Monthly Archives: May 2017

Lakeland Community College chemistry prof talks teaching, learning, outreach and results – News-Herald.com

Posted on by

Its a tall order not to be inundated with smiles and laughter during one of Philip Roskos classes at Lakeland Community College.

The 49-year veteran professor, who teaches chemistry, has been a fixture at the schools Kirtland campus for some 47 years and he is, in this reporters opinion, one of the most entertaining educators this side of Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Between his genuine affinity for chemistry; his edgy, and often comical approach to teaching and the respect he has not only for the field of education and Lakeland Community College, but also for his students and the professionals they will one day become, Roskos has cultivated the kind of educational environment that makes learning genuinely fun.

Just ask some of his students.

No matter what youre doing, career-wise, you have to take his chemistry class, said Paul Price, one of Roskos chemistry lab assistants, who said Roskos has left an indelible mark on his career path. Hes probably the biggest influence in the fact that Im getting into chemistry.

Advertisement

Another lab assistant, Jamie Michaels, said Roskos passion for learning and for teaching makes him an incomparable educator.

Hes just so passionate about it, she said. And hes very selfless so humble. He would do anything for his students.

Bridgette Washburn, also one of Roskos lab assistants, said hes not the kind of teacher who looks to thin the herd, so to speak. Rather, she said, hes all about helping students prosper, no matter how they tend to learn.

Other than (teachers of) a lot of organic chemistry classes, at other colleges, hes not here to weed people out, she said. He wants us to succeed and he wants to help his students learn how they learn best.

And its that very success his students work so diligently under his tutelage to achieve that keeps the spry septuagenarian coming back for more.

Im 72 and Im still cookin! And I tell my students I say: You keep me young and Ill mature you. I will help you with your careers. I will help you mature. And they keep me young because they let me be silly.

And silly seems to work.

Just ask Price, who said he met Roskos before he even decided he wanted to get into chemistry, probably his first week on campus as a student.

Im just walking through the hallway and here comes this wild-eyed, crazy looking guy with an old-fashioned teapot thats got steam all coming out of it and he asks me: Hey would you like some tea? Price said, mimicking Roskos mad-scientist-esque countenance. So I said Sure, then he looked at me and smiled and said: You dont want any of whats in here. Its liquid nitrogen. Then he laughed and continued on down the hallway.

And thats classic Roskos, even by his own accounts.

I dont sit in my office. I dont, he said. I believe in managing by wandering around. So I wander around in the hallways and, I dont know... Sometimes I change my outfits during the day and, you know, put on a hat. We just do silly things.

He said that, for example, hell play his nonexistent brother with long hair, thanks to a cap he has with some locks sewn into it.

My name is Phil. And, sometimes, Ill come up with something like, well take a break, and Ill go back to my office and I have this hat with really long hair, because I dont have any hair... and Ill put on a jacket or something and Ill come back to class and Ill say: Phils busy and, and, uhhh, Im his brother, Bill. I got the hair. This is what keeps me going.

He said its the reliance he has on his students to learn and pass it on is another thing that keeps him going.

Hes taken that philosophy, along with his belief that Lakeland should have the most up-to-date, industry-standard tools and instruments, to such a sublime level that hes even got his students and lab assistants teaching others how to use the schools latest and greatest devices.

My plan is that I give my lab assistants and some of the students who have an interest the instructions and I say: Get the thing going, he said. And, when you get it going when you get the instrument doing what its supposed to do, you must show others.

He said thats the essence of education: To learn and pass it on.

I always want my students to be learners and teachers, he said. I want them to learn and then to pass it on. I mean, thats what humans do, isnt it?

He said it seems to do the trick, in terms of his students successes.

I mean, if you have young people, you gotta pass it on, he said. They have to learn how to pass it on. Its like a relay race. Thats my philosophy of learning by doing, then showing others your skills and passing them on. And it seems to have worked, at least according to my contact with past students.

Go here to see the original:
Lakeland Community College chemistry prof talks teaching, learning, outreach and results - News-Herald.com

Anatomy of a tragedy: Police say boy with BB gun fatally shot by officers at high school – Los Angeles Times

Posted on by

San Diego police are investigating after two officers fatally shot a 15-year-old boy Saturday morning as he stood in front of Torrey Pines High School. Police say he was holding a BB gun.

Heres how the shooting went down:

AN EARLY MORNING DISPATCH

Police received a 911 call at 3:27 a.m. asking for a welfare check, said police homicide Lt. Mike Holden. The caller said there was a kid in front of the school who someone should probably check on and stated the person was not armed, the lieutenant said.

Police believe the caller was the boy himself, Holden said.

According to police radio traffic, a dispatcher asked two officers to check the welfare of someone at the school. The person was described as a white male, 15, of medium build, wearing a gray shirt and black pants. Officers said they were there about a minute later.

THE CONFRONTATION

The two officers arrived at the school on Del Mar Heights Road about the same time and saw the teen. As they got out of their patrol cars to speak with him, he pulled a handgun that was concealed in his waistband and pointed it at one of the officers, Holden said.

Both officers drew their weapons and told the boy to drop the gun, but he continued to point the gun and walk toward the one officer, Holden said.

The teen ignored additional commands, and the officers, fearing for their safety, both fired, the lieutenant said.

The teen was struck several times.

A dispatcher acknowledged shots fired and asked if any officers were injured. One officer answered negative but said paramedics are needed now. He said he and another officer were doing CPR. Another two or three minutes passed and an officer noted that CPR was still in progress.

THE DISCOVERY

The officers immediately began life-saving measures, and the boy was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, where he died, Holden said.

The boys gun remained at the scene to be processed as evidence. Police later determined that the gun was a semi-automatic BB air pistol, Holden said.

A small memorial of flowers and notes began to grow at the scene by Saturday afternoon.

The teen was a freshman at the Carmel Valley school and lived in the neighborhood. Police officials are declining to name him because he was a juvenile.

THE INVESTIGATION

Police are now investigating the shooting, and the community is in mourning.

Both officers had activated their body-worn cameras at some point and there is video of the incident for investigators to review.

The names of the officers involved are expected to be released in the next few days, per department protocol.

The officers have been on the force for 28 years and four years. One of the officers is on the departments Juvenile Services Team, Holden said.

Davis and Littlefield write for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Go here to read the rest:
Anatomy of a tragedy: Police say boy with BB gun fatally shot by officers at high school - Los Angeles Times

"Chapter Twelve: Anatomy Of A Murder" – A.V. Club

Posted on by

Well that was an intense episode of television.

It was to be expected, of course. From the beginning, Riverdale has been the type of show to go full speed ahead, no matter what. Ms. Grundy is perhaps the one notable exception, but that character and storyline were also the necessary exception. Riverdale has gone full tilt since Chapter One, so there was never any reason to expect the penultimate episode of the seasonwith the promise of the reveal of Jason Blossoms murdererwould be any different. Still, the very fact that Riverdale actually delivered on that promise to reveal the killer (without any strings attached) is a big deal. Because while it might sound like delivering on said promise is actually expected, shows like Pretty Little Liars and The Killing giving television mystery fans plenty of reason to be skeptical about such things.

Also, how amazing is it that Riverdale use The CWs event of the week structure to unveil a murderer?

