Women who get too little sleep are more likely to overeat and have poor diets, study finds – MinnPost

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Photo by twinsfisch on Unsplash

Women are particularly prone to poor sleep quality and sleep disturbances.

Women who dont get enough sleep are more likely to both overeat and have a lower-quality diet than women who get a good nights sleep, according to a study published this week in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Not getting enough sleep was found to be particularly associated with eating more added sugars and more food in general.

By providing new insights into the interconnected relationship between sleep and diet, these findings highlight how poor-quality sleep can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In our modern society, we oftentimes work late, we eat our meals late and sometimes sleep is kind of put by the wayside in terms of how important it is to our overall healthy lifestyle, said Brooke Aggarwal, the studys senior author and an assistant professor of medical sciences at Columbia University, in an interview with CNN reporter Kristen Rogers.

Our study really highlights the importance of good, quality sleep for the management of body weight as well as potentially preventing heart disease among women, she added.

As background information in the study points out, women are particularly prone to poor sleep quality and sleep disturbances. They are also at increased risk for obesity.

The study involved 495 women from the New York City area who had volunteered to participate in the American Heart Association Go Red for Women research initiative. The women ranged in age from 20 to 76, and most (61 percent) were members of a racial or ethnic minority group. Almost half (49 percent) had a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight or obese categories.

The women filled out detailed questionnaires about their sleep patterns, including how long it took them to fall asleep, how often they woke up during the night, and how long they slept overall. More than a fourth of the women slept less than seven hours a day (the minimum amount sleep experts recommend for adults), and a third of them reported poor sleep quality or insomnia.

The women also provided details about their dietary habits, including the types and amounts of foods they typically ate. On average, the women exceeded the recommendations for added sugars and total and saturated fats. They also failed, on average, to meet the recommendations for whole grains, fiber and dairy intakes.

The researchers analyzed all that data to see if they could identify any correlations between sleep patterns and dietary habits. They found the following:

That last finding is important, according to the researchers, because when eaten in moderation, unsaturated fats (found in olive and other liquid vegetable oils, as well as in fish and some plant-based foods, such as avocados and walnuts) are believed to help lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease. (The premise that unsaturated fats are healthier than saturated ones is not without controversy, however.)

Our interpretation is that women with poor-quality sleep could be overeating during subsequent meals and making more unhealthy foods choices, says Aggarwal in a released statement.

The studys participants provided the researchers all the information on both their sleep patterns and dietary habits. Such self-reports can be subjective and, thus, inaccurate.

In addition, this was an observational study, so it cant prove that poor-quality sleep led to unhealthier food choices.

Its also possible that poor diet has a negative impact on womens sleep quality, explains Faris Zuraikat, the studys lead author and a postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University, in a released statement. Eating more could also cause gastrointestinal discomfort, for instance, making it harder to fall asleep or remain asleep.

Still, a connection between insomnia and overeating does make biophysiological sense.

Poor sleep quality may lead to excessive food and calorie intake by stimulating hunger signals or suppressing signals of fullness, Zuraikat says. Fullness is largely affected by the weight or volume of food consumed, and it could be that women with insomnia consume a greater amount of food in an effort to feel full.

Given that poor diet and overeating may lead to obesity a well-established risk factor for heart disease future studies should test whether therapies that improve sleep quality can promote cardiometabolic health in women, adds Aggarwal.

FMI: You can read the study in full on the Journal of the American Heart Association website. For tips on how to get a better nights sleep, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website.

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Women who get too little sleep are more likely to overeat and have poor diets, study finds - MinnPost

Young cancer survivors have higher risk of severe health problems later – Reuters

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

(Reuters Health) - People who survive cancer during childhood and early adulthood are more likely to experience severe, life-threatening health problems and die prematurely, a recent study suggests.

Researchers followed almost 12,000 young cancer survivors and roughly 5,000 of their healthy siblings for around two decades, until many of them were in their 40s. Even though all of the cancer survivors were tumor free for at least five years at the start of the study, they were still roughly six times more likely to die during follow-up than their siblings.

Before 1960, cancer before the age of 21 years was uniformly fatal, and currently about 83% of anyone diagnosed with cancer before the age of 21 years can be cured, said senior study author Dr. Tara Henderson, director of cancer survivorship at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Now, as advances in cancer therapy increase survival odds and transform the disease from a death sentence to a chronic illness for many people, doctors need to focus more on the long-term side effects of treatment, Henderson said by email.

Thats because better survival odds also mean these children may have an elevated risk of health problems that can develop as a result of tumors or treatments including heart disease and recurring or new cancers.

Chemotherapy can weaken the heart muscle, some newer targeted medicines can increase the risk of heart failure, and radiation can cause heart rhythm disorders and structural damage in the arteries and heart valves, according to the American Heart Association.

By age 45, 56% of the childhood cancer survivors diagnosed before age 15 had developed severe health problems, compared with 39% of survivors diagnosed in adolescence or early adulthood and 12% of the siblings without any history of malignancies.

Mortality rates were also higher for cancer survivors diagnosed during childhood than for those diagnosed during adolescence or early adulthood.

Survivors of childhood cancer were less likely to die from recurring tumors than survivors who were diagnosed a little later, however.

Researchers followed people diagnosed with cancer between 1970 and 1999, and its possible that long-term health outcomes might be better for people diagnosed today due in part to changes in treatment designed to improve their survival odds and minimize the risk of severe treatment-related health problems, the study team notes in Lancet Oncology.

Another limitation of the study is that researchers lacked data on three types of tumors - malignancies in the gonads, thyroid, and skin - that account for almost 40% of cancers diagnosed in 15- to 20-year-olds.

Some cancer-related complications do not become apparent until several years following cancer treatment, said Dr. Paivi Lahteenmaki of Turku University in Finland and the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden.

As the survivors of childhood cancers age, the effects of therapy may be exacerbated by effects of aging on organ function, Lahteenmaki, author of an editorial accompanying the study, said by email.

Beyond adjusting treatment approaches to minimize the potential for lasting health problems, patients can also adopt a healthy lifestyle to help make severe or life-threatening medical issues less likely to develop, Lhteenmki advised. Among other things, this includes exercising, eating well, wearing sunscreen, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy body weight.

SOURCE: bit.ly/2UYj0mL Lancet Oncology, online February 14, 2020.

Combating burnout in sustainability work – GreenBiz

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

In January 2019, Buzzfeeds Anne Helen Petersen wrote a viral essay describing millennials as the "burnout generation."Five months later, the World Health Organization (WHO) broadened burnout beyond 20- and 30-somethings, calling it a new "occupational phenomenon."

Defined by WHO as "chronic workplace stress," burnout affects our mental well-being as well as our productivity at work, which means theres a real cost to business. According to a 2018 Lancet Commission report (PDF), mental health disorders including those associated with burnout, such as stress and mental exhaustion could cost the global economy up to $16 trillion between 2010 and 2030.

These discussions have helped elevate the issue of burnout at work, where we spend most of our time. But how does this issue play out in the field of sustainability? How can organizations create a sustainable culture of well-being to ensure organizational impact and keep employees happy, healthy and engaged at work and in their lives?

I discussed these questions with Elissa Goldenberg, who spent more than a decade working in the social impact field before starting her own firm, EG Coaching & Consulting, helping mission-driven individuals, teams and organizations maximize their well-being and their impact.

Ellen Weinreb: EG Coaching & Consulting focuses on mission-driven people and organizations. Why did you feel it was important to address well-being in this field?

Elissa Goldenberg: I experienced firsthand the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and positive mindset while working for a mission I cared about deeply, and I discovered that people around me were struggling, too with stress management, fatigue, a fading sense of fulfillment, showing up for friends and loved ones, and even disillusionment with the efficacy of their organizations mission.

Social impact professionals experience challenges common in fast-paced, high-intensity work environments: frequent and difficult travel, heavy workloads and long hours, and urgent deadlines.

Weinreb: What is burnout, and why does it matter?

Goldenberg:Burnout is different for everyone, but common symptoms include stress, chronic fatigue, feelings of overwhelm, cynicism or a general lack of satisfaction from achievements. It affects quality of life and work performance. For some, it can feel like their entire sense of self their identity is being challenged.

Research indicates burnout is becoming a workplace epidemic, affecting not just individuals but entire teams. This poses significant risks to the bottom line due to higher healthcare costs, increased absenteeism and turnover, and lower productivity. Burnout can also stifle collaboration, creativity and innovation.

Weinreb: What are some of the risks in the sustainability field that could lead to burnout?

Goldenberg:Social impact professionals experience challenges common in fast-paced, high-intensity work environments: frequent and difficult travel, heavy workloads and long hours, and urgent deadlines. There are also unique things that can make sustainability people more vulnerable to burnout: Most of us are motivated by deeply held values and beliefs, and this emotional attachment to our work can lead to an over-willingness to focus on the mission at the expense of our own needs. Many social impact professionals engage directly with people in vulnerable conditions, which takes an emotional toll. Finally, the sheer size and complexity of the global challenges were working on can feel overwhelming.

Weinreb: How can managers and employers help prevent burnout?

Goldenberg:Organizations need to create a safe space for their employees to discuss their challenges and seek the support they need to flourish.

Managers can help their team regulate their physical, mental and emotional energy. Offer flexible work options, so people can build in time for renewal. Encourage recovery days after work trips. Build in structured time and provide a safe space for people to process their emotions and discuss their challenges through mentor programs, counseling or team discussions. Create peer support systems. And celebrate intermediate milestones to help people stay connected to meaningful progress on long-term challenges.

