Monday, April 30, 2012

YOU CAN Make a Difference

The themes of leadership and volunteerism were the basis of today's AOCS Business Meeting and Keynote Address.

With AOCS
YOU CAN help drive the future of our industry. YOU hold the power to influence what your peers will read and hear. The following resources give information on how to put your knowledge on display. We hope you are inspired to get involved and make a difference!






YOU CAN share your knowledge

YOU CAN have a voice

YOU CAN join the discussion
www.aocs.org/youcan

Video Break-Hear from Oil Dri, DSM, Novozymes and BASF

Many of the activities enjoyed at the 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo were made possible due to the generosity of sponsors. Below, hear from AOCS Corporate Sponsors Oil Dri, DSM, Novozymes, and BASF. Videos shot on location at the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo in Long Beach, California, USA.

Oil-Dri Corporation of America
(Booth 338)
Oil-Dri Corporation of America offers a full spectrum of specialty adsorbents, including Pure-Flo®, Pure-Flo® Supreme, and Perform® bleaching clays for the purification of fats, oils, and oleochemicals. Oil-Dri’s Select® products filter out impurities in conjunction with or in place of water wash treatment. With a full line of innovative and highly effective bleaching products, Oil-Dri delivers product quality, cost effectiveness, and technical support to edible oil and biodiesel producers around the world.




DSM
DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders.



Novozymes
(Booth 633)
Novozymes is the world leader in bioinnovation. Together with customers across a broad array of industries we create tomorrow’s industrial biosolutions, improving our customers' business and the use of our planet's resources.


BASF Corporation
(Booth 638)
BASF's Catalysts division is the world's leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts offering exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air, produce the fuels that power our world, and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics, and other products. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation, and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, we develop unique, proprietary catalyst and adsorbent solutions that drive customer success.



Thank you to our sponsors! More videos can be found on the AOCS YouTube channel here.

Your Annual Meeting Notes for Tuesday, May 1

Tuesday events include our special Awards Plenary (in the Grand Ballroom) as well as a very special Networking Reception (6:00 pm-7:30 pm, Hall A), sponsored by the 104th AOCS Annual Meeting in Montréal.

-Tuesday, May 1-

Awards Plenary Session 11:00 am-12:15 pm in the Grand Ballroom

Networking Break in Expo Hall 3:20 pm-4:00 pm

Networking Reception -The Tuesday night reception (6:00 pm-7:30 pm, Hall A) will be sponsored by the 104th AOCS Annual Meeting in Montréal. Attendees of the reception can register for various prizes that will be given away, including a grand prize of an Annual Meeting 2013 registration and hotel stay. All drinks will be served in souvenir glasses, while supplies last.

Poster Viewing with Authors Present 6:30 pm-7:30 pm in the Expo. Find posters by interest area here.

Silent Auction-The 17th Annual Silent Auction to raise funds for student programs closes at 6:30 pm, so make sure your bids are in!

Visit the AOCS Facebook Fan Page  Tuesday, May 1, "like" the Montreal photo for a chance to win a registration to the 104th AOCS Annual Meeting in Montreal.


AM Quick Links
    • View presentations by focus area here.
  • See all blog posts related to Annual Meeting 2012 here.

Contact your bloggers at tips@aocs.org (or stop by The Lab in Hall A) to share Annual Meeting news and photos.

 

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Your Annual Meeting Notes for Monday, April 30

Monday is a busy day at the 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. Start your day with a complimentary breakfast in the Expo before enjoying special sessions, The Forum on Emerging Technologies, business luncheon, and keynote address. In the evening, please join us for a networking reception, poster viewing and the AOCS Press Social Hour (all in Hall A).

-Monday, April 30-

Expo Express Breakfast-Enjoy breakfast in the Expo (Hall A) 7:30 am–9:00 am.

Newcomer Networking Breakfast-Connect with professionals who can help you navigate the conference and make the most of your experience.  Mix, mingle, and learn during a complimentary continental breakfast. 7:30 am–8:30 am in the Expo (Hall A).

Special Session Maximizing Yield: Optimal Strategies for Obtaining and Enforcing Patent Rights in the Wake of the America Invents Act 8:00 am-8:50 am 101B

AOCS Symposium Teaching Lipids Physics and Engineering 9:00 am–11:45 am  in 101A

The Forum on Emerging Technologies  9:00 am-11:45 am

AOCS Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon 12:00 pm -1:00 pm in the Grand Ballroom.
(Note: you must have a ticket for lunch)

Keynote Address- Hear Dr. Jackie Freiberg, best-selling author and leadership expert 1:00 pm-1:45 pm in the Grand Ballroom.
(Note: the lunch is ticketed but seating is available for all full registrants to see the keynote address)

Networking Reception-Eat, drink, and connect in the Expo 5:00 pm–6:30 pm.

Dedicated Poster Viewing 5:30 pm–6:30 pm in the Expo. Find posters by interest area here.

AOCS Press Social Hour -Meet the authors and editors from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm in the AOCS Press Bookstore (AOCS Pavilion/Hall A).

Win an AOCS membership- Comment on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/groupsDirectory • Search AOCS) Monday, April 30, to be entered.

AM Quick Links
    • View presentations by focus area here
  • See all blog posts related to Annual Meeting 2012 here

Contact your bloggers at tips@aocs.org (or stop by The Lab in Hall A) to share Annual Meeting news and photos.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Your Annual Meeting CONTEST and FREEBIE Guide!

