important crop due to its enhanced adaptability to a wide range of climates and improved grain quality for the production of baker's flour. Major efforts are underway worldwide to increase its yield and quality by increasing genetic diversity and analyzing key traits related to its resistance to cold, drought and disease. However, the extremely large size and polyploid complexity of the wheat genome has to date been a substantial barrier for researchers to gain insight into its biology and evolution.

The first manuscript, led by teams at IGDB and BGI, presents the genome of Bread wheat (T. aestivum, AABBDD), the progenitor of the Wheat A genome. Using a whole-genome shotgun strategy and Next-generation sequencing (NGS), researchers identified a large set of gene models (34,879) and abundant genetic markers with the potential to provide a valuable resource for accelerating deeper and more systematic genomic and breeding studies. For example, they found the T. urartu homolog of OsGASR7 might be a useful candidate for improving wheat yield. The discovery of 2,989,540 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) is useful for the future development and characterization of genetic markers. The researchers also reported genomic evidence of the role of repeat expansion in the enlargement of genome size during the evolution of the Triticeae tribe of grasses.

Ae. tauschii (DD), also known as Tausch's goatgrass, is a diploid goat grass species which has contributed the D genome of common wheat. Around 8,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, it crossed with the tetraploid wheat T. turgidum (AABB) in rare hybridization events that resulted in the hexaploid wheat T. aestivum. However, the modern strategy of breeding for hybrid vigor has been accompanied by marked changes in patterns of gene expression.

The second manuscript, led by teams at CAAS and BGI, focuses on the genome sequencing and analysis of the wild diploid grass Ae. tauschii. They found that more than 65.9% of the Ae. tauschii genome was comprised of 410 different transposable element (TE) families, and the expansion of the Ae. tauschii genome was relatively recent and coincided with the abrupt climate change that occurred during the Pliocene Epoch. They also found the expansion of the micro-RNA miR2275 family may contribute to Ae. Tauschii' s enhanced disease resistance. Remarkably, a higher number of genes for the cytochrome P450 family were identified in Ae. tauschii (485) than sorghum (365), rice (333), Brachypodium (262) and maize (261). This family of genes has been found to be important for abiotic stress response, especially in biosynthetic and detoxification pathways.

Shancen Zhao, Project Manager of BGI, said, "Genetic improvement of crops is the key output of breeding research. The genomic data provides a valuable resource for botanists and breeders to comprehensively understand wheat's genetic diversity and evolutionary history. The two studies also represent a major step forward for improving this vital crop in the face of global climate change, growing human population, and bio-energy. "Providing the global agricultural community with these resources new resources for crop improvement and in keeping with the scientific community's goals of making all data fully and freely available, the huge amounts of data (1.5 terabytes) are available in the GigaScience database, GigaDB, in a citable format (see: http://dx.doi.org/10.5524/100050 and http://dx.doi.org/10.5524/100054), and are available as raw reads in the NCBI SRA database (Accession # SRP005973 and SRP005974).

###

About BGI

BGI was founded in Beijing, China, in 1999 with the mission to become a premier scientific partner for the global research community. The goal of BGI is to make leading-edge genomic science highly accessible, which it achieves through its investment in infrastructure, leveraging the best available technology, economies of scale, and expert bioinformatics resources. BGI, which includes both private non-profit genomic research institutes and sequencing application commercial units, and its affiliates, BGI Americas, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, and BGI Europe, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, have established partnerships and collaborations with leading academic and government research institutions as well as global biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, supporting a variety of disease, agricultural, environmental, and related applications.

BGI has a proven track record of excellence, delivering results with high efficiency and accuracy for innovative, high-profile research: research that has generated over 200 publications in top-tier journals such as Nature and Science. BGI's many accomplishments include: sequencing one percent of the human genome for the International Human Genome Project, contributing 10 percent to the International Human HapMap Project, carrying out research to combat SARS and the 2011 German deadly E. coli outbreak, playing a key role in the Sino-British Chicken Genome Project, and completing the sequence of the rice genome, the silkworm genome, the first Asian diploid genome, the potato genome, and, more recently, the human Gut Metagenome, as well as a significant proportion of the genomes for the1000 Genomes Project.

For more information, please visit http://www.genomics.cn

Media Contacts:

Bicheng Yang
Public Communication Officer
+86-755-82639701
yangbicheng@genomics.cn
http://www.genomics.cn



[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


The latest genomic studies of wheat sheds new light on crop adaptation and domestication [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 25-Mar-2013
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Jia Liu
liujia@genomics.cn
BGI Shenzhen

2 separate studies published online in the same issue of Nature

March 25, 2013, Shenzhen, China The advanced online publication version of Nature today presents two manuscripts that provide an unprecedented glimpse into the adaptation and domestication of wheat. These achievements are the results of joint efforts led by the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), and BGI. The two projects sequenced and analyzed two ancestral wheat genomes of Triticum urartu and Aegilops tauschii, respectively, throwing light on the biology of the world's primary staple crop and providing valuable new resource for the genetic improvement of wheat.

