10 Cars That Have Driven More Than A Million Miles | HotCars – HotCars

All kinds of different cars have made it past the million-mile mark. Most of them didn't even require anything more than regular servicing.

Regardless of the brand or model, wear and tear are inevitable consequences of car usage. Additional factors such as climate, road conditions as well as driving style also impact the condition and state of a vehicle.

This is why regular use of a car would also require performing regular maintenance to ensure that the vehicle performs as well as it should and help in preserving or lengthening its serviceable life. Basic maintenance would be regular cleaning or washing, oil change, and tune-ups, that when added together can help keep the car in good condition.

There are many reported examples of how a well-kept car, despite being regularly used have exceeded both the owner's and manufacturer's expectations with regards to its longevity, which in some cases, carsthat have reached astounding one million in mileage.

While pickup trucks are designed as tough, work-capable machines, the Toyota Tundra of Vic Sheppard is an extraordinary example of how tough a pickup can be when his Tundra managed to hit the million-mile mark bymaking at least 125 thousand miles a year. This feat of extreme mileage on a Tundra was later recognized by Toyota and Mr. Sheppard was given a brand-new Tundra for his achievement.

Related:15 Bad Things That Shorten The Lifespan Of Your Car

As a family vehicle, the Chevy Silverado owned by Hugh and Tammy Penington was both regularly used and maintained, however, the couple was still surprised when their truck managedlive beyond their expectations when after six years, it's odometer reading was at 1.22 million and the truck was still going strong and was recognized by Chevrolet for its longevity.

By virtue of its excellent condition despite its age, an old Mercedes-Benz 280 owned by coupleGeorge and Luzstella Kosche was given one of the best recognitionsa car can have by being returned to its birthplace and displayed in a museum after Mercedes-Benz bought the car from the Kosche's and put the 280 as a display car in Stuttgart.

Already a unique car during its time because of it's the backward-installed engine, a Saab 900 owned by Peter Gilbert was an even more one of a kind car when it exceeded theone million mile mark in 2006.

In another great example of human and machine working hard and breaking barriers is of Farrah Haines, a delivery driver from the US who together with her Hyundai Elantra racked up over a million miles while delivering parts cross-country. Hyundai was impressed enough that she later was given a newer model Elantra as a reward.

Related:14 Pickup Trucks That Will Last You A Lifetime

Known for its excellent build quality and pioneering safety features, Volvo has also earned itself a great reputationfor making really durable cars. This reputation was again bolstered whena long time Volvo fan, Mr. Selden Cooper, who at that time had his second Volvo - a 1987 model 240, hit the million-mile marker in 2012.

In a remarkable case of long time car ownership and partnership, a 1964 Porsche 356C given to Mr. Guy Newmark as a graduation present is still in his possession after over half a century. More amazing though is that the car still runs great and now has over a million miles on it, a fact made possible by regular maintenance according to Mr. Newmark.

While it is expected that Taxicabs would rack up huge mileage during their service life, a 1963 Plymouth Fury has all other cabs beat with it's1.62 million mile mileage. Owned and operated by Joseph Vaillancourt, a Montreal-based taxi driver, this classic car sadlywas in an accident in 1999 thatfinally ended the long-lived taxi.

As Mercedes models go, the 240D is a legendary car not for its looks or extreme supercar performance, but rather for its tank-like build quality. Best illustrated by a 240D taxi unit based in Greece, thisamazing car was owned byGregorios Sachinidis, who was given a brand new C Class by Mercedes-Benz themselves in exchange for his 2.95 million mileage taxi.

Among the longest-lived cars, the surprising winner is a rare 1966 Volvo P1800 that holds the unbelievable odometer reading of over 3million miles (A distance comparable to 7 round trips to the Moon) and is stillin good driving condition. Owned byIrv Gordon, his P1800 was awarded the Guinness world record in 2014.

Next:15 Cars With The Highest Mileage Ever Recorded

Next Here's What We Just Learned About The Eurofighter Typhoon

Karlo watched a lot of Mcgyver back in the 90's and grew up trying to be a Mr. fixit/jack of all trades. A fan of cars and bikes, and most anything with an engine, he divides his time between work and family. A leading business development, project manager in the auction and liquidation industry, and consultant for various local and national government offices in the Philippines. When not at work, Karlo spends his time at home, with family, either being the cook or fixit guy in his house.

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dr-simon-whitesman-on-why-mindfulness-is-medicine – Longevity LIVE

Gisele Wertheim Aymes speaks to Dr. Simon Whitesman (MBChB) about why mindfulness is medicine. Dr. Whitesman is a practitioner of medical psychotherapy at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town and chairman of the Institute of Mindfulness.

A: I always wanted to be a doctor. However, when I became one, the experience was nothing that I had imagined. There was a strong missing element. Then a colleague suggested I start meditating. I had heard of TM, so I went and did TM training. This helped me become very disciplined, and it made a relatively quick and deep impact on my physical well-being. I had suffered from tension headaches and now found relief. And it was this that started my scientific interest in meditation.

When I read Quantum Healing by Deepak Chopra, I experienced an epiphany. It was like walking into a room I had been in and recognizing everything.

It resonated with me. This idea that raising consciousness is the basis for all healing like a key fitting into a lock.

And from there I began an exploration of this insight. I have walked many paths as a psychotherapist. From mind-body connection and Buddhist contemplative therapies to more contemporary approaches to mindfulness. This is where I have really found more meaning now in a more contemporary approach to mindfulness.

A: I discovered it was about my own healing a parallel process while wanting to find expression as a clinician and a doctor. And then recognizing a symmetry on the inside that was compelling for me, in terms of my own path and personal growth.

Then, through Jon Kabat-Zinns work, I was exposed to mindfulness, which is not the same as TM.

Jon Kabat-Zinn is an American professor emeritus of medicine, and creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, in the US. Kabat-Zinn was a student of Zen Buddhist teachers such as Philip Kapleau, Thich Nhat Hanh and Seung Sahn, and a founding member of the Cambridge Zen Center. His practice of yoga and studies with Buddhist teachers led him to integrate their teachings with scientific findings. He teaches mindfulness, which he says can help people cope with stress, anxiety, pain, and illness. The stress-reduction program created by Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), is offered by medical centers, hospitals, and health-maintenance organizations.

A: The original roots of mindfulness are part of a set of teachings from Buddha 2 500 years ago. Buddha was a human who woke up to who he was and developed a way of teaching others to help them wake up. Central to this path was mindfulness. There were obviously many other aspects, but mindfulness was central.

Kabat-Zinn understood that there are so many people who could benefit from mindfulness, but who were not necessarily interested in Buddhist teachings. He developed mindfulness around keeping the essential qualities of Buddhism, but without the beliefs. You could say it is Buddhism without the belief. Its a contemporary re-contextualization of ancient wisdom and tradition. This meant that if you were a Catholic priest, you could benefit from mindfulness; it didnt conflict with your own set of beliefs. This was a subtle, but very important shift.

A: Mindfulness enables you to be more compassionate, more present, less reactive. Its meditation made more accessible.

Kabat-Zinn first offered it in a contemporary tertiary teaching hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts. He saw it could be a benefit for so many those suffering from chronic pain syndrome, the people who fall through the cracks. He told colleagues to send them to him. Kabat-Zinn taught these patients how to turn inward, to find a new way of being in pain. From there, his work expanded into other chronic disorders.

Medicine doesnt want to go there. I saw that, but for me, there is a desire to bring it back to my life. For me, it is not so much about mindfulness, but more heartfulness.

A: I went to the US and started training in that approach. While I had learned the TM technique, Jon Kabat-Zinn helped to orientate me to what meditation truly is.

What are you going to do when you finish meditation? When you finish meditating, can you make the next moment valuable, engaged, connected, awake, with a quality of curiosity, interested in your own experience? Its valuable to meditate, but the application is deeper than sitting and closing your eyes. Dedicate time to understanding your own mind. Its a willingness to explore and be interested in your own experience.

You dedicate time to silence, to understand your own mind better. Then I also need to get up and go to the world, be present in the world. Its always available to us. Awareness isnt going anywhere. Awareness is now, attending to each and every moment of our lives. Then life becomes meditation.

If you do take time to be with yourself, understand your relationship between body and mind, then life becomes a meditation. Its a radical shift in understanding, broadly and universally applicable. . Mindfulness isnt about thought; its prior to thought. Train yourself to be aware of the thought prior to its occurring.

A: Yes, agreed. We get lost in thinking. We lose a wider presence with our body. Most of us are lost in thinking the revered space between our left and right ear. And we lose our consciousness of Earth and others. You have to start with mindfulness of the body, then mindfulness of thoughts. And it becomes a trainable skill, an actual physiological skill transforming our own awareness. Not randomly, but in service of the greater good, to reduce our own suffering, then the suffering of others. In order to experience a more meaningful existence and live life, we have to train our minds.

When you train for the Two Oceans, you train your body extensively. You cant run a marathon if you havent trained physically. People think the mind is easier. Its not. Youre asking people to open up and be uncomfortable. Gym is not comfortable; gym can be hard. Its the same as training for consciousness. It isnt easy, but it is simple.

Mindfulness is about focusing on the present, not worrying about yesterday or tomorrow.

A cartoon shows two Buddhist monks sitting side by side. Theyre deep in meditation when the younger one opens an eye and gives the older, wiser one a questioning look.

Nothing happens next. This is it, the older one responds.

I treat mindfulness daily in my practice, and I teach an eight-week program on mindfulness. We are training professionals in mindfulness at the Faculty of Medicine at Stellenbosch University. Its much broader than doctors. We train the trainers through the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. This is the only university in South Africa that offers this course. I also contribute towards IMEISA, a non-profit around mindfulness, to create more awareness and debunk myths around mindfulness.

Everyone can benefit from mindfulness. However, the only way you will know the benefit is if you practice. It will be in your own experience. However, for me, I saw my own changes: reduced reactivity and stronger connection with myself and others, as well as everything around me. Its the human condition to be lost in thought. We cant connect if were not present. Something happens when we dont make our mind the enemy. Be more engaged in the moment. Its not an idea; its a truth.

This is how mindfulness can heal trauma. Read more.

Apart from his role as a practitioner of medical psychotherapy at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town, Dr Simon Whitesman is the co-ordinator of the post-graduate certificate training in Mindfulness-Based Interventions at Stellenbosch Universitys Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Hes also director and chairperson of the Institute for Mindfulness South Africa (IMISA), and co-director of the first Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in South Africa. He received certification as a teacher in MBSR from the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness, and in psychoanalytic psychotherapy from the South African Institute for Psychotherapy.

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When It Comes To Device And Website Security, Automation Is More Important Than Ever – Forbes

CEO ofSectigo, driving innovation in digital identity and cybersecurity for today's enterprises, including automation, IoT and DevOps.

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The world faces an unprecedented global health crisis. As governments race to protect the health and well-being of their citizens, businesses must find innovative ways to serve clients and customers. Although countless employees in a wide range of industries have been asked to work remotely to prevent further spread of the new coronavirus, these businesses must continue producing. For many, this represents a unique opportunity to improve and modernize their practices.

Much-needed changes that organizations have been meaning to get to will now become paramount. Manual management of an environment by group participation works when the group is together in a common area, but when the group is dispersed, the tasks become exponentially riskier and more challenging. That means the need for automation is now. Businesses that embrace automation will realize its full benefits, while laggards will suffer from risk and inefficiency in our increasingly complex business world.

Automation has become essential to countless business processes, from manufacturing to fielding customer service calls. But many areas of business are still ripe for automation, particularly in IT. In the new work-from-home reality, IT departments must enable secure remote access for dispersed workforces. Automating important website security processes enables IT personnel to focus on other business-critical tasks while preventing costly lapses in protection. Automation solutions are usable by employees with limited technical skills. Manual processes, in contrast, often are built by experts who provide little by way of documentation or training materials. Should these experts become nonessential, the business would suddenly be at great risk.

