Archive for May, 2020

Here's What You Need To Remember:While the Mercury has demonstrated its usefulness as an airborne communication hub for supporting troops in the field, the airborne command post will be considered a success if it never has to execute its primary mission.

In a military that operates Raptor stealth fighters, A-10 tank busters, B-52 bombers and Harrier jump jets, the U.S. Navys placid-looking E-6 Mercury, based on the 707 airliner, seems particularly inoffensive. But dont be deceived by appearances. Though the Mercury doesnt carry any weapons of its own, it may be in a sense the deadliest aircraft operated by the Pentagon, as its job is to command the launch of land-based and sea-based nuclear ballistic missiles.

Of course, the U.S. military has a ground-based strategic Global Operations Center in Nebraska, and land-based transmitters for communicating with the nuclear triad. However, the E-6s sinister purpose is to maintain the communication link between the national command authority (starting with the president and secretary of defense) and U.S. nuclear forces, even if ground-based command centers are destroyed by an enemy first strike. In other words, you can chop off the head of the U.S. nuclear forces, but the body will keep on coming at you, thanks to these doomsday planes.

The E-6s basic mission is known as Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO). Prior to the development of the E-6, theTACAMOmission was undertaken by land-based transmitter and laterEC-130Gand Q Hercules aircraft, which had Very Low Frequency radios for communication with navy submarines. Interestingly, France also operated its ownTACAMOaircraft until 2001, four modifiedTransallC-160HAstarttransports, which maintainedVLFcommunications with French ballistic-missile submarines.

The first of sixteenE-6sentered service between 1989 and 1992. These were the last built in averylong line of military variants of the venerable Boeing 707 airliner, in particular the707-320BAdvanced, also used in theE-3 Sentry. Bristling with thirty-one communication antennas, theE-6Aswere originally tasked solely with communicating with submerged Navy submarines. Retrofitted with more fuel-efficientCFM-56turbojets and benefiting from expanded fuel tanks, theE-6Acould remain in the air up to fifteen hours, or seventy-two with inflight refueling.

To use its Very Low Frequency radios, an E-6 has to fly in a continuous orbit at a high altitude, with its fuselage- and tail-mounted VLF radios trailing one- and five-mile-long wire antennas at a near-vertical attitude! The VLF signals can be received byOhio-class nuclear ballistic-missile submarineshiding deep underwater, thousands of miles away. However, the VLF transmitters limited bandwidth means they can only send raw data at around thirty-five alphanumeric characters per secondmaking them alotslower than even the old 14k internet modems of the 1990s. Still, its enough to transmit Emergency Action Messages, instructing the ballistic-missile subs to execute one of a diverse menu of preplanned nuclear attacks, ranging from limited to full-scale nuclear strikes. The E-6s systems are also hardened to survive the electromagnetic pulse from nuclear weapons detonating below.

Between 1997 and 2006, the Pentagon upgraded the entire E-6A fleet to the dual-role E-6B, which expanded the Mercurys capabilities by allowing it to serve as an Airborne Nuclear Command Post with its own battle staff area for the job. In this role it serves as a backup for four huge E-4 command post aircraft based on the 747 Jumbo jet. The E-6B has ultra-high-frequency radios in its Airborne Launch Control system that enable it to remotely launch land-based ballistic missiles from their underground silos, a task formerly assigned to U.S. Air Force EC-135 Looking Glass aircraftyet another 707 variant. The E-6s crew was expanded from fourteen to twenty-two for the command post mission, usually including an onboard admiral or general. Additional UHF radios give the E-6B access to the survivable MILSTAR satellite communications network, while the cockpit is upgraded up with new avionics and instruments from the 737NG airliner. The E-6B can be distinguished in photos by its additional wing-mounted pods.

The Mercurys abundant communications gear allows it to perform nonnuclear Command, Control and Communications (C3) operations as well. For this reason, E-6s have at times been deployed to Europe and the Middle East to serve as flying C3 hubs. For example, VQ-4 was deployed in Qatar for three years from 2006 to 2009, where it relayed information such as IED blast reports and medical evacuation requests from U.S. troops in Iraq who were out of contact with their headquarters.

Two Navy Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons currently operate the E-6: VQ-3 Ironmen and VQ-4 Shadows, both under the Navy Strategic Communications Wing 1. These have their home at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, but also routinely forward deploy out of Travis AFB in California and Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland. At least one E-6 is kept airborne at all times. E-6s on the submarine-communication mission often fly in circles over the ocean at the lowest possible speedfor as long as ten hours at a time. Those performing the nuclear command post mission typically remain on alert near Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. The E-6s nuclear mission has also made its operations occasional fodder for conspiracy theorists and foreign propaganda outlets.

The E-6 platform should remain in service until 2040 thanks to a service-life extension program and continual tweaks to its systems and radios. While the Mercury has demonstrated its usefulness as an airborne communication hub for supporting troops in the field, the airborne command post will be considered a success if it never has to execute its primary mission. The heart of nuclear deterrence, after all, is convincing potential adversaries that no first strike will be adequate to prevent a devastating riposte. The E-6s are vital component in making that threat a credible one.

Sbastien Roblin holds a masters degree in conflict resolution from Georgetown University and served as a university instructor for the Peace Corps in China. He has also worked in education, editing and refugee resettlement in France and the United States. He currently writes on security and military history forWar Is Boring.

This first appeared in December 2017.

Image: Wikipedia.

See the article here:
America's Looking Glass: How The E-6 Mercury Could Destroy The World - The National Interest

Yield10 Bioscience develops new technologies to increase crop yield in support of a more sustainable food system.

Founded in 1992, the companys focus is metabolic engineering technologies using predictive models to facilitate gene discovery. The aim is to enhance photosynthesis and improve seed and crop yield. The ultimate goal is to make major food crops more productive.

The company is working with a strong pipeline of genetic traits and has achieved initial encouraging yield improvement results in canola, soybean, rice and corn.

According to CEO Dr Oliver Peoples, the biggest gains to be made through CRISPR genome-editing lie in staple food and feed crops.

CRISPR genome-editing can benefit the entire agriculture industry when applied to large acreage of staple food and feed crops such as corn, soybean, canola, rice, wheat, potato and more. Provided the regulatory processes are based on science, genome editing will also be useful in fresh produce crops and for other types of food staples, like cassava and millet, which are important in less developed countries.

CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, which are the hallmarks of the bacterial defence system, which forms the basis of CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology.

CRISPR can be used as an advanced plant-breeding tool. It facilitates crop breeding by making cuts at specific locations in a plant genome. Subsequent repair of the cut by the cells endogenous repair mechanism can introduce precise changes.Unlike GMOs, the system works with the native characteristics in the crop and does not introduce new genes. Supporters argue that this means that the biotechnology poses fewer risk factors than GMOs and the process is frequently compared to traditional crop breeding techniques.

Dr Peoples believes that CRISPR will need to be used alongside traditional breeding and GMOs to support food system sustainability. We need traditional breeding, CRISPR and GMO technologies to ensure sustainable global food security, he told FoodNavigator.

In order to feed the estimated 10 billion people by 2050 using the existing land and resources we have available; the agriculture industry needs to incorporate CRISPR genome-editing to enhance crop efficiency.

The key to improving crop genetics has been to use genetic diversity available within a plant species through breeding. By crossing two different plants we are transferring DNA or genes from one plant into the other and then screening to see if that creates a beneficial trait. CRISPR is just a new tool for creating targeted genetic diversity in a crop.

Dr Peoples places these developments in the context of the changing global climate, which brings increased extreme weather events, and the growing population. These factors mean that there is a pressing need to develop new crop varieties that can withstand challenging weather and produce a greater yield on the same amount of land.

The challenges with sustainable food production caused by climate change are due to the unpredictable and variable seasonal weather extremes that farmers are now experiencing. These include drought, flooding, heat and late or early frosts, all of which can have different impacts across even a single growing season. As the average temperature increases, farmers crops also face more pressure from disease and insects.

Using CRISPR genome-edited traits can help make crops more resilient to these weather extremes and disease pressures. The types of genetic traits can be grouped into two key categories; yield traits and stress tolerance traits.

Yield traits focus on photosynthetic efficiency of a crop during the growing season to either protect seed yield under poor growing conditions or to increase the seed yield of a crop, the latter being crucially important to meet the needs of the growing global population.

Stress tolerance traits help increase a crops resiliency such that yields are not reduced by environmental stressors often associated with climate change such as heat, cold, drought and flooding. Each of these types of traits have a common goal and that is to protect food production so incorporating both, not just one or the other, will be key to overcoming challenging growing seasons stemming from climate change and meeting food security demands.

Traditional plant breeding techniques have been used for thousands of years in crop cultivation. Gene editing offers two key advantages: speed and precision.

Plant breeding for new or improved traits like drought tolerance requires access to new genetic diversity in the form of different DNA sequences. Breeders have used many techniques to create that genetic diversity including radiation and chemical mutagenesis in their breeding programs.

CRISPR genome-editing is a precise plant breeding technique and accelerates the trait development process by activating and suppressing very specific genes in the plant DNA in a highly precise and targeted way. This means its a faster, more efficient approach to create crops with ideal traits such as increased yield and resilience.

Dr Peoples argued that CRISPR and indeed genetic engineering are more precise and even safer than some traditional plant breeding methods, such as radiation mutagenesis.

GMOs have been poorly received by European regulators and significantly consumers. Unlike CRISPR, genetic modification works by introducing new DNA to plants.

Dr Peoples believes that GMOs are an important piece of the toolbox for delivering food security and, again, he compares the techniques used to more orthodox agricultural methods. Take for example the use of pest resistance genes from bacteria, which were introduced into crops to make them insect resistant. This is basically the equivalent to vaccinating the plant, so it has immunity to the pest. The same genes and resistance proteins are used extensively in organic farming by spraying them onto the plants. GMO is simply a more efficient process for accomplishing the same goal which is to protect the crop from insects.

Nevertheless, European regulators take a relatively tough stance on controlling GMOs, the definition of which includes CRISPR techniques.

Dr Peoples said he believes this stance to be politically and economically driven rather than based on the scientific facts. First, there is not a single crop grown in the EU that has not been developed using some form of genetic engineering. Crossing different varieties of plant is, after all, the basis of plant breeding and the purpose is to take DNA from one variety and introduce it into the other using sexual crossing.

The anti-GMO stance of the EU is driven primarily by misinformation to the public from NGOs and market protectionism to sustain the EUs common agricultural policy. The EU imports large quantities of GMO soybean meal from both North and South America for animal feed, so where they have a need, they adapt and follow the science.

He also took aim at Europes controversial decision to lump CRISPR gene editing into its definition of GMOs. I dont believe theres a clear misunderstanding of what CRISPR genome-editing is and how it differs from genetic modification. The EU regulatory bodies have been educated about these differences. In fact, the EU regulatory body initially took the position that CRISPR genome editing is different from genetic modification before pressures from anti-GMO groups drove a 2019 EU court ruling blocking this position.

Dr Peoples suggested that little can be done to win over these anti-GMO lobbyists. I doubt that it matters to these groups which form of genetic engineering is used. Their business model centers around a firm anti-genetic engineering or GMO stance, so the scientific facts dont matter as much as staying on message.

However, he said that the public mood towards gene editing appears to be shifting: Thanks to new advancements and education around this technology, more everyday consumers are embracing CRISPR genome editing. Since this technique uses a plants existing DNA, it feels closer to the traditional breeding techniques, appears safer and doesnt warrant the same backlash as GM.

In order to support this shift, the scientific community is pushing back against the anti-GMO rhetoric to spotlight the economic, health, social and environmental benefits of CRISPR genome-editing.

In the EU, EASAC, the voice of independent science advice, has called for radical reform of EU legislation around GMOs noting that current regulations are no longer fit for purpose.

Efforts to communicate and educate are vital to gaining support, Dr Peoples suggested. Progress has been made but in order to create a substantial impact, the scientific community needs to continue working with various governments and regulatory bodies to educate consumers and legislators about the benefits these breeding techniques can offer.

Dr Peoples also suggested that attitudes towards the use of science in food are being shaped by external events. Necessity, it would seem, not only proves the mother of invention but also of acceptance.

Minimizing the effects of climate change and creating a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle are two key factors weighing heavily on genetically engineered crop acceptance. For example, the plant-based meat trend has been advertised as a healthier, more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional meat, and some of these plant-based substitutes have been developed using GMO products.

For millennials, climate change and sustainability are their key decision drivers and they are more open to technology in general. Many are not vested in the anti-GMO falsehoods which sustained the entire careers of anti GMO activists before evolving into a negative marketing tool. Were living in a time where consumer decisions are driven by their social, economic, environmental and health interests.

The current coronavirus crisis the first global pandemic since the 1918 Spanish flu has led to people feeling threatened physically and economically by the COVID-19 virus. This, too, is making people more open to science-based solutions.