Gift cards, T-shirts and a free Annual Meeting 2013 registration are just a few of the prizes you can win this year at the AOCS Pavilion (located in the exhibition hall).

Win Prizes on AOCS Social Media Channels
  • Tweet using hashtag #AOCS2012 on Sunday, April 29, to be entered for a chance to win A $75 AOCS Press gift certificate.
  • Visit the AOCS Facebook Fan Page  Tuesday, May 1, "like" the Montreal photo for a chance to win a registration to the 104th AOCS Annual Meeting in Montreal.
 
Prizes at the AOCS Press Bookstore
  • Free coffee*
  • Free T-shirt with $300 purchase*
 …and Plinko returns! Win prizes or receive an additional discount when you play.

Visit the Bookstore in the AOCS Pavilion (in the Expo/ Hall A)

*While supplies last

FREE Souvenir Photo

Stop by The Lab, located in the AOCS Pavilion in the Annual Meeting Expo Hall

• Take and upload your FREE photo
• AOCS prizes given away via LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter
• Social networking tutorials
• Email access and laptop charging stations

Get a Free Souvenir Glasses and a Chance to Win a 2013 Annual Meeting Registration and Hotel Stay
The Tuesday night reception (6:00-7:30pm, Hall A) will be sponsored by the 104th AOCS Annual Meeting in Montréal. Attendees of the reception can register for various prizes that will be given away, including a grand prize of registration and hotel stay for the 104th AOCS Annual Meeting in Montréal. All drinks will be served in souvenir glasses, while supplies last.

Report for inform and get a Chance for a Gift Card
inform magazine needs your eyes and ears at the Annual Meeting. If you hear a breakthrough presentation or see a truly innovative exhibit, tweet about it using #AOCS2012, or email inform’s managing editor, Kathy Heine, at kheine@aocs.org.
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Other freebies include the ability to post job openings as well as résumés at the Career Fair. We will also have a "Brainteaser of the Day," (sponsored by the Student CIG).

Rest assured our 85+ exhibitors will also have a variety of contests, giveaways, and all the chotskies you can carry. Visit them at the Expo!

And, if you come across a great giveaway while at Annual Meeting please comment here or email tips@aocs.org so we can share the news with all attendees.

I hope you packed an extra bag for all of your takeaways!


Your Annual Meeting Notes for Sunday, April 29

Welcome to the 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo!

We will be posting a general summary of activities for the preceding day every evening.  For more specific information, please refer to your printed program or the Annual Meeting website. You can access a mobile version of the website at http://am.aocs.org.
Read our first post in this series,  'Your Guide to the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo," here.

-Sunday, April 29-

AOCS Symposium -Tocotrienols: Vitamin E Beyond Tocopherols 8:30 am–5:30 pm IN 102BC.

Newcomer Speed Networking -Network with key business leaders, entrepreneurs, and other committed individuals attending the Annual Meeting. 4:30 pm–5:30 pm in the Expo (Hall A).

Opening Mixer- Eat, drink, and connect in the Expo 5:30 pm-7:00 pm.

Poster Viewing in the Expo 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. Find posters by interest area here.

Tweet using hashtag #AOCS2012 on Sunday, April 29, to be entered for a chance to win a $75 AOCS Press gift certificate.

AM Quick Links
    • View presentations by focus area here
  • See all blog posts related to Annual Meeting 2012 here

Contact your bloggers at tips@aocs.org (or stop by The Lab in Hall A) to share Annual Meeting news and photos.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Your News and Notes for Friday April 27, 2012

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Don't Improve Heart's Ability to Relax and Efficiently Refill With Blood
ScienceDaily--In a new study, Zhaohui Gao, Robert P. Feehan, Lawrence I. Sinoway, and Kevin D. Monahan of the Penn State College of Medicine investigated whether part of omega-3's benefits might rely on improving cardiac diastolic function -- the ability of the heart to relax and efficiently refill with blood at each beat, which declines with age. Read more.

Metabolix Awarded Two U.S. Patents for Technology to Produce Biobased Polymers and Industrial Chemicals
MarketWatch (News release)--U.S. Patent 8,093,022 titled "Polyhydroxalkanoate Biopolymer Compositions" enables production of a series of new PHA biopolymer compositions using genetically engineered microbial strains. Read the news release.

Bunge Reports First Quarter Results
MarketWatch (News release)--Supply and demand in oilseeds and grains is more balanced, which should support crush margins globally. Export shipments in key crops are up compared to last year and the second half of the year promises to be active in the Northern Hemisphere. Read the news release.

Soybeans Advance on Supply Concern Over Argentina FreezeBloomberg--Soybeans rose to a three-year high in Chicago and rapeseed reached the highest in 15 months in Paris on mounting concern that a freeze in South America and rain in Europe will curb oilseed supplies. Read more.

Polaris invests in new lipid production facility
CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com--France-based lipids provider has confirmed it is investing in a new production facility in Brittany that will serve its expanding portfolio dedicated to the cosmetics and food supplements. Read more.

In Third Party Testing, OriginOil Technology Recovers 98% of Hydrocarbons in Oil and Gas Production Water
Biofuels Digest--In California, OriginOil reports that, in recent independent third-party testing, the company's algae harvesting process was able to remove 98% of hydrocarbons from a sample of West Texas oil well 'frac flowback' water in the first stage alone. Read more.