Workforce Disruptions Can Generate Security Lapses

Digital certificates are a critical aspect of website and device security, and we have already seen an earlier example of how a workforce disruption can affect them. The U.S. federal government shutdown of 2018-19 furloughed hundreds of thousands of government employees, including IT personnel who were unable to conduct routine operations such as issuing and renewing expiring certificates. As a result, many government services and websites went offline during the 35-day shutdown, including more than130 online services and applications in a single week. Affected websites ranged from the U.S. Court of Appeals to NASAs rocket testing website.

Manual certificate maintenance requires careful management. For instance, browsers will only trust a website certificate for a certain term length (at present two years, but soon dropping to one). That means more certificates will require renewal, or browsers will no longer trust the site. If IT departments are unable to track upcoming certificate expirations for timely renewal, they risk their sites being flagged as untrustworthy and critical systems going offline. In fact, many high-visibility service outages for major digital systems stem from certificate management errors. December 2018sday-long service outagefor 32 million O2 customers is a perfect example.

Todays global workforce disruption dwarfs the 2018 government shutdown in scale and longevity. The biggest shake-up so far stems from shutting down office locations in favor of employees homes, introducing a new set of needs and risks and catching many IT departments off guard. As time goes on, this new norm will take a further toll on businesses as workforces struggle with adversity in many forms:

These factors combine to place extreme risk on any human-intensive process in the enterprise, especially one as intolerant of delay or error as certificate renewal.

Automation can eliminate expiration-based outages, cut mistakes and free up IT professionals time for other projects. It does not require in-depth institutional knowledge, and administrators can easily configure and operate automated systems.

Getting Started With Certificate Automation

Thinking of embarking on a certificate automation project? You may already have started. Microsoft CA is Microsofts built-in certificate management system, and it enables automatic management of certificates within Windows environments. For those using Windows in any capacity, it is a valuable first step into automation. Of course, few organizations operate exclusively in Windows, which means Microsoft CA is best used in conjunction with other services capable of managing certificates for all operating systems and use cases.

When adding a new system, it is wise to conduct an inventory of existing certificates. An automated certificate discovery tool can do this for you. In addition to identifying production certificates before they expire and create a crisis, you also can ensure all certificates are following mandated security practices and meeting appropriate compliance requirements.

Make sure you find a solution that provides interoperability with your critical systems those you use today and those youre likely to expand to in the future. To ensure interoperability, look for these capabilities:

Adjusting To The Present Is Also Planning For The Future

With IT teams still working to adjust to the new normal, they are discovering that now is the perfect time to automate essential business practices. Many organizations expect newly automated processes and more flexible work-from-home policies to remain in placewell after the current crisis, so ensuring that they are prepared to face the IT and security challenges that go along with our new reality anywhere, anytime is of paramount importance.

Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?

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Global Precision Medicine Software Market Growth Factor Analysis by Manufacturers, Shares, Size, Trends and Challenges with Forecast to 2026 – 3rd…

Global Precision Medicine Software Market Report helps the readers to maximize their profits and business making ventures by gaining complete insights of Precision Medicine Software Industry. The latest developments and growth opportunities in Precision Medicine Software Industry are covered. Development trends, revenue analysis, Global Precision Medicine Software market share and market dynamics are presented to optimize the business.

The vital Precision Medicine Software insights, opportunities in existing and emerging segments are explained. An in-depth analysis of the present state of Precision Medicine Software, progressive future trends, and comprehensive analysis based on Precision Medicine Software type, application, players and regions are covered. The report thoroughly analyzes the Precision Medicine Software competitors, SWOT analysis, industry chain structure and production process view.

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The top Precision Medicine Software industry players are:

SOPHiA GENETICS SA (Switzerland)N-of-One, Inc. (US)Gene42, Inc. (Canada)LifeOmic Health, LLC (US)Translational Software, Inc. (US)IBM Watson Group (US)2bPrecise LLC (Israel)Roper Technologies(US)Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands)Qiagen(Germany)Foundation Medicine, Inc. (US)Pfizer, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc.(US)NantHealth, Inc. (US)Allscripts(US)Sunquest Information Systems Inc. (US)Human Longevity, Inc. (US)Abbott Laboratories(US)Tempus Labs, Inc. (US)GlaxoSmithKline plc(UK)Sanofi S.A.(France)Fabric Genomics (US)Syapse, Inc. (US)PierianDx, Inc. (US)Flatiron Health, Inc. (US)AstraZeneca plc(US)

The report begins with an introduction, definition, objectives, and Global Precision Medicine Software market scope. The industry size is estimated based on market value, revenue, concentration ratio and Precision Medicine Software growth rate. The report covers major trends, drivers, restraints which will depict the market growth during the forecast period. The complete perspective in terms of Precision Medicine Software revenue, geographical regions namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle-East & Africa, and South America is portrayed. The key information on distributors and suppliers of Precision Medicine Software industry represents the present and forecast trends.

Global Precision Medicine Software Market news, plans & policies, market drivers, analysis of upstream raw material suppliers and downstream buyers of Precision Medicine Software is carried out in this report. On regional and country level market share, production value, gross margin analysis, consumption ratio, import-export scenario, and SWOT analysis is covered. Global Precision Medicine Software Market forecast study enlists the market value (in USD) and volume forecast for each region, product type, and applications.

The business approach and growth statistics implemented by Global Precision Medicine Software industry competitors will lead to a competitive edge in the industry. The production and demand statistics of Precision Medicine Software driven by evolving market segments across different regions, type and application are mentioned in this report. The value chain analysis and market share for varied Precision Medicine Software players are covered. The consumption statistics for the mentioned type, applications and regions are enclosed in the report. This report will help you in analyzing the industry scenario and characteristics of Global Precision Medicine Software market.

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segment and subsegment are given below

Types of Global Precision Medicine Software Market:

Cloud-basedOn-premise

Applications of Global Precision Medicine Software Market:

Healthcare providersResearch centers & Government institutesPharmaceutical & Biotechnology companiesOther end users

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Main Highlights Of the Global Precision Medicine Software Market Report:

1. The report offers an analytical study on various global Precision Medicine Software industries to provide decisive data.

2. The top market segment analysis and Precision Medicine Software market drivers are explained in this report.

3. A mix of primary and secondary research methodology provides authentic and reliable data.

4. A separate section is dedicated to Precision Medicine Software competitive scenario and market statistics.

5. The clear and concise study on Precision Medicine Software dynamics, cost structures will yield useful results.

6. Latest developments and trends in Precision Medicine Software are evaluated in this report.

7. This study offers past, present and forecasts information on Precision Medicine Software Market. The data is represented in form of tables, infographics, charts to provide an easier view.

Report Summary:

In the first section, the Precision Medicine Software report presents industry overview, definition, and scope. The second part briefs about the Precision Medicine Software industry bifurcation by Type, Application and Geographical regions. The top industry players, market share and sales margin is explained. The raw materials analysis, production and consumption scenario is specified. The SWOT analysis by players, the growth rate for each type and the region is covered. A 5-year forecast data of Precision Medicine Software Market perspective will lead to profitable business plans and informed moves. Towards, the end data sources, research methodology, and findings are offered.

Why Select This Report:

Complete analysis on market dynamics, market status, and competitive Precision Medicine Software view is offered.

Forecast Precision Medicine Software Industry trends will present the market drivers, constraints and growth opportunities.

All vital Precision Medicine Software Industry verticals are presented in this study like Product Type, Applications and Geographical Regions.

The five-year forecast view shows how the market is expected to grow in coming years.

Complete market dynamics will facilitate key insights for informed decision making.

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Global Precision Medicine Software Market Growth Factor Analysis by Manufacturers, Shares, Size, Trends and Challenges with Forecast to 2026 - 3rd...

Longevity And Anti-Senescence Therapy Market Worldwide Growth Survey Size COVID-19 2023 – Cole of Duty

Theglobal longevity and anti-senescence therapies marketshould grow from $329.8 million in 2018 to $644.4 million by 2023 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3% during 2018-2023.

Report Scope:

The scope of this report is broad and covers various therapies currently under trials in the global longevity and anti-senescence therapy market. The market estimation has been performed with consideration for revenue generation in the forecast years 2018-2023 after the expected availability of products in the market by 2023. The global longevity and anti-senescence therapy market has been segmented by the following therapies: Senolytic drug therapy, Gene therapy, Immunotherapy and Other therapies which includes stem cell-based therapies, etc.

Revenue forecasts from 2028 to 2023 are given for each therapy and application, with estimated values derived from the expected revenue generation in the first year of launch.

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The report also includes a discussion of the major players performing research or the potential players across each regional longevity and anti-senescence therapy market. Further, it explains the major drivers and regional dynamics of the global longevity and anti-senescence therapy market and current trends within the industry.

The report concludes with a special focus on the vendor landscape and includes detailed profiles of the major vendors and potential entrants in the global longevity and anti-senescence therapy market.

Report Includes:

71 data tables and 40 additional tables An overview of the global longevity and anti-senescence therapy market Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2017 and 2018, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2023 Country specific data and analysis for the United States, Canada, Japan, China, India, U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Middle East and Africa Detailed description of various anti-senescence therapies, such as senolytic drug therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy and other stem cell therapies, and their influence in slowing down aging or reverse aging process

Coverage of various therapeutic drugs, devices and technologies and information on compounds used for the development of anti-ageing therapeutics A look at the clinical trials and expected launch of anti-senescence products Detailed profiles of the market leading companies and potential entrants in the global longevity and anti-senescence therapy market, including AgeX Therapeutics, CohBar Inc., PowerVision Inc., T.A. Sciences and Unity Biotechnology

Summary

Global longevity and anti-senescence therapy market deals in the adoption of different therapies and treatment options used to extend human longevity and lifespan. Human longevity is typically used to describe the length of an individuals lifetime and is sometimes used as a synonym for life expectancy in the demography. Anti-senescence is the process by which cells stop dividing irreversibly and enter a stage of permanent growth arrest, eliminating cell death. Anti-senescence therapy is used in the treatment of senescence induced through unrepaired DNA damage or other cellular stresses.

Global longevity and anti-senescence market will witness rapid growth over the forecast period (2018-2023) owing to an increasing emphasis on Stem Cell Research and an increasing demand for cell-based assays in research and development.

An increasing geriatric population across the globe and a rising awareness of antiaging products among generation Y and later generations are the major factors expected to promote the growth of global longevity and anti-senescence market. Factors such as a surging level of disposable income and increasing advancements in anti-senescence technologies are also providing traction to the global longevity and anti-senescence market growth over the forecast period (2018-2023).

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the total geriatric population across the globe in 2016 was over REDACTED. By 2022, the global geriatric population (65 years and above) is anticipated to reach over REDACTED. An increasing geriatric population across the globe will generate huge growth prospectus to the market.

Senolytics, placenta stem cells and blood transfusions are some of the hot technologies picking up pace in the longevity and anti-anti-senescence market. Companies and start-ups across the globe such as Unity Biotechnology, Human Longevity Inc., Calico Life Sciences, Acorda Therapeutics, etc. are working extensively in this field for the extension of human longevity by focusing on study of genomics, microbiome, bioinformatics and stem cell therapies, etc. These factors are poised to drive market growth over the forecast period.

Global longevity and anti-senescence market is projected to rise at a CAGR of REDACTED during the forecast period of 2018 through 2023. In 2023, total revenues are expected to reach REDACTED, registering REDACTED in growth from REDACTED in 2018.

The report provides analysis based on each market segment including therapies and application. The therapies segment is further sub-segmented into Senolytic drug therapy, Gene therapy, Immunotherapy and Others. Senolytic drug therapy held the largest market revenue share of REDACTED in 2017. By 2023, total revenue from senolytic drug therapy is expected to reach REDACTED. Gene therapy segment is estimated to rise at the highest CAGR of REDACTED till 2023. The fastest growth of the gene therapy segment is due to the Large investments in genomics. For Instance; The National Human Genome Research Institute (U.S.) had a budget grant of REDACTED for REDACTED research projects in 2015, thus increasing funding to REDACTED for approximately REDACTED projects in 2016.

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Longevity And Anti-Senescence Therapy Market Worldwide Growth Survey Size COVID-19 2023 - Cole of Duty

Doctors said five of the dirtiest parts of the human body – The Times Hub

Doctors called part of the human body that are considered the dirtiest. Among the five zones specialists pay attention in particular to the navel, back and ears.