Wheat is a globally important crop due to its enhanced adaptability to a wide range of climates and improved grain quality for the production of baker's flour. Major efforts are underway worldwide to increase its yield and quality by increasing genetic diversity and analyzing key traits related to its resistance to cold, drought and disease. However, the extremely large size and polyploid complexity of the wheat genome has to date been a substantial barrier for researchers to gain insight into its biology and evolution.

The first manuscript, led by teams at IGDB and BGI, presents the genome of Bread wheat (T. aestivum, AABBDD), the progenitor of the Wheat A genome. Using a whole-genome shotgun strategy and Next-generation sequencing (NGS), researchers identified a large set of gene models (34,879) and abundant genetic markers with the potential to provide a valuable resource for accelerating deeper and more systematic genomic and breeding studies. For example, they found the T. urartu homolog of OsGASR7 might be a useful candidate for improving wheat yield. The discovery of 2,989,540 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) is useful for the future development and characterization of genetic markers. The researchers also reported genomic evidence of the role of repeat expansion in the enlargement of genome size during the evolution of the Triticeae tribe of grasses.

Ae. tauschii (DD), also known as Tausch's goatgrass, is a diploid goat grass species which has contributed the D genome of common wheat. Around 8,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, it crossed with the tetraploid wheat T. turgidum (AABB) in rare hybridization events that resulted in the hexaploid wheat T. aestivum. However, the modern strategy of breeding for hybrid vigor has been accompanied by marked changes in patterns of gene expression.

The second manuscript, led by teams at CAAS and BGI, focuses on the genome sequencing and analysis of the wild diploid grass Ae. tauschii. They found that more than 65.9% of the Ae. tauschii genome was comprised of 410 different transposable element (TE) families, and the expansion of the Ae. tauschii genome was relatively recent and coincided with the abrupt climate change that occurred during the Pliocene Epoch. They also found the expansion of the micro-RNA miR2275 family may contribute to Ae. Tauschii' s enhanced disease resistance. Remarkably, a higher number of genes for the cytochrome P450 family were identified in Ae. tauschii (485) than sorghum (365), rice (333), Brachypodium (262) and maize (261). This family of genes has been found to be important for abiotic stress response, especially in biosynthetic and detoxification pathways.

Shancen Zhao, Project Manager of BGI, said, "Genetic improvement of crops is the key output of breeding research. The genomic data provides a valuable resource for botanists and breeders to comprehensively understand wheat's genetic diversity and evolutionary history. The two studies also represent a major step forward for improving this vital crop in the face of global climate change, growing human population, and bio-energy. "Providing the global agricultural community with these resources new resources for crop improvement and in keeping with the scientific community's goals of making all data fully and freely available, the huge amounts of data (1.5 terabytes) are available in the GigaScience database, GigaDB, in a citable format (see: http://dx.doi.org/10.5524/100050 and http://dx.doi.org/10.5524/100054), and are available as raw reads in the NCBI SRA database (Accession # SRP005973 and SRP005974).

###

About BGI

BGI was founded in Beijing, China, in 1999 with the mission to become a premier scientific partner for the global research community. The goal of BGI is to make leading-edge genomic science highly accessible, which it achieves through its investment in infrastructure, leveraging the best available technology, economies of scale, and expert bioinformatics resources. BGI, which includes both private non-profit genomic research institutes and sequencing application commercial units, and its affiliates, BGI Americas, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, and BGI Europe, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, have established partnerships and collaborations with leading academic and government research institutions as well as global biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, supporting a variety of disease, agricultural, environmental, and related applications.

BGI has a proven track record of excellence, delivering results with high efficiency and accuracy for innovative, high-profile research: research that has generated over 200 publications in top-tier journals such as Nature and Science. BGI's many accomplishments include: sequencing one percent of the human genome for the International Human Genome Project, contributing 10 percent to the International Human HapMap Project, carrying out research to combat SARS and the 2011 German deadly E. coli outbreak, playing a key role in the Sino-British Chicken Genome Project, and completing the sequence of the rice genome, the silkworm genome, the first Asian diploid genome, the potato genome, and, more recently, the human Gut Metagenome, as well as a significant proportion of the genomes for the1000 Genomes Project.

