Anti-Heroin Vaccine Developed

Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute have created a vaccine that stops the high one get from from heroin. Designed as a therapeutic option for those trying to break their addiction, the vaccine produces antibodies that stop heroin as well as other psychoactive compounds metabolised from heroin from reaching the brain to produce euphoric effects.
Previous efforts to create a clinically viable heroin vaccine have struggled because heroin is metabolized into multiple substances that each produce psychoactive effects. To overcome this problem the researchers, led by the study’s principal investigator, Kim D. Janda, targeted not just the heroin itself, but also the chemical it quickly degrades into, 6-acetylmorphine (6AM), and morphine.
They linked a heroin-like hapten (a small molecule that elicits an immune response only when attached to a large carrier) to a generic carrier protein called keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), and mixed it with Alum, a vaccine additive, to create a vaccine “cocktail.” This mixture slowly degraded in the body, exposing the immune system to different psychoactive metabolites of heroin such as 6AM and morphine. “Critically, the vaccine produces antibodies to a constantly changing drug target,” said G. Neil Stowe, who is first author of the new study. “Such an approach has never before been engaged with drug-of-abuse vaccines.”

Kareena To Be Waxed In Chameli For Madame Tassauds' Museum

Finally it's finalised after many discussions, Kareena Kapoor's avatar for the famous Madame Tussauds museum in London has been decided.
The actress is reported to be waxed in 'Chameli' look, the character for which she was critically acclaimed and the 2003 movie that proved to be a boost in her career.
According to sources, several looks were discussed, but the maximum number of votes went to Kareena's look in 'Chameli', for which she won many awards. Besides, since it's an international forum, they wanted her in Indian wear.
The sources added that the museum officials have taken Bebo's measurements and have been working on her statue. For her role in 'Chameli', B-town's favourite designer Manish Malhotra along with executive producer Rangita Nandy had done the costumes and looks. So it is said that Manish will most probably design Kareen's Tussauds look as well.
Kareena will be flying London in October to unveil her wax statue, sources revealed.

Anitial Report Of Assets Of Former President Submitted In BB Case

An initial report containing details of assets of former president Pervez Musharraf, who was declared a proclaimed offender in Benazir Bhutto’s murder case, has been submitted to the court, it was reported Saturday.
A judge of an Anti Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi carried out the hearing of Benazir murder case in Adiala jail. During the course of hearing, the FIA counsel submitted the initial report containing details of Pervez Musharraf assets.
According to the report, Musharraf owns a piece of 1000 sq ft land in Singhar Housing Society, Gwadar while details of his property in Islamabad are yet to be provided by CDA and DHA.
Later, the proceedings were adjourned till August 10 while the trial of Mumbai attacks was also adjourned till the same date in Adiala jail.
The special court also heard the murder case of former governor Punjab Salman Taseer. On the occasion a statement of a witness was recorded and more witnesses were summoned for July 30. Later, the hearing was adjourned.

White House Ralks To Avert A Disastrous Early August Debt Default

White House talks to avert a disastrous early August debt default teetered on the edge of collapse late Friday as Republican House Speaker John Boehner abruptly quit the negotiations.
US President Barack Obama condemned Boehner's decision and angrily called top lawmakers to the White House for emergency negotiations at 11:00 am (1500 GMT) Saturday, warning "we have run out of time" with an August 2 deadline looming. "I expect them to have an answer in terms of how they intend to get this thing done over the course of the next week. The American people expect action," the president said at a hastily called public appearance.
Obama said Boehner, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell must "have some answers" to reassure skittish global markets.
Obama insisted that any agreement to raise the $14.3 trillion debt limit last through his November 2012 reelection bid and declared himself "confident" of reaching a deal to do so because of critical stakes for the US economy.
"I cannot believe that Congress would end up being that irresponsible that they would not send a package that avoids a self-inflicted wound to the economy at a time when things are so difficult," he declared.
Obama's remarks came just a half-hour after Boehner telephoned him to say he was backing out of often acrimonious negotiations that had centered, Republican aides said, on a plan to cut $3-$3.5 trillion from US debt over ten years.
Boehner said in a letter to members of the House of Representatives that he was walking away because the Democratic president was insisting on increasing tax revenue collected from the rich and wealthy corporations. "I have decided to end discussions with the White House and begin conversations with the leaders of the Senate in an effort to find a path forward," Boehner said in a letter to members of the House of Representatives.
Washington hit its debt ceiling on May 16 but has used spending and accounting adjustments, as well as higher-than-expected tax receipts, to pay its bills and continue operating up August 2.
Finance and business leaders have warned failure to raise the US debt ceiling by then would send shock waves through the world economy, while Obama has predicted a default would trigger economic "Armageddon."
A House Republican leadership aide told reporters on condition of anonymity that Boehner believed he needed to have a detailed plan to present to House Republicans by Monday.
Boehner and Obama were at odds on a range of issues, but a key sticking point was the White House's push for increasing tax revenues from the rich and wealthy corporations, something Republicans fiercely opposed. "A deal was never reached, and was never really close. In the end, we couldn't connect. Not because of different personalities, but because of different visions for our country," Boehner said in his letter to the House. "The president is emphatic that taxes have to be raised. As a former small businessman, I know tax increases destroy jobs."
The response from the other congressional leaders did little to fuel expectations that a deal could quickly be reached.
McConnell called the collapse "disappointing" and vowed to tackle "the nation's unsustainable debt" but "without job-killing tax hikes."
Reid stressed that "we must avert a default at all costs" but condemned Republicans for an "ideological opposition to ending taxpayer-funded giveaways for millionaires, corporate jet owners and oil companies."
Reid and Pelosi flatly opposed any short-term deal, said it was time for Boehner to act like an "adult," and vowed to protect social safety net programs dear to Democrats but targeted by Obama and Boehner alike for savings.
Boehner said at a press conference later that "no one wants to default on the full faith and credit of the United States government. And I'm convinced that we will not."
US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben Bernanke, and New York Federal Reserve Bank President William Dudley met at the US Treasury Department earlier to discuss the effects of a default. "While we remain confident that Congress will raise the debt ceiling soon," the department said in a terse statement, the officials "met today to discuss the implications for the US economy if Congress fails to act."