Each person should keep your body clean, which will ensure health and longevity. In the course of daily water treatments can not forget about the navel, as it is accumulating dirt particles, are also present and dead skin cells that are a perfect breeding ground for various bacteria. Monitor the armpits for the reason that this area is the most active in terms of sweating. Named part of the body is recommended to wash several times a day, and this is especially true for public figures and athletes.

When taking baths or showers need to carefully rubbing the washcloth back, as the pores of the skin become clogged, which can cause acne. Under the nails, especially the long, accumulated a lot of germs, for this reason, when washing hands you should use a special brush, and this procedure should be done routinely.

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Ultimate NFL Draft: The best pick for all 256 slots over the last 50 years, from Peyton Manning to Ryan Succop – CBS Sports

The NFL Draft has become a spectacle that had, until uncommon circumstances this year, drawn hundreds of thousands of fans to cities across the United States of America in recent years. CBS Sports decided to pay homage to the process by coming up with the all-time NFL Draft class (i.e., the best player taken with each selection) post-NFL merger in 1970.

Carve out some time in your afternoon to digest this lengthy read. Without any further ado, let's get started. All stats listed are per Pro-Football-Reference.

Drafted team: Colts

If Manning's career did not run parallel to arguably the most dominant dynasty in football history, he likely would have had a few more Super Bowl victories to his name. With a few more Super Bowls, his argument as the best quarterback of all time would grow stronger.

Drafted team: Giants

Linebacker was viewed as a luxury position when the Giants selected Taylor. It worked out superbly as he compiled 10 Pro Bowl appearances and eight first-team All-Pro selections throughout his career. The former Tar Heel tallied 132.5 sacks over the course of his career.

Drafted team: Lions

It was incredibly difficult to choose Sanders over Anthony Munoz, but it had to be done. Not all heroes wear capes. Despite a shortened career, Sanders was named to 10 Pro Bowls. He compiled 15,269 rushing yards and 99 rushing touchdowns as well as 352 receptions, 2,921 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns

Drafted team: Bears

Guard John Hannah and linebacker Derrick Thomas would be worthwhile considerations here as well. Payton is one of the most recognized NFL athletes in history. He accumulated nearly 17,000 rushing yards as well as nine Pro Bowl selections throughout his career.

Drafted team: Falcons

It was essentially a coin toss between LaDainian Tomlinson and Sanders. It is more complicated attempting to quantify Sanders' illustrious career. In addition to his time served as a professional baseball player, the former Seminole recorded 53 interceptions and appeared in eight Pro Bowls.

Drafted team: Seahawks

Jones is regarded as one of the most dominant offensive tackles to play the game. His size was imposing. He started every game in which he played. His success correlated with nine Pro Bowl appearances as well as recognition on the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Drafted team: Vikings

Champ Bailey is another worthwhile candidate here but Peterson has done almost as much in a smaller sample size. He has four first-team All-Pro selections as well as seven Pro Bowl appearances. Still active, Peterson has accumulated over 14,000 rushing yards during a time that has become known for its progressive passing attacks.

Drafted team: 49ers

Lott dominated the game physically from 1981-94. He appeared in 10 Pro Bowls and was honored as a first-team All-Pro on six different occasions. The California native was a member of four Super Bowl champions and has since walked into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Drafted team: Oilers

Matthews played the game at a high level for 19 seasons, so he gets the nod over the likes of Brian Urlacher and Dick Butkus. Over the course of his career, the lineman appeared in 14 Pro Bowls, which is tied for the most by any player, and was a first-team All-Pro seven times.

Drafted team: Steelers

Woodson was an imposing figure on that vaunted Steelers defense. He accumulated 71 interceptions and 13.5 sacks over the course of his career. The NFL welcomed him to 11 Pro Bowls in addition to being named a first-team All-Pro six times. He has since been inducted into the Pro Bowl Hall of Fame.

Drafted team: Cowboys

Paul Warfield is probably the most valuable player to be selected at No. 11 overall, but pre-merger rules exclude him from consideration. Ben Roethlisberger could have been considered, as he plays the most valuable position and has been playing longer than Irvin. The verbose pass catcher has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Drafted team: Buccaneers

Sapp was a gap-seeking missile throughout his career. He tallied 96.5 sacks en route to seven Pro Bowl appearances and four first-team All-Pro honors. He is recognized as one of the most difficult defenders to block and was quickly inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Drafted team: Steelers

Harris was a vicious runner, similar to Jim Brown. He compiled over 12,000 rushing yards and 91 touchdowns. He narrowly beat out Tony Gonzalez at this spot, but Gonzalez played much longer. Harris was a member of four Super Bowl championship teams and has since been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Drafted team: Bills

Kelly was a rifleman in his day. He threw for over 35,000 yards and made five Pro Bowl appearances in his career. The Pro Football Hall of Fame opened their doors for Kelly in 2002 after leading the acclaimed K-Gun offense.

Drafted team: Chiefs

Johnson was one of the most consistent, productive players throughout his career. He was named a first-team All-Pro once in his career and was also named to the Pro Bowl on four separate occasions. Johnson continued playing until finally announcing his retirement following the 2018 season.

Drafted team: 49ers

There is no room for discussion here. Rice has a strong claim as the NFL's best wide receiver of all-time. He is considered one of the greatest players to ever wear an NFL jersey. Over the course of his career, he amassed 1,549 receptions for 22,895 and 197 touchdowns. He was named first-team All-Pro 10 times and was selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times.

Drafted team: Cowboys

Smith is the league's all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards. He played during a period that was hotly contested but his longevity superseded the rest. He was named to the Pro Bowl eight times and was a four-time first-team All-Pro selection on three Super Bowl champion teams.

Drafted team: Redskins

Monk is the only Hall of Fame player to be taken No. 18 overall in the post-merger era. Honestly, Joe Flacco was probably the closest player to taking this spot from Monk. No. 18 is a surprisingly unimpressive pick all-time. Monk made three Pro Bowl appearances and caught nearly 13,000 yards worth of passes.

Drafted team: Colts

A little run for Syracuse receivers here. Harrison was Peyton Manning's favorite wide receiver in Indianapolis. The two linked up early and often. Harrison caught nearly 15,000 yards as well as 128 touchdowns. He appeared in eight Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro three times before being honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Drafted team: Rams

Youngblood barely fit the criteria because he was drafted in 1971. The edge rusher made seven Pro Bowl appearances and was named first-team All-Pro five times. Youngblood, as well as Steve Atwater who was also considered at this pick, has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Drafted team: Vikings

Where would NFL history be without "straight cash, homie?" Moss was known for his on-field antics as much as his posterizing catches down the sideline. He surpassed 15,000 career receiving yards en route to six Pro Bowl appearances and four first-team All-Pro honors. He would go on to play for the Raiders and the Patriots.

Drafted team: Browns

Dixon is one of the men credited for instituting the "Dawg Pound" moniker that has become synonymous with Browns football. A talented player in his own right, Dixon made three Pro Bowl appearances and was named first-team All-Pro twice during nine seasons of play.

Drafted team: Patriots

Law was one of the first defensive weapons for Bill Belichick in New England. The established coach trusted Law and used him in a variety of ways. The three-time Super Bowl champion flew all over the field as he introduced himself to a national audience. Law, who has since been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was named to five Pro Bowls and was first-team All-Pro twice.

Drafted team: Ravens

Aaron Rodgers could make a convincing argument to be in this position now, and he has a great chance to take over by the time he retires. It is painful to consider leaving Reed off this list. He was such a fun player in the way that he covered the secondary. The free safety was fluid and dared opposing quarterbacks to throw in his direction. He made nine Pro Bowl appearances, which is one more than Rodgers as of now.

Drafted team: 49ers

Washington was a mountain of a human being. He was a true nose tackle in every description of the position. He demanded a double team, which would create more opportunities for his teammates. Washington made four Pro Bowl appearances and was named a first-team All-Pro once.

Drafted team: Ravens

Lewis went to Miami. He may have mentioned that once or twice in interviews. Baltimore had a truly terrifying defense with Lewis and Reed. The former made 13 Pro Bowl appearances and seven first-team All-Pro teams during his illustrious career. His introduction dance is still one of the most imitated in sports.

Drafted team: Dolphins

Marino is not talked about in the same manner as Joe Montana or Tom Brady because he never won a Super Bowl, but the nine-time Pro Bowl selection remains one of the most accurate quarterbacks in league history. He threw for over 61,000 yards and 420 touchdowns.

Drafted team: Buccaneers

Brooks had a lengthy career in the heart of Tampa Bay's defense. He served as the weak-side linebacker when the Buccaneers were making the Tampa 2 popular again. Brooks made 11 Pro Bowl appearances and was named a first-team All-Pro five times. He has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Drafted team: Cowboys

Wisniewski made eight Pro Bowl appearances over the course of 13 NFL seasons. He started every game in which he played. He was also named a first-team All-Pro twice. The Wiz was immediately traded from Dallas to the Raiders.

Drafted team: Colts

The third piece to Indianapolis' passing attack joins the party. Manning and Harrison opened the door for Wayne, who would have his own productive career. He appearances in six Pro Bowls and recorded over 14,000 receiving yards. He was named a first-team All-Pro once in his career.

Drafted team: Steelers

Heyward's career is ongoing but he should become the most productive player to be picked at No. 31 overall. Travis Frederick could have surpassed him if he had continued his career, which was unfortunately cut short. Heyward has made three Pro Bowl appearances and was twice named first-team All-Pro since being drafted in 2011.

Drafted team: Chargers

Brees' career began in San Diego, but he flourished with New Orleans. The veteran quarterback should eclipse 80,000 passing yards this season as he see-saws back and forth with Tom Brady. Brees has never won the league's MVP award and has been named a first-team All-Pro just once thanks in part to the timing of his career. He has, however, made 13 Pro Bowl appearances.

Drafted team: Falcons

Green Bay has been able to get three decades of good quarterback play out of Favre and Aaron Rodgers. Favre was named to 11 Pro Bowls over the course of his career and led the Packers to one Super Bowl victory. He has since walked into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Drafted team: Steelers

Ham is one of the least discussed but most impactful linebackers in NFL history. From 1971-82, he made eight Pro Bowl appearances and was named first-team All-Pro six times. The Pro Football Hall of Fame recognized his transcendent play.

Drafted team: Bears

The No. 35 overall selection is one of the weaker competition in the first two rounds. Tillman was a great player but will likely never be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His stiffest challenger at No. 35 was Andy Dalton. Tillman, made two Pro Bowl appearances and was named a first-team All-Pro, was so known for creating fumbles that his move earned the name "Peanut Punch," a reference to his nickname.

Drafted team: Giants

Barber had ample opportunities to make an impact for the Giants. He accumulated 10,449 rushing yards as well as 5,183 receiving yards. He was named to the Pro Bowl on three instances. Kevin Mawae is honorable mention here as well.

Drafted team: Eagles

In addition to nearly 30,000 passing yards, Cunningham also piled up nearly 5,000 rushing yards. He was a dangerous quarterback with a big frame. Cunningham was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and was named a first-team All-Pro once. He has not yet been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Drafted team: Bears

Singletary was a nasty player for 12 seasons before bringing his Pro Football Hall of Fame career to a halt. He made 10 Pro Bowl appearances and was named first-team All-Pro seven times. He was a member of the beloved 1985 Bears defense.

Drafted team: 49ers

Most names are likely recognizable to the average fan, but this is probably not one of them. Turner played 11 seasons but had one Pro Bowl selection to his name. When removing the pre-merger players from the candidate pool, the No. 39 overall selection was short on viable talents.

Drafted team: Giants

Thurman Thomas was nearly the choice here, but it is impossible to overlook Strahan's credentials. He made seven Pro Bowl appearances and was named a first-team All-Pro four times. The Texas native led New York to one Super Bowl victory during his decorated career.

Drafted team: Jets

Gastineau played 10 seasons during which he made five Pro Bowl appearances. He was named a first-team All-Pro three times and accumulated 74 sacks over the course of his career. Andre Tippett and Ken Norton Jr. are a few other players that would have been considered here.

