Studies toward the comprehension of fungal-macroalgae interaction in cold marine regions from a biotechnological perspective.

In marine ecosystems, macroalgae are the habitat for several microorganisms, fungi being among them. In the Antarctic benthic coastal ecosystem, macroalgae play a key role in organic matter cycling. In this study, 13 different macroalgae from Potter Cove and surrounding areas were sampled and 48 fungal isolates were obtained from six species, four Rhodophyta Ballia callitricha, Gigartina skottsbergii, Neuroglossum delesseriae and Palmaria decipiens, and two Phaeophyceae: Adenocystis utricularis and Ascoseira mirabilis.

The American Public Is Ready to Accept Human-Animal Chimera Research.

We report findings from a new survey of US public attitudes toward human-animal chimeric embryo (HACE) research, designed to compare with recently reported Japanese survey data. We find that 59% of the US public can personally accept the process of injecting human induced pluripotent stem cells into genetically modified swine embryos and having human tissues produced in a pig's body transplanted into a human. This is greater acceptance than in Japan, and there is even strong acceptance among those with strong religious affiliations and who self-identify as conservatives.

Infection control during construction.

"Construction" work requires special attention in healthcare facilities because infection caused by exposure to airborne dust contaminated with certain mould species can cause severe illness in patients with weakened immune systems. It is essential, therefore, that all construction work be assessed at the planning stage for potential impacts and, where required, be performed under carefully controlled conditions. Consideration must extend beyond dust generated by major projects to include dust that can become airborne during routine maintenance and minor renovation activ ties.