Monthly Archives: September 2021

Insomnia Treatment Study using MediPharm Labs CBD50 Product to Proceed to Phase 2 with Health Canada Consent – Yahoo Finance

Posted: September 2, 2021 at 2:34 pm

McMaster University researchers using MediPharm Labs CBD50 formula and a CBD:THC 10:2 formulation, which has the same cannabinoid ratio as MediPharm Labs CBD25:, have received a No Objection Letter from Health Canada to begin recruiting human subjects for a placebo-controlled trial using cannabis- oil for treatment of insomnia in major depressive disorder.

Among those with depression, 75% have difficulty falling or staying asleep - according to John Hopkins Medicine. MediPharm Labs and the McMaster Research Team hope CBD50 and/or CBD10:2 provides these patients with relief from this condition.

BARRIE, Ontario, Aug. 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQX: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (MediPharm Labs or the Company) a pharmaceutical company specialized in cannabis, is pleased to announce that the Companys research partner McMaster University (the Researcher) has received a no objection letter from Health Canada to proceed with research with MediPharm Labs CBD50 and CBD10:2. This is a key milestone in moving forward with the Companys strategy to be the go-to cannabis partner for pharmaceuticals containing cannabis.

This phase 2 trial is a pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that will be evaluating the efficacy and safety of a cannabis-oil for the treatment of insomnia in major depressive disorder. The study is being conducted by a clinical research group led by Dr. Benicio Frey, Professor, McMaster University and Psychiatrist, St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton. As North America has made progress in diagnosing and eliminating the stigma around mental health, more patients are looking for therapeutic treatment options.

The Researchers believe that cannabidiol (CBD) with or without THC could be effective in the treatment of sleep disorders related to depression. In order to prove this efficacy, a high quality, dosable and standardize formulation is needed for clinical trial material. MediPharm Labs will use its Cannabis Drug Licence and Drug Establishment Licence to provide access to clinical trial material that meets these pharmaceutical quality standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), as well as provide investigative protocol and regulatory approval support.

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As a pharmaceutical company specialized in cannabis, MediPharm Labs is encouraged by the ongoing research and development of drugs containing cannabis. This study will create opportunities to show efficacy in our already commercialized cannabis oil while also making progress on our long-term goal to manufacture pharmaceutical drugs containing cannabinoids as an active ingredient, said Keith Strachan, President and Interim CEO, MediPharm Labs.

Many individuals around the world are using cannabinoids to treat their sleep problems without robust clinical evidence from placebo-controlled trials. This study is, therefore, a major step towards evidence-based research investigating the efficacy and safety of CBD and CBD/THC in the treatment of insomnia in those who suffer from depression, said Dr. Benicio Frey.

The is the second approval of its kind for a clinical trial with McMaster. A trial lead by a separate clinician group received a letter of no objection in June 2021 to proceed with using MediPharm Labs CBD50 for a randomized trial studying the effect of cannabidiol vs. placebo on persistent post-surgical pain following total knee arthroplasty.

The Company looks forward to progressing both these active trials with the respective researchers while using its GMP Drug Establishment License and Health Canada Cannabis Drug License to supply API and finished goods to others development pharmaceutical drugs with marketing authorization.

About MediPharm Labs

Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs is a pharmaceutical company that specializes in the development and manufacture of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates, active pharmaceutical ingredients and advanced derivative products utilizing a Good Manufacturing Practices certified facility with ISO standard-built clean rooms. MediPharm Labs has invested in an expert, research driven team, state-of-the-art technology, downstream purification methodologies and purpose-built facilities with four primary extraction lines for delivery of pure, trusted and precision-dosed cannabis products for its customers. Through its wholesale and white label platforms, MediPharm Labs formulates, develops (including through sensory testing), processes, packages and distributes cannabis extracts and advanced cannabinoid-based products to domestic and international markets. As a global leader, MediPharm Labs has completed commercial exports to Australia and completed commercialization of its Australian extraction facility which generated its first revenues in H1 2020. MediPharm Labs Australia was established in 2017.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as expects, or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, budget, scheduled, forecasts, estimates, believes or intends or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results may or could, would, might or will be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the successful performance of the clinical trials as planned; being the go-to cannabis partner for pharmaceuticals containing cannabis; the creation of opportunities to show efficacy in the Companys already commercialized cannabis oil; progress on the Companys long-term goal to manufacture pharmaceutical drugs containing cannabinoids as an active ingredient; and the development of pharmaceutical drugs containing cannabis. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the inability of MediPharm Labs to obtain adequate financing; the delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; and other factors discussed in MediPharm Labs filings, available on the SEDAR website at http://www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, MediPharm Labs assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

