Monthly Archives: May 2017

White Lotus Products Arrive on NPIBeauty.com – MilTech

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Boca Raton, Florida (PRWEB) May 15, 2017

White Lotus, a company known for its line of holistic eastern anti-aging regime, announced its products are now for sale on NPIBeauty.com, a popular website for beauty and wellness brands.

The company was founded in 2007 in Brisbane, Australia as an offshoot of Golden Dragon TCM. Anthony and Kamila Kingston founded the company after studying acupuncture and Chinese medicine, having traveled all over the world in their work and studies. Ultimately they returned to Brisbane with knowledge of this ancient field of medicine and cosmetics. These principles are present in all White Lotus products, which are now available on NPIBeauty.com.

We are excited to be able to provide our products through yet another digital platform that reaches customers all over North America, said Anthony Kingston. This new sales partnership with NPIBeauty.com is yet another step toward broadening our market reach and being able to help more people benefit from eastern medicine and acupuncture.

While other companies have some level of focus on Chinese medicine and acupuncture for anti-aging purposes, these companies do not have the same standards of testing and research for their products as White Lotus. All of White Lotuss products carefully address important issues such as aging spots, stretch marks, scars, wrinkles, skin conditions, hair loss, chronic pains, and more in a safe, effective manner.

The companys jade products have already found a level of success in the United States. The jade roller, for example, improves lymphatic drainage, skin smoothness, and microcirculation. The White Lotus clinics in Australia have become known for their jade facials. Therefore, this roller allows international customers to experience some of that clinic experience from thousands of miles away, from the comfort of their homes.

We are eager to continue expanding our brands reach and to help people on a wider scale to achieve a fresh, youthful appearance with some natural, time-tested techniques, said Kingston.

For more information about White Lotus and its products, visit http://www.whitelotusantiaging.com.

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White Lotus Products Arrive on NPIBeauty.com - MilTech

PSU grad blossoms in plant biology – Joplin Globe

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PITTSBURG, Kan. Hannah Thomas said she discovered her true purpose helping others through plant biology while studying at Pittsburg State University.

The 22-year-old from Ottawa was one of more than 1,200 PSU students to graduate this weekend, and shell soon be leaving for an Ivy League university, Cornell, located in Ithaca, New York, to pursue a doctorate degree in plant biology.

Thomas wasnt always sure what career path to choose, and ended up changing her major halfway through college.

Originally planning to major in pre-med, Thomas soon discovered her love for botany while taking required biology courses.

Most people really rue the plant section and they hate it, but for me, it was my favorite part and I loved it, Thomas said. I thought botanical science just makes so much sense to me. It really clicked for my brain and I understood it very well.

I had to leave all of my friends that I had been taking classes with for two years, Thomas said. I had a different course load, different teachers. My family was really supportive, so that was a big plus. Some people were like, Youre making a mistake. You need to go into medicine. I had to really know that what I wanted to do was the correct path.

One of her biggest motivators for changing majors was a PSU study-abroad trip to Belize. It was her first time out of the country and she spent three weeks working with doctors to provide health care to locals who could not afford it.

It was an eye-opening experience to go into a rural part of a developing country and the perspectives of seeing people who are starving to death and of people who do not have access to health care, Thomas said.

While I was there, I met a lot of people who were seeking medical care and a lot of their main health problems were based on the fact that they were so malnourished, Thomas said. That experience really influenced my interest in going into food production, agriculture and plant science instead of medicine.

Her passion blossomed even more after she was accepted for a summer internship at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis. She was one of 25 students in the country chosen for the position.

At Danforth, she studied under researcher Blake Meyers, whom Thomas called a very famous plant biologist. He is known for his work in plant genetics and bioinformatics, which is a field of study that uses computers and other technology to analyze biological data, such as the genetic code.

Any school you go to, I could mention his name and people would be very interested to know what we researched. This was the greatest opportunity that I couldve had, as an undergraduate, to really spread my wings and network within plant biology.

Together, Thomas and Meyers researched small ribonucleic acid (RNA), and while there she also got to meet Bill Gates. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation helps fund research and development at the center.

Thomas also gave credit to two professors, Virginia Rider and Neil Snow, for helping her discover her true path. Rider advises pre-med students and coordinates PSUs Kansas IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence. Snow is an assistant professor of botany and director of the T.M. Sperry Herbarium.

Snow said he remembered when Thomas had approached him two years ago and asked to take one of his courses. He said she was focused and hard-working.

Shes got the best time-management skills Ive ever seen in a student in 20 years, Snow said. Shes incredibly effective at getting things done and changing gears. She does very high quality work, as well. Shes very well prepared to start a doctoral program at Cornell.

Thomas last week offered a piece of advice she wishes she couldve given to her freshman self.

Dont listen to what other people want you to do, Thomas said. Do what you want to do. I eventually figured that out, but I had listened to some people for too long. I learned that hard work does pay off and that you can do whatever you want with your life from any school that you choose.

Drum Line

Hannah Thomas also was a member of the Pride of the Plains Drum Line at Pittsburg State University.

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PSU grad blossoms in plant biology - Joplin Globe

A look into ‘Glycoworld’ at UMSL, its sweet chemistry research and the professor behind it – UMSL Daily (blog)

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Curators Professor of Chemistry Alexei Demchenko (at far left) and his research students make up Glycoworld, the name theyve given their research lab. The team, wearing their Glycoworld lab coats, studies the synthesis and application of carbohydrates associated with cancer and microbial infections and used to develop diagnostics and vaccines. (Photo courtesy of Glycoworld)

Step into Curators Professor of Chemistry Alexei Demchenkos laboratory at the University of MissouriSt. Louis, and you will have entered Glycoworld.

Deemed thus by the professor and his research students for its concentration on sugar chemistry, the lab is up to some extraordinary work focused on the synthesis and application of carbohydrates (sugars). They even have their own logo, inspired by the chemical structures they manipulate and the national flags of the students who work in the lab.

The Glycoworld logo used on the website and on the teams T-shirts and lab coats (Logo courtesy of Glycoworld)

My students proudly call themselves Glycoworldians, Demchenko said. We even have Glycoworld T-shirts, Glycoworld lab coats and even a Glycoworld clock.

The culture forms a sense of pride around the work that they consider vital and applicable down to the very creation of life.

Carbohydrates are involved in many processes and are referred to as the essential molecules of life, Demchenko said. Our life begins with fertilization, which takes place via a carbohydrate-protein recognition. From the building blocks of nature to disease-battling therapeutics and vaccines, carbohydrates have had a profound impact on evolution, society, economy and human health.

Demchenkos research is particularly concerned with the health aspect, focusing on the production of carbohydrates associated with cancer and microbial infections. The synthetic versions are used for the development of diagnostics and vaccines.

But synthesizing carbohydrates isnt so easy.

Although carbohydrates are so desirable for the biological and medical communities, these molecules are very challenging targets for chemists because of the need for functionalization, protecting and leaving group manipulations and controlling anomeric stereoselectivity.

Chancellor Tom George (at left) and Vice Provost of Research Chris Spilling (at right) present Alexei Demchenko with UMSLs 2017 Senior Investigator of the Year award last month at a ceremony concluding Research and Innovation Week on campus. (Photo by August Jennewein)

Basically, its hard to control how the carbohydrates react and bond to each other or other classes of compounds like proteins. But even though its difficult chemistry, its important work because of the modifications it allows and the possibilities those modifications offer.

Only the chemical synthesis can provide direct access to unnatural mimetics that attract rising interest due to their therapeutic or diagnostic potential, Demchenko said.

Rising interest is certainly an understatement. Continuously since 2005, Demchenkos research has found funding from many different parties, including the National Institute of Health, the National Science Foundation, Pfizer, Mizutani and more.

The research also earned him UMSLs 2017 Senior Investigator of the Year Award, presented to Demchenko during last months Research and Innovation Week on campus.

Additionally, Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, a high-profile academic journal, gave Demchenkos research extra attention, making it the front cover of the January 2017 issue.

Featuring a fox in a box and the Glycoworld logo, the cover is a clever play on the chemistry it represents. The fox and box are inspired by the functional leaving groups or groups of atoms used to manipulate the chemical structure of a carbohydrate and its reactivity.

The front cover of Organic & Biomolecular Chemistrys January 2017 issue featured Demchenkos research and a fox in a box, playing on the OFox and OBox leaving groups or groups of atoms Demchenkos lab created to modify carbohydrates. The art was originally sketched by UMSL grad and Glycoworldian Salvatore Pistorio and adapted into a watercolor piece by artist Fabia DAmore-Krug. (Photo courtesy of Royal Society of Chemistry)

The first leaving group we developed at UMSL was based on a benzoxazole, and since it was connected to sulfur (S), we called it the SBox, Demchenko explained. Then, a later variant was called the OBox because it was connected to an oxygen (O). In this paper we present our latest variant. Its fluorinated (F), so we call it the OFox, but it is not a direct abbreviation; it just sounded fun.

The cover was first sketched by recent UMSL and Glycoworld graduate Salvatore Pistorio. The rough sketch was then handed off to Demchenkos colleague and artist friend Fabia DAmore-Krug, who did her own sketch in pencil, then pen and created the final piece in watercolor.

In total Demchenko has more than 150 published academic articles and gives about 10 to 12 lectures a year. His students deliver about the same number of posters and talks at conferences as well.

While I have the expertise, leadership and motivation necessary to successfully supervise the research program, it is my students who actually do the magic, said Demchenko, humbly. I have a very well-trained and highly motivated research team that is ready to undertake the current research and face new challenges. They are great, all of them!

And to thank his team for their dedication and hard work, Demchenko said theres no better way than to let them have a little fun, naming the lab, designing the logo together and giving them T-shirts to wear proudly and presenting them with a Glycoclock when they graduate.

For more information on Glycoworld, visit the homepage. You can also follow Demchenko on Twitter.

Short URL: http://blogs.umsl.edu/news/?p=68414

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A look into 'Glycoworld' at UMSL, its sweet chemistry research and the professor behind it - UMSL Daily (blog)

Shaheen enjoying chemistry with Trubisky – The Herald-News

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H. Rick Bamman - hbamman@shawmedia.com

Caption

LAKE FOREST As excited as Adam Shaheen is to be a second-round pick in the middle of Bears rookie minicamp, he may be more thrilled about the Chipotle by the rookies hotel.

Theres one like right across the street. Its like the next light down. Its a two-minute drive, he said with a smile after Saturdays practice at Halas Hall.

