Institute for Preventive Strategies

OSDB: Missile Defense System Completes Successful Intercept Test

The Missile Defense Agency and Navy sailors aboard the USS Lake Erie conducted a successful flight test of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system yesterday, Pentagon officials reported. In the test, the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense 4.0 weapon system and a Standard Missile 3 Block IB missile intercepted a separating ballistic missile target over the Pacific Ocean. A separating short-range ballistic missile target was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii, and flew northwest toward a broad ocean area. The USS Lake Erie detected and tracked the missile with its onboard AN/SPY-1 radar. The ship, equipped with the second-generation Aegis BMD weapon system, developed a fire control solution and launched the SM-3 Block IB missile. The SM-3 maneuvered to a point in space based on guidance from Aegis BMD weapon system and released its kinetic warhead. The warhead acquired the target re-entry vehicle, diverted into its path, and, using only the force of a direct impact, engaged and destroyed the target. Initial indications are that all components performed as designed, officials said, and program officials will assess and evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test. Last night's event, designated Flight Test Maritime 19, was the third consecutive successful intercept test of the Aegis BMD 4.0 weapon system and the SM-3 Block IB guided missile, and the 25th successful intercept in 31 flight test attempts for the Aegis BMD program since flight testing began in 2002. Across all Ballistic Missile Defense System programs, this is the 59th successful hit-to-kill intercept in 74 flight tests since 2001, officials said. Aegis BMD is the naval component of the Missile Defense Agency's Ballistic Missile Defense System. The MDA and the Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD program. Sources Missile Defense System Completes Successful Intercept Test http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120059

OSDB: Face of Defense: Engineer Ensures Robotic Controller’s Success

Unmanned vehicles, known as UxVs, deliver enhanced information dominance capabilities to the fleet, increasing the utility of robotic systems employed in military operations. Such military operations can range from combat to disaster-relief missions, which create the requirement for robotic command-and-control systems with mission-specific functionality that display mission-specific information to the operator. Guided by Gary Gilbreath, chief software engineer for unmanned systems here at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific -- SSC Pacific for short -- has developed an unmanned vehicle/sensor operator-control interface that can simultaneously handle multiple sets of disparate remote systems. Development of the Multi-robot Operator Control Unit, which enables command and control of a wide range of vehicles and payloads under varying mission scenarios, began in 2001. It’s the first “common controller” for SSC Pacific’s broad family of developmental UxV systems, including land, air, sea and undersea vehicles and sensors. “Gilbreath has been a driving force in the success of MOCU from development to deployment,” said Bart Everett, technical director for unmanned systems. “In fact, beginning in 1987, he was one of the first Unmanned Systems Branch employees to develop software for an operator command and control interface, using a surrogate unmanned ground vehicle.” Government-owned, MOCU has a modular, scalable, and flexible architecture. Modularity allows for a breadth of functionality, such as communicating in unrelated protocols. Scalability allows MOCU to be installed on a wide range of hardware. While, flexibility allows MOCU users to define what information is displayed and determine what control is needed for each system. One key advantage of MOCU is that the user interface can be easily reconfigured as needed by editing XML configuration files, without the need to recompile. Under Gilbreath’s direction, MOCU was ported to more than 30 government programs by 2005, and to an additional 26 outside users by 2010. With this rapid adoption of MOCU by industry and other government agencies, the title of chief software engineer for unmanned systems was created to oversee, coordinate, and manage all internal and external development and implementation activities. “As our chief software engineer, Gilbreath has provided technical direction, coordination, and management of the growth of MOCU software across [the Defense Department] and throughout industry and academia,” Everett said. Sources Face of Defense: Engineer Ensures Robotic Controller’s Success By Elisha Gamboa Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120072

