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Longevity Global Inc. Now Offers FORCECUT 42i Plasma Cutters at Reasonable Prices

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HAYWARD, Calif., May 3, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Longevity Global Inc., renowned industrial equipment provider, is offering FORCECUT 42i plasma cutter at affordable price. The plasma cutter, made with industrial use in mind, delivers unmatched performance to the user. The item code of this generator is 880079.

A representative from the company said, "The FORCECUT 42i by LONGEVITY was made with the industrial user in mind. This 20-40 amp unit is packed to the brim with features. It comes equipped with IGBT technology which makes this unit lighter and more durable than comparable units. By using air pressure to move the electrode against the nozzle, the ForceCut(R) 42i creates the arc without any need for high frequency. This allows for easier CNC table integration without the worry of interference.

The ForceCut 42i uses digital meters to allow customers to adjust the unit to any amperage quickly, accurately, and easily. With the ForceCut(R) 42i plasma cutter, the Pilot Arc system automatically senses loss of voltage, auto-ignites the Pilot Arc allowing for the torch head to maintain an arc when cutting.

The plasma cutters available at this store are not only portable but also easy to apply and use. Apart from plasma cutters, this store also offers a wide range of plasma cutter for sale and welders that include MIG Wire Welders, TIG Welders, Stick Welders, Submerged ARC Welders, etc. amongst others. The other products that the store deals in are Tables, Wire Feeders, Guns & Torches, Consumables, etc. are some to name.

About the Company

Longevity Global Inc. is recognized worldwide for providing reliable, cutting, and power generating equipment. Since their start in 2001, they have earned great reputation through innovation, customer satisfaction, and industry leading production. Longevity welding, cutting, and power generating products are sold all over the world.

For further information on their offerings please visit http://www.longevity-inc.com

Contact Address: Longevity Global Inc. 23591 Foley Street Hayward, CA 94545 1.877.566.4462

This article was originally distributed on PRWeb. For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/longevity-inc-com/plasma-cutters-sale/prweb10699623.htm

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Longevity Global Inc. Now Offers FORCECUT 42i Plasma Cutters at Reasonable Prices

Scientists Discover a Brain Region That Controls Aging

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Turns out that the elusive Fountain of Youth may exist after all in our heads.

Scientists at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine say theyve discovered a brain region that may control aging throughout the entire body. By manipulating that region, they were able to extend the lives of mice by 20 percent. The finding, detailed in a paper published in Nature on May 1, may lead to new ways of warding off age-related diseases and increasing life spans.

The hypothalamus, an almond-size area of the brain, controls growth, reproduction, and metabolism but also initiates aging, according to the study. Dongsheng Cai, a physiologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, together with colleagues, realized this by tracking NF-B, a molecule that controls DNA transcription and is involved in inflammation and the bodily response to stress. They found that in mice, NF-B becomes more active in the hypothalamus with age.

Mice that were injected with a substance that inhibits NF-Bs activity lived longerup to 20 percent longerwhile those injected with a substance that stimulated the molecule died earlier.

Whats more, the inhibitor seems to block the lamentable physical decline that occurs with age. Six months after the initial experiment, mice that had been injected with inhibitors performed better than controls on cognition and movement tests. They also showed less age-related decline in muscle strength, skin thickness, bone mass, and tail-tendon integrity, according to an article in Nature.

Blocking NF-B had similar effects on male and female mice and produced anti-aging effects even in middle-aged mice.

David Sinclair, a molecular biologist at Harvard Medical School in Boston, called the study, a major breakthrough in aging research. He says it will likely benefit research into age-related diseases such as Alzheimers and arthritis.

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Scientists Discover a Brain Region That Controls Aging

Life Well Lived

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In response to the growing medical tourism in Southeast Asia, Sofitel Philippine Plaza took the concept of the traditional spa to a whole new level by completely changing the game, with its recently opened health and aesthetic institute, the first inside a luxury hotel in the Philippines. "Vietura is actually a dream come true," said Dr. Mary Jane Torres, Vietura's chief practitioner and aesthetic medicine expert, during the media launch at Sofitel Philippine Plaza. "The name comes from the French word vie which means life, and natura for natural, because being healthy and beautiful should be something that's natural in life."