Shaheen said hes already been to Chipotle both nights, and somewhat famously went there often at Ashland University as he transformed into a 278-pound tight end.

In Lake Forest, he is sharing a room with Mitch Trubisky and getting a head start on chemistry with the quarterback.

You know, from personal experience I had a great relationship with my quarterback from Ashland. And so I think its huge, having that off-field relationship, he said. I think it builds a trust on the field.

Trubisky and Shaheen connected several times during Saturdays session at rookie camp, where the 6-foot-7 tight end certainly stands out.

Just to be as up to speed as I can with all the things that are going in, all the plays, all the different techniques and everything, he said about his weekend goals. Really just trying to bring myself up to that level so I can have the potential of having an opportunity to be productive.

Skill set-wise, Shaheen said he wants to show, The mentality of putting my hat on somebody, as well as being able to use that size to catch the ball, and having sure hands.

For those curious, Shaheen gets a burrito at Chipotle with extra, extra white rice, double chicken and just a little bit of corn.

Regretting old tweets: Shaheen was asked about old tweets of his that surfaced the night he was drafted. One of those tweets criticized former President Barack Obama.

I was a dumb teenager, Shaheen said. If I had the maturity I do now, I would have recognized that there could be some potential problems and would understand the element of things and wouldnt have obviously put it out there for everyone to go through on draft night.

Cohen as a returner: Special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers knows that Eddie Jackson, when fully healthy, can contribute in the return game, but rookie running back Tarik Cohen is getting looks, too.

We had tape of one of his returns last year, which he scored, but it got called back, Rodgers said Saturday. You know, hes fast. Hes got verified speed. Hes got quickness. Size-wise, hes short, but hes not thin. Hes a little bit thicker. For a shorter guy, hes got big hands and that will help. Some guys who are shorter have smaller hands, smaller arms, things like that. So theres not as much surface space for a guy to catch. We like his athletic traits.

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Shaheen enjoying chemistry with Trubisky - The Herald-News

Evan Engram, Davis Webb Developing Chemistry – G-Men H.Q.

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May 12, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants rookie draft class general manger Jerry Reese running back Wayne Gillman (30), quarterback Davis Webb (5) defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) head coach Ben McAdoo defensive end Avery Moss (91) tight end Evan Engram (88) and offensive tackle Adam Bisnowaty (66) at Quest Diagnostics Training Center . Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

NFC East Buzz: New York Giants lost ground in draft by Curt Macysyn

New York Giants: Team needs to manage the Webb hype by Curt Macysyn

The New York Giants utilized the 2017 NFL Draft to address two of the biggest needs on the roster. The decisions may have come as something of a surprise, but New York filled the voids at tight end and quarterback.

With Evan Engram on pace to earn astarting role in 2017, and Davis Webb projected to be Eli Mannings successor, the new duo iswasting no time in developing chemistry.

New York selected Engram in the first round andWebb in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Both selections offered a fair indication of how important they are to general manager Jerry Reeses vision for the team.

According to Jordan Raanan of ESPNs NFL Nation, the chemistry between Engram and Webb has been building since the Senior Bowl.

Its funny because Evan was my favorite player at the Senior Bowl. I told him that there, Webb said Friday after the first day of rookie minicamp practice. Couple months later, were on the same team. So that is really cool. Evan is a great player. He works his butt off. He did a great job [Friday] with his assignments and is coached really well. We have a good relationship off the field, and hopefully that translates to a good relationship on the field.

its far too soon to jump to any concrete conclusions, but Engram and Webb could be anchoring the Giants offense for years to come.

Engram is a 63 and 234-pound tight end with 4.42 speed and proven playmaking ability. He led all FBS tight ends in yards per reception during the 2014 season, and recorded 65 receptions for 926 yards and eight touchdowns during the 2016 campaign.

The Giants have long needed a tight end who can stretch the field vertically, and Engram has the potential to be a matchup nightmare.

As for Webb, hes filling the biggest shoes of all as Mannings heir apparent.

Webb is a 65 and 229-pound quarterback whoput up 4,295 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and eight rushing touchdowns in 2016. He completed 61.6 percent of his passes, but theres a rational fear that he may havelearned bad habits in spread offenses.

Thankfully, Webb projects to have two or three seasons to learn behind a Super Bowl champion.

The New York Giants havethe potential for greatness. Both Evan Engram and Davis Webb will play roles in the development of it.

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Evan Engram, Davis Webb Developing Chemistry - G-Men H.Q.

Agricultural biotechnology crucial for feeding world population – Clearwater Times

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By Murray McLaughlin

SARNIA, Ont. /Troy Media/ - It took until 1800 for the world population to reach one billion people. The second billion was reached in only 130 years (1930), the third billion in less than 30 years (1959), the fourth billion in 15 years (1974) and the fifth billion in only 13 years (1987).

During the 20th century alone, the global population grew from 1.6 billion to over six billion people.

In 1970, there were roughly half as many people in the world as there are today.

In The Population Bomb (1968), Paul Ehrlich writes: "The world, especially the developing world, is rapidly running out of food ... in fact the battle to feed humanity is already lost in the sense that we will not be able to prevent large-scale famine in the next decade or so."

How was this global starvation catastrophe averted?

One element high on the list is innovation. Crop production science and innovation led to new technologies that produce more per acre and more per crop inputs.

Dr. Norman Borlaug was an American agronomist known as "the father of the Green Revolution." Borlaug developed new varieties of wheat that were planted around the world and had tremendous yield responses. His approach was adopted by other scientists to improve other crops. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his contributions to world peace through increasing food supply. Borlaug is often credited with saving over a billion people from starvation.

With new technologies based on Borlaug's research, the successes continue. Biotechnology is a new set of tools that enhance crop breeding for new plant traits. Products from biotechnology have shown tremendous improvement since first provided to farmers in 1995. Biotech-bred crops allow farmers to reduce pesticide use, and improve quality and yields with reduced input costs. Biotech-enhanced crops are now grown by 18 million farmers, most of them in developing countries.

In Canada, corn, soybeans and canola are grown using biotechnology (often referred to as genetically-modified organisms or GMOs). All are designed to reduce pesticide use while improving yields. In 1940, corn varieties yielded 25 to 40 bushels per acre. Now, with hybrids and biotechnology, yields are typically 150 to 200 bushels per acre.

GMOs have helped Canadian farmers manage production costs, increase yields and provide safe, nutritious food to the world's consumers. There is tremendous experience and knowledge about the safety and benefits of GMO crops, based on years of development, testing and production.

The predictions of major hazards, by critics of GMO, have not materialized. GMO crops have played a vital role in improving world agricultural food production per capita. And this will be an ongoing need as the world's population heads to 10 billion people later this century.

Biotechnology in agriculture production should be embraced the same way we have embraced innovation in medicine, transportation, communication and any number of other sectors. Biotechnology will continue to help reduce global poverty.

We need more people like Borlaug. Through research, science and innovation, he helped ensure we have the necessary tools for a healthy future. Biotechnology will be an important part of that future.

Dr. Murray McLaughlin is an adviser to and former executive director of Bioindustrial Innovation Canada, based in Sarnia, Ont., and a former Saskatchewan deputy minister of agriculture.

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Agricultural biotechnology crucial for feeding world population - Clearwater Times

Probiotics Conferences | Europe | Asia | USA | Middle East …

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Market Analysis

Summary

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are deliberated to have health benefits. Products which are sold as probiotics include foods (such as yogurt), dietary supplements, and products that are not used orally, such as skincreams. Popular probiotic products existing in the market include Amway Nutrilite Fiber, Herbalife Activated Fiber, HealthAid Acidophilus plus 4 Billion, Zenith Nutrition Probiotic Immune etc. Although more research is needed, there is an encouraging evidence that probiotics may help treat diarrhoea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics, prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections, treat irritable bowel syndrome, speed treatment of certain intestinal infections, prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu. Side effects due to probiotics are rare and most healthy adults can safely add foods that contain prebiotics and probiotics to their diets for better health and strong immune system.

Importance and scope

Probiotics food & beverages had the highest penetration in 2015, and this trend is expected to continue over the next eight years. Differentiated product portfolio and continued innovation in the sector are the primary reasons for this scenario.

Probiotics are finding acceptance in applications such as skin health. Development of proprietary formulation techniques is undertaken by companies to cater to customized needs.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth of 7.7% over the next eight years. High population density and percentage of the youth population in countries such as India coupled with rising disposable income are expected to contribute to the market growth.

A major part of market share is held by very few companies. Companies are trying innovative techniques for customer engagement. Mergers & acquisitions are carried out to increase regional presence as well as market share.

Industry participants majorly include Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Danone, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., Nestle, Probi AB, Danisco A/S, Lallemand Inc., and Arla Foods, Inc.

Probiotics Market

The global market of probiotics ingredients, supplements, and foods reached nearly $23.1 billion in 2012. This market is expected to grow to nearly $27.1 billion in 2013 and $36.7 billion in 2018 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% over the five-year period from 2013 to 2018 with further projections determined to exceed US $63 billion by 2022, driven by growing clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of probiotics in general health maintenance and disease treatment. Probiotic therapy is growing in polularity in the treatment of lactose intolerance, lipid metabolism, oxalte metabolism, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), ulcerative colitits, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, allergic rhinitis, infectious diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis and helicobacter pylori.Japan, Europe and the United States represents major market worldwide. Asia-pacific ranks as the fastest growing market with a CAGR of 12.7% over the analysis period. However, the probiotics market is still at a relatively novice stage, with lack of clarity on usage patterns among consumers, this is expected to play a critical role in market development over the next six years. Labeling regulations, especially in the U.S. and European Union, are also expected to have significant impact on market growth.

Food & beverages dominated the application market and accounted for over 80% of the total probiotics market, driven by growth of fermented meat, dairy, bakery, breakfast cereals, fats & oils, beverages, fish & eggs, meat, and soy products. Dietary supplements are expected to be the fastest growing application segment, at an estimated CAGR of 7.7% from 2012 to 2020.

"Food & beverages was the largest segment in 2015"

Probiotics food & beverages segment was the largest segment in 2015 and accounted for more than 85% of total revenue. This application includes dairy products, nondairy products, cereals, baked food, fermented meat products, and dry food probiotics.

Figure-1: Functional Food Market by Sector (% value)

"Human probiotics dominated the total demand in 2015"

Human probiotics accounted for more than 90% of total revenue in 2015. Growing health concerns and development of more effective probiotic strains is expected to aid the industry growth. Increasing standard of living, as well as disposable income in areas such as Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa as well as Central & South America, has been benefiting the overall market growth.

