Monthly Archives: April 2013

The Velcro Companies Deliver an Innovative Packaging Closure Solution to Hill's® Pet Nutrition

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MANCHESTER, N.H., April 2,2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Velcro Industries, a technology-driven, global organization providing connection solutions for businesses and consumers around the world, today announced its partnership with premium pet food maker, Hill's Pet Nutrition.Velcro Industries worked with Hill's to integrate PRESS-LOK closure technology into some pet food packaging to ensure an easy, consumer friendly experience.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130402/CG83134)

"With our focus on creating smart products, services and technologies wherever items can be connected, we developed the PRESS-LOK closure solution to provide a superior experience for our customers," said Jurjen Jacobs, Vice President of Global Marketing, Velcro Industries. "VELCRO Brand products are about the art of connecting. We strive to create smart products, services and technologies that will benefit brands and consumers across a wide spectrum of industries and we ensure a secure closure with our innovative PRESS-LOK fastening solution."

"There are many tangible consumer benefits that the PRESS-LOK closure system provides to our Hill's Science Diet packaging," said Christopher Rector, Director of Marketing of Hill's U.S. "The PRESS-LOK application providesa fast, effective and stress-free bag closure solution. PRESS-LOK closure opens and closes easily and quickly, keeping the kibble in and the paws out."

A unique solution in the industry, the PRESS-LOK closure is simple to open and close because it contains an easy alignment that allows the hooks to engage without precise line-up, securing closure with great burst strength to maintain the package integrity that Hill's Science Diet customers expect. Additionally, PRESS-LOK closure has an audible click, allowing consumers to hear their pet food packages open and close, ensuring a tight seal, even if kibble crumbs get on the fastener surface. The VELCRO Brand PRESS-LOK closure system is a proprietary hook to hook technology that can work for a wide variety of packaging closure scenarios.

The new packages are produced by PEEL Plastics Products Ltd., located in Brampton, Ontario. Hill's Science Diet pet foods packaging will feature VELCRO Brand closures and are available through Veterinary clinics and finer pet specialty stores.

About Velcro IndustriesVelcro Industries together comprise a technology-driven, global organization providing fastening solutions that solve problems in simple, elegant and surprising ways for businesses and consumers around the world. With more than 50 years of experience, Velcro Industries is proud of their heritage in innovation. Velcro Industries B.V. owns over 300 active patents and numerous trademarks, including the VELCRO mark which is registered throughout the world. Velcro Industries offer global resources for world-class solutions, with manufacturing locations in Spain, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China and sales offices around the world. "Like" VELCRO Brand on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/velcrobrand or visit http://www.velcro.com/business for more information.

About Hill's Pet Nutrition Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. manufactures Hill's Prescription Diet brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Hill's Science Diet brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 60 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill's is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. This ultimately improves patient health and the health of the practice. For more information about Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., and Hill's Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition visit HillsPet.com, or on Facebook, keywords "Hill's Pet Nutrition."

About PEEL Plastics Products Ltd.For over 30 years, PEEL Plastics Products Ltd. has been a recognized leader in flexible packaging solutions and process innovation. We create custom packaging solutions to complement your brand. As a responsive supply partner, our products are customized to provide solutions that are unique, industry relevant and brand specific. PEEL is committed to being the most responsive supply partner, a recognized leader in product and process innovation, and the overall best value provider of flexible packaging materials. We house all of our print, lamination and converting capabilities in one location, which gives us a clear advantage at meeting otherwise challenging deadlines. For more information visit http://www.peelplastics.com and learn how we can help bring packaging innovation to your brand.

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The Velcro Companies Deliver an Innovative Packaging Closure Solution to Hill's® Pet Nutrition

Lakewood Veterinarian Focuses on Pet Nutrition as Part of Pet Wellness Care

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LAKEWOOD, Colo., March 31, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wadsworth Animal Hospital in Lakewood, CO announced that the animal hospital offers pet nutrition counseling as part of the practice's pet wellness care services. "A nutritious diet is just as important for pets as it is for humans," says Lakewood veterinarian Dr. Eric L. Eisen. Together with fellow veterinarian Dr. Erika Olson, Dr. Eisen is educating pet owners about proper pet nutrition, including how to pick the right pet food for a pet's dietary needs. As part of the animal hospital's wellness program, the veterinarians can assist pet owners with an elimination diet if a food allergy is suspected, and then make dietary recommendations.