A lot of wellness programs are either too shallow or too narrow. Companies need to move beyond benefits and perks and take a critical look at their culture.

Weinreb: Whats your take on current strategies to support employee well-being and mental health?

Goldenberg:A lot of wellness programs are either too shallow or too narrow. Companies need to move beyond benefits and perks and take a critical look at their culture to understand how overt practices and unspoken rules drive unhealthy conditions. They also need to recognize that every individual has unique needs. Some people find it difficult to cope with stress, while others have underlying mental health conditions that may be exacerbated in certain work cultures.

Weinreb: Whats the one thing sustainability organizations and teams can do to cultivate an ongoing culture of well-being?

Goldenberg:Dont take your purpose or mission for granted. Too often, theres the mindset that the mission is enough to keep people motivated. Instead, leaders can proactively build cultures that are authentic in their mission and values, encourage people to bring their full self to work, and foster a safe and supportive environment so the organization and its people will thrive.

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Combating burnout in sustainability work - GreenBiz

Connecting mental health and exercise: A key player in the path to wellbeing – Boise State University The Arbiter Online

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

When senior visual arts major Sabrina Sergott was a sophomore in high school, she thought it was normal for her to be as stressed as she was.

She frequently skipped class because she felt anxious and distracted. One day, with the eyes of her entire school on her, Sergott collapsed in the middle of a halftime performance at a basketball game, unable to breathe and terrified that she was having a heart attack.

My mom rushed me to the doctor and it turned out it was just a panic attack, Sergott said. I knew right then I needed to make changes in my life because I was tired of being so scared.

Sergott was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. She met with doctors and therapists who gave her the tools to prevent panic attacks, including an anti-anxiety medication. After slowly going off the medication following an allergic reaction, she continued to attend weekly therapy.

Sergotts therapist suggested physical activity as a remedy.

My therapist recommended I find a way to naturally release my anxiety. She told me about a patient she had who would dance in her room when she felt anxious, Sergott said. That inspired me to go to the gym and join local sports like ultimate frisbee and kickball. I even joined the BSU ski club.

Exercise is only one aspect of living a healthy lifestyle, but its impact on the brain makes it a commonly recommended tool. This prescription, paired with support and accommodations, can be an effective solution for managing and improving mental health.

Exercise as medicine

Nate Fauntleroy, a licensed social worker for Boise State Counseling Services, suggests exercise to all of his patients.

I do recommend it to everyone, especially folks who are considering going on medications, Fauntleroy said. Everyones body is different, but Ive always kind of, as a general practice knowledge, told people that if they can get themselves to sweat three times a week on three different days, thatll have the same psychological effect as an introductory dose of an antidepressant or an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor).

David Rosenberg, a professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at Wayne State University, cited research in 2018 showing that close to 1 in 5 college students struggles with anxiety or depression. Exercise can help those with anxiety because of the effect it has on the body, according to Fauntleroy.

It forces the minds attention to be on the body, which pulls it away from ruminating or erasing thoughts about the future or the past, Fauntleroy said. Which is why exercise is normally helpful for creating patterns in which were more thoughtful about the way that we feel now and less thoughtful about the things that are coming or the things that have already happened.

Sergott has found that bikram yoga has proved the most beneficial for managing her anxiety. She enjoys the heavy breathing and challenging poses, as well as the mind-clearing meditation.

After I leave the studio, I feel like a stronger, calmer woman, Sergott said. I definitely think exercising has helped me become a less anxious person. Ever since I started working out again, I sleep easier, study and work harder and I make healthier choices when I eat. I also find myself being more sociable.

Like Sergott, it is crucial that students find their remedy before internal tension builds. Dr. Eric Martin, an assistant professor for the Department of Kinesiology, teaches several classes on sport and exercise psychology, which focus on how physical activity influences a range of consequences.

We know that a lot of mental health issues start as more acute things, so things like stress. If we never deal with that stress, it can build until we dont have the capabilities to handle them and they develop more into that mental health issue, Martin said. So if we can use exercise in that way to eliminate stress, we can hopefully move back towards that more healthy aspect on the continuum.

While exercise is among the most common recommendations for those working on their mental health, it is just one piece of the puzzle.

Building support on campus

For those seeking wellness and balance, BroncoFit has worked to develop the all-encompassing Dimensions of Wellness featuring eight key components: emotional, physical, financial, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual and environmental.

We know we want people to find community and so we offer programs in all types of wellness areas, said Holly Levin, assistant director of BroncoFit. But the main purpose is that were connecting students with things that interest them and with others, and hopefully keeping them well while theyre here.

Because there is no universal definition for physical activity, fulfilling this particular dimension of wellness can be accomplished in many ways.

Sometimes when we think exercise, our mind maybe has a certain picture, Levin said. But really just walking can be a great place to start. I think sometimes people think that walking is not enough but if somebody isnt exercising, walking is a fantastic place to start, especially if you enjoy nature and you can combine your physical activity with being outside.

Five years ago, sophomore pre-business major Morgan Hett was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, meaning that her adrenal glands were exhausted and not producing enough hormones. According to Hett, adrenal fatigue is usually caused by chronic stress or infection; in her case, it was due to anxiety and a poor diet.

Hett sought treatment from an applied kinesiologist, who suggested a change in diet and to go on walks or runs any time that she feels sluggish. While this may seem like a simple solution, the act of training her body to respond to fatigue with exercise was not an easy task.

It was very difficult for me to find the motivation to go out and work out when I felt exhausted and depressed for most of the day, Hett said. Some days are still harder to motivate myself to go out.

Hett has enlisted the help of her friends and dogs to motivate her on those harder days.

I found if I had someone relying on me, I could be more motivated than if it were just myself, Hett said.

A commonly recommended solution for overcoming those feelings of apprehension is to utilize a support system like Hett has. This could mean getting a gym buddy, joining a team or finding someone who can help make reminders of short or long-term goals.

Having a support system in place, people in your life who encourage you to be active, people in your life who are concerned about your health and your welfare, including your mental health that awareness, or the awareness of a community, of all of the benefits of physical activity helps provide that social support that we all need to stay active, said Dr. Bob Wood of the School of Allied Health Sciences.

Campus Recreation is working to help students find that support system. Rodo Leone, Campus Recreations associate director of programs and student development, strives to make the Rec a diverse and inclusive space.

Roughly a month ago, all group fitness classes at the Rec became free for anyone with a membership. The Rec is also offering fitness classes at Towers Hall, one of the furthest dorms from the center. By training their fitness attendants on inclusion and sociability, the Rec is seeking to make patrons feel more comfortable.

The purpose of having that position is to kind of bring [down]the level of intimidation that this place can cause by having people who are visible and identifiable, Leone said. We are training them to be social and to try to help people without being invasive.

Another way the Rec is aiming to help its student patrons to gain confidence and feel included is by modeling their staff after the student population, such as hiring fitness attendants of many different majors and experience levels.

Of the many ideas Leone has to accommodate the gyms population, some include adding braille and QR codes to exercise machines, turning a fitness
room into a stretching space and creating a feedback form for reporting needs or suggesting improvements.

By alleviating the concerns of intimidating spaces, the Rec is on its way to supporting students in their pursuit of the dimensions of wellness. Whether it is at a gym, on a running trail or even in the comfort of ones own home, having a support system is a key to accomplishing the sometimes daunting task of tackling your mental and physical fitness.

It is very daunting to set out with a goal of I am going to cure my mental health, Hett said. Start small with I am gonna change my outlook on today by working out. Bring a friend so you dont feel as alone and you have someone to keep you motivated. It is always easier with someone but once you get in that routine you can start to rely on yourself and your body will expect it.

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Connecting mental health and exercise: A key player in the path to wellbeing - Boise State University The Arbiter Online

What do we know about the relationship between our gut microbiota and cardiovascular disease? – Gut Microbiota for Health

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Most of us want to lower our cardiometabolic (CM) risk* in order to live long and healthy lives; that is, we want to have what doctors define as a low risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Little is known so far, but the study we are sharing today offers the beginnings of an answer. A study conducted on a diverse population of adults from Jamaica, South Africa, Ghana, and the United States highlights that the gut microbiota and oral microbiota are related, and that both can be used as predictors of cardiovascular risk.

Overall, the authors show that in this cohort, there was a significant link between cardiometabolic risk and diversity of the gut microbiota. In general less diversity equated to a greater risk. Authors also found that these associations were specific to certain geographical regions, and dependent on the specific CM risk factor** being examined. For example, lower bacterial gut diversity was associated with elevated blood pressure in Ghanaians and South Africans, but associated with elevated fasted blood glucose in Jamaicans.

Gut microbiota and oral microbiota are related, and that both can be used as predictors of cardiovascular risk.

Authors also found that participants with a high cardiometabolic risk have a mild inflammatory state, linked to the presence of a molecule called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which originates in bacteria and induces inflammation.

Well, the authors suggest that the bacterial intestinal profile of an individual could potentially be both predictive and also serve as a therapeutic target in at-risk individuals. Its also important to remember that greater microbial diversity appears to reduce cardiometabolic risk. Knowing this, many of us may be wondering how to increase the diversity of our gut microbiota. The best way, according to scientists and dietitians, is to live a healthy lifestyle and eat a diet that is rich in fiber.

*Cardiometabolic riskis a condition in which the possibilities of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease and diabetes mellitus are significantly enhanced.

** Cardiovascular risk factors: significant waist circumference, high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar, high triglycerides and low high density lipoprotein (HDL).