Now more than ever we are looking to science for solutions and the specific scientific method or tool for creating that solution simply does not matter. The third-generation vaccine developed by the Canadian Government and Merck for Ebola is a great example of the power of genetic engineering tools and the benefits to humanity of a GMO product. Work is underway at the University of Oxford in the UK and probably elsewhere to develop a COVID-19 vaccine using a similar approach.

However, Dr Peoples added, there are limits: For the first time in many decades the availability of food is once more a question. The availability of an effective vaccine will not change the minds of many anti-vaxers just like the use of new genetic engineering tools wont change the minds of anti-GMO activists.

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CRISPR genome editing to address food security and climate change: 'Now more than ever we are looking to science for solutions' - FoodNavigator.com

ZUG, Switzerland and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP), a biopharmaceutical company focused on creating transformative gene-based medicines for serious diseases, today announced that Samarth Kulkarni, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of CRISPR Therapeutics, is scheduled to present at the virtual Bank of America Securities 2020 Health Care Conference on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 11:40 a.m. ET.

A live webcast of the fireside chat will be available on the "Events & Presentations" page in the Investors section of the Company's website at https://crisprtx.com/events. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Company's website for 14 days following the presentation.

About CRISPR TherapeuticsCRISPR Therapeutics is a leading gene editing company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious diseases using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 platform. CRISPR/Cas9 is a revolutionary gene editing technology that allows for precise, directed changes to genomic DNA. CRISPR Therapeutics has established a portfolio of therapeutic programs across a broad range of disease areas including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. To accelerate and expand its efforts, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic partnerships with leading companies including Bayer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and ViaCyte, Inc. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and business offices in San Francisco, California and London, United Kingdom. For more information, please visit http://www.crisprtx.com.

Investor Contact:Susan Kimsusan.kim@crisprtx.com

Media Contact:Rachel Eides WCG on behalf of CRISPR617-337-4167reides@wcgworld.com

The rest is here:
CRISPR Therapeutics to Present at the Bank of America Securities 2020 Health Care Conference - Yahoo Finance

Wide-spread testing has long been the Achilles' heel of the U.S. response efforts. Shortages, false negatives, and inaccurate kits have plagued efforts to provide quick and easy results to Americans. But scientists hope a new test can be the answer to that problem. In other testing news: antibody tests, false negatives and states' ongoing efforts to ramp up screenings.

The New York Times:With Crispr, A Possible Quick Test For The CoronavirusA team of scientists has developed an experimental prototype for a fairly quick, cheap test to diagnose the coronavirus that gives results as simply as a pregnancy test does. The test is based on a gene-editing technology known as Crispr, and the researchers estimated that the materials for each test would cost about $6. Were excited that this could be a solution that people wont have to rely on a sophisticated and expensive laboratory to run, said Feng Zhang, a researcher at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Mass., and one of the pioneers of Crispr technology. (Zimmer, 5/5)

ABC News:Roche CEO Severin Schwan Says Producing New Antibody Test Part Of Busiest Time In His CareerSeverin Schwan, the CEO of Swiss drugmaker Roche, says employees from across the company are coming together to contribute to meeting the aggressive manufacturing targets the company has promised after receiving emergency Food and Drug Administration approval for its COVID-19 antibody test on Sunday. "I mean, even in the packaging lines, we have our employees who come from all over the place, who raised their hand and who say ... 'Can I help out in the warehouse?'" Schwan said in an interview with ABC News. "The engagement is -- and the commitment and the passion is -- really enormous. I can't tell you how proud I am of the organization and how they excel during this difficult, unprecedented time." (Bolton, 5/5)

Boston Globe:Walthams PerkinElmer Gets Emergency Approval For COVID-19 Antibodies TestPerkinElmer, the Waltham-based diagnostics maker, said Tuesday that a subsidiary has obtained an "emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for a test that detects antibodies in the blood of people who fought off COVID-19. The test made by EUROIMMUN, a subsidiary based in Lubeck, Germany, is one of a dozen made by different companies that have won such approvals, according to the FDA website. (Saltzman, 5/5)

Cincinnati Enquirer:COVID-19: Who's At Fault When A Negative Test Is False? Maybe NobodyWhen a Hyde Park woman was tested for COVID-19 and the test came back negative despite her symptoms, she was perplexed, disappointed and anxious. She was clearly sick and doctors ultimately decided to treat her. So who was at fault? Maybe nobody. That's because even a good test can end in a bad or faulty result. Improving test reliability is important, as Ohio, Kentucky and other states start to loosen restrictions on business and rely on tests to find people who need treatment. (Mitchell, 5/5)

Politico:Bubble Bursts On Cuomos Hope Of 'Immunity' TestingAs his state was being ravaged by the worst coronavirus outbreak in the country in early April, Gov. Andrew Cuomo offered a glimpse of hope to those looking for a quick restart of New Yorks economy: An antibody test, developed in a state laboratory, may be able to confirm immunity for a vast number of New Yorkers. By last week, Cuomo and other officials had retreated from the approach, pointing instead to other metrics that may indicate the best way to avoid future waves of the virus. Cuomo is now describing the immunity idea as little more than a theory. (Gronewold and Young, 5/5)

WBUR:Florida Boosts COVID-19 Testing, Sending New-Case Rate To A Record LowFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis says his state has hit a new record low in the rate of positive test results for COVID-19, as only around 2.5% of nearly 24,000 tests confirmed an infection on Monday. The test results were the most Florida has received in a single day. The governor celebrated the good news, which emerged one day after Florida relaxed shutdown restrictions on restaurants and retail stores in much of the state. (Chappell, 5/5)

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Utilizing CRISPR, Scientists Develop Prototype For Coronavirus Test That Could Be As Quick, Easy As A Pregnancy One - Kaiser Health News

New Delhi: Scientists from Delhi based-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) would work together with Tata Sons to develop Indias first paper-strip test for rapid diagnosis of Covid-19.

The premier CSIR laboratory has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Sons for licensing of know-how and scaling up the technology in the form a kit which can be deployed for Covid-19 testing on the ground by the end of May.

The testing approach was developed by a team led by scientists, Dr Souvik Maiti and Dr Debjyoti Chakraborty from CSIR-IGIB in early April and named Feluda - FNCAS9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay (Feluda), after a famous fictional character that appeared in short stories written by noted filmaker Satyajit Ray.

The test uses cutting-edge, futuristic gene-editing tool- Crispr-Cas9 to target and identify the genomic sequences of the novel coronavirus in the samples of suspected individuals.

The technology was conceived and developed at CSIR IGIB under sickle cell mission and utilizes an indigenously developed cutting edge CRISPR Cas9. A combination of CRISPR biology and paper-strip chemistry leads to a visible signal readout on a paper strip that can be rapidly assessed for confirming the presence of viral infection in a sample," said Dr Anurag Aggarwal, Director, IGIB, New Delhi.

Unlike the real time PCR test currently used for diagnosis of Covid-19 in India, costing about 4500, this test would be affordable, since it does not depend on expensive real-time PCR machines which are already in limited supply.

We are happy to enter into a partnership with IGIB for further development and commercialization of this CRISPR based technology for COVID-19 detection. It uses a test protocol that is simple to administer and easy to interpret enabling results to be made available to the medical fraternity in relatively lesser time, as compared to other test protocols," said Banmali Agrawala, President - Infrastructure and Defence and Aerospace, Tata Sons.

The kit is similar to a portable paper-strip test used to confirm pregnancy and does not require any specialized tools or different skills to operate.

Unlike most rapid tests which require dedicated machinery, it can be performed using simple standard equipments available in any pathological laboratory.

It is also the first such indigeneous testing kit based on Crisper technology to be developed in India.

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Covid-19: CSIR-IGIB partner with TATA Sons to make Indias first paper-strip kit - Livemint

Within the last decades, new genetic engineering tools for manipulating genetic material in plants, animals and microorganisms are getting large attention from the international community, bringing new challenges and possibilities. While genetically modified organisms (GMO) have been known and used for quite a while now, gene drive organisms (GDO) are yet at the consideration and evaluation stage.

The difference between these two technologies, where both are meant to replace certain characters in animals or plants with ones that are more favourable for the human population, is that, even though in GDO there is also foreign "synthetic" DNA being introduced, the inheritance mode differs. In GDO, the genome's original base arrangements are changed, using CRISPR/Cas-9 genome editing. Once the genome is changed, its alterations are carried down the organism's offspring and subsequent generations.

In their study, published in the open-access journal BioRisk, an international group of scientists led by Marion Dolezel from the Environment Agency Austria, discuss the potential risks and impacts on the environment.

The research team also points to current regulations addressing invasive alien species and biocontrol agents, and finds that the GMO regulations are, in principle, also a useful starting point for GDO.

There are three main areas suggested to benefit from gene drive systems: public health (e.g. vector control of human pathogens), agriculture (e.g. weed and pest control), environmental protection and nature conservation (e.g. control of harmful non-native species).

In recent years, a range of studies have shown the feasibility of synthetic CRISPR-based gene drives in different organisms, such as yeast, the common fruit fly, mosquitoes and partly in mammals.

Given the results of previous research, the gene drive approach can even be used as prevention for some zoonotic diseases and, hence, possible future pandemics. For example, laboratory tests showed that the release of genetically modified mosquitoes can drastically reduce the number of malaria vectors. Nevertheless, potential environment and health implications, related to the release of GDO, remain unclear. Only a few potential applications have so far progressed to the research and development stage.

"The potential of GDOs for unlimited spread throughout wild populations, once released, and the apparently inexhaustible possibilities of multiple and rapid modifications of the genome in a vast variety of organisms, including higher organisms such as vertebrates, pose specific challenges for the application of adequate risk assessment methodologies," shares the lead researcher Mrs. Dolezel.

In the sense of genetic engineering being a fastly developing science, every novel feature must be taken into account, while preparing evaluations and guidance, and each of them provides extra challenges.

Today, the scientists present three key differences of gene drives compared to the classical GMO:

1. Introducing novel modifications to wild populations instead of "familiar" crop species, which is a major difference between "classic" GMOs and GDOs.

"The goal of gene drive applications is to introduce a permanent change in the ecosystem, either by introducing a phenotypic change or by drastically reducing or eradicating a local population or a species. This is a fundamental difference to GM crops for which each single generation of hybrid seed is genetically modified, released and removed from the environment after a relatively short period," shares Dolezel.

2. Intentional and potentially unlimited spread of synthetic genes in wild populations and natural ecosystems.

Gene flow of synthetic genes to wild organisms can have adverse ecological impact on the genetic diversity of the targeted population. It could change the weediness or invasiveness of certain plants, but also threaten with extinction the species in the wild.

Possibility for long-term risks to populations and ecosystems.

Key and unique features of GDOs are the potential long-term changes in populations and large-scale spread across generations.

In summary, the research team points out that, most of all, gene drive organisms must be handled extremely carefully, and that the environmental risks related to their release must be assessed under rigorous scrutiny. The standard requirements before the release of GDOs need to also include close post-release monitoring and risk management measures.

It is still hard to assess with certainty the potential risks and impact of gene drive applications on the environment, human and animal health. That's why highly important questions need to be addressed, and the key one is whether genetically driven organisms are to be deliberately released into the environment in the European Union. The High Level Group of the European Commission's Scientific Advice Mechanism highlights that within the current regulatory frameworks those risks may not be covered.

The research group recommends the institutions to evaluate whether the regulatory oversight of GMOs in the EU is accomodate to cover the novel risks and challenges posed by gene drive applications.

"The final decision to release GDOs into the environment will, however, not be a purely scientific question, but will need some form ofbroader stakeholder engagement and the commitment to specific protection goals for human health and the environment", concludes Dolezel.

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The EU not ready for the release of Gene drive organisms into the environment - Science Codex

The science of changing the traits of plants in order to give rise to a desired trait is called plant breeding. CRISPR refers to clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat and case 9 associated protein system is the plant breeding innovation that uses site-directed nucleases used to target and transform DNA with accuracy. It can be applied in a wide range of uses such as biological research, development od crops & animals and human health.

Increasing importance for sustainable crop production drives the growth of plant breeding and the CRISPR plants market. Besides this, a fall in the cost of genomic solutions also drives the growth. However, high costs involved in modern breeding techniques as compared to conventional breeding techniques restricts the growth. A uprurging investments from seed companies and supportive regulations for molecular breeding is expected to boost the growth of plant breeding and CRISPR plants market.

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Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market Summary Comprises Key Regions, Growth and Segmentation Till 2027 - Jewish Life News

Something's been brewing in the health care sector, the second-largest group in the S&P 500. Since the start of the second quarter, the Health Care Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: XLV) is one of the top asset-gathering exchange traded funds.

The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (NASDAQ: IBB), thanks to plenty of help from Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD), is up almost 14% over the past month. Much of the recent biotechnology ebullience is attributable to progress on the coronavirus treatment and vaccine front.

IBB is the largest biotechnology ETF by assets, but it's not the only one delivering impressive returns in recent weeks. Here's a trio of biotech ETFs that are knocking the cover off the ball.