Animal feed bacteria are expected to show a steady growth over the next eight years. Companies have been trying to develop and market more effective probiotic strains aimed at improving health.

"Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth from 2016 to 2024"

Asia Pacific dominated the global industry and accounted for more than 40%. Strong demand from countries such as India, China and Japan is the major contributing factor for this scenario. Rising population, growing awareness regarding probiotics usage and the strong presence of international players in the region are contributing to the market growth.

North America is expected to grow at an anticipated CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period. Prevalent awareness regarding these product usages and rising preference for functional foods are the driving factors in the region. The Middle East & Africa and Central & South America are also expected to show modest growth over the forecast period.

"Companies investing heavily in R&D are a major market characteristic"

Major industry participants are investing heavily in R&D to develop more effective probiotic strains. The companies are also striving to develop products which find novel applications such as skin treatment. Third party R&D companies are employed to develop superior cultures to gain competitive advantage. High level of integration between raw material suppliers, manufacturers, suppliers and end users. Major industry participants include Danisco A/S, Danone, Chr Hansen, Nestle, Arla Foods, Inc., Probi and Lallemand Inc., S.A., China-Biotics, Inc., E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company, General Mills, Inc., Lifeway Foods, Inc., PROBI AB, BioGaia AB, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., Mother Dairy and Chr. Hansen. The growing popularity of probiotics worldwide has attracted many new players to participate in this market.

Key Segments of the Global Probiotic Market

A. Global probiotics market, by application

B. Global probiotics market, by end use

C. Global probiotics market, by strain type

Grand View Research has segmented the probiotics market on the basis of application, end use and region:

1. Global Probiotics Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2024

A. Probiotics food & beverage

B. Probiotics dietary supplements

2. Global Probiotics End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2024)

3. Global Probiotics Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014- 2024)

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Central & South America

Middle East & Africa

European Market

Europe is the second largest global market for probiotics after Asia-Pacific, cornering a share estimated to be 25% in 2014. Growth in demand for probiotics in the region is also likely to maintain a fast pace over the 2014-2020 analysis period. Germany and the United Kingdom are the two largest probiotics markets in Europe, with a combined share estimated at about 55% in 2014, with United Kingdom also expected to be the fastest growing. By product type, dietary supplements and functional foods & beverages are the largest, as well as the fastest growing segments.

Prevention and cure of disorders, such as lactose intolerance and inflammatory bowel disease are some of the benefits offered by probiotics, with rising health-consciousness levels and wider access to probiotic dietary supplements being the major factors sustaining growth. The past decade has been witness to the launch of more than 500 food & beverage probiotic products, which have garnered exceptional response in terms of acceptance. Some of the factors implicated in causes of digestive disorders, bloating and reduction in resistance to infections include poor and not-in-time diet, age and stress levels. Studies have revealed that consuming products enhanced with probiotics has been successful in moderating these conditions to a large extent.

Figure-2:European Probiotics Market Revenue By Product, 2014 - 2024 (USD Million)

Why London, UK?

London is a leadingglobal city in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism, and transport. It is one of the world's leadingfinancial centres and has thefifth- or sixth-largest metropolitan area GDP in the world. London is a world cultural capital. It is the world's most-visited city as measured by international arrivals and has theworld's largest city airport system measured by passenger traffic. London is the world's leadinginvestment destination hosting moreinternational retailers andultra probiotics food & beverages had the highest penetration in 2015, and this trend is expected to continue over the next eight years. Differentiated product portfolio and continued innovation in the sector are the primary reasons for this scenario.

Industry participants majorly include Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Danone, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., Nestle, Probi AB, Danisco A/S, Lallemand Inc., and Arla Foods, Inc. high-net-worth individuals than any other city. London's universities form the largest concentration of higher education institutes in Europe, and a 2014 report placed it first in the world university rankings. According to the report London also ranks first in the world in software, multimedia development and design, and shares first position in technology readiness.

Figure-3:Total Probiotics Market

List of Hospitals Research Centre:

London, UK

Worldwide

Major Probiotic Associations and Society

Companies Associated with Probiotics:

Top Nutrition Universities in UK

Target Audience

Figure-4:Target audience for Probiotics

Glance at Market and Funding for Probiotics Research

Figure-5: Projections Growth by next 5-10 years

Recent studies on Probiotics Market exhibit both the opportunities and forecasts during the period 2014-2022during which the global probiotics market is expected to reach$57.4 billionby 2022, registering a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period, 2016-2022.Asia-Pacificis presently dominant in the market and is expected to be the leading contributor in global revenue, due to its high adoption of probiotic based food and beverages. Bacteria derived probiotics would dominate the market throughout the forecast period as yeast strains are still under research and testing phase and approvals from the Food and Drug Administration would take time to implement. By end use, the probiotics market is segmented into animal probiotics and human probiotics. Human probiotics is in the lead by contributing nearly 90% of global revenue in 2015 and is forecasted to grow at a fastest rate of 7.8% during the period 2016-2022. Growth in awareness about the probiotics benefits among the consumers through various means such as publications, fact sheets, and conferences would help to grow among human end users.

1. Probiotic Microorganism

The term probiotic remains undefined legally in many countries, and regulatory approaches differ among countries worldwide. Diverse categories encompass probiotic products, including: food, functional food, novel food, natural remedy (Denmark Sweden and Finland), natural health product (Canada), dietetic food (Italy), dietary supplement (USA), biotherapeutic and pharmaceuticals (probiotic pharmaceuticals are available in Canada, China, eastern European countries, France, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Italy). There is no official definition of probiotic in Japanese regulation, but several probiotic and prebiotic products have achieved FOSHU (foods for specialized health use) status, with health statements being approved by the Japanese Ministry of HealthWhile few studies have established the minimum effective dose of a probiotic to convey a physiological effect, probiotic-induced changes are rarely seen at daily doses of less than 10810 colony forming units (cfu).24 However, one can only speculate as to how many probiotic cells reach target sites alive. Probiotic bacteria that are tolerant to acid stress would be expected to survive well during stomach passage. Genomic regions, identified through genome sequencing, that may help identify regions critical to the survival and functionality of commensal or probiotic organisms in their corresponding habitats might include: conserved versus distinct gene sets , genes resulting from recent horizontal transfer, altered GC contentislands/regions of adaptability.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th International Conference on Nutrition & Food Sciences May 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas June 07-09 San Francisco; The global nutraceutical event May 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th International Conference on Probiotics in Veterinary Medicine April 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th World Congress on Targeting Microbiota October 2017 Paris, France; The International Scientific Conference on Probiotics and Prebiotics June 19 22 June 2017Budapest, Hungary; Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th International Conference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics Foods July 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th International Conference on Probiotics and Functional Foods March 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

2. Mechanisms of action of probiotics

Recent studies are providing new insight into the mechanisms by which the microbiota regulates the colonization and eradication of pathogens. Particularly revealing the ability of commensals to restrain pathogen growth by dictating the metabolic pathways that control the competition for limited nutrients in the intestine. Furthermore, inflammatory responses have profound effects on the growth of pathogens and certain commensal species. However, the relative contributions of each metabolic pathway and the commensal species involved remain poorly understood. In addition, little is known about how the inflammatory responses affect interactions between pathogens and commensals. There is a delicate balance in microbiota populations in the gut and disruption in this balance leads to dysbiosis and overgrowth of pathobionts leading to pathologic immune responses and disease. The identification and characterization of natural competitors that suppress the growth of pathogens and pathobionts may lead to the development of rational approaches to manage intestinal disease. There is also a clear role for host immunity in controlling microbiota populations. However, recent studies have challenged a critical role of innate recognition receptors in determining the composition of the gut microbiota. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism by which the host regulates the microbiota.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

3. Probiotics and Health: A Clinical Perspective

Probiotics live microorganisms when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host that have been studied for both human and animal applications, and worldwide research on this topic has accelerated in recent years. Administration of probiotics could be effective in the treatment of acute infectious diarrhoea in children and the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhoea and nosocomial/community acquired diarrhoea. Encouraging evidence is also emerging for the effectiveness of probiotics in the prevention and management of pouchitis and paediatric atopic diseases, and the prevention of postoperative infections. There is also strong evidence that certain probiotic strains are able to enhance immune function, especially in subjects with less than adequate immune function such as the elderly. Efficacy of probiotics has been shown in the prevention of prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, sepsis associated with severe acute pancreatitis, improvement of lactose metabolism and cancers, the management of weight and lowering of blood cholesterol, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend them for use in other clinical conditions.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

4. Probiotics in Gastroenterology

Gastroenterologists once defined gastrointestinal health as the absence of chronic disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, this is too restrictive. The increasing frequency of digestive functional disorders, including non-ulcer dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), justifies an enlargement of a definition that includes intestinal well-being and the overall impact on quality of life including reduction of disease risk. Some animal studies are required to investigate this concept. The intestinal microflora has been linked with a number of intestinal diseases including colon cancer, (IBS) and IBD however few details of their involvement have been elucidated. Since colon cancer and IBD can lead to extreme therapeutic approaches, including surgical excision, clarification of the role of the microflora in these diseases may significantly reduce morbidity.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

5.Probiotics in Pediatrics

Presenting global evidence for their utility in children, Prof. Sherman illustrated that evidence through randomized controlled trails have demonstrated that certain probiotic strains are more effective than placebo in a variety of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Multiple meta-analyses indicate effectiveness in reducing the duration of acute enteritis in pre-schoolers and in reducing the frequency of necrotizing enterocolitis in pre-term babies. As probiotics exist naturally in some foods and are also available as dietary supplements in powder, capsule, and tablet forms. In 2002, the industry secured FDA designation of specific strains of B. lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus as substances generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in milk-based formulas for infants aged 4 months and older. Most probiotic bacteria are similar to the beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in the gut, including those of the Lactobacillus species (eg, L. acidophilus). Infants acquire other bacteria during their first months, mainly those of the Bifidobacterium and Enterobacter species. Bifidobacterium species dominate in the gut of breast-fed infants, whereas Enterobacter microbes dominate in bottle-fed infants. This difference in species, which has been identified as key to breast-fed infants superior immunity to many infections, has spurred much of the medical and pediatric communities interest in probiotics. Infant formula manufacturers have also taken interest.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