"The variety of foods available at the average pet store can be overwhelming," said Lakewood veterinarian Dr. Eric L. Eisen. "Nutritional counseling helps pet owners feel confident that they are choosing the right food for their pet's needs."

Nutritional counseling is beneficial for pets of all ages, including puppies and kittens and senior pets. A specially formulated large breed diet will help large and giant breed puppies safely gain weight without straining their bones and joints in the process.

Senior pets may also have special dietary requirements. Specially formulated foods can address joint health, a thyroid imbalance, bladder or urinary tract problems, and digestive health. Dietary supplements may also ease arthritis symptoms.

"Proper nutrition is important for pets at every stage of their life," said Dr. Eisen. "That's why we incorporate nutrition counseling into our regular wellness appointments. Pet dietary management can address specific health concerns and also ensure that pets remain a healthy weight throughout their lives."

Overweight pets, like humans, are also at risk for obesity-related health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Some pets may become overweight because their owners overestimate how much food the pets actually need on a daily basis. A special diet can help pets lose the pounds and get healthy.

"We know that pet owners want the very best for their pets," said Lakewood veterinarian Dr. Erika Olson. "Unfortunately, pet food labels can be misleading. Given the recent number of pet food recalls and pet treat contamination problems, owners must be vigilant when choosing their pet's food and treats. Our veterinary team is here to answer questions and help pet owners make healthy pet food choices."

In addition to pet nutrition counseling, Lakewood veterinary hospital provides comprehensive pet wellness care. These services include vaccinations, puppy and kitten care, pet surgery, and pet acupuncture for holistic pain management.

Pet owners may learn more about the services available at Wadsworth Animal Hospital by visiting http://www.wadsworthanimalhospital.com/.

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Lakewood Veterinarian Focuses on Pet Nutrition as Part of Pet Wellness Care

Nutrition News: Diet and kidney stones

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Most of us don't give much thought to kidney stones -- until we, or a loved one, suffer from one. But the truth is, kidney stones are on the minds of more people today than in the past. They affect about one in 11 Americans -- a marked increase over the one in 20 in 1994.