OSDB: EMS Week is May 19-25, 2013

CONTEXT: With the majority of the American fire service providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is committed to this year’s EMS Week theme – One Mission. One Team. This year’s EMS Week is May 19-25, 2013. USFA supports the EMS mission through the many training programs delivered at the National Fire Academy (NFA) and the research and data collection activities conducted at the National Fire Data Center. A key focus for us that I would like to discuss is the safety and health of firefighters and EMS responders. With numerous injuries and fatalities to on-duty EMS responders, responder health and safety is a critical issue for both fire departments and third service EMS providers. Partnering with the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Health Affairs and in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Fighters, USFA is undertaking a study related to EMS responder safety. The findings will be used to revise the content of the following USFA documents: EMS Safety - Techniques and Applications and Guide to Developing and Managing an Emergency Service Infection Control Program. Since the release of these two documents, there have been many changes and updates in the area of the EMS provider safety and health, including findings from other USFA research efforts in this area. To better serve our constituents, the most up-to-date information regarding EMS responder health and safety will be incorporated into one revised document. To learn more about this article, follow the link below. Sources EMS Week 2013 – One Mission. One Team. http://www.usfa.fema.gov/about/chiefs-corner/051513.shtm

OSDB: Flu in pregnancy may quadruple child’s risk for bipolar disorder

Pregnant mothers’ exposure to the flu was associated with a nearly fourfold increased risk that their child would develop bipolar disorder in adulthood, in a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The findings add to mounting evidence of possible shared underlying causes and illness processes with schizophrenia, which some studies have also linked to prenatal exposure to influenza. “Prospective mothers should take common sense preventive measures, such as getting flu shots prior to and in the early stages of pregnancy and avoiding contact with people who are symptomatic,” said Alan Brown, M.D., M.P.H, of Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, a grantee of the NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “In spite of public health recommendations, only a relatively small fraction of such women get immunized. The weight of evidence now suggests that benefits of the vaccine likely outweigh any possible risk to the mother or newborn.” Brown and colleagues reported their findings online May 8, 2013 in JAMA Psychiatry. Although there have been hints of a maternal influenza/bipolar disorder connection, the new study is the first to prospectively follow families in the same HMO, using physician-based diagnoses and structured standardized psychiatric measures. Access to unique Kaiser-Permanente, county and Child Health and Development Study databases made it possible to include more cases with detailed maternal flu exposure information than in previous studies. Sources Flu in pregnancy may quadruple child’s risk for bipolar disorder http://www.nih.gov/news/health/may2013/nimh-13.htm Prevention Relevance It is important to be aware of different affects sickness can have on someone, especially while pregnant. Prevention Thought Information Sharing: What other diseases can have these type of effects on pregnant women?

OSDB: Working with International Partners on Critical Infrastructure Protection

Today’s evolving threats transcend national borders and affect the security and economic prosperity of the entire international community. DHS collaborates with international partners to enhance information sharing, increase situational awareness, improve incident response capabilities and overall incident management, support law enforcement activities, and coordinate strategic policy issues. To foster our common economic and security goals, last week, the Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety Canada co-hosted the annual EU-US-Canada Expert Meeting on Critical Infrastructure Protection at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Critical infrastructure is the backbone of a country’s national and economic security and includes such key elements as power plants, chemical facilities, communications networks, bridges, highways, and stadiums. This year’s meeting underscored the value of expanding our collective knowledge base and enhancing understanding of approaches to key issues in critical infrastructure security. Since we began these gatherings four years ago, we have matured as a group in our thinking, concepts, and approaches to critical infrastructure resilience, and have learned from each other along the way. At our first meeting four years ago, we discussed basic elements of critical infrastructure protection such as partnerships as well as defining and identifying critical infrastructure. Earlier this month, during our fourth meeting, we delved into issues regarding aging infrastructure, public-private sector engagement, and the interdependence of physical and cyber critical infrastructure. When we reconvene next year, we intend to further explore the effects of aging infrastructure and the nexus between physical and cyber infrastructure. Collaboration and information sharing with our international partners about critical infrastructure resilience builds on the Department’s approach to securing our nation’s critical infrastructure and further contributes to international security. Sources Working with International Partners on Critical Infrastructure Protection http://www.dhs.gov/blog/2013/05/13/working-international-partners-critical-infrastructure-protection