But even before we get to the answer of who really murdered Jason Blossom, Chapter Twelve: Anatomy Of A Murder spends a good portion of its time asking why F.P. Jones would take the fall for Jasons death. What should be a relatively easy case to fightdue to a planted gun and F.P.s contingency planturns very quickly as F.P. takes the fall for Jasons murder. And while his story adds up, it also does so with declarations that the audience knows to be absolutely false, like the mention of the Sheriffs missing files (which wed already known Hal Cooper stole). Plus, we already know the gun was planted in his trailer. So F.P.s motivation obviously has to be that of a man protecting another person, and while I simply assumed he was being paid off to take the fall, it turns out that the actual killer threatened Jugheads life. F.P. and Jughead have obviously had a rocky relationship, but Riverdale has done a pretty good job of showing just how much they both love each other, even through all the bad times and this episode is the absolute worst time, as evidenced by the scene where F.P. coldly tells Jughead that hes a murderer and to never come see him again.

The thing is, despite the reveal that F.P. isnt a murderer, it still turns out he was responsible for the freezing and dumping of the body, as well as the torching of Jasons car, as assumedso hes still got quite a few reasons to be locked up for a long time. As for the actual murderer, that would be Clifford Blossom, with the help of his many guns. However, the reason why he killed Jason is still very much up in the air (and possibly now in the grave with him). But it needs to be said: Long before we even get to the truth about Clifford Blossom, the episode is already aces.

For starters, Chapter Twelve is easily Archies best episode and a long time coming. Hell, Archie is the one who puts two and two together to get to the bus station to look for Jughead, which is unbelievable thinking coming from him. A large part of why this episode works for Archie is that, like last week, Archies motivation and involvement in this investigation are 100% fueled by his desire to help Jughead out. Only this time, he doesnt have to betray the guy in the process. After the way this series began, Id say Archie has made good on his promise to make things up to Jughead, even if there werent a lot of hamburgers along the way. (Though, at this point, Archie is actually making up for the combination of blowing up Jugheads spot about his dad being a Serpent and Jugheads birthday party.) Id argue that the best way to look at how Archie is right now is to look at how Bettys been the entire season. Besides her friendship with Veronica, part of what made the Betty character so magnetic from the very beginning was how fiercely committed to the truth and goodness she was, while also fighting to show people she wasnt as perfect as everyone assumed or expected. Archie Andrews is far from perfect, whether its the comics or this showbut hes at his best when hes committed to that same standard of truth and goodness. While its easy to laugh at Archie when he says that Jugheads new school situation isnt fair (welcome to the world, kid), its at least a good sign that this kid truly does care about whats right and wrong. Its a big part of why the Ms. Grundy plot was such a misstep: It heavily relied on Archie not caring about what was wrong and what was right. And had test audiences not hated it so much, that version of Archie wouldve existed even longer. While Riverdale got it right from the beginning with Archie in the sense that hes just an average teenager who struggles to do the right thing, that relationship was just wrong on so many levels. It made it impossible to root for him in his struggles. Then it ended, and we were still stuck with the music of Archie But at least we can always have fun at those stories expense.

That doesnt mean Archie is no longer the slowest member of the Riverdale Scooby Gang though. He may be at the top of his game in this episode, but he still suggests early on that he, Veronica, and Betty all tell their parents whats going on. At this (awful, as it turns out) suggestion, Betty Cooper legitimately makes the greatest WTF? Why are you the way that you are? face in the history of moving pictures:

Speaking of Betty, this episode is a showcase for the character and her aforementioned commitment to truth and goodness, as she is the one personthrough all the roadblocks and supposed evidencewho never lets up on finding out who the real killer is and proving that F.P. is innocent. She also has a superb moment against Penelope Blossom, a character whos also at the top of her abusive game this episode:

Penelope: You made a grave error, little girl. Betty: No, I dont think so. And Im not going to stop until I prove it.

The confidence in that responseits another one of those moments where you see just how much Betty is her mothers daughter, and despite its brevity, its also standout moment for Lili Reinhart. Its a moment that reminds the aware and informs the unaware that Betty Cooper is the hero of this story, and what a capable hero she is. On the one hand, I suppose Reinhart will technically always be a highlight on this show simply because of her stance on Archie being the original fuckboy; but Betty remains a consistent highlight because of just how dedicated she is to the truth, her friends, her family, and to Jughead. As Kevin says, Nancy Drew strikes again, and you know what? If theres anyone on Riverdale Id want on my team when the world comes crashing down, its Betty Cooper. Betty Cooper is a role model.

Bettys confrontation with Penelope is also a moment from the single greatest scene of this episode and possibly Riverdales entirety: The Coopers bulldozing their way into Thornhill in the middle of the night, with Alice Cooper having absolutely no qualms about shouting incest to anyone who will listen and the Blossom parents having even fewer qualms about incest at all. I suppose it all shouldve been less of a shock in a way, considering how both families say grandpappy as if thats the standard nomenclature. But once Hal reveals to Alice and Betty that this Hatfields and McCoys feud theyve supposedly been living is actually an extended family version of Family Feud, Riverdale goes on to achieve heights once only imagined in the context of those darn Blossom twins. Thanks to almost everything Cheryl says and does, incest has been a popular Riverdale topic of conversation, but the fact that the show not only makes it a reality but also makes it between its own version of Romeo and (pregnant, with twins) Juliet is truly inspired in how twisted it is. After all this time comparing Riverdale to Veronica Marsincluding the concept of Polly and Jason as this series Veronica and Duncan in terms of their break-upRiverdale actually goes that extra step further and makes the threat of incest a reality. This also means that Cheryl, a character who can barely be discussed by the audience without at least a passing mention to her feelings for her brother, was screwed
out of incest. But Jason wasnt. The fact that Clifford Blossom only draws the line at brother/sister incest is basically a personal attack on Cheryl, but its also the type of faux boundary that shows you just how surreal and over-the-top the scene is. Its everything you want in a non-dining Blossom scene and more, and its here in the penultimate episode of the season.

Archie purists probably hate the reveal, but when it comes to Riverdale, its pretty much what the series promised in a way. Its sick, its twisted, and its farther than anyone could have possibly imagined or expected theyd actually go. Long live The CW. Also, as I mentioned Pretty Little Liars before, that shows own final A reveal somehow managed to gloss over what it pretty much treated as minor incest between brother (also a Jason) and sister (knowingly engaging in this relationship). So with that context, theres clearly a right and wrong way to approach this type of story.

All of this sends Cheryl into an infantile fugue state for the rest of the episode, as she tries to get the truth from her mommy and daddy, only to either be jerked around to a barn full of sticky, dark, dirty truth in syrup form or receive news that her father murdered her beloved J.J. Cheryl is absolutely out of it for this entire episode, no longer even gaining strength from all the attention she gets from people congratulating her on her brothers alleged killer being caught. Yet shes still a highlight of this episode as she attempts to navigate her familys secrets through the syrupy haze that is her state of mind. Its as though shes in a dreamlike state as the rest of the world goes on and on, and she doesnt even snap out of it as she points Sheriff Keller to her fathers location in the barn. This is the episode that made me realize just how fascinating of a choice it is that Cheryl really has no part in solving the mystery of her brothers murder. At all. Sure, she begrudgingly helped when it came to the playbook, but that was very small potatoes compared to this. So maybe deep down she realized someone in her family killed Jason, because her lack of involvement doesnt exactly line-up with someone who, at the beginning of the series, promised to lead the charge in finding Jasons killer and bringing them to justice. All talk, Cheryl Bombshell. All talk.