Researchers recently analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found the highest incidence of stones to be among white males. Among adults ages 60 and over, 20 percent of men and 10 percent of women had a history of kidney stones. The findings were published in the journal European Urology last July. The same study suggests that much of the blame for the increase should be placed on the rise in obesity. Researchers also found an association between kidney stone risk and diabetes and gout. Traditional risk factors for kidney stones include inadequate fluid intake, which results in the production of too little urine, a personal or family history of stones and a history of surgeries such as gastric bypass or bariatric surgery. Calcium supplements are also associated with a slight risk of kidney stones. However, consuming too little calcium from food can promote kidney stone development as well. (Most kidney stones are formed from calcium combined with oxalate or phosphate, but when calcium is consumed, it combines with oxalate and leaves the body through the stool. When oxalate doesn't have enough calcium to bind with, it builds up in the bloodstream and enters the urine, where it can cause stones.) So can what you eat make a difference? Absolutely. Here's the recommendation to prevent stones. 1. Consume sufficient amounts of calcium -- at least two servings a day 2. Drink at least 8 to 10 cups of fluid a day -- drink enough so your urine is light and clear. Citrus beverages like lemonade and orange juice, as well as citrus-based sodas, such as lemon-lime and orange-flavored sodas, may also help. 3. Cut back on salt. 4. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A diet high in animal protein is associated with kidney stone formation. 5. Lose excess weight and get regular physical activity. 6. If you take calcium supplements, take them with meals so the mineral better binds with oxalate. Information is courtesy of Johns Hopkins Medicine Health After 50 Letter. Q and A Q: Are green apples different in nutrition from red apples? A: Not really, according to Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter. When you compare the nutrients in green apples (including Granny Smith) versus red apples (including Red Delicious and Royal Gala), the differences are minimal. They all provide the same amount of fiber and vitamin C. However, the green varieties tend to be slightly lower (about 10 percent) in both calories and carbohydrates, while the red varieties tend to be higher (about 50 percent) in beta carotene -- presumably due to their color. With regard to the different types of phytochemicals present in these apples, it depends on how they are measured. One study showed significantly higher amount of total phenolics in Granny Smith apples, while in another study Red Delicious came out on top. Variations in nutrient and phytochemical content can be due to a number of factors including where the apples are grown, when they are harvested and how they are stored. Information courtesy of the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter. Recipe Here's a great recipe for Cheesy Penne with Broccoli, from Cooking Light magazine. It's low fat, adds a serving of vegetables and is full of protein, despite being meatless. Cheesy Penne with Broccoli --8 ounces uncooked mini penne pasta --5 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head) --1 1/2 cups fat-free milk, divided --2 tablespoons all-purpose flour --3 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided --2 tablespoons 1/3-less-fat cream cheese --1 teaspoon Dijon mustard --1/2 teaspoon salt --1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper --1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg --2.5 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2/3 cup) Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to pan; drain. Place pasta and broccoli in a large bowl. Combine milk and flour in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Cook 5 minutes or until slightly thickened; remove from heat. Add 2 tablespoons Parmesan and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add cheese mixture to pasta mixture; toss. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serves 4. Per serving: 381 calories, 20 g protein, 54.9 g carbohydrate, 9.8 g fat, 29 mg cholesterol, 4.6 g fiber, 577 mg sodium. Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian from Springfield, Ill. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. To find out more about Charlyn Fargo and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at http://www.creators.com.

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Nutrition News: Diet and kidney stones

McDonald's® Tri-State Restaurant Owners Launch Second Annual Nutrition Network Fund To Support Community Nutrition …

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ISELIN, N.J., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --McDonald's New York Tri-State area restaurants today announced the return of the McDonald's New York Metro Nutrition Network, a community outreach initiative implemented last year to provide grants to local organizations that focus on nutrition programs. Through the program, New York Tri-State McDonald's restaurant owners are teaming up with Dasani to offer seed money to help local organizations bring nutrition information and guidance to the communities they serve. McDonald's will be offering $25,000 worth of grant funding, while Dasani will offer an additional $5,000.

In addition to providing seed funding to community organizations, McDonald's is collaborating with the American Diabetes Association to help consumers make informed decisions at McDonald's. McDonald's had a booth at the organization's Expo on March 9, 2013, to distribute literature and wholesome menu items.

"The McDonald's Tri-State Owner/Operators Association is thrilled to be launching the Nutrition Network program for the second year," said Anthony Scari, president of the McDonald's New York Tri-State Owner/Operators Association. "After seeing the response from organizations in need across the Tri-State last year, it's become increasingly apparent how important it is that we do our part to support organizations that align with our commitment to nutrition awareness."

The McDonald's "Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choice" initiative strives to help customers make informed choices. The brand will continue to seek to provide customers with wholesome menu items including the new Egg White Delight McMuffin, which will be available at participating restaurants nationwide this Spring.

To further educate consumers on wholesome choices, McDonald's is teaming up with Registered Dietitian Sharon Richter for the second year in order to help spread the nutrition message and show customers how McDonald's can be incorporated into a balanced diet. Richter was present at the American Diabetes Expo on March 9, and will also participate in judging applications submitted by non-profits.

"I'm extremely excited to be working with McDonald's again this year," said Sharon Richter, RD. "As a brand that feeds millions of customers a day, it's wonderful that these Owner/Operators are taking a stand and getting out in the community to help spread awareness in their communities."

McDonald's New York Metro Nutrition Network applications will be evaluated based on the expected impact of the proposed program on nutrition awareness in the community. This year, McDonald's has teamed up with Dasani who will offer an additional grant, so that six organizations will be selected. Each winning organization will be acknowledged with a presentation in their community. Tri-State area non-profit organizations can find the application at http://www.McDNYMetroNutritionNetwork.com. The submission deadline is May 15, 2013.