Drafted team: Patriots

Aaron Hernandez and Gronkowski formed one of the most devastating tight end duos in league history. Gronk played nine seasons before retiring, then announcing his return this offseason. If Gronkowski is able to stay healthy and produce similar numbers, he will have a chance to cement his status the greatest tight end in league history. The Arizona product has five Pro Bowl appearances and four first-team All-Pro selections to his name.

Drafted team: Michigan

Dierdorf made six Pro Bowl appearances and was named first-team All-Pro three times. The Pro Football Hall of Fame eventually opened their doors for the productive lineman, who has enjoyed a long career as a broadcaster after his playing days, including 15 years for the NFL on CBS.

Drafted team: Steelers

Dawson is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He made seven Pro Bowl appearances and was named a first-team All-Pro six times for the Steelers.

Drafted team: 49ers

Watters made five Pro Bowl appearances. He accumulated 10,643 rushing yards and 4,248 receiving yards during his career. He started all but two games in which he played, which is pretty remarkable.

Drafted team: Steelers

Pittsburgh seems to be really well-represented on this list. Larry Allen was a tantalizing option as well at No. 46. Both he and Lambert were selected first-team All-Pro six times and are in the Hall of Fame. Lambert gets the slight edge for us with this pick, however, with his four Super Bowl titles as well as hardware for winning the 1974 Defensive Rookie of the Year and 1976 Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Drafted team: Seahawks

Wagner is one of a handful of active players on this list. He remains one of the most effective linebackers across the league. He has been selected to six Pro Bowls and is a five-time first-team All-Pro. Wagner will only continue to distance himself from the competition. The California native was a member of the Super Bowl XLVIII championship team.

Drafted team: Raiders

Long's contribution to the game continued beyond his own playing career in the form of his sons, Chris and Kyle Long. The elder rusher made eight Pro Bowl appearances and was twice selected first-team All-Pro. He accumulated 84 sacks over the course of his career.

Drafted team: 49ers

The 49ers are another well-represented team on this list. It's fitting that San Francisco makes our list at No. 49 overall. Craig made four Pro Bowl appearances and was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988. The NFC franchise won three Super Bowls with the running back on their roster.

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Can Talk Therapy Heal the Body, Too? – HealthDay News

THURSDAY, June 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Therapy designed to address mental health issues may also tamp down chronic inflammation, a new review suggests.

In so doing, interventions like behavioral therapy may help to rein in not only anxiety, depression and stress, but also the risk of developing heart disease or cancer, researchers say.

The finding is based on a look at 56 studies that collectively involved more than 4,000 participants.

"Over the past several years, there has been a growing appreciation that inflammation is involved in many of the serious health problems that people experience," said study author George Slavich.

"These conditions include mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, as well as physical health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, certain cancers, and autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders," added Slavich. He's an associate professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Inflammation can also cause molecular damage that accelerates biological aging. "It is a process that may be very important for understanding human health and longevity," Slavich added.

Drugs that help control inflammation are effective, said Slavich, but they can be expensive, require long-term adherence and often entail side effects.

The review panel hoped to better understand how the body reacts to nondrug treatments for chronic inflammation. The researchers targeted the potential anti-inflammatory benefits of several individual and group therapy approaches, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), CBT combined with medication, grief counseling, bereavement support and psychotherapy.

Together, said Slavich, the studies revealed that patients who undergo some form of psychotherapeutic treatment can see a nearly 15% improvement in beneficial immune system function, and an 18% decrease in harmful immune system function.

Those benefits, he said, appear to last for at least six months after therapy concludes, regardless of a patient's age or gender.

CBT was found to be the most beneficial, in this regard. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), CBT is designed to help patients change thinking patterns that contribute to unhelpful behavior.

The investigators also observed that psychotherapy -- and CBT in particular -- tended to control inflammation-causing immune system molecules called cytokines.

Such molecules can be helpful in battling disease and infections. But if cytokine levels stay high, even in the absence of a disease threat, they can themselves become the problem, triggering inflammation and related chronic illnesses.

But why would mental health therapy have these effects? Slavich said there are likely many factors at play.

"Several different processes have been previously shown to be associated with changes in immune system function, including life stress, threat sensitivity, negative emotions and social support," he explained. "In addition, psychotherapy has the potential to change people's physical activity levels, diet, sleep schedule and so forth."

However, since the present study was not designed to test these different possibilities, future research is needed to shed light on this issue, Slavich said.

Yet the finding of a link between mental health treatment and reduced inflammation makes sense to Dr. Jon Levenson, an associate professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center, in New York City.

"It is not surprising that counseling or psychotherapy is associated with positive changes in immune function," he said, given prior observations that chronic stress driven by anxiety or depression is associated with an uptick in inflammatory processes.

By cutting down on stress, anxiety and depression, it appears that psychotherapeutic treatment "can essentially re-regulate immune function, once the underlying psychiatric condition is treated," said Levenson, who is also past chair of the APA's Council on Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.

But as to how and why there is an association, he agreed that more research will be needed as "we do not know the precise mechanism for this change yet."

The study findings were published online June 3 in JAMA Psychiatry.

More information

The American Psychiatric Association has more about psychotherapy.

SOURCES: George Slavich, PhD, associate professor, department of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, and director, UCLA Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research; Jon Levenson, MD, associate professor, psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, and past chair, American Psychiatric Association's Council on Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry; JAMA Psychiatry, June 3, 2020, online

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G3 Therapeutics and Juvenescence Limited Announce the Formation of Juvenomics, a Visionary Company Founded on Applying Deep Molecular Profiling and…

DOUGLAS, Isle of Man--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Juvenescence Limited, a life sciences company focused on therapies to modify aging and increasing healthy human longevity, and G3 Therapeutics, a trailblazer biotechnology company leveraging biological big data for drug discovery and development, today announced the formation of Juvenomics Limited, a joint venture between the two parent companies. Juvenomics will focus on developing validated nutraceuticals and medicines to combat aging and aging-related diseases such as those of the musculoskeletal system. Juvenomics is built on the unique combination of G3 Therapeutics proprietary, multi-omic biological dataset, consisting of trillions of proprietary datapoints collected in the GLOBAL Clinical Study (NCT01738828) of over 7,500 patients, and the unique machine learning platforms assembled by Juvenescence. Juvenomics is also proud to announce the appointment of Dr. David Roblin MD FMedSci to its Board of Directors. David has an extensive background in the pharmaceutical industry with a proven track record as former President of R&D at Summit Therapeutics, Head of Anti-Infectives at Bayer, and Head of Research in Europe for Pfizer. He is currently COO at Juvenescence and the Chair of Scientific Translation at the Francis Crick Institute.

Szilard Voros, MD, FACC, FSCCT, FAHA, Founder and CEO of G3 Therapeutics commented: For the first time, biological big data - and genomics in particular - meets longevity science. Over the past 7 years, we have pioneered the use of unbiased biological big data for drug discovery and development, primarily focusing on cardiovascular and cardio-metabolic diseases. During the same period of time, the science of aging and healthy longevity has gone through its rites of passage and Juvenescence is paving the way in the application of the same scientific and medical rigor that is applied to all common, chronic diseases. In Juvenescence, we have found the perfect partner to work with to discover, develop and commercialize genetically validated nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals to foster healthy aging and treat diseases of aging. Juvenomics is trailblazing the science of biological big data to bring revelatory new approaches to combat the aging process.

Gregory Bailey MD, Founder and CEO of Juvenescence Limited commented: At Juvenescence, we are very excited about this opportunity to work with G3. Since its inception Juvenescence has been at the vanguard of applying data science towards drug discovery and development. The depth of the patient derived database assembled by G3 is extraordinary and compelling. To have exclusive access to the existing data and the new data that G3 generates going forward for anti-aging and age-related diseases is a unique opportunity. This data gives us the ability to accelerate discovery and development of therapeutics to modify healthy aging.

About G3 Therapeutics

G3 Therapeutics is a global leader in the application of unbiased biological big data in transforming the drug discovery and drug development process. G3 Therapeutics has assembled a revelatory platform that utilizes deep phenotyping, deep molecular profiling and deep learning for the discovery, genetic validation and development of novel drug targets. G3 Therapeutics foundational biological big data platform has been built on the GLOBAL Clinical Study (NCT01738828), enrolling over 7,500 individuals from around the world. G3 Therapeutics deep molecular profiling approach includes whole genome sequencing, as well as the measurement of all other relevant omics measurements including DNA methylation, RNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. G3 Therapeutics has already discovered and patented relevant biomarkers and is starting the development of several novel drugs based on its proprietary platform and discoveries.

About Juvenescence Limited

Juvenescence Limited is a life sciences company developing therapies to modify aging and increase healthy human longevity. It was founded by Jim Mellon, Dr. Greg Bailey and Dr. Declan Doogan. The Juvenescence team are highly experienced drug developers, entrepreneurs and investors with a significant history of success in the life sciences sector. Juvenescence will create, partner with or invest in new companies with longevity-related therapeutics by in-licensing compounds from academia and industry, or forming joint ventures. Juvenescence believes that recent scientific advances have greatly improved our understanding of the biology of aging and seeks to develop therapeutics with the possibility of slowing, halting or potentially reversing elements of the aging process.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200531005004/en/

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G3 Therapeutics and Juvenescence Limited Announce the Formation of Juvenomics, a Visionary Company Founded on Applying Deep Molecular Profiling and...

Over 1000 Tons Of Plastic Raining Down On US National Parks And Protected Areas Each Year – IFLScience

More than 1,000 tons of microplastic rains in protected areas across the western United States every year the equivalent to more than 123 million plastic bottles new research suggests. Long-term accumulation of small pieces of plastic measuring less than 5 millimeters long is reminiscent of the global dust cycle but distinctly human in origin, posing potential consequences for vulnerable ecosystems around the world.

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that began its lifecycle as a larger piece that has fragmented over time. Previous research has shown that its raining plastic in Americas Rocky Mountains and snowing microplastics in the Arctic and with more than 340 metric tons of plastic produced in 2017, the world shows no signs of global production slowing down. As such, it is estimated that 11 billion metric tons of plastic will have accumulated in the environment within the next five years.

Using high-resolution atmospheric deposition data, researchers at Utah State University set out to identify samples of microplastics and other particulates collected over 14 months in 11 national parks and wilderness areas located in Arizona, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, California, Utah, and Nevada. Pieces were compared by their size and shape and identified through their composition in order to identify sources of plastic emitted in the atmosphere, whether they moved through dry or wet conditions, and where they were ultimately deposited.

"We were shocked at the estimated deposition rates and kept trying to figure out where our calculations went wrong," said study author and Assistant Professor Janice Brahney in a statement. "We then confirmed through 32 different particle scans that roughly 4 percent of the atmospheric particles analyzed from these remote locations were synthetic polymers.

Plastic was present in 98 percent of all wet and dry samples amounting to a daily deposition rate of 132 plastics per square meter. Most plastic deposited through precipitation was sourced from cities and areas with high population densities while, on the other hand, plastics that were deposited under dry conditions showed indicators of having traveled long distances through atmospheric patterns, in some cases across continents.

"Several studies have attempted to quantify the global plastic cycle but were unaware of the atmospheric limb," said Brahney. "Our data show the plastic cycle is reminiscent of the global water cycle, having atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial lifetimes."

Most fibers deposited in both dry and wet conditions were those from clothing and industrial materials; approximately 30 percent were brightly colored acrylic microbeads likely derived from industrial paints and coatings rather than personal care products, while 4 percent of atmospheric particulates identified from remote locations were plastic polymers. Even so, the study authors add that their findings likely underestimate the actual pervasiveness of environmental microplastics as they didnt count clear or white particles.

"This result, combined with the size distribution of identified plastics, and the relationship to global-scale climate patterns, suggest that plastic emission sources have extended well beyond our population centers and, through their longevity, spiral through the Earth system," write the study authors in Science.

Plastic has become ubiquitous in the environment yet consequences for human and environmental health remain largely unknown. Understanding how the pollutant is transported through the environment is an important mechanism in understanding how microplastics circumnavigate the globe, particularly in vulnerable environments.

