Cells Grown By Japanese Researchers Kills Cancer

 

 

In a promising start to a brand new year, researchers at the University of Tokyo and theRiken Research Centre for Allergy and Immunology may have found a possible cure for some of the worst diseases plaguing mankind, including HIV and cancer.

Working as a team, researchers from both institutions were able to extract live T-cells, the vital powerhouses of the human immune system, from patients, specifically targeting specialized cytotoxic T-cells which have the ability to recognize and attack signs of infection. One donor suffered from skin cancer; another HIV.

Researchers then converted the T-cells back to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) by exposing them to a group of compounds called the “Yamanaka factors,” in part so they could study the stem cells’ differentiation processes. Then the team reconverted the stem cells back into specialized disease-fighters, the T-cells known as “killer T-cells”or “killer T lymphocytes.” Among other critical findings, researchers discovered that the skin-cancer fighting T-cells remained capable of producing the crucial anti-tumor compound interferon

Why take the trouble to convert cells to a pluripotent stage, if only to reconvert them to their original state? Because stem cells can be grown at a much faster pace in a laboratory than in the human body, enabling researchers to create killer T lymphocytes that are—at least theoretically—ready for therapeutic human injection.

We’re not there yet, however, the researchers caution. While the iPS cells did reconvert back into their original specializations, it’s unsure whether lab-grown cells will behave similarly to the immune system’s own disease-fighters when injected into the human body. Furthermore, the risk of rejection is high when cells from one patient are grown and converted for use in another.

Perhaps most importantly, it’s hard to predict whether cells that fight cancer in the lab will restrict their deadly effects to cancer cells in the body. Lead researcher Hiroshi Kawamoto, in a press release from the Riken Center, states, “the next step will be to test whether these T cells can selectively kill tumor cells but not other cells in the body.” It’s possible that lab-grown cells could attack normal, healthy human cells after therapeutic injection.

But medical and scientific experts remain cautiously optimistic. Dr. Dusko Ilic, Senior Lecturer in Stem Cell Science, King’s College London, speaking to Mail Online, states, “a lot of work needs to be done before we can think about clinical trials, [but] the initial data are promising.”

The main challenge researchers face is the cost of producing large amounts of killer T lymphocytes safely. Numerous expensive confirmatory studies and trials will need to be conducted before the new therapy is approved for human use.

The implications for the health of humankind, on the other hand, are immediate, and clear. If science has indeed provided a novel means of fighting our most persistent and deadly infections, untold amounts of suffering could be mitigated—and, ultimately, eradicated.

Cat caught sneaking saw, phone into Brazil prison

 

 

            A cat carrying a saw and a mobile phone was "detained" as it entered a prison gate in northeast Brazil,Brazilian media reported on Saturday. Prison guards were surprised when they saw a white cat crossing the main gate of the prison, its body wrapped with tape. A closer look showed the feline also carried drills, an earphone, a memory card, batteries and a phone charger. All 263 detainees in the prison of Arapiraca, a city of 215,000 people in the state of Alagoas, are considered suspect in the plot, which is being investigated by local police. "It's tough to find out who's responsible for the action as the cat doesn't speak," a prison spokesperson told local paper Estado de S.Paulo. The cat was taken to an animal disease center to receive medical care. The incident took place on New Year's day but was first reported by national media on Saturday.

2face and Annie Idibia plan elaborate wedding

 

     Just about when we thought pop star 2face Idibia and actress Annie Macaulay were finally settling down to their new life as husband and wife, we have now confirmed that the Idibias aren’t done just yet!

The lovebirds have something big up their sleeves, we’ve been told. And NET has gathered, reliably, that preparation for a more flamboyant ’2face and Annie’ wedding is in top gear.

Sources say the couple will have the ceremony  in Abuja next month.

We’re told plans for Dubai are also in the works, but we could not immediately confirm if that’s for a belated honeymoon or a special ‘friends + family only’ reception.

Everyone who has heard the news is excited, and Annie herself has already been dropping hints on her Twitter page.