And Cheryl isnt just detached from the investigation; shes the complete opposite of Betty in this episode, to the point where they might just be different sides of the same coin. One might think that better describes Cheryl and the also proactive Veronica, but Riverdale has made it clear that those two are pretty much the same side of the same coin. Only, where Cheryl confronts her father in personwith the dead inside line, You did a bad thing, daddy. And now everyone knows.Veronica chooses instead to slander her fathers name around town, hoping it sticks. Betty and Cheryl both want the truth to be revealed, but while Betty knocks down doors to find it, Cheryl does all of it behind closed doors. And while Betty does it with all the energy in the world, Cheryls regular zest for life and mayhem just up and disappears within the walls of Thornhill.

With Veronica literally entering scenes demanding her father be responsible for murder and Kevins inability to realize his gang member boyfriend is a criminal even pre-clean-up reveal, this is certainly an episode that requires the mantra, Theyre just teens. Theyre just teens. Luckily, this is such a strong episode that teenage nature really cant bring it down. But trust me, the Kevin stuff here really tries. However, I wont mark this episode down because of the Kevin/Joaquin of it all, because its really the result of an overall problem with their story and not a problem that is unique to Chapter Twelve. In fact, this episode does the best it possibly can to salvage this relationship, even though it doesnt address the fact that Joaquin was put with Kevin as an assignment (though Kevin appears to get it when he says he really doesnt know Joaquin). At the same time, Kevins continued refusal to believe that Joaquin would have ulterior motives and be following the orders of his gang member boss, plus Kevins newfound realization that Joaquins a criminal (despite said gang affiliation being known from the start), is as frustrating as a typical Archie plot.

Honestly, the fact that Joaquins bus out of town is heading toward to San Junipero singlehandedly saves their plot. Thats even after Joaquin sends off with the line, Im gonna miss you, preppy, which reads of something that would have been perfect for an actual storyline where the audience got to see the beginning, middle, and end of their pairing. Its a line that feels like part of a story that doesnt exist, either because of deleted scenes or just because it was never written. As I wrote last week, hopefully Casey Cott is upgraded to series regular next season and then allowed to have full stories. Though, in the case of a series regular who has been M.I.A. lately (barring the bit of Pussycats from last weeks opening), Josies story for this season apparently ended with her terrible father... Which, while unfortunate, is at least a rather complete conclusion to a plot that has absolutely nothing to do with the major mystery.

But when it comes to real full stories, this episode tells us something we shouldve known all along, as Archies true purpose on Riverdale is revealed: to wear Jason Blossoms hand-me-downs and spark either eureka moments or strange face-stroking moments. What that means for the season finale, well have to wait and see.

Go to the A.V. Club homepage

View original post here:
"Chapter Twelve: Anatomy Of A Murder" - A.V. Club

Guntur surgeon trained in latest techniques – The Hans India

Posted on by

The Hans India
Guntur surgeon trained in latest techniques
The Hans India
She has been awarded 21 CME hours, according to press communiqu. This was an advanced course in the cell therapy for regenerative medicine and its use in cosmetic medicine, Anti-Aging, bone and joints and sexual dysfunction of various modalities and ...

See original here:
Guntur surgeon trained in latest techniques - The Hans India

Pentagon awards Boston hospital genetic engineering research contract – Manila Bulletin

Posted on by

Updated May 7, 2017, 11:50 AM

By Philippine News Agency

Bostons Massachusetts General Hospital won a contract worth more than US million to conduct research for a US military genetic engineering program, the Department of Defense said in a press release.

(Credits via Pixabay/ Manila Bulletin)

Massachusetts General Hospital [of] Boston, Massachusetts was awarded a cooperative agreement with a ceiling value of US million for research and development supporting the Safe Genes program, the release stated.

The Safe Genes program, according to DARPA, delivers biological capabilities for advanced genome editing applications.

The work will be overseen by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency based in Arlington, Virginia, the release noted.

The project has an expected completion date of April 2021, the Defense Department said.

Tags: contract, DARPA, Hospital, Manila bulletin, Pentagon awards Boston hospital genetic engineering research contract, research, Safe Genes program

Follow this link:
Pentagon awards Boston hospital genetic engineering research contract - Manila Bulletin

Are you worried? That can actually be good for you. – Washington Post

Posted on by

By Agata Blaszczak-Bowe By Agata Blaszczak-Bowe May 7 at 7:45 AM

Although worrying does not feel good, it may have surprising benefits when done in just the right amount, two psychology researchers argue in a new editorial.

For example, worrying may motivate people to engage in behaviors that are potentially beneficial to their health, the researchers said. People who are worried may slather on sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer, and women may get regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer, the researchers said.

Despite its negative reputation, not all worry is destructive or even futile, lead author Kate Sweeny, a psychology professor at the University of California at Riverside, said in a statement.

[Heres how worrying too much can hurt your health]

However, the relationship between worry and behaviors that are potentially beneficial to peoples health is complex and seems to depend on how much a person worries, the authors noted. [9 DIY Ways to Improve Your Mental Health]

Previous research has shown that women who reported moderate amounts of worry, compared to women reporting relatively low or high levels of worry, are more likely to get screened for cancer, Sweeny said. It seems that both too much and too little worry can interfere with motivation, but the right amount of worry can motivate without paralyzing.

In the editorial, the authors looked at research that had examined both the downsides and upsides of worry. For example, studies have linked excessive worrying with such downsides as anxiety, fatigue, trouble concentrating and sleep problems, the researchers wrote in the editorial, published last month in the journal Social and Personality Psychology Compass.

[Obsessively thinking youre sick might actually make you ill]

However, other research has shown that worrying can also have positive effects on behavior, the researchers said. Worrying not only may motivate people to take action, as in using sunscreen, but also may allow people to better prepare themselves for negative experiences in their lives and to develop a greater appreciation for positive experiences.

For example, if a person who is worried and bracing for the worst in a certain situation receives the expected bad news, the disappointment will be mitigated by the advance worrying. However, if the news is good instead of bad, then the person may experience more excitement than if he or she had not been worried, the researchers said. [5 Wacky Ways to Quantify Happiness]

The new paper flies in the face of what a lot of people may assume when it comes to worry, said Simon Rego, an associate professor of clinical psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

However, the idea that worry may have an upside is definitely valid, said Rego, who was not involved in writing the editorial.

Moreover, there are other psychological states and emotions that may feel unpleasant but that can nonetheless be useful.

For example, experiencing justifiable anger may motivate people to defend themselves or correct a sense of injustice, Rego said. If a person sees someone key-scratching his or her car, such anger might motivate the cars owner to rectify the injustice, he said.

Live Science

More Live Science:

Daydreaming Again? Five facts about the wandering mind

Seven ways depressiondiffers in men and women

Some controversial mental health treatments

View original post here:
Are you worried? That can actually be good for you. - Washington Post

Benton Consolidated High School – The Southern

Posted on by

Benton Consolidated High School has recognized Allie Gischer, Derek Oxford, Cristen Shaw, Kaycey Webb, Austin Wills and Lauren Zinzilieta for academics, leadership and service.

Gischer, 18, is an Illinois State Scholar, was named All-South in basketball and softball and All-Conference in basketball and softball, and received Lion's Club Academic Honor and All-State Basketball Honorable Mention. She is a member of the softball, basketball and cross country teams, student council, yearbook, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and pep club, and is a freshman mentor, class vice-president and peer tutor.

The daughter of Amy Gischer and Gary Gischer of Benton, she plans to major in behavioral science at Missouri Baptist University.

Oxford, 18, is an Illinois State Scholar, received IHSA All-State Academic Team Honorable Mention and AP All-State Honorable Mention Basketball Award, and was named All-South in golf and baseball. He is a member of National Honor Society, student council, student chamber, yearbook staff, Fellowship of Christian Students, history club, pep club, WYSE team, art club and the varsity basketball, golf and baseball teams.