6. Probiotics in Animal Health

The use of probiotics for farm animals has increased considerably over the last 15 years. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which can confer a health benefit for the host when administered in appropriate and regular quantities. Once ingested, the probiotic microorganisms can modulate the balance and activities of the gastrointestinal microbiota, whose role is fundamental to gut homeostasis. It has been demonstrated that numerous factors, such as dietary and management constraints, can strongly affect the structure and activities of the gut microbial communities, leading to impaired health and performance in livestock animals. Probiotic microorganisms, which benefit from a natural image, can expect a promising future in animal nutrition. Controlled research studies demonstrate that they can positively balance gastrointestinal microbiota, and thereby improve animal production and health. However, care must be taken in the way that the probiotic candidate-strains are selected. Better knowledge of the structure and activities of the gut microbiota, functional interactions between gut microbes and interrelationships between microbes and host cells represent a fundamental aspect of future probiotic research. In this context new omic technologies will be very helpful to better characterize and understand the effects of probiotics on the balance of the gastrointestinal microbiota. It will be possible to select more powerful or targeted strains on a scientific basis and follow their behaviour in the host animal. Thanks to these techniques, which are complimentary to anaerobic culture methods and gnotobiotic animal or cellular models, probiotic research has had, and will also certainly have in the future, a very important place in the improvement of animal health and nutrition.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

7. Plant Probiotics

The increasing interest in the preservation of the environment and the health of consumers is changing production methods and food consumption habits. Consumers increasingly demand safe functional foods that have beneficial properties for health mainly focused on the protection against carcinogenesis and oxidative processes. The consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables containing bioactive compounds has increased considerably in recent years and many studies have been carried out on the potential benefits of such compounds in different aspects of human health. At the same time, there has been a strong increase in studies addressing the benefits of biofertilization for plants and the environment. In this sense plant promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) able to colonize the inside of plants tissues are especially interesting. These beneficial microorganisms are plant probiotics and promote the plant growth through different direct mechanisms such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and the production of different compounds such as phytohormones or indirect mechanisms such as the production of siderophores. To achieve both aims, the promotion of plant growth and the benefits for human health, it is necessary to use non-pathogenic microorganisms in biofertilization schemes.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

8.Probiotics in Aquaculture

Aquaculture is the world's fastest growing food production sector. However, fish culture is currently suffering from serious losses due to infectious diseases. The use of antimicrobial drugs, pesticides and disinfectant in aquaculture disease prevention and growth promotion has led to the evolution of resistant strains of bacteria. Thus, the research into the use of probiotics for aquaculture is increasing with the demand for environment friendly sustainable aquaculture. The benefits of such supplements include improved feed value, enzymatic contribution to digestion, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic activity, and increased immune response. These probiotics are harmless bacteria that help the well-being of the host animal and contribute, directly or indirectly to protect the host animal against harmful bacterial pathogens. The use of probiotics in aquaculture has just begun, due to the fact that gastrointestinal microbiota of aquatic organisms has been poorly characterized, and their effects are not studied extensively.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

9.Probioceuticals: Probiotic- Derived Factors

Probiotic-derived factors have been described as capable of exerting probiotic activities through various mechanisms. However, it is important to distinguish between the concept of probiotic, which is necessarily based on the ingestion of live microorganisms, and the concept of microorganism-derived bioactive compounds that may have useful applications in nutrition and medicine. Bioactive compounds of bacterial or yeast origin, (antibiotics, for example), have been utilized in medicine for decades. Although there are many bacteria-derived products capable of inducing a health benefit, the concept of probiotic is only attributed to microorganisms administered as viable forms, providing the opportunity for a symbiotic relationship between the host, and resident, or in-transit, microorganisms. Secreted probiotic factors, such as reuterin from Lactobacillus reuteri, have been reported to inhibit adhesion and viability of known enteric pathogens, suggesting that probiotic supernatants could be a rich source of new antipathogenic compounds. In an in vitro study in human gastric epithelial cells, spent culture supernatants from certain lactic acid producing bacteria inhibited the growth and attachment of Helicobacter pylori. Roselli et al. demonstrated that supernatants of Bifidobacterium animalis MB5 and Lactobacillus GG could inhibit adhesion of E. coli K88 to Caco-2 cells, with the supernatant exerting identical beneficial effects following protease digestion, suggesting that proteins were not the active constituent.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

10. Probiotic Delivery Systems

Since probiotic-containing products in general do not require Food and Drug Administration approval, they are commonly available in the market in various food formats such as fermented milk, cheese, yogurt and juice. In recent years, probiotics have been extensively studied as a treatment option of various diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus infection, irritable bowel syndrome. Due to probiotics vulnerability to several environmental factors such as temperature and pH, maintaining the viability of probiotics has long been a hurdle to develop successful probiotic delivery systems. Hence to overcome these hurdles in probiotic delivery methods like encapsulation of materials and recent probiotic delivery technologies are being commonly used. Microencapsulation technologies have been developed to protect the bacteria from damage caused by external environment. By the introduction of a straw delivery system containing a dry form of the probiotic bacterium beverage manufacturers can now provide it to the consumer. In addition, viable spores of a spore forming probiotic are available in the market offering advantages during processing. In the same time, the potential of antibiotics substances with antimicrobial properties production by bifidobacteria is being explored in order to be applied in the food area.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

11. Traditional Therapies of Probiotics

There is an increasing scientific and commercial interest in the use of beneficial microorganisms, or "probiotics," for the prevention and treatment of disease. The microorganisms most frequently used as probiotic agents are lactic-acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), which has been extensively studied in recent literature. Multiple mechanisms of action have been postulated, including lactose digestion, production of antimicrobial agents, competition for space or nutrients, and immunomodulation. Studies of pediatric diarrhoea show substantial evidence of clinical benefits from probiotic therapy in patients with viral gastroenteritis, and data on LGG treatment for Clostridium difficile diarrhoea appear promising. However, data to support use of probiotics for prevention of traveler's diarrhoea are more limited. New research suggests potential applications in vaccine development and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Further studies are needed to take full advantage of this traditional medical approach and to apply it to the infectious diseases.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

12. Functional Foods

Overwhelming evidence from epidemiological, in vivo, in vitro, and clinical trial data indicates that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of chronic disease, particularly cancer. In 1992, a review of 200 epidemiological studies showed that cancer risk in people consuming diets high in fruits and vegetables was only one-half that in those consuming few of these foods. It is now clear that there are components in a plant-based diet other than traditional nutrients that can reduce cancer risk. Functional foods containing physiologically-active components, either from plant or animal sources, may enhance health. It should be stressed, however, that functional foods are not a magic bullet or universal panacea for poor health habits. There are no good or bad foods, but there are good or bad diets. The range of food products containing probiotic strains is wide and still growing. The main products existing in the market are dairy-based ones including fermented milks, cheese, ice cream, buttermilk, milk powder, and yogurts, the latter accounting for the largest share of sales. The functional food market is expanding, especially in Japan its birthplace with further growth prospects in Europe and the United States and in most countries the largest share of its products is held by probiotics. Common foods containing probiotics include fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices, smoothies, nutrition bars, and soy drinks. The most common strains found in yogurt are L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus.

13. Beneficial aspects of Prebiotics

Prebiotics are non-digestible, fermentable carbohydrates and fibers, such as inulin-type frucans and galacto-oligosaccharides, which exhibit health promoting properties to host through selective stimulation of growth and/or activities of a limited number of bacteria (i.e., probiotics). Human milk contains substantial quantities of prebiotics. There is a paucity of Random Clinical Trials examining prebiotics in children, showing that there may be some long-term benefit of prebiotics for the prevention of atopic eczema and common infections in healthy infants for which confirmatory well-designed clinical research studies are necessary.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 207Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

14. Regulation and Product Development

Depending on intended use of a probiotic (drug vs. dietary supplement), regulatory requirements differ greatly. If a probiotic is intended for use as a drug, then it must undergo the regulatory process as a drug, which is similar to that of any new therapeutic agent. Despite the promising evidence, the role of probiotics in human health as well as the safety of their application should be further investigated as the current knowledge of the characteristics that are necessary for their functionality in the gut is not complete. The factors that must be addressed in evaluating the effectiveness of the incorporation of the probiotic strains into such products are, besides safety, the compatibility of the product with the microorganism and the maintenance of its viability through food processing, packaging, and storage conditions. The products pH for instance is a significant factor determining the incorporated probiotics survival and growth, and this is one of the reasons why soft cheeses seem to have a number of advantages over yoghurt as delivery systems for viable probiotics to the gastrointestinal tract. Current technological innovations provide ways to overcome probiotic stability and viability issues offering new options for their incorporation in new media and subsequent satisfaction of the increasing consumer demand. The safety profile of a potential probiotic strain is of critical importance in the selection process. This testing should include the determination of strain resistance to a wide variety of common classes of antibiotics such as tetracyclines, quinolones and macrolides and subsequent confirmation of non-transmission of drug resistance genes or virulence plasmids. Evaluation should also take the end-product formulation into consideration because this can induce adverse effects in some subjects or negate the positive effects altogether. A better understanding of the potential mechanisms whereby probiotic organisms might cause adverse effects will help to develop effective assays that predict which strains might not be suitable for use in probiotic products.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

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Probiotics Conferences | Europe | Asia | USA | Middle East ...

Times of Malta New BSc (Hons) in Medical Biochemistry – Times of Malta

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The University of Maltas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the Faculty of Science are offering a new full-time Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Biochemistry.

Medical biochemistry is the interface between cellular and molecular biology, and between medicine and chemistry. It is the study of how the human body functions, the molecular changes that result in disease and how this knowledge may be applied to the development of therapeutic agents and diagnostic technologies.

The course will offer students an opportunity to learn through theory and practical sessions, current topics in the areas of DNA technology, molecular genetics, protein chemistry, cell-signalling, cancer biology, haematology, immunology, gene therapy, neuroscience, bioinformatics, molecular modelling, drug design, molecular pharmacology, cellular differentiation and embryology, statistical analysis, scientific writing and presentation skills. Students will also learn the basic skills to set up and market a business venture in the field of bioscience and biotechnology.

For more information about the course visit the link below.

For further details e-mail Dr Therese Hunter on [emailprotected].

http://www.um.edu.mt/ms/overview/UBSCHMDBFT-2017-8-O

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Times of Malta New BSc (Hons) in Medical Biochemistry - Times of Malta

PHOTOS: Anatomy of a wave – WJLA

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by World Entertainment News Network

Incredible images have revealed the anatomy of a wave after one brave photographer risked life and limb to slip under the waves and capture them from behind as they broke. (Don Hurzeler/mediadrumworld.com/WENN)

Incredible images have revealed the anatomy of a wave after one brave photographer risked life and limb to slip under the waves and capture them from behind as they broke.