‘Wedding planning with the bride to be @AnnieMacaulay1 … #ActlikeYouKnow’, Nigerian model and Jacob’s Cross star Kendra Etufunwa tweeted, with Annie retweeting. Another friend tweeted multiple photos of Mrs Idibia and friends/’bridesmaids’ having a ‘wedding committee’ meeting.

2face made Annie a surprise proposal on Valentine’s Day in 2012, and the couple wedded secretly in May 2012.

Father Kills 4-Month Old Son for Ritual in Kogi state

 

The police command in Kogi state have arrested a middle aged man, Mr Hosea Folorunsho in Egbe town of Yagba West local government council for the alleged gruesome murder of his son for ritual purpose.

Briefing journalists on the arrest in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Katsina says the suspect, a herbalist, also buried the child in a shallow grave in his own compound.

There's a video of the report after the cut...but please be warned...the images are quite disturbing...


The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Katsina while parading the suspect, Chief Hosea Folorunsho, at the state command headquarters, Lokoja-the state capital, disclosed that on the 31st of December 2012, the herbalist killed his son for alleged ritual.

Narrating the police investigation, the police boss, Mr Katsina disclosed that on the New Year’s Eve, at about 11:55PM, the suspect quietly took the baby named Sunday Folorunsho who was asleep in the middle of the night and murdered him in gruesome circumstances.

He added that having accomplished his mission, the suspect dug a shallow grave in his compound and hurriedly buried the corpse of the baby.

The police escorted Mr Folorunsho to his compound where the baby’s corpse was buried and he was then asked to exhume the corpse.

Digging out the corpse of the baby, he handed over the body to a pathologist who conducted an autopsy on the dead baby.

The autopsy result read that the child died of multiple fractures through the application of blunt object and trauma.

The 48 year old suspect, a native of Egbe in Yagba West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state is married with three other kids.

Court disolves K-solo's marriage, buys N7million SUV to celebrate

       

 

 

K-Solo's brief marriage to the mother of his son, Kikelomo Oyeniyi, has finally been dissolved. A high court sitting in Ikeja dissolved the marriage on Thursday December 3rd, and to celebrate the divorce, the music producer bought himself a 2009 black Commander Jeep said to be worth N7m.

K-Solo filed for divorce in June 2012 after only 8 months of marriage to Kikelomo who accused him of battery and produced photos of her bruised face to prove it. The two welcomed a son in October 2012. K-Solo is already engaged to be married again (pictured above with his new fiance, Bimbo).

Comedian Buchi acquires 2009 LR3

   

 

The comedian got the car a few days ago. Congrats to him! 

Late Enebeli Elebuwa's tribute night will hold 9th of January

 

 

The candlelight procession of late veteran actor Enebeli Elebuwa will hold on the 9th of January at 5pm from Masha roundabout to Ojez Restaurant, Stadium, Surulere. The tribute night commences at O'Jez car park immediately. Dress code is white.

Terry G acquires brand new Range Rover Sports

The Akpako master just got himself a Range Rover Sport as new year gift and shared the photos on Twitter. Congrats to him!

Pastor accused of raping 12-year-old girl

 

Culled from Punch

A pastor, Alasco Sobowale, has been accused of raping a 12-year-old girl (name withheld) in Epe, Lagos State. The pastor was said to have allegedly had carnal knowledge of the girl at their home located at 10, Togodo Street, Temu Town.

The victim’s aunt, Mrs. Ngozi Anjorin, said the incident occurred on December 15, 2012

Anjorin said the victim only spoke Igbo Language and had recently arrived Lagos from Imo State. She said Sobowale, who also speaks Igbo, allegedly lured her niece to the toilet around 9pm and had sex with her.

 

She said, “My niece was sent to Lagos about two weeks before the incident so I could send her to school because she doesn’t speak English Language. She only speaks Igbo and only I and the pastor, who is our neighbour, speak Igbo.

 

“On that particular night, my children were in the room watching television but I couldn’t find my niece. I kept on shouting her name but I got no answer. I then proceeded to the toilet which is detached from the building. I knocked on the door of the toilet and the pastor immediately ran out and I saw her inside the toilet.