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Insomnia Treatment Study using MediPharm Labs CBD50 Product to Proceed to Phase 2 with Health Canada Consent - Yahoo Finance

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CBD Oil Market COVID-19 Impact, Demand Analysis, Industry Size, Share, Growth Factor, Revenue, Challenges, Segments, Key Manufacturers, Globally…

Posted: at 2:34 pm

CBD Oil market research report offers information on production development, market sales, regional trade, investment calculation, investment opportunity, trade outlook, policy, market growth and other important characteristic of the CBD Oil market. The scope of this business report includes exhaustive insights of global and regional markets with the sense given for variation in the growth of the industry in certain regions. The report gives information about the competitive situation among the market vendors and company profile, besides this, the first class CBD Oil report also provides market price analysis and value chain features. Moreover, the report has been kept updated with respect to the market requirement changes. CBD Oil market research report endows with the plentiful insights and business solutions that will support to stay ahead of the competition.

CBD Oil market is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2020 to 2027. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the market is growing with a CAGR of 38.4% in the forecast period of 2020 to 2027 and expected to reach USD 27,939,481.97 million by 2027.

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The major players of the CBD Oil market are:

CBD Oil Market Segmentation:

By Type (THC Dominant, CBD Dominant, Marijuana Based and Hemp Based)

By Product Type (Original and Blended)

By Product Category (Unflavoured and Flavoured)

Research Methodology:

The research studyCBD Oil marketregarding size, growth, opportunities and competitive analysis has been prepared with the help of primary research, secondary research and panel review. The secondary research includes: industry publications, industry reports, trade magazines, and other publications from government and trade associations, among others. Further, the analysis done through various news articles and press releases published on reliable news journals required for every market enthusiast, policymaker, investor, and market player. The CBD Oil Market is also aids in developing counter approaches for major challenges faced by the industry. A reliable report is structured with the vigilant efforts of innovative, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and experienced team of analysts, researchers, industry experts, and forecasters.

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Global CBD Oil Market Scope and Market Size

On the basis of type, the global CBD oil market is segmented into THC dominant, CBD dominant, marijuana based and hemp based.

On the basis of product type, the global CBD oil market is segmented into original and blended.

On the basis of product category, the global CBD oil market is segmented into unflavoured and flavoured.

On the basis of application, the global CBD oil market is segmented into food and beverages, personal care/cosmetics, pharma and nutraceuticals and industrial application.

Competitive Landscape and CBD Oil Market Share Analysis

The major players covered in the global CBD oil market report are Gaia Herbs, ENDOCA, Diamond CBD, NuLeaf Naturals, LLC, CV Sciences, Inc., ConnOils LLC, Medical Marijuana, Inc., FOLIUM BIOSCIENCES, IrieCBD, PureKana, CBD American Shaman, Canopy Growth, Elixinol Global Limited, Kazmira, Emblem CANNABIS Aphria, Curaleaf, Joy Organics, Isodiol International Inc. and Aurora Cannabis, other domestic and global players. DBMR analysts understand competitive strengths and provide competitive analysis for each competitor separately.

The key questions answered in this report:

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CBD Oil Market Country Level Analysis

About Data Bridge Market Research Private Ltd:

Data Bridge Market Research Pvt Ltd is a multinational management consulting firm with offices in India and Canada. As an innovative and neoteric market analysis and advisory company with unmatched durability level and advanced approaches. We are committed to uncover the best consumer prospects and to foster useful knowledge for your company to succeed in the market.