Reference:

Fei N, Bernab BP, Lie L, et al. The human microbiota is associated with cardiometabolic risk across the epidemiologic transition. PLoS One. 2019;14(7):e0215262. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0215262

On the move at Aker Ink, Sagewood, Plexus, Jaburg Wilk – AZ Big Media

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Aker Ink bolsters team

Having embraced marketing and digital strategies over the last decade while cementing a reputation for excellence in serving B2B clients, boutique agency Aker PR & Marketing has expanded by hiring Valliere Jones as director of public relations and Tim Gallen as account executive.

Aker Ink serves clients in highly technical or specialized industriesfinding professionals who can turn difficult concepts into easily understood, relatable materials is a challenge, said Aker Ink President Andrea Aker. These seasoned practitioners are adept at telling our clients stories in a compelling way to position themand Aker Inkfor growth.

Jones, a public relations agency veteran with more than 25 years of experience at global, regional and local firms, will plan and execute public relations campaigns that integrate with companys marketing capabilities while supervising and mentoring the agencys account executives and coordinator.

We knew Vallieres proven track record in executive communications and thought leadership, as well as her strategic planning and media relations abilities, would be a tremendous assetso we created a position to leverage her strengths, Aker said. With a wealth of expertise in a wide variety of writing styleseverything from short social media posts to case studies and bylined articlesValliere is perfectly suited to coach our junior staff and help them hone their writing skills.

Gallen, who previously served as digital editor for the Phoenix Business Journal, is an award-winning journalist who crafted news articles and other content on a wide range of topics spanning restaurants, retail, small business, technology, real estate and the economy, diving into business operations, innovations and the latest industry trends.

As a former journalist with deep digital expertise, Tim is a natural fit for Aker Ink, said Aker. He knows what makes a great story, how to tell a great story and how to get that story noticed. He also thinks creatively and is willing to experimenttwo fundamental traits of any successful PR pro.

Jones is a former National President of the Public Relations Student Society of America and graduate of Brigham Young Universitys renowned public relations program. Gallen has a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism from Pacific Lutheran University.

Sagewood, a Life Plan Community featuring resort-like amenities focused on independence and well-being, has named Jennifer LaForest director of business development at Sagewoods Acacia Health Center.

She brings more than 20 years of experience in the skilled nursing and retirement community industry to Acacia Health Center. LaForest previously served as the campus director of admissions and marketing at Springsdale Village in Mesa, Ariz. and prior was the director of admissions and marketing at Avalon Shadow Mountain in Scottsdale, Ariz.

LaForests background in skilled nursing and senior care is impressive, said Natalie Miko, administrator of Acacia Health Center. She truly understands what goes into working with admissions and helping residents get what they need and will be a great asset at Acacia Health Center.

For more information on Sagewood, visit SagewoodLCS.com and Like the communitys Facebook page at Facebook.com/SagewoodLCS.

Plexus Worldwide, a leading direct-selling health and wellness company focused on health and happiness, is pleased to welcome Dr. Jim Logan to its Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Logan has decades of experience caring for Americas astronauts and is dedicated to helping all people achieve and maintain optimal health.

As a Medical Advisory Board member, Dr. Logan will help guide product development using his experience as a medical doctor and his passion for sharing preventative practices.

Plexus is thrilled to welcome Jim to our team because he is committed to helping people achieve a healthy lifestyle through the art of combining science-backed products with motivational strategies, said Tarl Robinson, CEO and Founder of Plexus. His insight and passion in helping people live happier, healthier lives is already inspiring our team.

Dr. Logan is Board Certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine and spent 22-years at NASA Space Center serving as Chief of Flight Medicine and Chief of Medical Operations. Among his top priorities was to care for American astronauts and their families for 25-Space Shuttle missions by optimizing their health and preventing medical issues.

I am excited to work with the team at Plexus to help people around the world work towards whole body wellness using a team approach that leverages the power of science to reach maximum health potential, said Dr. Logan. My personal philosophy of medical care is that prevention is vastly superior medically, financially and emotionally to aggressive, long-term, and invasive treatments that result from significant medical issues.

Alden A. Thomas has been named to the Board of Directors of Audreys Angels.

Thomas, an employment law and insurance coverage attorney at Jaburg Wilk, said Audreys Angels is a great organization. The difference that music can make in the life qualify of elderly people is amazing. Im proud of the number of homes that Audreys Angels is currently assisting and look forward to helping them to deliver even more programming.

Audreys Angels provides music and art by bringing live music and craft programs to enrich the lives of elderly who are living in small residential care homes in Maricopa County. Founded in 2001, they have grown to support more than 100 homes and adult day care centers with assistance from 75 music and craft angels.

Thomas received her J.D. from the Sandra Day OConnor College of Law at Arizona State University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to starting private practice, Alden clerked for Judge Patricia Orozco of the Arizona Court of Appeals.

AZ Business Leadersis an annual business-to-business publication that combines the whos who of Arizona business community with their valuable leadership advice and knowledge. The magazine is published byAZ Big Media. To learn more about Az Business Leaders, contactSheri Brown, director of sales.

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On the move at Aker Ink, Sagewood, Plexus, Jaburg Wilk - AZ Big Media

How to live longer: Harvard study reveals how to add DECADE of healthy life – Express

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

It really is never to late to start a healthy lifestyle - and now a new study revealed you can add more than 10 years to your life with some simple changes. The Harvard study has revealed maintaining five healthy habits by 50 can add more than a decade of healthy life by holding off major diseases.

Those who ate a good diet, exercised, were a healthy body weight, did not smoke and did not drink too much, lived free of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer for far longer.

The findings of the current study highlighted the importance of health prevention

Dr Yanping Li

The scientists report females who maintained all five habits by the age of 50 could expect to live to 84 years and four months before succumbing to any of the illnesses.

Female who followed none of these practices, conversely, would likely develop at least one ailment by 73 years and eight months.

Males who followed none of the healthy behaviours were also likely to develop one of the three conditions by 73 years and one month.

READ MORE:Coronavirus outbreak UK: How to protect yourself as Britons infected

They could, however could delay the deterioration until 81 years and six months by living well.

Dr Yanping Li, the studys senior research scientist at the Department of Nutrition at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, told Express.co.uk: It is never too late to start a healthy lifestyle, but the earlier the better.

The life expectancy is growing worldwide including both developed and developing countries, thats why more and more people concerned about the healthy ageing.

Previous studies have found that following a healthy lifestyle improves overall life expectancy and reduces risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

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But few studies have looked at the effects of lifestyle factors on life expectancy free from such diseases.

The findings of the current study highlighted the importance of health prevention.

The Harvard scientists examined data from two longitudinal studies involving more than 110,000 people dating back up to 34 years.

Dr Li added: The study was impossible without 30 plus years of data collection and data management of many co-workers.

Healthy diet was defined as a high score on the Alternate Healthy Eating Index, regular exercise as at least 30 minutes per day of moderate activity, healthy weight as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2; and moderate alcohol intake as up to one 175ml glass of wine per day for women and a maximum of two glasses for men.

Lifestyle factors including smoking, exercise, alcohol intake, body weight and diet quality have long been known to impact both life expectancy and likelihood of chronic diseases.

However few studies have looked at how a combination of lifestyle factors relate to life expectancy free from such diseases.

The new study is the first to reveal the majority of the extra time will be spent in good health.

Males who smoked 15 or more cigarettes a day or obese men and women with a BMI of 30 or over, had the lowest proportion of disease-free life.

The studys senior author and Harvard Professor of Nutrition Dr Frank Hu wrote in the report: Given the high cost of chronic disease treatment, public policies to promote a healthy lifestyle by improving food and physical environments would help to reduce health care costs and improve quality of life.

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How to live longer: Harvard study reveals how to add DECADE of healthy life - Express

Living Beyond the Facade – The Cougar’s Byte

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

On Feb. 11, the Office of Africana Studies and Kean University's College of Liberal Arts held Living Beyond the Facade: Inside the Health and Wealth Practices of Americans of African Descent, which took place in the Little Theatre at the Miron Student Center.

This lecture was part of a series called 400 Years: The Shaping of the African Experience in America 1619-2019, which took place to honor Black History Month for the entirety of February. The Office of Africana Studies hosted many other events for the Kean community during the month.

Christine Thorpe, Ed.D., dean of the Nathan Weiss Graduate College, had a conversation about her book, Living Beyond the Facade, which is about the African-American community and how health and wealth is measured within it.

In addition to her work as an author, Thorpe is also the founder and co-director of Stronger Tomorrow Wellness, Inc. a nonprofit organization committed to inspiring women in engaging with healthy lifestyle practices while providing education on physical and mental wellness to lessen disparities within communities with people of color.

Thorpe is a certified wellness coach and health education specialist with over 20 years of experience in the field. She has a B.S. in psychology from Syracuse University, a Ed.M in International and Comparative Education Development along with an Ed.D in Health Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Along with holding memberships in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Mocha Moms, Inc., Thorpe is a wife and a mother of two.

The lecture began with an opening statement from the Director of the Office of Africana Studies James Conyers.

Once Thorpe was introduced, she talked about how the book came to be due to the result of the 2016 presidential election and what Donald Trump had to say about the black community during one of his speeches.

"My desire for writing this book was to take ownership of the conversation and not have someone dictate to us what we do or do not have," said Thrope.

For her book, Thorpe has managed to interview 60 people and do extensive research about wellness in the African community over the course of two years.

"I interviewed these people and asked them questions about their health practices," Thorpe said. "People would answer questions for me to gain an understanding of how they got to where they did in terms of managing their health."

She continued to explain why she streamlined the questioning process.