The facility brings a holistic approach to beauty and wellness by offering 100% non-invasive treatment programs that are tailor-made for each client. Available services range from weight management tools, to anti-aging procedures, cosmetic dentistry, facial contouring, and body sculpting. Treatments for conditions that affect one's complexion or digestion are also offered. The main philosophy of Vietura can be found in three spheres-aesthetic medicine, integrative medicine, and lifestyle coaching. Dr. Mary Jane has been doing non-invasive, non-surgical procedures for almost a decade, using state-of-the-art aesthetic technology and equipment. To complement these treatments, the center offers integrative medicine such as chelation, colonics, detoxification, hyper baric oxygen therapy, and hormonal treatments, which aren't traditional practices of medicine. "The difference between other clinics or hospitals that offer the same treatments, is that we integrate the practice of integrative medicine into our own aesthetics programs, such as colonics for our weight management and anti-aging programs. The results are better and more sustaining than surgical procedures."

Dr. Mary Jane also added lifestyle coaching, which provides guidance towards the building of one's self-esteem and self-empowerment, as well as setting and achieving one's personal goals, as an important aspect to truly having a healthy and well-balanced life for the long-term. An in-house lifestyle coach is available to help patients with their emotional issues and create a positive change for themselves, from the inside-out.

Aside from Dr. Mary Jane, Vietura's team of experts is also composed of renowned cosmetic dentist, Dr. Cecilia Infantado, life coach Lisa Tilstra, and nutritionist Agnes Tumaneng. The internationally-trained team also includes 12 registered nurses.

The interiors of the 400-sqm facility was designed by Manila-based interior design firm Gruppo Espazio, who have literally brought nature into the waiting rooms and treatment rooms through living, vertical gardens spread out on the walls. The Asian contemporary style made use of neutral colors, cool lighting, and comfortable seats and beds, while the relaxing ambient sounds calms the body and the mind, making it ideal for healing. -MAM Vietura Aesthetic Lifestyle is located at Sofitel Philippine Plaza, tel (2) 551-555 loc. 1935, (+63917) 309-2111, vietura.com, facebook.com/Vietura

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Life Well Lived

Relumins Launches Day Cream with Multi-functional Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy

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Asbury Park, NJ (PRWEB) May 02, 2013

Relumins, a brand that is always on the cutting edge of pharmaceutical-grade skincare, has developed a cream that does it all. The Relumins scientists and product engineers, who have access to world-class data and research, have created a TA Stem cell day cream to target signs of skin aging. So what is TA- Stem Cell therapy and how does this wonder cream work?

Relumins unveils the first whitening & aging cream to combine Placental Protein and TA- Stem Cell to actually make your look younger and healthier. The Relumins TA-Stem Cell Therapy day cream uses Biocellact CHAMOMILLA BD a natural anti-aging ingredient extracted from Chamomile flowers, to slow down aging and production of TA-Stem Cells causing a delay in skin wrinkles and dryness. Laboratory tests not only prove that Biocellact CHAMOMILLA BD slows down aging of TA-stem cells but keeps them in vital condition. Keeping the TA-Stem cells in vital condition, with the combination of stimulating collagen, delays new wrinkle formation and allows skin a smoother, firmer, more youthful appearance.

Skin whitening products are often drying to the skin, the new Relumins face cream is the opposite, and it absorbs deep and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and fresh. After a few weeks of use the skin is noticeable different with fine lines lightened. Says Suzzy of Flawless Beauty and Skin

This amazing new formula is designed to whiten skin, and help you achieve a healthy even glow. The active ingredients are nestled in a light micro gel-cream designed to hydrate and deeply absorb into the skin. Having the cream penetrate deep into the skins layers, allows the ingredients to breakdown dark pigments and prevent new pigment formation. Placental Proteins are also used to help revive tired damaged skin as well as stimulate healthy skin repair. The Relumins TA- Stem Cell formula uses not only active ingredients but also UVA/UVB sun protection, which helps prevent premature aging.

Relumins was developed for people worldwide who demanded high quality effective skincare products without filler ingredients and produced in a state of the art facility. Their commitment to their growing international customer base is to offer complete transparency when it comes to products, processes and the ingredients used. The entire Relumins brand is produced in compliance with United States FDA regulations, and in accordance with strict industry and safety guidelines. This skin care brand guarantees the integrity of the ingredients and the compositional makeup of their products, something rare in the marketplace.