Data Bridge Market Research is a result of sheer wisdom and practice that was conceived and built-in Pune in the year 2015. The company came into existence from the healthcare department with far fewer employees intending to cover the whole market while providing the best class analysis. Later, the company widened its departments, as well as expands their reach by opening a new office in Gurugram location in the year 2018, where a team of highly qualified personnel joins hands for the growth of the company. Even in the tough times of COVID-19 where the Virus slowed down everything around the world, the dedicated Team of Data Bridge Market Research worked round the clock to provide quality and support to our client base, which also tells about the excellence in our sleeve.

Data Bridge Market Research has over 500 analysts working in different industries. We have catered more than 40% of the fortune 500 companies globally and have a network of more than 5000+ clientele around the globe.

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CBD Oil Market COVID-19 Impact, Demand Analysis, Industry Size, Share, Growth Factor, Revenue, Challenges, Segments, Key Manufacturers, Globally...

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The early song David Bowie thought was better than Space Oddity – Far Out Magazine

Posted: at 2:32 pm

Words such as spaceman, alien, androgynous, hero, legend, demigod, herculean lord of art and culture are all synonymous bar the last few where I got carried away with David Bowie. The singular thread that links them is a notion that the Starman was cut from a different cloth. The fact of the matter is that he was indeed a freak. A freak in the most laudatory way, a creative freak, an aesthetic freak, a talent freak and in general just an otherworldly life-giving freakazoid.

This, however, also meant that it took a little while for the public to get to grips with him. Whilst his early work chocked with strange near-novelty songs like The laughing Gnome and Come And Buy My Toys indicates that the pinnacle of freakdom was a platform that had to be worked towards, theres still something so singular and original present that hints at his intergalactic potential. Nevertheless, it took Bowie a good whileto arrive at Major Tom, which goes to show that, behind even the most organic seeming revolutionaries, is a terrific amount of graft and refining.

However, whilst Space Oddity might be remembered as lift-off for his career amongst most of his fans, Bowie himself opts for a different track to champion as an early favourite. On the same second self-titled release that featured Space Oddity, Bowie declared that the nine-minute psychedelic folk song Cygnet Committee was the superior track.

In George Tremletts biography,Living on the Brink, Bowie proclaims: Its me looking at the hippie movement, saying how it started off so well but went wrong. The hippies became just like everyone else, materialistic and selfish, he said, adding that it was the best song on the album.

I wanted this track out as a single but nobody else thought it was a good idea, he toldDisc and Music Echoupon the release of the record. Well, it is a bit long I suppose. Its basically three separate points of view about the more militant section of the hippy movement. The movement was a great ideal but somethings gone wrong with it now. Im not really attacking it but pointing out that the militants have still got to be helped as people human beings even if they are going about things all the wrong way.

Bowie was not alone in celebrating the song and its zeitgeist plunging depth either; his legendaryproduction collaborator and friend, Tony Visconti, also heralded the track. Visconti declares in the novelFive Years (1969-1973): This has always been an anthem for its time. It is certainly not single material at over nine minutes long, but a popular song in the Bowie legacy. It is a passionate amalgam of everything every young person was told to believe in and then critically questioned. The future is starkly defined by the words, I want to live, and then, ultimately Live. Again, Juniors Eyes are the band joined [by] Rick Wakeman playing harpsichord and organ.

While Cygnet Committee may well exhibit Bowies glowing ability to reflect the world in a swirling artists kaleidoscope, Space Oddity also features this same knack of mixing depth with something ethereal. Although Bowie often downplays the magnitude of the scope of the song, theyre few tracks ever written that have ever incorporated so many elements. And moreover, it produced such a concise and gleaming result.

In 2003, Bowie explained the origin of the song to Bill DeMain, stating: In England, it was always presumed that it was written about the (sic) space landing because it kind of came to prominence around the same time. [] It was written because of going to see the film 2001, which I found amazing. I was out of my gourd anyway, I was very stoned when I went to see it, several times, and it was really a revelation to me. It got the song flowing.