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Over 1000 Tons Of Plastic Raining Down On US National Parks And Protected Areas Each Year - IFLScience

Skincare Tips To Help You Take Good Care Of Your Skin – Longevity LIVE

Whats the largest organ in the human body? The heart? Perhaps the kidney? Nope, think again. The largest organ in the human body is the skin. In fact, the average adult human skin spans 21 square miles and contains 11 miles of blood vessels. To put it in perspective, thats twice the height of Mt. Everest. No wonder skincare is such a booming economy!

Besides fascinating fun facts, your skin plays a crucial role in ensuring your optimum health. It provides proper regulation of body temperature and acts as a defense mechanism against invaders such as toxins and allergens. While skin plays a significant role in protecting the body, it is also the most vulnerable organ. There are at least 3,000 documented skin disorders. It is for this reason that taking care of your skin isnt a luxury its a necessity.

A google search on good skincare will reveal an almost dizzying variety of tips and tricks. Cutting through the clutter and finding what works for you can be frustrating. Thats why well make it easy for you. Lets do a deep dive into the proven steps to proper skincare. Before that, however, lets conduct a mind surgery.

For a good number of people, healthy and glowing skin is only a daydream or a reserve of pop stars and celebrities. Others consign themselves to the notion that natures genetic lottery hasnt been too kind to them. Nothing could be further from the truth. No matter the type of skin you have, good skincare can make it look better and healthier.

Of course, you may not glow like your favorite celebrity or model, but youd certainly look better than when you started. All it takes is consistency, dedication, and patience. Dont expect to see results right off the bat. Just like any organ in the body, the skin needs time to demonstrate results. One of the most common reasons people dont give extra attention to their skin is because they think their efforts wont make a difference. Breaking this barrier is the first step to achieving good skincare. Here are other proven steps to making your skin glow.

Any dermatologist worth their salt would tell you that skincare is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one skin type may not necessarily work for another. Many factors play a role in determining how the skin looks. These factors include age, skin disorders, and DNA, amongst others.

One of the key factors is the type of skin in question. Its vital you know your skin type as it would have far-reaching effects on what products and procedures you can use. Some estimates peg the number at seven or even more, but there are at least five different skin types. Lets examine what each of these skin types entails.

This type of skin lacks oil. It is usually flaky and often gets cracked. Its not what you would call an ideal skin. Its pores are typically small with visible lines and it hardly stretches out. This skin type is likely to sport some red patches.

Oily skin features a greasy and shiny appearance. Oil glands naturally produce oil on the surface of every skin. With oily skin, the glands go into overdrive secreting more than necessary. This skin type usually has large pores and is prone to breakouts, particularly acne breakouts.

Normal skin straddles the line between dry and oily skin. It has little or no blots. Its sensitivity is just right, and its pores are almost invisible. It can handle most irritations without breaking out. Some people refer to normal skin as healthy skin, and it is considered the most desirable skin type.

Sensitive skin is one that typically overreacts to almost anything. You can develop this skin if you over-scrub or do not take care of your original skin type. One of the skin types that can quickly morph into a sensitive one is the dry skin. Sensitive skin is prone to skin diseases such as acne or contact dermatitis. If you have this skin type, be sure to avoid triggers that may cause irritation or inflammation. Some of these triggers include alcohol, stress, and even smoking.

As the name suggests, combination skin is a mixture of different skin types. In other words, one person can have varied skin types in different places. One part may be dry while another may be oily, particularly the T-region. It means youll need a combination of solutions to keep the skin healthy and moisturized. You can read this article to find out more about skin types and how to take care of them.

Proper skin cleansing is fundamentally about removing any material that clogs the pores of the skin. Substances like dirt, dead skin cells, and makeup can clog the surface, but a good cleansing regime helps the skin breathe. In a general sense, bathing is the way to cleanse your skin. You must bathe or shower at least once or preferably twice a day to keep your skin moist and refreshed.

The first place most people look at when they meet you is your face. So, your cleanup should start from there, and your face should always feature prominently in any cleansing routine. But how hard could it be? Doesnt it just involve splashing some water over the skin and scrubbing a bit? Well, not quite. Theres more to facial cleansing. Here are a few helpful tips to follow:

It is for good reason that medical personnel often prescribe water as the first response to many diseases. In fact, medical practitioners regard water as the best medicine. It has several benefits to the body, and listed below are some of them.

If youre a water addict, your immune system will benefit greatly. Your immune system is essentially your bodys defense against diseases and toxins. Without a healthy immune system, youre vulnerable to many diseases, and your skin will suffer for it. Earlier, we mentioned that there are at least 3000 diseases associated with the skin. A robust immune system is a surefire way to ward off all intruders.

No one needs to tell you when you stand before a glowing skin. When it isnt glowing, everyone will know. Your skin will betray you if youre not taking in enough water: it will be cracked, flaky scaly, and dry. On the other hand, the skin surface of a person who drinks enough water is likely to be soft and supple.

Studies show that taking in water has a direct bearing on weight loss. If youre overweight, your body is likely to suffer stretch and strain. Maintaining a healthy weight is key to ensuring healthy skin, and gulping down glasses of water is a natural and safe way to shed the extra pounds.

Imagine your stool without water. How about urination? How would you even sweat without water? Hard to imagine, isnt it? Thats because water is such an essential part of our bodys processes. Additionally, guzzling on water helps the skin maintain a stable temperature, a process known as homeostasis. All these benefits of drinking water ultimately have far-reaching effects on the skin. In addition to drinking water, eat foods that can help you stay hydrated.

Its no surprise that some have labeled collagen supplements as the fountain of youth. To understand the reason for that statement, youd need to appreciate what collagen is. Collagen is the bodys most abundant protein. It makes up 75% of the average adults dry skin mass.

Others refer to collagen as the scaffolding of the skin. It ensures the integrity of the bodys tissues, bones, and tendons, and it plays a vital role in promoting skin health. As the body ages, it supplies less and less collagen. By the age of 30, the bodys collagen supply begins to decrease. This situation creates a deficit that needs addressing. Thankfully, there are supplements like collagen peptides that are an excellent resource to help you gain and maintain a glowing skin.

Whether you have oily, healthy, sensitive, or dry skin, you have to keep your skin hydrated. As mentioned earlier, water helps to moisturize the skin. However, it is not the only moisturizer for your skin. Look for moisturizer products with a hyaluronic acid-base. The acid is known to have an excellent hydrating ability. You can also opt for a humidifier. Such products help keep the air and atmosphere humid, thereby keeping your skin moist.

As much as youd want to take the first steps to get good skin by yourself, a dermatologist brings so much more to the table. These skin doctors are trained over several years to know how to preserve and take care of any skin type. Look for one who is trained, appropriately licensed, and can make time for you. If youre looking for cosmetic solutions, you can go to a specialist cosmetic dermatologist. Theyd examine your skin and make treatment recommendations for you.

Even if you dont want to have skin that gets the glares and the stares, you wouldnt want any skin disorder disturbing your skin. To understand how to take care of your skin, youd need to understand the complicated nature of the skin. Know your skin type so you can use the right remedies. Clean your skin regularly through bathing and facial cleansing to keep your youthful glow. Drinking lots of water is a fool-proof strategy for gaining good skin health.

Additionally, collagen supplements have a way of shoring up your skin and keeping it youthful. However, dont forget to consult your dermatologist for expert opinion and advice. Take advantage of all of the steps listed in this article to give your skin a worthwhile treat.

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Skincare Tips To Help You Take Good Care Of Your Skin - Longevity LIVE

A milestone unlike any other in Nashua | Human Interest – The Union Leader

Turning 100 was a walk in the park for Ruth Magnuson Brown. Turning 105 was a piece of cake. But as this lady from Nashua approaches her 107th birthday on June 15, those who know her best say the next celebration might be the most challenging.

Because COVID-19 has halted all visitors to Langdon Place of Nashua, where Brown has lived the past five years, her birthday extravaganza will be limited this year. The staff, however, is committed to offering her a grand celebration and is asking the public send Brown cards of encouragement.

She is really quite a resilient woman, said Bethany Willey, director of marketing and admissions with Genesis HealthCare, which includes Langdon Place.

It is still unknown whether Brown will be able to celebrate in person with her family, so employees are making every attempt to ensure a special birthday.

Cards are already coming in for Ruth. We are asking people to keep sending them, and our plan is to present the cards to her on her birthday, Willey said.

Bonnie Brown Oliphant, Browns daughter, said she at least hopes to see her mother through a window if she cant celebrate with her in person.

When people ask her what is her secret to longevity, she says, It is a secret, said Oliphant, 77. But she has also told people to be wise, but not to act too wise.

Brown was the oldest of 10 children. She graduated from eighth grade and then helped raise her younger siblings, according to Oliphant. Although she never went to high school, she attended business school as a young adult.

Brown worked as a comptometer (mechanical calculator) operator and married Robert Brown, an air traffic controller, in 1938. They had two daughters, and Brown lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas before moving to New Hampshire.

This has been really hard for my mother, Oliphant said of the quarantine. I am really so saddened by it. I pray every night that my mother will not die before I get to see her again. None of us really know.

Brown is described as a smart, health-conscious woman who was driving until she was 92.

She is so tough. She just doesnt quit, and she doesnt give up, Oliphant said.

Brown moved from Texas to New Hampshire at 101 after her other daughter died.

We all kind of held our breath a little since a move is difficult at any age, but here we are several years later and she is still as sharp as a tack, Willey said.

Turning 100 is a major milestone, Willey said. Turning 107 is phenomenal.

To help Brown celebrate, the public is invited to send birthday cards to Ruth Magnuson Brown at Langdon Place of Nashua, 319 E. Dunstable Rd., Nashua 03062.

Continue reading here:
A milestone unlike any other in Nashua | Human Interest - The Union Leader

Time to heed the warning bell – The Japan Times

These are my thought about the recent coronavirus pandemic.

Human beings have been dominating all other species on Earth. Now, the human is the only dictator, controlling other creatures, harvesting plants, feeding livestock, catching fish, consuming fossil fuels, producing various merchandise, polluting the air, contaminating oceans, extinguishing forests, melting icebergs, warming climates and exploding our population. All these elements have been accumulating. Human longevity has improved, so many people are concentrating in big cities and can transport over borders. Is this a real evolution? Is this the right direction for our future? Since this pandemic spread, it is really ironic that the environment has been gradually getting better. This is because we came to a point where we had to stop or slow down our basic, productive and social activities to prevent the virus from spreading. I suppose these circumstances seem comfortable and convenient for other species. Mother Earth would be blessed with the absence of humans. What I mean here is the present crisis is supposed to be a kind of punishment from God to conceited humans. Humans got too arrogant, did too much. We should recognize what we have damaged, sacrificed. The pursuit of our comfort and material wealth may not be the only way to sustain our society. We should stop now and think about better and more different ways to coexist with other creatures and Mother Earth.

Now is the moment when the warning bell is ringing loudly.

We have to listen to this sound carefully for assessing our past sins and reforming for the future.

However, like repeating history, we will perhaps again overcome this crisis with our shrewd intelligence and gigantic power without reflecting on ourselves. Furthermore, fortunately, or unfortunately, we are getting back to the previous normal and going in the same direction as ever.

I just hope we "don't miss the bell."

Aizumisato, Fukushima Prefecture

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writers own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.

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Time to heed the warning bell - The Japan Times

AgeX Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Business Update – Business Wire

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AgeX Therapeutics , Inc. (AgeX: NYSE American: AGE), a biotechnology company developing therapeutics for human aging and regeneration, reported financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020.

The human tragedy of this pandemic has long tentacles that effect numerous businesses including AgeX, said Greg Bailey M.D., Chairman. Given the current global economic landscape, and the changes that businesses will need to make to accommodate to a post pandemic world, we feel that new business model aligns well to be able to function in this new environment. We see enormous opportunity to license and joint venture PureStem and HLA-G while implementing a definitive plan to begin preclinical trials on tissue regeneration under the leadership of Michael West and Michael May. We will update you in the future as these plans progress.