 

“When I inquired of her what she was doing inside the toilet with the pastor, she said he lured her into the toilet and covered her mouth with his palm so she wouldn’t scream. She said the pastor brought out his penis and forced it into her anus. She said he also put his penis in her vagina and when she discharged a particular fluid, he used a handkerchief to scoop it.”

 

Anjorin said Sobowale, who lives with his wife and children in the same compound, fled after the incident.

 

Anjorin said two days later, she reported the matter to the Epe Police Division and the policemen began to look for him.

 

It was learnt that two days later, the police were able to arrest him.

Residents told our correspondent that after Sobowale’s arrest, some of his church members accused a six-year-old girl of bewitching the pastor and had her flogged and paraded.

 

 

A source, who craved anonymity, said, “Sobowale is not actually the head pastor. His wife is the senior pastor of the church known as Okiki Imole. A few days after the incident, a six-year-old girl was branded a witch and accused of manipulating the pastor to commit the dastardly act.

 

“The poor girl was beaten up and paraded round the town. They said when the pastor was conducting deliverance for her; her spirit took over his body.”

Anjorin said the alleged rape victim was rushed down to Epe General Hospital where tests were conducted on her.

A copy of the doctor’s report made available to PUNCH Metro, stated that the victim’s “vaginal hymen is no longer intact and bruises were observed in the anal region.”

 

The report further stated that there was sperm residue in the victim’s private part and it was concluded that she had been sexually assaulted.

 

A doctor, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said because Sobowale had not provided his sperm sample, it was impossible to ascertain if it was his own sperm that was found in the victim’s private part.

 

PUNCH metro learnt that Sobowale was released a few days later and charges against him dropped.

Anjorin however protested the development, adding it was not safe for her niece to live in the same compound with Sobowale.

 

A neighbour, who craved anonymity, said it was the habit of policemen in the area to cover up such crimes.

 

“Whenever a crime of this nature occurs, the police would ask the suspect to offset the victim’s hospital bill and then grant the suspect bail. It is very common in areas like Epe because it is not situated in the metropolis,” he said.

 

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed that the girl was raped.

 

Braide said the police had not taken sides, adding that the pastor was released on bail because courts were not in session.

“The pastor is in charge of a white garment church in the area. He will be charged with sodomy. He was released on bail because courts are not sitting but once courts resume, he will be charged,” she said.

Ben Murray Bruce named chairman of FRCN

 

   The Chairman of Silverbird Group and former Director-General of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Mr Ben Murray Bruce, has been named the chairman of the board of directors of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).  The Secretary to the Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim made the announcement yesterday. Other board members are: Funke Egbemode, Bola Doherty, Farouk Dalhatu, J. N. Chinedu, Hajia Hauwa Kida, Chief Elvis Agukwe, and Abubakar Sarkin Fawa Damboh.

Why D'banj and Genevieve Nnaji broke up

         Some of you think the relationship between D'banj and Genevieve Nnaji was a publicity stunt...it wasn't! The sexy stars dated off and on between 2009 and early 2012. D'banj recently opened up to Toolz on the Juice about his relationship with Ms Nnaji and said he doesn't know who dumped who “Genevieve was a friend…(but now) I haven’t seen her…I don’t know who dumped who. I can tell you for free that Genevieve did the dumping. Not necessarily because she wanted to, but because she had no choice. There were just too many women around D'banj. It seemed at a point, a lot of women wanted a piece of the Kokomaster, including a close friend of the actress who allegedly began an affair with D'banj behind her back. Genny decided she'd had enough and ended things in late 2011.   Genevieve and D'banj briefly reconciled in early 2012, but ended things for good after D'banj started flaunting his relationship with Ghanian actress, Nadia Buari. 

                 The relationship which began in late 2009 after the two met at the airport, became public after D'banj granted an exclusive INTERVIEW to Stella Dimoko Korkus in March 2010, expressing his feelings for Miss Nnaji.  D'banj said: "We have been trying to keep this quiet but yes, I am dating Genevieve Nnaji.  I am in love with her. It’s been long I felt this way about anyone. I don’t know what other words to use to qualify my feelings. She’s my baby, she’s my every thing and I love her." People in the know claim that it wasn't only the other women in D'banj's life that ended their relationship but also because Genny herself was not committed to the relationship. D'banj was said to have been hurt after he heard that Genny had also allegedly dated another popular Nigerian singer. 