Whether you fall on the side of Cygnet Committee or Space Oddity, what remains noteworthy is that the album that spawned them was well ahead of its time.

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Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson talks surviving cancer and COVID: ‘Medical technology worked really well for me’ – Yahoo Canada Sports

Posted: at 2:32 pm

British metal legends Iron Maiden recorded their 17th studio album, Senjutsu, in early 2019, but many of its tracks Days of Future Past, Darkest Hour, The Writing on the Wall, and Hell on Earth, for instance certainly seem appropriate for 2021.

Strangely, we have one or two songs that do appear to be on the Zeitgeist here of what's going on, frontman Bruce Dickinson tells Yahoo Entertainment with a wry laugh. I think Steve [Harris, Iron Maidens primary songwriter] sometimes feels very kind of alienated by some of the things going on in what purports to be the modern world. So, the sentiment [of Hell on Earth] is very much: You know what? This kind of sucks, this place. So if I end up kicking the bucket and departing this planet, then maybe when I come back, it'll be another time, a parallel universe, and everything is going to be cool again.

Dickinson quips, Frankly it pisses me off! when asked about Iron Maiden being unable to tour during the past year and a half due to coronavirus concerns, saying, I've just done some theater shows, but it's not the same as a giant, fire-breathing monster in front of 20,000 people. He actually recently had a breakthrough case COVID-19, which forced him to postpone some of those theater shows, but he notes that because he was vaccinated, he was absolutely fine. My belief is and I stress, it's a belief that this proves that I would have been more sick if I've not taken the vaccine. I mean, I had both jabs. Everybody I know has had both jabs. And I'm quite happy about it. You know, none of us have started growing extra heads, suddenly wanting sidle up to 5G phones, or expressed a willingness to go down on Bill Gates. So, all of these things, I think it's largely a myth!

While Dickinson still feels its a personal choice whether to get vaccinated, he does honestly find it incredible that some people are still resistant [to vaccines] And I mean, the [anti-]mask thing I genuinely do not understand. But he doesnt think vaccine skeptics are politically motivated. I think they believe [conspiracy theories] because of their psychological makeup. They have a need to believe in these things. It's the same as people that are going to sit on top of a mountain every year and wait for the world to end. And the world doesn't end, but do they modify their beliefs? Actually, no. It strengthens them: Yep, we were right all along. It is definitely going to end, just not this year. The rest of the world is against us! And that's the way that some people think. It's their mentality, and you're probably not going to change that. But for the rest of us I would say, just get vaccinated. And if you do get sick, you won't get that sick. It'll just be like a mild case of the flu.

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Senjutsu is Iron Maiden's first album since 2015, the same year that Dickinson underwent seven weeks of treatment for a cancerous tumor on the back of his tongue. Fortunately, the tumor was discovered in its early stages, and Dickinson was declared cancer-free by May 2015. He says despite being a cancer survivor, he wasnt concerned that his compromised immunity would make him more susceptible to the coronavirus but he does recall that at the time of his cancer diagnosis, he encountered some medical skeptics that reminded him of the current anti-vax movement. When [doubters] found out that I was having chemo and radiotherapy, they went, Oh my God, you're not doing that! Um, what do you think I should do? Eat more cabbage? That's going to get rid of it? So, yeah, medical technology worked really well for me.

Dickinsons famously operatic voice sounds at the peak of its powers on Senjutsus epic tracks, some of which are well over 10 minutes long. While Dickinson chucklingly clarifies that he obviously would have preferred not to get tongue cancer, surprisingly, he says that the cancer not only didnt compromise his vocals, but it actually improved them in the long run.

SAINT PAUL, MN - AUGUST 26: Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden performs during the Legacy of the Beast tour at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo: Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via Getty Images)

I had a three-and-a-half-centimeter [tumor] basically a golf ball living down at the base of my tongue, right at the base, he explains. So, that was sitting there for I really don't know how long by the time it got big enough to notice. But I did a whole album [2015s The Book of Souls] with that sort of sitting there. And when it went away, I guess there's a lot more space for the sound come out! Not to put too fine a point on it, but there's no more obstruction in the way, you know? So yeah, with the high notes I was like, Wow! Whoosh! There's a lot more horsepower in some of the high notes, which is interesting.