The growing Relumins product line targets all skin care needs, including skin whitening, anti-aging, skin brightening, melasma, age spots, acne control & underarm and intimate specialized products, put them at the leading edge of natural skincare, & lifelong beauty. Relumins uses product descriptions that are clear and informative. When describing the product, the ingredients are each defined with specific benefit and health attribute. Directions, warnings, and possible side effects are all clearly listed. No wonder why this product line is already receiving rave international reviews.

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Relumins Launches Day Cream with Multi-functional Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy

Growing old vs active longevity

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May 03, 2013

Different parts of our body regenerate and age differently for the duration of our natural lifespan. Ageing can be normal, can be accelerated or can be delayed the phenomenon otherwise known as anti-ageing.

In a previous article on nutri-genomics, we discussed the predispositions of our genes and how our lifestyle can influence how our body performs in terms of health. So how should we manage our lifestyle in order that we can better manage our delayed ageing?

In a best case scenario, a typical person ages at a normal rate but in most cases this happens at an accelerated rate. Our individual and unique genetic profile also means that all of us require a personalised delayed ageing or anti-ageing plan for successful ageing.

A successful ageing plan would ideally be evidence-based with suitable outcomes rather than just controlled trials with results. Therefore our plan would ideally be based on extending lifespan with optimal health that we have defined as active longevity.

Active longevity fulfils our desire to stay young, be beautiful and energetic synonymous with the prime of our lives.

Active longevity is achievable with the latest findings of how our body heals with peak performance and the technological advantage to achieve it.

The world population is advancing at a rapid pace and with families getting smaller by the decade and where within another generation, there will be two elderly to every child.

Wellness will not be attained by popping a pill for every illness and it is critical that we take action now for our personal well-being.

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Growing old vs active longevity

Amazon Promises Longevity

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By Lennox Yieke - May 2, 2013 | Tickers: AMZN, AAPL, EBAY | 0 Comments

Lennox is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.

When you talk about tech, you talk about high risk, high reward. Tech is what you use today and throw away tomorrow. Recall the pager? At one time, owning one was the in thing. Now, however, walk around with one and you will be hit with comments like, Hey friend, the 90s called, they want their pager back.

The tech sector is by far the most volatile area to invest your money in. In fact, renowned value investor and multi-billionaire Warren Buffett knows this. He has recurrently avoided tech stocks and has, on several occasions, publicly said that he was not in a position to predict the future of social-media giant Facebook and iPhone-maker Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL)). Buffetts only prolific bet on tech was his huge 2011 IBM buy; a $10.5 billion buy that secured him a 5.4% stake in IBM.

Despite the volatility in tech, I personally believe that there are a few players with predictable futures; tech players that not only have forward-looking prospects but that also exude the all-important element of longevity. One such player is Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN)).

I know whats going through your mind right now. Isnt that the stock that saw its past quarters net income drop a staggering 37%? Yes it is. However, the decrease in profit was a sacrifice that, in my opinion, signals the companys inclination toward long-term growth.

Tradeoff between immediate returns and long-term growth

As ancient philosopher Plato would have put it, "better be ignorant of a matter than half know it." Amazons 37% decline in profit did not happen without good reason. In fact, the companys top line increased notably, gaining 22% year-over-year to come in at $16.1 billion from $13.2 billion a year earlier. The reason behind the strained margins was the managements conscious decision to spend more on growth-disposed projects.

One such project is the building of distribution warehouses throughout the country. These warehouses are close to key metropolitan areas such as New York and San Francisco. The building project has gone on for a while now, and more and more warehouses are popping up throughout the country.

Whats the catch with huge brick-and-mortar establishments?

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Amazon Promises Longevity

Diet, 'anti-aging' supplements may help reverse blood vessel abnormality

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Public release date: 1-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Darcy Spitz darcy.spitz@heart.org 212-878-5940 American Heart Association

A diet low in grains, beans and certain vegetables combined with "anti-aging" supplements improved blood vessel function, in a study presented at the American Heart Association's Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 2013 Scientific Sessions.

The blood vessel abnormality, or endothelial dysfunction, occurs when cells lining the interior wall of blood vessels malfunction. It's a serious condition that's often one of the first signs of heart disease.

Of the 200 51- to 86-year-old people in the study, 40 percent were women. All had risk factors for blood vessel disease and nearly three-quarters had endothelial dysfunction.

The diet restricted foods high in the sugar-binding protein lectin, generally regarded as a healthy nutrient. The restricted foods included grains, beans, fruit, poultry and plants belonging to the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes. At the same time, patients consumed plenty of leafy greens, shellfish and fish, olive oil and grass-fed animal protein, while taking supplements containing the antioxidant polyphenol from fish oil, grape seed extract and vitamins. Antioxidants are thought to slow cell aging.