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC)

The Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (NYSE: BBC) tracks the LifeSci Biotechnology Clinical Trials Index. That benchmark is a collection of companies with drugs and therapies in clinical trials, which means BBC is at the right place at the right time in the battle to quash coronavirus.

BBC's holdings are basically equally weighted, but that doesn't distract from the fact that Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) is the fund's top holding. Overall, BBC holds about 90 stocks, most of which dwell at the lower end of large-cap territory or are mid- or small-cap names.

In addition to Moderna, several other BBC components have coronavirus treatment exposure and roughly a dozen are credible takeover targets. That's enough to have BBC up nearly 27% over the past month.

ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG)

In the health care space, the ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (CBOE: ARKG) has been one of the best-performing funds for several years, trouncing traditional health care and biotechnology ETFs for several years, speaking to the capabilities of the fund's active managers.

ARKG typically holds 30 to 50 stocks and currently holds 34, several of which are coronavirus plays and that doesn't even begin to underscore the fund's virus detection exposure, which highlights ARKG's deep CRISPR exposure.

As government officials re-open the US, testing for the COVID-19 virus will be a critical step. A new CRISPR-based test called DNA Endonuclease-Targeted CRISPR Trans Reporter (DETECTR) could help speed the process along, ARK analyst Ali Aurman saidin a recent note.

ARKG is higher by nearly 32% over the past month.

Principal Healthcare Innovators Index ETF (BTEC)

The Principal Healthcare Innovators Index ETF (NASDAQ: BTEC) is a departure from the other funds mentioned here because it's not drug/therapy-centric. Rather, BTEC tilts more toward medical device, equipment and life sciences firms.

The fund invests in companies that are leading the charge toward innovative solutions, rather than spending money on marketing and distribution, according to Principal.

BTEC's nearly 210 holdings are considered research and development-intensive companies and the fund's methodology screens out companies with negative or inconsistent earnings. The fund is higher by almost 25% over the past month.

2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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3 Biotech ETFs Up 10% Or More Over The Last Month - Benzinga

Korean researchers have found a signal transduction system that modulates the treatment of mesenchymal stem cells and immune control functions, opening the way for treating graft-versus-host disease treatment.

Mesenchymal stem cells divide into various cells, have immunomodulatory functions, and are the primary cell sources for stem cell therapy.

Graft-versus-host disease is a fatal disease that leads to death after an allogeneic blood transfusion or bone marrow transplantation. Although there are many clinical trials underway worldwide to treat the symptom, there are no applicable treatments besides alleviating symptoms with high-dose steroids.

The team, led by Professor Shin Dong-myeong of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Asan Medical Center, discovered that the CREB1 (CAMP responsive element binding protein 1) signaling system activates the treatment and immune control functions of mesenchymal stem cells.

The team administered a therapeutic agent made by upgrading mesenchymal stem cells to graft-versus-host disease mice, and found that it alleviated anorexia symptoms and reduced the weight loss rate by 30 percent while increasing the survival rate by 30 percent.

When developing a cell therapy product, researchers have to cultivate the stem cells in vitro. Thus it is very likely that it will impair stem cell functions due to free radicals generated in the cells. To prevent the deterioration of stem cell function, it is necessary to improve the stem cell function in vitro culture, prevent stem cell oxidation, and increase the antioxidant capacity of the cell itself.

Until now, there was a lack of specific evidence and understanding of how stem cells regulate glutathione, an indicator of antioxidant capacity. Therefore, it was difficult to prevent stem cell dysfunction and oxidation.

Professor Shin's team developed experimental techniques that can monitor and quantify glutathione in real-time and confirmed that the CREB1 signaling system regulated the amount and activity of glutathione.

By activating the CREB1 signaling system, the team found that the process also activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) protein, which maintains the antioxidant capacity of mesenchymal stem cells and the increase of both the expression levels of peroxiredoxin-1 (PRDX1) and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM) protein, which synthesize glutathione and are antioxidant activity indicators.

As a result, the team confirmed that its method was effective in treating the graft-versus-host disease.

"Based on this study, we have secured a technological foundation to advance stem cell treatment by controlling the antioxidant capacity of stem cells," Professor Shin said.

If this technology makes a high-purity and high-quality stem cell treatment, the team expects that it will be a step toward developing a graft-versus-host disease treatment and overcoming various intractable diseases such as nervous system diseases and inflammatory diseases with high medical demand, Shin added.

The results of the study were published in the journal, Science Advances.

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AMC to use stem cell therapy in treating graft-versus-host disease - Korea Biomedical Review

A group of UB researchers have published a paper that clarifies certain cellular mechanisms that could lead to improved outcomes in patients with globoid cell leukodystrophy, commonly known as Krabbe disease.

The paper, titled Macrophages Expressing GALC Improve Peripheral Krabbe Disease by a Mechanism Independent of Cross-Correction, was published May 5 in the journal Neuron.

The research was led by Lawrence Wrabetz and M. Laura Feltri. Wrabetz and Feltri head the Hunter James Kelly Research Institute and both are professors in the departments of Biochemistry and Neurology in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB.

The institute is named for the son of former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly. Hunter Kelly died at age 8 in 2005 from complications of Krabbe disease.

Krabbe disease is a progressive and fatal neurologic disorder that usually affects newborns and causes death before a child reaches the age of 2 or 3.

Traditionally, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, also known as a bone marrow transplant, has improved the long-term survival and quality of life of patients with Krabbe disease, but it is not a cure.

It has long been assumed that the bone marrow transplant works by a process calledcross-correction, in which an enzyme called GALC is transferred from healthy cells to sick cells.

Using a new Krabbe disease animal model and patient samples, the UB researchers determinedthatin reality cross-correctiondoes not occur. Rather, the bone marrow transplant helps patients through a different mechanism.

The researchers first determined which cells are involved in Krabbe disease and by which mechanism. They discovered that both myelin-forming cells, or Schwann cells, and macrophages require the GALC enzyme, which is missing in Krabbe patients due to genetic mutation.

Schwann cells require GALC to prevent the formation of a toxic lipid called psychosine, which causes myelin destruction and damage to neurons. Macrophages require GALC to aid with the degradation of myelin debris produced by the disease.

The research showed that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation does not work bycross-correction, but by providing healthy macrophages with GALC.

According to Feltri, the data reveal that improvingcross-correctionwould be a way to makebone marrow transplants and other experimental therapies such as gene therapy more effective.

Bone marrow transplantation and other treatments for lysosomal storage disorders, such as enzyme replacement therapy, have historically had encouraging but limited therapeutic benefit, says study first author Nadav I. Weinstock, an MD-PhD student in the Jacobs School. Our work defined the precise cellular and mechanistic benefit of bone marrow transplantation in Krabbe disease, while also shedding light on previously unrecognized limitations of this approach.

Future studies, using genetically engineered bone marrow transplantation or other novelapproaches,may one day build on our findings and eventually bridge the gap for effectively treating patients with lysosomal disease, he continues.

UB investigators included Daesung Shin, research assistant professor at the Hunter James Kelly Research Institute; Nicholas Silvestri, clinical associate professor of neurology, Jacobs School; Narayan Dhimal, PhD student; Chelsey B. Reed, MD-PhD student; and undergraduate student Oliver Sampson.

Also participating in the research were Eric E. Irons, MD-PhD student, and Joseph T.Y. Lau, a distinguished faculty member from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The research was funded by multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health awarded to Weinstock, Shin, Wrabetz and Feltri, and also supported by Hunters Hope.

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UB investigators uncover cellular mechanism involved in Krabbe disease - UB Now: News and views for UB faculty and staff - University at Buffalo...

Developing new stem cell therapies requires more than a solo biologist having a eureka moment alone in the lab. Real progress relies on collaborations between biologists, engineers and physicians. Thats why The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has continued its support of two strategic initiatives: innovation awards bringing together teams of engineers and scientists from USC and Caltech, and clinical research fellowships for physician-scientists.

Engineering new approaches: The Broad Innovation Awards

For the fifth consecutive year, the Broad Innovation Awards are providing critical funding to USC-affiliated faculty members pursuing multi-investigator research collaborations related to stem cells. For the first year, these collaborations are also drawing on the expertise of biomedical engineers from Caltech. Each award provides $200,000 of funding for a one-year project.

Were very excited to be joining our colleagues at USC in pioneering new approaches to advancing stem cell research, said Stephen L. Mayo, chair of the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering at Caltech. Were thankful to The Broad Foundation for supporting cross-town collaborations between scientists with different expertise but common goals.

With support from a Broad Innovation Award, Andy McMahon, the director of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, is collaborating with Caltech biomedical engineer Long Cai to leverage a new technology for understanding chronic kidney disease. The technology, called seqFISH, provides information about genetic activity taking place in intact tissueenabling the study of the interactions between cells in their native environments.

Dr. Cais seqFISH technology will provide an unprecedented insight into the cellular interplay underlying chronic kidney disease caused by a maladaptive response to acute kidney injury, said McMahon, who is the W.M. Keck Provost and University Professor of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and Biological Sciences, as well as the chair of the Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at USC. We aim to better understand this maladaptive responsewhich is more common in malesin order to find new targets for preventing the progression to chronic kidney disease.

A second Broad Innovation Award brings together USC Stem Cell scientist Rong Lu and Caltech synthetic biologist Michael Elowitz. Their team will study the spatial organization of blood-forming stem and progenitor cells, also called hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), which reside in the bone marrow. By pinpointing the locations of specific HSPCs, the scientists may find clues to explain why certain HSPCs are so dominantreplenishing the majority of the bodys blood and immune cells after a disruption such as a bone marrow transplantation.

Spatial advantages may be the primary drivers of what we refer to as the clonal dominance of certain HSPCs, said Lu, a Richard N. Merkin Assistant Professor of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine, and Gerontology at USC. Understanding the spatial competition between HSPCs could help improve bone marrow transplantation and provide new insights into aging and the development of diseases such as leukemiawhich are associated with clonal dominance.

Elowitz added: Thanks to the Broad Innovation Award and this exciting collaboration with Rong Lu, we will be able to bring a new, synthetic biology approach to record cell histories and read them out in individual cells within their native spatial context, providing new insights into fundamental questions in blood stem cell development.

A third Broad Innovation Award brings together three collaborators at USC: Michael Bonaguidi, an assistant professor of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, biomedical engineering, and gerontology; Robert Chow, a professor of physiology and neuroscience, and biomedical engineering; and Jonathan Russin, an assistant professor of neurological surgery and associate surgical director for the USC Neurorestoration Center. Their project focuses on finding new approaches to treating epilepsy by studying neural cells called astroglia. These cells perform a variety of key functions that support the health of neurons in the brain, and they may also play a role in modulating epileptic seizures.

Although adults dont tend to generate many new brain cells, humans do produce a limited number of new astroglia, said Bonaguidi. We will examine these newborn astroglia at the single-cell level to better understand their role in epileptic patients, and to lay the groundwork for identifying new treatments.

The doctors are in: The Broad Clinical Research Fellowships

The Broad Clinical Research Fellowships are also entering their fifth consecutive year. These fellowships support stem cell research by physician-scientists and residents who intend to practice medicine in California.

These fellowships provide a very special opportunity for our medical residents to engage deeply in laboratory research, as a complement to their extensive training in patient care, said Laura Mosqueda, Dean of the Keck School of Medicine of USC. This valuable research experience gives them a much more complete perspective on how to meet the challenges of finding the best possible treatments for their patients.

A USC resident physician in general surgery, Kemp Anderson will spend his fellowship studying necrotizing enterocolitis, a very serious intestinal infection that affects nearly 10 percent of premature infants. Specifically, he will explore how a molecule involved in cellular communication, called farnesoid X receptor, or FXR, might contribute to this disease.

If FXR plays a role in compromising intestinal barrier function in these premature infants, then altering the activity of FXR could potentially yield treatment modalities for necrotizing enterocolitis, avoiding the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical intervention, said Anderson, who is performing the research under the mentorship of Christopher Gayer and Mark Frey at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Im deeply appreciative of the benefactors and the selection committee for awarding me the Broad Clinical Fellowship, as it is allowing me devoted time to focus on this important project, and to become a more well-rounded physician through this academic pursuit.

Brittany Rocque, a resident physician in general surgery, will use her fellowship to seek better ways to predict, detect and diagnose immune rejection in patients who have undergone liver transplantation. Nearly 60 percent of pediatric patients and at least 15 percent of adult patients reject their liver transplants, and this can currently only be confirmed through an invasive surgical biopsy. Rocque is utilizing the technology Imaging Mass Cytometry to identify and analyze the types of immune cells involved in rejection.

My project has the potential to provide a noninvasive option to assess rejection in transplanted patients, and to expand our understanding of immune rejection, said Rocque, who is being co-mentored by Juliet Emamaullee and Shahab Asgharzadeh at CHLA. Im greatly looking forward to applying my passion for transplantation surgery in the context of basic science, and enhancing my appreciation for the nuances of research, thanks to the Broad Clinical Research Fellowship.