In early May [2015], I started trying to sing and it sounded absolutely terrible. I sounded like some wounded beast, Dickinson recalls of the early days of his recovery. I was just like, Oh my God!So, I waited another two or three months. I was wandering around the kitchen, waiting until everybody had gone out, and just started to give the voice a bit of a workout. I went, OK, let's have a go at the top. Dickinson then tested a few operatic lines of one of Maidens most classic songs, Run to the Hills, and suddenly all was well. I went, Oh, ooh, yep, yep, yep, yep, yep. Oh my God. And then I just relaxed, because I'm not in a hurry now; I know it's all there. It's come back.

While Dickinsons voice thankfully wasnt damaged by his illness, he insists that he was never worried about possibly having to relearn how to sing or, even worse, that he might not be able to sing ever again. There's always a way you can turn things into being a positive, he says. I mean, even if the worst happened and it completely messed with my voice to the extent that it changed completely, you have to take that and go, Well, what am I? Am I just some squeaky toy that makes noises, and if I don't make those noises, then I can't be an artist anymore? Just take a look at some great singers who have very unconventional voices. I'm thinking of somebody like Leonard Cohen there's a man who, self-confessed, was like, I have like virtually no voice. But because you're such a great communicator, the content of what you do comes through your voice. You don't have to be an opera singer to do that.

So, there's ways and means, like the line in the line in Jurassic Park: Nature will always find a way.

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What is the new Texas gun law? What are the rules? – Deseret News

Posted: at 2:31 pm

Texans can now openly carry a handgun in public without a permit or firearms training. The permitless carry law, along with a slew of other new firearms legislation, went into effect this week as the Lone Star State joined around 20 other states as a Second Amendment sanctuary, Houston Public Media reported.

Politicians from the federal level to the local level have threatened to take guns from law-abiding citizens but we will not let that happen in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott alleged this summer after signing several of the new gun laws. Texas will always be the leader in defending the Second Amendment, which is why we built a barrier around gun rights this session.

The Texas legislature passed 666 bills which went into effect on Sept. 1, according to The Texas Tribune. This session, lawmakers passed more than 20 new laws related to firearms, with most loosening or limiting restriction on guns, reported Houston Public Media.

On the heels of a pair of mass shootings, some Texas lawmakers expected the legislative body to pass more restrictive gun laws in 2021, The Texas Tribune reported, but the opposite happened.

Earlier this year, Texas police officials including Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia encouraged lawmakers to forgo relaxing the states firearms laws, but ultimately it didnt matter, Dallas-Fort Worths NBC 5 reported.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler trolled Gov. Abbott on Twitter Wednesday when the new gun laws and Texas new abortion ban went into effect at the same time. The mayor retweeted a post from Abbott about the abortion ban, implying the governor was being disingenuous in his concern for Texans lives.

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What is the new Texas gun law? What are the rules? - Deseret News

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Over 600 New Laws Go Into Effect Today In State of Texas – Office of the Texas Governor

Posted: at 2:31 pm

September 1, 2021 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Over 600 new laws signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott go into effect today in the state of Texas. These new laws, including the Heartbeat Bill, constitutional carry legislation, and laws that protect law enforcement, were passed during the 87th Legislative Session.

"The 87th Legislative Session was a monumental success, and many of the laws going into effect today will ensure a safer, freer, healthier, and more prosperous Texas," said Governor Abbott. "I look forward to my continued work with the legislature to build upon these successes and create an even brighter future for the Lone Star State."

A full list of new laws can be found here.

Included in the new laws are:

House Bill 9 enhances the criminal penalty to a state jail felony offense for anyone who knowingly blocks an emergency vehicle or obstructs access to a hospital or health care facility.

House Bill 103 creates an Active Shooter Alert System in Texas.

House Bill 365 creates civil liability protections for farmers and ranchers.