AgeX has completed a company restructuring to help set it up for success in the future. The combination of company priorities, cash position and the COVID-19 pandemic led to employee lay-offs designed to support the evolution of AgeX's current team to execute on strategic business goals going forward and to ensure cash is directed at near-term priorities to deliver maximum shareholder value. AgeX has a dual business strategy to diversify risk and maximize opportunities. It plans to continue to pursue its licensing and collaboration strategy for its two primary technology platforms, UniverCyte immunotolerance technology for the generation of universal cells, and PureStem cell derivation and manufacturing technology for the production of therapeutic cells with potential advantages, including industrial scalability and lower manufacturing costs. Since the launch of its licensing and collaboration strategy in January 2020, AgeX has delivered a research collaboration in Japan focused on developing universally transplantable cells for therapeutic use based on UniverCyte, entered into a neural stem cell therapy research collaboration for neurological disorders utilizing PureStem at a California University, and AgeX licensee ImStem Biotechnology received the first-ever clearance of a cell therapy derived from AgeXs embryonic stem cells by the FDA to enter human studies.

In addition, AgeX remains committed to pursuing in-house cell therapy product development and plans to raise money to build the optimal team to deliver on its products, AGEX-BAT1 for metabolic diseases such as type II diabetes and AGEX-VASC1 for tissue ischaemia. AgeXs budgetary and personnel adjustments will result in the deferral of in-house product development and may also lead to AgeX seeking arrangements with other companies in the cell therapy or biopharma industry for the development of its product candidates and technology, or outsourcing of some of that work to service providers until further funding can be obtained to rebuild in-house research and development staff for one or more of those programs. Development of AgeXs iTR technology may be done at AgeXs subsidiary Reverse Bioengineering, Inc. subject to successful financing of the subsidiary.

Upwards of 80% of healthcare expenditures in the United States relates to chronic degenerative disease and aging is a principle underlying cause of such conditions, said Michael D. West, Ph.D., AgeXs Chief Executive Officer. Therefore, the ability to manufacture to scale young clinical-grade cells capable of regenerating functionality in diverse tissues of the body has the potential to transform healthcare as we know it today. Perhaps even more noteworthy is the potential of reversing developmental aging in the body itself through AgeXs iTR technology. Our goal in the coming year is to advance the development of our intellectual property with the goal of bringing value to our shareholders.

Q1 Highlights

Liquidity and Capital Resources

AgeX is in need of additional capital to finance its operations. On March 30, 2020, AgeX entered into a Secured Convertible Facility Agreement (the New Loan Agreement) with Juvenescence Limited pursuant to which AgeX may borrow funds from time to time. On April 1, 2020 AgeX drew the initial $500,000, and may draw additional funds from time to time subject to Juvenescences discretion, prior to the contractual repayment date on March 30, 2023. AgeX may not draw down more than $1 million in any single draw. More information about the New Loan Agreement can be found in AgeXs Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2020 and May 14, 2020, respectively.

On April 13, 2020, AgeX obtained a loan in the amount of $432,952 from Axos Bank under the Paycheck Protection Program (the PPP Loan). The PPP Loan will bear interest at a rate of 1% per annum. No payments will be due on the PPP Loan during a six month deferral period commencing on the date of the promissory note. Commencing one month after the expiration of the deferral period, and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until the maturity date of the PPP Loan, monthly payments of principal and interest will be due, in an amount required to fully amortize the principal amount outstanding on the PPP Loan by the maturity date. The maturity date is April 13, 2022. The principal amount of the PPP Loan is subject to forgiveness under the PPP to the extent that PPP Loan proceeds are used to pay expense permitted by the PPP, including payroll, rent, and utilities (collectively, Qualifying Expenses), during the time frame permitted by the PPP. AgeX intends to use the PPP Loan amount for Qualifying Expenses. However, no assurance is provided that AgeX will obtain forgiveness of the PPP Loan in whole or in part.

Staff Reductions

During April 2020, AgeX initiated staff layoffs that affected 12 employees, primarily research and development personnel. AgeX has paid approximately $105,000 in accrued payroll and unused paid time off and other benefits and expects to recognize approximately $194,800 in restructuring charges in connection with the reduction in staffing, consisting of contractual severance and other employee termination benefits, substantially all of which are expected to be settled in cash. The staff reductions followed AgeXs strategic review of its operations, giving consideration to the status of its product development programs, human resources, capital needs and resources, and current conditions in the capital markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Going Concern Considerations

As required under Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (ASC 205-40), AgeX evaluates whether conditions and/or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to meet its future financial obligations as they become due within one year after the date its financial statements are issued. Based on AgeXs most recent projected cash flows, and considering that loans from Juvenescence in excess of an initial $500,000 advance under the New Loan Agreement will be subject to Juvenescences discretion, AgeX believes that its cash and cash equivalents, the $500,000 loan under the New Loan Agreement, the PPP Loan and reduction in staff in May 2020 would not be sufficient to satisfy its anticipated operating and other funding requirements for the twelve months following the filing of AgeXs Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2020. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding the ability of AgeX to continue as a going concern.

First Quarter 2020 Operating Results

Revenues: Total Revenues for the first quarter of 2020 were $515,000 as compared with $388,000 for the first quarter of 2019. AgeX revenue is primarily generated from subscription and advertising revenues from the GeneCards online database through its subsidiary LifeMap Sciences, Inc. Revenues in 2020 also included approximately $86,000 of allowable expenses under its research grant from the NIH as compared with $15,000 in the same period in 2019.

Operating expenses: Operating expenses reported for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $3.7 million as compared to $3.4 million for the same period in 2019. On an as-adjusted basis, operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $3.2 million as compared to $2.8 million for the same period in 2019.

The reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP operating expenses is provided in the financial tables included with this earnings release.

Research and development expenses increased by $0.3 million to $1.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 from $1.3 million during the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $0.2 million in scientific consultants, $0.2 million in laboratory facilities and equipment related expenses and maintenance, $0.1 million in personnel related expenses allocable to research and development, and $0.1 million in depreciation and amortization of laboratory equipment and improvements. These increases were offset to some extent by a decrease of $0.3 million in shared services from Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (Lineage) with the termination of the Shared Facilities and Services Agreement on September 30, 2019.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 remained consistent with the same period in 2019 of $2.1 million despite bearing the full lease and facilities related costs since April 2019, and an increase in head count with the employment of AgeXs own finance team since October 1, 2019. These increases were offset by a decrease in shared facilities and services fees from Lineage following the termination of the Shared Facilities and Services Agreement on September 30, 2019.

About AgeX Therapeutics

AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American: AGE) is focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics for human aging. Its PureStem and UniverCyte manufacturing and immunotolerance technologies are designed to work together to generate highly defined, universal, allogeneic, off-the-shelf pluripotent stem cell-derived young cells of any type for application in a variety of diseases with a high unmet medical need. AgeX has two preclinical cell therapy programs: AGEX-VASC1 (vascular progenitor cells) for tissue ischemia and AGEX-BAT1 (brown fat cells) for Type II diabetes. AgeXs revolutionary longevity platform induced Tissue Regeneration (iTR) aims to unlock cellular immortality and regenerative capacity to reverse age-related changes within tissues. AGEX-iTR1547 is an iTR-based formulation in preclinical development. HyStem is AgeXs delivery technology to stably engraft PureStem cell therapies in the body. AgeXs core product pipeline is intended to extend human healthspan. AgeX is seeking opportunities to establish licensing and collaboration arrangements around its broad IP estate and proprietary technology platforms and therapy product candidates.

For more information, please visit http://www.agexinc.com or connect with the company on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not historical fact including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as will, believes, plans, anticipates, expects, estimates should also be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the business of AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiaries, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in more detail in the Risk Factors section of AgeXs most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commissions (copies of which may be obtained at http://www.sec.gov). Subsequent events and developments may cause these forward-looking statements to change. AgeX specifically disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise these forward-looking statements as a result of changed events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law.

AGEX THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PAR VALUE AMOUNTS)

March 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

468

$

2,352

Accounts and grants receivable, net

366

363

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,238

1,339

Total current assets

2,072

4,054

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AgeX Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Business Update - Business Wire

Is there a link between coronavirus and vitamin D deficiency? This startup just raised cash to find out – GeekWire

Solius light therapy kiosks use a narrow spectrum of ultraviolet light that can stimulate the production of critical hormones and peptides, and increase vitamin D levels. (Solius Photo)

New research shows a potential correlation between severe vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 mortality rates. A Northwestern University study released last week found that patients from countries with high death rates had lower levels of vitamin D compared to patients in countries with fewer mortalities.

Seattle-area startup Solius, which sells light therapy kiosks that can help people increase vitamin D levels, suddenly finds itself in a unique position amid the global pandemic.

The company today announced additional investment from Human Longevity Inc. as it explores how its technology could play a role in the fight against COVID-19 by strengthening the immune system and reducing the severity of the disease.

Further studies will be needed to validate this connection and we are working to engage in clinical trials that will prove the efficacy of our device on this devastating disease, said Solius CEO Bob Wise.

Researchers from Northwestern cautioned that vitamin D levels wont prevent contraction of COVID-19, but could make a difference in how the body fights the disease. They found a correlation between vitamin D levels and cytokine storm, a condition caused by an overactive immune system.

Cytokine storm can severely damage lungs and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and death in patients, Ali Daneshkhah, a postdoctoral research associate at Northwestern, said in a press release. This is what seems to kill a majority of COVID-19 patients, not the destruction of the lungs by the virus itself. It is the complications from the misdirected fire from the immune system.

Another study from Anglia Ruskin University in the U.K. found an association between low average levels of vitamin D and high numbers of COVID-19 cases and mortality rates across 20 European countries.

Some experts criticized the Northwestern study which has not been peer-reviewed for not controlling major confounding factors, among other reasons, Inverse reported.

Solius published its own white-paper this week about the impact of vitamin D on COVID-19. The company cited cytokine storms and studies that show vitamin D combating respiratory infections. It also quoted former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden, who said in March that regular physical activity and adequate vitamin D levels probably have the most scientific evidence to increase resistance to COVID-19 infection.

Solius is working with leading phototherapy and vitamin D experts to develop and execute its own trials to study how the companys kiosks could treat and/or prevent COVID-19.

Foundational research strongly suggests a link between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes, Wise said. We look forward to adding to this body of research and investigating the impact our technology may have on supporting human health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Solius light therapy uses a narrow spectrum of ultraviolet light that can stimulate the production of critical hormones and peptides. In 2018 it started rolling out light therapy kiosksin Vancouver, B.C., that help users increase vitamin D levels.

The therapy is an alternative to vitamin D pills, a solution that Soliuspreviously told GeekWireisnt sufficient to address the problem of vitamin D deficiency.

An estimated 1 billion people worldwide have inadequate levels of vitamin D, according toHarvard University, and research shows that deficiency is a more pressing problem than once thought.

Wise said the company expects FDA approval for its kiosks next year.

We are excited to invest in SOLIUS as its mission is to provide the benefits of the sun without the harmful rays to unlock the healing powers of the human body, Wei-Wu He, executive chairman at HLI, said in a statement.

Solius has raised $18 million to date. The 7-year-old company has seven employees. Wise replaced former CEO Rick Hennessey, who relocated to Florida for family reasons.

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Is there a link between coronavirus and vitamin D deficiency? This startup just raised cash to find out - GeekWire

COVID-19: How the world is coping with restrictive measures – Medical News Today

Restrictive measures aimed at curbing the new coronavirus pandemic have changed the lives of people all over the world in drastic ways. For this Special Feature, we have asked readers and contributors to share their best coping strategies.

People from all over the world have been reporting that current restrictive measures taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly altered the daily course of their lives.

In April, dozens of respondents told Medical News Today about the impact the current public health emergency has had on the well-being of themselves and their loved ones.

But what are people doing to cope? A survey from March, 2020 indicates that in the United States, at least, many individuals have turned to unhealthful coping strategies, such as increased alcohol consumption or the use of other recreational substances.

The same survey also suggests that a majority of U.S. respondents were actively seeking to improve their situation by taking affirmative action.

So what are some helpful coping strategies? To find out, Medical News Today asked readers on social media to tell us what they do make their lives better at this uncertain time.

We also spoke to contributors from all over the world about their top coping tips.

In this Special Feature, we give you an overview of some top coping strategies. We also look at why scientists agree these actions can help improve our well-being.