"I kept it as broad as possible because I really wanted people to feel like they had an opportunity to share their experiences," said Thorpe.

After discussing the criteria she used to evaluate her interviewees, Thorpe talked about the meaning of the book's title. She mentions that it took her a while to come up with a proper one.

"I wanted a title that captured the trichotomy between how we currently live, how we want to live and how we need to live," Thorpe mentioned. "These were the three areas that I wanted to be seen through this title."

Through the entirety of the lecture, Thorpe discussed the state of the black community in consideration of its history and her experiences in bettering her health and increasing her knowledge.

She made the discussion interactive by asking audience members questions and having the floor open for discussing the topics at hand, providing those an opportunity to voice their opinions and discussing solutions for a healthier community.

The Office of Africana Studies offers an 18 credit minor program with more than 50 course selections. After completion, students are awarded with a certificate in Africana Studies at the annual African Heritage Graduation Ceremony. Aside from its academics, the office provides cultural programming year round.

Its multicultural society uses an African-centric perspective to grasp understanding of economies, history, culture, education, politics, philosophies, aspirations and achievements of those of African descent globally. More information about the office can be found on Cougar Link.

They are located in Hutchinson, Room 103 S & T and can be contacted via phone at (908) 737-3916 or emailed at africanastudies@kean.edu.

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Living Beyond the Facade - The Cougar's Byte

Nanomedicine Market by Key Manufacturers, Regions, Risk Analysis, Industry Share, Driving Factors, Deployment Policy, Innovative Technology, Product…

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Global Nanomedicine Market report provides you with detailed insights, industry knowledge, market forecasts and analytics. The report on the global Nanomedicine industry also clarifies economic risks and environmental compliance. Global Nanomedicine market report assists industry enthusiasts including investors and decision makers to make confident capital investments, develop strategies, optimize their business portfolio, innovate successfully and perform safely and sustainably.

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Key Companies

The report offers detailed coverage of Nanomedicine industry and main market trends. The market research includes historical and forecast market data, demand, application details, price trends, and company shares of the leading Nanomedicine by geography. The report splits the market size, by volume and value, on the basis of application type and geography.

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Key Product Type

Market by Application

Nanomedicine Market Segment by Regions

Asia-Pacific: China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Oceania

Europe: Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland

North America: United States, Canada, Mexico

Middle East & Africa: GCC, North Africa, South Africa

South America: Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru

The key points of the Nanomedicine Market report:

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Global Nanomedicine Market providing information such as company profiles, product picture, and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis are also carried out. The Global Nanomedicine market development trends and marketing channels are analysed. Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed and overall research conclusions offered.

Key Points from Table of Content

1 Nanomedicine Industrial Chain Overview2 Global Nanomedicine Market Production & Consumption by Geography3 Nanomedicine Market Major Manufacturers Introduction4 Nanomedicine Market Competition Pattern5 Nanomedicine Product Type Segment6 Nanomedicine End-Use Segment7 Nanomedicine Market Forecast & Trend8 Nanomedicine Price & Channel9 Nanomedicine Market Drivers & Investment Environment10 Research Conclusion

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Nanomedicine Market by Key Manufacturers, Regions, Risk Analysis, Industry Share, Driving Factors, Deployment Policy, Innovative Technology, Product...

How Nanomedicine is Going Green and Fighting Superbugs – CareDash News

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Nanomaterials are materials with one dimension less than 100 nanometers. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. Professor Thomas Webster directs the Nanomedicine Laboratory at Northeastern University. His lab designs, synthesizes, and evaluates nanomaterials for various medical implant applications. CareDash CEO and Managing Editor Ted Chan interviewed Dr. Webster about nanotech innovation.

We focus on the synthesis, design, and evaluation of nanomaterials (that is, tubes, particles, etc. with dimensions usually less than 100 nm) in medicine. Specifically, we were the first group to demonstrate increased tissue growth (such as bone, cartilage, vascular, bladder, nervous system, etc.) on nanomaterials compared to conventional implants. We were also the first group to report decreased infection on nanomaterials compared to conventional implants, even without the use of drugs. We have also been pioneering the use of implantable nanosensors to detect disease, communicate such information to a handheld device, and kill the disease on-demand.

As just one example, we have a growing alarming number of antibiotic-resistant infections that are crippling our healthcare system. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has predicted that more people will die from antibiotic-resistant infections than all cancers combined by 2050. We created this problem, and we can solve it. So, in simple terms, we are killing bacteria using nanoparticles, but not antibiotics. We can even kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria with nanoparticles, whereas antibiotics fail. Decreasing infection from any bacteria, especially antibiotic-resistant bacteria, will significantly increase health.

In addition to those medical advances mentioned above (implantable sensors, nanoparticles that can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, nanomaterials to increase tissue growth, etc.), I am particularly excited about green nanomedicine.

Green nanomedicine is where we can use natural materials to create medical devices and nanoparticles. This is important since a significant portion of the "plastic island" in the Pacific Ocean is composed of plastics from the medical community, yet very few people are studying green biomaterials or green nanomedicine. We are here at Northeastern Nanomedicine Laboratory. We have been creating green medical devices and green nanoparticles, which is saving our environment and are more effective in their function than the respective conventional materials.

Persistence. We have started over 13 companies with over 23 FDA approved implants. Research is hard enough, but getting the funding to commercialize your products is even harder. I have learned throughout my career in so many ways never to give up, and if you believe in technology, persist until it is saving human lives.

Dr. Webster is a Keynote Speaker at the 2ndBiomedical Engineering and Instrumentation Summit(BEIS 2020), a conference organized to promote awareness and enhance research in biomedical engineering. BEIS 2020 will be held on July 20-22, 2020, in Boston, MA.

Disclosure: CareDash is a media partner of the BEIS Summit at which Dr. Webster is a keynote speaker in 2020. Dr. Webster and CareDash have no financial affiliation.

You can also tweet us questions and comments@caredash.

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How Nanomedicine is Going Green and Fighting Superbugs - CareDash News

Musician Hacks Prosthetic Arm to Control Synthesizer and Play Music With His Thoughts – Interesting Engineering

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

This musician hacked his prosthetic arm so that he can play music with his thoughts.

Bertolt Meyer is a musician and an engineer at heart, who was born without a lower left arm. He has worn a prosthetic arm since he was just 3 months old, however, now he is wearing an I-Limb that looks like something out of a futuristic cyberpunk movie.

What he is wearing is a myoelectric prosthesis, which uses electrical signals from the muscles inside the residual limb to control movement.

As an electric musician himself, Meyer had the idea to swap out the prosthetic hand for a DIY controller for his modular synthesizers. This is nothing short of genius since now he can play music just by thinking about it. He's calling the design "SynLimb."

This allows him to plug his prosthesis directly into the synthesizer and control its parameters with the signals from his body that would normally control a hand.

The video shows the amazing process in action. While Meyer talks about this as an exciting little project for him, it truly does hold promise and potential for the future of transhumanism.

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Musician Hacks Prosthetic Arm to Control Synthesizer and Play Music With His Thoughts - Interesting Engineering

Protein that Prevents Tau Clearance Linked to AD and Other Tau Tangle Proteinopathies – Clinical OMICs News

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Danzig

Studies by researchers at University of South Florida Health (USF Health) Morsani College of Medicine have found that a protein known as -arrestin2 increases the accumulation of the neurotoxic tau tangles that cause several forms of dementia, by interfering with the process that cells use to remove excess tau from the brain. The studies demonstrated that an oligomerized form of -arrestin2, but not monomeric -arrestin2, disrupted the process of autophagy, which would normally act to help rid cells of malformed proteins like disease-causing tau.

Encouragingly, in vivo studies showed that blocking -arrestin2 oligomerization suppressed disease-causing tau in a mouse model that develops a form of human frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with dementia, a form of neurodegeneration that is characterized by tau accumulation and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Our research could lead to a new strategy to block tau pathology in FTLD, Alzheimers disease, and other related dementias, which ultimately destroys cognitive abilities such as reasoning, behavior, language, and memory, said Jung-A (Alexa) Woo, PhD, an assistant professor of molecular pharmacology and physiology and an investigator at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimers Center. Woo is lead author of the teams published paper in theProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences(PNAS), which is titled, -arrestin2 oligomers impair the clearance of pathological tau and increase tau aggregates.

FTLD, which is also called frontotemporal dementia, is second only to Alzheimers disease (AD) as the leading cause of dementia. This aggressive form of dementia is typically earlier onset, in people aged 4565, and is characterized by atrophy of the front or side regions of the brain, or both. The two primary hallmarks of Alzheimers disease are clumps of amyloid-beta (A) protein fragments known as amyloid plaques, and the tangles of tau protein. Abnormal accumulations of both proteins are needed to drive the death neurons in Alzheimers, although recent research suggests that tau accumulation appears to be required for the toxic effects of A in AD, and correlates better with cognitive dysfunction than A. Indeed, tauopathy correlates significantly better than A with cognitive deficits in AD, the team noted, and drugs targeting A have been disappointing as a treatment.

Like Alzheimers disease, FTLD displays an accumulation of tau, which results in the formation of tau-laden neurofibrillary tangles that destroy synaptic communication between neurons, eventually killing the brain cells. There is no specific treatment or cure for FTLD. However, in contrast with AD, A aggregation is absent in the FTLD brain, in which the key feature of neurodegeneration appears to be the excessive tau accumulation, known as tauopathy. In contrast to AD, where amyloid is an integral part of the tangle, there is no accumulation of A in FTLD neurons , the authors noted.