House Bill 547 allows home-schooled students to participate in UIL activities.

House Bill 957 repeals the criminal offense of possessing, manufacturing, transporting, or repairing a firearm silencer. It also ensures that any firearm suppressor manufactured in Texas, and that remains in Texas, will not be subject to federal law or federal regulation.

House Bill 1280 will outlaw abortion in Texas after Roe v. Wade is overturned.

House Bill 1500 prevents any government entity from prohibiting the sale or transportation of firearms or ammunition during a declared disaster or emergency.

House Bill 1900 penalizes cities that defund their police departments. The law freezes property tax revenues for cities with a population over 250,000 that defund the police. Under this law, cities that defund the police will lose their annexation powers for 10 years and any area annexed by a defunding city in the past 30 years can vote to dis-annex from the city. It also allows the State of Texas to withhold sales taxes collected by a defunding city and give it to the Texas Department of Public Safety to pay for the cost of state resources used to protect residents of a defunded municipality.

House Bill 1925 prohibits camping in public spaces.

House Bill 1927 authorizes Constitutional Carry in Texas, meaning law-abiding Texans can legally carry a handgun without a license to carry.

House Bill 2366 enhances criminal penalties for the use of laser pointers and creates an offense for the use of fireworks to harm or obstruct the police.

House Bill 2622 makes Texas a Second Amendment Sanctuary State by protecting Texans from new federal gun control regulations.

House Bill 3257 creates the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission.

House Bill 3712 provides increased training and transparency during the hiring process for peace officers.

Senate Bill 8 ("The Heartbeat Bill") bans abortion the moment a baby's heartbeat is detected in the womb.

Senate Bill 13 prohibits state contracts and investments with companies that boycott energy companies.

Senate Bill 19 prohibits any governmental entity from contracting with any business that discriminates against firearm and ammunition businesses or organizations.

Senate Bill 20 allows guests to store firearms in their hotel rooms.

Senate Bill 23 requires voter approval to reduce law enforcement budgets in counties with a population of more than one million. If voter approval is not received, but the county still defunds the police, the county's property tax revenue will be frozen.

Senate Bill 24 requires police departments to review files of applicants before they are hired to ensure officers with a negative history aren't passed between departments.

Senate Bill 550 removes the shoulder or belt holster requirements, allowing Texans to carry firearms in whatever kind of holster they choose.

Senate Bill 576 creates a felony offense for the smuggling of persons into Texas.

Senate Bill 768 enhances criminal penalties for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl in Texas.

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Green hydrogen economy and the emergence of the new hydrogen trade – Inventiva

Posted: at 2:29 pm

The world is growing in economy at a very fast pace, with all the countries trying to become the best. To develop the countries, infrastructure development and industrial development is growing at a very fast pace. But we have become so selfish in this process that we do not consider the harm we are doing to the environment in this race of development. The environment has been constantly degrading. One such example of the degrading environment is the rising climate change.

Countries that are now considering monumental efforts to reduce the problem. The actions to mitigate climate change is a major global theme today across the countries for the upcoming years. These actions are not only necessary for the environment, but are much needed for trial and environmental sustainability. Every country comprises various strengths and therefore various strategies are made to control climate change and protect the environment. This would benefit the more resource-affluent countries which have modern technology to enable this change at a fast pace. This would provide them with a better edge against other countries.

Hydrogen is the current saviour of the environment. It is a critical energy vector on the path to decarbonisation and to reduce the dependency of energy on fossil fuels, therefore reducing the current levels of usage of fossil fuels, preventing their exhaustion. Hydrogen is known as the fuel of the future, as it is contributing majorly to the development of a sustainable environment.

The use of green hydrogen was started in the 1970s, but its usage now is enjoying major political and business momentum, as people are starting to get concerned for the environment. Rising net-zero targets, advancing technology, a significant reduction in the cost of producing renewable energy, with many countries hydrogen national strategies are all contributing to the growth of the use of hydrogen.