Many people told MNT that exercising indoors or outdoors, as well as practicing yoga, meditation, or forms of prayer have helped to keep them grounded and focused.

One reader told us that, for them, walking and running [are] [g]reat stress reducers after long days at work, while another mentioned yoga, books, and praying as their go-to in these uncertain times.

Diana, from France, told MNT that it is thanks to regular exercise that she now feels less anxious and more optimistic. I have been exercising every morning with my neighbor, so for the past few days or past week, I have been feeling super positive, and everythings been O.K., she said.

We are permitted 3 hours for any activity, either alone or with one other person, Christina, from Greece, told us. I use this option to go out every day for a run. Therefore, physically and mentally, I feel very good.

It is not surprising that these activities have benefited the mental and physical well-being of people worldwide during the pandemic.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that physical activity, yoga, meditation, and prayer are all linked to better overall health.

Researchers have shown that exercise could prevent depression, boost aspects of our memory, reduce inflammation, and even increase lifespan.

Yoga and meditation could have a direct impact on physiological drivers of stress and resilience to hardship, while the simple presence of religious faith in someones life has ties to longevity.

In countries with less stringent public health emergency measures in place, many people have been taking advantage of the opportunity to take walks in nature.

One reader, reaching out to MNT on social media, said: I go for a walk every day, and I really appreciate nature [and] fresh air.

Researchers have linked walking, as a form of casual, non-strenuous exercise, to a variety of health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved psychological well-being, and a longer lifespan.

Some of our readers have also said that they try to take advantage of nature and fresh air in any way they can. This might be by stepping outdoors for a while or just sitting out on the balcony.

Since the weather got warmer, [my family and I] have started going out on occasional walks in the forest near our house, Mihai, from Romania, told us.

During the day, [our young son] stays out on the balcony for a while, he tries to [entertain himself by spotting] cats, dogs, pigeons, he added.

One of the main lifelines for me has been reading in the garden in the sunshine, another MNT reader commented on social media.

Many readers have also told us that they have taken up gardening as a means to enjoy the fresh air and sunny weather, if they have access to a garden or a balcony.

While gardening can certainly be calming, it may bring many health benefits besides stress reduction. An older study published in The Medical Journal of Australia associated gardening with a 36% lower risk of developing dementia.

And a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that gardening also has associations with a lower risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack.

But even just taking a moment to admire nature can do wonders for our well-being whether that be in the form of a potted plant, a fresh crop of cilantro grown on the window sill, or observing newly hatched baby ducks at the park.

A research paper published in the Journal of Positive Psychology in 2017 found that simply stopping to notice a bird or a tree has associations with a heightened sense of overall happiness.

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of the current pandemic has been of the physical distancing measures adopted by many countries.

Readers from all over the world have told MNT that they are worried about family members and friends whom they cannot see in person. They mention how they miss being able to meet up and engage in fun activities with those they love.

Yet many of them have expressed a strong determination in maintaining that human connection despite all the obstacles.

Almost all of the people reaching out to MNT have said that they have regular phone calls or video calls with friends and family. Some have found ways of replicating the interactions they would typically have with their loved ones over the internet.

Martina, who lives in Belgium, told us that she has been grateful for all the creative get-togethers that the people in her life have been planning:

To cope, I take advantage of the many initiatives organized by friends and family to keep us together. I do yoga online with a friend who is a teacher every day. [] I see my boss and my colleagues every Tuesday for a virtual coffee that [replaces] the ritual of our usual Tuesday lunch together. I have lunch with my family on Zoom almost every Sunday.

Some of the people we spoke to also noted that their employers have been taking steps to maintain their employees team spirit, and an atmosphere of collegiality.

For example, Mihai, in Romania, said that his company has been organizing 2-weekly meetings of 30 minutes each, in which we discuss anything aside from work.

[That is] to reduce our sense of isolation, he explained.

Studies suggest that long, deep conversations help us feel more connected and can enhance peoples sense of well-being. Social interaction may also help protect memory, according to some researchers.

Some experts have also linked lasting friendships and a good social life with better overall health and longevity.

Given all this, it is no wonder that frequent calls with friends, family, and colleagues provide a tangible sense of relief.

Readers who happen to be living with partners, family, or housemates, have also reported that playing board games helps them cope. Others play board games or computer games online with friends.

That, for instance, is the case of Ramona and Simona, who live in Sweden, and Stephen, in Canada, who told us that: Socially, weve been doing video calls and playing online board games and video games with friends and family. We even took part in a Zoom pub quiz.

Researchers have shown that playing and playfulness can help reduce stress levels in adults and increase their overall sense of well-being.

Some people have even linked board games to better brain function, and some studies have suggested that romantic partners who play together stay together, as the excitement and fun of board games help strengthen their bond.

Another favorite coping strategy from respondents all over the world is learning a new skill.

I also spend a lot of time teaching myself web coding through a free online course, taking and editing photos, and brushing up on my French with Duolingo, Stephen also told us, and other readers have sent us similar comments.

Research suggests that learning activities in adulthood may help improve life satisfaction and that learning new languages could help rejuvenate the brain.

All of these activities suggest that growth and adaptability have been key in facing the often life-altering circumstances that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to everyone.

By scheduling frequent video calls with friends and sticking to a regular exercise routine, people have been doing their best to recreate their usual lifestyle at a different scale while relegated to their home environment.

Some, indeed, have gone to some lengths to do so. Misato, from Japan, told MNT that what she misses most is working from her favorite caf, a place that stimulates her focus and creativity. So she has recreated it at home.

[C]afs used to be one of my favorite places to refresh my thinking and mood but, by analyzing [] why cafs made me comfortable, I made [a] caf section in my room, which eventually reduces my stress, and I currently dont feel any stress not going to cafs.

Misato, Japan

Some researchers think the pandemic may kickstart a boom of creativity, not just in individual contexts but also in diverse economic fields.

While challenging in many ways, the current pandemic may end up proving that humans have what it takes to find a way out of any crisis. Perhaps all that we need, in the end, are some creative strategies.

For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, click here.

Excerpt from:
COVID-19: How the world is coping with restrictive measures - Medical News Today

Human touch is essential. How are people coping with skin hunger? – The World

Dont touch your face."Avoid hugging." Stand 6feet apart."

So many rules about preventing the spread of the coronavirus warn against touching other people. For the last two months, grandparents have been advised against holding their grandchildren while sick patients cannot grasp a relatives hand.

What kind of effect does this lack of human touch haveon people?

Related:COVID-19 interrupts fertility plans for hopeful couples in the United Kingdom

Amanda Whitlock, 39, a photo editor in Chicago, describes herself as a natural introvert. She lives on her own, with her cat Mr. B, and a newly adopted kitten and says shes usually very content in her own company. Whitlock went into a self-imposed lockdown in early March and hasnt had any physical contact with another person since. She says its all starting to get to her.

"I'm someone that has anxiety anyway. The last few days, I think it's really been pretty heavy on me. You know, it would be nice to be able to go out and hang out with someone and hold their hand. You know, something as simple as that, she said.

Theres a good reason why Whitlocks anxiety is on the rise. Studies show physical contact with other people reduces feelings of stress. British evolutionary psychologist and professor Robin Dunbar says it can all be traced back to our monkey ancestry. Grooming each others fur is how apes build friendships. Humans have substituted that grooming with stroking and cuddling, he says and that act of physical touch has a profound effect on our health.

Related:Mourning in the midst of a pandemic

Not only does [touch]build friendships directly and indirectly, but those friendships have a dramatic effect on your well-being, your general health, your ability to recover from illnesses and even your longevity.

"Not only does it build friendships directly and indirectly, but those friendships have a dramatic effect on your well-being, your general health, your ability to recover from illnesses and even your longevity.

Its too early to tell whether the absence of human touch during the pandemic will have long-term consequences. Some groups are particularly vulnerable, like older people living alone, Dunbar says. Playwright Eve Ensler, who now goes by the name V, is worried about how the virus is changing the way we view our bodies. She fears that people are linking human touch with illness.

I think there's something about going out and seeing people being afraid of each other and afraid of each other's bodies.Touch is becoming something equated with sickness and death, and that scares me deeply."

I think there's something about going out and seeing people being afraid of each other and afraid of each other's bodies.Touch is becoming something equated with sickness and death, and that scares me deeply, she said.

The pandemic reminds V of the 1980s when the AIDS virus first became known. Fear of contracting HIV changed attitudes toward sex, and she worries the coronavirus will alter our behavior, too.

[AIDS] definitely changed our relationship to sex and to freedom.Drastically. I so don't want COVID-19 to do this to our relationship to touch. That would be a huge loss for human beings, she said.

Sexual intimacy is off the tablefor many people right now. But for some in the sex industry, its business as usual. Charlotte Rose, an advocate for sex workers in Britain,says many in the industry are still working because theyre not entitled to government support.

There is a large percentage that are still working because they can't claim benefits.A lot of sex workers especially migrant sex workers arent eligible either. So, unfortunately, people are still offering skin-on-skin contact.

Rose used to work in the industry and many of her clients had disabilities. She says for them, it was often not just about sex, but about simple physical contact with another person.

For probably about 90% of my clients,it wasn't even about the intercourse side of it, it was just skin-on-skin contact.I mean, I was predominantly seeing people with disabilities. And, you know, they're already a very marginalized and vulnerable group, and they're the ones that are suffering incredibly at this particular time, she said.

Rose has maintained contact with some of those clients and says a number of them are really struggling with social isolation right now.

Related:Many people arent putting love on hold during COVID-19

Sports and remedial massage therapist Ruth McKinnon knows the importance of human touch in her work, too. Originally from Toronto, McKinnon moved to London in 2017 and began working as a registered massage therapist in the citys financial district.

While many of her clients had physical injuries, McKinnon says theres no question that stress is what brought a lot of people to her clinic. A massage fires up the dopamine in the brain, helping you to relax and ultimately sleep better, she says. But McKinnon hasnt been able to work since mid-Marchwhen the British government announced that all clinics must close because of the pandemic.

McKinnon says shes feeling the effect of the lack of physical contact, too.

Even for myself, not having that regular touch with lots of different people is hard. My husband has noticed an increased amount of touching that I'm doing with him. It's so vital, she said.

McKinnon has no idea when her clinic will open again, but is hopeful she will be able to get back to work soon even if it means wearing protective clothing.

In the meantime, its not all gloom. There are some things you can do to ease the skin hunger you may be feeling. Professor Dunbar says connecting with someone over Skype or Zoom doesnt compare to a good hug but it helps. He jokes that its probably why we have these enormous great white eyeballs."

Theres something about being able to stare into the whites of other people's eyes that seems to be really important in creating that sense of intimacy. On Skype, you stare into the eyeballs and you can see the smile breaking on their face before you even finish the punchline of the joke you're telling them, he said.

In Chicago, Whitlock has been FaceTiming a man she met through a mutual friend. They havent been on a real-life date yet. This week, theyre planning to act out Shakespeares "The Tempest" together on FaceTime. But Whitlock says she longs for the day they can meet in person.

I would love to be able to text him and be like, Hey, let's meet up. Or, you know, since we can't really go anywhere, lets find a safe way in one of our places to meet. That would be awesome, she said.

But Whitlock says she doesnt think its going to happen anytime soon. For now, its just Mr. B and SP, her two cats that are keeping her company.

I think that if I didn't have my pets they're my family. If I didn't have them, I would definitely be climbing the walls right now for some human contact.

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Human touch is essential. How are people coping with skin hunger? - The World

Social Studies: Social distancing by political party, social skills in the Internet age, and the power of food stamps – The Boston Globe

Political distancing

Analysis of anonymized smartphone tracking data reveals that fewer residents of Republican-leaning, compared to Democrat-leaning, counties appeared to be staying home after their state issued a stay-at-home order a difference that did not appear to be explained by other county, date, or policy factors. Residents of Democrat-leaning counties in states with Republican governors were an exception showing similar patterns of defiance.

Painter, M. & Qiu, T., Political Beliefs Affect Compliance with COVID-19 Social Distancing Orders, Saint Louis University (April 2020).