A hematology-oncology fellow who will be transitioning to a junior faculty position at USC next year, Caitlin ONeill will study a condition known as clonal hematopoiesis or CH, a phenomenon common in the aging population. CH involves genetic mutations that cause the expansion of a particular population of blood cells without leukemia or related malignancies. CH increases risks for certain health conditions including heart disease.

During her Broad Clinical Research Fellowship, ONeill will look at one mutation seen in patients with CH: a mutation to the gene called Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2, or TET2. ONeill will explore if this mutation promotes blood clots, inflammation and heart disease.

The goal is to inform therapies to prevent heart disease and leukemic progression in aging patients with CH, said ONeill, who is working with co-mentors Casey OConnell and Rong Lu at USC. Im very happy to be working on this project, with support from the Broad Clinical Research Fellowship, during my transition to becoming a faculty member at USC.

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Broad Foundation brings together stem cell scientists, engineers and physicians at University of Southern - Mirage News

Avrobio is working to make conditioning, a necessary step for some gene therapies, safer. But its not stopping at improving current approachesthe company is teaming up with Magenta Therapeutics to see whether an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) can do the job.

Under the deal, the duo will test Magentas lead conditioning program, MGTA-117, alongside at least one of Avrobios gene therapies. Each company will hold onto the rights for their respective programs, but Avrobio will pick up the tab for clinical trials involving MGTA-117.

We believe targeted ADCs represent the next generation of medicines to prepare patients for gene therapy or transplant in a targeted, precise way This partnership will allow Magenta to validate our conditioning platform in lentiviral gene therapy applications, said Magenta CEO Jason Gardner, D.Phil., in a statement.

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Avrobios lead program is a gene therapy for Fabry disease dubbed AVR-RD-01. It is based on CD34+ stem cells that have been modified using a lentiviral vector to carry and express the gene that codes for the enzyme that is missing in Fabry disease. It is also working on treatments for Gaucher disease, Cystinosis and Pompe disease.

RELATED: Avrobio posts encouraging update for Fabry gene therapy phase 1, 2 trials

Patients undergoing lentiviral gene therapies must first take the chemotherapy drug busulfan in a process called conditioning, which helps the gene-modified stem cells take root in their bone marrow. Avrobio uses therapeutic drug monitoring to tailor busulfan dosing to each patient, to improve the odds of success for its gene therapies while tamping down on side effects. Some patients may be more susceptible to infection and bleeding after conditioning, and they may suffer side effects like nausea, hair loss and mouth sores.

MGTA-117 is made up of an anti-CD117 antibody linked to amanitin, a cell-killing toxin. It is designed to target only hematopoietic, or blood-forming, stem cells and progenitor cells. Animal studies suggest it could clear space in bone marrow for gene-modified stem cells to take root, Magenta said in the statement. The company plans to wrap IND-enabling studies for the antibody-drug conjugate this year.

The deal comes on the heels of a busulfan-focused one for Avrobio. The company joined forces with Saladex Biomedical on Monday to develop a rapid blood test that monitors how quickly patients metabolize the drug. The hope is to get results in minutes, rather than the hours that current methods take, so dosing can be adjusted quickly.

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Avrobio taps Magenta's ADC in ongoing quest to improve gene therapy conditioning - FierceBiotech

"global Stem Cell Therapy market"

A new market study, titled Covid-19 Impact on Global Stem Cell Therapy Market Size, Status and Forecast 2020-2026 has been featured on WiseGuyReports.

The global Stem Cell Therapy market research offers a comprehensive overall market analysis focused on the latest findings. The introduction portion includes a brief overview of the industry, along with the product and service descriptions. This also includes the main applications for all end-user industries. The report also presents market prospects along with the forecast, with the study covering the period 2020-2026. The report includes an in-depth analysis of the major factors that could decide the market's trajectory in the coming years.

Stem-cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition. Bone marrow transplant is the most widely used stem-cell therapy, but some therapies derived from umbilical cord blood are also in use.

In the last several years, global stem cell therapy market developed fast at a average growth rate of 46.81%.

Competition Analysis

In the competitive analysis section of the report, leading as well as prominent players of the global Stem Cell Therapy market are broadly studied on the basis of key factors. The report offers comprehensive analysis and accurate statistics on revenue by the player for the period 2015-2020. It also offers detailed analysis supported by reliable statistics on price and revenue (global level) by player for the period 2015-2020.

The following players are covered in this report:

Osiris Therapeutics

NuVasive

Chiesi Pharmaceuticals

JCR Pharmaceutical

Pharmicell

Medi-post

Anterogen

Molmed

Takeda (TiGenix)

This report also analyses the impact of Coronavirus COVID-19 on the Stem Cell Therapy industry.

Regional and Country-level Analysis

The report offers an exhaustive geographical analysis of the global Stem Cell Therapy market, covering important regions, viz, North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Central & South America. It also covers key countries (regions), viz, U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc.

The report includes country-wise and region-wise market size for the period 2015-2026. It also includes market size and forecast by each application segment in terms of revenue for the period 2015-2026.

Stem Cell Therapy Breakdown Data by Type

Autologous

Allogeneic

Stem Cell Therapy Breakdown Data by Application

Musculoskeletal Disorder

Wounds & Injuries

Cornea

Cardiovascular Diseases

Others

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Table of Contents

1 Report Overview

2 Global Growth Trends by Regions

3 Competition Landscape by Key Players

4 Breakdown Data by Type (2015-2026)

5 Stem Cell Therapy Breakdown Data by Application (2015-2026)

6 North America

7 Europe

8 China

9 Japan

10 Southeast Asia

11 India

12 Central & South America

13 Key Players Profiles

14 Analyst's Viewpoints/Conclusions

NOTE: Our team is studying Covid-19 and its impact on various industry verticals and wherever required we will be considering Covid-19 footprints for a better analysis of markets and industries. Cordially get in touch for more details.

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Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.

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Impact of Covid-19 Outbreak on Global Stem Cell Therapy Market Future Opportunities and Forecast Analysis 2020-2026 - Press Release - Digital Journal

One of the most talked-about topics today happens to be Mike Tyson appearing in shape and ready to appear in a boxing ring again. The former heavyweight champion of the world is gearing up for charity exhibition bouts thanks to Kings MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro.

Tyson (50-6, 2NC) wants to help those who are going through a tough time, like drug addicts. Relating to their situation, The 53-year-old is looking to make a difference while staying in shape. How exactly did he quickly get into fighting shape?

You know what I had done? I had stem-cell research therapy, Tyson ended up stating to Shaquille ONeal on Instagram Live, via The Sun. I feel like a different person but I cant comprehend why I feel this way. Its really wild what scientists can do.

Stem-cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition. The process to carry it out is via bone marrow transplantation. Several athletes from all sports have undergone the treatment, including Hines Ward, Alex Rodriguez, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, and Rafael Nadal. There are specific types of therapy treatments, but it is unknown what Tyson went through.

Tyson made his professional debut in 1985 and quickly climbed up the ranks in the boxing world. In his 28th fight, Tyson knocked out Trevor Berbick in the second round to win the WBC Heavyweight Title. He became the youngest world heavyweight champion of all time at 20. Following his last fight in 2005, he ballooned up to 325 pounds.

When Shaq talked about hurting himself while hanging and working out with his kids, Tyson helped explain why. With his new regiment, Tyson is lifting weights constantly and sparring multiple times a day.

Thats just because you havent done it for a while, Tyson went on to say. If you continue to do it consistently youll be back to normal. Its just like me, I havent boxed or hit the bag for 15 years it has been three days so far and I feel incredible.

It is unknown who Tyson will be facing in his return. He has been offered, however, $1 million to fight in Australia to face some of the top stars in rugby and Australian football.

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Tyson Reveals What Helped Him Train For Exhibition Bouts | FIGHT SPORTS - FIGHT SPORTS

Bone marrow is the spongy, greasy tissue present in the bone cavities. The bone marrow transplant procedures are being carried out for various medical conditions.Bone marrow transplantalso known as hematopoietic stem cell helps in curing the critical medical conditions surfaced due to damaged bone marrow cells. The technique replaces the old damaged tissues with new ones and helps in curing many diseases.

The CAGR value Could change due to COVID-19 Pandemic

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More than 75,000 bone marrow transplants were executed around the globe during the year 2015 which are further anticipated to reach a significant valuation by 2021 by expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% over the forecast period.

Market Size and Forecast

Globally, Europe has fairly large market share and it is expected to remain at its top position when compared to other geographies; accounting 60% of global revenue share and anticipated to touch USD 6.05 Billion in the year 2021. At present, North America is the second biggest market after Europe. Factors like increasing cases of chronic diseases like blood cancer in sync with up-surged aged population would help the bone marrow industry to flourish in the region.

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The Final Report will cover the impact analysis of COVID-19 on this industry (Global and Regional Market).

Asia pacific bone marrow transplantation market might not be as big as those in Europe and North America but would become an attractive market for medical procedures for medical tourists (due to low cost procedures).

Key Players

Sanofi-Aventis LLC.PromoCell GmbHSTEMCELL TechnologiesLonza Group Ltd.ReachBio LLC.AllCells LLC.ATCC Inc.Lifeline Cell TechnologyConversant BioHemacare Corporation

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Growth Drivers and challenges

Increasing prevalence of anemia and cancers across the globe is the major growth driver for the global bone marrow transplantation market. In addition to that, improvement in technology, development in healthcare infrastructure, increased penetration of medical insurances and expanded personal disposable income around the world are expected to drive the global bone marrow transplantation.

High cost involved in the treatment and lack or less number of bone marrow donors are the major challenges for global bone marrow transplantation market.

Market Segmentation:

Based on transplantation typeBased on the disease indicationBased on the end user typeOn the basis of regions

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The Final Report will cover the impact analysis of COVID-19 on this industry (Global and Regional Market).

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Bone Marrow Transplantation Market 2015-2021 by Technology, Trends, Growth Analysis and Key Players - Latest Herald

FDA Approves AstraZenecas Farxiga for Heart Failure in Adults with Reduced Ejection Fraction

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it has approved dapagliflozin, also known under the brand name Farxiga, for the treatment of heart failure in adults with reduced ejection fraction. The drug can potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure.

AstraZenecas Farxiga is now the first in its drug class of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to be approved to treat adults with the New York Heart Associations functional class II-IV heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. AstraZeneca was granted with the approval of Farxiga related to heart failure by the FDA.

In a clinical trial, Farxiga appeared to improve survival and reduce the need for hospitalization in adults with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.

To determine the efficacy of the drug, researchers looked at the number of instances of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure and urgent heart failure visits. Some trial participants were given a once-daily dose of 10mg of Farxiga, while others were given a placebo. After approximately 18 months, those who were given Farxiga had fewer cardiovascular deaths, hospitalizations for heart failure and urgent heart failure visits compared to their counterparts.

Heart failure is a serious health condition that contributes to one in eight deaths in the U.S. and impacts nearly 6.5 million Americans, said Norman Stockbridge, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Cardiology and Nephrology in the FDAs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. This approval provides patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction an additional treatment option that can improve survival and reduce the need for hospitalization.

Farxiga can cause side effects including dehydration, urinary tract infections and genetical yeast infections. It can also potentially result in serious cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum in people with diabetes and low blood sugar when combined with insulin.

On Tuesday, BioCardia, Inc. also announced positive preclinical datasupporting its new drug application for anti-inflammatory cell therapy for heart failure. BioCardias allogenic neurokinin 1 receptor positive mesenchymal stem cell (NK1R+ MSC) therapy appeared to improve heart function in a study. NK1R+ MSC is being marketed under the name CardiALLO.

Alexanderstock23 / Shutterstock

Researchers looked at 26 animals treated with both low dose and high dose CardiALLO in their study. Echocardiographic measures of cardiac ejection fraction, fractional shortening and cardiac outflow all notably improved in the animals.

In light of these positive data on our allogenic NK1R+ MSC therapy, we expect to meet our internal timeline to complete our submission to the FDA for our first indication for CardiALLO, and potentially receive IND acceptance by the end of the second quarter, said BioCardia Chief Scientific Officer Ian McNiece, PhD. The MSCs that were studied are subtypes of MSC that we have delivered previously in our co-sponsored trials, which we believe have enhanced potency over MSC generated from unselected bone marrow cells. We look forward to seeing additional data from this animal study that are currently being analyzed, including histology and pathology of the heart and lungs.

BioCardia also intends to submit an IND for the use of NK1R+ MSC delivered via intravenous infusion for the treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome caused by COVID-19.

Approximately 6.5 million adults in the U.S. are living with heart failure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection. In 2017, it was a contributing cause of death in one out of eight people.

