Archive for August, 2021

He said he had been consuming the blackpill overdose, referring to a fatalistic sector of the incel community who describe themselves as blackpilled and believe there is no hope of life getting any better for them because their genetics rule out any woman ever being attracted to them.

Most incels start by, as they call it, taking the red pill, a metaphor borrowed from The Matrix science-fiction films, in which swallowing a coloured capsule allows the protagonist to see the world as it really is. They claim to have discovered that the whole world is a feminist gynocracy ruled by women, where men are helpless victims.

Some believe it is possible to improve their relationship prospects through strategies like gymmaxxing (working out), but those describing themselves as blackpilled have a nihilistic worldview and tend to see violence against women as a better solution than self-improvement.

Online incel forums are steeped in extremist misogyny, with members regularly suggesting women should be raped and murdered. They encourage each other to rise up in a day of retribution or incel rebellion, when they will punish society, and women in particular, for their suffering, by murdering as many normies (non-incels) as possible.

I know this because I spent two years undercover in incel forums to research these communities and the threat they pose, for my book Men Who Hate Women.

It started when I realised some of the boys I work with on gender inequality and sexual consent in UK schools were parroting extremist beliefs and fake statistics (didnt you know 87 per cent of women lie about rape, one of them said). I soon realised that these teenagers had been radicalised online. But it wasnt a kind of radicalisation anyone was talking about.

So I posed online as Alex, a disillusioned young white man who was tired of being called privileged when he felt deeply unsatisfied with life.

I had to pass tests to be allowed access to certain forums, explaining in detail what kind of incel I was so I began the painstaking process of learning incel terminology and the bizarre pseudoscientific theories incels use to justify their worldview.

Read the original here:
I went undercover in the incel community to try to understand men like Jake Davison - Telegraph.co.uk

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that usually results in unpredictable, patchy hair loss. Read to know everything about this hair condition.

Written by Arushi Bidhuri | Updated : August 9, 2021 2:07 PM IST

The first Saturday of August each year is observed as International Alopecia Day to raise awareness about Alopecia, which is an autoimmune disorder that usually results in unpredictable, patchy hair loss. A disease known as androgenetic alopecia is the most prevalent kind of hair loss. Both men and women are susceptible to this form of hair loss. "Male pattern balding" and "female pattern hair loss" are two more names for androgenetic alopecia. But who is more likely to suffer from alopecia men or women? We asked some experts in the industry to help you understand all about alopecia and who is more likely to develop the problem.

Dr Viral Desai says, "Alopecia or androgenetic alopecia is also known as patterned baldness, which may occur in men or women due to several factors such as ageing, genetics, lifestyle disorder, nutritional deficiencies and stress." According to the expert, male-pattern baldness is a well-defined pattern, beginning from the hairline and progressing backwards in a central zone up to the crown region (top part of the head), often progressing to partial or complete baldness. He further states, "In female pattern hair loss, the hair thinning is present all over the head, and the hairline does not recede. Androgenetic alopecia in women rarely progresses to complete baldness."

While alopecia can affect both men and women, studies suggest that men are more likely to suffer from the condition. Dr Desai gave us some statistics, explaining, "a recent study found that alopecia is known to occur in 50 per cent of men above the age of 50 and 30 per cent under the age of 50. In women, the onset of alopecia commonly occurs around menopause. From the above statistics, it is clear that alopecia affects men, both young and old, more than women."

If you are wondering why alopecia affects more men, Mr Vikas Chawla, Founder and Director, Vedas Cure explains how it affects males and why is it more common in men. He says, "Alopecia is much more prevalent in men and occurs especially due to a male sex hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) leading to male pattern baldness the most common symptom. DHT is thought to cause hair follicles to miniaturize; it inhibits the nutrients to reach the follicles leading to hair loss. This may differ in the pattern as hair starts to recede at the temples and on the crown slowly thin and eventually disappear. Alopecia also occurs due to usage of salty water and begins in men from age 27-35."

The situation today is such that men are presenting with hair loss much earlier than ever before, says Dr Rinky Kapoor, Director - The Esthetic Clinics India, and Inventor of the QR 678 therapy for hair loss treatment. "Earlier, the problem affected men in their thirties and forties, now we see teens and men in their early twenties suffering from hair fall. This leads to physical, social, emotional and psychological stress in the group." Highlighting that women causes of hair fall are also increasing in women, Dr Kapoor says, "There are more and more women suffering from hormonal issues due to stress of modern life, poor lifestyle habits, polycystic ovarian disease and environmental factors. As high as 60% men over the age of 30 and 45% women over the age of 30 seem to be facing some sort of hair fall issue and are increasingly seeking treatment for retaining their hair, and thus, their confidence."

Talking about the treatment for the same, Dr Kapoor says, "The revolutionary QR 678 therapy works really well for both male and female hair loss and also for COVID related hair fall and is a major part of our arsenal now for our young patients, as it is plant based and has zero side effects."

Some of the common cures for this disorder can be keeping a good diet full of nutrients. Vedas Cure has prepared a herbal composition comprising of 30 herbs that contribute to hair growth, prevent hair loss, and facilitate nutrients to the hair. Along with the products a diet plan is also recommended. Hair is made of a tough protein called keratin. It needs proteins for good growth. If the Alopecia symptoms are genetic, then the precautions must be taken from the age of 15-16 years.

Some of the herbs which treat the dehydrated as well as damaged hair and help in gaining hair naturally are Bringraj, Punarnava, Amla, Brahmi etc.

Once alopecia is diagnosed by the doctor, it is vital to find the cause and treat it. Thankfully, there are some non-surgical and surgical treatments available when making lifestyle changes that don't work. Here are the treatments as explained by Dr Viral Desai.

Note: If you are suffering from alopecia or massive hair fall, do consult a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis.

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International Alopecia Day: Is This Serious Hair Condition Reversible? Here's What You Need To Know - TheHealthSite

It was in 1968 when archaeologists discovered a weapon grave at Suontaka Vesitorninmki in Finland. Ever since then, the remains found in the grave have been at the centre of a major debate over the gender of its occupant. Initial interpretations of the remains suggested that the grave contained a woman but, the interpretations have always been debated.

Now, DNA analysis of the grave, including an examination of its content, soil sample and microremains, have once again challenged long-held beliefs. The analysis suggests that the 1000-year-old grave could be of a non-binary person.

The new findings not only challenge pre-held notions, but also raise the possibility that non-binary people were accepted as well as respected among their peers in ancient times. The findings of the DNA analysis, which were published in the European Journal of Archaeology, state that the occupant of the grave was a respected person whose gender identity may have been non-binary.

The early medieval grave, likely dated 10501300 AD, had a person buried with two swords -- a hiltless sword placed on the persons left side and another buried above the original grave. The interpretation of the occupant being a woman was made based on dress accessories and jewellery, which suggested that the individual was dressed in feminine clothes.

"For decades, the grave has been a popular example of powerful women in Late Iron Age and early medieval societies. The grave was used as evidence of female leaders in the past. The decorated bronze-hilted sword allegedly found in the Suontaka burial is presented as a female warrior's weapon," the researchers behind the latest findings said in their paper.

A plan of the Suontaka burial. Tckdike marks the water pipe trench which led to the discovery of the grave. (Photo: Finnish Heritage Agency)

Ulla Moilanen, an archaeologist from the University of Turku said that the buried individual seems to have been a highly respected member of their community.

Researchers conducted a study of microscopic animal hair and fibre remains from soil retrieved from the grave and studied ancient DNA (aDNA) from the skeletal remains to infer the chromosomal sex of the individual. It is to be noted that historically, the gender identity of buried individuals is inferred based on the remains of objects or items found alongside. However, with the advancement of technology and modern genetics, new methods have been developed to determine gender of remains.

DNA analysis of the 1000-year-old grave in Finland showed that the occupant of the grave had Klinefelter syndrome -- a condition where boys are born with an extra X chromosome. Normally, a female has two X chromosomes (XX) and a male has one X and one Y (XY). According to UK's National Health Service (NHS), the X chromosome is not a "female" chromosome and is present in everyone. The presence of a Y chromosome denotes male sex.

People with Klinefelter syndrome (XXY) don't exhibit any specific symptoms during childhood. They are usually marked with shyness and low self-confidence. During the teenage years, the syndrome leads to broader hips, poor muscle tone, and reduced facial and body hair that starts growing later than usual. In adulthood, the syndrome could lead to inability to have children naturally and a low sex drive.

The objects found in the Suontaka grave. A: bronze-hilted sword; B: hiltless sword with silver inlays (inset); C: two oval brooches with textile fragments; D: twin-spiral chain-bearer ; E: sheathed knife ; F: penannular brooch ; G: sickle. (Photo: Finnish Heritage Agency)

The researchers believe that the body in the Finnish grave had XXY chromosomes and that the person was non-binary. "It is rare in a Nordic context to find a sword in a grave with several artefacts with feminine gender association," the researchers said in the paper.

Non-binary people are those who do not identify themselves with a particular gender. According to the National Centre for Transgender Equality, people whose gender is not male or female use many different terms to describe themselves, with non-binary being one of the most common. Other terms include genderqueer, agender, and bigender among others.

None of these terms mean exactly the same thing -- but all speak to an experience of gender that is not simply male or female.

"The complexity of gender is evident in the problem of determining the sex or gender of individuals based on the artefacts recovered from their graves. It is unclear how well the grave goods represent the gender roles and identities of the past, and whether these roles should be interpreted from a binary perspective," the paper said.

Non-binary identities have been recognised by cultures and societies around the world.

Continued here:
Man or woman? 1000-year-old grave in Finland likely of a non-binary human being - India Today

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Over the years, many physical traits have been touted as correlated with male success. Tall guys make more money. Attractive men have a better chance of getting hired. Obese fellows suffer in job interviews.

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That height/income correlation is pretty well documented. University of Florida researcher Timothy Judge and colleagues analyzed data from 8,500 American and British subjects and worked out that someone who is six feet tall earns, on average $166,000 more in a 30-year career than someone who is 5 feet 5 inches. This was true for both genders, though shorter men are slightly more likely to encounter height bias in the workplace than are shorter women.

Likewise, the attractiveness bias, sometimes called lookism, is well established. A 2019 article in the Harvard Business Review noted that it starts early. Attractive applicants score higher in college admissions interviews and earn higher grades when they get to class. The author, business psychology professor Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, cites the very well-established halo effect whereby attractive people are generally perceived as being more sociable, healthy, successful, honest, and talented.

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He also makes an interesting suggestion for tackling this type of bias artificial intelligence. If programmed correctly, he writes, AI could become an objective way to measure what we dont always see ourselves. The key phrase there is if programmed correctly. So far, many artificial intelligence models simply automate the biases of their creators.

Testosterone certainly appears to predict some kinds of business success. Researchers led by Sean Harrison of the University of Bristol note that among male executives, circulating testosterone has been linked with a number of subordinates and among male financial traders, with daily profits.

It has been suggested that this happens because higher testosterone levels tend to increase a mans tolerance for risk. This, in turn, leads many guys with high testosterone to choose the path of entrepreneurship, with the attendant risks and rewards. Even for those in standard employment situations, a higher testosterone level may affect willingness to engage in assertive wage bargaining.

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Harrison and colleagues dove into a huge biomedical database, the U.K. Biobank, and studied the records of 306,248 men and women. They were seeking to establish a causal relationship between testosterone levels and what they called socioeconomic position (SEP).

One concern here is the direction of causation. Perhaps having a lower SEP causes lower testosterone levels in men. This would make sense because being poor is stressful and, as they note, psychosocial stress associated with socioeconomic adversity could influence testosterone alongside other aspects of health.

One unique contribution of this study is the fact that it used a technique called Mendelian Randomization. Made possible by advances in genetics, this method analyzes single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which are determined at conception and related to a single factor, in this case, testosterone production. This allows the researchers to rule out reverse causation and other confounding effects.

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At the end of the day, they concluded that We found little evidence that testosterone affected socioeconomic position, health, or risk-taking. Were previous studies wrong? Not necessarily, but they may have been clouded by reverse causation or other factors.

Another study, also from the U.K., compared men who grew up in the relatively healthy and wealthy environment of London with those raised in Sylhet, Bangladesh. As the authors note, Men in wealthier countries tend to have higher levels of testosterone than men in poorer countries or places with high rates of infectious disease.

What wasnt clear is when this effect took place. Was it in infancy? Childhood? After puberty? New research by Kesson Magid of Durham University studied men who moved to London at various life stages. The researchers looked at factors like height, age of puberty, and testosterone levels as adults.

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Migration before puberty predicted higher testosterone and an earlier recalled pubertal age compared with Bangladeshi sedentees or adult migrants, with more pronounced differences in men who arrived before the age of eight.

They have an interesting explanation for their results, which is based on the energy cost of various activities. Boys in Bangladesh, where sanitation is poor, spend a lot of their biological resources developing immunity. This comes at the expense of building a strong reproductive function.

As the authors write, We found that the longer a man lived in Bangladesh as a child, the shorter he was as an adult. This suggests that boys growing up in Bangladesh had to trade off growing taller for something else, such as immunity.

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Theres not much you can do about your height or attractiveness unless you are ready for serious plastic surgery. As for tweaking your testosterone levels, experts like urologist Dr. Puneet Masson of the University of Pennsylvania urge caution. He treats men with low testosterone levels who are trying to become fathers. Many times Im taking these guys off of supplements or medications and putting them on something to get their body to make its own testosterone, he notes. The Penn Medicine site also cautions that taking exogenous or external testosterone shuts off other hormones essential for sperm development.

Its worth a mention that these testosterone studies were published both in academic journals and, in a more approachable format, on a free website called theconversation.com/ca. Spending some time reading articles there might have an even stronger correlation with your career success than your height, looks, or testosterone levels.

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Keenan: Is your success tied to your testosterone? - Calgary Herald

As well as the objects we find in graves, were able to extract ever more information from the bones themselves. For me, as a biological anthropologist, its been astonishing how the science around this has developed over the past 20 to 30 years.

If Im presented with a skeleton, I can tell quite a lot just by looking at the bones with the naked eye. I have a background as a medical doctor and before I started learning the business of osteoarchaeology, I would have thought: Its just a skeleton. How much can you really tell? You cant ask it about symptoms, you cant do blood tests. But I was astonished at how much you could work out. First, bone responds to disease. Some infections, such as syphilis and tuberculosis, affect bone in very distinctive ways. Osteoarthritis is also easy to identify from tiny holes on the surface of a joint.

Next you can look at teeth. People suffered from dental disease in the past, just as we do today, but most prehistoric people actually had much better teeth than ours because they didnt have such a starchy, sugary diet. They didnt brush their teeth as fastidiously as we do, but their teeth are nevertheless usually in surprisingly good condition.

Employing radiography techniques, such as using X-rays, allows us to uncover more clues hidden features of the bones. And with a micro CT [computed tomography] scanner were able to slice up the bones virtually, allowing us to analyse them without incurring any damage.

Then there are chemical techniques that allow us to analyse the ratios of different elements in bones and teeth. Our bodies are built from what we consume, so we are essentially made out of our surroundings. That means that the signatures of the landscapes in which we grew up are written into our bodies particularly into teeth, because tooth enamel is laid down in childhood.