For more information, please visit http://www.genomics.cn

Media Contacts:

Bicheng Yang
Public Communication Officer
+86-755-82639701
yangbicheng@genomics.cn
http://www.genomics.cn



[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-03/bs-tlg032513.php

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Nerve regeneration research and therapy may get boost from new discovery

Mar. 22, 2013 ? A new mechanism for guiding the growth of nerves that involves cell-death machinery has been found by scientists at the University of Nevada, Reno that may bring advances in neurological medicine and research. The team obtained the evidence in studies of fruit flies and reported their discovery in an article published in the publication Cell Reports.

"Although the fly is a relatively simple organism, almost every gene identified in this species appears to be carrying out similar functions in humans," said Thomas Kidd, associate professor in the University's biology department in whose lab the work was performed.

The Kidd lab is part of a $10 million Center for Biomedical Research Excellence Project in Cell Biology of Signaling at the University, which is funded by the National Institute of Health's Institute of General Medical Sciences. The project is also funded by the National Science Foundation.

"Flies are useful because the neural mechanisms we are studying are similar to those in mammals," said Gunnar Newquist, lead author of the Cell Reports article and a post-doctoral neuroscience researcher in Kidd's lab. "We've found something no one has seen before, that blocking the cell-death pathway can make nerves deprived of guidance cues figure out the right way to connect with other neurons. This was completely unexpected and novel, but really exciting because it changes the way we look at nerve growth.

"Neurons have a natural ability to die, if they fail to make the right connections they usually die. Neurons, like most other cell types, have the capacity to commit suicide and many do so during the formation of the nervous system."

The wiring of nervous systems is composed of axons, specialized extensions of neurons that transmit electrical impulses. During development axons navigate long distances to their targets by using signals in their environment. Netrin-B is one of those signals. Kidd, Newquist and colleagues have shown that Netrin-B also keeps neurons alive.

"Take away the Netrin-B and growth and cell death goes haywire," Newquist said.

This led them to the discovery that the cell-death machinery is active in growing nerves, and appears to be an integral part of the navigation mechanism.

"We use fruit fly genetics to study how these axons navigate these long distances correctly when developing," Kidd said. "Understanding the mechanisms they use to navigate is of great interest, not only for understanding how our brains form, but also as a starting point to devise ways to stimulate the re-growth of axons after injury, especially spinal cord injuries.

"Our work suggests that therapeutics designed to keep neurons alive after injury may be able to stimulate neurons to start re-growing or sprouting new connections."

"I am very pleased to see Tom's and Gunnar's hard work come to fruition," said Chris von Bartheld, director of the University's cell-biology COBRE and a professor in the University of Nevada School of Medicine. "Linking axonal path finding and cell death signaling opens exciting new venues to better understand both topics. It also shows that our recently established center in cell biology is achieving its goals of producing top-level biomedical research."

The research featured intheCell Report article is a major focus of Kidd's lab, which is one of five research projects in the COBRE. The center is a strong stimulus to integrate the University's research in cell biology, developmental biology, signaling and neuroscience and to develop collaborations between basic scientists and clinicians.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Nevada, Reno. The original article was written by Mike Wolterbeek.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.


Journal Reference:

  1. Gunnar Newquist, J.?Michelle Drennan, Matthew Lamanuzzi, Kirsti Walker, James?C. Clemens, Thomas Kidd. Blocking Apoptotic Signaling Rescues Axon Guidance in Netrin Mutants. Cell Reports, 2013; DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.02.017

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mxk-OMdLW6Y/130325094032.htm

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Monday, March 25, 2013

Open A Jar Lid Of Any Size Easily With Duct Tape (VIDEO)

  • 5 Uses For Paper Towel Rolls

    From party favor to plant protector, these cardboard tubes can take on <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-5-new-uses-paper-towel-rolls_b_2239418.html">many different roles</a>.

  • 5 Uses for Wrapping Paper

    From drawer liners to photo backdrops, check out <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-5-new-uses-wrapping-paper_b_2408899.html">other new uses</a> for wrapping paper.

  • 5 Uses for Vodka

    Explore these alternative ways <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-5-new-uses-vodka_b_2324549.html">you can use vodka</a>.

  • 5 Uses for Wine Corks

    Take a look at these 5 different <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-5-new-uses-wine-corks_b_2277640.html#slide=1873298">new uses for wine corks</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Jeans

    Before you toss them, check out these great <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-5-new-uses-jeans_b_2193893.html">ways to repurpose them</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Tires

    Just because you can't <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-5-new-uses-tires_b_2123875.html">use them on your car anymore</a> doesn't mean they're useless!

  • 5 Uses For Bubble Wrap

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  • 5 Uses For Chocolate

    The most unique ways to use all that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-5-new-uses-chocolate_b_2039421.html">leftover Halloween candy</a>.

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    This <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-5-new-uses-pumpkins_b_2024065.html">quintessential fall fruit</a> can actually be used for more than just decor and pie.