The son of Dave and Julie Oxford of Benton, he plans to study mechanical engineering at University of Southern Indiana or Murray State University.

Shaw, 18, received a Presidential Fellowship at Murray State University, is valedictorian of the class of 2017 and an Illinois State Scholar, attended Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference, received Lion's Club Academic Award, perfect attendance awards in 2014 and 2016, and was named Top Ten, first team All-Conference Softball, BCHS Softball Teammate Award, BCHS Volleyball Teammate Award and BCHS Softball Top Defensive Player. She is National Honor Society secretary, yearbook editor, Student Council executive president, Freshman Mentor, Fellowship of Christian Students vice-president and Little Egypt District of Student Councils Convention secretary. She is a member of softball and volleyball teams, Immanuel Baptist Church Youth Group, Student Chamber, Pep Club, WYSE, Peer Tutor

The daughter of Christopher and Jeri Shaw of Benton, she plans to major in pre-veterinary medicine at Murray State University.

Webb, 18, received perfect attendance awards 2013 to 2016 and motivational player award. She is a member of National Honor Society and student chamber, and is FFA Chapter treasurer and president, Freshman Mentor and Lion's Club Student Ambassador.

The daughter of William and Lisa Webb of Ewing, she plans to study social work at Rend Lake College.

Wills, 18, placed first in WYSE regional competition and was named All-Conference and All-South Golf, All-Conference, All-South and All-State Honorable Mention Basketball. He is a member of National Honor Society, basketball and golf teams and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The son of Brad and Sandra Wills of Benton, he plans to major in information technology at Trevecca Nazarene University.

Zinzilieta, 17, is an Illinois State Scholar, placed first overall in WYSE Regional competition, placed first at Regional Architectural Board two consecutive years and third at State Architectural Board. She is a member of National Honor Society, WYSE team, drafting club, FFA, student council, student chamber, Freshman Mentor and basketball and softball teams.

The daughter of Craig and Jennifer Zinzilieta of Benton, she plans to study engineering physics at Murray State University.

More here:
Benton Consolidated High School - The Southern

The 12 Commandments Of Living A Fit And Healthy Lifestyle – Huffington post (press release) (blog)

Posted on by

Throughout the years, Ive faced a variety of issues ranging from depression, body image problems, creating boundaries, and obsessive food behaviors.

Unfortunately, I let fitness become my ruler and I was its servant willing to do any and everything for results. This worshipping of fitness no matter what, may bring results for a short time period, but in the long run, isnt something that will last.

Below are 12 commandments that help me fit fitness into my ideal life while staying stress-free.

I tried a 28-day liquid diet where I had nothing but shakes and I lost 15 pounds at the end of it (mostly water). I also got sick, moody, had achy joints, and all my weight came back as soon as I started eating whole foods again.

Its not worth it to sacrifice your long term health just for short-term gratifications. A healthy approach to nutrition doesn't feel like a struggle.

Life is meant to have rich experiences. Fitness is a key component of being able to do those things, but it doesn't have to become your ruler. Lifestyle first, and then find the workout routine and nutritional method that suits your personality and preferences.

I started working out weighing 165 pounds and became an athletic and muscular 200 pounds. I should be happy, right?

Not exactly. The problem was my mindset never changed. I was exercising and putting on muscle out of hate and not feeling enough as a man, not for health or enjoyment.

You cant hate your way to losing weight and improving your self-esteem. If you dont address your inner world, those perceived deficiencies will still be there.

Make decisions and eat for longevity and find methods that you can keep up with for the long run, not just for a season.

Look at social media and walk by the various magazines on newsstands and everything concerns fixing and improving the physical aspect of ourselves. But, there is more to us than just a body.

Theres a mental, emotional, and spiritual side of fitness that needs to be accounted for our overall well-being.

I know, maybe youre tired of seeing this on every health article, but its important. Weight loss, productivity at work, better (and healthier) relationships and your mood rely on you getting optimum amounts of sleep on a nightly basis.

Try meditating at night, cutting off electronics 90 minutes before bed, having an orgasm (Oxytocin is benefited), or reading a hardcover book to help fall asleep.

Maintaining a fitness regimen while juggling work and personal life can become overwhelming. Therefore, its great to find some accountability in the form of a gym partner or an online community.

Its important to get to the core root of why you want a particular goal.

Are you doing it for someone (kids, family, partner, etc)?

Whatever it is, search deeper than just relying on how your body looks. If youre searching for deeper meaning, start with asking yourself why three times about a desire for a particular goal.

What good are you to the world if youre burnt out, overweight, moody, lethargic, and sleep-deprived? Youre doing the world and those around you a disservice if youre letting this happen because the best version of you isnt showing up.

Set boundaries by scheduling time in the day for yourself. Block 30 minutes to exercise, have a quiet bath, or some time to meditate.

Paleo, whole 30, intermittent fasting, and the ketogenic diet work. If theres a caloric deficit, then youll lose weight. The key factor is making good food choices and enjoying your plan.

Its better to workout for 25 minutes a day than to overcommitment to 60 minutes and only workout one day. Set realistic goals and realize that repetition, time, and consistency are the true ingredients to long-term success.

Micronutrients help your metabolism, help against chronic illnesses, and helps your body function optimally.

Thanks for checking this article out. As a thank you, I have a free 4-day course, Simple Weight Loss which gives you stress-free advice on how to lose weight.

See more here:
The 12 Commandments Of Living A Fit And Healthy Lifestyle - Huffington post (press release) (blog)

Sean Paul Curry: Living a healthy lifestyle can improve body and … – Impartial Reporter

Posted on by

by Sean Paul Curry

I am on the healthy living craze and I am loving every minute of it.

Living life the healthy way will prolong life and work wonders for your mental Health.

My personal healthy living journey has been long and tough and I am still working at it. I try to train at least three times a week mixing both cardio,muscle building and core exercises. I have been doing it now for just over two years and it has made huge difference both physically and mentally.

Physically Ive lost a bit of weight and toned up and mentally Ive never felt better. I can now wear clothes that I would never have dreamt I could wear before. Strangely I have become less clumsy and my reactions are a lot better which I didnt expect.

One of the good things about living healthy is when other people start to notice you have lost weight and tell you look great and you are doing well. I think we find it hard to say thank you to people for saying this. Maybe we find it hard because we dont see a difference but we should become comfortable with saying THANK YOU.

Luckily in Fermanagh and south Tyrone gyms are popping up everywhere as are classes in local halls and couch to 5k programmes in villages and towns across the counties. The same is happening with Slimming World and Weightwatcher groups. The 'in thing' to do now is to live the healthy lifestyle.

The gym in the Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen is excellent and the staff are great.

Gyms themselves can be very daunting and scary for some people who are body conscious but once you realise nobody is looking at you and that they like you are there to concentrate on making themselves fitter and stronger, then the gym will become a much more welcoming place to be. Fitness rooms can be quite expensive but I think if you are getting the use out it, its well worth it to see the physical and mental difference in your body and personality

Some might say there is pressure on people to look a certain way and to be honest there is a certain amount of truth in that. I think it certainly gives you encouragement to live healthy. When you start to feel the difference it becomes likea positive addiction.

Dont get me wrong I still enjoy my treats but it is very important to find that balance. I have a treat day every week but I mix it with eating healthy during the week and training at least three times a week.