Conference Social Media Speaker Krista Neher to Present at the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo
Krista Neher, CEO of Boot Camp Digital, bestselling author and internationally recognized social media speaker is honored to be presenting on how organizations can innovate and communicate with social media on April 30th 2012 at the 103rd AOCS (American Oil Chemists’ Society) Annual Meeting & Expo in Long Beach, California. Read more.

Abstract Alerts

Preparation of nanoemulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles by premix membrane emulsification.
Joseph, S. and Bunjes, H. (2012).  J. Pharm. Sci.. doi: 10.1002/jps.23163. Read the abstract.

Wettability of Aqueous Solutions of Eco-Friendly Surfactants (Ethoxylated Alcohols and Polyoxyethylene Glycerin Esters).
Encarnación Jurado, José M. Vicaria, Juan F. García-Martín and Miguel García-Román
Journal of Surfactants and Detergents, 2012, Volume 15, Number 3, Pages 251-258. Read the abstract.

Surface Properties, Thermodynamic Aspects and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel Iminium Surfactants.
Ismail Aiad, Mohamed M. El-Sukkary, Ali El-Deeb, Moshira Y. El-Awady and Samy M. Shaban.Journal of Surfactants and Detergents.Volume 15, Number 3 (2012), 359-366. Read the abstract.

Reminders

The 103RD AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo begins this Sunday, April 29, 2012.

*Online registration is now closed, but you can still register on site in Long Beach.

*Printed abstract booklets will NOT be available at the 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. In a responsible effort to encourage sustainability, the abstracts for oral and poster presentations will be provided in electronic format.  Registrants should have received access information via email. If you need help accessing abstracts please contact Donna Elbon at donnae@aocs.org.


AM Quick Links
    • View presentations by focus area here
  • See all blog posts related to Annual Meeting 2012 here

Contact your bloggers at tips@aocs.org to share Annual Meeting news and photos.

Have a safe trip and see you in Long Beach!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Highest purity oleic acid in Australian safflower oil

CSIRO scientists in Australia have produced safflower seed oil that contains more than 90 per cent oleic acid, the highest reported level of an individual fatty acid available in any plant oil.

Oleic acid is a highly sought-after resource in the global oleochemical industry and is increasingly used as a key material in the manufacture of bio-based plastics, foams and adhesives.
This new 'super-high’ oleic safflower oil is a significant advance for the industry, exceeding the best existing level in any plant by up to 10 per cent.

This world first achievement will be presented simultaneously at the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing in Orlando and the American Oil Chemists’ Society Annual Meeting in Long Beach in early May.

Mr Cameron Begley, Commercial General Manager at CSIRO, said the very high purity level that has been achieved provides significant advantages in these applications.
“The super-high oleic safflower oil has tremendous stability and is also biodegradable, making it ideal for direct use in industrial lubricants, hydraulic fluids and dielectric fluids,” Mr Begley said. “We now expect to engage in further discussions with a number of international companies to develop production of these plants in Australia,” he said.
The new ‘super-high’ oleic acid safflower plant varieties were developed by the Crop Biofactories Initiative - a strategic R&D partnership between the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) in Australia.
Dr Allan Green, Deputy Chief of CSIRO Plant Industry, said CSIRO had used its gene silencing technology to boost the level of desirable oleic acid by switching off its conversion to other unwanted fatty acids.
“Plant oils contain a range of fatty acids including both monounsaturates and polyunsaturates,” Dr Green said.
For food use it’s important to have a healthy balance of these fatty acids. However, the polyunsaturates cause problems for industrial use because they are unstable and difficult to remove. The Crop Biofactories Initiative has succeeded in dramatically lowering the polyunsaturates in safflower oil to below three per cent, thereby raising the monounsaturate oleic acid to over 90 per cent purity.
“Crop biofactories have potential to renewably produce a wide range of compounds that can replace many non-renewable petroleum-based industrial chemicals,” he said.
‘Super-high’ oleic safflower will be the Crop Biofactories Initiative’s lead industrial product and provides a core technology platform for the future development of a range of oils with very high contents of industrially-important derivatives of oleic acid.

Links
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This guest post was provided by Ms Kylie Williams, Communication Advisor, CSIRO Plant Industry. If you would like to write for the AOCS Blog please email your editors at tips@aocs.org.

Your Guide to the AOCS Annual Meeting and Expo

Whether you are a first time attendee or a seasoned veteran here are some tips for navigating the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo.

1. Plan your Schedule in Advance -There are lots of things to do at the AOCS Annual Meeting. From the technical program to the exhibition, networking events and committee meetings, carefully planning your schedule can maximize your Annual Meeting experience.

All registered delegates should have received an email for the Itinerary Builder.
You can use the AOCS Itinerary Builder to:
  • Choose the sessions you want to attend and print the corresponding abstracts*
*NOTE: Printed abstract booklets will NOT be available at the 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo so plan accordingly!
(If you did not receive your information for the Itinerary Builder please contact Donna Elbon, Technical Program Specialist by email: donnae@aocs.org or by phone: +1 217-693-4840.)