"These findings represent a fundamental paradigm shift in how the diseases of the 'Western Diet' should be treated," said Steven R. Gundry, M.D., lead author and medical director of the International Heart & Lung Institute at The Center for Restorative Medicine in Palm Springs, Calif. "Simple removal of 'healthy' lectin-containing foods, and taking a few inexpensive supplements, may restore endothelial function to normal, which in turn can reverse high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity."

Despite the study's findings, consumers shouldn't eliminate tomatoes or other healthy foods from their diets, said the American Heart Association, which recommends consuming a diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish.

###

Note: Actual presentation is 5:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

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Diet, 'anti-aging' supplements may help reverse blood vessel abnormality

Great Lakes Dermatology Expanding Portfolio of Anti-Aging Procedures with New Cortex, Apex and Cheveux Laser Devices

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FRANKLIN, Wis., May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Lakes Dermatology is bringing a night of anti-aging and beauty to patients and consumers: Announcing the second annual "Look Great. Feel Great" open house, held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at the Franklin Clinic, located at 10500 W. Loomis Road in Franklin, Wisconsin.

"Look Great. Feel Great" will feature top-notch, popular treatments offered by the practice, including live demonstrations for sclerotherapy, laser treatments, chemical peels, injectables such as Botox and Juvederm and color matching. Great Lakes Dermatology is also pleased to welcome special guest Miss Wisconsin USA, Chrissy Zamora. She will be available to sign pictures and speak on the importance of empowering women through self-confidence.

In addition, Great Lakes Dermatology will unveil its line-up of exciting new procedures now available to patients. From the company that brought you the revolutionary Pellev Wrinkle Reduction System, Ellman International, are three new laser systems providing treatments that boast impressive results, minimum discomfort and virtually no downtime:

Cortex: A versatile laser skin resurfacing system that provides two wavelengths that address lines and wrinkles: C02 for deep, effective resurfacing and Erbium YAG for superficial resurfacing, an effective alternative to peels.

Apex: A system with two technologies rolled into one: the IPL application helps treat acne, uneven pigmentation, vascular lesions, reduces hair and sun-damaged skin with minimal discomfort and no downtime and the Erbium YAG application is ideal for treating superficial resurfacing and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, including hard-to-treat areas such as around the eyes and backs of hands.

Cheveux: A favorite of Great Lakes technicians, the Cheveux is a permanent hair reduction solution for face and body. It utilizes Smooth Flow 10P Technology to deliver rapid pulses of energy and has cooling features for a more comfortable treatment.

"These powerful lasers are the best and most effective lasers that the industry has to offer. Our patients told us what they wanted an affordable anti-aging laser treatment and the Cortex, Apex, and Cheveux devices matched those needs," commented Teigan Canella, Cosmetic and Aesthetics Manager.

"Patients are pleasantly surprised by the vast number of conditions these lasers can treat. In fact, we are so thrilled to offer these new treatments that we're confident they will change the way our patients age and feel about their skin, often improving areas of their body that they're unhappy or insecure about," Canella continues.

In addition, the "Look Great. Feel Great" event will also offer complimentary skin cancer screenings and information from forward-thinking companies focused on anti-aging: NeoStrata, Allergan, Merz Aesthetics, Franklin Dental and Innovative Health and Fitness. Dr. Paul Cimoch can answer attendee's questions about anti-aging medicine and skin rejuvenation.

About Great Lakes Dermatology With 11 locations currently serving southeastern Wisconsin, Great Lakes Dermatology thrives on their practice philosophy "Your kind of skin care." In total, the locations serve tens of thousands of patients in both medical treatments and cosmetic services, with each specialist striving to provide the best patient experience in an inviting and comfortable environment.

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Great Lakes Dermatology Expanding Portfolio of Anti-Aging Procedures with New Cortex, Apex and Cheveux Laser Devices

Edison State professor takes his research to Malaysia

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- Edison State College Microbiology Professor, Dr. Robert Furler is going to Malaysia. He was awarded a scholarship to present his research with the UCLA AIDS Institute at the HIV Cure Symposium and International AIDS Conference from June 29 through July 3. The 7th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention is organized by the IAS, in partnership with The Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS.