  • 5 Uses For Sand

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    Not only is it a culinary staple, but it can also <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-rice_b_1971550.html">help you with some chores</a> around the house.

  • 5 Uses For Golf Balls

    Create wall art and even plug your sink--no driving range necessary for <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-golf-balls_b_1952116.html">these new uses</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Potatoes

    Who knew this veggie could be so multi-purposed? Learn <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-potatoes_b_1937330.html">how to use a potato</a> to create stamps, remove a lightbulb and more!

  • 5 Uses For Maps

    Make coasters, a purse and more <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-maps_b_1910138.html">all with maps</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Keys

    Ever wonder what to do with your old keys? Repurpose them in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-keys_b_1893746.html">these 5 new ways</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Dish Soap

    Use dish soap to make an ice pack, wash your hair and more, with these <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-other-uses-dish-soap_b_1874310.html">5 new uses</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Nail Polish Remover

    Did you know this beauty product can not only <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-unusual-uses-nail-polish-remover_b_1854705.html">clean stains on china</a>, but also dissolve super glue!

  • 5 Uses For Action Figures

    They're not just for kids! Learn <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-action-figures_b_1775386.html">5 other things you can do with action figures</a>.

  • 5 Uses For A Cooler

    It's not just for chilling soda (or beer)! Check out the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-uses-for-cooler_b_1819257.html">5 other uses for a cooler</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Rubber Bands

    Use this common office supply to grip a bottle, open a lid and more! Check out these <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/uses-for-rubber-bands_b_1775602.html">5 uses for rubber bands</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Cards

    You can do these <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-uses-for-cards_b_1752873.html">5 things with cards</a>... and not one of them involves gambling!

  • 5 Uses For Duct Tape

    Who knew that this material could be used to make a wallet? Learn how to use duct tape for <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/new-uses-for-duct-tape_b_1721986.html">this and four more things</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Milk

    It does wonders for your...hair? Check out the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/uses-for-milk_b_1698762.html">ways you can use milk to clean and polish </a>things around your home.

  • 5 Uses For Pill Bottles

    Who knew that besides holding pills, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/uses-for-pill-bottles_b_1679568.html">these containers could be used as a water resistant survival kit</a>? Now that's a reason to hold on to these!

  • 5 Uses For Paper Clips

    Learn how paperclips can help <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-5-new-uses-paper-clips_b_1661794.html">you fix your electronics AND pit a cherry</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Peroxide

    Use peroxide to do anything from cleaning your cutting board to highlighting your hair. Read about <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-for-peroxide_b_1647151.html">those new uses and more</a>!

  • 5 Uses For Eggshells

    From removing stains to a great fertilizer, here are <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-eggshells_b_1627522.html">even more reasons to love eggs</a>!

  • 5 Uses For Cornstarch

    This vegetable-based powder <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/5-uses-for-cornstarch_b_1607654.html">works wonders removing grease</a> and cleaning your...pet!

  • 5 Uses For Lemons

    This fruit is more than just delicious--<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-5-new-uses-for-lemons_b_1588632.html">it can also do wonders</a> in your kitchen.

  • 5 Uses For Milk Jugs

    Find out how to get a few more uses out of plastic gallon containers before tossing them in the recycle bin.

  • 5 Uses For Aspirin

    The cure for m<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-uses-for-aspirin_b_1552945.html">ore than just that throbbing headache</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Sugar

    Sugar isn't just for your coffee... <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/uses-for-sugar_b_1536525.html">Use it to feed your flowers</a>, remove grass stains and more.

  • 5 Uses For Plastic Bags

    Got a ton of pastic bags from all your grocery shopping? <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/5-new-uses-plastic-bags_b_1517919.html">Put them to good use</a>!

  • 5 Uses For Vegetable Oil

    We prove that this kitchen staple can <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-5-new-uses-vegetable-oil_b_1495961.html">go beyond cooking</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Comic Books

    From tables to wallets, there are <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-comic-books_b_1467750.html">more to comic books</a> than meets the eye.

  • 5 Uses For Egg Cartons

    Egg cartons can be repurposed for use in both your home and garden. Check out the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-egg-cartons-uses_b_1446539.html">5 different ways to use them</a>!

  • 5 Uses For Vodka

    Who knew vodka could do other things besides make a great cocktail? <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/5-new-uses-for-vodka_b_1432060.html">Learn how to use it </a>as a room deodorizer, shower cleaner and more.

  • 5 Uses For Cassette Tapes

    Since you most likely haven't used one of these in years, check out how you can <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-cassette-tapes_b_1413745.html">repurpose them in these 5 new ways</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Cotton Balls

    We bet you didn't know you could <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/5-new-uses-cotton-balls_b_1400319.html">use cotton balls to</a>... catch mice?