Previous studies have pointed to an association between G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and AD pathogenesis, and have linked the activation of several, diverse GPCRs with A and/or tau pathogenesis in animal models. While it isnt clear how these very different GPCRs can impact on A and tau pathogenesis, and neurodegeneration in AD, one potential commonality among the receptors is their interaction with arrestins, the researchers noted. Interestingly, previous studies have shown that one of the family of -arrestin proteins known as -arrestin2, is increased in AD brains, and genetic studies have shown that endogenous -arrestin2 promotes A production and deposition, linking -arrestin2 to A pathogenesis. Despite this evidence, the authors acknowledged, prior to the current work, however, it was not known whether, or how, -arrestin2 pathogenically impinges on tauopathy and neurodegeneration in AD, or in FTLD where there is no accumulation of A. As Woo commented, Studying FTLD gave us that window to study a key feature of both types of dementias, without the confusion of any A component.

-arrestin2 in its monomeric form is mostly known for its ability to regulate receptors, but -arrestin2 can also form multiple interconnecting units, called oligomers, and the function of -arrestin2 oligomers is not well understood. While the monomeric form was the basis for the laboratorys initial studies examining tau and its relationship with neurotransmission and receptors, Woo said, we soon became transfixed on these oligomers of -arrestin2.

The teams studies confirmed the presence of elevated -arrestin2 levels, both in cells from the brains of TFLD-tau patients, and in a mouse model. This model expresses disease-associated tau in neurons, and displays FTLD-like pathophysiology and behavior and, like FTLD in humans, doesnt accumulate A.

The researchers also found that -arrestin2 acts to increase tau stability via scaffolding potein:protein interactions. Their results indicated that when -arrestin2 is overexpressed, tau levels also increase, suggesting a maladaptive feedback cycle that exacerbates disease-causing tau. As the authors commented, the data suggested that increased tau increases -arrestin2, which in turn acts to further potentiate tau-mediated events by stabilizing the protein, thus indicative of a vicious positive pathogenic feedback cycle.

To determine the effects of reducing -arrestin2 levels, the team crossed a mouse model of early tauopathy with genetically modified mice in which the -arrestin2 gene was inactivated. They demonstrated that genetic knockdown of -arrestin2 also reduced tauopathy, synaptic dysfunction, and the loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. Importantly, experiments confirmed that it was oligomerized -arrestin2, and not the proteins monomeric form, which was associated with increased tau. By blocking -arrestin2 molecules from binding together to create oligomerized forms of the protein, the investigators demonstrated that pathogenic tau significantly decreased when only monomeric -arrestin2, which does bind to receptors, was present.

Further experiments indicated that oligomerized -arrestin2 increases tau by impeding the ability of cargo protein p62 to help selectively degrade excess tau in the brain. In effect, this reduces the efficiency of the autophagy process that would otherwise clear toxic tau. The resulting accumulation of tau clogs up the neurons. Blocking -arrestin2 oligomerization also suppressed disease-causing tau in the mouse model that develops human tauopathy with signs of dementia.

Specifically, our results indicate that -arrestin2 oligomers increase tau levels by blocking the self-interaction of p62, an initial step essential in p62-mediated autophagy flux, the team commented. Genetic reduction or ablation of -arrestin2 significantly decreased sarkosyl-insoluble tau and mitigated tauopathy in vivo. Furthermore, -arrestin2 mutants incapable of forming oligomersactually reduced insoluble tau.

It has always been puzzling why the brain cannot clear accumulating tau, said Stephen B. Liggett, MD, senior author and professor of medicine and medical engineering at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. It appears that an incidental interaction between -arrestin2 and the tau clearance mechanism occurs, leading to these dementias. -arrestin2 itself is not harmful, but this unanticipated interplay appears to be the basis for this mystery We also noted that decreasing -arrestin2 by gene therapy had no apparent side effects, but such a reduction was enough to open the tau clearance mechanism to full throttle, erasing the tau tangles like an eraser. This is something the field has been looking foran intervention that does no harm and reverses the disease.

The results point to a potential therapeutic strategy for tauopathies such as FTLD, based on partial inhibition of -arrestin2 oligomerization. For gene therapy of human FTLD-tau, mutants with a somewhat decreased capacity for such inhibition might be desirable, so that some levels of the oligomer are present to carry out other functions Similarly, small molecule inhibitors of -arrestin2 oligomerization, given for treatment or prevention of FTLD-tau, could be designed to spare complete loss of the oligomer in the cell, they suggested. Based on our findings, the effects of inhibiting -arrestin2 oligomerization would be expected to not only inhibit the development of new tau tangles, but also to clear existing tau accumulations due to this mechanism of enhancing tau clearance.

This treatment strategy could be both preventative for at-risk individuals and those with only mild cognitive impairment, and therapeutic in patients with evident FTLD-tau, by decreasing existing tau tangles. Beyond tauopathy, it is conceivable that this strategy could also prove to be beneficial in other neurodegenerative diseases bearing proteinopathies that are cleared via p62, the scientists concluded.

This study identifies beta-arrestin2 as a key culprit in the progressive accumulation of tau in brains of dementia patients, added co-author David Kang, PhD, professor of molecular medicine and director of basic research for the Byrd Alzheimers Center. It also clearly illustrates an innovative proof-of-concept strategy to therapeutically reduce pathological tau by specifically targeting beta-arrestin oligomerization.

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Protein that Prevents Tau Clearance Linked to AD and Other Tau Tangle Proteinopathies - Clinical OMICs News

Precision Molecular Announces Investment by Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation to Support Advancement of More Effective Agents for Imaging…

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Danzig

Precision Molecular, Inc. (PMI), a clinical-stage company with the mission to develop imaging biomarkers and theranostics, today announced that the Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) made an investment in the company to support advancement of more effective ways to image neuroinflammation, with a view to discovery of early imaging biomarkers for Alzheimers disease. Terms of the investment were not disclosed.

"We welcome the investment by ADDF to help advance this important work," said Martin Pomper, M.D, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of PMI. "We and others have used radioligands targeting the translocator protein for positron emission tomography (PET) in an effort to measure activated microglia a hallmark of neuroinflammation in patients with a variety of putative neuroinflammatory conditions. Unfortunately, that approach is fraught with poor cell selectivity and high variability. The radiotracer being developed by PMI was chosen to offer greater cell specificity with the potential for earlier and more definitive detection of neuroinflammation." Dr. Pomper is the Henry N. Wagner, Jr. professor in the Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

PMIs radiotracer, PMI04, binds the macrophage colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) which, in the brain, is found almost exclusively on microglia and infiltrating macrophages, cell types directly involved in inflammation. In an article published in PNAS, uptake of the PMI radiotracer in inflamed brain tissue was shown to be approximately twice that of healthy brain tissue in animal models. Likewise, binding in postmortem Alzheimers brain tissue was about twice that of healthy tissue. Radiotracer uptake could be completely blocked by pretreating with other CSF1R ligands, demonstrating high specificity for the target.

"Imaging agents such as the one being developed by PMI are essential to advancing our ability to diagnose Alzheimers and to develop new therapeutics," said Howard Fillit, M.D., founding executive director and chief science officer of the ADDF. "The ADDF is pleased to support this important work and we look forward to seeing the results of ongoing clinical studies."

Investment in this program was provided by the ADDF through one of several active funding programs. The ADDF is a non-profit organization solely focused on funding the development of drugs for Alzheimer's, employing a venture philanthropy model to support research in academia and the biotech industry. The ADDF has awarded more than $150 million to fund over 626 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs and clinical trials in 19 countries. To learn more about ADDF, visit the website at http://www.alzdiscovery.org.

In addition to potential applications for detecting and following Alzheimers disease, this radiotracer can also be used to identify and track neuroinflammation in patients with Parkinsons disease. In December 2019, Johns Hopkins University received a grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) to study PMI04 for imaging microglia-selective inflammation in patients with Parkinsons disease.

https://www.michaeljfox.org/grant/development-colony-stimulating-factor-1-receptor-csf1r-radioligand-imaging-microglia

About PMIPrecision Molecular, Inc. (PMI) is a clinical-stage company with the mission to develop imaging biomarkers and theranostics (targeted therapy combined with diagnostics) for management of patients with CNS disorders and cancer. PMI is advancing a number of imaging biomarker products in the clinic with great potential to improve early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Utilizing these imaging biomarkers to follow disease progression may provide clinical researchers with powerful tools for early assessment of drug efficacy in clinical trials. PMI is a subsidiary of D&D Pharmatech, a clinical-stage global biotech company that funds the development of revolutionary medicines through disease-specific subsidiary companies founded and guided by top-tier medical research faculty and biotechnology veterans. This corporate structure creates a unique opportunity to accelerate translation of cutting-edge research into lifesaving therapeutic products for patients. For more information about D&D Pharmatech and Precision Molecular, Inc., please visit http://www.ddpharmatech.com/

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Bioinformatics Market 2020 Climbs on Positive Outlook of Booming Sales| Illumina, NAnexus, Qiagen, Thermo Fisher Scientific – News Times

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Danzig

A new business intelligence report released by Data Bridge Market Research with titleGlobal Bioinformatics Marketare taken from trustworthy sources such as websites, annual reports of the companies, journals, and others and were checked and validated by the market experts. Market research report is always helpful to business or organization in every subject of trade for taking better decisions, solving the toughest business questions and minimizing the risk of failure. Some of the key players profiled in the study areIllumina, Inc., NAnexus, Inc., Qiagen, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Dassault Systmes, Geneva Bioinformatics (Genebio) SA, Integromics S.L., Perkinelmer, Inc., Applied Biological Materials (ABM).