Dr. Furlers research focuses on the Nef protein, which is one of the main proteins in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV infects cells that are central to the immune system, and the immune system protects the body from dangerous microbes like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. After HIV destroys the immune system, the individual is more susceptible to normal infections. This research investigates Nef, which is one of the proteins used by HIV to evade the immune system. The Nef protein is a critical component of HIV which helps the virus hide from the normal immune system.

Dr. Furler received his Bachelor of Science degree in Cell & Molecular Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from San Francisco State University and his Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics from the University of California. His work has been published in a variety of professional publications, and he has also received several scholarships to international seminars and professional events.

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Edison State professor takes his research to Malaysia

Electron-beam pasteurization of raw oysters may reduce viral food poisoning

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Public release date: 30-Apr-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Dr. Suresh Pillai s-pillai@tamu.edu 979-458-1640 Texas A&M AgriLife Communications

COLLEGE STATION According to the Centers for Disease Control, about one in six Americans gets food poisoning each year. Additionally, virus infection risks from consumption of raw oysters in the U.S. are estimated to cost around $200 million a year.

To address the issue of health risk from eating raw oysters, Texas A&M University graduate student Chandni Praveen, along with Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist Dr. Suresh Pillai and a team of researchers from other agencies and institutions, studied how electron-beam pasteurization of raw oysters may reduce the possibility of food poisoning through virus.

Other entities involved in the study included the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and University of Texas School of Public Health-El Paso regional campus.

The results of this study will be published in the June issue of the leading microbiology journal, Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

"The study was performed using a human norovirus surrogate called murine norovirus (NoV), and a hepatitis A (HAV) virus along with advanced quantitative microbial risk assessment tools," explained Pillai, professor of microbiology and director of the National Center for Electron Beam Research at Texas A&M University. "A salient feature of e-beam pasteurization technology is that it uses commercial electricity to generate the ionizing radiation that inactivates the viruses. It is a green technology because no chemicals are involved."

Pillai said the FDA already has approved the use of electron beam technology as a pathogen intervention strategy to control the naturally occurring Vibrio vulnificus bacterial pathogen in shellfish.

According to the FDA, raw oysters contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus can be life threatening or even fatal when eaten by someone with liver disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system.

"We're all for any means of technology that enhances the safety of our product," said Sal Sunseri, co-owner of P&J Oysters and a representative of the Louisiana Oyster Dealers and Growers Association. "While we provide a safe product, we know there are at-risk groups, and that processing methods like freezing, high-pressure treatment and electron-beam irradiation reduce or eliminate the risk for those groups and enhance the overall safety of our product."

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Electron-beam pasteurization of raw oysters may reduce viral food poisoning

NanoLogix to Exhibit at Food Safety Summit in Baltimore and American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting in Denver

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HUBBARD, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

NanoLogix Inc. (NNLX), an innovator in the accelerated detection, identification and antibiotic sensitivity determination of live bacteria announces that they will exhibit their microbial detection and diagnostic technologies at both the Food Safety Summit in Baltimore 30 April May 2 and the American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting in Denver 18-21 May.

The Company will exhibit at booth 924 in the Baltimore Convention Center, Halls A-C.

Further information is available at: http://www.foodsafetysummit.com/

In Denver, the Company will exhibit at booth 1244 in the Colorado Convention Center, Halls A and B. Further information on the event is available at: http://gm.asm.org/

NanoLogix has posted an operations update for 2012-13 at: http://www.nanologix.com.

About NanoLogix, Inc.

NanoLogix is a biotechnology company focused primarily on rapid diagnostics. Its products offer accelerated detection and identification of microorganisms. In addition to medical and homeland security applications, NanoLogix technology is applicable in pharmaceutical, industrial, veterinary and environmental testing.

Patents granted to NanoLogix can be used in the areas of applied microbiology, soil microbiology and bioremediation, microbial physiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, pharmaco-kinetics, and antibiotic sensitivity

For more information visit http://www.nanologix.com.

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NanoLogix to Exhibit at Food Safety Summit in Baltimore and American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting in Denver

The Apprentice Is Here To Stay! Lord Alan Sugar Believes Show Has 'Longevity'

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BBC Pictures

The new series of The Apprentice may be about to begin but it won't be the last series of the popular business reality TV show as Lord Alan Sugar has claimed that the show is here to stay because it has "longevity".