For instance, your body is constantly incorporating different stable isotopes of oxygen and strontium in various ratios. We can analyse isotopes in ancient human remains, and see how these elemental ratios match those found in the geology of places in Britain or farther afield. This can be really useful for telling where somebody grew up, for instance, or where they spent the last decade of their life.

Finally, we can extract DNA from ancient bones and sequence it. That technology has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years.

Alice Roberts is the author of Ancestors: A Prehistory of Britain in Seven Burials (Simon & Schuster, 2021)

The human genome was fully sequenced in 2003. Since then weve developed the ability to extract DNA from very ancient bones, and to work out how to combine separate fragments of DNA into a complete genome. By doing that, were able to look for rare variants that might give us clues indicating when particular groups of people moved in or out of Britain. Sometimes were able to reconstruct more detailed information about individuals, too. One of the prehistoric skeletons I discuss in the book is known as Cheddar Man, who was discovered in Somerset in 1903, and lived around 10,000 years ago. By analysing his genome, geneticists have revealed that he probably had an unusual combination of dark skin and bright blue eyes. Being able to work that out from just a skeleton is utterly extraordinary.

DNA can also reveal information about kinship and relationships between individuals. Thats been quite profound when it comes to looking at the communal burials found inside Neolithic chamber tombs, for instance. One theory about these chamber tombs is that they were intended to anonymise the dead, and therefore contain people from across the whole community. Another theory is that they effectively acted as family vaults and some recent genetic analyses provide hints that this may indeed have been the case. For example, its been revealed that two bodies buried together in a Neolithic monument at Primrose Grange in County Sligo, Ireland are those of a father and his daughter.

Elsewhere in Ireland, DNA analysis of a man buried at Newgrange Stone Age tomb in the Boyne valley has revealed that he was the son of an incestuous union between either a parent and a child or two siblings. So were finding out some quite extraordinary details, some of which may not even have been public knowledge at the time of those peoples deaths.

Genetic science is not a panacea. Its not as though DNA technology somehow supersedes archaeology in fact, it could actually leave us with more questions than answers. But it does provide important strands of new evidence with the potential to answer some big questions, especially about mobility and migration. We should view it more as a tool for archaeologists to use one that will hopefully help us see the picture more clearly.

Genetics can certainly be disruptive. In fact, its probably as disruptive as radiocarbon dating was when that emerged, from the late 1940s suddenly, archaeologists were able to pin absolute dates on organic material. I think you can see a similar effect playing out with DNA analysis at the moment.

There have been some instances of geneticists treading on archaeologists toes. Theres been a perception by some archaeologists that geneticists have waded into long-standing archaeological debates and simply said: Youve been arguing about this for ages. Well, now weve got the answer. Not surprisingly, archaeologists have responded: Hang on a minute first you need to learn a bit about archaeology and the kinds of questions were asking.

But weve got to capitalise on the power of genetics to help us solve archaeological conundrums. In the book, I talk about a cutting-edge new project called 1,000 Ancient British Genomes, led by Swedish geneticist Pontus Skoglund of the Francis Crick Institute. This is a brilliant example of the power of collaboration between geneticists and archaeologists. Skoglund is engaging with archaeologists up and down the UK, asking them to identify questions that genetics might be able to help solve.

One of the people I became quite obsessed with is Augustus Pitt-Rivers (18271900). Hes best known as a collector, but he also came up with some really interesting ideas about how cultures change and evolve over time, and how these transitions happened. Pitt-Rivers was very influenced by 19th-century evolutionary theory and biology, and wondered how these ideas could apply to culture. He also started to think about whether the origins of new cultures might be linked to the movement of people.

For instance, Bronze Age people in Britain obviously had a different culture from the Neolithic people who preceded them. But where did they pick up this culture from? Pitt-Rivers suggested that there had effectively been a population replacement that Bronze Age culture was actually brought in by a whole load of new people. He tried to back up this theory by measuring skulls, arguing that there were detectable differences between the shapes of Neolithic and Bronze Age skulls. He was trying to use the study of skulls in a similar way to how we would now use DNA studies.

Whats astonishing is that DNA evidence now emerging suggests that Pitt-Rivers may have been right that a lot of people may have arrived in Britain during the Bronze Age, largely replacing Neolithic populations. Those earlier people didnt completely disappear, but there was a really profound turnover of population. Its really interesting to think about the contact between these two groups, and about the ways in which their different cultures may have merged.

Archaeology is a very introspective, self-aware discipline, which I think is extremely useful. Weve long been aware that every archaeologist always has ideas from their own time in the back of their mind whenever they approach a set of observations.

That can impact ideas about gender, for example. Take Iron Age chariot burials: not all of them contain men we know that some, such as the site at Wetwang in East Yorkshire, definitely contain women. I think that in the past antiquarians would have very quickly jumped to a conclusion that the body was male, based on the style of the burial or perhaps artefacts that were buried with the body. This is similar to what Reverend William Buckland (17841856) did when he discovered the oldest skeleton yet found in Britain, on the Gower peninsula in south Wales, which he called the Red Lady of Paviland. The remains are clearly male, but Buckland didnt think it could possibly be a man because the individual was buried with what looked to him like ivory jewellery. As a 19th-century antiquarian, he couldnt stomach the idea that a man might be buried with jewellery.

And these ideas still persist. When we find an Iron Age burial with a sword, theres often an assumption that its a man. Or if a mirror is excavated from a burial, theres an assumption that the remains are that of a woman. In the book, I talk about the need to avoid seeing discoveries through our own current cultural lens to accept that there may have been many more diverse identities in the past than perhaps we understand today, for example. We think that our society and culture is normal in the way that it defines two genders, but perhaps in the past there was a much more diverse approach to identity. Certainly, if you find an Iron Age burial with both a sword and a mirror (and one such site has been excavated), that might be telling us something quite interesting about ancient identities.

I think that new scientific technologies encourage us to move away from our current preconceptions to look at the evidence in isolation to begin with and then to build up a bigger picture.

Its a stunning discovery the most richly furnished Copper Age burial yet found in Britain. This man was buried with almost 100 objects in his timber-lined grave, so he was certainly high status or special in some way. All sorts of things were buried with him: lots of flints and arrowheads, and stone items that we presume are wrist guards for archery hence his name as well as copper knives and five bell-shaped beakers. There were also gold ornaments, thought to be hair wraps or possibly earrings the oldest gold found in Britain.

Because the Amesbury Archer was found only about three miles from Stonehenge, some have suggested that he may have had a link with that site. That may be true, but well never be able to prove it. You can also speculate about who he was his position in that society: are we looking at some kind of Bronze Age shaman or magician? And, connected with that idea, what did people think of those who first developed the ability to extract metal out of stone? It must have been amazing to see a completely new material being produced.

What I find particularly interesting about the Amesbury Archer is that analysis of the stable isotopes in his remains shows that he wasnt a local in fact, he grew up in or near the Alps. Graves such as his show just how far these connections stretched, and the distances that people were travelling. Theres this popular idea that in the ancient past people never travelled farther than the next village, but now we have evidence of some, such as the Amesbury Archer, travelling hundreds of miles in a lifetime.

That burial, found in 2017, is absolutely spectacular. I was lucky enough to visit it with the team that discovered it. We dont see many Iron Age burials across most of Britain, but in Yorkshire several very characteristic chariot burials have been found. These belonged to the Arras culture, which had connections to the near continent and possibly brought this very distinctive funerary style with them.

That Pocklington grave contains the body of a man buried within a chariot. In other similar burials, the chariots tend to have been dismantled before being put in the grave flatpacked, essentially. This one, though, was standing up and intact, with the man placed inside in a crouching position.

Along with the grave, theres evidence of a funeral feast. You get the impression that this funeral was a great spectacle, intended to show off the status of the deceased individual but also that of the surviving family. There are animal bones in the grave, including a rack of ribs, so it looks as if dishes from the feast were being shared with the deceased individual.

The other utterly extraordinary thing is that two pony skeletons were found standing up in the grave. That was just unbelievable. We spent quite a long time scratching our heads, wondering how on earth they got those ponies in there upright. Did they winch dead animals into the grave and then somehow support them, maybe piling up the soil underneath to hold them in a standing position? Or were the ponies led into the grave and then killed? I dont know if well ever quite get to the bottom of how it was achieved, but obviously it was extremely important to the design of the grave to have the chariot looking as though it was ready to depart, taking the dead man off, possibly to the afterlife. That is, of course, if they believed in the afterlife we dont know!

I think that exploring prehistory shows us just how multicultural Britain has always been. What weve seen is that many different groups of people have crossed the North Sea and the Channel in both directions over time, and that those cultures all enriched the others.

Although I write a lot about the power of genetics, I dont think we should be trying to trace direct genetic links between us and people in the ancient past because, once you get back into prehistory, these connections arent terribly meaningful. You dont need to have a direct genetic link with the Red Lady of Paviland or the Amesbury Archer to think about what the lives of these individuals might have been like. Im aiming for an egalitarian approach to ancestry in the landscape. The ancestors I look at in the book belong to everybody.

Alice Roberts is the author of Ancestors: A Prehistory of Britain in Seven Burials (Simon & Schuster, 2021). Buy it now on Amazon, Waterstones or Bookshop.org

This article was first published in the July 2021 issue of BBC History Magazine

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Prehistoric Graves: Why They Are Time Capsules Of Early Britain - BBC History Magazine

Everyone wants their skin to be flawless and younger-looking. Unfortunately, our skin becomes dull and flaky because of regular contact with dust, residue, pollution, and the suns harmful rays. Hyperpigmentation is the umbrella term for these often undesirable skin alterations.

UV light, which encourages the production of melanin, is one of the most common hyperpigmentation culprits. Every dermatologist we spoke with emphasized the necessity of using sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays, whether you are treating existing spots or attempting to avoid developing new ones.

If you are struggling with skin issues, this article is for you, as it is about the best skin lightening creams for scars and hyperpigmentation. All you have to do now is find the best option for you. So, let us get started.

Before starting with the guide, we will first talk about what this is. Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which an area of skin becomes darker than the surrounding skin. Our bodies produce melanin, a pigment molecule that gives our skin its black color. The organelle that secretes this chemical is the cells melanosomes. It occurs when your melanocytes secrete too much melanin, resulting in a tan or skin discoloration.

Melasma and sunspots, for example, are more prone to affect parts of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, and legs. Cuts, burns, acne, and lupus are examples of hyperpigmentation that occurs after an injury or with skin inflammation. These can show up anywhere on the body.

Skin problems like scars and pigmentations can be treated with a variety of therapy regimens. Let us take a look at each one individually:

Avoiding sun exposure, which is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation, is the simplest option. If you must go out in the sun, an SPF 30+ cream should be used.

You can always go to a cosmetologist or dermatologist for clinically approved therapies including laser treatment, strong pulsed light therapy, chemical peels, and other procedures.

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The lotion contains anti-inflammatory characteristics that brighten skin without causing damage and addresses uneven skin or dark spots. It may also lighten your general appearance.

It is made entirely of safe and natural materials, 95% of which are organic. It is free of the harsh chemicals and poisons found in most bleaching creams. It brightens the skin and provides a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.

It can also treat uneven skin tone caused by acne, aging, freckles, melasma, scars, and sun damage with excellent results. Any part of your body that you desire to lighten can be treated with Zeta White products.

It is a three-part lightening system. When you buy the whole three-step lightening system, you also get a skin-lightening body lotion worth $77.09.

Zeta White is a product of the United Kingdom, made by a reputable producer. In terms of safety and purity, its component list is encouraging. It is entirely organic and manufactured from natural extracts and mineral oils.

If you are looking for the greatest face wash, moisturizer, or night cream to brighten your skin and stimulate skin regeneration, you will have to pay a lot of money and receive no results. However, Zeta White offers you all three for the price of one, as well as a bonus with your order.

Visit the Official Website of Zeta White for the Best Discount

Melanin is a pigment found naturally in the skin that gives it color. Melanin pigment is produced in melanosomes, which are specialized cytoplasmic organelles. Melanosomes in the darker parts of the skin are more active than those found elsewhere on the body. Overactive melanosomes can also lead to apparent skin hyperpigmentation, such as aging, melasma, and other skin color disorders.

Meladerm works by combining the well-documented qualities of the most efficient skin whitening substances to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Many of the formulas active constituents are taken from natural extracts like Mulberry, Licorice, and Bearberry. Civant Skin Care prioritizes your safety beyond all else. Their products are free of hydroquinone, mercury, steroid hormones, and other bleaching agents.

Meladerm, when used with exfoliation agents, can typically show results in as little as two to four weeks. On average, the full results take about two to three months and depend on the type of skin of the person. In addition, a 30-day money-back guarantee is offered to new customers with their first purchase.

Meladerm may be worth a try if you are having trouble getting rid of dark patches on your skin. It is one of the most natural skincare options available, and many Meladerm reviews back up its efficacy claims.

The product is extremely popular and is the number one skin-lightening formula on the market. Skincare professionals have used and have been recommending it all over the world for more than a decade.

Visit the Official Website of Meladerm for the Best Discount

Illuminatural is a topical serum that must be administered to the skin to eliminate all dark spots and wrinkles. It is part of the Skinception skin care line, which is made in the United States by Leading Edge Health. They focus on the development and marketing of beauty-related items, particularly for women.

It is one of the few skin lighteners on the market today that does not include any dangerous ingredients. The product works by blocking the tyrosinase enzyme, which causes skin cells to create melanin when stimulated. It also exfoliates pigmented dead skin cells, promoting the growth of new skin cells. It is a much safer and more convenient alternative to using a peeler to exfoliate the skin.

The products main goal is to eliminate these skin issues, and users of the topical serum do not experience any skin irritation, which is frequent with similar skincare products. The manufacturers also claim that in as little as four weeks, the solution may lighten the skin and may improve the appearance of unattractive dark areas.

Customer reaction has been overwhelmingly positive thus far for this product. Many people have turned to natural skin whitening methods, mostly because they are 100% safe and have no known adverse effects. Our research, as well as information from other Illuminatural 6i reviews, reveals this product makes a difference, particularly with little dark spots.

It is a highly effective, natural skin-lightening product and is one of the most well-known and widely used whitening products on the market. It is made by a renowned brand, and it also comes with a guarantee.

Visit the Official Website of Illuminatural 6i for the Best Discount

Amaira Natural Lightening Serum is one of Amaira Skincares many plant-based products. The brand promotes skin care regimes that are as natural as possible. Amaira dermatologists use herbal elements to create safe and helpful skincare solutions. The same ingredients are used in Amaira Natural Lightening Serum to whiten skin in delicate regions.

It claims to reduce the appearance of unpleasant dark patches, birthmarks, and freckles. It is suitable for all skin types and contains no hazardous chemicals, parabens, fragrances, or colorants. Natural components in Amaira provide a safe and quick way to lighter skin.

Six weeks of treatment is usually suggested; however, some people get effects in as little as two weeks.