Bioinformatics Market has accounted for USD 2.8 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach USD 7.69 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 13.3% in the forecast period 2019 to 2024

Get Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts:https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=north-america-bioinformatics-market

Unlock new opportunities in Bioinformatics Market; the latest release from Data Bridge Market Research highlights the key market trends significant to the growth prospects, Let us know if any specific players or list of players needs to consider to gain better insights.

Competition Analysis:

Some of key competitors or manufacturers included in the study areIllumina, Inc., NAnexus, Inc., Qiagen, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Dassault Systmes, Geneva Bioinformatics (Genebio) SA, Integromics S.L., Perkinelmer, Inc., Applied Biological Materials (ABM)

Research Methodology

This research study involves the extensive usage of secondary sources, directories, and databases (such as Hoovers, Bloomberg, Businessweek, Factiva, and OneSource) to identify and collect information useful for this technical, market-oriented, and commercial study of the global Bioinformatics market. In-depth interviews were conducted with various primary respondents, which include key industry participants, subject-matter experts (SMEs), C-level executives of key market players, and industry consultants, to obtain and verify critical qualitative and quantitative information, and assess future market prospects. The following figure shows the market research methodology applied in making this report on the global Bioinformatics market.

The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below:

Market By Industry (Molecular Medicine, Drug Development, Clinical Diagnostics, Agriculture, Forensic, Animal, Academics & Research, Environmental, Gene Therapy), By Product Type (Sequencing Platforms, Knowledge Management Tools, Bioinformatics Software),

By Application (Preventive Medicine, Molecular Medicine, Genomics, Drug Development, Transcriptomics, Others), By Services (Data Analysis, Sequencing, Database integration, Others)

Browse Full Report with Details TOC @https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=north-america-bioinformatics-market

Bioinformatics market report is an extraordinary report that makes it possible to the industry to take strategic decisions and achieve growth objectives. This report also provides the company profile, product specifications, production value, contact information of manufacturer and market shares for company. The Bioinformatics market report helps industry to make known the best market opportunities and look after proficient information to efficiently climb the ladder of success. The analysis of this report has been used to examine various segments that are relied upon to witness the quickest development based on the estimated forecast frame.

Chapters to deeply display the Global Bioinformatics market.

Introduction about Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2017

Bioinformatics Market by Application/End Users

Bioinformatics Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications

(2013-2023) table defined for each application/end-users

Bioinformatics Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2023)

Bioinformatics Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application

Bioinformatics (Volume, Value and Sales Price) table defined for each geographic region defined.

Bioinformatics Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data ..

Additionally Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors list is being provided for each listed manufacturers

Market Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin table for each product type which include , Product Type I, Product Type II & Product Type III

Bioinformatics Manufacturing Cost Analysis

Bioinformatics Key Raw Materials Analysis

Bioinformatics Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Industrial Chain Analysis

Market Forecast (2018-2023)

..and more in complete table of Contents

For More Information or Query or Customization Before Buying, Visit at https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/checkout/buy/singleuser/north-america-bioinformatics-market

Key questions answered in this report

What will the market size be in 2026 and what will the growth rate be

What are the key market trends?

What is driving Bioinformatics Market?

What are the challenges to market growth?

Who are the key vendors in Market space?

What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Bioinformatics Market ?

What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Bioinformatics Market?

What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Bioinformatics market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA?

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Bioinformatics Market 2020 Climbs on Positive Outlook of Booming Sales| Illumina, NAnexus, Qiagen, Thermo Fisher Scientific - News Times

We need to take steps toward building a consensus definition of biological aging – STAT

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Danzig

Ive been committed to understanding the biology of aging since I was a teenager, and my education and career took aim at this problem from many angles. One aspect that still perplexes me is that there isnt a good, easily communicable answer to this simple question: What is biological aging?

When it comes to biological aging research or, to use a fancier term, translational geroscience, scientists finally have a pretty good understanding of the major components of aging. But theres no consensus definition of it that consolidates the existing framework.

Why do we need such a definition of biological aging? A good definition can grab the essential characteristics of an entity and put them to good use. Two examples illustrate this.

Here is an example from medicine, published this month in Nature: Cancer is a catch-all term used to denote a set of diseases characterized by autonomous expansion and spread of a somatic clone. That is a more exact way of saying, Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled division of abnormal cells. This definition captures the universal mechanism behind all cancers. As such, it also offers therapeutic options. No matter how diverse cancers get, keeping them under one umbrella is easier compared to the broad-spectrum of biological aging.

A definition from mathematics is also instructive: The derivative of a function is the measure of the rate of change of the value of the function dependent on changes in the input. It is a solid definition as it offers a procedure to compute the extreme values of a function.

Here are three consecutive steps empirical, philosophical, and computational that can be taken to create a good definition of biological aging:

The empirical step involves collecting what is already out there. Over the years, researchers have invented their own idiosyncratic definitions of biological aging, though these generally miss parts of the story.

Scientists often start papers with a summary referring to the consensus knowledge in the field and then ask the particular question they want to address and highlight the results. These summaries, which often contain definitions, are important educational windows into science, used by mainstream media to publicize results and form relevant narratives.

To illustrate the empirical step, I extracted four definitions from scientific papers exploring different aspects of aging that reveal the conceptual mess around defining biological aging.

Aging is characterized by a progressive loss of physiological integrity, leading to impaired function and increased vulnerability to death came from a 2013 paper in the journal Cell by Carlos Lpez-Otn and colleagues.

Aging underlies progressive changes in organ functions and is the primary risk factor for a large number of human diseases was the definition in a 2019 report in Nature Medicine by Benoit Lehallier and colleagues.

Aging is a progressive decline in functional integrity and homeostasis, culminating in death was used in a 2019 review of the genetics of aging in Cell by Param Priya Singh and colleagues.

Finally, a 2020 paper in Nature Medicine on personal markers of aging by Sara Ahadi and colleagues offered this: Aging is a universal process of physiological and molecular changes that are strongly associated with susceptibility to disease and ultimately death.

I analyzed several components of these definitions of biological aging, as indicated by the column headers in the table below, and identified some recurring themes. The final column indicates logical connections between these components.

This analysis offers two lessons, one negative and one positive. The negative lesson is that some definitions have hardly any overlap, as seen in I and II its apples and oranges. The positive lesson is that the recurring themes suggest the possibility of creating a core definition for biological aging using a bottom-up, empirical approach by analyzing many attempted definitions.

However, I dont believe that such a process would be sufficient.

The myriad definitions of biological aging help identify some necessary components of it. But an aggregated mash-up wont guarantee a formally correct and useful definition. Identifying the content itself is not enough, especially when dealing with such a complex and lifelong process. Just because we have found most of the puzzle pieces does not mean we can put the puzzle together without a clue to its shape.

This is where the philosophical step comes into the picture. Here, biologists will benefit from recruiting people trained to come up with a formal definition: philosophers, mathematicians, computer scientists, and the like.

The philosophical step involves identifying a list of criteria that a consensus definition of biological aging should meet. I believe that such a definition should meet at least these five criteria:

Completing the empirical and philosophical steps would yield a good starting point for a well-formed definition that captures the essentials of biological aging.

A consensus definition that meets both content and formal criteria, achieved through the empirical and philosophical steps, might help stabilize not just scientific consensus but consensus on public policy. Here the main issues are the relationship between biological aging and disease; and regulatory, clinical, and social aspects of healthy longevity. But a completed computational step will give us actual tools, helping the biomedical technology that advances healthy lifespans.

Applicability is perhaps the most important feature of a good definition, and this where the computational step comes in. The definition should suggest future experiments and, even more important, lend itself to computability so a formal model of biological aging can be built from it. Such a model can be used to simulate and compute biological aging scores based on input data and assess the effects of planned or real interventions to slow or stop negative aging processes.

Biomedical researchers now have a solid core of knowledge on biological aging, but do not have a working consensus definition to consolidate and represent this core knowledge and capture this so far elusive life process. The lack of an unambiguous and computable formal consensus definition of biological aging severely limits the applicability of this core knowledge to design comprehensive interventions to slow or stop negative aging processes.

A confident answer to the question What is biological aging? in humans will help us ensure that complexity does not hide any magical mysteries. Controlling that complexity to maximize a healthy lifespan wouldnt need a magic wand, either.

Attila Csordas is a longevity biologist and philosopher and the founding director of AgeCurve Limited, based in Cambridge, U.K.

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We need to take steps toward building a consensus definition of biological aging - STAT

Foundation Medicine and Chugai Announce Partnership with National Cancer Center for the Use of FoundationOneLiquid in the Third Stage of SCRUM-Japan -…

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Danzig

Feb. 13, 2020 06:00 UTC

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Foundation Medicine, Inc. and Chugai Pharmaceutical, Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) have entered into an agreement with the National Cancer Center (NCC) for the use of FoundationOneLiquid, Foundation Medicines laboratory-developed liquid biopsy test, in the third stage of SCRUM-Japan, the largest cancer genomic screening consortium in Japan. The multinational program provides genomic screening in collaboration with hospitals on a regional scale in Japan and other countries in Asia, and aims to accelerate the development of innovative biomarker-driven precision medicine cancer therapies.

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The third stage of SCRUM-Japan is structured in two programs LC-SCRUM-Asia and MONSTAR-SCREEN. LC-SCRUM-Asia is investigating genomic changes with the aim of delivering precision medicine to lung cancer patients. MONSTAR-SCREEN is investigating genomic changes across all types of advanced solid tumors, expanding beyond gastrointestinal cancer which was the focus of the second stage.