Last year's grant recipients included: Let's Celebrate (Hudson County, New Jersey); SoBro (Bronx, New York); Star Inc., Fairfield (Fairfield, Connecticut); Hillside Food Outreach (Westchester, New York); Island Harvest (Long Island, New York).

ABOUT McDONALD'S NEW YORK TRI-STATE RESTAURANTS: McDonald's is one of the world's best-known brands and is a global leader in food service. There are more than 600 McDonald's restaurants, owned by over 100 franchisees, located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Tri-State area. Visit http://www.mcdonaldsnymetro.com or follow us on Twitter @McDNYTriState for information about other McDonald's area programs.

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McDonald's® Tri-State Restaurant Owners Launch Second Annual Nutrition Network Fund To Support Community Nutrition ...

Symbiotic bacteria program daily rhythms in squid using light and chemicals

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Public release date: 2-Apr-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jim Sliwa jsliwa@asmusa.org 202-942-9297 American Society for Microbiology

Glowing bacteria inside squids use light and chemical signals to control circadian-like rhythms in the animals, according to a study to be published on April 2 in mBio, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology. The Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, houses a colony of Vibrio fischeri bacteria in its light organ, using the bacteria at night as an antipredatory camouflage while it ventures out to hunt. The results of the study show that, in addition to acting as a built-in lamp, the bacteria also control when the squid expresses a gene that entrains, or synchronizes, circadian rhythms in animals.

"To our knowledge, this is the first report of bacteria entraining the daily rhythms of host tissues," says corresponding author Margaret McFall-Ngai of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. If bacteria can entrain daily rhythms in an animal, McFall-Ngai says, it's reasonable to think these influences will eventually be found in other animals. It's possible that microbial partners in the human gut, for instance, could similarly influence human daily rhythms through chemical signaling.

Like all animals, squids make proteins that set their inner clock to environmental light. E. scolopes produces two of these "light entrainment" proteins (cryptochromes, or CRYs), and one is regulated in the squid's head, just like every other animal. McFall-Ngai and her co-authors noticed that escry1, the gene that encodes the other protein, is most highly expressed in the light organ, where the squid houses its glowing bacterial symbionts. "The animal uses the luminescence in the evening, so the luminescence is greatest at night. The gene escry1 cycles with the bioluminescence of the animal and not with environmental light," says McFall-Ngai.

But is it the bacterial luminescence that synchronizes the cycling, or is it the bacteria themselves? It's both, says McFall-Ngai.

The bacteria are necessary for cycling, she says, since squid grown without their bacterial symbionts do not cycle their expression of escry1, and mimicking the bacterial light with a blue light did not induce the cycling.

And they showed that the light is also necessary, because squids grown with defective V. fischeri symbionts that lack the ability to luminesce didn't cycle their expression of escry1 either. With light-defective bacteria in their light organs, squids exposed to the blue light got back on track, cycling escry1 production as usual.

What is it about the bacteria that could be signaling to the squid? Long experience taught McFall-Ngai where to turn next: microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), molecules that signal the presence of microbes to other creatures. "In this system we have found again and again that bacterial surface molecules are active at inducing all kinds of cellular behavior in the host," says McFall-Ngai.

Her hunch was right. MAMPs plus light turned cycling on. In squid grown without symbionts, light, combined with MAMPs (either the lipid A component of lipopolysaccharide or the peptidoglycan monomer), could induce some degree of cycling. The squid did not respond fully, though, maybe because the MAMPs were only injected into their seawater habitat, not presented directly to the light organ.

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May seeks longevity in Japan

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May seeks longevity in Japan

Ben May will call time on his six-year Super Rugby career at the end of the Hurricanes' current campaign.

The 30-year-old prop has signed a two-year deal with Sanix and will leave at the conclusion of the 2013 Super Rugby season.

The 2012 Maori All Blacks player revealed he decided a few years ago that when he reached 30 he would start to look at his options.