The stunning underwater shots show violent vortices venting from the collapsing tube of a breaking wave, and the backside of a breaking wave, which can either look like a mirror or act as a window when the wave is very thin.

Other amazing pictures show the more traditional view of a breaking wave as the camera points down the tube while surfers and swimmers are pictured trying to ride or avoid the waves.

The spectacular snaps were taken at Kua Bay, Hawaii by author and photographer Don Hurzeler, 70, from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, who explained just how dangerous this type of photography can be.

I've been run over by surfers on boards, swept by currents onto the rocks, said Hurzeler.

Ive had run-ins with large sharks, had the camera and housing bounce off the sand so hard it broke everything, hurt my back repeatedly by being pounded into the sand and had to stop taking photos to rescue visitors to our island who had ventured out into the wrong spot at the wrong time.

Ive nearly bit through my tongue, broke ribs, toes, fingers, have been in surf so large I did not think I would ever make it back to the beach and have stepped on spiny sea urchins, sharp coral, sharp rocks and jellyfish, he added.

I have been run into by sizable turtles who got caught up in a wave - those shells turn out to be quite sharp when they run into you - and scared out of my mind by a 600-pound endangered monk seal that swam right under me just before sunup the other day. Other than that, no problems.

To take the photos Hurzeler swims out with his camera in one hand and swims in place, or stands if in shallow water, as a wave approaches.

He tries to duck down and slip under the oncoming wave. If hes not successful he gets dragged over the top of the wave, slammed into the sand or coral and then dragged underwater like a "rag doll in a spin cycle of a washer."

Shooting photos of the backside or underneath of a breaking wave allows me to share a sight that few people get to see directly, he said.

I feel that the images range from beautiful textures, shapes and colors to otherworldly captures.

The shot of a wave breaking is familiar to virtually everyone. An underwater shot of several vortices venting from the collapsing tube of a breaking wave is of a process most people never even knew exists.

And the shots of the underwater backside of the tube as it is breaking can range from nearly a mirror to a colorful textured cylinder.

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‘Anatomy of Innocence’ describes incalculable injustices – Press Herald

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An unstated yet central premise of Anatomy of Innocence: Testimonies of the Wrongfully Convicted, is that anyone anyone can be sent to prison for murder.

In the United States, this injustice falls preponderantly on people who are black. But as the stories in this book underscore, no one is immune. The snare of wrongful conviction can steal years and decades from the lives of daycare moms, law students, small business managers, and people innocently sitting in their car watching the ocean.

Anatomy of Innocence pairs the Kafkaesque experiences of 15 exonerated individuals with pedigreed writers who tell their stories. The list of contributors include Maines own international best-selling espionage author Gayle Lynds, writing here with her husband, John Sheldon, a former defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge; Lee Child, author of the popular Jack Reacher thriller series; and the late Pulitzer- and Tony-Award winner, playwright Arthur Miller, who years ago wrote an essay published here for the first time about a wrongfully convicted teenager. The books introduction is by best-selling legal thriller novelist Scott Turow.

The series of profiles follows a loose progression of events that typify the hellish journey through the penal system. Each profile focuses on one or two defining aspects of the journey, from what it feels like to be picked up, interrogated, tried and convicted, to imprisonment and the struggle to maintain hope and sanity against long odds, and finally to being exonerated and freed.

Esteemed mystery writer Sara Paretsky, tells of the cruel injustice that befell David Bates, a Chicago teenager, in 1983 in The Trip to Doty Road: the Interrogation. Bates ordeal started when detectives and uniformed officers showed up at his home, held a gun to his mothers head and told her they needed to take her son in, just to ask him some questions.

Thus began a 24-hour interrogation, marked by brutality and terrorizing. In the early hours, Bates thought, what they were doing didnt seem criminal at first, it just seemed part of the territory, of being a black kid on the South Side. He was slapped, kicked and punched. He wasnt allowed to use the bathroom. He was suffocated with a plastic bag. The real horror, however, was the threat that if he didnt confess, the tag team of officers would take him to the end of Doty Road on the edge of Chicago to the city trash dump, and you wont be coming back.

They promised him if he signed a confession, they would let him go home. They coached him what to say. The forced confession, Child writes, destroyed part of Davids sense of who he was. Instead of going home, he went to prison for 11 years. More than 20 years later, he was exonerated and released. He still carries body memories of his torture. There are days where he cant walk, Paretsky writes. The powerlessness he felt at his torturers hands sweeps through is body, paralyzing him.

In The Fortune Cookie: The Lessons Learned, Lee Child recounts the case of ex-Marine Kirk Bloodsworth, convicted and sentenced to death for raping and bashing in a 9-year-old girls head until she was lifeless. When torn and bloodied and pulped 9-year-old corpses turn up in small towns all bets are off, Child writes. Two little boys whod been near where the crime occurred provided descriptions of a man theyd seen nearby. After the artists sketch was broadcast, Kirk was fingered by a disgruntled neighbor as being the killer. Kirk suspected that the boys were coached in their testimony at his trial. Despite having numerous individuals corroborating his alibi, he was convicted.

Bloodsworth viewed his incarceration in a Maryland prison as captivity, and he drew on his Marine prisoner-of-war training to endure it. Hed loved Triumph motorcycles, and during his 10 years in prison, he endlessly disassembled one in his mind, cleaned and oiled the parts, then reassembled it. Evidence was eventually retested using DNA analysis, then a new and relatively little used technology. In 1993, Kirk became the first person on death row to be freed in the country based on such analysis.

A Study in Sisyphus: Serving Time, tell the story of Audrey Edmunds, a middle-class, stay-at-home mom who was accused and convicted of the death of a 7-month-old baby she cared in her home in Waunakee, Wisconsin. Gayle Lynds and John Sheldon tell the story of how an autopsy showed cranial bleeding, pointing toward shaken baby syndrome. Edmunds was convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Lying awake in the middle of the night in her prison bunk, Edmunds was plagued by the uncontrollable endless cycle of emotions (how) fear of the guards turned into anger at them, which triggered anger at how the prosecutor had attacked her at trial, which recalled her disbelief at the verdict, and the pain of pubic disgrace, and how unjust the punishment was, and the horror of losing her family, missing (her husband), heartache for her children, despair that her prison time was passing so slowly an on, and on, and over again.

Through it all, hope was the best anesthetic for Audreys wheeling emotions. But hope often dimmed. An appeal was denied. Her husband divorced her, seeking sole custody of the children so he wouldnt have to take them to see her. She kept to herself, did her work and was a model prisoner. The Wisconsin Innocence Project took up her case, but advancement was intermittent due to law students working on her case leaving at the end of the year. She was told at a parole review hearing that if she would confess, the time to the next hearing would be shortened. But she refused. She did not want to have child murderer seared on her forever, poisoning her relationship with everyone, especially her children.

Eventually, a circuit court of appeals granted her a new trail. Substantial new medical evidence called into doubt the reliability of shaken baby syndrome. The court ruled that the original trial judges decision denying a retrial was an abuse of his discretion. Today, Aubrey Edmunds lives quietly in a small Wisconsin town, enjoying her reunification with her four grown children.

A theme running through many of the profiles in the collection is the faith against long odds that justice would win out one day. Another common thread is the work many of the exonerees do after their release on behalf of innocent people who are still imprisoned.

The Anatomy of Innocence is a harrowing account of injustice and a tribute to the strength and resiliency of ordinary individuals facing cruel, dehumanizing circumstances. The book is also a tribute to those who work on behalf of their exoneration.

In 2013, U.S. prisons held 2.2 million prisoners representing 25 percent of incarcerated people worldwide, making America the worlds leading jailer. It is impossible to know how many individuals now incarcerated are innocent, but estimates start around 5 percent. At minimum, thats 110,000 people.

Whatever the number, its an incalculable assault on personal dignity. The foreclosed hopes and dreams not to mention lost moments of tenderness and intimacy with loved ones of innocent people punished for crimes they did not commit is nothing short of an American tragedy.

Frank O Smith is a Maine writer whose novel, Dream Singer, was named a Notable Book of the Year in Literary Fiction by Shelf Unbound, an international review magazine. His novel was also a finalist for the PEN/Bellwether Prize, created by best-selling novelist Barbara Kingsolver in support of a literature of social change. Smith can be reached via his website:

frankosmithstories.com

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'Anatomy of Innocence' describes incalculable injustices - Press Herald

‘NCIS,’ ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘SNL’ end seasons – Orlando Sentinel

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The last full week of the 2016-17 TV season means a slew of season finales.

NCIS, TVs most-watched drama, closes its 14th season at 8 p.m. Tuesday on CBS. The story sends Gibbs (Mark Harmon), the newly married McGee (Sean Murray) and Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) off to Paraguay to hunt for a missing Navy SEAL.

Greys Anatomy wraps up its 13th season with the hospital in jeopardy. A trailer for the episode Ring of Fire, at 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC, resembles The Towering Inferno. The last episode suggested that Dr. Stephanie Edwards (Jerrika Hinton) is no longer with us after trying to stop a madman. We applaud her courage, but her methods were ill-advised.

Scandal closes its sixth season with two hours at 9 p.m. Thursday on ABC. President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn) ends his presidency with a series of changes, and Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young) prepares to become the first female president. Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) works furiously to ensure the president-elects safety.

The Blacklist wraps up its fourth season with two hours at 9 p.m. Thursday on NBC.

Modern Family finishes its eighth season with the high-school graduations of Manny and Luke at 9 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.

Designated Survivor closes its first season with Agent Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) trying to stop another attack by the terrorists. The White House drama airs at 10 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.

More finales

Monday: Man With a Plan and Scorpion on ABC, Quantico on ABC.

Tuesday: NCIS: New Orleans on CBS, Chicago Fire on NBC, The Middle, American Housewife, Fresh Off the Boat on ABC.

Wednesday: Blindspot and Chicago P.D. on NBC.

Thursday: Supernatural on The CW.

Friday: Undercover Boss on CBS, The Toy Box on ABC.

Reality series: Dancing With the Stars and The Voice deliver their semifinals at 8 p.m. Monday. The final four couples each deliver two routines on DWTS before the field is reduced to the final three on ABC. The Voice delivers this weeks results at 8 p.m. Tuesday on NBC. Both high-rated series wrap up their seasons May 23.

Survivor continues its 34th season at 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS. The finale will play out over three hours on May 24, the final night of the TV season.