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FDA Approves AstraZeneca's Farxiga for Heart Failure in Adults with Reduced Ejection Fraction - PharmaLive

The global Cell Therapy Manufacturing Market research report thoroughly explains each and every aspect related to the Cell Therapy Manufacturing Market, which facilitates the reports reader to study and evaluate the upcoming market trend and execute the analytical data to promote the business. The growth trend forecasted on account of thorough examination offers in-depth information regarding the global Cell Therapy Manufacturing Market. A pathway of development is offered by the market to the several connected networks of businesses under it, which include different firms, industries, organizations, vendors, distributors, and local manufacturers too. All the key Cell Therapy Manufacturing Market players compete with each other by offering better products and services at a reasonable price in order to grab significant share at the regional and global level market.

Cell therapy is one of the most promising healthcare procedure for restoration of damaged tissue. Cell therapies have huge potential for the wide range of disease treatment including tissue degradation, immune deficiency, metabolic disorders, and cancer. Cell therapy are categorized into two types allogeneic (cells from third party donor) and autologous (cells from ones own body). Cell therapy has gained significant traction in recent past and currently it under commercial development. Main objective of cell therapy is to re-establish the lost function of tissues and cells rather than to produce a new organ. Some cell therapies have been established and permitted for clinical trial. For instance, in 2013 a stage 2 clinical trial was completed for transplantation of bone marrow derived stem cells in affected knee by rheumatoid arthritis. The growth of this technique is also increased due to involvement of the government agencies. For instance, innovate U.K. 2014 report showed that government agreed to fund US$15.3 million in cell therapy manufacturing market.ription

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This report sample includesBrief Introduction to the research report.Table of Contents (Scope covered as a part of the study)Top players in the marketResearch framework (presentation)Research methodology adopted by Coherent Market Insights

The report incorporates an estimated impact of strict standards and regulations set by the government over the market in the upcoming years. The market report also comprises exhaustive research done using several analytical tools such as SWOT analysis to identify the market growth pattern.

Top Manufacturers in GlobalCell Therapy ManufacturingMarket Includes:Pharmicell, Merck Group, Dickinson and Company, Thermo Fisher, Lonza Group, Miltenyi Biotec GmBH, Takara Bio Group, STEMCELL Technologies, Cellular Dynamics International, Becton, Osiris Therapeutics, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Anterogen, MEDIPOST, Holostem Terapie Avanazate, Pluristem Therapeutics, Brammer Bio, CELLforCURE, Gene Therapy Catapult EUFETS, MaSTherCell, PharmaCell, Cognate BioServices and WuXi AppTec.

Regions & Countries Mentioned In The Cell Therapy Manufacturing Market Report:

North America ( United States)

Europe ( Germany, France, UK)

Asia-Pacific ( China, Japan, India)

Latin America ( Brazil)

The Middle East & Africa

Key Highlights of the Table of Contents:

Cell Therapy Manufacturing Market Study Coverage: It includes key manufacturers covered, key market segments, the scope of products offered in the global market, years considered, and study objectives. Furthermore, it tuches the segmentation study provided in the report on the basis of the type of product and applications.

Cell Therapy Manufacturing Market Executive Summary: This section emphasizes on the key studies, market growth rate,Competitive landscape, market drivers, trends, and issues.

Cell Therapy Manufacturing Market Production by Region: The report provides information related to import and export, production, revenue, and key players of all regional markets studied are covered in this section.

Cell Therapy Manufacturing Market Profile of Manufacturers: Analysis of each market player profiled is detailed in this section. This also provides SWOT analysis, products, production, value, capacity, and other vital factors of the individual player.

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Table of Contents

Report Overview:It includes the Cell Therapy Manufacturing market study scope, players covered, key market segments, market analysis by application, market analysis by type, and other chapters that give an overview of the research study.

Executive Summary:This section of the report gives information about Cell Therapy Manufacturing market trends and shares, market size analysis by region and analysis of global market size. Under market size analysis by region, analysis of market share and growth rate by region is provided.

Profiles of International Players:Here, key players of the Cell Therapy Manufacturing market are studied on the basis of gross margin, price, revenue, corporate sales, and production. This section gives a business overview of the players and shares their important company details.

Regional Study:All of the regions and countries analyzed in the Cell Therapy Manufacturing market report is studied on the basis of market size by application, the market size by product, key players, and market forecast.

An Overview of the Impact of COVID-19 on this Market:

The pandemic of COVID-19 continues to expand and impact over 175 countries and territories. Although the outbreak appears to have slowed in China, COVID-19 has impacted globally. The pandemic could affect three main aspects of the global economy: production, supply chain, and firms and financial markets. National governments have announced largely uncoordinated, country-specific responses to the virus. As authorities encourage social distancing and consumers stay indoors, several businesses are hit. However, coherent, coordinated, and credible policy responses are expected to offer the best chance at limiting the economic fallout.

National governments and international bodies are focused on adopting collaborative efforts to encourage financial institutions to meet the financial needs of customers and members affected by the coronavirus. However, there are some sectors that have remained unscathed from the impact of the pandemic and there are some that are hit the hardest.

We, at Coherent Market Insights, understand the economic impact on various sectors and markets. Using our holistic market research methodology, we are focused on aiding your business sustain and grow during COVID-19 pandemics. With deep expertise across various industries-no matter how large or small- and with a team of highly experienced and dedicated analysts, Coherent Market Insights will offer you an impact analysis of coronavirus outbreak across industries to help you prepare for the future.

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Cell Therapy Manufacturing Market 2020 Coronavirus (Covid-19) Business Impact Size Will Escalate Rapidly in the Near Future 3w Market News Reports -...

Laila Anderson continues to make an impact in the lives of others one year after she became part of the Blues run to the 2019 Stanley Cup title.

On Tuesday, Anderson, who has battled HLH, a disease that causes the body to make too many immune cells, took part in an all-day livestream event called Couch2Cure to benefit Be the Match. It served as not only a fundraiser, but also a call for people to become donors for patients seeking blood stem cell matches. She was joined by FOX play-by-play man Joe Buck and Blues PA announcer Tom Calhoun.

The event was a success, raising$1.45 million and resulting in 36,000 registries to the Be the Match program.

Laila spoke with NBC Sports Kathryn Tappen on Wednesday to talk about the Couch2Cure event, the importance of the Be the Match registry, and how shes doing one year after the Blues triumph.

MORE LAILA ANDERSON: Laila introduces Blues All-Stars with gusto Blues superfan enjoying life one year after bone marrow transplant Laila meets bone marrow donor Laila gets moment with Stanley Cup

Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.

British Columbia Premier John Horgan has offered the NHL a place to play if the league can find a way to resume the season.

Speaking at a COVID-19 media briefing Wednesday, Horgan said he has written a letter to both NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL Players Association head Donald Fehr to let them know B.C. is a place to potentially restart the NHL assuming the games would be played without audiences, but instead played for television.

The NHL suspended its season March 12 with 189 regular-season games left.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbias provincial health officer, was asked Monday about Vancouver hosting NHL games with no fans and said: These are the types of things that we need to think about.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday the Maple Leafs parent company, MLSE, has been in contact with the province about the possibility of Toronto serving as a hockey pod for teams as well. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Bettman spoke last month about Edmonton as another potential hub city.

Welcome to the PHT Morning Skate, a collection of links from around the hockey world. Have a link you want to submit? Email us atphtblog@nbcsports.com.

A really nice read about ex-Blackhawks president John McDonoughs friendship with 11-year-old Cammy Babiarz, who is unable to walk or talk because of Rett Syndrome a rare developmental disorder. [Midway Minute]

It didnt last very long, but at one point in time Michael Jordan was a minority owner of the Capitals. [ESPN]

Economies are beginning to open up again, so too are hockey rinks in the U.S. [The Hockey News]

Georges Laraque opens about his up and down relationship with his father. [Vice]

How the 2011-12 Kings became unlikely Stanley Cup champions. [The Score]

Comparing Brady Tkachuks early days in the NHL to that of Mark Stones. [Silver Seven Sens]

What if some of NHLs all-time best hadnt run into historic dynasties? [Sportsnet]

Looking ahead to whats expected to be an intriguing 2022 NHL draft class. [Stephen Ellis]

Finally, the Wild music video you were looking for:

Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.

After pulling the plug on the 2019-20 season in March, the KHL has decided there will be no champion and the Gagarin Cup will not be awarded for the first time in league history.

Due to this decision, the league has equally ranked the eight teams that advanced to the second round of the playoffs:Ak Bars Kazan,Barys Nur-Sultan,CSKA Moscow,Dynamo Moscow,Jokerit Helsinki,Salavat Yulaev Ufa,Sibir Novosibirsk, and SKA St. Petersburg.

From the KHL:

With the season incomplete, there is no way that a Gagarin Cup winner and other prize winners can be fairly chosen based on the results of the regular season. To announce a champion based on the regular season and one round of the playoffs would violate the sporting integrity of the competition.

The Russian Hockey Federation has drawn up a separate procedure to determine the Russian Champion for the 2019-20 season, and to award silver and bronze medals to the second and third-placed teams. This proposal will be submitted to the KHL Board of Directors for approval.

The Gagarin Cup playoffs were halted in the conference semifinals after Jokerit and Barys pulled out due to the coronavirus pandemic. Originally, the KHL was planning for a one-week break to come up with a new format for the four remaining teams. They later chose to end the season completely.

Im sure that the league has taken a fair and balanced decision in this difficult situation, said KHL president Alexei Morozov. This was the only choice that respects our sporting principles. For the first time in history, the KHL season had to be interrupted and ultimately curtailed. That was a tough, but essential decision, dictated by the need to protect the health of the nation.

MORE: Bill Peters signs two-year deal to coach KHLs Avtomobilist

Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.

Brendan Leipsic of the Capitals has apologized for comments made on social media that were leaked online Wednesday. Panthers prospect Jack Rodewald was also in the Instagram group chat where remarks were made about the appearances of Meaghan Pearson, whose husband, Tanner, plays for the Canucks, Lauren Kyle, the girlfriend of Oilers forward Connor McDavid, and other women.

Yesterday my friends Instagram account was hacked and an individual circulated images that are representative of private conversations I was a part of, Leipsic wrote in an apology note posted on Twitter. I fully recognize how inappropriate and offensive these comments are and sincerely apologize to everyone for my actions. I am committed to learning from this and becoming a better person by taking time to determine how to move forward in an accountable, meaningful way. I am truly sorry.

The NHL released a statement of their own stating they will address this with the players involved.

The National Hockey League strongly condemns the misogynistic and reprehensible remarks made by players Brendan Leipsic and Jack Rodewald in a private group chat that has surfaced on social media. There is no place in our League for such statements, attitudes and behavior, no matter the forum. We will address this inexcusable conduct with the clubs and players involved.

Leipsic, who has played 61 games with the Capitals this season, is on his fifth team in five years since entering the NHL. His current team wrote in a statement,We are aware of the unacceptable and offensive comments made by Brendan Leipsic in a private conversation on social media. We will handle this matter internally.

Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.

Read the original here:
Laila Anderson on Couch2Cure event, importance of Be the Match registry - NBCSports.com

British Columbia Premier John Horgan has offered the NHL a place to play if the league can find a way to resume the season.

Speaking at a COVID-19 media briefing Wednesday, Horgan said he has written a letter to both NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL Players Association head Donald Fehr to let them know B.C. is a place to potentially restart the NHL assuming the games would be played without audiences, but instead played for television.

The NHL suspended its season March 12 with 189 regular-season games left.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbias provincial health officer, was asked Monday about Vancouver hosting NHL games with no fans and said: These are the types of things that we need to think about.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday the Maple Leafs parent company, MLSE, has been in contact with the province about the possibility of Toronto serving as a hockey pod for teams as well. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Bettman spoke last month about Edmonton as another potential hub city.

Laila Anderson continues to make an impact in the lives of others one year after she became part of the Blues run to the 2019 Stanley Cup title.

On Tuesday, Anderson, who has battled HLH, a disease that causes the body to make too many immune cells, took part in an all-day livestream event called Couch2Cure to benefit Be the Match. It served as not only a fundraiser, but also a call for people to become donors for patients seeking blood stem cell matches. She was joined by FOX play-by-play man Joe Buck and Blues PA announcer Tom Calhoun.

The event was a success, raising$1.45 million and resulting in 36,000 registries to the Be the Match program.

Laila spoke with NBC Sports Kathryn Tappen on Wednesday to talk about the Couch2Cure event, the importance of the Be the Match registry, and how shes doing one year after the Blues triumph.

MORE LAILA ANDERSON: Laila introduces Blues All-Stars with gusto Blues superfan enjoying life one year after bone marrow transplant Laila meets bone marrow donor Laila gets moment with Stanley Cup

Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.

Welcome to the PHT Morning Skate, a collection of links from around the hockey world. Have a link you want to submit? Email us atphtblog@nbcsports.com.