2. Note Special Programming -In addition to the quality program, the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo also offers several additional opportunities to learn and network.
    • Maximizing Yield: Optimal Strategies for Obtaining and Enforcing Patent Rights in the Wake of the America Invents Act
    • Tocotrienols: Vitamin E Beyond Tocopherols
    • Teaching Lipids Physics and Engineering
    • AOCS Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon
    • Keynote Address
    • AOCS Awards Plenary Session
    • Analytical Horizons
    • Breaking the Paradigm: Sustainable Use of Resources and Technologies
    • Communication and Computer Technology in the Workplace
    • Functional Lipids
    • Renewable Oils for Biobased Products
    • Edible Oils Refining Update: From the Fundamentals to New Technologies
    • Future of Lipid Oxidation, Antioxidants, Nutrition, Genomics and Metabolomic Aspects
    • Olive Oil Chemistry and Sensory Relationships
    • Fats and Oils for Confectionary and Chocolates: Chemistry, Primary Sources, Crystallization, Alternatives, and Stability

3. Network (with free food and drink!)
  • Opening Mixer (Expo Hall)
    • Sunday, April 29, 5:30–7:00 pm
  • Expo Express Breakfast
    • Monday, April 30, 7:30–9:00 am
  • Networking Reception (Expo Hall)
    • Monday, April 30, 5:00–6:30 pm with Dedicated Poster Viewing, 5:30–6:30 pm
  • Refreshment Break (Expo Hall)
    • Tuesday, May 1, 3:20–4:00 pm
  • Networking Reception (Expo Hall)
    • Tuesday, May 1, 6:00–7:30 pm with Dedicated Poster Viewing, 6:30–7:30 pm

AOCS Divisions and Sections are offering a variety of networking events as well. Find them here. Remember, most of these are ticketed so make sure you have ordered yours!

4. Visit the Exhibition and AOCS Pavilion -Visit with more than 85 exhibiting companies from around the world as well as with your AOCS staffers!
    • Exhibits and information for your interest area
    • Wireless Internet
    • Registration and Information Center
  • AOCS Pavilion (in the Expo)
    • AOCS Bookstore
    • 17th Annual Student Common Interest Group (CIG) Silent Auction
    • The Lab-Social Media 101 and souvenir photo
    • Email Stations 
See who is exhibiting and view the online floor plan.

5.  Enjoy Long Beach 
    • Long Beach 101 City Tour
    • The Glitz and Glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills Tour
    • Comprehensive Conference Guest Packages
    • Go to Disneyland! (Specially-priced Disneyland® Resort tickets are available for advance purchase for Annual Meeting attendees and guests. Order here.)

Learn more about dining, activities, and entertainment in Long Beach here.


New to the AOCS Annual Meeting?
If you are a first time Annual Meeting & Expo attendee, we offer two special networking events
where you can connect with professionals who can help you navigate the conference.
  • Newcomer Speed Networking
    • Sunday, April 29, 4:30–5:30 pm
  • Newcomer Networking Breakfast
    • Monday, April 30, 7:30–8:30 am
Find out more here.


We hope this helps you plan your Annual Meeting experience. Please check back,as we will be posting daily activity reminders as well as a guide to promotions, contests, and special events.





Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Environmental Working Group (EWG) questions 'safe' labels on household cleaning products

The environmental activist organization, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a new report, “Cleaners Hall of Shame” that alleges many household cleaners marked as "safe" or "natural" actually contain potentially harmful chemicals.  The report is yet another in a series of reports by this group that ignores basic risk assessment principles and instead grounds its allegations primarily on hazard information, with little or no consideration given to exposure.

In a statement released by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), Brain Sansoni, ACI Vice President of Communication, said he was "disappointed" with the "outrageous new publicity campaign" from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).  Sansoni stated that “[c]leaning products play an essential role in our daily lives,” and that EWG “distorts the science and research about product and ingredient safety."

The report completely ignores the "enormous amount of resources that are dedicated to assuring the safety of products, including many millions of dollars in research, development and testing before products ever hit the shelves," Sanosoni said, adding that the report also disregards three key words present on cleaning products: Use as directed.

ACI added that "instead of sending out fundraising pitches that coarsen the public dialogue over product safety, interest groups should help focus attention on the great deal of information that is already publicly available on cleaning products and their ingredients. The public interest would be better served by dialogue rather than baseless attacks."  I couldn’t agree more.

Links

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This guest post was provided by Patrick J. Donnelly, AOCS Chief Executive Officer. Thank you Pat for writing and thank you for reading.

 If you would like to write for the AOCS Blog please email your editors at tips@aocs.org.

Preview - AOCS Annual Business Meeting and Keynote Address

As part of our “reformulation” of the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo, the traditional AOCS Annual Business Meeting and Awards Breakfast held on Tuesday has been separated into two separate events for 2012. The Annual Business Meeting will now be held in conjunction with a luncheon on Monday, April 30, and to highlight AOCS award honorees there is a dedicated awards plenary session on Tuesday, May 1.

AOCS Annual Business Meeting/Luncheon
Monday, April 30, 12:00–1:00 pm in the Grand Ballroom (tickets NOT available on site)


AOCS President Erich Dumelin and AOCS Vice President Deland Myers are each delivering a brief address, Society and Fellow awards are presented, and routine AOCS business will be handled.

We will kick off the Businesses Meeting, Luncheon, and Keynote Address by debuting the AOCS "You Can" video. We hope it will motivate you to get more involved with AOCS!

AOCS "You Can" video screenshot. Watch the Video at AM!

While they won't allow me to play the latest video just yet, you can check out the  "Year in Review" for 2010-2011.




Society Award Winners
    • Michael J. Haas, Lead Scientist, US Department of Agriculture, ERRC, USA
    • Sevim Z. Erhan, Center Director, US Department of Agriculture, ERRC, USA
    • Richard W. Hartel, Professor, University of Wisconsin, USA
    • Steven E. Hill, Director, Kraft Foods Inc., USA
    • Jerry W. King, Professor, University of Arkansas, USA
    • Luis Spitz, Consultant, USA
AOCS congratulates each of the 2011-2012 award recipients.
For detailed information on award lecture schedules, please refer to the full awards listing.

