D Monday, October 12, 2009 METRO This sea parasite really does suck Heart ops may no longer be needed A PARASITE that slowly kills fish by clinging to their bodies and sucking their blood has been found in the English Channel for the first time. The isopod attaches itself, becomes part of the fishs body, and uses its hosts nutrients to survive. Scientists say global warming is partly responsible for the arrival of the woodlouse-like isopod which is normally found in the Med. CARDIAC surgery could be a thing of the past thanks to a patch that promotes cell growth. A group of heart muscle cells has been made by bioengineers at Duke University, North Carolina. Made from mouse stem cells, the tissue cardiomyocytes can contract and conduct electrical impulses, and grow like it would in a developing heart. that they are doing all they can to secure the womens release. Officials say they have a line of commu- nication with the abductors but negotia- tions have been marred by reported ran- som demands from the gang. Last month, Minister for Foreign Affairs Michel Martin travelled to Sudan in a bid to intensify efforts to free the two kid- napped women. Irish Ambassador to Egypt, Gerry Corr was in Darfur last week for talks with lo- cal tribal chiefs and the Sudanese and Ugandan governments. John OShea, CEO of Goal, said that he wanted to thank the Irish Government for its role in trying to secure the womens re- lease. He said: They have worked tirelessly throughout that 100 days and continue to do so. Id also like to thank the Irish peo- ple for their support and their prayers. Efforts to free aid worker intensify after 100th dayFAMILY and friends of kidnapped aid worker Sharon Commins marked her 100th day in captivity yesterday with a Mass at St Gabriels Church in Clontarf. Ms Commins, who is 33, and her 42- year-old Ugandan colleague Hilda Kawu- ki were abducted on July 3, when a gang armed with semi-automatic weapons burst into Goals compound in Darfur. The Dubliner has been working with the charity for four years. The Sudanese gov- ernment has assured the Irish Government by joanne ahern hostage: Ms Commins Irish priest kidnapped GUNMEN have kidnapped an Irish priest from his house in the Philippines. At least six kidnappers stormed into the house of Father Michael Sinot in Pagadian city in Zamboanga del Sur province late yesterday and dragged him into a van. Fr Sinot, from Barntown in Co Wexford, was last seen being taken aboard a motor boat. Their have been no claims of responsibility. Muslim guerillas have been fighting for a separate homeland for decades and have kidnapped foreigners, including priests, in the past. TODAYS TOP SHOT: Ill Find You by Lizzie Doran Metro readers from around the globe are invited to take part in one of the worlds largest photo competitions. This year the themes are: People, Places and Climate Change. For your chance to see your work in print around the world and win one of three trips for two to a Metro city of your choice, simply submit your photographs by Sunday october 18. Upload your photos now at www.metrophotochallenge.com/ie METRO PHOtO cHallenge index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html