A really nice read about ex-Blackhawks president John McDonoughs friendship with 11-year-old Cammy Babiarz, who is unable to walk or talk because of Rett Syndrome a rare developmental disorder. [Midway Minute]

It didnt last very long, but at one point in time Michael Jordan was a minority owner of the Capitals. [ESPN]

Economies are beginning to open up again, so too are hockey rinks in the U.S. [The Hockey News]

Georges Laraque opens about his up and down relationship with his father. [Vice]

How the 2011-12 Kings became unlikely Stanley Cup champions. [The Score]

Comparing Brady Tkachuks early days in the NHL to that of Mark Stones. [Silver Seven Sens]

What if some of NHLs all-time best hadnt run into historic dynasties? [Sportsnet]

Looking ahead to whats expected to be an intriguing 2022 NHL draft class. [Stephen Ellis]

Finally, the Wild music video you were looking for:

Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.

After pulling the plug on the 2019-20 season in March, the KHL has decided there will be no champion and the Gagarin Cup will not be awarded for the first time in league history.

Due to this decision, the league has equally ranked the eight teams that advanced to the second round of the playoffs:Ak Bars Kazan,Barys Nur-Sultan,CSKA Moscow,Dynamo Moscow,Jokerit Helsinki,Salavat Yulaev Ufa,Sibir Novosibirsk, and SKA St. Petersburg.

From the KHL:

With the season incomplete, there is no way that a Gagarin Cup winner and other prize winners can be fairly chosen based on the results of the regular season. To announce a champion based on the regular season and one round of the playoffs would violate the sporting integrity of the competition.

The Russian Hockey Federation has drawn up a separate procedure to determine the Russian Champion for the 2019-20 season, and to award silver and bronze medals to the second and third-placed teams. This proposal will be submitted to the KHL Board of Directors for approval.

The Gagarin Cup playoffs were halted in the conference semifinals after Jokerit and Barys pulled out due to the coronavirus pandemic. Originally, the KHL was planning for a one-week break to come up with a new format for the four remaining teams. They later chose to end the season completely.

Im sure that the league has taken a fair and balanced decision in this difficult situation, said KHL president Alexei Morozov. This was the only choice that respects our sporting principles. For the first time in history, the KHL season had to be interrupted and ultimately curtailed. That was a tough, but essential decision, dictated by the need to protect the health of the nation.

MORE: Bill Peters signs two-year deal to coach KHLs Avtomobilist

Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.

Brendan Leipsic of the Capitals has apologized for comments made on social media that were leaked online Wednesday. Panthers prospect Jack Rodewald was also in the Instagram group chat where remarks were made about the appearances of Meaghan Pearson, whose husband, Tanner, plays for the Canucks, Lauren Kyle, the girlfriend of Oilers forward Connor McDavid, and other women.

Yesterday my friends Instagram account was hacked and an individual circulated images that are representative of private conversations I was a part of, Leipsic wrote in an apology note posted on Twitter. I fully recognize how inappropriate and offensive these comments are and sincerely apologize to everyone for my actions. I am committed to learning from this and becoming a better person by taking time to determine how to move forward in an accountable, meaningful way. I am truly sorry.

The NHL released a statement of their own stating they will address this with the players involved.

The National Hockey League strongly condemns the misogynistic and reprehensible remarks made by players Brendan Leipsic and Jack Rodewald in a private group chat that has surfaced on social media. There is no place in our League for such statements, attitudes and behavior, no matter the forum. We will address this inexcusable conduct with the clubs and players involved.

Leipsic, who has played 61 games with the Capitals this season, is on his fifth team in five years since entering the NHL. His current team wrote in a statement,We are aware of the unacceptable and offensive comments made by Brendan Leipsic in a private conversation on social media. We will handle this matter internally.

Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.

Read the original post:
NHL offered place to play in British Columbia - NBCSports.com

Unlike Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, Type 3 diabetes isnt an official clinical diagnosis. Its not an established medical

Unlike Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, Type 3 diabetes isnt an official clinical diagnosis. Its not an established medical term at least not yet, points out Guojun Bu, chair of the department of neuroscience at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. But experts say the concept is still a useful one that speaks to the link between insulin resistance in the brain and dementia caused by the progressive brain disorder Alzheimers disease.

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, regulates glucose levels in the blood. With insulin resistance, the cells dont respond well to the hormone. That can lead to higher blood-sugar levels and the development of Type 2 diabetes (and before that, prediabetes, a precursor to the chronic condition). Research shows that, even short of a person developing diabetes, insulin resistance can impact the body and brain and lead to a range of health complications.

The concept of Type 3 diabetes comes from the idea that insulin resistance is linked, in many cases, to Alzheimers dementia, making it yet another form of diabetes. Of course, the term is also an oversimplification, says Dr. Gary Small, a professor of psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute and author of The Small Guide to Alzheimers Disease, since the association isnt completely understood.

Where it breaks down is that its not a 100% link not all patients who have Alzheimers disease have insulin resistance, and not all people who have insulin resistance have Alzheimers disease, Small explains. Now one could argue it could be a subtype of Alzheimers disease where theres that link.

[See: 9 Habits That May Reduce Your Risk for Developing Alzheimers.]

Insulin Resistance Isnt Limited to Diabetes

Today, more than 30 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And many more people have insulin resistance which isnt routinely tested for.

Even though insulin resistance is associated with diabetes, its much more common than diabetes, says Suzanne Craft, a professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine and director of the Alzheimers Disease Research Center at the Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It can lead to diabetes, but it can also cause a host of other complications Alzheimers disease being one of those. Those who have insulin resistance, particularly at mid-life, are at greater risk for developing Alzheimers disease, Craft says.

There is a lot of literature supporting the association between insulin resistance and various types of dementias that disproportionately affect older patients, particularly Alzheimers disease, echoes Dr. Samoon Ahmad, a professor of psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and founder of the Integrative Center for Wellness in New York City. Insulin resistance in Alzheimers is a growing area of focus. As noted in a 2018 review article in the Frontiers in Neuroscience, The epidemiological connection between diabetes, obesity, and dementia represents an important public health challenge but also an opportunity to further understand these conditions. The key intersection among the three diseases is insulin resistance.

The association also applies to conditions that are related to insulin resistance, including Type 2 diabetes and obesity, notes Christian Pike, a professor in the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California.

Researchers arent exactly sure why insulin resistance is associated with higher rates of Alzheimers disease and related forms of dementia. But theres no shortage of theories and possible mechanisms that have been suggested to explain the relationship. And, generally speaking, its well-known that insulin plays an important role in brain function.

Insulin basically transports glucose from the bloodstream into cells, Small says. So that makes sense if your insulin transport system getting those nutrients to brain cells is not functioning properly, that the brain is not being fed its main energy source as well.

Insulin has a number of important roles to play in healthy brain function, Craft notes. Accordingly, she says, there are several pathways through which insulin resistance could increase the risk for Alzheimers disease. For one thing the hormone helps brain cells form connections. It helps the brain repair itself from injury and generate new brain cells, Craft says. It plays a very important role in memory.

So dysfunction in regards to how insulin is used or isnt can have a meaningful impact on cognitive function. Insulin resistance, by definition, is the brain not responding normally to insulin, Craft explains. So by depriving the brain of all of these various functions of insulin, insulin resistance creates an environment in the brain that makes it vulnerable to developing the kind of injury thats associated with Alzheimers disease.

Given the important role of insulin, it could be used as a possible treatment for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimers disease, as noted in a 2018 research review published in the Journal of Neurology. Insulin delivered through a nasal spray, for instance, has been shown to improve recall of story details or story recall in patients with Alzheimers or mild cognitive impairment.

Ultimately, insulin may be delivered as a means to improve or at least stabilize cognition in people with Alzheimer and other dementias. In limited studies, intranasal insulin delivery has been shown to lead to some cognitive benefits in dementia patients, Pike points out.

Theres evidence that the Alzheimers brain may be less sensitive to insulin, which is critical for memory formation and maintenance, Bu adds. But more research is needed to explore the possibilities for managing or treating Alzheimers with insulin.

In the meantime, whats already well established is that preventing insulin resistance can protect a persons overall health including brain health.

[See: 10 Myths About Diabetes.]

Preventing Insulin Resistance Through Lifestyle Changes

Factors out of ones control namely genetics, having a family history of insulin resistance or diabetes can predispose a person, or raise ones risk of developing insulin resistance. But lifestyle still plays an outsized role in preventing it.

Lifestyle changes are among the most effective ways of preventing or delaying Alzheimers disease, too. And they are recommendations weve all heard before, Craft says.

Those include:

Getting regular exercise.

Consuming a healthy, balanced diet.

Maintaining a healthy weight.

If a person did all of those things, the rate of insulin resistance would be dramatically reduced, Craft says.

What we dont understand is why some people have a greater tendency to develop insulin resistance than others, even when their diets and levels of exercise are more or less than the same, Ahmad says. Genetics is likely one answer, but there may be other factors we are not aware of, and these may complicate the association between Alzheimers risk and diet.

Even so, the role of lifestyle remains important. While some individuals are at a significantly higher risk of developing either diabetes or Alzheimers because of genetic factors, getting regular exercise and eating healthy will certainly lower ones risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and could lower ones risk of developing Alzheimers disease, Ahmad adds.

Federal physical activity guidelines suggest getting at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, like brisk walking, weekly. Shifting to a sustainable, well-rounded, balanced eating pattern rather than say an extreme diet is also encouraged.

While most people like to hear about fad diets that produce unrealistic or unsustainable results, the best way to plan ones meal is to avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and processed foods particularly those high in saturated fats and sugars and to try to eat foods that are as close to their whole or natural states as possible, Ahmad says. This means a diet that is rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables, particularly raw fruits and vegetables.

From improving heart health to brain health and staying disease-free in general for as long as possible data strongly suggests turning away from a traditional Western diet thats heavily processed and high in saturated fat and sugar. This type of eating pattern has been linked with a higher risk of Alzheimers disease.

[See: Best Foods for Brain Health.]

The kind of diet that protects the brain is generally a Mediterranean-style diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, healthy fats from omega-3s which are anti-inflammatory, Small says. You can get omega-3 fats from fish and nuts. He notes that the fruits and veggies provide antioxidants and may fight against wear and tear from oxidative stress that causes damage to neurons over the years. A diet that limits refined sugars and processed foods will lower risk for Type 2 diabetes as well as Alzheimers dementia.

More from U.S. News

Got Diabetes? 7 Ways to Improve Your Sex Life

Diabetes Exercise Tips to Stay Safe While Being Active

9 Strategies to Reduce Falls for People With Dementia

Type 3 Diabetes? The Link Between Insulin Resistance and Alzheimer?s originally appeared on usnews.com

Read the original here:
Type 3 Diabetes? The Link Between Insulin Resistance and Alzheimer's - WTOP

It is possible to feel good and be resilient in times of stress, including the stressful time of menopause transition. The body changes of menopause can be detrimental to individual women, her community and the workplace. With Mothers Day on May 10 and Womens Health Week from May 10-16, addressing the impact of menopause is good for all in West Michigan.

When a woman crosses into menopause, her health is essentially as good as it is going to get. Menopause symptoms which include hot flashes, low sec drive and mood changes affect the quality of life for 80% of women, according to a 2015 study.

Menopause body changes lead to a dramatic increase in risk for obesity, heart attack, diabetes and depression. Because of this, hot flashes can be used to signal it is time to assess risk factors and make decisions about a womans health goals, lifestyle choices and treatment options. For example, estrogen is safer than many people think. Estrogen use early in menopause can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease without increasing risk for breast cancer and while improving quality of life or a plant-based diet could reduce risk of heart attack.

The symptoms of perimenopause and menopause also can impact the bottom line for businesses. Scientific review of insurance claim data shows women with untreated symptoms of menopause hot flashes, night sweats had 57% fewer days of productive work, were more likely to miss days at work and have more medical office and ER visits with increased medical costs of $1,346 per patient per year, according to a 2015 study. Health care visits for women with symptoms totaled more than $340 million in direct cost, and the total cost of lost work was $28 million.

Experts say these symptoms and the related health consequences lead women to be more likely to leave the workforce or have their careers affected just at the time of potential upswing or promotion. Companies would benefit from increased attention to the benefits of addressing employee health needs around the menopause transition.

Menopause also affects our community by its effect on a womans sense of self, her work life and her family life. It is time to expand the conversation and better care for our community. Menopause happens to all women, either naturally around age 52 or prematurely as a result of cancer treatment or removal of the ovaries due to surgery for cancer or benign conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis.

Women benefit when they are empowered with knowledge about symptoms and treatment options, including targeted lifestyle choices, hormone or other medication, or therapies such as acupuncture. Women whose symptoms are treated spend less time going to the doctor, more time engaged in activities and less prone to chronic illness. West Michigan-based True Womens Health, a midlife, menopause and sexual health wellness clinic, aims to equip women with the right tools and resources to support optimal health for each patient through the good and the bad times.

With Mothers Day and Womens Health Week in mind, it is crucial to continue healthy aging year-round. As a patient of mine who survived breast cancer and works as a supervisor on a factory floor said, The SEEDS (Seven Essential Elements of Daily Success) and medication you prescribed saved me. I am back and happy with my new normal.

She and others like her have proven to me that all women deserve choices on how to cope with their menopause journey, which is the ultimate goal for our True Womens Health patients. When this happens, the whole community will benefit.