Keynote Address- Dr. Jackie Freiberg, Author and Leadership Expert
Monday, April 30, 1:00-1:45pm in the Grand Ballroom (A ticket is not required to attend keynote address)

Recognized as one of the “Top 30 Best Minds on Leadership,” by Leadership Excellence magazine, Dr. Freiberg is one of the most sought-after business speakers in the nation.

She is co-author (along with her husband, Kevin) of NANOVATION: How a Little Car Can Teach the World to Think Big and Act Bold, and three other books. Her goal is to enable businesses to foster work environments where employees can ignite innovative and inspired professionalism.

Dr. Freiberg identifies what steps gutsy leaders must take to capture and motivate people while increasing profitability and maintaining competitiveness. For more information, visit her website at www.freibergs.com.

AM Quick Links
    • View presentations by focus area here
  • See all blog posts related to Annual Meeting 2012 here

Contact your bloggers at tips@aocs.org to share Annual Meeting news and photos.

See you in Long Beach!


Your News and Notes for Wednesday April 25, 2012

New Study: Health Professionals Support Biotechnology's Use In Food Products
SYS-CON Media (News release) -- A 2012 study found that 77 percent of healthcare professionals recognize the health benefits of including soy in consumer diets, with menopause relief, protein source and heart health topping the list of specific benefits they identify. Read more.

Pricing gap for GM canola widens
ABC Online--Oilseeds Federation executive director Nick Goddard says customers in Asia are still demanding GM canola. Read more.

Army researcher develops new vaccine carrier
SmartPlanet.com--The composition of the clear, isotropic liquid is a mixture of oil, water, glycerol, surfactants span 80 and tween 60. Read more.

Market research: Natural Personal Care Markets in Western Europe and the United States Naturally Evolving, However Still Vibrant
cosmetic-business.com--Demand for natural personal care products remains strong within the well-established markets of Western Europe and North America, maintaining high growth rates. The most recent findings, from worldwide consulting and research firm Kline & Company, show that while the segment's 2011 growth waned slightly compared to the five-year compound annual growth rate of 13.9%, it still consistently outperformed the overall beauty market. Read more.

Kao Group strengthens base of operations in Europe; Expansion of Kao Germany GmbH Darmstadt facilities
cosmetic-business.com--Kao, a world-leading manufacturer of haircare, cosmetic and household products generating global sales of around EUR 11 billion, is extending its Darmstadt headquarters into the corporation's largest European site. This news was announced by Karin Overbeck, President Kao Germany, at a press conference with the Mayor of Darmstadt Jochen Partsch. Read more.

Automated Rheology at Procter & Gamble:  Making Complex Analyses Routine
labmate-online.com--Ariel, Dawn, Downy, Gain, and Tide: These are some of the billion-dollar brands produced by Procter & Gamble in the field of household care. To keep these products in the list of the most popular detergent brands, Procter & Gamble employs teams of researchers at its Brussels Innovation Center (BIC) in Belgium. Read more.

FDA Announces Final Strategic Plan for the Foods and Veterinary Medicine Program
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the release of the final Strategic Plan for the Foods and Veterinary Medicine Program (FVM) for 2012-2016.  It outlines seven strategic program goals, each with key objectives and initiatives aimed at achieving goals and objectives. Notably,  under Program Goal 5 – Encourage food product reformulation and safe production of dietary supplements, is Objective 5.2 - Reduce industrially produced trans fat in the food supply. Key initiatives supporting this objective include:
5.2.1: Complete and publish updated trans fat intake assessment.
5.2.2: Implement options for further reduction of trans fat in the food supply.
5.2.3: Collaborate with CDC and USDA to monitor trans fat intake.
FDA does not elaborate further on these key initiatives found on page 24 of the final Strategic Plan (.pdf)

Fireside Chat with Entrepreneurs – The Challenges of Scaling a Global Biomaterials Supply Chain
[ Webinar May 3, 2012 -- 2 PM ET] The market and need for biobased materials for everything from chemical feedstock to full composite reinforcement material is growing every day! How is this supply chain defined? What are the forces governing it? And what are the challenges facing those technologies that need to scale using biobased materials? Find out more and register.


Have a news story? Tip your editors at tips@aocs.org.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Lawmakers target travel in the Wake of GSA’s Las Vegas scandal

Following a series of hearings last week on the General Services Administration's (GSA) Las Vegas conference scandal, policymakers are proposing deep cuts in travel expenditures by US government agencies.  Today, Rep. Dennis Ross (R-Fla.), who oversees federal workforce issues for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, introduced legislation that would cut agency travel budgets in half next year and then do it again for fiscal 2015.  In addition, the proposed legislation would require federal agencies to start producing a yearly travel expense report with dates, locations and costs of employee travel.

Other provisions limiting what government agencies can spend on conferences are being voted on today in the US Senate, and include language that would limit the limit the number of employees from any single agency who could travel to international conferences.

Whether any of the legislative proposals are enacted or not, the focus on government travel will almost certainly have a chilling effect on the ability of our government scientists to attend and participate in scientific meetings… to the detriment of all, including the taxpayers that lawmakers are trying to protect.

Wasteful spending by government agencies is a fair target for policymakers and something that should be addressed.  However, I fear that in the context of a heated political environment and upcoming Presidential campaign, our government scientists will end up as collateral damage.

