| Meridian wins FDA approval for two new tests
Two new tests to help diagnose flu and upper respiratory infections will be launched during this quarter by Meridian Bioscience Inc. The biomedical company said it has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market the tests, TRU FLU and TRU RSV. The former detects the influenza A and influenza B viruses, while the latter can be used to diagnose respiratory syncytial virus. The products "are designed to provide rapid, accurate results with additional safety benefits for the lab," said John Kraeutler, president and chief operating officer, in a news release. Meridian will manufacture both products, Kraeutler added. Newtown-based Meridian (NASDAQ: VIVO) manufactures, markets and distributes diagnostic test kits, purified reagents and related products.
Xcel solar power plan catching on
Xcel Energy Inc., Colorado's largest utility, connected its 1,000th small-solar customer to the grid on Monday. Xcel's "Solar*Rewards" program, which gives customers rebates to help cover the cost of buying and installing solar panels on their homes and small businesses to generate electricity, has grown rapidly in the last 18 months. Xcel (NYSE: XEL) is based in Minneapolis. It has 1.3 million electricity customers in Colorado. To date, Xcel has handed out $19.5 million in rebates and payments for "Renewable Energy Credits" for customers offering solar power for use in their homes, businesses and to the utility. The money comes from a special charge on every Xcel customers' bill in Colorado. Currently, customers pay an extra 0.6 percent, or roughly 36 cents on a $60 monthly electricity bill.
Uganda: HFCU Set to Enter Commercial Banking Sector With $36m Kitty
Housing Finance Company of Uganda (HFCU), the oldest mortgage bank is moving into commercial banking, a sector set to become even more competitive with three other new players at different stages of entering the sector. HFCU however will enter the sector in a healthy situation, with a big war chest containing some Ush61 billion (US$36 million) in new capital. .
To Kill a Turkey
Ken Wulf told me exactly what to expect. I'd hold my bird's head and body down to the ground. I'd put a paring knife in its mouth and cut the back of its throat. Then I'd hang on — "a turkey is a very strong animal," he warned — while its lifeblood spurted out. "You'll be able to feel it," Wulf said. "When the last heartbeat goes, you'll know it's dead." Wulf imparted this information casually, across his kitchen counter. The Dane County poultry farmer, whom I'd called out of the blue the day before, readily assented to my request to "process" my own Thanksgiving turkey. To him, it made perfect sense. To me, it was a harder sell, despite being my idea. I knew if I planned to have turkey for Thanksgiving — or on a sandwich for lunch — it was appropriate that I do this.
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