"I came down here [to the Hurricanes] last year for a last opportunity to give everything I had to a franchise in New Zealand," May said. "I've really enjoyed my time here. Obviously it's still going and that's my main focus at the moment. But once I put the feelers out there something came pretty quick. It's good to get it signed up and done and dusted pretty quickly."

May also had offers from Europe but felt the type of rugby and the amount of games played in the Northern Hemisphere wouldn't suit him at this stage in his career.

"They play a lot of footy over there and it's tough footy. I'm not saying Japan's not but it's a lot less games and just a different experience I think."

May's announcement came on the same day as former All Blacks lock Anthony Boric and ex-All Blacks fly-half Stephen Donald announced their moves to Mitsubishi. The Chiefs' Richard Kahui and Lelia Masaga are also on their way to Japan at the conclusion of Super Rugby.

"I think we can offer things over there in terms of experience in the Southern Hemisphere game and taking that up there," May said of the number of New Zealanders signing for Japanese clubs. "[We can fulfil] leadership roles and it's also a lifestyle choice. Super Rugby is not getting any easier. It's bloody tough and it's tough to keep the body in check to play every week."

May wasn't sure whether his deal with Sanix, which he said was "a little bit more" in money terms than a New Zealand contract, would be his last one.

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May seeks longevity in Japan

Spa Spy: Longevity Wellness Resort, Monchique, Portugal

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About 50 minutes drive from Faro Airport, past the pristine golf courses that dot the Algarve coast, Longevity is a vast temple to wellbeing that attracts visitors from all over the world. A low-level building, designed as three long, interconnected structures accommodating several hundred guests, it includes extensive spa facilities, consulting rooms, hot and cold pools and a zen room for total relaxation.

The prescription

A four-day Longevity Essential Fitness programme, including a personalised fitness plan and lifestyle assessment.

The procedure

Spy reluctantly gave up her poolside sun-bed for a biophysical evaluation, which revealed horrifying details about her fat distribution and ''metabolic age. After analysis, personal trainer Sofia led Spy through the first of four private training sessions, involving boxing, pilates and power plate work in the gym and by the pool.

Spy was then allowed a heavenly Body Scrub and Deep Relaxing Massage Ritual, which has no doubt extended her life by at least three years. A consultation with a nutritionist confirmed Spys suspicion that she must try harder to eat better.

The verdict

Spys gym workouts, combined with regular plunges in the refreshing pool and sessions in the hot tub and steam rooms, left her feeling truly relaxed and at ease with herself for the first time in months.

The feelgood factor

Spys programme was complemented by the Longevity Wellness meal plan, which Spa was delighted to find included delicious and tempting fare without too much tofu or too many lentils or seeds. Lots of food for thought when revamping her own daily diet back in Blighty.

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Spa Spy: Longevity Wellness Resort, Monchique, Portugal

Health, Not Income, Tops Longevity Concerns for Middle-Income Americans, New Study Reveals

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CHICAGO, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Declining health is the number one longevity concern for middle-income Americans, nearly four times the concern over inadequate retirement savings (10%) or outliving their money (9%), the latest study released by the Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center For A Secure Retirement (CSR) reveals.

The study, Longevity Risk and Reward for Middle-Income Americans surveyed 500 Americans ages 55 to 75 with an annual household income of between $25,000 and $75,000.

Retirement Income ShortfallsTo compensate for the possibility of outliving their savings, here's a look at how middle-income Americans plan to deal with shortfalls in retirement income.

The good news is that the majority of today's middle-income Americans are living within their budget.According to the CSR study, seven out of ten (70%) report living comfortably within their budget.Only one in ten (9%) admit to living beyond their means.

Use of Common Planning MethodsFour in ten (44%) admit that their retirement savings may not last until the end of their life. Yet, when it comes to developing a retirement savings goal, only one-fifth (21%) of middle-income retirees and pre-retirees calculated a monthly retirement income goal number; only one in ten (13%) determined a total savings goal number to reach.