The formula for Amaira Natural Lightening Serum is FDA certified and can be used by men and women of all skin types. This lightening cream is gentle enough to use on both the face and the body, giving you even-toned, young skin from head to toe.

This is a popular, well-designed product that claims to minimize the appearance of dark spots and discoloration by working with the skins natural renewal cycles. It appears to provide satisfactory outcomes, although not every user is totally happy with this product.

Customers have given the product a thumbs up in product reliability. A vast number of users around the world have given positive feedback. One point of worry is the packaging, as there have been several instances of the pump assembly on the bottle breaking relatively quickly, making use of the product more difficult.

Overall, we found Amaira Natural Lightening Serum to be a reasonable product. The result matters most, and the vast majority of users are able to attain their desired outcomes in the end.

Visit the Official Website of Amaira Natural Serum for the Best Discount

Hyperpigmentation might affect any region of your body. However, those that damage the face, chest, or limbs require rapid attention. Melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are the most prevalent.

Melasma is mostly caused by hormonal changes and is most commonly seen in pregnant women. Hyperpigmentation can affect any part of the body, however, it most typically affects the stomach and face.

Sunspots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are a common occurrence. However, if you are routinely exposed to the sun, it will only happen over time.

This is caused by a skin injury or inflammation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation includes acne, pimples, and scar discoloration.

When opposed to ordinary whitening face creams, these ones offer a wide range of benefits. The following are some highlights:

Because all of the items mentioned above are 100% natural, safe, and organic, there are no long-term side effects. The following are some of the possible adverse effects which you may face:

If you are on a budget and want to save money on hyperpigmentation treatments, the best option is to use a lightening cream. Treatments like intense pulsed light therapy, laser peel, chemical peels, etc. come with adverse effects and are very expensive too.

As a consumer, you are looking for therapy that gives the best possible answer to your problem at the lowest possible cost. So, a lightening cream is the greatest option for this.

Hydroquinone is a natural pigment lightening and skin brightening combination derived from African potato and tara tree. It also boosts collagen and infuses your skin with beneficial antioxidants. Your dark spots will lighten as a result, and your complexion will become more even. In addition, the solution protects your skin, slowing the formation of new hyperpigmentation.

Gigawhite is a skin lightener and brightener that helps to reduce the appearance of age spots and melanin concentrations in the skin. This substance has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to soothe your skin and even out skin tone and dark spots.

Licorice Root works as a natural skin lightening agent by inhibiting the enzymes that cause melanin formation. It helps to prevent future hyperpigmentation while also reducing the appearance of existing dark spots on your skin. Licorice Root is also an anti-inflammatory, so it will benefit your skin by lowering swelling and redness, as well as assisting in skin regeneration for a more balanced complexion.

We have already discussed the mechanism of hyperpigmentation. A variety of factors can cause this phenomenon, including sun exposure and possibly an underlying ailment. Some of the most common causes are:

Melasma can be passed down across generations. According to studies, over half of all women with melasma have a family member who is also affected. As a result, if you are a woman and your mother has melasma, you are more likely to get it as well.

Melasma can be caused by a variety of factors, including your gender. Melasma affects more women than it does men. While female-to-male ratios vary by the group due to factors including skin type and sun exposure, studies have reported female-to-male ratios ranging from 6:1 to 39:1. Melasma is typically provoked by sun exposure in men with this skin disorder.

One of the most common things that causes Melasma is exposure to the sun. To protect the skin from prolonged sun exposure, the body creates more melanin. This might cause age spots or sunspots, which are dark spots or patches on the skin. In addition to sun exposure, extremely bright artificial light can exacerbate melasma. Melasma might be difficult to cure for people who work in these types of environments. Heat, which is scientifically known as infrared radiation, can also aggravate melasma.

Antimalarial medicines and tricyclic antidepressants, for example, can produce hyperpigmentation. One of the most researched causes of melasma is inflammation caused by skin irritants.

Certain scents, soaps, and cosmetics can irritate the skin. The usage of these products can create inflammation in people who have melasma due to their genetics, gender, or skin type, which can lead to a melasma flare.

Although it may seem self-evident, popping pimples causes hyperpigmentation. This is one of those skin-care guidelines that has not changed in a long time. When you get a pimple, your body interprets it as an injury and rushes to the scene to fix it. However, instead of letting your body cure itself, many people pick at their spots.

When you pop a pimple, it causes further irritation. Inflammation then triggers melanin production. As a result, long after the inflammation has faded, you may get acne scars.

It should go without saying that touching or plucking your skin regularly can aggravate hyperpigmentation. Exfoliating too much might cause inflammation and compromise the skins moisture barrier, which is the first line of protection against bacteria and other contaminants. Your moisture barrier can no longer fully protect you if it becomes damaged.

As a result, acne and hyperpigmentation may become more prevalent. If you give in to the temptation to use severe pressure or too abrasive materials on your skin, you may wind up doing more harm than good.

We do not always consider it, but eating a 15-minute lunch outside in direct sunlight can exacerbate hyperpigmentation. You have probably heard it before, but skincare protection is critical for preventing hyperpigmentation.

Inflammation is exacerbated by prolonged sun exposure. As a result, the formation of acne scars is aided. Applying sunscreen and going about your day is not enough. You should reapply throughout the day.

As the name implies, these are creams that whiten the current layer of skin to improve skin tone. Depending on the cream, the process used to accomplish this may differ.

Plant extracts are used in the normal whitening or lightening creams mentioned above to suppress the production of the tyrosinase enzyme, which catalyzes melanin synthesis.

A bleaching cream, on the other hand, would diminish the number of melanocytes in skin cells, lowering melanin secretion. Other creams act by exfoliating the outer or pigmented skin to promote the growth of new skin cells.

Yes, you can apply makeup over these items. However, allow enough time for the lightening cream to seep into your skin. These items might be sticky and can cause problems with makeup.

However, once the cream has thoroughly diffused into the skin, no sign of it remains. Some brands also exfoliate the dead skin as a bonus, resulting in greater highlights on the fresh skin.

Breastfeeding women are permitted to use skin-lightening cosmetics discreetly. These are all-natural items that are free of dangerous chemicals.

However, it is preferable to avoid using this product on feeding days because it may be absorbed into the bloodstream. The study is still underway, and convincing proof of the safety of this cream during pregnancy or feeding days has yet to be established.

As a result, if you require expert advice before using these items, you should consult your doctor.

In the beginning, mens skincare products were quite rare. However, many products in the womens market are now available for males as well.

Nowadays, most items are designed to be unisex; so, people of any gender may use them, and their gender has no bearing on how well they operate.

All of the products described above are safe for both men and women to use. The creams are based on a universal molecular phenomenon that whitens the skin and is found in everyone.

As a result, males can use the skin whitening cream without fear.

However, because of differences in skin texture and roughness, certain product categories, such as moisturizers, may act differently on men and women.

Benefits may be visible in a few days. Depending on the product, the complete result, i.e., the improvement in uneven skin tone, may take up to eight weeks.

These products must first diffuse into the skin before being able to control melanin synthesis. You must wait until new cells proliferate before doing anything with the already created pigments.

After that, the hyperpigmentation begins to recede, and after long-term use, it may totally vanish.

No, you do not have to see a doctor to utilize these lotions. However, it is a good idea to schedule a simple consultation.

To begin with, these skin-lightening creams are produced with natural components that are safe to use on the skin.

Second, before being formed into a product, they are thoroughly researched in the lab and clinically evaluated. So, you do not need to see a doctor unless you have a skin issue that is being treated or has been treated previously.

We all have a highly hectic routine in our daily lives and are often outside in the sun. In the process, we overlook the factors that affect our skin, such as dust, sunshine, or anything else that causes hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is a challenging skin condition to treat; but, with the provided knowledge in this article, you can easily overcome that obstacle. When looking for the best lightening cream for hyperpigmentation, keep in mind that each persons hyperpigmentation responds to treatment differently.

We trust that we have provided you with sufficient information to protect you against its negative consequences. You may see the effects soon if you use the lightning cream correctly and follow the instructions.

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5 Best Skin Lightening Creams for Hyperpigmentation in 2021 - The Island Now

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dovetail Genomics, the world-leader in high-quality de novo genome assembly, and Revive & Restore, the leading wildlife conservation organization promoting the incorporation of biotechnologies into standard conservation practice, announced today a new partnership that will accelerate the use of de novo genome assembly in the conservation efforts of threatened and endangered species.

Through its Wild Genomes program, Revive & Restore is funding high-quality, de novo genome assembly for select species in which an immediate, practical application of genomic data can inform and improve conservation efforts. Dovetail Genomics will be the preferred de novo genome assembly provider for this effort, building on the companys near decade-long success in delivering over 1600 high-quality plant and animal assemblies to hundreds of researchers across the globe.

We are honored that Revive & Restore has selected Dovetail to be their preferred genome assembly partner, said Todd Dickinson, CEO of Dovetail Genomics. Applying high-quality reference genomes more broadly to biodiversity efforts will advance conservation efforts globally as it quickly becomes a standard tool for the conservation biologist.

Global biodiversity is being lost at an alarming rate due to climate change and other human-based pressures. Perhaps one of mankinds most important responsibilities is the preservation and even enhancement of biodiversity, for this generation and those to come. A high-quality reference genome assembly is required to fully understand the biology of any organism and is a critical tool for species preservation.

Genomic insights are foundational to genetic rescue. The information that is held within a species DNA can help conservationists discover the genetic basis of adaptability and resilience, reveal breeding structures, the genetics of stress and immune responses or local adaptations. This information can help us predict a species responses to climate change, and allow people to make better wildlife management decisions, said Revive & Restores Wild Genomes program manager Bridget Baumgartner.

Revive & Restore will initially leverage Dovetail Genomics experience and sample-to-assembly workflow to build reference genomes for 15 endangered species in the Revive & Restore Wild Genomes program. One of these species, the Banggai cardinalfish, will be funded using a unique crowd-sourcing arrangement. Dovetail Genomics will donate $500 on behalf of every Dovetail services customer starting August 9, 2021, until enough funds are raised to sequence and assemble the cardinalfish genome. The genome assembly will be available as an open resource to the scientific community.

Learn more about this program: https://dovetailgenomics.com/a-genome-for-basuki/. To view, use this password: Basuki

The male Banggai cardinalfish specimen that will be sequenced has been nicknamed Basuki, which means to prosper or flourish. The goal of this program is to help restore the Banggai cardinalfish population back to historical numbers. Banggai cardinalfish went from discovery to near extinction in a matter of a few years due to high demand in the aquarium trade; their current status is endangered and their population is in severe decline. The Banggai cardinalfish distribution range is extremely small a 23 km2 region of the Banggai Archipelago in Indonesia. Several local populations are now either extinct or vanishing. Unlike most other coral reef fishes, Banggai cardinalfish lack a pelagic larval phase that portion of their life where dispersal occurs. Instead, they exhibit mouthbrooding and direct development, where juveniles remain close to their parents. This unique life history results in genetically distinct local populations that are ecologically and evolutionarily significant, but also extremely vulnerable.

We are thrilled to finally have the opportunity to utilize a genome assembly for this critically endangered fish, stated Giacomo Bernardi, Ph.D., Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz. The genome assembly will be an important tool that we will put to use immediately to measure population diversity, heterozygosity and other metrics that will help us in our quest to save this species.

About Revive & Restore

Revive & Restore is the leading wildlife conservation organization promoting the incorporation of biotechnologies into standard conservation practice. The Sausalito, California non-profit was formed in 2012 with the idea that 21st century biotechnology can and should be used to enhance genetic diversity, build disease resistance, facilitate adaptation and more. Its mission is to enhance biodiversity through the genetic rescue of endangered and extinct species.

Wild Genomes is part of Revive & Restores Catalyst Science Fund, which supports proof-of-concept science to advance the development of new biotechnology tools for conservation. Launched in 2018, the Catalyst Science Fund is designed to hasten impactful innovations in conservation. A key barrier to the adoption of genomic solutions by the conservation community has been the lack of success stories. To that end, the Catalyst Science Fund supports early-stage, transformative bio-science research, and proof-of-concept projects.

For more information visit https://www.reviverestore.org/wild-genomes and follow Revive & Restore on Twitter @Revive_Restore.

About Dovetail

Dovetail Genomics LLC is transforming genomics by making long-range information readily accessible to all. The company enables researchers and clinicians to solve complex problems involving de novo assembly, structural variation, microbiome analysis, cancer research, phasing analysis and more by providing them a more comprehensive view of the genome. With 68 pending applications and 14 issued patents, its proprietary in vitro proximity ligation approach and assembly algorithms simplify genomic discovery by integrating the highest quality long-range genomic information with next-gen sequencing output. Dovetail is based in Scotts Valley, California. For more information on Dovetail, its technology, and service offerings, visit https://dovetailgenomics.com/omni-c/. Follow Dovetail on Twitter @DTGenomics.

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Dovetail Genomics and Revive & Restore Form Partnership to Sequence and Assemble Genomes of 15 Endangered Species - Business Wire

On the great philosophical question of why bad things (i.e. injuries) happen to good people (i.e. runners who obey the ten percent rule), the sages are divided. Some say its because we havent yet figured out precisely which form flaw, muscle imbalance, or training error triggers a given injury. Others say that the problem runs deeperthat we need a comprehensive causal framework that links together training and life stresses, the resulting biomechanical loads applied to different parts of the body, and the ever-changing capacity of each joint and tissue to absorb those loads.

In a new (and free to read) opinion piece in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, running injury experts Chris Napier of the University of British Columbia and Rich Willy of the University of Montana advance that latter perspective. For example, they point out, simple rules about training load are doomed to failure because increasing the stress on a tissue like a tendon by just ten percent will cause it to fail 50 percent earlier. Thats one reason that the addition of speedwork so often triggers problems even if youre not running any farther than usual. You cant prevent an injury unless you understand the sequence of events thats likely to cause it.

But drawing that web of causal arrows remains a tall ordera point illustrated nicely by another new study, this one on Western States ultramarathoners. A team led by Emily Kraus, a sports medicine doctor and researcher at Stanford University, studied 123 runners (83 men, 40 women) who ran the 100-mile race in 2018 and 2019, publishing the results in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. Their goal: to explore the components of the female and male athlete triads, including the risk of stress fractures and other bone stress injuries, in ultramarathoners.

In women, the athlete triad refers to the combination of low energy availability, menstrual irregularities, and low bone mineral density (BMD). In men, low levels of sex hormones such as testosterone substitute for menstrual irregularities. Its a subset of the broader condition known as relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S).

In theory, the causal arrow here is pretty straightforward. If you dont eat enough, either overall or during the periods of the day when you need it most to support your training, youll end up with lower levels of sex hormones. Thats what triggers the warning sign of irregular or absent periods. And over time, it can lead to lower bone mineral density, which in turn leaves you vulnerable to stress fractures, even at training loads you might previously have been able to handle. Theres good evidence for every step of this chain.