Read more:
Continuing healthy aging through motherhood and beyond - grbj.com

As the rumblings of a pandemic began to be felt at the beginning of the year, scientists at Penn started work to develop a vaccine and assess possible treatments. But the scope of COVID-19 studies at the University goes much broader. Scientists whose typical work finds them investigating autoimmune disease, influenza, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, cancer, hemophilia, and more, are now applying their deep understanding of biology to confront a novel threat.

The more scientists and clinicians observe about the virus, the more avenues of investigation emerge, aiming to shed light on questions such as what happens once the virus enters the body, what treatments might be of benefit, and how society should take action to keep transmission low.

To dig into what scientists around campus are asking and learning, Penn Today spoke with several who have pivoted their research to focus on COVID-19. Their work, while in its early days, is in many cases already finding applications in the fight against this ferocious virus, and may well shape the next steps to defeat it.

Another respiratory infection, influenza, has been a focus of research led by Andrew Vaughan of the School of Veterinary Medicine. But Vaughan didnt hesitate to begin studies of the novel coronavirus once its eventual impact became apparent.

Its not a stretch for our lab, he says. All the projects in our lab focus on repair and regeneration of the lungs after injury. The majority of my studies are to some degree agnostic about what is causing the injury.

Earlier work by his group, for example, showed that a lung cell transplant could boost healing in mice affected by a severe bout with flu. Now, graduate students and research specialists in his labworking no more than two together at a time to maximize social distancingare conducting new experiments focused more specifically on the biology of SARS-CoV-2, alongside parallel efforts by Edward Morrissey from the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM). Knowing that the Ace2 receptor on lung cells is the gateway for the virus into the human body, theyre genetically manipulating alveolar type-two lung cells, those that are particularly essential for continuing oxygen exchange deep in the lungs, to alter or block ACE2 gene expression to try to prevent viral entry.

These alveolar type-two cells seem to be particularly susceptible to injury in both influenza and perhaps even more so in COVID-19, says Vaughan. In a perfect world, you might be able to take these genetically edited type-two cells and use them as a cellular therapy. I dont know that this is going to happen in time to impact this pandemic, but even if the pathogen the next time around is slightly different, we may still be able to employ these types of regenerative responses to help the lung recover better from injury.

In a separate project, Vaughan is partnering with Penn Vets Montserrat Anguera to explore a curious feature of COVID-19 disease: the fact that more men than women become severely ill and die. A number of hypotheses have been put forward to explain the disparity, but the two labs are investigating one particular possibility.

Dr. Anguera had posted something on Twitter saying that the ACE2 gene happens to be on the X chromosome, meaning that women have two copies of it, says Vaughan. I immediately texted her and said, I think theres something to that.

Normally women inactivate one of their X chromosomes, but some genes can escape this inactivation. This means its possible women may have higher ACE2 expression than men. Somewhat counterintuitively, scientists have actually found that higher ACE2 levels actually reduce lung injury, even though ACE2 is also what the virus depends on to enter cells.

Hormone expression levels are, of course, another factor that may influence sex differences in disease. Together, Anguera and Vaughans groups are both studying ACE2 expression and exposing alveolar type-two cells to various hormones to see how expression of viral receptors, Ace2 and others, changes. Ultimately wed like to see if this changes susceptibility to infection, working with Susan Weiss and others, says Vaughan.

Individual differences in how people respond to infection may be influenced by their unique genomic sequences. Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor Sarah Tishkoff of PSOM and the School of Arts & Sciences, is probing the rich sources of genomic data her group already had in hand to look for patterns that could explain differences in disease susceptibility. As in Vaughan and Angueras work, ACE2 is a focus.

This gene is very important for general health, Tishkoff says. Women have two copies, men have one; it plays a role in regulating blood pressure; its in the kidneys; its in the gut. We want to understand the role that variation at this gene may play in risk for COVID-19, severity of disease in people with underlying health conditions, and differences in the prevalence of disease in men and women.

Using genomic data from 2,500 Africans collected for another project, Tishkoffs team is looking for patterns of genetic diversity. Early findings suggest that natural selection may have acted upon on version of the ACE2 gene, making it more common in some African populations with with high exposure to animal viruses.

Shes also collaborating with Anurag Vermaand Giorgio Sirugo of Penn Medicine to analyze genetic variation in samples from the Penn Medicine Biobank, looking in particular at people of African descent. Were seeing disturbing health disparities with COVID, with African Americans at higher risk for serious illness, says Tishkoff. This disparity mostlikelyhas to do with inequities in access to health care and socioeconomic factors, but were also looking to see if genomic variation may be playing a role.

Looking ahead, Tishkoff hopes to partner with Daniel Rader and others through the Center for Global Genomics and Health Equity to work with the West Philadelphia community. Wed like to do testing to understand the prevalence of infection and identify environmental and genetic risk factors for disease, she says.

The immune reaction to SARS-CoV-2 is a double-edged sword. The immune system is what eliminates the virus, says E. John Wherry of PSOM. The immune system is what we need to activate with a good vaccine. But also, especially in many respiratory infections, the immune system is what also causes damage. A healthy outcome means your immune system is striking a balance between killing off the virus and not doing so much damage that it kills you.

Wherry and PSOMs Michael Betts have embarked on a study to discern both the magnitude of patients immune responses as well as their flavor, that is, what components in the immune system are being activated by the coronavirus. Theyre doing so by working with clinicians at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and, soon, at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, to collect blood samples from patients with severe and more mild infections, as well as patients who have recovered from illness, to profile their immune reactions.

Its one of the beautiful things about Penn. Everyone is working as a team, being selfless, being present, and bringing all their expertise to bear on this crisis. E. John Wherry, Perelman School of Medicine

We are observing a huge amount of heterogeneity across these patient samples, says Betts. But were also identifying some relatively unifying characteristics, indicating there are mechanisms that everyone uniformly uses to fight off this infection.

This variety across patients strongly suggests that the treatments that work for one patient may not for another, Wherry and Betts note. For that reason, they are speaking daily with their colleagues on the front lines of COVID-19 care, relaying what theyre finding out in the lab to adjust and personalize care in the clinic.

Its one of the beautiful things about Penn, says Wherry. Everyone is working as a team, being selfless, being present, and bringing all their expertise to bear on this crisis.

Plenty of recent scientific attention has been paid to the role of the gut microbiome in health. But the medical schools Ronald Collman and Frederic Bushman have been devoting attention to how the community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that dwell in the respiratory tract affect health and disease risk. They are now addressing that question in the context of COVID-19.

There are two reasons were interested in studying this, Collman says. First is that the microbiome can help set the tone for the immune response to infections, influencing whether a patient ends up with mild or severe disease. And second, the microbiome is where infectious agents that can cause infection can arise from. So if a patient dies of an eventual pneumonia, the pathogen that caused that pneumonia may have been part of that individuals respiratory tract microbiome.

Working with nurses at HUP to collect samples, Collman and Bushman are analyzing the microbiome of both the upper (nose and throat) and lower (lung) portions of the respiratory tract of COVID-19 patients. These samples are being used by other groups, such as those developing diagnostic tests, while Collman and Bushmans labs work to identify the types and quantities of organisms that compose the microbiome to find patterns in how they correlate with disease.

Were hoping that if we can find that the response to the virus is different in people with different upper respiratory tract microbiomes, then we could manipulate the microbiome, using particular antibiotics, for example, to make it more likely that patients would have a mild form of the disease.

Absent a vaccine, researchers are looking to existing drugssome already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other maladiesto help patients recover once infected. Throughout his career, Ronald Harty of Penn Vet has worked to develop antivirals for other infections, such as Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa Fever.

Our antivirals are sometime referred to as host-oriented inhibitors because theyre designed to target the interaction between host and viral proteins, says Harty. Though many of the biological details of how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with the human body are distinct from the other diseases Harty has studied, his group noticed a similarity: A sequence hes targeted in other virusesa motif called PPxYis also present in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which the coronavirus uses to enter cells.

This caught our eye, says Harty, and piqued our interest in the very intriguing possibility that this PPxY motif could play a role in the severity of this particular virus.

Harty is testing antivirals he has helped identify that block the replication of Ebola, Marburg, and other viruses to see if they make a dent on the activity of SARS-CoV-2. Those experiments will be done in collaboration with colleagues whose labs can work in BSL-III or -IV laboratories, such as Penns Weiss.

Also of interest is the speculation that the coronavirus might disrupt cell-cell junctions in the human body, making them more permeable for virus spread. Hartys lab will be examining the potential interactions between the viral structural proteins and human proteins responsible for maintaining these cellular barriers.

Another faculty member is assessing whether a drug developed for a very different conditionin this case, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)could serve coronavirus patients. Henry Daniell of the School of Dental Medicine recently shared news that a drug grown in a plant-based platform to boost levels of ACE2 and its protein product, angiotensin (1-7), was progressing to the clinic to treat PAH. Daniell is now working with Kenneth Margulies from Penn Medicine to explore whether this novel oral therapy can improve the clinical course of patients with symptomatic COVID-19 infection.

Reduced ACE2 expression has been linked to acute respiratory distress, severe lung injury, multi-organ failure and death, especially in older patients. The earlier preclinical studies in PAH animal models showed that orally delivered ACE2 made in plant cells accumulated ten times higher in the lungs than in the blood and safely treated PAH. Now, new clinical studies have been developed to explore whether oral supplementation of ACE2 and angiotensin-1-7 can help mitigate complications of COVID-19 disease. The fact that freeze-dried plant cells can be stored at room temperature for as long as a year and can be taken at home by COVID-19 patients make this novel approach an attractive potential option.

This trial has been given a high priority by the Penn Clinical Trial Working Group, says Daniell. Im pleased that this looks to be on the cusp of moving forward to help the growing number of COVID-19 patients.

As the coronavirus began to spread in the United States, biologist Joshua Plotkin of the School of Arts & Sciences began to raise alarms about Philadelphias St. Patricks Day parade, which had been scheduled to be held March 15, potentially drawing thousands to downtown streets. He had good reason to be concerned: His studies of the 1918 flu pandemic had explored disease incidence and spread, and it was hard to avoid noticing the role of the Liberty Loan parade down Broad Street in triggering a rampant spread of flu a century ago.

Now, with work conducted with two graduate students from Princeton University, Dylan Morris and Fernando Rossine, along with Princeton faculty member Simon Levin, Plotkin has mathematically sound advice for policymakers hoping to effectively stem the spread of a pandemic. In a preprint on arXiv.org, they share optimal, near-optimal, and robust strategies for how to time interventions such as social distancing.

This boils down to knowing what is the best way, of all the infinite possibilities, to intervene using public health measure, says Plotkin. Thats a problem we can solve with math, my colleagues Dylan and Fernando realized.

Their analysis makes the realistic assumption that policymakers can only enforce social distancing for a limited amount of time, and aims to minimize the peak incidence of disease. The optimal strategy, they found, is to start by introducing moderate social distancing measures to keep the incidence rate the same for a period of time. This would mean that every person with COVID-19 would infect one additional person. Then the intervention should switch over to a full suppressionthe strongest possible quarantinefor the rest of the period. At the end of that period, all restrictions would be lifted.

This works because you dont want to fully suppress disease spread right off the bat, says Plotkin, because then at the end, after you remove restrictions, there will be a second peak that is just as large as the first. By employing a moderate suppression at the beginning, youre building up a population of people who are going to recover and become immune, without letting the epidemic get out of control.

Unsurprisingly, timing is key. Attempting the optimal intervention would be disastrous, in practice, because of inevitable errors in timing. Intervening too early is pretty bad, because you get a bigger second peak, he says. But intervening too late is even worse. The key lesson is that a robust intervention is more important than an optimal one.

Plotkin and his colleagues are hoping to share the findings widely, including with local decision makers, to help them navigate a likely second wave of COVID-19.

Montserrat Anguera is an associate professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Michael Betts is a professor of microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Frederic Bushman is the William Maul Measey Professor in Microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Ronald Collman is a professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Henry Daniell is vice-chair and W.D. Miller Professor in the Department of Basic and Translational Sciences in the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Ronald Harty is a professor of pathobiology and microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Kenneth Margulies is a professor of medicine and physiology and research and fellowship director of the Heart Failure and Transplant Program at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Joshua Plotkin is the Walter H. and Leonore C. Annenberg Professor of the Natural Sciences in the Department of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts & Sciences. He has secondary appointments in the Department of Mathematics and in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Department of Computer and Information Science.

Sarah Tishkoff is the David and Lyn Silfen University Professor with appointments in the Perelman School of Medicines Department of Genetics and the School of Arts and Sciences Department of Biology. A Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor, she is also director of the Penn Center for Global Genomics and Health Equity.