"Realistically assessing longevity can be a powerful tool in planning for retirement," said Chris Campbell, vice president of marketing and business development at Bankers Life and Casualty Company, a national life and health insurer. "Set a clear retirement goal and be realistic about the amount of savings it will take to be able to live the retirement lifestyle you desire."

Retirement AnxietyThe CSR study cites more than half of middle-income Boomers (55%) have saved less than $100,000 for retirement. In light of this reality, it is not surprising that nearly two-thirds (62%) of middle-income pre-retirees report some level of anxiety about retirement; one in four (28%) report being "anxious" or "very anxious."

All of these factors suggest that most middle-income Americans should apply some disciplined planning to overcome these anxieties. Yet that does not seem to be the case, according to the study.

MethodologyThe Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement's study Longevity Risk and Reward for Middle-Income Americans was conducted in November 2012 by the independent research firm The Boomer Project. The full report can be viewed at CenterForASecureRetirement.com.

A nationwide sample of 500 Americans ages 55 to 75 who have an annual household income of between $25,000 and $75,000 participated in the Internet-based survey.

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Health, Not Income, Tops Longevity Concerns for Middle-Income Americans, New Study Reveals

Community News: New principal named at Georgetown High School; Power outage interrupts STAAR test

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TRAVIS COUNTY

AUSTIN

Professor presents latest in self-diagnosis

University of Texas biochemistry professor Dr. Andrew Ellington is hosting a free lecture highlighting how low-cost technology can help with medical self-diagnosis at 7 p.m. Thursday at the universitys Student Activity Center, located on Speedway near 21st Street.

Ellington will describe how low-cost, personalized diagnostics can help people with little or no medical background detect ailments such as viruses. He will also describe how advances in biotechnology are being made to help us gain a better understanding of our own physiology.

The event is part of the universitys Hot Science-Cool Talks outreach series of lectures that allow leading researchers to share their discoveries with the general public.

For those who cannot attend in person, a live broadcast of the lecture as well as broadcasts of previous lectures can be viewed at http://www.hotsciencecooltalks.org.

Wes Gardner, American-Statesman

PFLUGERVILLE

Master Gardeners discuss oak-wilt treatment

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Community News: New principal named at Georgetown High School; Power outage interrupts STAAR test

Q & A

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Hello sir,

I am a graduate of biochemistry with little knowledge about the business world.

I believe in being self-employed and, in view of this, I have this idea about investing in the auto industry. However, I have been having headaches on how to develop a business plan for this. I will be grateful if you can give me a guideline or highlight some key points on how I can come up with a business plan. I have already noted some points you made in the last two paragraphs of your article in The PUNCH of Wednesday, March 27. Thank you.

Adesanya A.

Dear Adesanya,

You will need an experienced hand to help you do a good business plan; as it is not a document that is done anyhow because the business plan is meant to serve as the template for the business. My advice is that when you find the person to help you do the business plan, please dont look for free service. Since you need useful information to make money from, you should be willing to exchange it for value. Also, the fee a good consultant may charge you may not be that cheap, therefore, you should be prepared to pay. It is part of your investment, which you want to make profit from. Regards.

Emmanuel

Dear Ola,

I agree 100 per cent with your view on economies of scale to attain a global brand model hinged on applying laws of leverage, co-operative, alliance, and synergy like the restless ants that ride on economies of scale.

Kowontan O.

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Q & A

Seahorse Bioscience Launches First Product from the Partnership with Baystate Medical Center and UMass Amherst

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BILLERICA, Mass., April 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Seahorse Bioscience, the world leader in instruments and assay kits for measuring cell metabolism recently launched the XF Plasma Membrane Permeabilizer (PMP), a reagent that enables scientists to measure the biochemistry and mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction, without the need for mitochondrial isolation or detergent-based permeabilization methods.

XF PMP was developed in partnership with the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute (PVLSI), a joint venture of Baystate Medical Center and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with the dual missions of biomedical research and economic development. The technology was exclusively licensed to Seahorse Bioscience by UMass Amherst and Baystate Health, the parent organization of Baystate Medical Center.