Based on a self-reported questionnaire (sample question: Are you trying to change your body weight or body composition to improve your performance?), lots of the Western States runners appeared to be at risk of disordered eating: 62.5 percent of the women and 44.5 percent of the men. Quite a few (16.7 and 30.1 percent, respectively) had low bone density, defined as a Z-score less than -1. Many (37.5 and 20.5 percent) had a history of stress fractures, which matches data from other studies of hardcore runners. Add in a few other variables like low body mass and irregular periods, and you can calculate a cumulative triad risk score, which identified 61.1 percent of women and 29.2 percent of men as being at moderate risk for bone stress injuries and 5.6 percent of each as high risk.

In a sense, this is a nice illustration of Napier and Willys point. If you zero in on a single risk factor like bone mineral density, youre not going to get a very useful gauge of injury risk. Relatively few of the women had low BMD, but lots had stress fractures; for men, it was the opposite. Hormone levels, measured using InsideTrackers blood testing battery, were similarly ambiguous. In women, there did seem to be a link between low levels of testosterone and estradiol and low bone mineral density. The same pattern didnt show up in men, though.

If you broaden the causal diagram, as with the cumulative triad risk score, you get a more meaningful assessment of injury risk. In one of Krauss previous studies, for example, every one-point increase in the cumulative risk score for male athletes (which doesnt even include any direct assessment of hormones, since theres no simple proxy like menstrual dysfunction for men) produced a 57 percent increase in the risk of a subsequent stress fracture. For women, its even more pronounced: a diagnosis of moderate risk doubles your chances of a stress fracture, and high risk quadruples it.

Thats still just one part of Napier and Willys grand plan, though. Napier co-authored another recent paper (with Karrie Hamstra-Wright of the University of Illinois at Chicago and Kellie Huxel Bliven of A.T. Still University) that describes a holistic approach to bone stress injuries, suggesting that athletes have their own cumulative risk profile that influences their capacity to withstand specific training loads. Here theyre no longer talking only about triad risk factors: instead theyre summing up a vast web of non-modifiable (sex, race, age, genetics, alignment, prior injury) and modifiable (strength, fatigue, flexibility, biomechanics, stress, recovery, nutrition) intrinsic factors, as well as extrinsic factors like footwear, training surface, and training load.

Theres no equation for this hypothetical super-calculation of injury riskyet. In a sense, this is simply an attempt to mathematically describe what already goes on inside the head of a good clinician when he or she is assessing an athlete. The big question is whether the equationor, more likely, a future machine-learning algorithmwill ever be able to combine all those inputs and produce injury advice thats meaningfully better than, say, the ten percent rule plus occasional reminders not to do anything stupid. Only time, and a lot of painstaking research, will tell.

For more Sweat Science, join me on Twitter and Facebook, sign up for the email newsletter, and check out my book Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance.

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Seeking a Grand Theory of Injury Prevention - Outside Magazine

This article was originally published here

Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2021 Aug 13. doi: 10.1007/s11154-021-09672-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Besides the pulmonary manifestations caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an emerging endocrine phenotype, which can heavily impact on the severity of the syndrome, has been recently associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients with pituitary diseases or the pituitary gland itself may also be involved in COVID-19 clinical presentation and/or severity, causing pituitary apoplexy.Moreover, hypopituitarism is frequently burdened by several metabolic complications, including arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, obesity and vertebral fractures, which have all been associated with poor outcomes and increased mortality in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2.This review will discuss hypopituitarism as a condition that might have a bidirectional relationship with COVID-19 due to the frequent presence of metabolic comorbidities, to the direct or indirect pituitary damage or being per se a potential risk factor for COVID-19. Finally, we will address the current recommendations for the clinical management of vaccines in patients with hypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency.

PMID:34387832 | DOI:10.1007/s11154-021-09672-y

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COVID-19 and hypopituitarism - DocWire News

On last nights episode of Beauty & The Geek,they went on a makeover frenzy, giving four geeks incredible glow ups. But did you know there was another geek who is just as hot, yet he never had a makeover?

Yes, Jackson Palmer, is an undercover hottie who could honestly be a Calvin Klein model. The geek has been posting some fire pics on his Insta post-show and OOFT.

Palmers beauty on the show was Jessica Antoniou, who made a TikTok about how she actuallyhad the hot geek this season.

Remember this guy?

Well this is what he actually looks like.

The TikTok has over 1.5 million views and isnt even the first time the Beauty & The Geek star has gone viral. Antoniou has made a number of TikToks about her BATG journey, including ones made within the mansion (or apartment) they were staying in.

Just kidding already knew jackson was a qt #beautyandthegeek#batg#jessickbish#foryoupage#makeover

Know Yourself Drake

Many of the comments asked if the pair were still together. However, Antoniou hasnt been able to reveal anything and thats likely because Beauty & The Geek is still airing and shes under a contract.

But *fingers crossed* they still are, because they are cute AF.

Theyre not the only couple either where real love looks like a possibility. George and Josie (who are still on the show) seem to really be obsessed with each other and I am so here for it.

Kiran and Bryanna are my other favourite couple, who also genuinely seem smitten with one another. They also played coy when asked about their relationship, which only makes it seem more likely that they are together IRL.

No comment, both Bryanna and Kiran told PEDESTRIAN.TV when asked if they were still together last week.

Inject Beauty & The Geek into my veins. I am truly obsessed.

Originally posted here:
One Of The Geeks From BATG Had A Post Show Glow Up & Damn, I Could Cut Steak With That Jaw - Pedestrian TV

Matt Damon is copping mass backlash for revealing in an interview that fa**ot (a homophobic slur) was part of his vocabulary up until months ago when his daughter pointed out that its a fucked-up thing to say.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, he recounted dropping the word in conversation while at the table with his family.

The word that my daughter calls the f-slur for a homosexual was commonly used when I was a kid, with a different application, he toldThe Times.

I made a joke, months ago, and got a treatise from my daughter. She left the table. I said, Come on, thats a joke! I say it in the movieStuck on You!, Matt Damon added, referencing the 2003 film in which he plays a conjoined twin with Greg Kinnear.

She went to her room and wrote a very long, beautiful treatise on how that word is dangerous. I said, I retire the f-slur! I understood.

After the interview did the rounds online, folks on Twitter began calling him out for thinking it was okay to use it as of 2021. Come on, man..

Matt Damon actor has three daughters Isabella, 15, Gia, 12, and Stella, 10, with his wife of 16 years, Luciana Barroso.

It comes shortly after rapper DaBaby was called out for going on a gross homophobic rant at a recent performance.

According to avideo posted by TMZ, DaBaby encouraged the audience to hold up their phones, but only if they didnt show up today with HIV/AIDS or any of them deadly sexually transmitted diseases that will make you die in two to three weeks, among other derogatory remarks about HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ people.

Following the backlash, DaBaby tried to defend the comments he made at the show via Instagram Live, but he dug himself an even deeper hole by making further offensive statements.

He denied that the rant was homophobic, but rather a call to action. He also said that his gay fans dont got fucking AIDS because they arent nasty or junkies.

Several stars have slammed his actions, including Dua Lipa and Madonna, and he has been subsequently dropped from Lollapalooza, Apple Music and Boohoo (to name a few).

Wonder if Matt Damon will cop similar repercussions

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Matt Damon Is Copping A Pasting After Revealing He Used The Homophobic F Word Until Recently - Pedestrian TV

Testosterone is an essential hormone for male growth and masculine characteristics. In males, testosterone is primarily produced in testicles, and in females, it is produced in ovaries and adrenaline glands. In women, testosterone is produced in a very small amount. At adolescence, testosterone level may increase up to 30 times and after adulthood, the level decreases by a certain amount each year. In this article, we will discuss how testosterone therapy can help you by increasing your testosterone levels.

Healthy Heart and Blood Circulation

Low testosterone levels are associated with many cardiovascular risks. Testosterone helps in producing red blood cells from bone marrow. It also helps in keeping your heart healthy, ensuring a healthy blood flow to all organs and muscles of the body helping to keep the body at its peak level. A 2000s study report says that men having heart diseases after undergoing hormone therapy showed improvements in their heath. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,in 2015 more than 83K men who underwent hormone therapy, showed a significantly lower risk of heart attack and stroke compared to untreated men.

Reduces Fat

Testosterone helps in reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass. A proper muscle mass helps in controlling the weight and increases the energy production inside the body. After getting testosterone therapy, men who had low testosterone levels previously reported a significant change in body mass and increase in strength. For better results, one must try strength enhancement exercise after therapy.

For testosterone therapy and hormone replacementvisit NovaGenix.

Strengthens Your Bones

Strong bones play an important role in supporting your bodys muscles and organs. As age increases, testosterone decreases as a result of which bone density also decreases significantly. Weak bones and osteoporosis are some common problems that men develop with age. High doses increase bone density but there is no medical evidence yet to show that an increase in testosterone levels can reduce the risks of bone fractures.

Improves Verbal Memory and Reasoning Ability

There is a strong connection between testosterone levels and thinking and verbal ability. Testosterone therapy in men of age group between 34 and 70 years showed a significant improvement in spatial memory. Men with increased testosterone levels also have a lower risk of having Alzheimers disease.

Improves Libido

Testosterone level rises naturally in response to sexual activity and arousal. Men with improved testosterone levels have higher sexual activity. It should also be noted that erectile dysfunctions are not always related to low testosterone levels, it may happen due to other conditions also.

Better Mood

Low testosterone level is often responsible for the low quality of life. Low testosterone levels cause depression, irritability, fatigue, etc. These symptoms are more common in men suffering from hypogonadism. But for men whose testosterone level decreases normally with age do not show all such mood-related symptoms.

These are the 6 benefits you can have by increasing testosterone level with testosterone therapy. Besides all these benefits, there are also some risks that you should not ignore, like increased urination, low sperm count, decrease in size of testicles, increased aggressiveness, etc.

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Top 6 Benefits of Testosterone Therapy Times Square Chronicles - Times Square Chronicles

Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Outlook 2021

Hormone Replacement Therapy market report is the major research for those who look for an entire analysis of markets. The report covers all information on the Global and regional markets, including old and future trends for market demand, size, trading, supply, competitors, prices, and globalpredominant vendors information. We have provided CAGR, value, volume, sales, production, revenue, and other estimations for the global as well as regional markets.

The market is designed to serve as a ready-to-use guide for developing accurate pandemic management programs allowing market players to successfully emerge from the crisis and retract numerous gains and profits. The SMI analyzes recent strategic activities, such as partnerships, acquisitions, mergers, collaborations, and joint ventures. The report analyzes the demographics, growth potential, and capability of the market through the forecast period 2021 to 2027. The players included in this report are chosen in terms of their product portfolio, market share, brand value, and the well-being of the organizations. Our report is based on current situations across the globe.

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Top players listed in Hormone Replacement Therapy report:

Novartis AG, Abbott Laboratories, Mylan NV, Merck KgaA, Bayer AG, Pfizer Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S, QuatRx Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Amgen Inc., Eli Lilly and Company

Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Segmentation

Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market,By Type

Oral, Parenteral, Others

Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market,By Applications:

Hypothyroidism, Male Hypogonadism, Growth Hormone Deficiency, Menopause, Others

If you are part of the Hormone Replacement Therapy industry or intend to be, then study would provide you comprehensive outlook. It is vital to keep your market knowledge up to date analysed by major players and high growth emerging players. If a different set of players need to be analysed as per geography or regional target then enquire us with your customized requirements.

The report forecasts revenue growth at all geographic levels and provides an in-depth analysis of the latest industry trends and development patterns from 2020 to 2027 in each of the segments and sub-segments.

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This report also offers specific consumer preferences and expectations to gain insights into changing needs and behavior of the consumer. Thus, we offer more reliable, accurate, and actionable information specifically tailored to suit your business needs. If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.

Some of the important Key Questions ones are:

Research Methodology:

TheHormone Replacement Therapy market research follows a four-step methodology: primary research, secondary research, market estimation, and final presentations. Data is collected through self-conducted research methods in the primary research, whereas in secondary research, data is collected from previously conducted studies.The market estimation involves data processed in primary and secondary research. The final step is a holistic representation of the data and analysis made to make the report highly comprehensible for the reader.

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**NOTE: Our analysts monitoring the situation across the globe explains that the market will generate remunerative prospects for producers to post the COVID-19 crisis.

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Our strength lies in the unrivaled diversity of our people, methodologies, specialisms, and points of view. This market has a significant impact on the COVID-19 pandemic. Our experts are closely monitoring the industry to capture and analyze appropriate indicators.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy Market by 2027 Worldwide Growth Opportunities Recent Trends Forecast by Types and Application to 2027 The Manomet Current...

What makes a man? This question has been a subject of great argument for many centuries. However, the thing that leaps to the mind first is, undeniably, testosterone. Testosterone is the most vital male sex hormone that is a critical factor in mens adolescence.

An optimal proportion of testosterone maintains high energy levels as well as enhances body strength and masculinity. Besides, it is a crucial aspect regarding physical changes in boys.

But, what course of action should you adopt if you have lower testosterone levels? You will find a vast chain of treatments and procedures in this regard, but it is hard to access an authentic one.

In that sense, you have landed on the right platform. With enough research on this significant health affair, we will introduce you to the precious nine ways that will help you increase testosterone naturally. And, the good news is these will bring beneficial changes to your overall health and well-being.

So, keep scrolling down.

Your diet has a significant impact on your testosterone levels. Recent studies have found that men who consume a low-fat diet face testosterone deficiency. Therefore, always be mindful of your diet routine and stay away from prolonged dieting strategies.

Eating bulked-up ingredients fuels your masculinity. Therefore, following a rich diet plan and the intake of the best testosterone booster supplements might boost up your testosterone levels effectively.

You might be missing some essential nutrients in your daily diet that may boost your T levels.

We have discussed their importance and how you can have all of them at once below in detail:

D-Aspartic acid is a natural amino acid that can increase your testosterone levels effectively. Colossal research has been done on D-Aspartic acid, which shows it is bound to many fruitful outcomes regarding the whole male reproductive system.

Recent studies have revealed D-Aspartic acid works on some critical testosterone-stimulating hormones like follicle-stimulating hormones and luteinizing hormones, which increases your testosterone levels.

Adding D-Aspartic acid into your diet for 12 days may help enhance testosterone levels and other hormones. Additionally, it may also elevate their production and transportation around the body.

Many studies have also shown that such amino acids may be helpful in sperm production and quality. So, overall, it can be a significant step towards better testosterone levels.

Magnesium is a critical mineral deeply associated with the vital processes in our body, like cellular processes, bone formation, and muscle functions.

A couple of researches revealed magnesium supplementation for four weeks increases testosterone levels in athletic and sedentary individuals.

A magnesium-rich diet can, directly and indirectly, translate it into an increased T level (since magnesium is also responsible for converting Vitamin D into an active form).

Although magnesium deficiency is more common in old age, many younger people, like athletes, may also suffer from it, as many minerals like Zinc, magnesium, etc., may be lost in sweat. Therefore, make sure you consume a proper intake of magnesium.

Though many competitive supplements include magnesium as an ingredient, dietary magnesium always comes first, so try to reach out to the magnesium-rich foods that are abundant, such as greens, nuts, seeds, dry beans, whole grains, and wheat and oat bran.

Try to stay away from magnesium oxide, as it may cause some significant health issues like intestinal discomfort or diarrhea.