'Why K1 and I don't see eye to eye' - Fuji star Obesere

 

'After the death of Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, K1 started parading himself as the new king of Fuji. He can't be the new King when General Kollington Ayinla is still alive. That is rude! Ayinla has been playing music long before all of us, that makes him our father. Even after Ayinla's death, K1 will still not have the right to call himself the leader of fuji musicians. He has never been a King over me. He is the Lord of his own music. He is rude to even the elderly ones and that is why someone like me will never agree with him on anything. This type of bad attitude of his is what has made me not to respect him. I am the type of person who will always voice out when I am not cool with something. Even K1 himself knows I don't take shit from anyone. He tries to sing about me, say good things about me whenever we are together in public, all to let people think all is well between us and to curry my good side. But we both know that is all camouflage. K1 doesn't like anyone who is making progress. He's a snob. He doesn't have a good character. Because of him, I want to change my kind of music from Fuji. I give respect to only those who deserve it." - Abass Akande Obesere

26yr old Crystal Harris weds 86yr old Playboy founder, Hugh Hefner

Crystal Harris finally married Hugh Hefner on Monday December 31st 2012 after calling off her engagement to him just days before their wedding in 2011. There's a 60 year age difference between them which doesn't bother Mr Hefner. He tweeted 'The dramatic age difference between Crystal & me really doesn't matter. Whatever time I have left, we want to spend together.' "stupid "

Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s predictions for 2013

 

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye yesterday January 1st released his annual prophesies for the year 2013. 

Pastor Adeboye told his congregation at Redemption Camp that 2013 will be better than last year but explained that there could be more devastating natural disasters like flood if necessary precautionary measures are not taken soonest to avert such calamities.

According to Pastor Adeboye, before the middle of the year, many Nigerians will have reason to say hope rising, adding however, that prayers and supplication be intensified.



He told the crowd of worshippers that God spared the lives of certain individuals in the country last year because of intercessory prayers of the saints, noting “the prayers of some of you minimized death of prominent Nigerians last year, don’t stop praying.”

Speaking on the prophecies for individual Nigerians, Pastor Adeboye said, “No matter the darkness around you, your star will shine brighter.

 

“God says, He will speak peace to your storms; Certain individuals have been stagnated for sometimes, the reasons for your stagnation will become known, will be addressed and will be eliminated, therefore progress will follow.”

Continuing on the individual category, Pastor Adeboye said in many senses of the word, this year will be of completeness.

On the international platform, the cleric said prominent world leaders need a lot of prayers so as not to die in office. In addition, he said prominent Church leaders need prayers against planned scandals, even as he said that weather conditions may get worst, much worst, unless prayers are intensified.

But there is a cheery news when Adeboye said: “We should expect a major breakthrough in medicine this year,” concluding that nations who pass unholy laws will have a taste of divine fury.
Earlier in a brief sermon titled; “Preparing for a year of signs and wonders”, he outlined certain principles to enable one tap into heavenly reservoir of the miraculous.

According to him, this year will be a better year than the just ended one, maintaining that the principles must include praise and worship of God, putting God first before any other consideration; evangelism; control the fullness of your joy, pointing out that one who is close to God can control even the weather around him.

Adeboye was very particular about the praise of God as a veritable tool for signs and wonders, noting that one can pray, study the Bible in silence but no one can praise God in silence.
The congregation applauded when he said: “You can never praise God quietly”, stressing that praising Him comes from a heart of gratitude and it’s not quietly.

“If they say we are crazy for shouting Hallelujah in our environment and wherever we find ourselves, then that is a good kind of craziness,” he stated, adding that nobody says thank you to his benefactor with his mouth closed.

While assuring worshippers that 2013 is a year of doors, Adeboye said it is one thing to enter into a New Year and it is another to have a brand new beginning, hence he enjoined every Nigerian to live right with God who only has the capacity to give of His limitless bounties and guarantee all round peace and calm every storm in our lives.