The internet Is packed full people showing you how to live a healthy lifestyle, Joe Wicks AKA The Body Coach is one of these people. He has travelled the world showing people how to exercise and creating recipes for healthy eating and even showing us all how to prepare his food.

Living a healthy lifestyle is now literally at your fingertips. The emergence of Apps for your phone that can help you plan your session and Fitbit watches that measure everything from heart rate and sleeping pattern to counting how many steps you take in a day are all things that are helping people live healthy and more importantly making you more aware of how your body is working and coping with your current lifestyle.

The hardest thing to do is to find the will to keep going when times get tough, I sometimes buy myself gym gear or download some gym music so it makes me think now that I have bought I have to use it.

The healthy lifestyle is the in thing to do and I for one have proudly jumped on that bandwagon. Being healthy is a state of mind you adapt to and it does wonders for your mental health, but its not for everyone. If you are happy with way you look and feel then there is no need to change.

In my opinion even if its just a hobby being healthy will make a huge difference in your lifestyle the fact that its now fashionable makes it easier and more possible for people to get into a healthy living lifestyle.

More:
Sean Paul Curry: Living a healthy lifestyle can improve body and ... - Impartial Reporter

ThedaCare & Pleasant View partner to promote healthy lifestyle skills – Waushara Argus

Posted on by

During the first week in May, students at Pleasant View Elementary School in Wild Rose will see their school bustle with activities designed to help them build healthy lifestyle skills.

More than 300 ThedaCare employees will span out to five Northeast Wisconsin schools, including Pleasant View Elementary, for its third annual Good to Go initiative, engaging students through activities, advice, and encouragement to promote healthy habits and to share their learnings with their families.

This year, school leaders from Berlin, Clintonville, Kaukauna, Neenah and Wild Rose collaborated with committee members from ThedaCare to create programming that both engages children and leaves them with ideas about how integrate simple wellness behaviors into their future lives. Schools rotate each year, so ThedaCare employee volunteers will reach thousands of children over time. This years Good to Go initiative will be held May 1-5.

The overall goal is to spend some time with students during that one week to create habits that can last for a lifetime, said Heather Murphy, ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care manager and a Good to Go volunteer leader. The mission for our organization is to improve the health of our communities, and to work with the five schools in the communities we live and work in is really rewarding. Its a good way for us all to be able to live our mission.

To view more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.

Continue reading here:
ThedaCare & Pleasant View partner to promote healthy lifestyle skills - Waushara Argus

Renew your appreciation of a healthy lifestyle – News – The Daily … – Coldwater Daily Reporter

Posted on by

Christy Hart-Harris charris@thedailyreporter.com ChristyTDR

BRANCH COUNTY Eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle are important aspects to maintaining proper nutrition in your daily life, thats why the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Michigan Department of Community Health encourages Michiganders to renew their appreciation of healthy eating.

The inclusion of healthy foods, new and already enjoyed, is an important detail toward a healthy eating plan.

All-over health

One aspect of eating healthy that is sometimes overlooked is oral health.

Studies show that people who dont eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables have a greater chance of severe gum disease, which is bad news for the 300,000 kids across Michigan who dont have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, said Ted ODell, manager of the American Heart Associations Michigan Healthy Food Access Campaign.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1.8 million people across the state lack access to healthy food.

Wellness and economics are linked, said Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. For example, costs due to coronary heart disease, the most prevalent and preventable form of heart disease, exceed $5.9 billion per year in Michigan.

Treatment of heart disease accounts for 1 in every 6 health care dollars spent, he continued. While economic considerations are certainly important, the real value of a healthy lifestyle is quality of life.

Still enjoy your favorite foods

Eating healthy does not necessarily mean excluding favorite foods.

According to a study by the AND in 2011, 82 percent of adults in the U.S. stated they did not want to give up foods they like. This was a major reason for not wanting to eat healthy.

The overall diet is the important emphasis and not simply focusing on one type of food or meal.

All types of food in moderation combined with physical activity, can be enjoyed in an overall diet plan.

Healthy eating tips

AND, along with MDCH provides tips for Eating right, Your way, Every day.

PACK A LUNCH

A fast paced lifestyle can often lead to on-the-fly meals which may include fast food or other unhealthy eating.

To deter this type of eating, pack a lunch forwork or travel.

Healthy foods such as fruit or vegetables, granola bars, trail mix, whole grain cereal, low-fat cheese or peanut butter crackers can be stored in a desk, back pack, purse or brief case for easy access.

KEEP MEALS SIMPLE

When preparing a meal for the family it can sometimes be difficult to include food that everyone enjoys.

Keep the meal simple and build a collection of family favorite recipes.

MAKE EXTRA

Choose ingredients that can be used for more than one meal. For instance, cook enough chicken for a salad and for fajitas the next day.

INVOLVE CHILDREN IN MEAL PREPARATION

This will encourage and teach them the importance of healthy eating.

PORTION CONTROL

Portion control is vital to maintain healthy eating habits. The website http://www.choosemyplate.gov offers guidelines for portion control and can be used to determine sizes and types of food to be included in a healthy eating plan.

Children across Michigan deserve the chance to grow up healthy and strong, and with healthy teeth which starts with access to fresh, healthy food, ODell said.

To learn more about healthy eating visit http://www.michigan.gov.

Originally posted here:
Renew your appreciation of a healthy lifestyle - News - The Daily ... - Coldwater Daily Reporter

3 months later, I Will Get Fit Challengers continue healthy lifestyle … – Fox17

Posted on by

Fox17		 
3 months later, I Will Get Fit Challengers continue healthy lifestyle ...
Fox17
For some, it was a battle they have been fighting their whole life, for others it just crept up onto their waistline over the years. The last time we saw our "I Will Get ...

and more »

 

Originally posted here:
3 months later, I Will Get Fit Challengers continue healthy lifestyle ... - Fox17

Nanomedicine enables all-in-one cancer treatment – Medical Physics Web (subscription)

Posted on by

Cancer is a complex disease to treat, and yet the operating principle of many current treatments is to simply kill healthy cells a little slower than cancerous ones. In response, scientists at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China have developed a sophisticated nanoparticle-based treatment. Their theranostic nanoparticles carry an anti-cancer drug cargo, and showcase multiple cutting-edge nanomedicine technologies to enhance the drug's efficacy, including selective drug delivery, photoactive agents, and even signal-jamming genetic material.

The researchers have designed each individual nanoparticle to be a toolbox for cancer therapy, able to passively and actively target tumours (Biomater. Sci. 5 1001). The nanoparticles can act as contrast agents for both magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray, they deliver a concentrated dose of anti-cancer drugs, and they also thwart the cancer's attempts at developing immunity to the drug. They even deliver a photosensitizer that can be used to specifically weaken cancerous tissue by photodynamic treatment.

Yiyao Liu and colleagues demonstrated the efficacy of their nanodevices in vitro and in vivo on a range of cell lines and on tumours in living mice. They found that their nanoparticle drug-delivery technique effectively stopped tumour growth, whereas tumours in mice treated with the drug alone grew at a rate half that of a control group that had not been treated.

The nanoparticles are complex, many layered spheres. Protected by a jacket of natural polymer is a nugget of silica, holey like a sponge and soaked in doxorubicin, a common anti-cancer drug, along with the photosensitizer. The polymer jacket is pH sensitive so that it falls off in the acidic microenvironment of the tumour, only then releasing the active cargo.

Doxorubicin has two flaws. Firstly, it works by slotting in-between DNA base pairs to stop the replication process needed for cells to divide. This kills cells that need to duplicate quickly, such as cancerous cells, but harms many healthy cell types too. Secondly, it triggers the body's natural defences, causing cells to over express p-glycoprotein, a microscale pump that removes toxic molecules like doxorubicin from cells, and making the drug less and less effective against cancer.