Admitting that whilst he enjoys making the show, the decision to continue to make it is down to the BBC, Lord Sugar told EntertainmentWise at the show's press launch:

"The BBC are the ones who make the decision on this and like any product - and this television programme is a product - they will make a decision on how long it goes by simply the reaction to it in the market place.

"I think The Apprentice has got longevity in it and I think that as long as we can continue to make it interesting with different characters. Every year we get a different bunch of people and a different bunch of scenarios."

The Apprentice Is Here To Stay! Lord Alan Sugar Believes Show Has 'Longevity'

Lord Sugar believes The Apprentice is here to stay! (BBC Pictures)

Admitting that the tasks are more than likely to stay the same, Lord Sugar who was joined by Karren Brady and Nick Hewer continued: "It is difficult with the tasks because they're either selling, buying or negotiating - that's never going to change because that's business. We try to make it more interesting but at the end of the day it's all down to the characters and the candidates and if it's interesting television that the BBC will continue to commission it."

However, the business mogul was quick to note that whilst Junior Apprentice has racked up another BAFTA TV nomination, the BBC still decided to pull the plug on the show. He said: "Interesting enough the Young Apprentice has been nominated for a BAFTA for the second time and the BBC commissioners have decided to not commission it.

"There's some logical thinking there. they could have explained it to me though."

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The Apprentice Is Here To Stay! Lord Alan Sugar Believes Show Has 'Longevity'

EarthTalk / Efforts to regulate genetic engineering of crops sacked

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Dear EarthTalk: What is the Monsanto Protection Act and why are environmentalists so upset about it?

Rita Redstone

Milwaukee, Wisc.

The so-called Monsanto Protection Act is actually a provision (officially known as Section 735) within a recently passed Congressional spending bill, H.R. 933, which exempts biotech companies from litigation regarding the making, selling and distribution of genetically engineered seeds and plants.

President Barack Obama signed the bill and its controversial rider into law in March, much to the dismay of environmentalists. It means that Monsanto and other companies that supply the majority of the nation's crop seeds can continue to produce genetically engineered products regardless of any potential court orders stating otherwise. Opponents of genetically engineered foods believe that giving such companies a free reign over the production of such potentially dangerous organisms regardless of judicial challenge is a bad idea -- especially given how little we still know about the biological and ecological implications of widespread use of genetically engineered crops.

Today, more than 90 percent of the corn, soybeans, cotton, sugar beets and canola planted in the U.S. is derived from seeds genetically engineered by Monsanto and other companies to resist pests and thus increase yields. Aviva Shen of the ThinkProgress blog reports that, instead of reducing farmers' use of toxic pesticides and herbicides, genetically engineered seeds are having the opposite effect in what has become a race to keep faster and faster developing "superweeds" and "superbugs" at bay. With Congress and the White House refusing to regulate genetically engineered crops, the court system has remained a last line of defense for those fighting the widespread adoption of genetic engineering -- until now, that is, thanks to H.R. 933.

Monsanto isn't the only seed company heavily into genetic engineering, but it is the biggest and most well-known and spends millions of dollars each year on lobbyists to keep it that way. Critics point out that the company has spent decades stacking government agencies with its executives and directors. "Monsanto's board members have worked for the EPA, advised the U.S. Department of Agriculture and served on President Obama's Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations," reports the group Food & Water Watch. "The prevalence of Monsanto's directors in these highly influential positions begs a closer look at how they're able to push the pro-genetically engineered agenda within the government and influence public opinion."

"The judicial review process is an essential element of U.S law and serves as a vital check on any Federal Agency decision that may negatively impact human health, the environment or livelihoods," reports Food Democracy Now! "Yet this provision seeks an end-run around such judicial review by preemptively deciding that industry can set its own conditions to continue to sell biotech seeds, even if a court may find them to have been wrongfully approved."

Another concern of safe food advocates now is getting the government to require food makers to list genetically engineered ingredients clearly on product labels so consumers can make informed choices accordingly. "Not only is (genetically engineered) labeling a reasonable and common sense solution to the continued controversy that corporations like Monsanto, DuPont and Dow Chemical have created by subverting our basic democratic rights," adds Food Democracy Now!, "but it is a basic right that citizens in 62 other countries around the world already enjoy, including Europe, Russia, China, India, South Africa and Saudi Arabia."

CONTACTS: ThinkProgress, http://www.thinkprogress.org; Food & Water Watch, http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org; Food Democracy Now!, http://www.fooddemocracynow.org.