Andrew Vaughan is an assistant professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

E. John Wherry is chair of the Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, director of the Institute for Immunology, and the Richard and Barbara Schiffrin Presidents Distinguished Professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Homepage image: Researchers around the University are taking a variety of approaches to study the novel coronavirus (particles of which are shown in purple), informed by past expertise and newly formed collaborations. (Image: National Institutes of Health)

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Coming together to solve the many scientific mysteries of COVID-19 - Penn: Office of University Communications

Release Date: May 5, 2020

BUFFALO, N.Y. Mary Wilson, wife of the late Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson and a strong advocate of Western New York for the past 29 years, will be awarded the Chancellor Charles P. Norton Medal, UBs highest honor.

Jean Wactawski-Wende, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health and dean of the School of Public Health and Health Professions, and an internationally recognized researcher on womens health issues, will receive the UB Presidents Medal in recognition of extraordinary service to the university.

In addition, SUNY honorary doctorates are being presented to UB alumna Donnica L. Moore, president of the Sapphire Womens Health Group, and Richard A. Schatz, research director of cardiovascular interventions at the Scripps Heart, Lung and Vascular Center.

Wactawski-Wende will receive the Presidents Medal during the School of Public Health and Health Professions virtual commencement ceremony on May 16; the other award recipients will receive their honors at a later date.

Chancellor Charles P. Norton Medal

The Chancellor Charles P. Norton Medal is presented annually in public recognition of a person who has, in Nortons words, performed some great thing which is identified with Buffalo a great civic or political act, a great book, a great work of art, a great scientific achievement or any other thing which, in itself, is truly great and ennobling, and which dignifies the performer and Buffalo in the eyes of the world.

Announcing this years Norton Medal recipient, Jeremy M. Jacobs, chair of the UB Council, said that Mary Wilson a life trustee of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation richly deserves the honor for her longstanding commitment to the region.

This year, we were absolutely unanimous in our decision to honor Mary Wilson, he said. In her leadership of the Wilson Foundation, Mary is making an enduring and unprecedented impact on Buffalo and all of Western New York, which will be felt for many generations to come. Her dedication and work align perfectly with the spirit of the Norton Medal.

Wilson has been devoted to Western New York since she first arrived in the area for the Bills home opener in 1990.

She has spent many years developing her Western New York Girls in Sports program, which biannually brings more than 200 9- to 12-year-old girls together to take part in various sports taught by young athletes from local universities and sports clubs.

The program, now ensured to run in perpetuity, is organized by the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County through an endowment from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.

She has also supported organizations benefiting communities in Buffalo, Erie County and Southeast Michigan, among them Hospice of Western New York, WNY Womens Foundation, Food Bank of Western New York, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Girl Scouts of Western New York, the SPCA serving Erie County, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Alzheimers Association Greater Michigan Chapter, The Helm (formerly Services for Older Citizens), the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Historical Society and the Detroit Institute of Arts, to name a few.

UB Presidents Medal

The UB Presidents Medal, first presented in 1990, recognizes outstanding scholarly or artistic achievements, humanitarian acts, contributions of time or treasure, exemplary leadership or any other major contribution to the development of the University at Buffalo and the quality of life in the UB community.

President Satish K. Tripathi described recipient Jean Wactawski-Wende as a world-renowned epidemiologist who has brought great prominence to UB through her scholarly pursuits and academic excellence in the area of womens health.

A dedicated member of our university community for more than 30 years, Dr. Wactawski-Wende has made seminal contributions that have significantly impacted health care practice and disease prevention for women in the U.S. and around the world, he said.

Thanks to her tremendous leadership, she has further elevated the reputation of UB. Our university community, along with the many communities we serve, have been profoundly enriched by Dr. Wactawski-Wendes scholarship, teaching and service, and it is an honor to present the Presidents Medal to such a truly deserving recipient.

Of particular note is Wactawski-Wendes leadership role in the Womens Health Initiative (WHI), the largest longitudinal study of womens health in the United States. In 1993, she was part of the team that spearheaded UBs successful bid to become one of the federally funded studys 16 original vanguard clinical centers. Since the inception of the WHI, UB has received more than $30 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health to investigate health issues impacting postmenopausal women.

Among the WHIs major discoveries was the groundbreaking finding that intake of combined estrogen plus progestin was associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and invasive breast cancer. That research, on which Wactawski-Wende served as a co-principal investigator, changed the use of hormone therapy in older women worldwide, potentially saving countless lives.

Through UBs current $6.2 million award extension of the WHI, she has overseen the continuation of research into many diseases associated with aging, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, stroke and dementia. She is also administering new studies that focus on frailty and predictors of healthy aging.

For those of us who know and have worked closely with Dr. Wactawski-Wende, we readily recognize the magnitude and excellence of her contributions to academic medicine, said Michael E. Cain, vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB.

She is an eminent and distinguished scholar and leader whose work, professional service, and stature in her discipline and research field are outstanding and continue to grow.

SUNY Honorary Doctorates

An internationally recognized womens health expert and advocate, Donnica L. Moore is president of Sapphire Womens Health Group, a multimedia firm that educates women about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

A pioneering physician, Moore utilizes public speaking and multiple media platforms including her own website and podcast to share impactful health information in laypersons terms.

She will receive a SUNY Honorary Doctorate in Science.

Dr. Moores significant accomplishments associated with women's health set an inspiring example for our university community and reflect the values of both UB and the SUNY system, Tripathi said.

Breaking barriers to educate women about an array of health-related topics, she has demonstrated a sustained and dedicated commitment to the well-being of women around the globe. One of UBs most distinguished alumni, Dr. Moore in utilizing accessible platforms to create broad access to sound, peer-reviewed medical information is enhancing lives in communities near and far.

Moore is a 1986 alumna of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB, and underwent residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Temple University, followed by a year of family medicine training at Memorial Hospital of Burlington, New Jersey.

She has appeared more than 800 times on such programs as The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Anderson Cooper Show and Good Morning America.

Richard A. Schatz is co-creator of the first coronary stent approved by the Food and Drug Administration for restenosis.

Known as the Palmaz-Schatz stent, this life-saving device has been used to treat coronary artery disease in nearly 100 million patients worldwide since its approval in 1994. It is considered one of the top 10 medical device patents of the past 50 years.

He will receive a SUNY Honorary Doctorate in Science.

Dr. Schatz is widely known as the father of modern interventional cardiology for good reason, Tripathi said. Every day, his groundbreaking work is realized in operating rooms across the country and beyond. The stent he co-created spurred a revolution in the treatment of coronary artery disease and, 30 years later, it has had an immeasurable impact on health care.

By contributing to society through his biomedical innovations and inventions, Dr. Schatz has improved the lives of tens of millions of people while embodying the ideals of our university community and our university system.

A New York native, Schatz is the research director of cardiovascular interventions at the Scripps Clinic and director of gene and stem cell therapy. He is an elected fellow of the American College of Cardiology. In 2019, he received the Fritz J. And Dolores H. Russ Prize, which recognizes biomedical engineering achievements that have significantly improved the human condition. He is also the recipient of the Barton Haynes Lifetime Scholar Award from Duke University Medical Center.

Schatz attended UB in the early 1970s before gaining early admission to Duke Medical School, then completed his cardiology training at Brooke Army Medical Center.

Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong affinity for UB, crediting the universitys faculty and curriculum for inspiring him to pursue a career in medicine.

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Mary Wilson to receive UB's Norton Medal - UB News Center

The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends

Missing your monthly facial?

Londons salons might be shut, but some of the citys savviest skin specialists have boxed up their bestselling treatments ready to pop in the post; allowing for a little me time before you FaceTime.

Mid-hibernation hydration

Contents of the Pfeffer Sal Essential Product Pack

The Pfeffer Sal clinic in Fitzrovia has earned its place in every London beauty editors little black book for its brand agnostic product recommendations and holistic-meets-high-tech approach. In order to keep their loyal clients GFH (glowing from home), the clinic has released six DIY facials, the best of which has to be the Essential product pack, based on the salons signature treatment. Included in the delivery are four full size products, among them an enzyme peel, a hydrating mask and Pfeffer Sals new own-brand Essential Serum a star blend containing four key actives that hydrate, stimulate collagen and elastin, and boost the skins regeneration. A virtual one-to-one with a therapist, normally 50, is also included, to ensure you peel and pamper like a pro.

Our top tip: Book the guided facial in the evening and leave the mask on to work its magic overnight

Pfeffer Sals Essential At-Home Product Pack, 250. Shop it here

The socially distanced detox

Antioxidant probiotic skin supplement from the Beauty Chef, included in the Skinwork Detox Facial in a Box

Thought this makeup-free WFH life was set to be a holiday for your skin but instead find yourself suffering with blackheads and breakouts? Youre not alone. The global pandemic-induced raising of stress levels increases production of the hormone cortisol, which in turn triggers overproduction of sebum. More sebum means more spots - but dont panic. LA import Skinwork, based in the Alex Eagle store in Soho, has a Detox Facial in a Box thats a one-way ticket to zit-free Zooming. Book a 30-minute skin coaching session with one of their team wholl take you through a thorough cleanse and detoxifying mask, finishing with a powerful vitamin C serum that treats pigmentation and brightens skin. Alongside the two full-size products the kit contains a headband, cleansing mitt and an antioxidant probiotic skin supplement from the Beauty Chef to get you glowing inside and out.

Skinwork Facial kits start at 100; The Detox Facial kit is priced at 165. Shop it here

The planet-loving pamper

Evolve Beauty's facial in a box

If you like your skincare vegan, organic, natural and cruelty-free, the Get Up And Glow Facial In A Box from British brand Evolve Beauty could be the one for you. The company makes all its products by hand and in small batches at its Hertfordshire wind-poweredecostudio, using the most effective natural superfoods. The box, made using recycled packaging, contains five travel size products: a Gentle Cleansing Melt, a Miracle Mask, a Hyaluronic Serum, Hyaluronic Eye Complex and a Daily Renew Facial Cream, alongside a towel headband and a step-by-step guide on how to apply your goodies. Best for normal to dry skin types, this is aDIYfacial both your skin and the planet will thank you for.

Evolve Beautys Get Up And Glow Facial In A Box, 50. Shop it here

How to do an at-home facial, according to a skincare pro

The post-lockdown reveal peel

Feel like youve aged a year in the last two months? Our current hermit-like existence offers the perfect opportunity to try a temporary redness-inducing chemical peel. Brilliant for brightening, peels also treat fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation while deeply hydrating and restoring the skins barrier. Facialist Kate Kerr, whos normally based out of the agua Spa at the Sea Containers Hotel, has an intensive Peel in a Box treatment on offer which uses high dose retinol to stimulate skin renewal and collagen production to even skin tone and smooth its texture. Not for the faint of heart, the three-day process forces the skin into an active peeling phase; best approached before a socially distanced weekend indoors. Given the intensity of the products, its suited to those already using a 0.5 per cent or 1.0 per cent retinol every night, and a preliminary telephone consultation with one of the Kate Kerr team is a must.

Kate Kerrs Home Peel Box costs 295 and contains enough for three courses of peel. Shop it here.

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Facials in a box: the step-by-step salon skincare you can order to your door - Evening Standard

Ajay Rampal, CEO, IFFCO Poultry Image Credit: Supplied

With a vision for excellence and quality, IFFCO established in 1975 is an international group based in the UAE, which manufactures and markets a well-integrated range of mass-market food products, related derivatives, intermediates, and services. With a portfolio of over 80 brands, IFFCO has firmly established itself as one of the main and most diversified groups in the Middle East.

IFFCO acquired Al Khazna Farm in April 2008, a farm where the best chicken breeds are selected, raised and fed on a 100 per cent vegetarian diet, with zero antibiotic residue and hormone-free production, ensuring the delivery of safe, nutritious, and high-quality fresh chicken.

Today, Al Khazna is one of the leading brands in the market under the fresh chicken category. Al Khazna prides itself in being a pioneer in processes and new product development.

Keeping consumer requirements in mind, Al Khazna offers whole chicken, portions and pre-cut parts to cater to every need.

While commenting on the current trends in the poultry industry, Ajay Rampal, CEO, IFFCO Poultry, says, With the current global situation, we see a change in the buying behaviour of consumers. A trend which is fast catching on is online shopping for groceries and fresh produce. Keeping this in view, we have tied up with a number of online operators, besides being present on retailers webstores.

The fresh and high-quality chicken products are also daily transported to various retail outlets, hotels, catering companies, government sectors and many more locations across the UAE in its temperature-monitored vehicles. Al Khazna is certified with HACCP, ISO22000-2018, FSSC 22000-2018, Halal and ESMA certificates.

At Al Khazna, we commit to deliver the highest quality meat from farm to fork on the same day to ensure that our consumers enjoy the exquisite taste with high nutritional value, explains Rampal.

In a unique initiative, Al Khazna has associated with Dubai Cares this Ramadan to support the cause of child education. We strongly believe that education is the basic right of every child, says Rampal, adding, With every kilo of Al Khazna product that a consumer buys, we contribute towards this cause. This platform not only gives us but also our consumers an opportunity to share and support this noble initiative.

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IFFCO: Delivering the highest quality poultry for all your cooking needs - Gulf News