More highlights

Antiques Roadshow starts its three episodes filmed last summer in Orlando at 8 p.m. Monday on PBS. The other episodes screen May 22 and 29.

If you enjoy colorized Lucy Ricardo, youre getting a new I Love Lucy special at 9 p.m. Friday on CBS. The episodes feature a singing-and-dancing Van Johnson (to How About You?) and a merry-making Harpo Marx.

Robert De Niro reminds you why hes considered one of the worlds greatest actors with a devastating performance as disgraced financier Bernie Madoff in The Wizard of Lies at 8 p.m. Saturday on HBO.

If youre not hearing enough politics, CNN offers a town hall with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., at 9 p.m. Monday. A town hall debate between Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Gov. John Kasich, D-Ohio, follows at 9 p.m. Tuesday on CNN.

Saturday Night Live could turn those events into a skit for its season finale at 11:30 p.m. Saturday on NBC. Dwayne Johnson will host, and Katy Perry will be the musical guest. Ive got a hunch well hear Perrys "Chained to the Rhythm." And why not? Its a great song.

hboedeker@orlandosentinel.com

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The Anatomy of a Bogus North Korea Story – AlterNet

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Photo Credit: Astrelok / Shutterstock.com

Reports involving Official US Enemies, especially North Korea, grow more distorted and scarier with each re-telling in the media. This is a distortion process honed by our media over the decades of US imperial saber-rattling and military build-up since the 1950s.

What begins as a hyper-qualified, even sober analysis, is laundered through initial reports and subsequent reports and more reports and finds its way on the airwaves of Fox News, ultimately morphing into a whole new media creature, rounded up to the scariest interpretation of facts with each link in the media chain and ending with an almost apocalyptic fervor.

One recent such example was so egregious and naked it bears special mention. What started out as an exercise in idle speculation by an obscure geopolitical research firm, within a week, morphed into a major story featured on Fusion, the LA Times, and Fox News.

Small Virginia-based security contractor Strategic Sentinel noticed that on Google Earth some islands had emerged off the coast of North Korea and decided to speculate as to what their purposes was in a May 1st article in The Diplomata respected foreign policy magazine focusing on Asia-Pacific affairs. One of those purposes, of course, was military. The piece hedged a lot but effectively ran with the premise that the islands North Korea was building were largely to house missiles and for sinister military application.

Theres only one problem: The basis of the whole story was overreaching at best and bunk at worst. Long-time North Korea observer 38North laid out, in detail four days later why the story didnt add up:

On May 1, 2017, The Diplomat published an article by Damen Cook based on a report by Strategic Sentinel, which purported to show that the North Koreans had constructed several military facilities on small islands surrounding the city of Sohae. The methodology and conclusions in this report, however, demonstrate a lack of understanding of both North Koreas military infrastructure and recent history

In the Strategic Sentinel analysis, they suggested that a series of islands near Sohae (which is not a city) are being used for ballistic missiles (BM), anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), or surface-to-air-missiles (SAM); however, there is no credible evidence to support this claim. In fact, there is ample evidence to refute it...

As best as can be determined, it seems [Strategic Sentinel] looked at a few Google Earth satellite images (but forgot to look at the Landsat imagery) and drew conclusions based on pre-existing expectations.

The report would go on, playing down and refuting many of Cooks core claims. The entirety of which should be read.

Ryan Barenklau, Cooks partner at Strategic Sentinel, disagrees with 38Norths reading of events, telling AlterNet, he didnt find the debunking by to be fair.

I feel as if the piece has too much emotion from the writer and that the piece was a knee jerk reaction, Barenklau told AlterNet in an email. If you read the original article, you will see that we completely agree that these islands may only be for agriculture and never will be used for military purposes.

This debunking by 38Northregardless of what one thinks of its meritswas too little too late. The Diplomat added a 142-word update further qualifying their claims after being contacted by analysts from 38North (but before 38North published their rebuttal three days later). This would have little effect, North Koreas Mysterious Nuke Islands of Doom were too tempting to pass up and the media was off to the races:

Fusion: North Korea Is Building Mysterious New Islands In The Yellow Sea

LA Times: North Korea is building mysterious artificial islands that would be perfect for missile launches

The Independent:North Korea 'building mysterious artificial islands' apparently equipped with military installations

Daily Mail: North Korea 'is copying China and creating artificial islands to use as military bases

The Express: North Korea's man-made islands being primed for nuclear attacks, expert warns

Fox News: North Korea's mystery islands: Man-made keys could be new nuclear launch sites

To further hype the threat, Fox News turned to reliable North Korea fear-monger Gordon Chang--who's carved out quite a career rounding up to the most dire assessment of North Koreas actions. He fed Fox News the expected red state red meat, complete with a gratuitous book plug:

While their purpose is unknown, suspicions are high that the islands could be used to launch missiles. Those speculations are not far off the mark, according to Gordon Chang, author of Nuclear Showdown: North Korea Takes on the World.

North Korea is never up to any good, Chang said in an emailed statement to Fox News. The new facilities, whatever their purpose, will be used for evil deeds, mischief, or troublemaking of some sort.

My sense is that the facilities on the new islands will be used for missile launches of some kind, especially because they are near Sohae.

In less than a week, an analysis that began as qualified speculationeven if overreachingmorphed into a full blown media panic. Grainy, decontextualized Google Earth images were enough to justify bold claims about a sinister Bond Villain-like plot to menace East Asia.

I do not like the way the media has been reporting this article, Strategic Sentinels Ryan Barenklau told AlterNet. The original purpose of this article was to examine islands that were being built up by DPRK and theorize if they could be used for military purposes, how would DPRK go about doing that. I definitely disagree with how Fox News has taken the article.

Strategic Sentinel did, however lend quotes the LA Times article that while more qualified than Fox News, was so only in degree not substance. One problem is that government contractors writing reports and providing quotes for respected publications like The Times is that these analyses often double as marketing efforts. Indeed, the LA Times story is currently Strategic Sentinels pinned tweet. And don't let their .org url fool you, Strategic Sentinel is a pro-profit defense contractor thatwhile currently without anyis more than open federal government contracts.

When it comes to marketing. I would definitely like to think that these articles show potential clients what we are capable of doing, Strategic Sentinels Ryan Barenklau told AlterNet. Any marketing that we do get from the pieces I am happy with, but I personally make it my mission not to hype anything. I do not want my company to be known as partisan or having ulterior agendas.

Nevertheless, here we are. The average media consumer isnt going to follow the links and parse all the nuance. 60% of Americans get their news from headlinesand North Korea Building Islands for Bombs is all theyre going to come away with it. This is consistent with what well call the North Korea Law of Journalism, which states that the editorial standards are inversely proportional to a country's Enemy Status as it relates to the U.S. State Department.

Because North Korea is seenfairly or notas the baddies, journalists can always round up to the most speculative, ungenerous reading of their actions and get away with it. There is no pro-North Korean public relations firm thatll call up the editor at The Diplomat or LA Times. No AIPAC like Israel has, no US government PR rep like the CIA does, no Gulf-funded think tank to run spin for the Qataris. Given these conditions, any story about North Korea can spread without challenge, because, frankly whos going to object?

One common rejoinder to this line of criticism is that North Korea, by its very nature, is difficult to report on and so more leaps must be taken. But this begs the question. There is no law of nature saying reporters have to idly speculate on the internal affairs of North Korea, especially given the way in which that speculation
will be weaponized by a rightwing media perpetually eager for war. Those operating in the space should factor this in, and do their best not to feed the media beast, lest a bogus North Korea story spread unchecked with their names all over it.

Adam Johnson is a contributing analyst at FAIR and contributing writer for AlterNet. Follow him on Twitter @AdamJohnsonNYC.

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The Anatomy of a Bogus North Korea Story - AlterNet

Style anatomy: Imara Hashwani – The Express Tribune

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The owner of Wholesome Foods, and blogger behind Imara Doesnt Cook, shares her style transformation

The owner of Wholesome Foods, and blogger behind Imara Doesnt Cook, shares her style transformation. From wearing bulky boots and sweaters in chilly Montreal to moving to Karachi and adopting a more understated and chic sense of style, this emerging fashionista shares it all!

Understanding your body is the key to looking good and a trait found amongst all impeccably dressed fashionistas. While people shy away from talking about their bodies, these brave souls explain how they work their anatomies to their advantage.

How would you describe your body type?

I would describe my body type as petite.

Has your body type changed over the last five years?

From the time I started university, I had been carrying around my freshman 15 weight, until just over a year ago. However, over the last year I made an effort to become fit by making exercise part of my lifestyle, which in turn has helped me to become lean and toned.

How has your style changed over the years?

Considering I was living in Montreal for four years, where the weather was extremely cold or chilly for majority of the year, I felt restricted and demotivated when it came to dressing. However, after moving back to Karachi, my style has changed. From wearing boots, oversized sweatshirts and scarves I am now more simple and chic, and prefer a clean look.

In your opinion what is your most troublesome area?

Over the years, I have grown to accept my body the way it is, while focusing on exercising to make myself stronger.

How do you dress your body according to your body type?

Since I am lean, I enjoy wearing ripped or skinny jeans. When wearing them, I have the option of going for either a casual or a slightly trendy look.

In your opinion what is the biggest mistake a person can make while dressing here?

I believe that fashion is a form of art and allows for creativity enabling one to have a unique identity. The biggest mistake anyone can make while dressing up is not being authentic to that means of expression. I think it is essential for people to dress according to what they love and feel most comfortable in. When you follow that motto, confidence comes naturally.

Which silhouettes suit your body the most?

Silhouettes that are neither too loose nor too fitted.

What is the one piece of clothing that you shy away from wearing and why?

I dont necessarily shy away from any particular clothing, however, my fashion pet peeves are feeling too tight in my outfit and wearing materials that can be sharp on my skin. I physically need to feel comfortable in everything that I wear.

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Style anatomy: Imara Hashwani - The Express Tribune

Extreme Genetic Engineering and the Human Future

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On the eve of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences and Medicine International Summit on Human Gene Editing, the Center for Genetics and Society and Friends of the Earth released a new report Extreme Genetic Engineering and the Human Future: Reclaiming Emerging Biotechnologies for the Common Good.

Read thefull reportor theexecutive summary.

Read the news release.