The scientists at The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China countered both of these flaws. Healthy cell exposure is reduced by the polymer jacket, which makes sure the drug is only released under the conditions expected in a tumour. The jacket itself is covered in signal-jamming RNA to inhibit the expression of the cellular pumps, keeping the doxorubicin trapped inside the cells to allow the drug to work for longer. This impressive display of multifunctional nanoparticle design and synthesis demonstrates the power of nanomedicine for producing synergistic effects, offering new solutions to previously unsurmountable problems.

Denser nanoparticles boost drug penetration Personalize nanoparticles to target tumours Inhaled nanoparticles target lung cancer Nanoneedles deliver therapeutics into cells

See the original post here:
Nanomedicine enables all-in-one cancer treatment - Medical Physics Web (subscription)

Healthcare Nanotechnology (Nanomedicine) Market is Set to Garner … – MilTech

Posted on by

Nanotechnology is one of the most promising technologies in 21st century. Nanotechnology is a term used when technological developments occur at 0.1 to 100 nm scale. Nano medicine is a branch of nanotechnology which involves medicine development at molecular scale for diagnosis, prevention, treatment of diseases and even regeneration of tissues and organs. Thus it helps to preserve and improve human health. Nanomedicine offers an impressive solution for various life threatening diseases such as cancer, Parkinson, Alzheimer, diabetes, orthopedic problems, diseases related to blood, lungs, neurological, and cardiovascular system.

A sample of this report is available upon request @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/6370

Development of a new nenomedicine takes several years which are based on various technologies such as dendrimers, micelles, nanocrystals, fullerenes, virosome nanoparticles, nanopores, liposomes, nanorods, nanoemulsions, quantum dots, and nanorobots.

In the field of diagnosis, nanotechnology based methods are more precise, reliable and require minimum amount of biological sample which avoid considerable reduction in consumption of reagents and disposables. Apart from diagnosis, nanotechnology is more widely used in drug delivery purpose due to nanoscale particles with larger surface to volume ratio than micro and macro size particle responsible for higher drug loading. Nano size products allow to enter into body cavities for diagnosis or treatment with minimum invasiveness and increased bioavailability. This will not only improve the efficacy of treatment and diagnosis, but also reduces the side effects of drugs in case of targeted therapy.

Global nanomedicine market is majorly segmented on the basis of applications in medicines, targeted disease and geography. Applications segment includes drug delivery (carrier), drugs, biomaterials, active implant, in-vitro diagnostic, and in-vivo imaging. Global nanomedicine divided on the basis of targeted diseases or disorders in following segment: neurology, cardiovascular, oncology, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and others. Geographically, nanomedicine market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and MEA. Considering nanomedicine market by application, drug delivery contribute higher followed by in-vitro diagnostics. Global nanomedicine market was dominated by oncology segment in 2012 due to ability of nanomedicine to cross body barriers and targeted to tumors specifically however cardiovascular nanomedicine market is fastest growing segment. Geographically, North America dominated the market in 2013 and is expected to maintain its position in the near future. Asia Pacific market is anticipated to grow at faster rate due to rapid increase in geriatric population and rising awareness regarding health care. Europe is expected to grow at faster rate than North America due to extensive product pipeline portfolio and constantly improving regulatory framework.

Major drivers for nanomedicine market include improved regulatory framework, increasing technological know-how and research funding, rising government support and continuous increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, kidney disorder, and orthopedic diseases. Some other driving factors include rising number of geriatric population, awareness of nanomedicine application and presence of high unmet medical needs. Growing demand of nanomedicines from the end users is expected to drive the market in the forecast period. However, market entry of new companies is expected to bridge the gap between supply and demand of nanomedicines. Above mentioned drivers currently outweigh the risk associated with nanomedicines such as toxicity and high cost. At present, cancer is one of the major targeted areas in which nanomedicines have made contribution. Doxil, Depocyt, Abraxane, Oncospar, and Neulasta are some of the examples of pharmaceuticals formulated using nanotechnology.

To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/6370

Key players in the global nanomedicine market include: Abbott Laboratories, CombiMatrix Corporation, GE Healthcare, Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Mallinckrodt plc, Merck & Company, Inc., Nanosphere, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Celgene Corporation, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and UCB (Union chimique belge) S.A.

About Us

Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.

To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.

Contact Us

Persistence Market Research

305 Broadway

7th Floor, New York City,

NY 10007, United States,

USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353

Email:sales@persistencemarketresearch.com

Web: http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

Go here to read the rest:
Healthcare Nanotechnology (Nanomedicine) Market is Set to Garner ... - MilTech

Researchers develop new tumor-shrinking nanoparticle to fight cancer, prevent recurrence – Phys.Org

Posted on by

May 1, 2017 Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A Mayo Clinic research team has developed a new type of cancer-fighting nanoparticle aimed at shrinking breast cancer tumors, while also preventing recurrence of the disease. In the study, published today in Nature Nanotechnology, mice that received an injection with the nanoparticle showed a 70 to 80 percent reduction in tumor size. Most significantly, mice treated with these nanoparticles showed resistance to future tumor recurrence, even when exposed to cancer cells a month later.

The results show that the newly designed nanoparticle produced potent anti-tumor immune responses to HER2-positive breast cancers. Breast cancers with higher levels of HER2 protein are known to grow aggressively and spread more quickly than those without the mutation.

"In this proof-of-concept study, we were astounded to find that the animals treated with these nanoparticles showed a lasting anti-cancer effect," says Betty Y.S. Kim, M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator, and a neurosurgeon and neuroscientist who specializes in brain tumors at Mayo Clinic's Florida campus. "Unlike existing cancer immunotherapies that target only a portion of the immune system, our custom-designed nanomaterials actively engage the entire immune system to kill cancer cells, prompting the body to create its own memory system to minimize tumor recurrence. These nanomedicines can be expanded to target different types of cancer and other human diseases, including neurovascular and neurodegenerative disorders."

Dr. Kim's team developed the nanoparticle, which she has named "Multivalent Bi-specific Nano-Bioconjugate Engager," a patented technology with Mayo Clinic Ventures, a commercialization arm of Mayo Clinic. It's coated with antibodies that target the HER2 receptor, a common molecule found on 40 percent of breast cancers. It's also coated with molecules that engage two distinct facets of the body's immune system. The nanoparticle hones in on the tumor by recognizing HER2 and then helps the immune cells identify the tumor cells to attack them.

The molecules attached to the nanoparticle rev up the body's nonspecific, clean-up cells (known as macrophages and phagocytes) in the immune system that engulf and destroy any foreign material. The design of the nanoparticle prompts these cells to appear in abundance and clear up abnormal cancer cells. These clean-up cells then relay information about the cancer cells to highly specialized T-cells in the immune system that help eradicate remaining cancer cells, while maintaining a memory of these cells to prevent cancer recurrence. It's the establishment of disease-fighting memory in the cells that makes the nanoparticle similar to a cancer vaccine. Ultimately, the body's own cells become capable of recognizing and destroying recurrent tumors.

Since the late 1990s, the field of nanomedicine has focused on developing nanoparticles as simple drug delivery vehicles that can propel chemotherapy drugs to tumors. One pitfall is that the body tends to purge the particles before they reach their destination.