OSDB: Public Service Recognition Week By Secratery Napolitano

Public Service Recognition Week is a time for us to recognize the contributions of federal, state, and local government employees who serve in communities all across the nation, on the frontlines and around the world. We are thankful for their tireless work and sacrifice. Today, I joined other senior Administration officials at the Partnership for Public Service Town Hall where we paid tribute to the contributions of all who serves, and renewed our own pledge to service. Together with Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, Environmental Protection Agency Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe, and General Services Administration Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini, we participated in a dynamic dialogue on the value of government service. During the event, I had the opportunity to underscore the importance of public service to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As we mark DHS’ tenth anniversary this year, we continue to focus on service, both in the missions we carry out and the services we provide to millions of Americans every day. From the One-DHS approach to disaster preparedness, response and recovery, to our unprecedented efforts to secure our land, air and sea borders, to our efforts in cybersecurity and devotion to the safety of the public at large, DHS’ work could not be possible without the commitment and sacrifice of the dedicated employees that I am proud to serve alongside. Please join me in honoring and recognizing their work to make our nation safer, more secure and more resilient. Sources Public Service Recognition Week http://www.dhs.gov/blog/2013/05/06/public-service-recognition-week Prevention Relevance It is important to recognize those that serve the public in various capacities.

OSDB: Working Together to Strengthen the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure

Critical infrastructure is the backbone of our country’s national and economic security. It includes power plants, chemical facilities, communications networks, bridges, highways, and stadiums, as well as the federal buildings where millions of Americans work and visit each day. DHS coordinates the national protection, prevention, mitigation, and recovery from cyber incidents and works regularly with business owners and operators to take steps to strengthen their facilities and communities.

Because the vast majority of U.S. critical infrastructure is owned and operated by private companies, reducing the risk to these vital systems requires a strong partnership between government and industry. DHS has been leading the Integrated Task Force (ITF) made up of representatives from various levels of government and the private sector to implement the policies that will enhance our nation’s ability to protect our critical infrastructure.

DHS collaborates with the public and private sector every day to identify, prevent, mitigate and respond to attempted disruptions to the Nation’s critical cyber and communications networks. On April 19, we hosted a workshop with our public and private sector partners to discuss ways to encourage participation in, and the adoption of, the voluntary cybersecurity framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology

Sources

Working Together to Strengthen the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure

Prevention Relevance:

The critical infrastructure is the backbone of the nations national and economic security.

Prevention Thought:

Information Sharing: THOUGHT

In what condition is your local infrastructure?

OSDB: Protecting your Personal Information with Secure Passwords

From email and banking to social media and mobile apps, the average person has a long list of passwords. While keeping track of numerous account logins can be tedious, there could be serious implications if a cybercriminal gains access to your email, financial information, social security number, or even your medical records. Passwords are the most common means of authentication online, and that is why it is critical to use strong passwords and keep them confidential.

Here are some the tips below from the Stop.Think.Connect. ™ campaign to help make your passwords stronger and help keep them secure: • Don't use words that can be found in any dictionary of any language and use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. • Don't use passwords that are based on personal information or that can be easily accessed or guessed including birthdays, names of pets, or favorite movies and books that can be found by a quick search on social networking sites. • Use passphrases like "Thispasswdis4myemail!" to help you remember complex passwords. • Write down your passwords and store them in a secure place away from your computer if necessary. For example, passwords locked in your desk drawer are secure, but passwords on a sticky note stuck to the monitor are not. • Use different passwords for different accounts and change them regularly. • Make sure account login pages use encryption including a URL that begins with "https:" instead of "http:". Look for the padlock icon in the browser bar, too. If the padlock icon appears on the webpage, but not in the browser bar, it might just be a graphic that a cybercriminal embedded to trick you into feeling secure.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and we are all called on to ACT or Achieve Cybersecurity Together. We know it only takes a single infected computer to potentially infect thousands and perhaps millions of others. But at the end of the day, cybersecurity is ultimately about people. The most impressive and sophisticated technology is worthless if it’s not operated and maintained by informed and conscientious users.

Sources

Protecting your Personal Information with Secure Passwords

Prevention Relevance:

It is important to thoroughly protect any information you put online.

Prevention Thought:

Information Sharing: THOUGHT

How vulnerable is your online information?

OSDB: Disaster Readiness

Know the resources in your home – if a disaster struck tomorrow, would you have enough supplies, water, and food to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours?

Know the resources in your community – do you know the emergency management resources in your neighborhood or city? Where is the nearest hospital? Is there a safe room or shelter where you could go in the event of an emergency?

Know how you would stay in touch with family and friends – if the power was out and phone lines were unavailable, do you know how you would communicate with loved ones to let them know your status? This is a vital part of any family emergency plan.

Sources

Practicing Safety and “Shaking Out”

Prevention Relevance:

It is important to know the resources of your area, and how to get in touch with people following a disaster.