The SCRUM-Japan program is a model of how collaboration between industry and academia is making precision medicine a reality for people in need of new treatment approaches, said Brian Alexander, chief medical officer of Foundation Medicine. Utilization of FoundationOne Liquid in this program underscores its value in informing potential therapy selection for advanced-stage cancer patients. We look forward to continuing to expand access to comprehensive genomic profiling through this collaboration.

SCRUM-Japan is a groundbreaking program to find therapies for patients with advanced cancer. There is an increasing need for blood-based genomic testing in patients who cannot give tissue samples, including those who are unable to undergo invasive tumor biopsy, said Dr. Minoru Watanabe, vice president, head of Chugais Foundation Medicine Unit. We believe that this collaboration with the NCC, which has led genomic screening in Japan, will pave the way to realize true precision medicine across the country.

With the aim of delivering optimal treatments to patients, SCRUM-Japan was started with a view to detect cancer genomic alterations. The important achievements we saw from the first two stages include registration of over 10,000 patients clinical and genomic data, and approval of five therapeutic drugs and six in vitro diagnostics products based on clinical studies conducted by utilizing the data, said Atsushi Ohtsu, M.D., Ph.D., director of National Cancer Center Hospital East and Representative of SCRUM-Japan. Cancers remain leading causes of deaths in Japan and lung cancer has been ranked as the first leading cause of death among all cancer types. By incorporating FoundationOne Liquid into LC-SCRUM-Asia and MONSTAR-SCREEN, we believe the third stage of SCRUM-Japan will further prove the benefit of comprehensive genomic profiling tests such as FoundationOne Liquid.

Lung and gastrointestinal cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Japan, accounting for over 72 percent of cancer deaths in 2018, according to the World Health Organization. Through this collaboration, Foundation Medicine and Chugai will provide FoundationOne Liquid to academic centers participating in LC-SCRUM-Asia and MONSTAR-SCREEN.

In April 2018, Foundation Medicine received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) on a forthcoming version of Foundation Medicines liquid biopsy test, which is currently under U.S. FDA review. Chugai and Foundation Medicine are preparing for the regulatory filing of this version of the test in Japan with the intention that the product will be approved for use under the National Health Insurance coverage in Japan. The parties intend that both LC-SCRUM-Asia and MONSTAR-SCREEN will transition from the existing FoundationOne Liquid test to the forthcoming version of Foundation Medicines liquid biopsy test following its anticipated approval by the U.S. FDA and subject to the terms of the agreement.

About SCRUM-Japan SCRUM-Japan is the largest cancer genomic screening consortium in Japan and aims to accelerate the development of innovative biomarker-driven precision medicine cancer therapies. Since its launch in 2015, more than 10,000 patients with advanced cancers have participated in SCRUM-Japan. The third stage of SCRUM-Japan started in June 2019, and includes two programs LC-SCRUM-Asia and MONSTAR-SCREEN. LC-SCRUM-Asia is investigating genomic changes with the aim of delivering precision medicine to lung cancer patients. More than 200 hospitals in Japan and Taiwan have joined the program and its scope area is expanding across Asia. MONSTAR-SCREEN is investigating genomic changes across all types of advanced solid tumors including gastrointestinal cancer. 28 hospitals have registered in Japan, and it aims for patients with various types of cancer to participate in the program.

About Foundation Medicine Foundation Medicine is a molecular information company dedicated to a transformation in cancer care in which treatment is informed by a deep understanding of the genomic changes that contribute to each patient's unique cancer. The company offers a full suite of comprehensive genomic profiling assays to identify the molecular alterations in a patients cancer and match them with relevant targeted therapies, immunotherapies and clinical trials. Foundation Medicines molecular information platform aims to improve day-to-day care for patients by serving the needs of clinicians, academic researchers and drug developers to help advance the science of molecular medicine in cancer. For more information, please visit http://www.FoundationMedicine.com or follow Foundation Medicine on Twitter (@FoundationATCG).

About Chugai Chugai Pharmaceutical is one of Japans leading research-based pharmaceutical companies with strengths in biotechnology products. Chugai, based in Tokyo, specializes in prescription pharmaceuticals and is listed on the 1st section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. As an important member of the Roche Group, Chugai is actively involved in R&D activities in Japan and abroad. Specifically, Chugai is working to develop innovative products which may satisfy the unmet medical needs.Additional information is available at https://www.chugai-pharm.co.jp/english/.

Foundation Medicineand FoundationOne are registered trademarks of Foundation Medicine, Inc.

Source: Foundation Medicine

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Foundation Medicine and Chugai Announce Partnership with National Cancer Center for the Use of FoundationOneLiquid in the Third Stage of SCRUM-Japan -...

Dr. Gifford-Jones: Whats the magic painkiller in alcohol? – MPNnow.com

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Danzig

Hollywoods usual version of a death scene differs greatly from reality. But not when, in the old western movie, a cowboy is hit by an Indian arrow. Hes immediately handed a bottle of whisky, takes a few swigs of it, and the arrow is pulled out. The use of alcohol to decrease the effects of pain is as old as the fermentation process. But whats the magic ingredient in alcohol that works so well?I decided to try and find out from scientific sources. Read on, too, for my latest experience with medical marijuana (cannabis).

Trevor Thompson, professor at London, Englands Greenwich University, reports 18 different studies tested the reactions of over 400 people to evaluate the painkilling aspects of alcohol. They were exposed to cold, heat, and pressure, both with and without the influence of alcohol.

Thompson concluded that two beers relieved pain by 25%. He added that this provided more relief than opioid drugs such as codeine, and even more than that obtained from paracetamol (Tylenol). So the study concluded that there is robust evidence that alcohol is an effective painkiller. Moreover, as one might suspect, the higher the level of alcohol in the blood, the greater is the relief of pain.

Researchers at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland studied the effects of alcohol on 2,200 people who suffered from fibromyalgia and other painful chronic conditions. This study showed that the heaviest drinkers, those who consumed three to five drinks daily, were 67 percent less likely to experience pain than non-drinkers.

Another study carried out in Sweden and published in the British Medical Journal showed an interesting finding. Women who had three drinks a week had half the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than teetotalers.

These scientific results match everyday common sense. After all, weve all seen drunks who, while drinking to excess, get injured in the process. Yet theyre completely unaware of their injuries until they sober up.

It is disheartening to hear from readers who suffer from chronic pain. One wrote to me, Its suicide or drinking. But frankly, I prefer death. Another, half in jest, said, All my blessings come from God and good bourbon. Yet we know that drinking away your pain is not the answer.

So is there truly an ingredient in alcohol that can relieve soul-searching pain? Its not easy to find out. Trevor Thompson concluded, I hope that in the future drug producers are able to isolate specific compounds found in alcohol that provide the analgesic effects without the harmful effects of alcohol.

Id say Amen to the discovery of a pain-relieving molecule in alcohol. It would be a great bonanza to relief of human suffering, and the discovery should be awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

Today, patients have access to an abundance of painkillers. Unfortunately they all come with side-effects. Each year thousands of people are killed from an overdose of opioid drugs. These painkillers are also associated with disabling constipation. Sadly, it remains the best kept secret that a starting dose of 2,000 milligrams (mg) of powered vitamin C, with an increasing dose of 2,000 mg every night, always produces good results. This natural remedy, available in health food stores, is overlooked while many people continue using over-the-counter laxatives that injure bowels.

So whats my latest experience with medical cannabis? I recently believed Id finally found a cure for chronic neck pain. Previously I had experimented with various brands of medical cannabis, such as oral oils and rub on creams. I may as well have been using water.

But then a cannabis producer announced the use of nanotechnology to produce medical cannabis. This means cannabis ingredients are reduced in size to penetrate the body easier. The result is an increased dose of cannabis directed to the area of pain.

The result? Unfortunately, it was another medical cannabis failure for me. But there is some good news. Its getting close to five oclock and a glass of Chardonnay with dinner beats all the medical cannabis Ive tried.

Surely theres a brilliant molecular scientist somewhere to find the magic pain molecule in alcohol.

Dr. Ken Walker (Gifford-Jones) is a graduate of the University of Toronto and The Harvard Medical School. He trained in general surgery at the Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University and in gynecology at Harvard. He has also been a general practitioner, ships surgeon and hotel doctor. Sign up for medical tips at docgiff.com, and take a look at the new web site.

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Dr. Gifford-Jones: Whats the magic painkiller in alcohol? - MPNnow.com

Results from a new study suggest that Bmal1 gene is not an essential regulator of circadian rhythms – Mirage News

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Danzig

PHILADELPHIA The Bmal1 gene, found throughout the human body, is believed to be a critical part of the bodys main molecular timekeeper, but after deleting it in animal models, researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found that tissues continued to follow a 24-hour rhythm. The team also found these tissues could follow that circadian rhythm the 24-hour molecular clock that influences a variety of daily functions from sleep to metabolism even in the absence of outside stimulus that can influence the cycle, like light or temperature changes. These results indicate that, while the Bmal1 gene may heavily influence some circadian rhythm, the process is controlled by a more complex system, and that other drivers of the biological clock exist. The research published this month in the journal Science.

Using skin fibroblasts and liver slices from mice, tissues that are regularly part of circadian rhythm research, Penn researchers deleted Bmal1 and isolated the tissue from light, temperature, and other outside factors that trigger 24-hour activities. Even in that condition, the tissues still showed normal 24-hour oscillations or circadian reactions for two to three days at the gene and protein level of cells. The finding shows that current understanding of circadian rhythms is not complete and lays the groundwork for researchers to shine a spotlight on approximately 30 specific genes and proteins that appear to function regularly with or without the Bmal1 gene.