Zinc is found to be the second most abundant element in humans. Apart from having countless benefits in other health regards, researchers have found Zinc may play a tremendous role in mens masculinity, fertilization, sperm quality, and hormonal secretion.

Some researchers have also witnessed that an average Zinc concentration in the body is required for the normal functioning of the pituitary gland, which is highlighted in male reproductive potential.

Zinc is found to affect mens fertility in numerous ways. In addition, low zinc levels in the body have a highlighted negative effect on testosterone concentrations.

So, keeping all of this in mind, try to incorporate zinc supplements in your diet, which include oysters, beef, nuts, chicken, beans, and many more.

TestoPrime is the answer, as it is an effective testosterone-boosting supplement. With TestoPrime, you can get all of the essential nutrients in a single package.

You can get all of these benefits by using this natural testosterone booster. The influential testosterone support can help you maintain your pubescent liveliness with new and fresh testosterone.

TestoPrime is a cost-friendly and 100% dependent combination of natural ingredients, like vitamins and fruit extracts, mainly created to give the best results and promote your overall health.

Men who have entered their 40s or are near to it are advised to purchase it. It may not only bring a flood of testosterone into your body, but it may also help you get rid of tiredness, low energy levels, loss of focus, decreased sexual desires, and a bad memory.

So, if you want all these in a short time, grab this fantastic T-boosting supplement.

Modern studies have shown testosterone makes you manly, and vitamin D supports your bones and muscles. However, recently, it has been concluded these two biomarkers are associated with many other body functions and may affect each others levels.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is achieved via sun exposure and many diet supplements. The essential vitamin crucially influences the proper growth and functioning of bones, muscles, nerves, and numerous body organs.

Various researches have been performed on discovering the role of vitamin D in testosterone boosting. It has been found that low vitamin D levels can drop your testosterone levels theoretically. Additionally, it can lead to improper working of the testes.

A few years ago, it was concluded that men with lower Vitamin D and T levels might have more cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people with low T levels may experience some other sexual problems like erectile dysfunction and lower sexual drives. These can be treated with Vitamin D.

Always make sure to have enough Vitamin D included in your diet. There are various supplements available in the market. Another option is to go out in the sunshine, as it is the most reliable and productive way of consuming vitamin D.

Therefore, the sun is the best way to get vitamin D. When you take some Vitamin D-rich supplements or expose your skin to sun rays, your body absorbs it. Your liver will then translate it into its active form called 25(OH) D, which your doctor looks for when he suggests a Vitamin D blood test.

The active form of Vitamin D is then transported throughout your body for different functions. It is now proven the male reproductive system is one of its receivers.

Apart from that, there are some other ways to consume vitamin D like:

Exercises tend to be the most crucial factor in preventing many health diseases. Surprisingly, this can also be the best alternative to increase your testosterone levels. You can increase your testosterone levels on your own by adopting some essential pieces of training and workouts.

Low testosterone levels are nearly bound to lowered energy levels, decreased muscle mass, and inadequate mental health. Exercises can be the best in this regard.

Exercises increase testosterone in two ways:

Research has found that heavy training like weight lifting may be the best way to boost testosterone. Lifting heavy weights may help gain muscle mass and, likewise, higher T levels. If you are new to this, opt for a trainer to get basic knowhow of it.

High-intensity interval exercises, if done along with weight lifting, may be the best combination that will not only elevate your T levels but may also help promote heart health.

High-intensity training is also found to have positive effects on testosterone levels. Research revealed that resting for a couple of minutes between intervals is more advantageous.

Moderate cardio exercises also contribute to some extent, as they protect your heart and inhibit extra cortisol productions, which can negatively impact your muscle mass and T levels.

Make sure to stay away from chronic and prolonged exercises like cycling, running, and swimming for a long time, as these may cause problems regarding your testosterone production.

Follow a reliable diet plan that includes the intake of all of the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions. A balanced diet is a crucial factor in elevating T levels. Hundreds of researches show that low testosterone levels and poor diet patterns are strongly interrelated.

A balanced diet not only enhances your T levels, but it has countless health benefits. Many studies show that alterations in dietary plans may lead to hypogonadism. Consuming a balanced diet enriched in proteins, carbs, and healthy fats can go longer toward normal T levels as you age.

Many essential nutrients like proteins, carbs, and healthy fats may bring noticeable benefits to your health and hormonal secretions.

According to recent health researchers, a diet rich in proteins may aid a lot in testosterone boosting. However, another study has revealed low protein levels may damage the Leyden cells assigned to testosterone production.

Therefore, try to increase your protein intake. This will help you in fat loss which, likewise, is linked with your testosterone. Moreover, it will support your muscle development, which may be essential in testosterone boosting.

Carbs may bring out a rapid increase in your T levels. According to the latest research, eating a carbohydrate-rich diet may be harmful to diabetic people, but it is associated with a high testosterone level in the average person. Instead, try to consume carbs from starchy tubers such as potatoes, yams, pumpkins, etc.

When it comes to fats, many of you may think it has nothing to do with testosterone levels, but it is essential to take a sufficient amount of healthy fats to produce testosterone effectively. In this regard, saturated fats are beneficial.

It would be best if you add the following foods to your daily routine:

In short, we would say a healthier diet will result in a healthier weight that may boost your T levels even if you age.

The pressures you are dealing with in your life may reveal several ways. Lower T levels are one of these. Stress may affect some essential hormones like testosterone responsible for pubescence in boys. However, the clear physiological linkage between stress and low testosterone is not known.

Many researchers and physicians have shown some brain chemicals released in response to stress and anxiety, and then they might be transferred to the testosterone-controlling sites in the brain.

Other research shows stress elevates the cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone released by adrenal glands in the kidneys when you are under stress. It is assigned with the management of numerous processes in the body like metabolism and immune system. Therefore, increased cortisol impacts testosterone productions negatively.

In this regard, meditation may be the best option to get rid of stress. Researchers have found that at least 20-30 minutes of meditation per day will indirectly lower cortisol and increase your testosterone and growth hormone levels.

Always try to manage yourself in stressful situations. This will preserve your sanity and promote your health in many ways.

Lack of sleep can adversely affect the secretions and levels of many essential hormones and chemicals in the body, including testosterone. Simply speaking, your testosterone levels are directly linked with your sleep. So, the longer you sleep, the higher your T levels will be.

Recent studies have disclosed that testosterone production is at its peak during the REM stage of your sleep. Many physicians also suggest that for a healthy testosterone level, around seven to nine hours of sleep are required.

People who have problems regarding their sleep should consult a doctor, as they unconsciously face a significant problem.

Your T levels are also affected by many other factors. For example, healthier life is based upon the regulation of your sex hormones like testosterone.

Always try to stay away from some chemicals like endocrine disruptors, as they can spoil your hormones badly. Some of them are estrogens compounds that can adversely affect your T levels. So, try to maintain a distance from BPA, Parabens, and other chemicals.

They act as estrogen-rich elements, and your body may make mistakes in recognizing them due to their similar composition. They create disturbances in normal body functions. So, choose the products which do not have them.

It is a common fact that excessive alcohol and drug consumption may have several adverse effects on your health and, particularly, on your liver. But, does alcohol affect your T levels?

The answer is yes. When you consume alcohol and other similar drugs, your body requires a lot of time to break and process the alcohol. In this way, your system focuses mainly on this task ,which in turn, causes your liver to work more.

During this process, your liver does not get time to perform its other functions, like breaking down some hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. In other words, when you consume alcohol regularly, your testosterone levels are not the same as they are when you avoid alcohol.

Some men are still having a proper T level while consuming alcohol, but that is rare. If you want a normal and healthy T level, it should be your top concern to avoid alcohol and other drug supplements.

Even in just 30 days, you can get an average level of testosterone after quitting your alcohol and drug consumption. Proper T levels are an essential part of your health and well-being. Therefore, staying away from alcohol and drug consumption can be the easiest step to achieve such goals.

Mental health is something that should never be ignored. Talking about how it affects testosterone levels in the body, you might not believe us. But, if you are stressed out and mentally upset, your T-levels drop significantly low.

Do not hesitate to consult a psychiatrist whenever you feel like there is something troubling you and making you depressed. Always talk about your mental health with professionals, as it is not a thing to be ignored.

More to keep in mind is to constantly check the medications you are taking for other health problems. This is because they might contain any ingredient that promotes low T levels. This might not happen, but you should be careful and talk to your online therapist if you feel anything like that.

Testosterone is an important male sex hormone that promotes masculinity. It also facilitates many other body functions.

A lot of options are available in the market to boost your T levels, including many therapies, treatments, artificial supplements, and pills. But, the best way to do so is to follow or implement something natural.

In addition to following the simple tips we mentioned above, TestoPrime might help you a lot with getting your testosterone levels boosted up. It is associated with many extra health benefits regarding your heart, brain, and weight balance in addition to boosting T-levels.

However, if you are already on some kind of medication, or have a particular medical condition, make sure to consult your doctor before opting for any supplement.

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More:
9 Ways to Increase Testosterone Naturally in 2021 - Men's Journal

Its safe to say that before the development of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, most people hadnt thought about messenger RNA, or mRNA, since high school science classif ever. The molecule plays a pivotal role in the body, carrying the recipes for making various proteins to the parts of cells that produce them. But mRNA wasnt exactly a common phrase until Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna harnessed the genetic materials power to teach the body to make a piece of a protein found on the COVID-19 virus surface, thus training it to fight the real thing, were it to attack.

The tremendous efficacy of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines has generated plenty of excitement about its potential use in vaccines for other diseases. And vaccines may be just the beginning. Last month, researchers used mRNA to deliver CRISPR gene-editing technology that could permanently treat a rare genetic disease in humansan advance that experts say has implications far beyond the treatment of a single condition.

Medical science research utilizing CRISPRa system that allows scientists to add, remove or change specific genetic information within the bodyhad already been advancing rapidly in recent years. Researchers have shown its potential for reversing blindness and sickle cell anemia, and to treat genetic diseases in animals. But new work described in the New England Journal of Medicine in June marks what researchers are calling the first time CRISPR has been shown to treat a genetic disorder when directly administered to human patients.

In this case, the technology was applied towards a therapy for transthyretin amyloidosis, a genetic disease that causes sufferers livers to produce a protein that eventually builds up to toxic levels. The diseases prevalence varies depending on patient demographicsit affects about one in 100,000 Americans of European descent, but as many as one in every 538 people in northern Portugal, for exampleand can be passed down to future generations. While there are drugs that can help patients manage the disease, the goal of the new research was to stop the problem at its source.

To imagine using [CRISPR] as a therapy for people, you need to figure out how to get these editing tools into the cells youre trying to fix. Thats where messenger RNA comes in, explains Daniel Anderson, a professor of chemical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a co-founder of CRISPR Therapeutics, which uses CRISPR technology to develop medications. Anderson was not involved in the research.

The research team, led by Dr. Julian Gillmore, an amyloidosis expert at the U.K.s Royal Free Hospital, programmed mRNA to deliver gene-editing instructions to the liver, shutting down the part responsible for producing the toxic protein. After a one-time injection of the drug, three of the six people in the trial saw an almost complete drop-off in protein production; the remaining three, who received a smaller dose, saw less dramatic results. It will take a few months to see if that accomplishment translates to symptom relief, but the early findings are promising. (The work was funded by pharmaceutical companies Intellia Therapeutics and Regeneron, which produce the injectable CRISPR drug.)

As Dr. John Leonard, Intellias president and CEO, puts it: mRNA is a way to make CRISPR gene editing come alive. CRISPR is the workhorse; mRNA encodes it.

In theory, the same general technology could be used to treat conditions beyond transthyretin amyloidosis. There are a host of diseases in the liver where this might work in an analogous manner, says Dr. Kenneth Chien, a senior professor of cardiology research at Swedens Karolinska Institutet and a co-founder of Moderna Therapeutics, who was not involved in the research. The most important aspect of this is the implications that the technology can be repurposed.

Chien has believed in mRNAs drug-development potential for more than a decade. When Moderna was founded in 2010, in fact, its chief goal was to develop mRNA-based drugs, not vaccines. (Chien no longer works at Moderna and is now an advisor to the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.) He continues to work on an mRNA-based drug he hopes could eventually treat heart conditions.

The tricky part, Leonard says, is figuring out how to get a drug into different tissues, since the strategy for delivering CRISPR-based therapeutics varies depending on its target. The new research offers a blueprint for liver-based conditions, and Leonard believes similar approaches could be used in the near-term for bone-marrow, nervous-system and muscle diseases. The list theoretically grows from there, so long as researchers can fine-tune delivery.

COVID [vaccines are] a big success for mRNA, and if it does nothing else, its been great, Chien says. However, I think youre going to see the next chapter of mRNA is going to be as exciting, if not more so, than the story of mRNA vaccines.

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Write to Jamie Ducharme at jamie.ducharme@time.com.

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MRNA's Next Chapter Has Nothing to Do With COVID-19 Vaccines - TIME

- More than 45 patients have been dosed with CTX001 across CLIMB-Thal-111 and CLIMB-SCD-121 to date; completion of enrollment in both trials is expected in 2021-

-Received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for Phase 1 clinical trial of CTX130 for the treatment of T-cell lymphoma-

-Enrollment ongoing in CTX110, CTX120 and CTX130 clinical trials-

ZUG, Switzerland and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CRISPR Therapeutics(Nasdaq: CRSP), a biopharmaceutical company focused on creating transformative gene-based medicines for serious diseases, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

We concluded an important quarter in which we reported notable data from our hemoglobinopathies program while rapidly advancing our entire clinical and pre-clinical portfolio and our capabilities, said Samarth Kulkarni, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of CRISPR Therapeutics. Updated clinical data on CTX001 presented at EHA demonstrate consistency and durability, further validating the promise of a functional cure for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. We expect to report clinical data from our immuno-oncology programs later this year, and to file multiple INDs for our regenerative medicine and in vivo programs in the next 18 to 24 months.In addition, we continue to expand our portfolio and access best-in-class capabilities through collaborations, such as those recently announced with Capsida Biotherapeutics and Nkarta Therapeutics.

Recent Highlights and Outlook

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

About CTX001CTX001 is an investigational, autologous, ex vivo CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited therapy that is being evaluated for patients suffering from TDT or severe SCD, in which a patients hematopoietic stem cells are edited to produce high levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF; hemoglobin F) in red blood cells. HbF is a form of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin that is naturally present at birth, which then switches to the adult form of hemoglobin. The elevation of HbF by CTX001 has the potential to alleviate or eliminate transfusion requirements for patients with TDT and reduce or eliminate painful and debilitating sickle crises for patients with SCD. Earlier results from these ongoing trials were published as a Brief Report in The New England Journal of Medicine in January of 2021.

Based on progress in this program to date, CTX001 has been granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT), Fast Track, Orphan Drug, and Rare Pediatric Disease designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both TDT and SCD. CTX001 has also been granted Orphan Drug Designation from the European Commission, as well as Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), for both TDT and SCD.

Among gene-editing approaches being investigated/evaluated for TDT and SCD, CTX001 is the furthest advanced in clinical development.