Pieterson's Unbeaten Century Was The Cornerstone Of England's 305

Kevin Pietersen's unbeaten century was the cornerstone of England's 305 for five against India at tea on the second day of the first Test at Lord's here on Friday.
South Africa-born Pietersen was 115 not out at the interval having scored his 18th century in 75 Tests but only his second in 37 innings.
Matt Prior was unbeaten on 21.
But seamer Praveen Kumar, leading an attack depleted by the hamstring strain suffered by left-arm quick Zaheer Khan on Thursday, ensured England did not run away with the match thanks to a return of three for 85 in 34.3 overs -- including two wickets for no runs in four balls.
England started the second session on 217 for three, with Pietersen 71 not out and Ian Bell 28 not out.
There was a surprise as India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni emerged having handed the wicketkeeping duties to Rahul Dravid, who used to be behind the stumps in one-day internationals.
Dhoni made his move as Zaheer remained in the dressing room, where he'd been since a hamstring strain forced him off the field midway through his 14th over on Thursday.
Now Dhoni bowled his deceptively useful medium-pacers ahead of the new ball and celebrated when he had Pietersen 'caught' by Dravid for 73.
Billy Bowden gave Pietersen out but the batsman immediately called for a review, and with Hot Spot technology showing no edge the New Zealand umpire revered his original verdict.
India took the new ball with England 246 for three off 87 overs, with Dhoni, after bowling five overs for 20 runs, reverting to keeping wicket.
The 31-year-old Pietersen though completed a 216-ball hundred, his fourth against India and fifth at Lord's, when he on-drove Ishant in style for his 10th boundary.
But Kumar dimissed Bell for 45 with a beauty that nipped off the seam to take the edge, Dhoni's low diving catch completing the dismissal.
That ended a stand of 110 and 270 for four became 270 for five when the same combination got rid of Eoin Morgan for a duck.
Dhoni gave himself a second bowling stint but to no avail.
England had resumed Friday on 127 for two after Zaheer had removed openers Alastair Cook and captain Andrew Strauss before breaking down.
Jonathan Trott was 58 not out and Pietersen 22 not out.
But persevering medium-pacer Kumar was rewarded for his accuracy when Trott, aiming across the line, was lbw for 70 to end a stand of 98 that left England 160 for three.
Pietersen, on 49, almost fell into a well-set trap when he glanced Kumar towards Dravid in the rarely used position of leg-slip.
But Pietersen stood his ground and, after the umpires consulted replays which proved inconclusive, he was reprieved.

Soviet Union VS United States Of America

A fifty year old computer engineer who migrated with parents when he was 12 years is now settled in the USA, has written a book in 2009, "Reinventing Collapse: The Soviet Example and American Prospects". He claimed in his book that on the basis of economics, environment, and politics the fall of the USA is as certain as was that of Soviet Union. He says that Soviet Union collapsed within 17 years and the USA will take more or less the same time. The resemblances exist between the two countries e.g. Both remained military and industrial empires, both developed on the basis of science , technology and economy. Both have been trying to spread their ideologies in the world, to capture the world economically and technologically and attempted to be super powers. One's fall occurred and other is near to fall.
Today the USA is facing the same challenges that Soviet Union confronted. The wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and probably in Iran that can never be won, the low production of oil, uncontrollable war budget, Foreign debts, trade deficit, huge corrupt political system, and the feelings of being the super nation in the world were the bases for its fall.
What the financial and social problems are being faced by the USA do not seem to be solved in future. Hatred could arouse among the unemployed and homeless people ,price hike may be another factor that will make the government powerless to solve all the problems that may lead to lawlessness and possibly civil war may take place, the situation exactly similar to the USSR before it collapsed.

Aamir Atlas Of Pakistan Reaches Malaysian Open Squash Championship Final

Pakistani Aamir Atlas Khan has reached the final of the Malaysian open squash championship.
Aamir defeated Australian Cameron Pillay 3-1 in their semifinal match. He will play top seeded Frenchmen Gregory Gaultier in the final. Gaultier defeated Alan Cylen 3-0 to reach the finals.
Speaking to reporter from Kuala Lumpur, Aamir said his performance in the tournament was a result of intense training and expressed hope that he would be successful in winning the final.
The winner of the tournament will receive $ 7,000 prize money.