Summary: Recent research in genetic engineering and synthetic biology has enabled scientists to artificially redesign life --everything from microbes to people. Amid the breakneck speed of recent developments in genetic engineering and synthetic biology that could be used to alter human DNA, this report examines health, regulatory, social and ethical questions about proposals ranging from genetically altering human gut bacteria to implementing germline editing --altering human embryos and reproductive cells to produce permanent, hereditary genetic modification of future children and generations. It also examines the systemic and commercial incentives to rush newly discovered biotechnologies to market, regardless of their social utility and ahead of appropriate, transparent assessment and oversight.

The report calls for:

Background Emerging biotechnologies are enabling researchers and corporations to control and manipulate the basic building blocks of life. The impacts of these technologies are already rippling through society, as corporations patent our genes and those of other organisms.

Researchers hail synthetic biology --a new set of extreme genetic engineering techniques --as the future of manufacturing, engineering and medicine. Some of these techniques have also brought the prospect of genetically engineered humans closer to reality.

In April 2015, researchers from Sun Yat-sen University reported that they had used gene editing techniques to alter human embryos, the first time in history this is known to have occurred. In September 2015, a group of six major UK research funders and the Hinxton Group, an international consortium on stem cells and ethics, both released statements advocating for gene editing research in human embryos.

Recent genetic engineering discussions have focused on CRISPR/Cas9, a molecular complex intended to edit a genome by cutting out and/or splicing in parts of DNA sequences. This technique (which is not yet perfected, but is rapidly being refined) has been promoted as a promising tool to prevent genetic diseases. But, if used to modify embryos, it could result in permanent, heritable changes to future generations.

Risks and concerns There are significant scientific, environmental, health and ethical challenges to the human applications of synthetic biology, which currently include reengineering the human microbiome, gene drives, xenotransplantation and gene editing.

Prominent individuals and organizations, including some scientists working in the field, have expressed deep concerns about the unforeseen consequences that human applications of genetic engineering could have. Some believe there are lines that should not be crossed, especially attempts to create genetically modified human beings (sometimes called "designer babies"), and suggest that the risks to individuals and to society will never be worth any supposed benefit. Others argue that if its "safe," anything goes. A few even hypothesize that humanity will have a moral duty to genetically "enhance" our children if the technology and underpinning genetics progress.

Using gene editing at the request of health-impacted patients with specific diseases, often referred to as somatic gene therapy, may be acceptable, if it is feasible, proven safe and the patient understands implications of such procedures. But using the same techniques to modify embryos in order to make permanent changes to future generations and to our common genetic heritage --the human germline as it is known --is far more problematic. It is exceedingly difficult to justify on medical grounds, and carries enormous risks, both for individuals and society. The advent of human germline genetic engineering could lead to the development of new forms of social inequality, discrimination and conflict. Among the risks of heritable genetic modification is the possibility of a modern version of eugenics, with human society being divided into genetic haves and have-nots.

Lack of regulation Friends of the Earth believes that everyone needs to be aware of these new society-changing technologies and be able to engage in decisions about what is safe, ethical and beneficial.

Despite the outstanding environmental, safety and ethical concerns, the synthetic biology market is expected to reach close to $39 billion by 2020. Already products of synthetic biology, such as synthetic biology-derived vanillin, stevia and oils, are entering food and consumer products ahead of independent environmental and safety assessments, oversight and labeling --a worrying precedent for human applications.

Dozens of countries, including those with the most highly developed biotechnology sectors, have explicitly banned heritable human genetic modification, as has the Council of Europes binding 1997 Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine. However, many countries, including the U.S., have not already enacted such a prohibition.

Friends of the Earth reiterates the call in "Principles for the Oversight of Synthetic Biology," signed by 116 civil society groups from around the world, for a prohibition on the use of gene editing and synthetic biology to manipulate the human germline; for safeguards to be implemented to protect public health and the environment from the novel risks of synthetic biology; and open, meaningful and full public participation in decisions regarding its uses. Countries that have not already adopted laws prohibiting the creation of genetically modified human beings, especially including the United States, should do so as soon as possible.

Further information on this topic and recommendations are outlined in the new report "Extreme Genetic Engineering and the Human Future."

Gene patents Synthetic biology techniques and applications for human engineering raise significant questions about intellectual property rights and the ownership of DNA.

About 20 percent of the human genome has already been patented by corporations and scientists, granting companies ownership and sole access to these fundamental building blocks of life. Gene patents are dangerous and unfair: They give corporations monopolies over potentially live-saving research and treatments that are based on pieces of genetic code that have evolved naturally over millenia and are part of our common human heritage.

Scientists are only beginning to understand the complexity of the human genome. Research to date indicates that many common diseases, including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's, correlate with a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Patents on genes limit the ability of scientists and health researchers to learn more about gene-to-disease correlations and limit progress in fields that could benefit the health of all people, resulting in increasing prices for tests, impediments to alternative research and barriers to patients' access to potentially life-saving technology. As we've seen in the case of patents on two genes that correlate to increased risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer, gene patents can also prevent patients from receiving second opinions on genetic diagnostic tests.

Friends of the Earth is working to ban the patenting of human genes and all genes that occur naturally on our planet. Our current focus is passing a bill in Congress that would end this practices in the U.S. by reinforcing a fundamental principle of patent law -- that patents only apply to new, non-obvious products that do not already occur in nature. Decoding genetic material is akin to figuring out the composition of water. Both water and genetic material are common goods th
at occur naturally. Neither should be patentable.

In a June 2013 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that human genes are may no longer be patented, invalidating the existing patents for over 20 percent of the human genome. Friends of the Earth, represented by the Center for Food Safety, had submitted an amici brief arguing that naturally occurring genes, DNA and cDNA must not be patentable. This marked a huge victory on the issue only apply to new, non-obvious products that do not already occurring in nature.

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Extreme Genetic Engineering and the Human Future

After Mosquitos, Moths Are the Next Target For Genetic Engineering – Discover Magazine (blog)

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Diamondback moths. (Credit: Oxitec)

Though genetically modified crops may steal the spotlight, similarly reprogrammed insects may have just as big an effect on the agricultural industry.

Biotechnology company Oxitec is moving forward withplans to develop genetically engineered diamondback moths in an attempt to reduce populations of the invasive crop pest. Their plan is to release males that will pass on a gene preventing female offspring from reaching maturity and reproducing, which they say will eventually eradicate the moths in North America. Tests have so far been positive, although there are still worries about the prospect of releasing genetically modified organisms into the wild.

Currently, pesticides are used to control the moths, which are responsible for an estimated $5 billion worth of damage every year in the U.S. An invasive species, the diamondback moth originated in Europe, but has proved difficult to control since appearing the U.S. due to short gestation times and the large numbers of eggs females lay at once. Oxitec says that their technique is preferable to pesticides, as the moths have proven capable of evolving resistance to the compounds in the past, and most carry some risk to the environment and human health.

Oxitec cites a USDAanalysis that found no risk of significant impact in an earlier test of the GM moths as evidence that their technique is safe, but the prospect of GM insects raisesfears that the moths may proliferate beyond targeted areasand cause impacts on the broader ecology. Similar techniques have been applied before, reaching as far back as the 1950s when sterile screwworm flies were released in Florida, effectively eliminating the parasitic species there. Impotent mosquitos, also manufactured by Oxitec, have been used to combat Zika in South America, andplans to implement the same procedure in Florida are underway.

The successful screwworm campaign relied on blasts of radiation to sterilize the males. Oxitecs technique uses gene editing engineering to implant males with modified DNA that ensures female caterpillars dont survive to adulthood. In the case of the moths, males need not be targeted because it is only the female caterpillars who are responsible for damaging the crops.

They say that tests of the moths, including feeding them to various animals and releasing them in greenhouses, have revealed no ill effects as a result of the genetic modification. Along with the caterpillar-killing gene, the moths are also implanted with a gene that causes them to fluoresce red under UV light, the better to identify them in the wild.

The FDA found no issues preventing the company from moving forward, but because the moths are an agricultural pest, the USDA must weigh in as well.Oxitec is currently waiting on USDA approval to conduct expanded tests at a site in New York in conjunction with Cornell University. They hope to release the moths in a contained cabbage field to see how effective their modifications are.

Most opposition to genetically modified insects is based on the prospect of altered organisms spreading beyond the areas they are released. In the case of the diamondback moth, Oxitec says that the nature of the modification, which precludes breeding, should serve to limit the spread of the GM moths, and pesticides and freezing winter conditions should take care of the rest. While there is a precedent for this kind of technique in screwworms, those insects were uniquely suited to sterilization-based population control because of their life-cycles. Moths may present additional challenges.

Kevin Esvelt, a professor at MIT and leader of the Sculpting Evolution Lab agrees that the general concept is sound: The wholepoint is to harm the next generation of organisms. And since they carry the relevant genetic construct, its necessarily going to decrease, he says. It will not persistin the environment over time as long as the genetic construct is doing what its supposed to do.

This marks a crucial difference from a gene drive, a technique often associated with genetically modifying populations. The hallmark of a gene drive is tweaking genes to increase the chances that a particular trait will be passed on to offspring. The odds are normally 50/50, but a gene drive can tilt them in favor of a particular set of genes,causing a trait to spread through a population. This is helpful when a trait is detrimental to an organisms survival and would normally be weeded out by natural selection. Gene drives havent yet been applied in the wild, though, and likely wont be for many years.

Oxitecs moths possess nosuch scale-tipping modifications that could cause the modified genes to spread across the globe, they merely pass on genetic material in the normal way. Part of this genetic material, however, has been changed to ensure that female caterpillars with the gene dont survive.

From a technical perspective its a perfectly sound approach, it probably offers fewer risks than current approaches using pesticides. In general I am a fan of usingbiology to solve ecological problems as opposed to chemistry, Esvelt says.

Still, he says that field trials are an important step in testing the efficacy and safety of any genetically modified organism. Along with careful tests, Esvelt advocates for more community involvement in the decision making process, as well attempts to reach out and communicate with critics. Although both the FDA and USDA have a period in place during which the public can comment, Esvelt says more communication should be done earlier.

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After Mosquitos, Moths Are the Next Target For Genetic Engineering - Discover Magazine (blog)

Genome Engineering Market Is Gaining Momentum with the Introduction of the Latest Technological Developments – Digital Journal

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Transparency Market Research Report Added "Genome Engineering Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023"

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/09/2017 -- Due to the presence of a small number of leading international players and few regional players, the competitive rivalry in the global genome engineering market is expected to remain moderate, reports Transparency Market Research in a new study. The market is dominated by three leading companies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, and Sangamo Biosciences, Inc. These companies together accounted for 73.5% of the overall global revenue in 2014.