  • 5 Uses For Socks

    Don't throw out your old socks -- learn <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-socks_b_1382405.html">5 new ways to put them to use</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Baking Soda

    Check out the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-baking-soda_b_1367262.html">5 different ways you can use baking soda</a> to clean and deodorize your drain, brass and even your face.

  • 5 Uses For Toothpaste

    It can <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-toothpaste_b_1337815.html">do much more</a> than clean your teeth.

  • 5 Uses For Coffee Mugs

    Learn the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/5-new-uses-coffee-mugs_b_1324295.html">5 other ways you can use your coffee mugs</a> besides to sip a hot drink every morning.

  • 5 Uses For CDs

    Just because a CD is scratched doesn't mean it's useless. Try these <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/new-uses-for-cds_b_1306637.html">5 ideas for reusing old CDs</a> around the house.

  • 5 Uses For Coca-Cola

    Who knew this sugary drink could <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/5-new-uses-for-coca-cola_b_1291559.html">help you clean</a>?

  • 5 Uses For Coffee

    Not only can you get your caffeine fix, but you can also <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/5-new-uses-for-coffee_b_1274609.html">repel bugs and fertilize your garden</a> with this popular drink.

  • 5 Uses For Beer

    This <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/new-uses-for-beer_b_1260547.html">happy-hour drink</a> has protein that strengthens your hair AND can help you sleep better at night.

  • 5 Uses For Baby Powder

    Learn how to eliminate shoe odor, pesky ants and sweaty sheets by <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/new-uses-baby-powder_b_1244708.html">simply using baby powder</a>.

  • 5 Uses For Vinegar

    This clear liquid <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/how-to-be-organized-5-use_b_1224318.html">can do wonders</a> in your car, home and even the air!

  • 5 Uses For Plastic Soda Bottles

    Consider these <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barnes/5-new-uses-for-soda-bottles_b_1213808.html">5 new uses for plastic soda bottles</a> before tossing them in the recycling bin.

  • 5 Uses For Aluminum Foil

  • Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/25/open-jar-lid-duct-tape_n_2948920.html

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    Kerry, Karzai bury hatchet in Kabul meeting

    Secretary of State John Kerry, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan James Cunningham, left, meets with Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Monday, March 25, 2013. Kerry embarked on talks Monday with Karzai amid concerns Karzai may be jeopardizing progress in the war against extremism with his anti-American rhetoric. The session came shortly after the U.S. military ceded control of its last detention facility in Afghanistan, ending a longstanding irritant in relations. (AP Photo/Jason Reed, Pool)

    Secretary of State John Kerry, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan James Cunningham, left, meets with Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Monday, March 25, 2013. Kerry embarked on talks Monday with Karzai amid concerns Karzai may be jeopardizing progress in the war against extremism with his anti-American rhetoric. The session came shortly after the U.S. military ceded control of its last detention facility in Afghanistan, ending a longstanding irritant in relations. (AP Photo/Jason Reed, Pool)

    Secretary of State John Kerry reaches to shakes hands with Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the end of their joint news conference at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Monday, March 25, 2013. Kerry and Karzai made a show of unity Monday, shortly after the U.S. military ceded control of its last detention facility in Afghanistan, ending a longstanding irritant in relations between the two countries. Kerry, in Afghanistan for an unannounced visit, said he and Karzai were "on the same page" when it comes to peace talks with the Taliban. (AP Photo/Jason Reed, Pool)

    Secretary of State John Kerry meets with Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Monday, March 25, 2013. Kerry embarked on talks Monday with Karzai amid concerns Karzai may be jeopardizing progress in the war against extremism with his anti-American rhetoric. The session came shortly after the U.S. military ceded control of its last detention facility in Afghanistan, ending a longstanding irritant in relations. (AP Photo/Jason Reed, Pool)

    Secretary of State John Kerry gestures towards Afghan President Hamid Karzai during their joint news conference at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Monday, March 25, 2013. Kerry and Karzai made a show of unity Monday, shortly after the U.S. military ceded control of its last detention facility in Afghanistan, ending a longstanding irritant in relations between the two countries. Kerry, in Afghanistan for an unannounced visit, said he and Karzai were "on the same page" when it comes to peace talks with the Taliban. (AP Photo/Jason Reed, Pool)

    (AP) ? Eager to overcome a bout of bickering, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Afghan President Hamid Karzai made a show of unusual unity between their two nations on Monday. The friendly display came as the U.S. military ceded control of its last detention facility in Afghanistan, ending a longstanding irritant in relations.

    Kerry arrived in the Afghan capital of Kabul on an unannounced visit amid concerns that Karzai may be jeopardizing progress in the war against extremism with anti-American rhetoric. After a private meeting, Kerry said he and Karzai were "on the same page" on security and reconciliation issues and brushed aside suggestions that relations were in peril.