XF PMP can be used with the Seahorse XFe Extracellular Flux Analyzer, an instrument for measuring cell metabolism, in real-time, in a microplate. The reagent was developed for XF technology in part by Dr. Nagendra Yadava, the John Adams Investigator at PVLSI; and Dr. Alejandro Heuck, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UMass Amherst.

"In the development of this potent new tool in biomedical analysis, we see the tremendous potential of collaborations between clinical and academic researchers and ingenuitive companies like Seahorse," said Richard Friedberg, M.D., Ph.D., chair of Pathology and chair of the Intellectual Property Committee at Baystate Health, who represented Baystate in working with Seahorse and UMass to establish the licensing agreement.

XF PMP creates pores in the cell plasma membrane, and delivers a degree of precision and ease-of-use that has not been available to scientists researching cell metabolism. A key element of XF PMP is the ability to assess mitochondrial function in adherent monolayers of permeabilized cells without damaging the mitochondrial membrane. By doing so, XF PMP enables metabolic substrates, compounds, and small proteins that otherwise would not cross the plasma membrane to reach the mitochondria.

"Seahorse's new XF Plasma Membrane Permeabilizer [PMP] enabled us to demonstrate that clinically-relevant concentrations of thiazolidinediones, a class of insulin sensitizers that includes Actos, specifically inhibited the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier, a protein at the hub of cellular metabolism. The simplicity and reliability of XF PMP made it easy to interrogate the mitochondrial function of small clinical samples and genetically modified cells without mitochondrial isolation, experiments that are traditionally difficult or impossible. Our work is providing a new understanding of the mechanism of action of an important class of drugs, and opens a new avenue for the development of drugs to treat diseases including type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and heart failure," stated Anne N. Murphy, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacology at University of California, San Diego.

About Seahorse Bioscience

Seahorse Bioscience provides industry-leading analytical instruments, cell-based assay kits, and consumable labware products for biological research and drug discovery. Scientists worldwide use these tools to advance their research in understanding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer, neuroscience, immunology, obesity, diabetes, ageing, cardiovascular function, and safety toxicity. Seahorse is headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts; has its manufacturing facilities in Chicopee, Massachusetts; and regional headquarters in Copenhagen and Shanghai. For more information visit: http://www.seahorsebio.com.

About Baystate Medical Center

Baystate Medical Center is an academic, research and teaching hospital that serves as the western campus of Tufts University School of Medicine. It is the major referral care center and only Level 1 trauma center for western Massachusetts, and is home to one of New England's busiest emergency rooms. One of Thomson Reuters/Truven Health Analytics' top 50 U.S. hospitals for cardiovascular care and top 100 U.S. hospitals, Baystate Medical Center is also designated a Leapfrog Top Hospital for quality and safety, is a Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, and is a six-time winner of the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence. http://www.baystatehealth.org/bmc

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Seahorse Bioscience Launches First Product from the Partnership with Baystate Medical Center and UMass Amherst

Dr. Ghislaine Beilin to Present Hybrid Energy Technology at the Upcoming Anti – Aging Medicine Congress in Monte Carlo

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Dr. Beilin, Vice President of the Federation of Aesthetic Medicine and Anti-Aging (Fdration Syndicale des Mdecines Esthtiques et Anti-Age), will present her findings with Hybrid Energy Technology, an emerging advancement in fractional radio frequency technology that works with the bodys natural mechanisms to deliver natural volume refilling, wrinkle reduction, skin rejuvenation and acne scars treatment without surgery, discomfort or downtime.

(PRWEB) April 02, 2013

Hybrid Energy Technology, was specifically developed to work with the bodys natural mechanism to promote wrinkle reduction, skin volumizing and acne scars improvement without the need for surgery. Treatment is virtually painless and suitable for all skin types and colors. Hybrid Energy treatments deliver significant dermal enhancement and skin renewal while minimizing the epidermal visible response so procedure can be performed in a convenient walk in-walk out session.

In a recent clinical evaluation Hybrid Energy demonstrated significant skin refilling, reduction of wrinkles as well as an improvement of skin texture, minimization of pores and volume increase.

