Extra Extra, read, and well watch all about it. It has just been announced that Daft Punk will be featured on DJ Hero which will be releasing next month. Exclusive to the game will be 11 mixes, to scratch, scribble and bang to on the 1s and 2s. Go get the pre-order. via.

U of Minnesota researchers identify genes producing THC

In a first step toward engineering a drug-free Cannabis plant for hemp fiber and oil, University of Minnesota researchers have identified genes producing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance in marijuana. Studying the genes could also lead to new and better drugs for pain, nausea and other conditions.

The finding is published in the September issue of the Journal of Experimental Botany. Lead author is David Marks, a professor of plant biology in the College of Biological Sciences.

The study revealed that the genes are active in tiny hairs covering the flowers of Cannabis plants. In marijuana, the hairs accumulate high amounts of THC, whereas in hemp the hairs have little. Hemp and marijuana are difficult to distinguish apart from differences in THC.

With the genes identified, finding a way to silence them—and thus produce a drug-free plant — comes a step closer to reality. Another desirable step is to make drug-free plants visually recognizable. Since the hairs can be seen with a magnifying glass, this could be accomplished by engineering a hairless Cannabis plant.

The researchers are currently using the methods of the latest study to identify genes that lead to hair growth in hopes of silencing them.

"We are beginning to understand which genes control hair growth in other plants, and the resources created in our study will allow us to look for similar genes in Cannabis sativa," said Marks.

"Cannabis genetics can contribute to better agriculture, medicine, and drug enforcement," said George Weiblen, an associate professor of plant biology and a co-author of the study.

As with Dobermans and Dachshunds, marijuana and hemp are different breeds of the same species (Cannabis sativa), but marijuana contains much more THC than hemp, which is a source of industrial fiber and nutritious oil.

Hemp was raised for its fiber — which is similar to cotton but more durable — in the United States until legislation outlawed all Cannabis plants because they contain THC. Today, marijuana contains as much as 25 percent THC, whereas hemp plants contain less than 0.3 percent.

Hemp was once a popular crop in the upper Midwest because it tolerates a cool climate and marginal soils that won't support other crops but, after drug legislation, hemp fiber was replaced by plastic and other alternatives. Recent popular demand for hemp products has led some states to consider the economic and environmental benefits of hemp. North Dakota legislation aims to reintroduce it as a crop, and Minnesota is considering similar legislation. At the same time, California and other states permit the medicinal use of marijuana.

"I can't think of a plant so regarded as a menace by some and a miracle by others," says Weiblen, who is one of the few researchers in the United States permitted to study Cannabis genetics. In 2006, Weiblen and colleagues developed a DNA "fingerprinting" technique capable of distinguishing among Cannabis plants in criminal investigations.

Kanye is a retard. Dude you can't keep runnin on stage at Award Shows and disprespecting other Artists. Taylor Swift Sucks. Ok I said it, Beyonce does have the better video, BUT, keep that shit to yourself cuz it looks like you suckin Jay off on some wifey ass kissing shit. I thought Eminem's video sucked and it won best Hip Hop Video. Green Day cmon you know that was Kings Of Leon's Award!! Kanye, remember the old school way of thought that you were brought up in "Award Shows for the Pimps and Hoes" - KRS, or "Who Gives a Fuck About a God Damm Grammy" - Public Enemy. Shit is not that serious duke! When he did that to Justice in Europe he ended up looking hella retarded as Justice went on to score an International Hit with D.A.N.C.E. so you would think he would learn his lesson. Okay enuff Kanye Blasting, Here is his official "Apology" which has since been taken down:

And did Kanye do the same shit to President Barack Obama.. Judge for yourself HERE:

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Seriously, though, Ye you are talented, respected and loved the world over.. when will it be enough? Do you really feel the need to defend other people's art or were you just trying to get on stage one more time? With all of the Passings of Late, you should be more focused, more humble, more determined to be a better person! Not a Bigger Jerk. And if you are gonna be a jerk then don't bother apologizing it makes you look to emotional. As someone who has supported you through the years (and from the beginning), I implore you to make a change for the positive... enough of how great you are in other people's songs. I mean do you gotta get back to writing with Che, or what? Maybe all these Lil Wayne and Jeezy Collabos have ruined your sense of reality!

Cheers,

DJ Indiana Jones