"Our study represents a novel concept of designing nanomedicine that can actively interact with the immune cells in our body and modulate their functions to treat human diseases," says Dr. Kim. "It builds on recent developments in cancer immunotherapy, which have been successful in treating some types of tumors; however, most immunotherapy developed so far does not harness the power of the entire immune system. We've developed a new platform that reaches tumor cells and also recruits abundant clean-up cells for a fully potent immune response."

Future studies in the lab will explore the ability of the nanoparticle to prevent long-term recurrence of tumors, including metastases at sites distant from the primary tumor. What's more, the nanoparticle is designed to be modular, meaning it can carry molecules to fight other types of disease. "This approach hopefully will open new doors in the design of new nanomedicine-based immunotherapies," she says.

Explore further: Nanoparticles target and kill cancer stem cells that drive tumor growth

More information: Multivalent Bi-Specific Nano-Bioconjugate Engager for Targeted Cancer Immunotherapy, Nature Nanotechnology (2017). nature.com/articles/doi:10.1038/nnano.2017.69

Journal reference: Nature Nanotechnology

Provided by: Mayo Clinic

Many cancer patients survive treatment only to have a recurrence within a few years. Recurrences and tumor spreading are likely due to cancer stem cells that can be tough to kill with conventional cancer drugs. But now researchers ...

For all the success of a new generation of immunotherapies for cancer, they often leave an entire branch of the immune system's disease-fighting forces untapped. Such therapies act on the adaptive immune system, the ranks ...

Researchers from Mayo Clinic have quantified the numbers of various types of immune cells associated with the risk of developing breast cancer. The findings are published in a study in Clinical Cancer Research.

In several types of cancer, elevated expression of the chemokine receptor CCR4 in tumors is associated with poor patient outcomes. Communication through CCR4 may be one mechanism that cancer cells use to create a pro-tumor ...

Researchers at the University of Michigan have had initial success in mice using nanodiscs to deliver a customized therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of colon and melanoma cancer tumors.

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine have been able to generate multifunctional RNA nanoparticles that could overcome treatment resistance in breast cancer, potentially making existing treatments ...

A team of researchers, led by the University of Minnesota, have discovered a new nano-scale thin film material with the highest-ever conductivity in its class. The new material could lead to smaller, faster, and more powerful ...

In normal conductive materials such as silver and copper, electric current flows with varying degrees of resistance, in the form of individual electrons that ping-pong off defects, dissipating energy as they go. Superconductors, ...

A pioneering new technique that encourages the wonder material graphene to "talk" could revolutionise the global audio and telecommunications industries.

An international team of scientists has developed a new way to produce single-layer graphene from a simple precursor: ethene - also known as ethylene - the smallest alkene molecule, which contains just two atoms of carbon.

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new approach for manipulating the behavior of cells on semiconductor materials, using light to alter the conductivity of the material itself.

A new method combining tumor suppressor protein p53 and biomineralization peptide BMPep successfully created hexagonal silver nanoplates, suggesting an efficient strategy for controlling the nanostructure of inorganic materials.

Please sign in to add a comment. Registration is free, and takes less than a minute. Read more

Read more:
Researchers develop new tumor-shrinking nanoparticle to fight cancer, prevent recurrence - Phys.Org

Genetic Engineering: We Can, But Should We? – Veritas News – Veritas News

Posted on by

by Gretchen Bird, Cody Cook and Garrett Edinger

If you had the ability and unlimited resources, would you prevent Down syndrome among the worlds population? What about if your child had Down syndromewould you then take the initiative to turn off the extra chromosome that causes Down syndrome? Even further, if given the choice, would you select a particular eye color for your child? Hair color? Height? Athletic ability? Natural intelligence? With new technologies, the ability to select for these attributes is a possibility.

Recent advancements in biomedical technologies have brought us new ways of treating disease and improving human lives, some of which are described above. New technologies called CRISPR/Cas9 have made it possible for scientists to edit a humans genetic information in a precise and targeted way; however, these technologies have also raised many ethical concerns.

Matt Atherton explains CRISPR in the International Business Times, CRISPR is a gene-editing tool. It allows scientists to not only examine every single strand of DNA in an embryo, but also adapt them. It is an incredibly efficient and precise mechanism for targeting genes. The basis for the practice comes from bacteria.

With this new biomedical technology, it is possible for us to change the genetic information of a human. The question of whether or not we can edit DNA has been answered. Now we need to ask ourselves, examining our hearts and our motives, to see if we should. Proponents of human gene editing say that it can be used to remove heritable diseases from human genes and prevent congenital disease. Nevertheless, many people feel that editing heritable genes, or the human germline, would be unethical and potentially dangerous.

X-linked hypophosphatemia, or XLH, which results in a form of dwarfism, is one example of a genetic disease that scientists believe could be treated using CRISPR technologies. This would be accomplished by editing the DNA in the sperm and egg cells of parents who carry the genes for the disease. By removing the DNA that codes for the disease using CRISPR, sperm and egg cells from the parents could be produced that no longer code for the disease; these cells could then be used to accomplish in vitro fertilization. The parents would then have an XLH-free baby. Huntingtons disease, azoospermia, and certain inherited forms of cancer are just a few of the many genetic diseases that have been mentioned as potential applications of CRISPR. Theoretically, CRISPR could be used to treat any number of genetic and inherited diseases.

While many people feel that it would be irresponsible for us neglect a technology that has such great power to cure life-altering disease, others feel that it would be dangerous, and might result in a world where gene editing is used for more than treating disease. While many scientists agree that CRISPR could be used to treat disease, it also raises concerns of its less admirable uses. CRISPR could also be used to change aesthetic appearance. Everything from height, to hair color, to eye color, to body size, could be selected for using CRISPR. Moreover, these changes would most likely only be available to the very rich. CRISPR also presents the possibility that genes could be changed in unintended ways that doctors and scientists did not intend, especially if the changes are heritable.

Public opinion about the uses of new genetic modification tools is still much divided. According to an article by Antonio Regalado in MIT Technology Review, 50% of U.S. adults believe that changing a babys genetic characteristics to reduce the risk of serious disease is taking medical advances too far. Eighty-three percentsay it is taking medical advancements too far if it is used to increase a babys intelligence.

Although this technology is still in its infancy, it already presents us with many questions going forward. While it can improve lives, CRISPR could also change the world in ways that would alter society at the most fundamental level. It could create a world in which everyone is genetically modified for inconsequential aesthetic purposes, rather than for the sake of their health. Its effects would be felt far beyond any lab. Real people and real families are at the heart of what CRISPR can do, and we need to remember that it is their lives that would be affected most by this technology. We cannot forget that human dignity and value are defined independently of ones intellect, athleticism, or any other surface quality. As one mother of a child with Down syndrome stated to one of the scientists who helped develop CRISPR, Theres something about him [her child with Down syndrome] thats so special. Hes so loving in a way thats unique to him. I wouldnt change it.

Original post:
Genetic Engineering: We Can, But Should We? - Veritas News - Veritas News

CRISPR Eliminates HIV in Live Animals – Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News

Posted on by

"During acute infection, HIV actively replicates," explained co-senior study investigator Kamel Khalili, Ph.D., professor and chair of the department of neuroscience at LKSOM. "With EcoHIV mice, we were able to investigate the ability of the CRISPR/Cas9 strategy to block viral replication and potentially prevent systemic infection." The excision efficiency of their strategy reached 96% in EcoHIV mice, providing the first evidence for HIV-1 eradication by prophylactic treatment with a CRISPR/Cas9 system.

