Winds of Change in Higher Education.

Recent developments confirm predictions by the IEEE that Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) will have extensive impact on the future landscape of higher education. New degree structures are being introduced and awarding of verified MOOC credentials is becoming more widespread, as is recognition of MOOC credits by universities and employers. The question is whether this disruptive influence is being sufficiently used as an incentive for re-evaluation of standard practices and for driving strategic change in higher education.

Cellular mechanisms of the anticancer effects of the lichen compound usnic acid.

The lichen compound usnic acid is used for its antimicrobial activities in cosmetic products and is also a component of slimming agents. Its effect against cancer cells was first noted over 30 years ago. In this study possible mechanisms of this effect were investigated using two human cell lines, the breast cancer cell line T-47D and the pancreatic cancer cell line Capan-2.

In vitro and in vivo immunomodulating effects of traditionally prepared extract and purified compounds from Cetraria islandica.

Cetraria islandica (Iceland moss) has been used for centuries in folk medicine in many countries against a number of conditions, including inflammatory conditions, mainly as an aqueous extract. C. islandica contains many compounds, such as polysaccharides and secondary metabolites, some of which have established biological activity.