Source: Vanguard

Actress Toyin Aimakhu is engaged !

 

After less than a year of dating, Yoruba actress Toyin Aimakhu and her man, Tinsel actor Adeniyi Johnson are engaged. Niyi proposed to  Toyin today December 31st. The couple met on a movie location early this year and have been inseparable since then. Big congrats.

Davido and manager Asa Asika part ways

 

After almost two years of working together, Davido, 20, and his manager Asa Asika, 22, (center) have parted ways. They reportedly ended their working relationship a few days back but none of them have said anything about it yet, though they've both changed their Twitter bios.

MEL GIBSON'S 94 YEARS OLD FATHER OFFICIALLY DIVORCED FROM HIS 78 YEARS OLD WIFE

                          

 

 

Mel Gibson's 94-year-old father Hutton is officially divorced from his wife ,but don't worry, she'll be just fine ... because she's LOADED.  The divorce was finalized Wednesday -- and according to the court docs, 78-year-old Teddy Joye Hicks has over $640,000 in cash and savings as separate property.  And... she gets to keep the Lincoln Town Car.  Teddy Joye's fortune dwarfs Hutton's, who takes away a paltry $22,595 -- but with a son like Mel who pays his dad's bills, Hutton's still got it made.   The former couple had $22,000 in community property -- which they'll split 50/50.  Oh yeah, they also get to keep their own social security benefits -- score!  Hutton and Teddy were married in 2001 and separated last May. Hutton filed for divorce a month later -- and the split was pretty nasty. As we reported, Mel believed Teddy was trying to cut off Hutton's meds in order to accelerate his death.

Popular Yoruba actress, Bisi Komolafe. She died Monday December 31st

                                

 

                        Popular Yoruba actress, Bisi Komolafe. She died  Monday December 31st at the

                       University College Hospital (UCH)in Ibadan after battling an undisclosed ailment for a 

                      while. Such a sad loss. May her soul rest in peace...

 

Paparazzi got killed After chasing Justin Bieber's Ferrari

 

 

       A photographer was hit by a car and killed Tuesday after taking shots of Justin Bieber's white Ferrari while it was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol, authorities said.  Police are interviewing the motorist who hit the 29-year-old man but no arrests have been made. Bieber was not in the car.  The photographer died at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. A friend of the photographer told KCAL-TV Channel 9 that he was not a professional.  The incident took place on Sepulveda Boulevard near Getty Center Drive shortly before 6 p.m. A friend of Bieber was driving the sports car when it was pulled over on the 405 Freeway by the CHP for a traffic stop, according to LAPD Sgt. Rudy Lopez.  

   The CHP officer directed the driver of Bieber's car off the freeway and onto Sepulveda.  The photographer arrived at the scene, got out of his car and crossed Sepulveda to take photos. He was hit by the car as he went back across the boulevard to his own car, the sources said.  The paparazzi have tracked the driving habits of Bieber, 18, and the Los Angeles city attorney's office has been unsuccessful in its attempt to use a novel state law to limit their pursuits.  Judge Thomas Rubinson ruled in November that the state law did not pass constitutional muster in a case against Paul Raef, a photographer who sped on the 101 Freeway last year to capture Bieber receiving a traffic citation.  Passed in 2010, the law punishes paparazzi driving dangerously to obtain images they intend to sell. But Rubinson said the law violated 1st Amendment protections, potentially affecting wedding photographers or those speeding to events where celebrities are present.

RIHANNA IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH CHRIS BROWN

 

        And just like that ... Rihanna's back where it all started ... Chris Brown's passenger seat.  The on-again couple relived their past earlier today in L.A., where they picked up some refreshments -- including an Icee -- at a gas station convenience store.  You'll recall, Rihanna was riding shotgun back in 2009 when CB unleashed a ferocious beatdown on her face -- but today, she was nothing but smiles.  

Oh yeah, that red sweatshirt she's wearing is Chris' clothing line -- Black Pyramid.   Hope Part 2 works out better.