This guest post was provided by Patrick J. Donnelly, AOCS Chief Executive Officer. Thank you Pat for writing and thank you for reading.

Preview -The Lab - Social Media 101 and FREE Souvenir Photo

LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are not just for play! Stop by The Lab at the 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo for a free souvenir photo and learn how to use social networking tools to enhance your professional and business development.

The Lab is located in the AOCS Pavilion (Expo floor/ Hall A). Social networking tutorials, email access and laptop charging stations are just a few of the free services provided.

AOCS will be offering several giveaways for those using our social media channels. If you have not yet "liked us", "joined our group", or "followed us", (or have no idea what those phrases mean), come by The Lab and we will help you get started using social media to enhance your professional development.

WIN with Social Media
  • Tweet using hashtag #AOCS2012 on Sunday, April 29, to be entered for a chance to win A $75 AOCS Press gift certificate.
  • Visit the AOCS Facebook Fan Page  Tuesday, May 1, and "like" the Montreal photo for a chance to win a registration to the 104th AOCS Annual Meeting in Montreal.
FREE Souvenir Photo
Come by The Lab to get your free photo to use as profile pictures for social networking. We can also provide you with a fun souvenir photo featuring the beach or the famous Hollywood sign.

Your Lab Rats -Amy Lo, Larry and Emily


Want to know more about professional use of social media?  Make sure to attend The Forum session, "Communication and Computer Technology in the Workplace" Monday, April 30 • 9:00 am–11:45 am in 102BC.

AM Quick Links
    • View presentations by focus area here
  • See all blog posts related to Annual Meeting 2012 here

Contact your bloggers at tips@aocs.org (or stop by The Lab in Hall A) to share Annual Meeting news and photos.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Shameless Self Promotion-The Forum on Emerging Technologies-Communication and Computer Technology in the Workplace

I blog. I "weberize" content. I am also a session chair this year at the 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. Please join me, (Amy Lopez), for The Forum session, "Communication and Computer Technology in the Workplace."

The Forum on Emerging Technologies – What’s on the Horizon?
Communication and Computer Technology in the Workplace; How businesses are utilizing new technologies and social media to their advantage, and what challenges are being faced.

Monday, April 30 • 9:00 am–11:45 am in 102BC Long Beach Convention Center
Introduction. 9:00–9:10 am. Amy Lopez, AOCS, USA.
     
Social Media Foundations. 9:10–9:55 am. John Zimmerman, eRocketFuel Social Media, Inc., USA.
  • What’s It All About?
  • Why You Should Use It.
  • Word of Mouth Marketing & Tips to Get Started 
Social Media for the Business Professional. 9:55–10:40 am. Krista Neher, Boot Camp Digital, USA.
  • Social Media for Science Professionals
  • Strategy & Tactics
  • Proceed with Caution    
Facilitating Collaboration & Innovation Through the use of Mobile & Web-based Social Media Technologies. 10:40–11:25 am. Rick Ladd, Rick Ladd & Associates, USA.
  • Web technology and Findability
  • Social media and Innovation 
Q&A – Panel Discussion. 11:25–11:45 am.
  • Getting Started
  • Success Stories
  • Internal Networks 
  • What’s Next?
About the Speakers
  • Krista Neher – Krista Neher (www.kristaneher.com) is a bestselling author, CEO of Boot Camp Digital and an international professional speaker. In addition, Krista is the Managing Director of the Institute of Social Media at Cincinnati State, on the faculty of the ClickZ Academy, faculty for eLearningOnlne, and is co-authoring the first textbook on social media marketing. She spent over 5 years at Procter & Gamble, where she worked on some of the biggest and best product launches.
    • Boot Camp Digital-a leading provider of top-rated social media, internet marketing, mobile and digital marketing training programs.
(Note: John has generously donated a copy of his book The Complete Idiots Guide to Facebook Marketing as well as a $1000 gift certificate to the Foundation Silent Auction. View the book and bid generously (remember -the auctions funds student programs).
  • Rick Ladd & Associates-Rick spent over two decades at Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne as a leader in the fields of business process improvement, knowledge management, and the application of social media to the resolution of internal collaboration and innovation efforts. He currently provides services for small to medium-sized business. Find Rick Ladd & Associates on Facebook.

I look forward to seeing you at this fun and interactive session. I will have a free gift for the first 100 attendees and will host the speakers during the Monday evening Networking Reception in The Lab (5:00pm-6:30 pm in the Expo/ Hall A). Please come by and meet them and ask questions. We will have computers available for interactive tutorials.

See you there!

Amy Lopez
amylo@aocs.org 
LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are not just for play! Stop by The Lab at the 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo for a free souvenir photo and learn how to use social networking tools to enhance your professional and business development.

Your News and Notes for Monday April 23, 2012

FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Use of Nanotechnology by Food and Cosmetics Industries 
The food draft guidance describes the factors manufacturers should consider when determining whether changes in manufacturing processes, including those involving nanotechnology, create a significant change in food substances. The cosmetic product draft guidance discusses the FDA’s current thinking on the safety assessment of nanomaterials when used in cosmetic products.
For more information: Fact Sheet: Nanotechnology. This Constituent Update can be found here.
Additional Constituent Updates can be found here.
California's Proposition 65 Applies to All Food Processors
foodprocessing.com--Any food and beverage manufacturer who sells products in California can be sued.From its name, you might believe that California's Proposition 65 — the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 — is not something that a company operating outside California need worry about. Unfortunately, this belief is incorrect. Read more.