In the third animal model, a latent HIV-1 infection was recapitulated in humanized mice engrafted with human immune cells, including T cells, followed by HIV-1 infection. "These animals carry latent HIV in the genomes of human T cells, where the virus can escape detection, Dr. Hu explained. Amazingly, after a single treatment with CRISPR/Cas9, viral fragments were successfully excised from latently infected human cells embedded in mouse tissues and organs.

In all three animal models, the researchers employed a recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector delivery system based on a subtype known as AAV-DJ/8. "The AAV-DJ/8 subtype combines multiple serotypes, giving us a broader range of cell targets for the delivery of our CRISPR/Cas9 system," remarked Dr. Hu. Additionally, the researchers re-engineered their previous gene-editing apparatus to now carry a set of four guide RNAs, all designed to efficiently excise integrated HIV-1 DNA from the host cell genome and avoid potential HIV-1 mutational escape.

To determine the success of the strategy, the team measured levels of HIV-1 RNA and used a novel and cleverly designed live bioluminescence imaging system. "The imaging system, developed by Dr. Won-Bin Young while at the University of Pittsburgh, pinpoints the spatial and temporal location of HIV-1-infected cells in the body, allowing us to observe HIV-1 replication in real time and to essentially see HIV-1 reservoirs in latently infected cells and tissues," stated Dr. Khalili.

The researchers were excited by their findings and are optimistic about their next steps. The next stage would be to repeat the study in primates, a more suitable animal model where HIV infection induces disease, in order to further demonstrate the elimination of HIV-1 DNA in latently infected T cells and other sanctuary sites for HIV-1, including brain cells," Dr. Khalili concluded. "Our eventual goal is a clinical trial in human patients."

Continue reading here:
CRISPR Eliminates HIV in Live Animals - Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News

First EPA-approved outdoor field trial for genetically engineered algae – Science Daily

Posted on by
First EPA-approved outdoor field trial for genetically engineered algae
Science Daily
"Just as agricultural experts for decades have used targeted genetic engineering to produce robust food crops that provide human food security, this study is the first step to demonstrate that we can do the same with genetically engineered algae," said ...

and more »

Continue reading here:
First EPA-approved outdoor field trial for genetically engineered algae - Science Daily

Vivet Raises 37.5M to Develop Gene Therapies for Rare Liver Diseases – Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News

Posted on by

French startup Vivet Therapeutics raised 37.5 million (about $41 million) in a Series A round of financing to support the development of gene therapies for rare inherited metabolic diseases. The firm was set up in 2016 to develop treatments based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector technology licensed exclusively from its close collaborator, the Fundacin para la Investigacin Mdica Aplicada (FIMA), at the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) in Pamplona, Spain, and from Massachusetts Eye and Ear (MEE) in Boston.

Novartis Venture Fund and Columbus Venture Partners led the Series A investment round. Roche Venture Fund, HealthCap, Kurma Partners, and Ysios Capital also participated.Florent Gros, managing director at Novartis Venture Fund, commented, "We have searched extensively for next-generation AAV technologies and clinical applications. We are very excited by Vivet Therapeutics' clinical and commercial prospects; the company has outstanding management, assets, and capabilities."

Based in Paris, and with a wholly owned subsidiary in Spain, Vivetaims to develop gene therapies targeting disorders including Wilson disease, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), and citrullinemia.The firm is usinga novel, synthetic AAV, AAV-Anc80, to introduce genes into hepatocytes.Lead Wilson disease gene therapy program VTX801 comprises a truncated, functional version of the defective ATP7B gene, delivered directly into liver cells using the AAV vector technology. First-in-human trials with VTX801 are projected to start by the end of 2018.

Jean-Philippe Combal, Pharm.D., Ph.D., Vivet co-founder and CEO, noted, Early results from preclinical studies with VTX801 are very promising, and we are now well funded to advance this candidate into the clinic, while developing our portfolio and technologies."

Vivet's co-founders includeCombal (ex-Gensight Biologics, Sanofi),Jens Kurth, Ph.D. (ex-Anokion, Novartis), and Gloria Gonzlez-Aseguinolaza, Ph.D. (CIMA, University of Navarra).On announcement of Series A fundraising, Gloria Gonzlez-Aseguinolaza, Vivet CSO, said, By collaborating with leading institutions such as CIMA in Spain and MEE in the United States, Vivet has secured superior and novel gene therapy technologies and liver disease expertise. We believe these capabilities, combined with the international development expertise of the management team, create a company with very exciting prospects."

See original here:
Vivet Raises 37.5M to Develop Gene Therapies for Rare Liver Diseases - Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News

Gene transfer cures diabetes in mice without side effect – Next Big Future

Posted on by

A potential cure for Type 1 diabetes looms on the horizon in San Antonio, and the novel approach would also allow Type 2 diabetics to stop insulin shots.

The discovery, made at The University of Texas Health Science Center, now called UT Health San Antonio, increases the types of pancreatic cells that secrete insulin.

UT Health San Antonio researchers have a goal to reach human clinical trials in three years, but to do so they must first test the strategy in large-animal studies, which will cost an estimated $5 million.

Those studies will precede application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Investigational New Drug (IND) approval, Bruno Doiron, Ph.D., a co-inventor, said.

U.S. patent

The scientists received a U.S. patent in January, and UT Health San Antonio is spinning out a company to begin commercialization.

The strategy has cured diabetes in mice.

It worked perfectly, Dr. Doiron, assistant professor of medicine at UT Health, said. We cured mice for one year without any side effects. Thats never been seen. But its a mouse model, so caution is needed. We want to bring this to large animals that are closer to humans in physiology of the endocrine system.

Ralph DeFronzo, M.D., professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Diabetes at UT Health, is co-inventor on the patent. He described the therapy:

The pancreas has many other cell types besides beta cells, and our approach is to alter these cells so that they start to secrete insulin, but only in response to glucose [sugar], he said. This is basically just like beta cells.

Insulin, which lowers blood sugar, is only made by beta cells. In Type 1 diabetes, beta cells are destroyed by the immune system and the person has no insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, beta cells fail and insulin decreases. At the same time in Type 2, the body doesnt use insulin efficiently.

Incorporating genes into the pancreas

The therapy is accomplished by a technique called gene transfer. A virus is used as a vector, or carrier, to introduce selected genes into the pancreas. These genes become incorporated and cause digestive enzymes and other cell types to make insulin.

Gene transfer using a viral vector has been approved nearly 50 times by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to treat various diseases, Dr. DeFronzo said. It is proven in treating rare childhood diseases, and Good Manufacturing Processes ensure safety.

Unlike beta cells, which the body rejects in Type 1 diabetes, the other cell populations of the pancreas co-exist with the bodys immune defenses.

If a Type 1 diabetic has been living with these cells for 30, 40 or 50 years, and all were getting them to do is secrete insulin, we expect there to be no adverse immune response, Dr. DeFronzo said.

Second-by-second sugar control

The therapy precisely regulates blood sugar in mice. This could be a major advance over traditional insulin therapy and some diabetes medications that drop blood sugar too low if not closely monitored.

A major problem we have in the field of Type 1 diabetes is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), Dr. Doiron said. The gene transfer we propose is remarkable because the altered cells match the characteristics of beta cells. Insulin is only released in response to glucose.

People dont have symptoms of diabetes until they have lost at least 80 percent of their beta cells, Dr. Doiron said.

We dont need to replicate all of the insulin-making function of beta cells, he said. Only 20 percent restoration of this capacity is sufficient for a cure of Type 1.

Read the original post:
Gene transfer cures diabetes in mice without side effect - Next Big Future