Prevention Thought:

Risk Management: THOUGHT

In the event of a catastrophe, do you know the resources of your surroundings?

OSDB: DOD Report on China Details Military Modernization

A Defense Department report released today describes China’s military modernization and the Chinese army’s interaction with other forces, including those of the United States, a senior Pentagon official said today.

The annual report -- titled “2013 Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China” -- went to Congress today and covers China’s security and military strategies; developments in China’s military doctrine, force structure and advanced technologies; the security situation in the Taiwan strait; U.S.–China military-to-military contacts and the U.S. strategy for such engagement; and the nature of China’s cyber activities directed against the Defense Department.

David F. Helvey, deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, briefed Pentagon reporters on the report. He noted that the report, which DOD coordinates with other agencies, “reflects broadly the views held across the United States government.” The report is factual and not speculative, he noted. Helvey said the trends in this year’s report show the rising power increasing its rapid military modernization program. “We see a good deal of continuity in terms of the modernization priorities,” Helvey noted, despite the 2012 and 2013 turnover to new leadership, which happens roughly every decade in China.

To read more on this report, follow the link below.

Sources

DOD Report on China Details Military Modernization

Prevention Relevance:

Remaining aware of the military advancements of other countries.

Prevention Thought:

Information Sharing: THOUGHT

How advanced are other countries militaries?

OSDB: May 5-11 is Arson Awareness Week

The US Fire Administration (USFA) is pleased to announce the theme for 2013 Arson Awareness Week (AAW) is “Reducing Residential Arson.”

USFA and its partners will use the week of May 5-11 to focus public attention on residential arson and provide communities with tools to reduce the incidence of this crime. The goal for this year’s Arson Awareness Week is to provide all residents with strategies to combat arson in their neighborhoods. To learn more about the events and focus of this week, go to the webpage by clicking the link below.

Sources

Reducing Residential Arson

Prevention Relevance:

It is important that we all be aware of potential threats such as arson, and ways to combat them.

Prevention Thought:

Information Sharing: THOUGHT

How prepared are you to protect your home from arson?

OSDB: North Korea Still Critical US Security Threat

North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities and development of long-range ballistic missile programs make it one of the most critical U.S. security challenges in Northeast Asia, according to the Defense Department’s first report to Congress on that nation’s military development. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel delivered the report, titled, “Military and Security Developments Involving the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea 2012,” to Congress today.

Required to be produced annually in classified and unclassified versions by Section 1236 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2012, the report is DOD’s authoritative statement on North Korea’s current and future military power, Pentagon officials said. It was developed by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and the Defense Intelligence Agency.

The Korean People’s Army -- an umbrella organization composed of ground, air, naval, missile and special operations forces -- ranks in personnel numbers as the fourth-largest military in the world. The large, forward-deployed military can inflict great damage on South Korea despite serious resource shortfalls and aging hardware, the report said, but the strength of the U.S.-South Korean alliance deters North Korea from conducting attacks on its southern neighbor.

On a smaller scale, North Korea has used military provocation to achieve national goals, the report notes. In 2010, for example, it sank the South Korean naval vessel, Cheonan, killing 46 South Korean sailors, and shelled Yeonpyeong Island, killing two South Korean marines and two civilians. North Korea’s continued pursuit of nuclear technology and capabilities and its development of long-range ballistic missile programs -- including the December 2012 Taepodong-2 missile launch and the April 2012 display of a new road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile -- demonstrate North Korea’s threat to regional stability and U.S. national security, the report observed.

Sources

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=119924

Prevention Relevance:

It is important to remain aware of potential threats to national security.

Prevention Thought:

Information Sharing: THOUGHT

How capable is North Korea?

OSDB: Learning from Hurricane Sandy Champions of Change By Craig Fugate

How much of an impact can a small group of volunteers make after a disaster? Last Wednesday, I had the honor of addressing the Hurricane Sandy Champions of Change – a group of “ordinary” people who did (and are still doing) extraordinary things to help those who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Many of them suffered damage to their homes and businesses as a result of the storm, but continued to fulfill the needs they saw in their communities.

The exceptional work of these Champions of Change reminds us that every disaster, big and small, brings out champions in our communities. It’s our job as government leaders to recognize this and support their success. This impressive group showed us what it takes to be a champion. To learn more about what the group had to say, follow the link below.