About the CRISPR-Vertex CollaborationVertex and CRISPR Therapeutics entered into a strategic research collaboration in 2015 focused on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to discover and develop potential new treatments aimed at the underlying genetic causes of human disease. CTX001 represents the first potential treatment to emerge from the joint research program. Under a recently amended collaboration agreement, Vertex will lead global development, manufacturing and commercialization of CTX001 and split program costs and profits worldwide 60/40 with CRISPR Therapeutics.

About CLIMB-111The ongoing Phase 1/2 open-label trial, CLIMB-Thal-111, is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of a single dose of CTX001 in patients ages 12 to 35 with TDT. The trial will enroll up to 45 patients and follow patients for approximately two years after infusion. Each patient will be asked to participate in a long-term follow-up trial.

About CLIMB-121The ongoing Phase 1/2 open-label trial, CLIMB-SCD-121, is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of a single dose of CTX001 in patients ages 12 to 35 with severe SCD. The trial will enroll up to 45 patients and follow patients for approximately two years after infusion. Each patient will be asked to participate in a long-term follow-up trial.

About CLIMB-131This is a long-term, open-label trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CTX001 in patients who received CTX001 in CLIMB-111 or CLIMB-121. The trial is designed to follow participants for up to 15 years after CTX001 infusion.

About CTX110CTX110, a wholly owned program of CRISPR Therapeutics, is a healthy donor-derived gene-edited allogeneic CAR-T investigational therapy targeting cluster of differentiation 19, or CD19. CTX110 is being investigated in the ongoing CARBON trial.

About CARBONThe ongoing Phase 1 single-arm, multi-center, open label clinical trial, CARBON, is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of several dose levels of CTX110 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies.

About CTX120CTX120, a wholly-owned program of CRISPR Therapeutics, is a healthy donor-derived gene-edited allogeneic CAR-T investigational therapy targeting B-cell maturation antigen, or BCMA. CTX120 is being investigated in an ongoing Phase 1 single-arm, multi-center, open-label clinical trial designed to assess the safety and efficacy of several dose levels of CTX120 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. CTX120 has been granted Orphan Drug designation from the FDA.

About CTX130CTX130, a wholly-owned program of CRISPR Therapeutics, is a healthy donor-derived gene-edited allogeneic CAR-T investigational therapy targeting cluster of differentiation 70, or CD70, an antigen expressed on various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. CTX130 is being developed for the treatment of both solid tumors, such as renal cell carcinoma, and T-cell and B-cell hematologic malignancies. CTX130 is being investigated in two ongoing independent Phase 1, single-arm, multi-center, open-label clinical trials that are designed to assess the safety and efficacy of several dose levels of CTX130 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory renal cell carcinoma and various subtypes of lymphoma, respectively.

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 collaborations 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.

CRISPR THERAPEUTICS word mark and design logo, CTX001, CTX110, CTX120, and CTX130 are trademarks and registered trademarks of CRISPR Therapeutics AG. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CRISPR Therapeutics Forward-Looking StatementThis press release may contain a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including statements made by Dr. Kulkarni in this press release, as well as statements regarding CRISPR Therapeutics expectations about any or all of the following: (i) the safety, efficacy and clinical progress of CRISPR Therapeutics various clinical programs, including CTX001, CTX110, CTX120 and CTX130; (ii) the status of clinical trials and preclinical studies (including, without limitation, the expected timing of data releases and development, as well as initiation and completion of clinical trials) and development timelines for CRISPR Therapeutics product candidates; (iii) the data that will be generated by ongoing and planned clinical trials, and the ability to use that data for the design and initiation of further clinical trials or to support regulatory filings, including expectations regarding the CTX001 data; (iv) the actual or potential benefits of regulatory designations; (v) the potential benefits of CRISPR Therapeutics collaborations and strategic partnerships; (vi) the intellectual property coverage and positions of CRISPR Therapeutics, its licensors and third parties as well as the status and potential outcome of proceedings involving any such intellectual property; (vii) the sufficiency of CRISPR Therapeutics cash resources; and (viii) the therapeutic value, development, and commercial potential of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technologies and therapies. Without limiting the foregoing, the words believes, anticipates, plans, expects and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Although CRISPR Therapeutics believes that such statements are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and they are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk. Actual performance and results may differ materially from those projected or suggested in the forward-looking statements due to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the potential for initial and preliminary data from any clinical trial and initial data from a limited number of patients not to be indicative of final trial results; the potential that clinical trial results may not be favorable; that one or more of CRISPR Therapeutics internal or external product candidate programs will not proceed as planned for technical, scientific or commercial reasons; that future competitive or other market factors may adversely affect the commercial potential for CRISPR Therapeutics product candidates; uncertainties inherent in the initiation and completion of preclinical studies for CRISPR Therapeutics product candidates (including, without limitation, availability and timing of results and whether such results will be predictive of future results of the future trials); uncertainties about regulatory approvals to conduct trials or to market products; the potential impacts due to the coronavirus pandemic such as (x) delays in regulatory review, manufacturing and supply chain interruptions, adverse effects on healthcare systems and disruption of the global economy; (y) the timing and progress of clinical trials, preclinical studies and other research and development activities; and (z) the overall impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its business, financial condition and results of operations; uncertainties regarding the intellectual property protection for CRISPR Therapeutics technology and intellectual property belonging to third parties, and the outcome of proceedings (such as an interference, an opposition or a similar proceeding) involving all or any portion of such intellectual property; and those risks and uncertainties described under the heading "Risk Factors" in CRISPR Therapeutics most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and in any other subsequent filings made by CRISPR Therapeutics with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. CRISPR Therapeutics disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, other than to the extent required by law.

Investor Contact:Susan Kim+1-617-307-7503susan.kim@crisprtx.com

Media Contact:Rachel Eides+1-617-315-4493rachel.eides@crisprtx.com

CRISPR Therapeutics AGCondensed Consolidated Statements of Operations(Unaudited, In thousands except share data and per share data)

CRISPR Therapeutics AGCondensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Data(Unaudited, in thousands)

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CRISPR Therapeutics Provides Business Update and Reports - GlobeNewswire

CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) came out with quarterly earnings of $9.44 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.19 per share. This compares to loss of $1.30 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 125.30%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this company would post a loss of $1.45 per share when it actually produced a loss of $1.51, delivering a surprise of -4.14%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates just once.

CRISPR Therapeutics AG, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $900.7 million for the quarter ended June 2021, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 32.84%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $0.04 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates just once over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

CRISPR Therapeutics AG shares have lost about 21.8% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 17.2%.

What's Next for CRISPR Therapeutics AG?

While CRISPR Therapeutics AG has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

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Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for CRISPR Therapeutics AG was unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is -$0.38 on $4.29 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $0.66 on $457.55 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Medical - Biomedical and Genetics is currently in the bottom 21% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportCRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

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CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) Tops Q2 Earnings and Revenue Estimates - Yahoo Finance

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- With two new funding sources, Yiping Qi, associate professor in the Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture (PSLA) at the University of Maryland (UMD), continues his work to expand the reach and utility of CRISPR gene editing technologies. Funded by the United States Department of Agricultures National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), Qi and his team will be testing new delivery technologies for CRISPR-Cas12a to develop a pipeline for genome editing in carrots. This could lead to the production of more nutritious and hypoallergenic carrot varieties that can be quickly introduced into the marketplace. Additionally, Qi will continue his search for novel CRISPR-Cas12a variants with funding from the Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII), with the ultimate goal of finding more CRISPR tools that are optimized for crop production.

With this new USDA funding, we are excited to showcase CRISPR-Cas12a gene editing technologies that my lab has been working on in carrots as an important vegetable, says Qi. The major innovations in this work are really in the delivery mechanisms that can make targeted and precise edits without the production of a highly regulated GMO [genetically modified organism]. But we also want to explore more CRISPR-Cas12a variants that can be useful for crop production, so the MII grant provides that support.

As Qi explains, most current methods for targeted mutations or precise genome edits rely on the use of transgenes (transferring a gene from one organism to another) that would then be regulated as GMOs. This is typically done by delivering genetic material with agrobacteria used to infect the plants and transfer the desired trait. However, for carrots, Qi is testing different delivery methods that use readily available proteins and guiding molecules to deliver the same material without using agrobacteria and transgenes. This method is new to carrots, and would allow new varieties to make it to market much faster without the need for GMO regulations.

Hopefully, we can take advantage of these technologies to develop some interesting and useful plants that have consumer benefits, says Qi. For example, we are targeting a gene to help the carrot accumulate more beta carotene, which can boost nutritional value. We are also targeting two genes that can potentially be knocked out to create a hypoallergenic carrot that could be eaten by those with certain allergies.

These varieties could not only be useful in and of themselves, but the work will establish a process for genome editing in carrots that hasnt been previously developed. This will save substantial time over traditional breeding, and Qi hopes will inspire many researchers and breeders to consider the possibilities of this technology in crops like carrots.

The whole project is to develop new technology for genome editing in more niche or minor crops that can have major impacts, stresses Qi. Not much work has been previously done in carrots, and I hope this will open up a lot of doors for gene editing in other root vegetables and more.

In addition to this work with the known variants of CRISPR-Cas12a, Qi is continuing his search for novel variants that are optimal for crop genome editing. Qis recent work contributing six novel variants of CRISPR-Cas12a (never before proven in plants) was named UMD Life Sciences Innovation of the Year. These patent-pending tools widen the scope of what CRISPR-Cas12a can do in plants, which can help to produce food more effectively to fight hunger.

With new funding from MII, Qi will continue to explore new patentable CRISPR variants, hoping to find more tools that work efficiently at lower temperatures. For work in human cells, gene editing is happening at the temperature of the human body, which is almost 100 degrees Fahrenheit, says Qi. This is the optimal temperature for most CRISPR systems, but this isnt the best temperature for doing work in plants. All that work needs to be done around room temperature where plants can comfortably grow. So finding tools that are optimized for this lower temperature application is important for advancing genome editing in crops.

Qis team has established a proprietary pipeline for identifying new candidate CRISPR variants, and he will first test these candidates in rice and tomatoes to expand the scope of gene editing in crops.

This work is funded by the United States Department of Agricultures National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), Award #2021-67013-34554, and the Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII).

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UMD Research Aims To Develop A Genome Editing Pipeline In Carrots, Optimize Crop Production - Bay Net

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) A professor at the University of Maryland in College Park has received new funding from two sources to continue research into CRISPRgenomeeditingtechnologies, withthegoal of enhancing crop productionand feeding a growing global population, according to a university statement.

Yiping Qi, associate professor in the Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture, received the funds from the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop a pipelineforgenomeediting in carrots that could lead to more nutritious and hypoallergenic carrot varieties in stores. He also received funding from theMaryland Innovation Initiative to continue his search for novel CRISPR-Cas12 variants. That goal is to find more CRISPR tools that are optimized for crop production.

Qi is testing delivery methods that use readily available proteins and guiding molecules to deliver the same material most current methods for targeted mutations use, transferring a gene from organisms to another that would then be regulated as genetically modified organisms.

This method is new to carrots and would allow new varieties to make it to market more quickly without the need for GMO regulations, according to the statement.

With the MII funding, he will continue exploring new patentable CRISPR variants, hoping to find more tools that work efficiently at lower temperatures.

Qis team has established a proprietary pipeline for identifying new candidate CRISPR variants, and he will first test these candidates in rice and tomatoes to expand the scope of gene editing in crops.

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University Of Maryland Professor Gets New Funds To Continue Research To Enhance Crop Production - CBS Baltimore

Its hard to put just one label on Aaron Ciechanover. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for characterizing the method that cells use to degrade and recycle proteins usingubiquitin, but his background stems from biology, and he was also trained as a medical doctor and a surgeon. When it comes to understanding the intricacies around human health, few people on Earth can claim the broad view that Ciechanover has.

Which is why, when he says hes excited about whats to come in medicine, its hard not to share his excitement.

The future of medicine is going to be revolutionary, Ciechanover said at the 2021 Lindau Nobel meeting, which took place online this year due to the pandemic. The meetings bring together Nobel laureates and young scientists to foster scientific exchange.

Back in the days when Ciechanover was studying medicine, he recalls, things were very different.

Lets say, if a patient had a tumor, we were not interested in the molecular mechanism that underlies the tumor development, because we did not have the tools to study it, he says.

The procedure was simplistic and straightforward. Doctors would look at the imaging facilities they had access to at the time (either X-ray, CT Scan, or MRI) and decide whether the tumor could be operated on. Surgery was generally the preferred procedure because the tumor mass could be extracted. If the tumor was too big or was touching essential organs, then doctors would try to decrease its size using chemotherapy or radiation, and then try surgery.

But these were (and still are) very harsh measures, with harsh side effects.

They are like shooting a fly with a cannon. They are not discriminating between the healthy tissue and the sick tissue, they are very difficult to direct, Ciechanover explains.

Then, at the turn of the century, a revolution started unfolding. In 2000, a landmark paper published in the journal Nature opened the floodgates of genetic discovery.

I remember it very well, this exciting day when Nature magazine came out with the first human genome. The first human genome gave us the information, the library of what we are made of. This was really the very beginning, but the last 20 years have seen enormous progress. We are now able to diagnose the disease much better [..] and we are able to analyze tumors or any other disease at the molecular level.

Heres a sense of how much things have progressed. The price of whole human genome sequencing was around $2.7 billion in 2003. Today, its under $100. Advancements in technology and decrease in price has made genetic and molecular analyses more widely available, and its not about to stop.

We are developing dedicated tools to stop the tumor or the disease at large, with a very gentle tool directing a bullet direction at the underlying mechanism, Ciechanover adds.

Even with conventional medicine, healthcare has benefited tremendously. Things like imaging, antibiotics, vaccines, operating procedures, and so on, have made a tremendous difference in how we treat patients. But now we are into a much bigger revolution, Ciechanover believes. He foresees a future where the very definition of medicine will change. Finally, we will start treating patients, not diseases, and patients will receive individualized treatments.

Tasuku Honjo is also optimistic. He believes that while cancer wont be eradicated anytime soon, theres a good chance well be able to keep most cancers in check.

Honjo should know. He and his colleagues discovered a molecule called programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). They also showed that this molecule functions as a sort of braking system for acquired immunity making sure that your immune system doesnt go into overdrive and cause autoimmune disease. But too much PD-1, and the immune system would not do its job properly.

For instance, several tumors produce something similar to PD-1, which helps the tumors escape the immune system. But if PD-1 could be suppressed in cancer patients, then we could use peoples own immune systems to fight cancer. This is exactly what Honjo says can help keep cancers in check.

Honjo and colleagues found that blocking PD-1 in mice can cure tumors by reactivating acquired immunity in 2002. Then, in a landmark moment in 2014, the treatment of cancer in humans by PD-1 blockade was approved by regulatory bodies in Japan and the USA. Now, there are over 1,000 clinical trials happening in the world, and PD-1 treatments seem to be effective against a wide variety of cancers, with long-lasting positive effects.

Another Nobel-winning discovery that could help our fight against cancer is CRISPR/Cas9.