The key advantage of Hybrid Energy (HE) Technology is the combination of Hot and Electrical Invisible Micro Ablation (IMA) which is administered via a disposable tip comprised of an array of micro pins.

Hot IMA facilitates smooth and painless penetration of the micro pins to target the mid dermis. Electrical IMA then selectively affects the target area using safe non-thermal energy. This creates direct dermis stimulation and triggers the bodys natural response mechanism in a safe process, with none to minimal pain and virtually no down time. As a result, while epidermal visible response is minimized, a significant effect is generated in the Dermis that delivers Auto-production of Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen Regeneration and Elastin Growth.

Dr. Beilin:

The new novel Hybrid Energy (HE) Technology delivers hot and electrical energies to create controlled micro ablation points penetrating up to the mid dermis. HE treatments promote a natural fractional healing process for dermal volume refilling and skin renewal. In my findings HE treatments demonstrated skin refilling effect along with improvement of skin texture and irregularities. No significant adverse effects were detected and treatments were well tolerated by patients with none to minimal pain and no down time.

Hybrid Energy Technology is available through Surgen- a cutting-edge platform which also integrates TriFractional Technology - an advanced anti-aging 3 pulse radio frequency procedure that enables effective fractional skin resurfacing and is suitable for enhancing the Hybrid Energy treatment. The Surgen platform has a user friendly touch screen with pre-programmed but adjustable parameters for each treatment type.

Mr. Amichai Bar-Nir CEO of Pollogen: We are very excited that the distinguished Dr. Beilin will be presenting Hybrid Energy at the Anti-Aging Conference in Monte Carlo. Pollogen is continuously listening to the demands of the market to deliver solutions for superior aesthetic results. The innovative Hybrid Energy Technology with Hot and Electrical Invisible Micro Ablation, provides a breakthrough answer for volume refilling, wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation all with a simple, virtually painless walk in walk out procedure. We are confident that it will quickly become an industry gold standard.

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Dr. Ghislaine Beilin to Present Hybrid Energy Technology at the Upcoming Anti - Aging Medicine Congress in Monte Carlo

How geckos can beat non-stick

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Gecko

— One of the participating tokay geckos. Photo: Ethan Knapp and Alyssa Stark

I love a good gecko story, and I love how the cute little critters can climb up most things but would apparently struggle with my non-stick frying pan. Now I’ve found out that if my frying pan was still wet from the washing up Mr Gecko would have a better chance of holding on.

There is a serious side to this science. Hundreds of systems have been developed mimicking the adhesive power of gecko toes and all rely on creating a large surface area that can get in contact with whatever surface you want to stick to using van de Waals forces to do the rest. Understanding how different surfaces affect adhesion is obviously important and it’s been anecdotally known for a while that as well as struggling with Teflon, geckos can’t stick to wet glass despite their feet being superhydrophobic. In rainforests, things can get quite wet so how do the geckos manage?

To test this out Alyssa Stark‘s lab at the University of Akron, Ohio, placed geckos on different surfaces to investigate when the geckos slipped and when they stuck. To get more data than slip versus stick, those little geckos were fitted with harnesses and slowly pulled off surfaces using force meters to record the gecko adhesion values. If ever there’s a day you’d have liked to have been in someone’s lab, the day harnessed geckos were slid around for science has got to be up there (at least for me).

The findings are, in part, to be expected. Wetting surfaces usually makes them more slippery for geckos but it’s only wet glass that causes a real problem – hydrophobic surfaces that were wetted could still be clung on to as the lizard’s hydrophobic feet helped get rid of the water and form a contact with the dry surface beneath. So the lab work confirms that wet leaves shouldn’t be a problem. The exception, which also contradicted the Akron group’s modelling, was PTFE, or Teflon. Wet Teflon, it seems, is much easier for the geckos to hold on to. The why is not certain yet though, so I for one am looking forward to more gecko science, ideally with videos…

Laura Howes

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Source:
http://prospect.rsc.org/blogs/cw/2013/04/02/how-geckos-can-beat-non-stick/