Palm oil a suitable alternative to olive oil for deep frying
 Foodprocessing--A study published in the Journal of Food Science has suggested that super palm olein (SPO) could be a suitable replacement for olive oil for frying and cooking as it provides higher oxidative stability than olive oil. Read more.

Canada canola oil shipments to U.S. surgeReuters--Canada's canola crushers are processing the oilseed at a record-brisk pace, as demand for canola oil heats up among U.S. makers of biodiesel and food products like potato chips. Read more.

Wikicell technology: eat the ice cream wrapper
ABC Online--But what if the packaging wasn't just biodegradable, what if it was edible too? ... and reckons the applications for developing countries could be huge. Read more.

UMass Food Science Short Course: Lipid Oxidation November 13, 2012
UMass Amherst Food Science invites food scientists, chemists, researchers, and quality and industrial managers to learn the fundamentals of lipid oxida­tion from leaders in food science in a two-day course at the UMass Amherst campus.  Find out more.

Evolution seen in 'synthetic DNA'
BBC News--The work, reported in Science, is promising for future "synthetic biology" and biotechnology efforts. It also hints at the idea that if life exists elsewhere, it could be bound by evolution but not by similar chemistry. Read more.

PTPN III to build oleochemical plant 
Agro Asia News--State-owned plantation company PTPN III will be an oleochemical plant worth Rp 3 trillion in the Sei Mankei industrial area in North Sumatra. Read more.

Performance overshadows sustainability in oleochemicals
ICIS--At least one large oleochemical producer with numerous downstream finished products in this market has met all tiers of the certification program. Read more.

Making Polyurethane Adhesives with Renewable PolyolsSpecialChem--Though crude oil is rightly the ultimate source of many chemicals the adhesive industry uses, renewable materials can offer an alternative to aid economic and supply sustainability. To this end, how to produce polyol monomers from plants that can be used to make polyurethane adhesives has been broadly explored.  Read more.

Tinker, tailor, sailor, fly: aviation biofuels advance, attract opponents over costs
biofuelsdigest.com--As Honeywell and Agrisoma collaborate to pioneer aviation biofuels from a new carinata-based feedstock, critics wonder exactly why the military is paying so much for the biofuels it is utilizing for tests. Read more.

Abstract Alerts

The development of Brazilian agriculture: future technological challenges and opportunities.
Pedro AA Pereira, Geraldo B Martha, Carlos AM Santana2 and Eliseu Alves. Agriculture & Food Security 2012, 1:4. Read the abstract.

A highly efficient beta-glucosidase from a buffalo rumen fungus Neocallimastix patriciarum W5.
Chen H, Chen Y, Lu MJ, Chang J, Wang HC, Wang T, Ruan S, Wang T, Hung K, Cho H, Ke H, Lin W, Shih M, Li W. Biotechnology for Biofuels 2012, 5:24 (19 April 2012). Read the abstract.

Preparation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with frankincense and myrrh oil.
Shi F, Zhao JH, Liu Y, Wang Z, Zhang YT, Feng NP. International Journal of Nanomedicine. April 2012 Volume 2012:7 Pages 2033 - 2043. Read the abstract.

Upcoming Events/ April 23-30, 2012
See the AOCS Events Calendar.

23 Omega-3 Summit 2012
Ghent, Belgium

24-26 International Dairy Foods Association Milk & Cultured Dairy Products Symposium
Kansas City, Missouri, USA

25-26 Detergents and Cleaning Products
Mainz, Germany

25-26 6th Practical Short Course, incl. Pilot Demonstration Sessions: Extrusion Technology and Snack Food Processing and Product Formulation
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

25-26 2nd ICIS World Surfactants Conference
New York, New York, USA

25-26 European Algae Biomass
London, United Kingdom

25-28 2nd Annual World Congress of Bioenergy Renewable Energy for Sustainability
Xi’an, China

26-28 INAPALM 2012: The Indonesia International Palm Oil, Machinery and Technology Exhibition & Conference
Pekanbaru,Riau, Indonesia

28-30 13th International Exhibition on Surfactant and Detergent
Shanghai, China

29-May 2 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
Orlando, Florida, USA

29-May 2 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo
Long Beach, California, USA

30-May 2 66th Annual Production Conference
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA


Have a news posting? Tip your editors at tips@aocs.org.


Sunday, April 22, 2012

Beyond the blue bins: New American Chemical Society video on recycling

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2012 via American Chemical Society News Release— Just in time for Sunday’s celebration of Earth Day, the American Chemical Society (ACS) today released a video revealing the journey that recyclable materials take beyond those blue curbside bins. In the latest episode of ACS’ award-winning Bytesize Science series, viewers take a tour of a typical recycling center to see how these facilities sort the mountains of recyclables they receive every day. The video is available at www.BytesizeScience.com.

It points out that the average American generates about 4.5 pounds of trash every day. That’s almost 250 million tons of waste every year – enough to bury more than 93,000 football fields in six feet of trash. Less than 25 percent of that is recycled. The rest winds up being burned or buried in landfills. Scientists say we could reuse or recycle more than 70 percent of that waste, which includes valuable materials like glass, aluminum and paper.

The video shows how the Montgomery County (Maryland) Recycling Facility in suburban Washington, DC, serves as one of the first links in the recycle-reuse chain. It receives more than 80,000 tons of mixed plastic, aluminum and other recyclables every year, and uses staff and machinery to sort out the various materials. Machines later compress the materials into large blocks – or “bales” – that can be made into new products. Those trashed aluminum cans, for instance, may become the engine block or alloy wheels in a new car or truck. Scrap paper may get a new life in tomorrow’s newspaper, paper bags or other products.