CRISPR is becoming a mainstream methodology used in many cancer biology studies because of the convenience of the technique, says Jerry Li of NCIsDivision of Cancer Biology.

CRISPR is a relatively simple but very powerful and accurate way to edit genes. It was inspired by nature, from a defense mechanism some bacteria use to protect themselves against viral invasions. The bacterium captures snippets of any virus intruders DNA and stores it as segments called CRISPRs. If the same virus returns and tries to attack again, the bacterium searches its DNA library and releases an enzyme called Cas to slice up the invaders DNA.

Gene editing is not new, ProfessorEmmanuelle Charpentier, one of the pioneers behind CRISPR explained at the Lindau Nobel meeting. But thanks to the work of Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna, who were awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize, we have access to unprecedented tools.

The first CRISPR cancer therapy was launched in 2019. The goal of the study is to edit patients own immune cells to better detect and kill cancer. The treatment is safe, and early results are encouraging but CRISPR is still just getting warmed up.

This [trial] was really a proof-of-principle, feasibility, and safety thing that now opens up the whole world of CRISPR editing and other techniques of [gene] editing to hopefully make the next generation of therapies, said Edward Stadtmauer, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, who is involved with the research.

Weve come a long way in our fight against cancer in the past half-century, but despite improving diagnosis and treatments, theres still more work to be done if we want to keep cancer in check. But the tools we need to do so are now coming in.

With approaches like CRISPR or PD-1, researchers can develop customized, efficient treatments with few side effects. Thanks to the likes of Honjo, Charpentier, and Ciechanover, we are witnessing a new revolution of medicine, and its hard not to share their enthusiasm for whats to come.

Its still early days and there are plenty of hurdles to be overcome, but the science is progressing in leaps and bounds. It may not be today or tomorrow, but were gathering the weapons to fight cancer and its shaping up to be a big arsenal.

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A revolution against cancer is unfolding and were just getting started - ZME Science

August2, 20215 min read

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

A healthy spine must be strong enough to support your entire body, yet flexible enough to allow you to move your limbs. Thats why your spine isnt just one bone, but an intricately designed set of smaller bones called vertebrae each separated by a disc of cartilage.

These discs cushion each vertebra, so they dont grind against each other and cause pain. When degenerative disc disorders set in, however, these cushions wear out. But patients can now take advantage of advanced stem-cell therapy that can heal disc tissue and reduce inflammation, alleviate chronic pain and restore flexibility and range of motion.

While surgery and medications may be treatment options, surgical procedures can be risky and many patients cannot tolerate the side effects of many medications.

Related:This Is HowStem-CellTherapy Treats Serious Brain Injuries

Thats why more patients choose stem-cell therapy a procedure that takes advantage of the bodys natural healing processes. Discover how stem-cell therapy can help you heal more quickly and enjoy a more active lifestylewith less pain.

Advanced stem-cell treatments can help a range of issues:

Another remarkable aspect of the human body is that it actually knows how to heal itself, which is why the latest advancements in stem-cell therapy offerhope to more patients to relieve pain without the need for surgery or medications that can lead to serious side effects.

Because stem cells that come from your bone marrow have the potential to become any type of cell, the body turns those stem cells into specific cells needed to heal various tissues. If you burn your skin, for example, stem cells are turned into new skin cells. If youve injured a muscle, your body uses stem cells to regenerate muscle tissue. And as discs deteriorate, your body can use stem cells to create new disc tissue to rehydrate those discs and return them to a normal shape easing pain and inflammation.

Unfortunately, stem-cell production begins to decline as we age. But with an infusion of millions of fresh new stem cells, the body can use those cells to quickly stimulate healing without the need to go under the knife or risk serious side effects from steroids or the consequences of using addictive pain killers.

Related:Former Quarterback Jim McMahon Calls AdvancedStem-CellTreatment 'Truly Miraculous'

At BioXcellerator, we treat many patients for conditions like these with exceptional results often within days and even more ongoing improvement in the months and years following treatment.

For example, we treated Superbowl champion Mark May, who told us that he noticed improvement in just one day. I feel better. My neck feels a lot better and thats only after 24 hours, May said. Im shockingly surprised about how well its gone so far.

He also said that the first night after his treatment was the first he'd slept in once place in many years.

And army veteran and WWF Hall of Famer Kevin Nash let us know that his stem-cell therapy was a life-changing experience. He said that hes suffered from chronic pain for many years, but the very day after treatment said that when he was walking, I probably passed 300 people. Its the fastest Ive probably walked since I was 30 and that was 30 years ago.

Not only that, butafter two months of stem-cell therapy, he also reported the alleviation of his 24/7 pain.

These are only a few examples of the exceptional results stem cells can offer patients with disorders and injuries in the back and the neck. But its important to realize that the stem cells that various clinics offer can vary widely in quantity and potency. Stem cells derived from the placenta or umbilical cord are considered the gold standard and are rarely available in clinics located in the United States.

Our research team has developed a proprietary protocol for harvesting and reproducing only the most potent stem cells possible. Starting with a specific type of stem cell mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from donated umbilical cordswe then test these cells for specific proteins and genes that indicate the highest potential to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing. Then, those cells are reproduced into formulations of millions of high-potency stem cells called Golden Cells for infusion into patients during treatment.

Related:High-Potency 'Golden Cells' Offer Hope to Those With Severe Brain Injuries

In addition to promoting healing of damaged discs, stem-cell therapy can also be an effective treatment for other spinal injuries and diseases, brain injuriesand many other conditions. And one common treatment benefit is that because stem cells help the body better modulate the immune system and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, stem-cell therapy helps improve immunity, performance and longevity.

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High-Potency 'Golden Cells' Offer Hope to Those With Severe Chronic Back and Neck Pain - Entrepreneur

Colin Ray Jackson, CBE, 54, is a Welsh former sprinter and hurdling Olympic silver medal champion. Colins world record for his 60 metres hurdles stood for an incredible 27 years. As with most athletes of his calibre, Colin suffers with ongoing injuries from his sports days and will be undergoing a treatment to reduce the pain which Mike Tyson recently underwent too.

In recent years, stem cell therapy has been hailed as a miracle cure for many conditions, from wrinkles to spinal repair.

A stem cell is an immature, basic cell that has not yet developed to become, say, a skin cell or a muscle cell or a nerve cell.

There are different types of stem cells that the body can use for different purposes.

There is evidence that stem cell treatments work by triggering damaged tissues in the body to repair themselves, often referred to as regenerative therapy.

In animal studies, stem cell treatments have shown promise for various diseases, including heart disease, Parkinsons disease and muscular dystrophy.

A study undertaken by Dr Timothy McGuine found that 34 percent of athletes involved in the one-year study were more likely to report a history of knee and hip injuries.

Additionally, he found that specialised athletes, such as those competing in the Olympic games, were twice as likely to sustain a gradual onset or repetitive use injuries than athletes who did not specialise.

Dr McGuine also found that these athletes who find themselves competing year-round, stressing the same muscles and movements, and predisposed to the symptoms of burnout are at higher risk of long-term injuries.

Many doctors and athletes use stem cell therapy to treat sports injuries, such as Achilles tendinopathy or damaged knee ligaments, said Sports Health.

The site continued: While increasing in popularity, stem cell therapy is not considered standard practice by sports medicine doctors and not covered by most insurance companies.

The process of collecting stem cells is often called harvesting. Physicians usually harvest stem cells from the patients fat, blood, or bone marrow.

Many physicians who use stem cell therapy hypothesize that, when placed into a certain environment, stem cells can transform to meet a certain need.

Other sports stars who underwent stem cell therapy for long-term injuries included Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal and most recently Mike Tyson.

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Colin Jackson health: Im in constant pain Athlete to undergo stem cell therapy to help - Express

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the companys supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) and granted Priority Review for Tecentriq (atezolizumab) as adjuvant treatment following surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy for people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L11%, as determined by an FDA-approved test. The FDA is reviewing the application under the Real-Time Oncology Review pilot program, which aims to explore a more efficient review process to ensure safe and effective treatments are available to patients as early as possible. The FDA is expected to make a decision on approval by December 1, 2021.

New treatment options are urgently needed in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer to help the nearly 50% of people who currently experience a recurrence following surgery, said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. Tecentriq is the first cancer immunotherapy to show a clinically meaningful benefit in the adjuvant lung cancer setting, and were working closely with the FDA to bring this significant advancement to patients as quickly as possible.

This application is based on disease-free survival (DFS) results from an interim analysis of the Phase III IMpower010 study, the first and only Phase III study of a cancer immunotherapy to demonstrate positive results in the adjuvant lung cancer setting. The study showed that treatment with Tecentriq following surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy reduced the risk of disease recurrence or death (DFS) by 34% (hazard ratio [HR]=0.66, 95% CI: 0.50-0.88) in people with Stage II-IIIA NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L11%, compared with best supportive care (BSC). In this population, median DFS was not yet reached for Tecentriq compared with 35.3 months for BSC. Follow-up on the IMpower010 trial will continue with planned analyses of DFS in the overall intent-to-treat (ITT) population, including Stage IB patients, which at the time of analysis did not cross the threshold, and overall survival (OS) data, which were immature at the time of interim analysis. Safety data for Tecentriq were consistent with its known safety profile and no new safety signals were identified. Results from the IMpower010 trial were presented at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting.

About the IMpower010 study

IMpower010 is a Phase III, global, multicenter, open-label, randomized study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Tecentriq compared with BSC, in participants with Stage IB-IIIA NSCLC (UICC 7th edition), following surgical resection and up to 4 cycles of adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The study randomized 1,005 people with a ratio of 1:1 to receive either Tecentriq (up to 16 cycles) or BSC. The primary endpoint is investigator-determined DFS in the PD-L1-positive Stage II-IIIA, all randomized Stage II-IIIA and ITT Stage IB-IIIA populations. Key secondary endpoints include OS in the overall study population, ITT Stage IB-IIIA NSCLC.

About lung cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that more than 235,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021, and NSCLC accounts for 80-85% of all lung cancers. Today, about half of all people with early lung cancer still experience a cancer recurrence following surgery, but treating lung cancer early, before it has spread, may help prevent the disease from returning and provide people with the best opportunity for a cure.

About Tecentriq (atezolizumab)

Tecentriq is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind with a protein called PD-L1. Tecentriq is designed to bind to PD-L1 expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, blocking its interactions with both PD-1 and B7.1 receptors. By inhibiting PD-L1, Tecentriq may enable the re-activation of T cells. Tecentriq may also affect normal cells.

Tecentriq U.S. Indications

Tecentriq is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with:

A type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

A type of lung cancer called small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

It is not known if Tecentriq is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information about Tecentriq?

Tecentriq can cause the immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of the body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life threatening and can lead to death. Patients can have more than one of these problems at the same time. These problems may happen anytime during their treatment or even after their treatment has ended.

Patients should call or see their healthcare provider right away if they develop any new or worse signs or symptoms, including:

Lung problems

Intestinal problems

Liver problems

Hormone gland problems

Kidney problems

Skin problems

Problems can also happen in other organs.

These are not all of the signs and symptoms of immune system problems that can happen with Tecentriq. Patients should call or see their healthcare provider right away for any new or worse signs or symptoms, including:

Infusion reactions that can sometimes be severe or life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of infusion reactions may include:

Complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in people who have received a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). These complications can be serious and can lead to death. These complications may happen if patients undergo transplantation either before or after being treated with Tecentriq. A healthcare provider will monitor for these complications.

Getting medical treatment right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. A healthcare provider will check patients for these problems during their treatment with Tecentriq. A healthcare provider may treat patients with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. A healthcare provider may also need to delay or completely stop treatment with Tecentriq if patients have severe side effects.

Before receiving Tecentriq, patients should tell their healthcare provider about all of their medical conditions, including if they:

Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

The most common side effects of Tecentriq when used alone include:

The most common side effects of Tecentriq when used in lung cancer with other anti-cancer medicines include:

Tecentriq may cause fertility problems in females, which may affect the ability to have children. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider if they have concerns about fertility.

These are not all the possible side effects of Tecentriq. Patients should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information about the benefits and side effects of Tecentriq.

Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

Please see http://www.Tecentriq.com for full Prescribing Information and additional Important Safety Information.

About Genentech in cancer immunotherapy

Genentech has been developing medicines to redefine treatment in oncology for more than 35 years, and today, realizing the full potential of cancer immunotherapy is a major area of focus. With more than 20 immunotherapy molecules in development, Genentech is investigating the potential benefits of immunotherapy alone, and in combination with various chemotherapies, targeted therapies and other immunotherapies with the goal of providing each person with a treatment tailored to harness their own unique immune system.

In addition to Genentechs approved PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor, the companys broad cancer immunotherapy pipeline includes other checkpoint inhibitors, individualized neoantigen therapies and T cell bispecific antibodies. For more information visit http://www.gene.com/cancer-immunotherapy.

About Genentech in lung cancer

Lung cancer is a major area of focus and investment for Genentech, and we are committed to developing new approaches, medicines and tests that can help people with this deadly disease. Our goal is to provide an effective treatment option for every person diagnosed with lung cancer. We currently have five approved medicines to treat certain kinds of lung cancer and more than 10 medicines being developed to target the most common genetic drivers of lung cancer or to boost the immune system to combat the disease.

About Genentech

Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com.

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FDA Grants Priority Review to Genentech's Tecentriq as Adjuvant Treatment for Certain People With Early Non-small Cell Lung Cancer - Business Wire

The day before he was euthanized by veterinarians in March of 2018, Sudan collapsed in the dirt at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, where he had lived since 2009. He was worn out and in pain.

At age 45, Sudan was the final progenitor of the earths most endangered animal species: the northern white rhinoceros. As the last male northern white in the world, he was both a global icon for conservation and a two-and-a-half-ton targetbecause the horn of even the most precious rhino is not safe from poachers. He lived out his final years under 24/7 armed protection at the conservancy, along with two of his female relatives.

Half a world away, Barbara Durrant felt it. She had never met Sudan, but she knew Nola. Most people in San Diego knew Nola, though not the way Durrant did. Nola was a northern white rhinoceros, one of only four that remained by the middle of the last decade, along with Sudan and his kin. She lived at the Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center, located at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, about 30 miles north of the city, and not far from where Durrant reports to work every day at the zoos Wildlife Biodiversity Bank.

Nola had also been euthanized, after age and infection caught up with her, in 2015. She was 41.

She was just the most amazing animal, says Durrant, recalling Nolas wide mouth, her skin the color of clay stone, and her distinctive horn, which curved toward the ground. Its not only losing that animal that you know personally and you love; its another step in losing the whole species.

Damon Casarez

Durrant is director of reproductive sciences at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and one of a handful of scientists around the world who are trying to save the northern white rhino. In Europe, another group, under the direction of wildlife researcher Thomas Hildebrandt, is also working on the problem. And while their scientific approaches may be slightly divergent, the scientists end goal is the same: to rescue the northern white rhino before the bell of extinction rings.

Hildebrandt is the project head for BioRescue, an international consortium of scientists and conservationists. His group is harvesting eggs from female rhinos in Kenya; eventually the team hopes to create embryos using the frozen sperm of long-deceased northern white rhino males.