    Karzai infuriated U.S. officials earlier this month by accusing Washington of colluding with Taliban insurgents to keep Afghanistan weak even as the Obama administration pressed ahead with plans to hand off security responsibility to Afghan forces and end NATO's combat mission by the end of next year.

    At a joint news conference after their talks, Karzai told reporters that his comments in a nationally televised speech had been misinterpreted by the media. Kerry demurred on that point but said people sometimes say things in public that reflect ideas they have heard from others but don't necessarily agree with.

    "I am confident the president (Karzai) does not believe the U.S. has any interest except to see the Taliban come to the table to make peace and that we are completely cooperative with the government of Afghanistan with respect to the protection of their efforts and their people," Kerry said. He noted that he had specifically raised the comment in question with Karzai and was satisfied with the response.

    "We're on the same page," Kerry said. "I don't think there is any disagreement between us and I am very, very comfortable with the president's explanation."

    For his part, Karzai said that he had been trying to make the point in his speech that if the Taliban really wanted foreign troops out of Afghanistan they should stop killing people.

    In the March 9 speech, he berated the Taliban for deadly bombings in Kabul and the city of Khost that he said "showed that they are at the service of America and at the service of this phrase: 2014," ? the withdrawal date set for most international forces.

    Karzai suggested in the speech that the U.S. and the Taliban were working together "trying to frighten us into thinking that if the foreigners are not in Afghanistan, we would be facing these sorts of incidents."

    Standing beside Kerry on Monday, Karzai said "today was a very good day," citing the turnover of the detention facility at the U.S.-run Bagram military base north of Kabul. He also expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made for his country by Americans.

    At the same time, he defended allegations he has made about American troops or their local contractors abusing Afghan civilians. He said his complaints and criticism were not meant to "offend" anyone but rather to protect his people.

    "When I say something publicly, it is not meant to offend our allies but to correct the situation," he said. "I am responsible for the protection of the Afghan people. I am the president of this country. It is my job to provide all the protection I can to the people of this country."

    Karzai has ordered U.S. special operations forces out of Wardak province, just outside Kabul, because of allegations that Afghans working with the commandos were involved in abusive behavior.

    Kerry and Karzai's news conference came near the beginning of Kerry's 24-hour visit to the country ? his sixth since President Barack Obama took office but his first as Obama's secretary of state. Kerry referred frequently to U.S. respect for Afghan sovereignty and he said the handover of the detention facility was testament to that.

    As Kerry flew to Kabul, the U.S. military ceded control of the Parwan detention facility near Bagram, a year after the two sides initially agreed on the transfer. Karzai had demanded control of Parwan as a matter of national sovereignty.

    The long-running dispute over the center had thrown a pall over ongoing negotiations for a bilateral security agreement to govern the presence of U.S. forces in Afghanistan after 2014.

    An initial agreement to hand over Parwan was signed a year ago, but efforts to follow through on it constantly stumbled over American concerns that the Afghan government would release prisoners that it considered dangerous. An initial deadline for the full handover passed last September; another passed earlier this month.

    The U.S. concerns are not without foundation. Zakir Qayyum, a former Guantanamo detainee, was released into Afghan custody in 2007. Freed four months later, he rejoined the Taliban and reportedly has risen to become the No. 2 leader in the Taliban.

    Both Kerry and Karzai lauded the transfer of the facility. Karzai said an Afghan review board would carefully consider any intelligence provided by the U.S. or others about detainees they deem to be too dangerous to free.

    The pair also called on the Taliban to take advantage of the offer to open a political office in Doha, Qatar, from where they could engage in reconciliation talks with the Afghan Peace Council and potentially negotiate an end to hostilities.

    Kerry said the Taliban should not ignore the opportunity because the United States is committed to Afghanistan's security beyond 2014 and will not allow gains made over the past decade to be lost. He noted that Obama has not yet decided how many U.S. troops should stay after next year and that the Taliban should not count on a complete American withdrawal.

    There are about 100,000 coalition troops in Afghanistan, including about 66,000 from the United States. Although there is no decision on a residual force, U.S. officials have said as many as 12,000 U.S. and coalition forces could remain.

    Karzai said that peace talks with the Taliban would require the involvement of Pakistan because any Afghan peace process without that country was doomed to failure. Pakistan, particularly its intelligence service, has close ties to members of the Taliban.

    Kerry, who arrived in Kabul from Amman, Jordan, had hoped to travel to Pakistan on this trip to the region but put it off due to elections there.

    Instead, he met late Sunday in Amman with Pakistani army chief for Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, U.S. officials said.

    Kerry and Kayani had a private dinner at the residence of the U.S. ambassador to Jordan as Pakistan continued to seethe in the aftermath of the return of former president Pervez Musharraf, himself a former army chief, from exile.