Play time

Sociologists compared nationally representative surveys of young childrens social skills from the 1990s through the 2000s as computer and Internet access became widespread. Neither parents nor teachers assessments of kids skills changed much. If anything, they offered slightly more favorable reviews over time. Controlling for changes in parenting and socio-economic characteristics did not change these findings. In the later generation, there was a modest negative association for extensive gaming and social networking, but it was positive for moderate use.

Downey, D. & Gibbs, B., Kids These Days: Are Face-to-Face Social Skills among American Children Declining? American Journal of Sociology (January 2020).

The more you know

In an experiment, people were asked their opinions on climate change, nuclear power, genetically modified food, and water fluoridation. Before giving their opinions, some participants read about a politician railing against corruption; some of those participants were also told where most experts stood on the aforementioned issues; and all participants were asked how much they trusted experts. While those who trusted experts unsurprisingly became more aligned with the expert positions after being told about them, the opposite happened for those who didnt trust experts, particularly among those who had been exposed to the populist political rhetoric.

Merkley, E., Anti-Intellectualism, Populism, and Motivated Resistance to Expert Consensus, Public Opinion Quarterly (forthcoming).

Fail forward

Its not surprising that people dont like to talk about their own failures. But new research suggests that this isnt just about ego. People generally assume that failures are less informative, regardless of whether thats the case. In various experiments, people were less willing to share negative outcome information, even though sharing that information was objectively more helpful to a recipient. Likewise, in a real-world example with teachers who were asked to write about both a professional failure and a professional success, most chose to share the success story with other teachers, despite having anonymity.

Eskreis-Winkler, L. & Fishbach, A., Hidden Failures, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes (March 2020).

Feed the children

Economists used anonymized data from the United States Census and the Social Security Administration going back decades to determine the long-term outcomes of children who were born in counties that offered food stamps compared to those born in counties that did not. Living in an area with access in utero through age five but not at older ages was associated with better education, work, housing, and longevity outcomes, and less incarceration, into adulthood. The economists estimate that the lifetime value to recipients was approximately 56 times the cost to the government.

Bailey, M. et al., Is the Social Safety Net a Long-Term Investment? Large-Scale Evidence from the Food Stamps Program, National Bureau of Economic Research (April 2020).

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Social Studies: Social distancing by political party, social skills in the Internet age, and the power of food stamps - The Boston Globe

Cardinal George event looks at Church-State relations, COVID-19 pandemic – Crux: Covering all things Catholic

A web event honoring a past president of the U.S. bishops conference looked at how the Church-State relationship has developed in America and its effect on the current COVID-19 coronavirus crisis.

Cardinal Francis George, the American Catholic Contribution to Catholic Social Thought, and Our Current Moment, a web event hosted by the Lumen Christi Institute, was held on April 17 to honor the fifth anniversary of the Chicago cardinals death.

George, a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, served as the Archbishop of Chicago from 1997-2014, and was named a cardinal by St. John Paul II in 1998.

The cardinal, who died from cancer in 2015, also served as the president of the U.S. bishops conference from 2007 to 2010.

George was often considered the intellectual heavyweight of the American hierarchy, and often wrote about the tensions between the Protestant ethos of the United States and the social teachings of the Catholic Church.

Russell Hittinger, Senior Fellow of the Lumen Christi Institute and Visiting Professor at the University of Chicago Law School set the stage for the discussion by comparing and contrasting George with another midwestern prelate, Archbishop John Ireland, who was born 101 years before George.

Ireland was a key figure during the Americanism controversy, when Pope Leo XIII condemned as heretical certain tendencies he said were found in the U.S. Church, including the idea that the American Church is particular and different than the Church in Europe.

Both men believed that Americas founders built better than they knew with brilliantly devised institutions, said Hittinger. At the same time, both held that the philosophy and theology that animates these institutions are far from the mark and inferior to the Catholic tradition.

A major difference between the two emerged, however, soon after Georges appointment as Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago in 1997, when he began to question publicly not just the underlying philosophy and theology of America, but also the health of the institutions built upon those foundations.

By taking this position, George separated himself, in many respects, from a long line of Catholic Americanizers, said Dr. Stephen Schneck, Emeritus Professor at the Catholic University of America and Executive Director of the Franciscan Action Network.

Whereas Catholic Americanizers like John Ireland and John Courtney Murray tried to find ways for the Catholic Church to be at home in America, George was always suspicious of an easy fit between principles of American thought and, especially, the practices of American thought with what we understand to be the bases of Catholic moral and social thought, said Schneck.

George pinpointed key obstacles that prevent a good fit between Catholicism and the American way, explained Schneck. These include incompatible conceptions of freedom and sharp tensions between Catholicisms social and corporate anthropology which corresponds to ideas of solidarity and the common good and the American emphasis on the independent individual.

The cardinals break with a different form Americanizing was much less clean, argued Schneck. Whereas the Americanizers of previous eras were concerned with individual rights, the Americanizers of today are primarily about economic affairs, focusing on property rights and the freedom to buy and sell as we please, and emphasizing a deference, even in moral regards, frankly, to market forces, he added.

George did not publicly engage in criticism of such Americanism, continued Schneck, naming George Weigel, Michael Novak, and Father Robert Sirico as prominent American Catholics who have taken up this kind of Americanism.

I think that fundamentally he understood its incompatibility with his own thinking, and you can see that in several chapters in God in Action, added Schneck. He had an opportunity to speak about Americanization as it relates to the Church, about this Americanism as an -ism, and he addressed it in terms of culture, but was a little bit quieter about it in terms of economics.

Theresa Smart, Assistant Professor in the School of Civic and Economic Thought at Arizona State University, explained why George may have been so focused on culture. Culture, she argued, was the medium through which the church interacts with the state for George, a view that reflects both a famous strain of American thought from the republics early days and papal teachings.

Regarding the former, Smart pointed to figures like Alexis de Tocqueville and George Washington, who famously voiced forms of the view that limited government depends for longevity on moral virtues that the religious and moral practices of its people provide. This setup grants religion the ability to bear indirectly on government by shaping the minds and hearts of its people.

She says this view of religion also aligns with Saint John Paul IIs views in Centesimus Annus, where the Church takes up indirect means of interacting with the state as the Church infuses the secular sphere with divine life through culture, through reforming her members in the image of Christ, such that they can then reform the world.

The webinar was moderated by Jesuit Father Matt Malone, editor-in-chief of America magazine, who asked the three panelists to weigh in on how Georges theological perspective might speak to todays twin crises of a pandemic and economic collapse.

Smart questioned what it says about our current order that all the doors of our churches have been locked at a time like this and wondered whether George might have been more publicly vocal about the fact that the sacraments are essential and that we arent taking our marching orders from the state, that we at least have our own prudential reasons to stop Masses or take certain prudential precautions.

Clarifying that she was not doubting the magnitude of the virus, Smart said that she believes there has been a failure of imagination on the Churchs part during this time, and it hasnt taken to the streets to find ways to bring the sacraments to people, or at least stay in touch with parishioners during this time.

Ive been kind of disappointed by some of the decisions that Ive seen, Smart added. I dont know how those decisions were come to, but to me it does signal a kind of abandonment of the spiritual sphere for the physical, and I think thats something that, at least in his work, Cardinal George wouldnt agree with.

Schneck disagreed, appealing to Georges powerful conception of the incarnate nature of human existence and arguing that the body really mattered to him the body had a gravitas in his thinking, so I dont think he takes the body lightly.

Furthermore, Schneck said, there has been an impressive fluorescence of spirituality in this moment. While he has been seeing it everywhere, he said that it was uniquely on display in Pope Franciss dramatic moment with the monstrance in an empty St. Peters Square during an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing on March 27.

That does something to our souls, and while its not a sacrament, of course, theres something there that I think Cardinal George would have applauded as well, he concluded.

Smart responded that her concerns have arisen from witnessing the way that other sectors of society have mobilized to serve people in imaginative ways and the comparative lack of imaginative response from the priests in her diocese, which she said she knows is a direct result of an order from their bishop.

Im just not sure how I feel about these prohibitions handed down from above that dont allow creative ways to stay in touch with people and continue forming them spiritually while at the same time maintaining the necessary precautions for bodily health, Smart said.

Hittinger also weighed in, saying that while he has no problems with the policies themselves, he does agree with Smart that there was something missing. Acknowledging that the policies are reasonable for the sake of thousands upon thousands of lives, he added that for many Catholics, including me, it did seem that the policy was stated too quickly and without some regret.

Maybe that would have been enough, Smart replied, to see more communication from priests and bishops, a rhetoric that says the sacraments are essential even though we cant offer them.

I utterly agree with that, Schneck said.

Wrapping up the spirited exchanged, Malone noted that while it was unclear to him how George would have responded, he certainly would have loved to see how George would have balanced his deep suspicion of the state and his fear of their encroachment on the freedom of the church with this very basic human reality and need.

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Cardinal George event looks at Church-State relations, COVID-19 pandemic - Crux: Covering all things Catholic

Researchers can extend the lifespan of mice: Are WE next? – ISRAEL21c

The naked mole rat never develops age-related diseases. It stays active and enjoys good bone health, reproductive success and mental acuity for its lifespan of up to 30 years.

Two of many reasons for this creatures healthy longevity are its low body temperature and slow metabolic rate.

For the first time, researchers from the Institute of Gerontology in Kiev and Prof. Vadim Fraifelds Lab for the Biology of Aging at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel have replicated those conditions in lab mice. A naked mole rat generally lives about eight times longer than a mouse despite its similar size.

The research results, published in Biogerontology, have intriguing implications for increasing longevity and decreasing major pathologies in humans as well.

According to the scientists, the naked mole rats burrows are poorly ventilated, keeping oxygen levels are low and carbon dioxide levels high. This may cause the reduction in the naked mole rats body temperature by 3-4 degrees as compared to mice and slow its metabolism significantly.

A naked mole rat in its burrow. Photo by Neil Bromhall via Shutterstock.com

Subjecting laboratory mice to the same conditions called a hypoxic-hypercapnic environment (HHE) successfully reduced their body temperature and metabolic intensity for weeks and even months.

And the mice in the HHE voluntarily consumed less food, which is one of the well-known factors in increased longevity.

Unexpectedly, the HHE accelerated skin wound healing, despite the lower energy expenditure, the researchers also noted.

All in all, a chronic exposure to HHE offers a potential of being a lifespan-extending intervention as well as an efficient tool for treating the overweight and associated metabolic disorders.

The scientists explain that at one point in history, the Earth contained much lower levels of oxygen and higher levels of carbon dioxide.

There is still some memory in our cells of that period and therefore it should be possible in the future to induce such a state for longer periods, they said.

Moreover, they believe that HHE conditions could be used to help fight obesity, diabetes and perhaps even cancer.

Secrets of long life

The naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber), a rodent native to East Africa, has long been the subject of study because of its unusual healthy longevity and particularly its resistance to cancer.

In 2012, Tel Aviv University evolutionary biologist Dorothee Huchon and colleagues at the Texas Health Science Center and the City College of New York determined another reason for the naked mole rats unusual life expectancy: very high levels of a neuro-protective protein called Neuregulin 1 (NRG-1) in its brain.

Because NRG-1 is also found in the human brain, Huchon and her fellow researchers suggested that learning more about how aging and NRG-1 are related could be significant.

Fraifeld studies many aspects of human aging genomics. Graduate students in his Lab for the Biology of Aging at BGU won an award for their study on longevity genes, genetic protective factors that some people are lucky enough to inherit.

By modulating the activity of these genes in advanced age, it could be possible to combat major diseases.

Although an apparent paradox, it appears that the most effective way to delay or even to avert age-related diseases is to live longer, Fraifeld told ISRAEL21c.

Another prominent Israeli longevity researcher, Bar-Ilan Universitys Haim Cohen, recently published a study showing that SIRT6, considered a longevity-related protein, is involved in regulating biological processes including aging, obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation and metabolism. His team hopes to identify therapeutic approaches that target and activate SIRT6.

Ben-Gurion University researcher Debbie Toiber specializes in studying SIRT6 and DNA repair as models of age-related diseases.

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Researchers can extend the lifespan of mice: Are WE next? - ISRAEL21c