There are a large number of uses of hydrogen which have been recently discovered and therefore has led to unprecedented growth of hydrogen. Some of the recently discovered uses of hydrogen are transportation, power generation, industrial usage, energy storage, buildings and energy export. The rising levels of usage of hydrogen are very beneficial for the environment as well as for the economy.

It is expected that the total usage of hydrogen will dominate the energy supply systems. Hydrogen has the potential to unlock 15% of global energy demand if it is valued at the US $1.80 per kilogram. Another report claimed that hydrogen could capture 24 per cent of global energy demand if it is followed by appropriate policies and thus will highly influence the geological landscape.

The hydrogen economy has the potential to improve the security of energy, diversify the economy leading to reduction of the current pressure on fossil fuels and will impact the geological landscape. Cross border trade of hydrogen can also contribute to redrawing the landscape of global energy traders, can also lead to developing a new class of energy exporters and importers and therefore will redefine the global ties and alliances between the countries.

The global trade of hydrogen economy is most expected to be the trade of green hydrogen. The countries will aim to involve them in international trade, even if they can manufacture in their countries to the international trade. The future hydrogen economy provides scope for the creation of a brand new class of importer and exporter countries. Countries are most likely expected to assume their own rules according to the availability of resources, technological development and infrastructure potential.

The global hydrogen economy will also contribute to the development of new international agreements regarding the trade of hydrogen. Other benefits like the development of new alliances, development of partnership between countries and building up of regional networks are also followed up with the growth of the hydrogen economy.

The growth of this economy has already started. Many countries are taking an active part in open diplomacy to explore the prospect of large scale hydrogen trade. A hydrogen task force has already been established by Indi and the US under their Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP).

Hydrogen provides the scope of equalising energy levels between countries by establishing a more dispersed and democratic global system. This leads to reducing the current high-level pressure on fossil fuels. Moreover, the dependence on fossil fuel-rich countries will also be reduced and will lead to altering the existing agreements. The future hydrogen economy will lead to the formation of new alliances and trade patterns.

The answer to this is still unknown to the world. There is no fixed size and scope of that market but one sure thing is the global race of hydrogen economy. The investment in green hydrogen technology has increased a lot in the last decade, but still, the cost challenge prevails. Fossil fuels are very less costly as compared to the cost of hydrogen developed energy. This has been a major issue that is acting as an obstruction in the growth of the hydrogen economy. To compete with fossil fuels, there is a need for further reduction in the price of hydrogen. Currently, the price of hydrogen varies between US $3/Kg and the US $6.5/Kg

Therefore, the competitiveness of cost of production and infrastructure deployment are the major determinants deciding the fate of a much beneficial hydrogen economy. Technology, availability of infrastructure and the upcoming market structure will determine whether the hydrogen economy will grow worldwide like and fossil fuels or not. All the factors together will decide if the hydrogen economy will prevail. The future is here, and if we still do not take action for the sustainable growth of the environment, the result will not be very good. The hydrogen-based economy will surely provide for a better future of the world, with more healthy development.

Edited by Tanish Sachdev

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Green hydrogen economy and the emergence of the new hydrogen trade - Inventiva

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More Americans Are Finally Coming Around to Accepting The Science of Evolution – ScienceAlert

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More Americans are coming to accept Charles Darwin's "dangerous idea" of evolution, according to thirty years' worth of national surveys.

Researchers have found that public acceptance of biological evolution has increased substantially in the last decade alone, following twenty years of relative stagnancy.

Between 1985 and 2010, roughly 40 percent of surveyed adults in the US agreed that "human beings, as we know them today, developed from earlier species of animals". Taking into account the small number of fence-sitters, this suggests much of the nation was evenly divided on the theory.

By 2016, that percentage had, at last, become a majority, reaching 54 percent.

As it turns out, education has played a crucial role in that shift. When researchers began to analyze the demographics of survey respondents over the past thirty years, they noticed the completion of one or more college science courses was the strongest predictor of evolution acceptance.

"Almost twice as many Americans held a college degree in 2018 as in 1988," says Mark Ackerman, who studies collective intelligence at the University of Michigan.

"It's hard to earn a college degree without acquiring at least a little respect for the success of science."