    In Kabul, Kerry planned to meet again Tuesday with Karzai.He also had meetings scheduled with civic leaders and others to discuss continued U.S. assistance to the country and how to wean it from such aid as the international military operation winds down. Upcoming national elections also were on his agenda.

    Kerry praised what he said was Afghanistan's commitment to "safe, secure" and transparent elections next year that will see a successor to Karzai voted into power.

    _____

    Patrick Quinn in Kabul and Rahim Faiez in Bagram, Afghanistan contributed to this report.

    Associated Press

    Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-03-25-AS-Afghanistan-Kerry/id-5990785547794678a5e674528e8c69f9

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    What in the event you search for in a car insurance company ...

    What?s an automobile insurance? What will an automobile insurance cover?

    Car insurance companies cover you and your guests in the event of an accident. Nonetheless it is as much as you to determine the degree of cover you will get.

    Will the problems to your premises be included in the organization? Will all of the passengers be covered or only your loved ones? What if your daughter was driving your car or truck?

    What questions should you ask your auto insurance company as it pertains to auto insurance? This short article assist you to choose from the many insurance plans.

    Types of auto insurance

    Responsibility insurance, or 3rd party insurance.

    This is general the lowest form of insurance offered by an auto insurance company. This is the basic insurance, if you should be in an accident, and it?s proven to be your fault, the auto insurance company can pay damages to the other party.

    The cover made available from the automobile insurance company is normally set beforehand. They?re the absolute most the automobile insurance company will probably pay in the event of accident

    As an example the agent will agree with a coverage per individual, (bodily injury) and/or $40000 coverage in bodily injury and/or $10000 in property damage per accident

    You need to confirm together with your auto insurance company what are the boundaries and what they will include.

    You could be provided a very low quality by some auto insurance company only to understand that your cover is unlikely and minimal.

    Collision and comprehensive protection, comprehensive insurance and total comprehensive insurance

    A car insurance company will also offer you an extensive insurance, because the name implies, you?ll be adequately covered.

    Basically this means that should you are responsible for a crash the insurance provider will pay for the repair of the automobile.

    But it is maybe not so easy, an auto insurance company will typically have the last say on what amount will be settled, so if it?s cheaper to give you market price for the vehicle, they will.

    You might believe your car is worth $1000.00 but the true market price might be $500.00. This is not an uncommon situation. Therefore if the repair of your car are far more than $500.00 then the automobile insurance company will just pay the book value of the car.

    You need to be sure that the insurance carrier isn?t in control of the market value of the vehicle, usually companies such as the AA gives a neutral market value.

    Just like the 3rd party insurance, the automobile insurance company will almost certainly limit the amount that will be settled, however in general terms, a thorough insurance will have higher limits.

    Adventure Vehicle

    A entertainment vehicle needs its own insurance, a vehicle insurance, ( is not the same as auto insurance.

    You should not believe that since your car is comprehensively covered, so is your entertainment vehicle.

    Other Styles of car insurance

    Medical (MedPay), Persona Injury safety (PIP) and no problem cover

    This insurance will protect you and your people medical costs in the event of an impact.

    The number fault address implies that the automobile insurance company can pay aside from who is at fault. That give you the piece of mind that, at the very least, your friends and family are included.

    PIP is usually a minimum requirement in a few countries or states, ask your automobile insurance company what the requirements are.

    Uninsured/Underinsured owners? protection

    This cover, (also often the very least requirement in some states), will cover you if anyone at fault isn?t covered or is underinsured.

    You should ask your automobile insurance company what you will be charged in the event of such a scenario. Usually the auto insurance company shouldn?t charge you some additional payments.

    Rental reimbursement, towing and time

    These ?extras? often given with an extensive insurance is often use by auto insurance companies as packages.

    Therefore just in case your vehicle is broken the car insurance company will probably pay for rental costs, (sometimes only for several days).

    The auto insurance company may additionally offer to pay for the towing of one?s car, (not at all times included).

    As always you need to ask your auto insurance company what?s included in the address.

    The legal requirements.

    Most states, and many countries will require a particular level of cover, from total comprehensive car insurance to 3rd party automobile insurance.

    Generally it is up to you, the driver, to ensure your auto insurance company gives you the minimum required. In most cases the insurance company, (the automobile insurance company), is under no obligation to instruct you of what?s needed.

    But needless to say, a great automobile insurance company will, (should?), try its outmost to guide you on the very best option for you.

