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International Study Links 3 Genes To Melanoma
A consortium of European and Australian scientists doing a genome-wide association study found three gene variants were strongly linked to

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Of the 600,000-800,000 people trafficked across international borders each year, 50 percent are under 17. It is estimated that by 2010, human trafficking will be the No. 1 crime worldwide.
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The 454 Genome Sequencing System Detects A Novel Virus Responsible For South African Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreak
A study published online in PLoS Pathogens reports that researchers at Columbia University, the South African National Health Laboratory Services, the US Centers for Disease Control, and 454 Life Sciences have discovered a new virus that is responsible for a highly fatal hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Zambia and South Africa late 2008(1). The previously unknown arenavirus, which is distantly related to the Lassa virus and Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, was characterized using the rapid and sensitive sequencing technology of 454 Life Sciences. The new species, named "Lujo virus" for the geographic origin of the outbreak (Lusaka, Zambia and Johannesburg, South Africa), is the first hemorrhagic fever-associated arenavirus from Africa identified in the past three decades. Characterization of the novel virus confirms the utility of unbiased high-throughput sequencing for pathogen discovery and provides an opportunity for public health efforts to quickly curb emerging viral pandemics in the future.
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No Time For Complacency In Pandemic Planning: Aon

In light of the World Health Organization raising its pandemic flu alert to the top phase of its six-phase scale, Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC) today issued the following statement by Gisele Norris, DrPH, national director of Aon Healthcare"s alternative risk practice: "While raising the pandemic alert level indicates that the H1N1 virus has achieved sustained community transmission in a broad geography, the WHO declaration does not indicate a change in the severity of the current outbreak. That said, influenza viruses are notoriously unpredictable and this virus may mutate to become more severe at any time. Pandemics typically manifest in three or more waves of disease which may differ in severity and can occur at any time during the year. "The WHO declaration is a signal that businesses worldwide must continue and indeed escalate vigilance in their pandemic planning efforts. This is not a time to be complacent, but rather an opportunity to anticipate possible scenarios and create contingency plans accordingly. Aon stands at the ready to guide and assist its clients in their readiness preparations." Aon has identified six critical steps to protect employees, customers, supply chain partners, additional stakeholders and business assets: -- Ensure supply chain is uninterrupted by determining availability of backup suppliers. -- Build a pandemic crisis communication plan, including a process for cascading critical messages to employees. -- Develop a protocol to facilitate home working arrangements for employees. -- Inform employees of any travel protocols/restrictions in place. -- Look at succession planning for all levels of the organization and ensure that at a minimum key functions have been addressed. -- Construct a plan of action addressing the incubation period (three to four days prior to onset of symptoms) in the event an employee is suspected of having the H1N1 flu virus at work, a family member is at risk or an employee has been exposed to the virus. About Aon Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human capital consulting. Through its more than 37,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon readily delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Aon"s industry-leading global res and technical expertise are delivered locally through more than 500 offices in more than 120 countries. Named the world"s best broker by Euromoney magazine"s 2008 and 2009 Insurance Survey, Aon also ranked highest on Business Insurance"s listing of the world"s largest insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues in 2008. A.M. Best deemed Aon the number one insurance broker based on brokerage revenues in 2007 and 2008, and Aon was voted best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007 and 2008 by the readers of Business Insurance. Aon Corporation


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