Circadian rhythms are really a hierarchical system in our bodies, and the Bmal1 gene appears to be important for making the brain clock tick. This brain clock is in a place called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and is like the conductor of an orchestra, said Akhilesh B. Reddy, MA, MB, BChir, PhD, a professor of Pharmacology at Penn. We found that, surprisingly, if you remove the conductor (by deleting the Bmal1 gene), the musicians the tissues in the body can continue to keep playing at their own 24-hour tempo. So while an active conductor does influence and guide the orchestra, the absence of the conductor doesnt mean that all circadian processes fail to take place. The tissues and cells in the body (the musicians) still have natural rhythm.

Many tissues are affected when normal sleep patterns arent followed, and therefore the circadian rhythm is disturbed. Skin cells require sleep in order to perform vital repairs. People who work night shifts, often change shifts, or frequently travel may experience changes to their metabolism, leading to glucose intolerance and may, over time, develop type-2 diabetes. And while the reason is not clear, women who work night shifts have an increased likelihood of developing breast cancer.

Cells throughout our bodies are performing certain functions during wake hours and others during sleep hours, Reddy said. Uncovering all the specific molecular mechanisms that influence circadian rhythms is imperative in order to develop treatments targeting the health issues that arise when the rhythm is altered, like in shift work.

In the near future, Reddy and his colleagues plan on investigating the 30 or so specific proteins they found that can operate with or without Bmal1s presence.

While the results suggest our understanding of molecular circadian rhythms as a scientific community is incomplete, were excited to now move closer to a fuller understanding of previously unknown processes that control our bodies internal clocks, said Reddy.

This work was performed in collaboration with Penns Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics. Additional Penn authors include Sandipan Ray and Utham K. Valekunja.

This study was supported by the European Research Council (281348, MetaCLOCK), the EMBO Young Investigators Programme, the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine, a Wellcome Trust Senior Fellowship in Clinical Science (100333/Z/12/Z), and also the Francis Quick Institute, which receives its core funding from Cancer Research UK, the UK Medical Research Council, and the Wellcome Trust (FC001534).

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Results from a new study suggest that Bmal1 gene is not an essential regulator of circadian rhythms - Mirage News

Space Station 13 – The official website for Space Station 13

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Danzig

Space Station 13 is a community developed, multiplayer round-based role playing game, where players assume the role of a crewmember on a space station. Together they must keep the station running smoothly, whilst dealing with antagonistic forces who threaten to sabotage the mission.

At the beginning of each round, players select a crew member role on the station. These range from high up positions like the captain and heads of staff, to engineers, scientists, medical doctors, security officers, all the way down to the lower responsibility roles such as the janitor and lowly assistant. At round start, one or more players will be given an antagonistic role at random, and a secret objective thats very likely to cause disruption to the mission at hand.

When the crew arent turning on each other through sheer paranoia, they will face various dangers depending on the round: Sleeper agents hell bent on sabotage, shape-shifting aliens, RPG toting syndicate operatives and more. Not to mention the occupational hazards of working in space, such as decompression, meteor showers, radiation storms, airlock mishaps, rogue AI and catastrophic engine failure.

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Space Station 13 - The official website for Space Station 13

Cygnus cargo ship delivers cheese, candy and science gear to space station astronauts – Space.com

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Danzig

A Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo ship arrived at the International Space Station Tuesday (Feb. 18) to make a special delivery of cheese, candy and science gear for NASA.

The uncrewed Cygnus NG-13 spacecraft was captured with a station robotic arm by NASA astronaut Andrew Morgan, one of three Expedition 62 crewmembers currently living aboard the orbiting lab. Northrop Grumman launched the Cygnus spacecraft into orbit on an Antares rocket on Saturday (Feb. 15) from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia.

"Cygnus capture complete," Morgan radioed NASA's Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston as he plucked the gleaming silver Cygnus from space at 4:05 a.m. EST (0905 GMT). The two spacecraft were sailing 265 miles (426 kilometers) above southeast Russia at the time.

Related: See amazing launch photos of Antares and Cygnus NG-13!More: Bacteria & bone: Here's the science launching on Cygnus NG-13

Northrop Grumman named the Cygnus NG-13 spacecraft the "S.S. Robert H. Lawrence" after the late Maj. Robert H. Lawrence, Jr., who made history in 1967 as the first African American ever selected to be an astronaut when he was picked to fly for the U.S. Air Force's Manned Orbiting Laboratory, a planned military space station. But Lawrence died in a training accident later that year and never had the chance to fly in space.

"As the first African-American to be selected as an astronaut by a national space program, Robert defined possible against the odds when he was selected for the U.S. Air Force's Manned Orbital Laboratory project in 1967," Morgan said after capturing the Cygnus. "Tragically,Major Lawrence died in an aircraft training accident that same year. But while Robert never launched into Earth orbit, he remains a valuable symbol of progress and inclusion in human spaceflight, and it's our honor to welcome the S.S. Robert H. Lawrence, Jr. aboard the ISS."

The Cygnus NG-13 spacecraft is carrying more than 7,500 lbs. (3,400 kilograms) of science experiments, supplies and other vital gear for the station's three-person Expediton 62 crew. In addition to Morgan, the crew includes NASA astronaut Jessica Meir and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka, who commands the mission.

Cygnus is delivering some novel science gear to the station, including 20 different experiments. Among them is Mochii, a small scanning electron microscope that is the first ever in space. It will help astronauts find out what materials are made of in orbit, rather than waiting months for an analysis on the ground. Other equipment will be used for bone loss studies and to test viruses that can target specific bacteria as a potential future medication.

Among the science experiments are some very special treats for the astronauts. There's fresh fruit and candy to satisfy the crew's sweet tooth.

And then there's the cheese.

For the first time, NASA's Food Lab at the Johnson Space Center was able to pack some hard cheeses in a cooler-like "cold bag" for the astronauts. The station crew has been requesting Parmesan and other hard cheeses since September as an alternative to the butter-like spread currently available. But finding a fresh hard cheese just before a launch, and then keeping it fresh for the days-long trip to the station was a challenge.

The Cygnus NG-13 cargo ship is connected to the International Space Station's Unity module on an Earth-facing port as a sunset begins in space on Feb. 18, 2020.

An uncrewed Northrop Grumman Cygnus NG-13 cargo ship is captured by a robotic arm at the International Space Station to deliver more than 7,500 lbs. (3,400 kilograms) of supplies to the orbiting laboratory on Feb. 18, 2020.

This NASA graphic shows the location of the Cygnus NG-13 cargo ship on the Unity module after its arrival at the International Space Station on Feb. 18, 202. Visiting Russian spacecraft are also shown.

Ryan Dowdy, food systems manager at the Food Lab, told Space.com his team was able to find Wisconsin sharp cheddar, Parmesan and Fontina cheeses (about two wedges each) from a local supermarket and develop a new process to add them as "late stowage" 24 hours before launch. They were packed in refrigerated cold bag just like the fruit (and some biological science gear) and launched to the station.

Dowdy said his team was not able to find Manchego cheese, a special crew request, as previously reported, but does hope it will give the astronauts a little reminder of home.

"The cheese that we do send normally in the standard menu is a shelf stable cheddar cheese spread," Dowdy said. "And that is worlds of away from a wedge of Parmesan cheese, as you can imagine. Sending this is a reminder of home."

Email Tariq Malik attmalik@space.comor follow him@tariqjmalik. Follow us@Spacedotcom, Facebook and Instagram.

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Cygnus cargo ship delivers cheese, candy and science gear to space station astronauts - Space.com

Futurist Transhuman News Blog

Monthly Archives: February 2020

Women who get too little sleep are more likely to overeat and have poor diets, study finds – MinnPost

Young cancer survivors have higher risk of severe health problems later – Reuters

Combating burnout in sustainability work – GreenBiz

Connecting mental health and exercise: A key player in the path to wellbeing – Boise State University The Arbiter Online

What do we know about the relationship between our gut microbiota and cardiovascular disease? – Gut Microbiota for Health

On the move at Aker Ink, Sagewood, Plexus, Jaburg Wilk – AZ Big Media

How to live longer: Harvard study reveals how to add DECADE of healthy life – Express

Living Beyond the Facade – The Cougar’s Byte

Nanomedicine Market by Key Manufacturers, Regions, Risk Analysis, Industry Share, Driving Factors, Deployment Policy, Innovative Technology, Product…

How Nanomedicine is Going Green and Fighting Superbugs – CareDash News

Musician Hacks Prosthetic Arm to Control Synthesizer and Play Music With His Thoughts – Interesting Engineering

Protein that Prevents Tau Clearance Linked to AD and Other Tau Tangle Proteinopathies – Clinical OMICs News

Precision Molecular Announces Investment by Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation to Support Advancement of More Effective Agents for Imaging…

Bioinformatics Market 2020 Climbs on Positive Outlook of Booming Sales| Illumina, NAnexus, Qiagen, Thermo Fisher Scientific – News Times

We need to take steps toward building a consensus definition of biological aging – STAT

Foundation Medicine and Chugai Announce Partnership with National Cancer Center for the Use of FoundationOneLiquid in the Third Stage of SCRUM-Japan -…

Dr. Gifford-Jones: Whats the magic painkiller in alcohol? – MPNnow.com

Results from a new study suggest that Bmal1 gene is not an essential regulator of circadian rhythms – Mirage News

Space Station 13 – The official website for Space Station 13

Cygnus cargo ship delivers cheese, candy and science gear to space station astronauts – Space.com