Sources

Learning from Hurricane Sandy Champions of Change

Prevention Relevance:

It is important to learn from other “ordinary citizens” how to react in times of disaster.

Prevention Thought:

Information Sharing: THOUGHT

What are some of the results of this groups actions?

OSDB: Soldiers Missing From Vietnam War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/ Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that a Navy pilot, missing from the Vietnam War, has been accounted for and will be buried with fill military honors along with his crew.

Navy Lt. Dennis W. Peterson of Huntington Park, Calif., was the pilot of a SH-3A helicopter that crashed in Ha Nam Province, North Vietnam. Peterson was accounted for on March 30, 2012. Also, aboard the aircraft was Ensign Donald P. Frye of Los Angeles, Calif.; Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technicians William B. Jackson of Stockdale, Texas; and Donald P. McGrane of Waverly, Iowa. The crew will be buried, as a group, on May 2 at Arlington National Cemetery On July 19, 1967, the four servicemen took off from the USS Hornet aboard an SH-3A Sea King helicopter, on a search and rescue mission looking for a downed pilot in Ha Nam Province, North Vietnam. During the mission, an enemy concealed 37mm gun position targeted the helicopter as it flew in. The helicopter was hit by the anti-aircraft gunfire, causing the aircraft to lose control, catch fire and crash, killing all four servicemen.

In October 1982, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) repatriated five boxes of remains to U.S. officials. In 2009, the remains within the boxes were identified as Frye, Jackson, and McGrane. In 1993, a joint U.S./S.R.V. team, investigated a loss in Ha Nam Province. The team interviewed local villagers who identified possible burial sites linked to the loss. One local claimed to have buried two of the crewmen near the wreckage, but indicated that both graves had subsequently been exhumed. Between 1994 and 2000, three joint U.S./S.R.V. teams excavated the previous site and recovered human remains and aircraft wreckage that correlated to the crew’s SH-3A helicopter. In 2000, U.S. personnel excavated the crash site recovering additional remains. Analysis from the Joint POW/MIA Command Central Identification Laboratory subsequently designated these additional remains as the co-mingled remains of all four crewmen, including Peterson.

Sources

Soldiers Missing From Vietnam War Identified

Prevention Relevance:

Prevention Thought:

Category: THOUGHT

OSDB: US and the Republic of Nigeria sign the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement

On behalf of the United States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) April 22 with Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller General Abdullahi Dikko Inde. This agreement marks a significant milestone in collaboration between the two countries.

The bilateral agreement is a valuable tool for CBP and ICE in cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service to prevent, repress and investigate customs offenses. CMAAs provide for mutual assistance to ensure the accurate assessment of customs duties and taxes, and in efforts to combat illicit cross-border activities to include contraband smuggling, financial crimes such as customs fraud and money laundering and international terrorism.

CBP is one of the Department of Homeland Security's largest and most complex components, with a priority mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. It also has a responsibility for securing the border and facilitating lawful international trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws and regulations, including immigration and drug laws.

Sources

TOP STORY: US and the Republic of Nigeria sign the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement

Prevention Relevance:

This agreement marks a significant milestone in collaboration between the two countries.

Prevention Thought:

Category: THOUGHT

How effective will the agreement be?

OSDB: NEW RESEARCH FOCUSES ON STORM WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Researchers at Kansas State University are investigating how rainfall and weather patterns are affected by climate change with better adaptation and mitigation strategies as the end result. To ensure that storm water management systems are up to date and can handle future weather changes, the researchers are updating Kansas rainfall distribution data, maps that have not been updated since 1961. Stacy Hutchinson, associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering, said of the research, “We are looking at how the state can minimize risk by developing a better understanding of past weather variability while looking forward at the variability expected with future climate change–whether it is farm production systems or stormwater management.” She added that the research is also looking at how climate and land cover change (converting prairie and agricultural land into urban and suburban land) affects an areas potential for flooding. The team found that current stormwater management systems are adequate, but noted that if more rain and stronger weather continue to be the trend, the stormwater management systems may need to be redesigned. Sources New Research Focuses on Storm Water Management Systems Prevention Relevance Water management systems must be redesigned to ensure they can handle the variability that is expected with future climate change. Prevention Thought Information Sharing: If switching to natural water management systems proved to be a safe option, would it be more cost effective option?