    Learn more about Auto Insurance organization, ( on our website. affordable car insurance in indiana

    Source: http://culturapopulara.ro/?p=40907

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    Yakima Herald Republic | Legislature honors late Gov. Booth Gardner

    OLYMPIA ? Lawmakers on Friday held a memorial on the Senate floor for the late Gov. Booth Gardner, a former two-term Democratic governor who died last week. The Senate on Friday passed a resolution honoring his service to the state, a day after it was passed by the House. A joint session of the House and Senate then paid tribute to Gardner, who died March 15 from complications related to Parkinson?s disease. He was 76.

    Several members of his family watched from the public gallery in the Senate as lawmakers spoke. Earlier, flags at the Capitol were lowered to half-staff.

    Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom, D-Medina, said that Gardner ?always offered hope.?

    ?I think the one thing that really stands out with Gov. Gardner was leadership,? he said. ?It wasn?t the kind of leadership where you went and you took a public poll, it was the kind of leadership where you did what you did because it was the right thing to do.?

    Rep. Jan Angel, R-Port Orchard, cited his humble but generous nature, and remembered, ?boy, he had a great smile.?

    The millionaire heir to the Weyerhaeuser timber fortune led the state from 1985 to 1993 following terms as Pierce County executive, state senator and business school dean. He was the state?s 19th governor.

    Since then, he had worked as a U.S. trade ambassador in Geneva, in youth sports and for a variety of philanthropic works. But his biggest political effort in his later years was his successful ?Death with Dignity? campaign in 2008 that ultimately led to the passage of the assisted suicide law that mirrored one in place in Oregon since 1997.

    The law allows terminally ill adults with six months or less left to live to request a lethal dose of medication from their doctors.

    Gardner knew that he wouldn?t qualify to use the law because Parkinson?s disease itself, while incurable, is not fatal. But at the time, he said his worsening condition made him an advocate for those who want control over how they die.

    ?We?ve heard about his final struggle,? said Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle. ?He took that pain and he thought about how he could help other people, how he could make death and the process of dying be a process of dignity.?

    A public memorial service is set to be held March 30, at the Memorial Fieldhouse at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. A private funeral was to be held separately.

    ? The resolution honoring Gov. Booth Gardner is HCR 4404.

    Source: http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestnews/968919-8/legislature-honors-late-gov-booth-gardner

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    Sunday, March 24, 2013

    Holder averts furloughs of prison staffers

    FILE ? In this March 6, 2013, file photo U.S.Attorney General Eric Holder testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. Congress passed a spending bill to keep the government open through the end of September 2013, which Holder says provides no relief from the $1.6 billion in budget reductions that became effective March 1. In a memo to Justice Department employees he says he dealt with the problem by transferring $150 million in existing Justice Department funds to the Bureau of Prisons account, thus averting daily furloughs of 3,570 federal prison staffers around the country, and staving off what would have been a serious threat to the lives and safety of staff, inmates and the public. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

    FILE ? In this March 6, 2013, file photo U.S.Attorney General Eric Holder testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. Congress passed a spending bill to keep the government open through the end of September 2013, which Holder says provides no relief from the $1.6 billion in budget reductions that became effective March 1. In a memo to Justice Department employees he says he dealt with the problem by transferring $150 million in existing Justice Department funds to the Bureau of Prisons account, thus averting daily furloughs of 3,570 federal prison staffers around the country, and staving off what would have been a serious threat to the lives and safety of staff, inmates and the public. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

    (AP) ? Attorney General Eric Holder says he has averted daily furloughs of 3,570 federal prison staffers around the country, moving $150 million from other Justice Department accounts to stave off a serious threat to the lives and safety of correctional staff, inmates and the public.

    Some 38,000 employees at the U.S. Bureau of Prisons supervise 176,000 inmates at 119 institutions, ensuring security and providing prisoners with needed programs.

    In a memo Friday to all Justice Department employees, Holder said that congressional passage of a spending bill keeping the government open through the end of September provides no relief from $1.6 billion in Justice Department budget reductions that already took effect.

    Holder's memo did not say which department agencies were tapped for the $150 million and spokeswoman Nanda Chitre declined to comment on that question Saturday.

    Holder said the cuts still raise serious issues.

    "I am deeply troubled by the impact the sequester will have on the department's capacity to prevent terrorism, combat violent crime, partner with states and local law enforcement agencies and protect the judiciary and our most vulnerable citizens," Holder wrote.

    "I am still evaluating whether we have the ability to avoid other furloughs in the department this year," he added, addressing concerns of department employees. "I will do all that I can to minimize the impact of these events on your lives."

    The attorney general said moving the $150 million can protect prison facilities through the end of the fiscal year in September, but does not resolve "serious life and safety issues" the Bureau of Prisons faces next year.

    Holder said his department has already required extensive cuts to travel, training, contracts and other accounts.

    Associated Press

    Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-03-23-Holder-Prison%20Furloughs/id-f8b6f534837f4a83aaff2a7ddcda0ef2

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