The emergence of small regional players in the genome engineering market has impelled the leading companies to focus on innovative product development. They are also focused on the development of differentiated products to maintain their lead in the global as well as regional markets. To produce innovative and technologically advanced products, companies are entering into agreements with research institutes and laboratories and investing in research and development projects.

Increasing Investments by Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies to Boost Adoption of Genome Engineered Techniques

With the emergence of new trends in the treatment of genetic diseases, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms have realized the need for advanced gene editing technologies for detecting genetic anomalies. Leading firms are focusing on the mutation of cells to curb cell and genetic diseases. According to a TMR analyst, "To gain technology relating to gene editing, pharmaceutical companies are either investing in the ongoing projects of medical organizations or entering into a collaboration with them."

For instance, in October 2015, in order to develop treatments for human genetic disorders, Vertex Pharmaceuticals a cystic fibrosis drug maker, entered into an agreement with CRISPR Therapeutics, a gene editing tech company.

The increasing funding by governments and non-government organizations for genome research and technological advancements along with investments made by biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies is expected to boost the worldwide adoption of genome engineered techniques.

Rising Ethical Concerns Regarding Genetic Engineering to Hinder Industry Growth

Genetic engineering has been a topic for debate for years now after human germ-line alteration for medical purposes was considered unethical by several social, health, and religious organizations. The U.S. National Institute of Health has prohibited funding for genetic engineering of human embryos arguing against its need as it leads to complications in the human genes. Several social organizations have argued that the alteration in animal genes is likely to affect the genetic makeup of the coming generations of the animal along with reducing the lifespan of an individual genetically engineered animal.

Along with ethical issues, strict regulatory framework regarding the approval for genetically modifying a plant, human or animal genome are likely to impede the growth of the global genome engineering market.

For more information on this report, fill the form @ http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=4671

Use of Genome Engineering Technologies for Wide Range of Applications to Provide Lucrative Opportunities to Vendors

Genome engineering technologies are used for various applications such as in crop improvement. It has huge potential in homologous recombination for crop improvement in targeted gene replacement therapy. The companies operating in the global genome engineering market are focusing on capitalizing opportunities arising from the usage of genome engineering techniques in a wide range of applications. They are focusing on the modification of the existing technologies to meet the required standards of the various applications segments and gain advanced genome engineering technologies.

North America is expected to lead the global genome engineering market with revenues amounting to US$3.68 bn by the end of 2023. Cell line engineering is likely to maintain its lead among the applications segments with a revenue of US$3.32 bn by 2023.

With positive factors in dominance, the global genome engineering market is estimated to rise at a CAGR of 14.2% between 2015 and 2023. The global genome engineering market was valued at US$2.30 bn in 2015 and is estimated to touch a valuation of over US$7.21 bn by 2023.

The review is based on the findings of a TMR report titled," Genome Engineering Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023."

About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.

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For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/genome-engineering-market/release-803570.htm

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Genome Engineering Market Is Gaining Momentum with the Introduction of the Latest Technological Developments - Digital Journal

The Right to Agricultural Technology – Project Syndicate

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STANFORD In the 1960s, when biologist Paul Ehrlich was predicting mass starvation due to rapid population growth, plant breeder Norman Borlaug was developing the new crops and approaches to agriculture that would become mainstays of the Green Revolution. Those advances, along with other innovations in agricultural technology, are credited with preventing more than a billion deaths from starvation and improving the nutrition of the billions more people alive today. Yet some seem eager to roll back these gains.

Beyond saving lives, the Green Revolution saved the environment from massive despoliation. According to a Stanford University study, since 1961, modern agricultural technology has reduced greenhouse-gas emissions significantly, even as it has led to increases in net crop yields. It has also spared the equivalent of three Amazon rainforests or double the area of the 48 contiguous US states from having to be cleared of trees and plowed up for farmland. Genetically engineered crops, for their part, have reduced the use of environmentally damaging pesticides by 581 million kilograms (1.28 billion pounds), or 18.5%, cumulatively since 1996.

Surprisingly, many environmentalists are more likely to condemn these developments than they are to embrace them, promoting instead a return to inefficient, low-yield approaches. Included in the so-called agroecology that they advocate is primitive peasant agriculture, which, by lowering the yields and resilience of crops, undermines food security and leads to higher rates of starvation and malnutrition.

Promoting that lunacy, the United Nations Human Rights Council recently published a report by Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Hilal Elver that called for a global agroecology regime, including a new global treaty to regulate and reduce the use of pesticides and genetic engineering, which it labeled human-rights violations.

The UNHRC a body that includes such stalwart defenders of human rights as China, Cuba, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela usually satisfies itself by bashing Israel. But in 2000, at the Cuban governments urging, it created the post of special rapporteur on the right to food. Befitting the UNHRCs absurd composition, the first person to fill the position, the Swiss sociologist Jean Ziegler, was the co-founder and a recipient of the Muammar al-Qaddafi International Human Rights Prize.

For her part, Elver has, according to UN Watch, cited works that claim the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were orchestrated by the United States government to justify its war on Muslims. Elvers position on food reflects the same paranoid mindset. She opposes industrial food production and trade liberalization, and frequently collaborates with Greenpeace and other radical environmentalists.

Much of Elvers new UNHRC report parrots the delusional musings of organic-industry-funded nongovernmental organizations. It blames agricultural innovations like pesticides for destabilizing the ecosystem and claims that they are unnecessary to increase crop yields.

This all might be dismissed as simply more misguided UN activism. But it is just one element of a broader and more consequential effort by global NGOs, together with allies in the European Union, to advance an agroecology model, in which critical farm inputs, including pesticides and genetically engineered crop plants, are prohibited. That agenda is now being promoted through a vast network of UN agencies and programs, as well as international treaties and agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and the International Agency on Research on Cancer.

The potential damage of this effort is difficult to overstate. The UNs Food and Agriculture Organization (which hasnt yet completely succumbed to radical activists) estimates that, without pesticides, farmers would lose up to 80% of their harvests to insects, disease, and weeds. (Consider, for example, the impact of the fall armyworm, which, in the last 18 months alone, has devastated maize crops across much of Sub-Saharan Africa.) Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to radical regulatory regimes, because foreign aid is often contingent on compliance with them, though they can also reshape agriculture in the developed world, not least in the EU.

Millions of smallholder farmers in the developing world need crop protection. When they lack access to herbicides, for example, they must weed their plots by hand. This is literally backbreaking labor: to weed a one-hectare plot, farmers usually women and children have to walk ten kilometers (6.2 miles) in a stooped position. Over time, this produces painful and permanent spinal injuries. Indeed, that is why the state of California outlawed hand-weeding by agricultural workers in 2004, though an exception was made for organic farms, precisely because they refuse to use herbicides.

Depriving developing countries of more efficient and sustainable approaches to agriculture relegates them to poverty and denies them food security. That is the real human-rights violation.

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The Right to Agricultural Technology - Project Syndicate

Gene sequencing study reveals unusual mutations in endometriosis – Science Daily

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Gene sequencing study reveals unusual mutations in endometriosis
Science Daily
Using gene sequencing tools, scientists from Johns Hopkins Medicine and the University of British Columbia have found a set of genetic mutations in samples from 24 women with benign endometriosis, a painful disorder marked by the growth of uterine ...

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Gene sequencing study reveals unusual mutations in endometriosis - Science Daily

New research, plus basic care, could help cats – News-Press Now

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At the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia, genome research may help improve the health of cats.

"Continued collaboration with geneticists and veterinarians could lead to the rapid discovery of undiagnosed genetic conditions in cats," said Dr. Leslie Lyons, a professor of Comparative Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The university is studying rare feline genetic disorders. The college is involved in developing complete feline DNA sequencing to identify anomalies causing disease. This should allow clinicians to develop an effective course of treatment to improve a cat's health.

"The goal of genetic testing is to identify disease early," Lyons said, "so that effective and proactive treatment can be administered."

This research at the university has identified a gene associated with progressive retinal blindness in the African black-footed cat and a gene in the silver tabby producing a fatal disorder. These gene identifications may help to diagnose other cats and allow them to receive appropriate treatment, Lyons said.

But in the meantime, local veterinarians say feline health starts in the home.

If you want your cat to be safe, make it a house cat, according to veterinarians. Then do simple things to ensure your feline isn't becoming sick, including vaccinations for rabies, leukemia and feline respiratory diseases.

Simple things such as brushing your cat daily will decrease the number of hair balls. Experts also suggest regular litter box changes, regular feeding times and portion control to keep a cat healthy.

Avoid feeding table scraps even when a feline begs for bones, fresh eggs, dough and dairy products like milk or yogurt, said Dr. Mark Gutzmer, veterinarian and an owner of All Creatures Animal Hospital. These things may harm a cat's digestive health, he said. And cats have a tendency to become overweight, so they shouldn't have any scraps, the doctor said.

Owners should observe their feline pets and specifically check out their fur coat, skin, eyes, mouth and teeth, if they will let you, Gutzmer said.

A cat's pelt should have shinny hair with the skin being free of flakes. Eyes should be bright and clear without mucus or other substances around the edges of the eye. Cats should have bright pink gums and when looking at their back teeth.

Two other factors for observing cat health would be activity and digestion.

"A healthy young cat should be playful and active throughout a good portion of the day," said Kyle Ripperger, a veterinarian with East Hills Veterinary Clinic.

House cats, once they're comfortable with their surroundings, tend to develop a routine and owners should be familiar with it, Ripperger said.

"They kinda do the same things all the time," Ripperger said.

Any change in that routine could be significant, both doctors said.

Always let your veterinarian know of changes in a cat's behavior, such as a lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, sitting for long times in a litter box and the appearance of what seems to be depression.

Weight loss is a clue something is going on, both doctors said.

Even drinking excess water can be a sign something isn't right, Ripperger said.

And both doctors say to always bring your pet in for a yearly checkup. This may allow the doctors to get ahead of any symptoms you haven't noticed.

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New research, plus basic care, could help cats - News-Press Now

Editas Medicine Demonstrates First Achievement of In Vivo Editing in Non-human Primate Retinas – P&T Community

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Editas Medicine Demonstrates First Achievement of In Vivo Editing in Non-human Primate Retinas
P&T Community
Retinal tissue and genomic DNA were taken from within the sub-macular bleb region at six and 13 weeks and analyzed using Editas Medicine's novel sequencing method, UDiTaS, to accurately quantify all editing events. Gene editing was demonstrated to ...

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Editas Medicine Demonstrates First Achievement of In Vivo Editing in Non-human Primate Retinas - P&T Community