OSDB: Beware of Online Fundraising Scams and Hackers Trying to Exploit the Tragedy in Boston

The outpouring of support and generosity of the American public in the aftermath of last Monday’s explosions in Boston speaks to both our compassion and resilience as a country. But unfortunately, as we’ve seen previously, high profile news stories and tragedies can also lead to a variety of Internet scams and online risks.

Newly created websites and twitter accounts may try to take advantage of those looking to contribute to fundraising efforts. Others could target individuals interested in simply learning more details about the incident. For example, emails that appear as if they have been sent from a legitimate news or charitable organization may in fact be phishing attempts.

Here are a few ways you can protect yourself from online scams and phishing techniques: • Only donate money to known, credible fundraising charities. • Exercise caution when clicking on email links or interacting with social media accounts that claim to represent the best interests of those involved in this incident. • When searching for updates on the story, it is safest to go directly to trusted news sources rather than conducting general search engine queries.

If you suspect you have received a phishing email, please send it to the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) at phishing-report@us-cert.gov.

Sources

Beware of Online Fundraising Scams and Hackers Trying to Exploit the Tragedy in Boston

Prevention Relevance:

We must always be aware of online scams, especially ones that use catastrophes as ways of extracting money from potential victims.

Prevention Thought:

Category: THOUGHT

What is being done to crack down on this type of crime?

OSDB: Being Ready for Severe Weather

This time of the year, the risk for severe weather is elevated. If you are in a tornado watch area, here are three quick tips to keep in mind:

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials. • Be Alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms. • Look for the following danger signs: o Dark, often greenish sky o Large hail o A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating) o Loud roar, similar to a freight train. o If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Sources

National Weather Storm (NWS) Prediction Center

Prevention Relevance:

As the risk for severe weather becomes greater, it is important to remain aware of this threat.

Prevention Thought:

Information Sharing: THOUGHT

What is the risk for tornados in your area?

OSDB: Close-up of Enzyme Linked to Rapid Aging Disease

I’d like to tell you about a rare genetic disease that’s very close to my heart: Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, also called progeria. Though you may not recognize the name, you may well have seen pictures of children with this fatal premature aging disease. By 18-24 months, apparently healthy babies stop growing and begin to lose their hair. They develop wrinkled skin and joint problems and they suffer many other conditions of old age. Though their mental development is entirely normal, they often die of heart disease or stroke by age 12 or 13.

A decade ago, my research lab helped discover the cause of progeria: a mutation in the lamin-A gene [1]. Just a single letter substitution in the genetic code (C to T) creates a toxic version of the protein. The abnormal protein is missing a segment, and is no longer digestible by an enzyme called ZMPSTE24—essentially a molecular scissors. Without that final snip, the lamin-A protein causes molecular havoc.More recently, children who are completely missing the ZMPSTE24 enzyme have been identified, and they have an even more severe form of progeria called “restrictive dermopathy”. Many questions remain but now we are able to get a close up of ZMPSTE24 and understand how, and where, it normally modifies lamin-A.

Sources

Close-up of Enzyme Linked to Rapid Aging Disease

Prevention Relevance:

Further studies into diseases such as Rapid Aging Disease can lead to breakthroughs and potentially cures.

Prevention Thought:

Information Sharing: THOUGHT

What does this new information mean in terms of a cure?

OSDB: ISAF Commander Stresses Importance of Bilateral Security Agreement

The top commander of NATO and U.S forces in Afghanistan told Congress today a bilateral security agreement will help to address the uncertainty Afghan people have about their country’s future after 2014, when the International Security Assistance Force mission ends and Afghan forces have security responsibility for the whole country.

Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. stressed the importance of the agreement while testifying before the House Armed Services Committee on progress in Afghanistan.

“The U.N. security mandate will expire in December 2014, so our presence, post-2014, will be based on the agreement we make with the Afghan government,” he said.

Dunford said one of the key issues a bilateral security agreement would address is “this idea of uncertainty and the lack of confidence that the Afghan people have about the future.”

Sources

ISAF Commander Stresses Importance of Bilateral Security Agreement

Prevention Relevance:

Uncertainty among the Afghan people about the future of their country affects not only them, but neighboring countries, and the US as well.

Prevention Thought:

Information Sharing: THOUGHT

Will foreign involvement in Afghanistan decrease after 2014?