For additional entertaining video podcasts from ACS, go to www.bytesizescience.com. The Bytesize Science series is produced by the ACS Office of Public Affairs.

The American Chemical Society is a non-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With more than 164,000 members, ACS is the world’s largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Eleven Days and Counting

 It is 11 days until the 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. Not that we, (AOCS staff), are counting.

Planning for the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo actually begins years in advance as AOCS staff and the Program Committee select a site, and for 2012, the sunny and beautiful Long Beach California was selected.

Site selection, however, is just the beginning. Staff and volunteer committee members work hard to find the best hotels, plan social events, short courses, the exhibition as well as plan the technical program. Websites are launched, session chairs are set to work, and marketing materials are sent out. As April 29th draws close staff begin scheduling, stuffing portfolios and arranging shipments.

After much work from all (and with much left to do!) all at AOCS headquarters are getting excited about the upcoming AOCS Annual Meeting and truly hope it will surpass your expectations!

Scheduling
Stuffing 'Expo to Go'

Shipping out to the L.B.C.!


Reminders


*Online registration is now closed, but you can still register on site in Long Beach.

*Printed abstract booklets will NOT be available at the 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. In a responsible effort to encourage sustainability, the abstracts for oral and poster presentations will be provided in electronic format.  Registrants should have received access information via email. If you need help accessing abstracts please contact Donna Elbon at donnae@aocs.org.

We look forward to seeing you in Long Beach!

Your News and Notes for Friday, April 20, 2012

A Sharp Rise in Retractions Prompts Calls for Reformnytimes.com--Journal editors have been researching why there has been an increase in scientific paper retractions. Read more.

ORNL process improves catalytic rate of enzymes by 3,000 percent
ornl.gov--Light of specific wavelengths can be used to boost an enzyme's function by as much as 30 fold, potentially establishing a path to less expensive biofuels, detergents and a host of other products. Read the News Release.

Analysis of 3-MCPD Fatty Acid Diesters in Palm Oil Using a Triple Quadrupole LC/MS/MS
Application News--Introduction to the quantitative analysis of 3-MCPD fatty acid esters in palm oil using LC/MS/MS. Synthetic 3-MCPD-dipalmitoyl ester and3-MCPD-dioleoyl ester were used as standard samples. Read more (.pdf)

New insights into Escherichia coli metabolism: carbon scavenging, acetate
7thSpace Interactive (Newsrelease)--Glycerol has enhanced its biotechnological importance since it is a byproduct of biodiesel synthesis. A study of Escherichia coli physiology during growth on glycerol was performed combining transcriptional-proteomic analysis...Read more.

Bayside Capital Makes Investment in Desmet Ballestra In Support of Comprehensive Debt Restructuring
financialpost.com--Bayside Capital announced that it has completed an investment in Desmet Ballestra.  Desmet Ballestra, headquartered in France, is the world’s leading provider of process engineering services, plants and equipment for the oil and fat industries and for the detergents and surfactants industries. Read more.

Supersizing Makes Consumers Feel More Important, Says Study
Huffington Post‎--What's the real reason consumers like their meals supersized? They boost a person's sense of importance, according to a new study. Read more.

Air Products Showcases Gases and Chemicals Solutions at 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo
PR Newswire--Air Products (NYSE: APD) will be highlighting its diverse portfolio of gases and chemicals solutions that can help processors in the fats, oils, and related industries increase sustainability and process efficiency, improve safety and product quality, and help lower total operating costs at the 103rd AOCS (American Oil Chemists' Society) Annual Meeting & Expo in Long Beach, Calif., from April 29-May 2. Read the News Release.

Vilsack Adamant: Call It the Food, Farm and Jobs Bilfarmfutures.com--U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed the North American Agricultural Journalists annual convention in Washington, D.C. Read more.

Auditors deal setback to EU agricultural reform
euractiv.com--The European Court of Auditors dealt a blow to the European Commission’s overhaul of agricultural policies, saying in an opinion that the proposals are “too complex” and expose the EU to possible abuse in its direct payments scheme. Read more.

The Magic of Doing One Thing at a Time
blogs.hbr.org--Why is it that between 25% and 50% of people report feeling overwhelmed or burned out at work? It's not just the number of hours we're working, but also the fact that we spend too many continuous hours juggling too many things at the same time.  Read more.

Abstract Alerts

Shotgun lipidomics analysis of 4-hydroxyalkenal species directly from lipid extracts after one-step in situ derivatization
Miao Wang, Huafeng Fang, and Xianlin Han. Analytical Chemistry. Just Accepted Manuscript. Read the abstract.

Uncertainty in techno-economic estimates of cellulosic ethanol production due to experimental measurement uncertainty
Vicari KJ, Tallam S, Shatova T, Koh K, Scarlata CJ, Humbird D, Wolfrum EJ, Beckham GT
Biotechnology for Biofuels 2012, 5:23 (17 April 2012). Read the abstract.

Reminders


*Printed abstract booklets will NOT be available at the 103rd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. In a responsible effort to encourage sustainability, the abstracts for oral and poster presentations will be provided in electronic format.  Registrants should have received access information via email. If you need help accessing abstracts please contact Donna Elbon at donnae@aocs.org.





Have a news story, meeting report, or upcoming event you would like to have featured on the AOCS Blog? Write your editors at tips@aocs.org.