Meanwhile, Durrants team in San Diego is undertaking an ambitious bioengineering challenge. Inside the Wildlife Biodiversity Bank is the Frozen Zoo, a cryopreserve where 10,000 still-living skin cells from 1,100 different animal species are stored in tanks of liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures. Among them are 12 cell lines taken from 12 different northern white rhinos, dating back to 1979.

The Frozen Zoo is a cryopreserve where 10,000 still-living skin cells from 1,100 different animal species are stored in tanks of liquid nitrogen.

As recently as two decades ago, the next step amounted to the stuff of science fiction: taking those skin cells, reprogramming them into sperm and egg, combining them in a test tube, and then implanting that embryo into a surrogate host. Recreating a whole new northern white rhino. And then another, and another, and then, once nature took its course, dozens more. Breathing life back into that which is dead. De-extinction, in other words, the purposeful resurrection of animals that have died off. Animals like Sudan.

People are seeing a species go extinct right before their eyes, says Durrant. Can we really even make a dent? The answer is, well, we have to. We have to do this.

Astronomical costs and enormous risks stand in the way. An investment of at least $20 million is required to realize the ultimate goal of reconstituting a population of wild northern white rhinoceroses. Retrieving oocytes (eggs) is a delicate endeavor, because if scientists puncture blood vessels near the uterus, the animal will bleed to death. And preserving a species through bioengineering is a fraught, messy process, one that calls into question the sophistication of current reproduction techniques and the merits of meddling with nature.

If the project succeeds, it would be a scientific breakthrough like no other. What was once outside the realm of possibility is almost within our grasp. At some point in the not-too-distant future, a rhinoceros calfa cultivated northern whitemay very well take its first steps.

Ann and Steve Toon / Alamy Stock Photo

Of the worlds five rhino species, the northern whiteone of two subspecies of white rhinosdrew the short straw. Northern whites once roamed East and Central Africa, enjoying an herbivorous lifestyle with few natural predators. Humans prized them for their horns, which can grow over four feet. In Europe circa 1900, rhino horn was fashioned into ornamental accoutrements, like walking sticks and pistol grips. It remains a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, which prescribes powdered rhino horn mixed with boiling water as a cure for fever, gout, and rheumatism.

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Poaching and war rapidly thinned their numbers, from the thousands to the hundreds to the tens. Nola arrived in San Diego in 1989; by the end of that decade, fewer than 40 northern whites remained in the northeast corner of what is today the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The last northern white was spotted in the wild in 2006. By then, the only survivors were those that had been relocated to zoos in the 1970s. They included Sudan, his daughter, Najin, her daughter, Fatu, and another bull, Suni, who were all taken to Kenyas Ol Pejeta Conservancy in 2009. They were the eligible breeders, yet no calves were born. Suni died four years before Sudan.

Four became three, then three became two, and now only Najin and Fatu remain. They are old and getting older, and even if they could mate, veterinarians have determined that neither is capable of carrying a pregnancy to term. Its a foregone conclusion then, yes? The line of northern white rhinos dies with Najin and Fatu.

TONY KARUMBAGetty Images

Sometimes we feel kind of helpless, says Durrant. Were battling such a huge wave of extinction.

Southern white rhinos, on the other hand, largely escaped their cousins misfortune. There were fewer than 100 remaining in the late 1800s, but a tenacious conservation effort followed and continues today. More than 20,000 of these rhinos currently roam the earth, mostly in South Africa. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has six females, which will play a crucial role in its effort to produce a pure northern white rhino. Summarizing the idea is easy enough: An embryo made of northern white sperm and egg is implanted into a surrogatea female southern white rhino. Sixteen months later, a northern white calf is born.

I can say pretty clearly that this would be the first time a robot has ever been used in animals like this.

Durrant and her colleagues have already cleared several hurdles in the past five years. Using ultrasound technology, the team deciphered the inner workings of the rhinos reproductive system. Mapping the cervix was a key first step. A rhino cervix is a tight, convoluted maze of rings, a foot of anatomy thats fairly common to the two subspecies. Navigating it can be tricky. To practice, the zoo artificially inseminated two southern white females in 2018 using preserved southern white male sperm. Two healthy calves, Edward and Future, were born in 2019.

Damon Casarez

When female rhinos are ovulating, circulating estrogen helps relax the rings of the cervical tissue. For that reason, Durrant and her team were able to inseminate the zoos rhinos by hand. The future embryo transfer, however, will be much tougher. Once the team has produced a viable pure northern white rhino embryo, they will stimulate ovulation in one of the southern white rhinos residing at the Safari Park. Then theyll have to wait another 10 days to let the embryo mature in vitro before implantation. But the surrogates estrogen levels will have decreased by then, causing her cervix to tighten once more. Navigating it by hand will be impossible, because the risk of severely damaging cervical tissue is too great. Instead, Durrant and her team are currently collaborating with roboticists at the University of California San Diego to develop a workaround.

I can say pretty clearly that this would be the first time a robot has ever really been used in animals in any kind of major computation effort like this, says Michael Yip, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at UCSD and director of the Advanced Robotics and Controls Laboratory.

Courtesy UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering

Yips lab is outfitting a noodlelike catheter with miniaturized robotic controls. Imagine a tiny metal cylinder, thinner than the circumference of a headphone jack and sheathed in a flexible filament. A camera on one end will give zoo workers a view of where theyre going, while a PlayStation-like controller will bend the catheter with sub-millimeter precisionenough to ensure that they can navigate the rings without scraping tissue or puncturing blood vessels.

Well do very little, if any, tissue damage, but well be able to get through that tightened-down cervix, Durrant says.

In March 2020, Durrant completed the zoos first oocyte pickups. Because the scientists had already done the ultrasound mapping, they had a clear idea of where the ovaries and follicles were located.

Eggs were collected from each of their six southern white females using a four-foot-long double-lumen (two channeled) needle, which is capable of flushing out the follicles and sucking out the oocytes. They collected a total of 22; in the lab, each oocyte was fertilized with a single sperm. In the end, while half of the fertilized oocytes matured, none developed into blastocysts, the final stage of embryo growth. But the effort allowed the researchers to start piecing together some novel rhino science: What nutrients do rhino embryos need, in vitro, to mature?

This was a critical juncture in the teams de-extinction work, as valuable practice for the fertilization procedure to come. You dont transfer an embryo on the initial try. Fail to navigate the cervical maze, and you might damage tissue, imperiling the pregnancy. Fail to mature a reprogrammed egg into a blastocyst, and theres no embryo to even transfer. Everything Durrants team has done with southern whites is a dress rehearsal for the premiere event, when it finally comes time to make a southern white female the surrogate mother of the main character: a northern white rhino embryo.

Damon Casarez

Damon Casarez

The task of generating the sperm and egg falls to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliances Marisa Korody, a conservation geneticist who is trying to create stem cells from the functionally extinct northern white rhinos. She starts with cryopreserved fibroblasts, cells that compose the connective structural tissue of all animals. The Frozen Zoo has fibroblasts generated from skin samples of 12 different northern whiteseight of which are unrelatedthat contain enough genetic diversity to save the species. These fibroblasts are then reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cellsthat is, cells that can turn into any cell type in the body. By directing these stem cells to specific developmental paths, the researchers can generate primordial germ cells, precursors to what eventually become sperm and eggs.

This is as far as the science goesat least for now, and at least with rhinos. Korody is optimistic shes managed to generate the germ cells. Generating northern white rhino sperm and northern white rhino egg, though, is a long-term process, one that involves figuring out the hormones and growth signals needed to get the germ cells to differentiate further.

Maybe in 10 years or so, well be close, she says.

Damon Casarez

Its a different strategy from the one Thomas Hildebrandt and BioRescue are focused on right now. While the team in San Diego is trying to generate northern white rhino embryos from cells, BioRescue is attempting to fertilize eggs collected from Fatu and Najin with cryopreserved northern white rhino sperm.

We can use this approach to transfer the embryos into a southern white rhino surrogate, and then let the calf grow up with Najin and Fatu, says Hildebrandt, who also leads the department of reproduction management at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Germany.

In 2019, Hildebrandts team accomplished a scientific first: It transferred a rhino embryo fertilized in vitro into the uterus of a female rhino. In this case, it was a southern white. As of July 2021, BioRescue has completed seven southern white rhino embryo transfers.

In the next few years, Hildebrandt says, BioRescue will be ready to transfer a northern white rhino embryo into a surrogate southern white female.

In the 55-million-year evolutionary history of the rhino, 10 years is nothing but a heartbeat. In the here and now, however, a decade is enough time to exacerbate an annihilation crisis thats already underway.

In 2019, a landmark report from the United Nations revealed that a million animal and plant species are careening toward extinction. A subsequent report issued by the World Wildlife Fund in 2020 indicated that wildlife populations have declined by two-thirds in the past half century due to human activities; deforestation, insecticides, and poaching are all complicit. Various species we hardly think of but are nonetheless important for humans and ecosystems to thrive are in the crosshairs.

If we can think of this as a leaky bucket right now, the bucket is pouring out water and more and more species are falling out, says Tierra Curry, a senior scientist with the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, based in Arizona. Trying to put a couple more species back in the bucket isnt going to fix the problem.

Criticism of de-extinction efforts often begins with something like Currys premise. Her preference would be to fight like hell for everything still alive. After all, the natural world is at the brink, but animals arent the problem.

Instead, the ultimate problem is uniquely and definitely humans, says Ross MacPhee, a curator in the mammalogy department of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Theres no way to guarantee that a population of northern white rhinos wouldnt need around-the-clock protection the way Najin and Fatu do today. Southern white rhinos, despite their resurgence, are already considered a species on the way to endangered, as lust for rhino horn continues unabated. Some horns fetch a purse of $300,000. How much might a rare northern white rhino horn go for?

While the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance hopes to generate a self-sustaining population of northern white rhinos back in part of their native range, Durrant says that would only happen if its safe to put the animals there. But not making the effort isnt an option, she says.

Everything is connected, says Durrant. When you take any species, plant or animal, out of an ecosystem, it starts to unravel.

As it stands now, most of the African species of rhinosthe southern white and black rhinosare concentrated mainly in southern Africa. Very few black rhinos are roaming around central Africa where northern white rhinos once predominated: The pointed mouth of the black rhino is good for eating branches and leaves, while the wide mouth of the white rhino is better adapted for grazing on grass.

Scientists keenly interested in saving the northern white rhino often cite the good that such a keystone species provides. A megafauna creature like the white rhino directly and indirectly affects the well-being of dozens of other creatures. By eating long grass, they help keep vegetation at a reasonable level so predators can see their prey. Their feet carve avenues in the grass so prey can escape. Their droppings fertilize the grass and provide nutrients for insects. Its a tiny biosphere where nonhuman life thrives. Upset the balance, and that life has to migrate elsewhere. Maybe to urban ecosystems. Maybe carrying disease.

Damon Casarez

Under any other circumstances, a group of people kneeling around Fatu inside the Ol Pejeta Conservancy would be a cause for concern. But on this Sunday in December 2020, the scientists and veterinarians in attendance were monitoring Fatu as she lay under general anesthesia. Near her backside was Hildebrandt. He was collecting eggs.

Over the past two years, with the permission of the Kenyan government, Hildebrandt and BioRescue have performed six separate egg pickups on Najin and Fatu. The latest one, in December 2020, yielded 14 oocytes from Fatu. Collection is done by anesthetizing the rhino and then inserting an ultrasound wand into the rectum. The wand is there only to provide a picture, a way to guide the needle that flushes out the rhinos follicles and grabs the eggs. Both times the eggs were rapidly transported to Avantea, an advanced biotechnology lab in Italy. There they were fertilized with frozen semen that had been extracted from Suni before he died. To date, BioRescue has cryopreserved nine embryos that combine northern white sperm and northern white egg.

The rhino hasnt failed in evolution. Its at the brink of extinction because humans have poached it and killed it.

Its a monumental step, one that represents the closest any group of scientists has come to bringing a northern white rhino calf into the world. Hildebrandt doesnt just consider it fascinating science; he likens it to a moral imperative. Picking and choosing which animals to de-extinct is easy when nature hasnt selected against them.

The rhino hasnt failed in evolution. Its at the brink of extinction because humans have poached it and killed it, he says. So it is actually our human responsibility to fix this problem, because we have caused it.

Courtesy Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research

While BioRescues current endeavor is separate from the work being conducted by Durrant, Korody, and others at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the two groups are working toward common goals. Hildebrandt and his counterparts in San Diego held the first international conference on rescuing the northern white rhino in 2015 in Vienna. He says the work being conducted on pluripotent stem cells in San Diego is an important component of the overall effort. BioRescue has created embryos made with eggs from Najin and Fatu and sperm from Suni; the embryos the San Diego team hopes to create will come from multiple other northern white rhinos, which will increase the genetic diversity of a future population. In turn, that should help improve the animals overall health by serving as a safeguard against disease.

Yet Hildebrandt wants to bring a baby northern white rhino into the world as quickly as possible. While the two subspecies are related, northern white rhinos are wider, with straighter backs, flatter skulls, and a different neck structure. The differences are stark enough that a baby northern white rhino might not learn how to graze properly if it comes up in a herd of its southern white cousins. Hildebrandt wants the animal to socialize with Najin and Fatu before they, too, die. Sudans granddaughter is only in her early 20s and still playful. Najin, on the other hand, is in her early 30s, and lives with a large tumor on her abdomen.

Theres a lot of things morphologically which are links to behaviors, says Hildebrandt. The social knowledge, how to behave as a northern white rhino, is something we can preserve. But there is no way to do that unless we produce a calf very soon.

Still, a de-extinction project inevitably requires two finite resources: time and money. Hildebrandt thinks it will take about 20 years to reintroduce a healthy population of the animals back to Africa, at a cost of approximately $1 million per calf. But how much is one northern white rhino worth to the world?

Damon Casarez

Damon Casarez

Depending on BioRescues progress this year, there might be a baby northern white rhino walking with Najin and Fatu within two years. The bioengineering tools required to accomplish the incredibleresurrecting a herd of 6,000-pound animalsare here, in the hands of Durrant, Korody, Hildebrandt, and their respective teams of researchers.

We have the technology. We can rebuild them. Now comes the hardest question of all: Should we?

Its perhaps too soon to tell if a new birth in a species that is on the brink of extinction would be heralded as a success. After all, humans nearly killed off every northern white rhino in existence. Whats to say that people wont poach the animals for their horns, and do it flippantly, openly, even expectantly? You created a bunch of northern white rhinos before, we may cry out. Just do it again. This, we might incorrectly believe, is the promise of something like the Frozen Zoo. We preserve natural history, only to reanimate it according to our whims.

Yes, science can save species. But dont rely on science to save species, says Durrant. We cant do this for every species. We dont want to do this for every species. We want species to be preserved in their native habitats before they go extinct.

Cryopreservation and embryo transfers arent blueprints for managing the planet. But they might preserve a legacy that the death of Sudan left behind. If were paying attention, maybe one new rhino will wake us up.

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The Bioengineering Gambit to Save the Northern White Rhino - Popular Mechanics