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EarthTalk / Efforts to regulate genetic engineering of crops sacked

Discovery helps explain how children develop rare, fatal disease

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Apr. 30, 2013 One of 100,000 children is born with Menkes disease, a genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to properly absorb copper from food and leads to neurodegeneration, seizures, impaired movement, stunted growth and, often, death before age 3. Now, a team of biochemistry researchers at the University of Missouri has published conclusive scientific evidence that the gene ATP7A is essential for the dietary absorption of the nutrient copper. Their work with laboratory mice also provides a greater understanding of how this gene impacts Menkes disease as scientists search for a treatment.

Humans cannot survive if their bodies are lacking the ATP7A gene, yet children can develop Menkes disease when the gene is mutated or missing. Previously, scientists did not have a good model to test the gene's function or develop an understanding of the underlying causes of the disease symptoms. In his new study, Michael Petris, associate professor of biochemistry, was able to modify mice so that they were missing the ATP7A gene in certain areas of the body, specifically the intestinal track where nutrient absorption takes place.

"These findings help us to understand where in the body the function of this gene is vital and how the loss of the gene in certain tissues can give rise to Menke's disease," said Petris, who is a researcher in the Bond Life Sciences Center and holds an appointment in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. "We want to continue to explore the underlying biology of Menke's disease to determine where we should focus our research efforts in the future. If we know which organs or tissues are most responsible for transporting copper throughout the body, we can focus on making sure the gene is expressed in those areas. This disease is ideal for gene therapy down the road."

Petris found that young mice missing the ATP7A gene in their intestinal cells were unable to absorb copper from food, resulting in an overall copper deficiency that mimics symptoms of Menkes disease in children. Petris says it's vital to ensure that the developing newborns absorb enough copper during the neonatal period when the demand for the mineral is highest.

"Copper is a little-appreciated but essential trace mineral in all body tissues," Petris said. "Cells cannot properly use oxygen without copper; it helps in the formation of red blood cells, and it helps keep the blood vessels, nerves, skin, immune system and bones healthy. Normally, people absorb enough copper through their food. However, in the bodies of those with Menkes disease, copper begins to accumulate at abnormally low levels in the liver and brain and at higher than normal levels in the kidney and intestinal lining."

Newborn screening for this disorder is not routine, and early detection is infrequent because it can arise spontaneously in families, Petris said. Many times, the disease is not detected until the symptoms are noticed, and by that time, it can be too late for any aggressive treatments.

"The clinical signs of Menkes disease are subtle in the beginning, so the disease is rarely treated early enough to make a significant difference," he said. "However, a single dose of copper injected into mice within a few days of birth restored normal growth and life expectancy. Early intervention was critical because treatment that began after symptoms developed wasn't successful."

Petris says that understanding the roles of copper in biology may have far-reaching health implications for the general population because copper underpins many facets of biology, including the growth of cancer tumors and the formation of toxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease.

The development of these mice provides a novel experimental system in which to test treatments for patients with this disease. The early-stage results of this research are promising, but additional studies are needed.

The research was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.

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Discovery helps explain how children develop rare, fatal disease

Glanbia Nutritionals (NA), Inc. named exclusive distributor of Nutrition 21 Ingredients

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Nutrition 21, LLC, has announced a distribution and co-promotion agreement with Glanbia Nutritionals (NA), Inc.

According to the terms of the deal, Glanbias capable sales organization will co-market, with Nutrition 21, Chromax chromium picolinate, Selenomax high selenium yeast, SelenoPure L-selenomethionine and Zinmax zinc picolinate, in North America to the food, beverage and dietary supplement industries.

As an innovative ingredient with impressive scientific support, Chromax chromium picolinate is an excellent addition to our current product line, said Richard Hazel, CEO of Glanbia Nutritionals. We are excited to work with Nutrition 21 to increase their current market presence and to add Chromax chromium picolinate and other Nutrition 21 ingredients to our ingredient portfolio.

Michael Satow, CEO of Nutrition 21, added: "We are enthusiastic about the future commercial impact of this relationship. Glanbias superb sales, marketing and R&D teams make them the ideal partner for Nutrition 21.

Our combined sales force will number over 20 industry-astute professionals. Among other things, we look forward to promoting our recent Chromax GRAS affirmation at doses up to 2000 mcg of chromium per day.

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Glanbia Nutritionals (NA), Inc. named exclusive distributor of Nutrition 21 Ingredients