In the current analysis, the proportion of American adults with scientific literacy increased from 11 percent in 1988 to 31 percent in 2019.

That rise in knowledge can also easily spread to others. For instance, research suggests fewer students are exposed to creationism in the science classroom due in part to new teachers replacing a generation of educators less suited to teaching evolution.

Still, even a healthy dose of education can only go so far. Some researchers, for instance,think religious beliefs are a stronger predictor of accepting evolution than educational attainment.But this is an area of research that is still hotly debated. It could be, for instance, that education only works for some individuals who don't interpret the Bible literally.

In the US, evolution has become a highly politicized topic, especially among supporters of the Republican party, which tends to align its policies with evangelical Christian values.

The result is that today, the US has some of the lowest acceptance rates for evolution in the developed world, with only Turkey scoring lower.

Even now that a majority of Americans do not reject evolution, the rate of acceptance is still low compared to other nations and much lower than scientific consensus.

In recent years, religious adherence has begun to decline in the US, but the political divide on evolution still very much exists.

In 2019, researchers found 83 percent of liberal Democrats accepted evolution, whereas only 34 percent of conservative Republicans felt the same.

The driving force behind this huge difference is probably not ideological partisanship, experts say, but fundamental religious beliefs, which Republicans tend to hold more.

For instance, roughly 30 percent of American adults hold fundamental religious beliefs that directly contradict evolutionary theory, which is almost the same percentage of conservative Republicans that rejected evolution in the current analysis.

The authors of the current study are not ruling out religion as an influential factor. Their analysis still shows that fundamental religious beliefs can change the acceptance of evolution among American adults. But at least according to their analysis, it seems that educational attainment is the more influential factor.

According to their analysis, the recent increase in acceptance mostly comes from American adults who were previously unsure about the theory. Only some who outright rejected evolution had their mind's changed over time.

"Although scientific literacy has grown, and science continues to have pervasive influence in American society," the authorswrite, "a tension between religious fundamentalism and evolution remains."

While religion clearly remains a barrier to further public acceptance of evolution, that's gradually beginning to change. In 1988, the current analysis found only 8 percent of religious fundamentalists accepted the theory of evolution. Whereas in 2019, nearly a third did.

Along with growing exposure to scientific courses, a decline in religious fundamental beliefs will no doubt see the minority of Americans that reject evolution continue to shrink.

Last year, Pew conducted a more global surveythat showed a slightly higher acceptance of evolution in the US at around 64 percent.

It's a number that nonetheless falls far below nations such as Canada (77 percent), Germany (81 percent), and Japan (88 percent), showing the US still has some catching up to do.

The study was published in Public Understanding of Science.

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Rwanda in new push to boost medical research, innovation – The New Times

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Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) has launched a new platform that is aimed at promoting and increasing medical science and innovation in the country.

Dubbed the Science and Innovation Platform, it seeks to address a number of gaps in the countrys health science and innovation sector, which include: limited skills and expertise, insufficient sustainable financing mechanisms, limited scale up of products emerging from research and innovation, inadequate participation of the private sector and industry players in such projects, as well as challenges related to regulatory framework.

During the launch of the platform held on Monday, August 30, Noella Bigirimana, the Division Manager the Research, Innovation and Data Science Division at RBC, said the platform will be responsible for developing and implementing sustainable mechanisms for investment in research and innovation for health, increasing engagement of health care partners in Research and Development (R and D) and innovation, strengthening regulatory systems, IP protection and knowledge transfer, as well as enhancing the impact of science and innovation in healthcare.

We are looking at investing in health research and innovation as something that is very important for social and economic development, she said.

She noted that the platform will have priority goals of strengthening retention and incentives of professionals in health research and innovation sector, improving resource mobilisation and revenue generation in the field, advancing transitional research from data to policy, and from research to clinical context.

What we aim to do is advance the translation of research. When we do research and have breakthroughs and findings, we want it to influence policy and our practices, she said.

We also look at this platform as an avenue for resource mobilisation; there is need to increase funding towards this area.

The platform will also look to increase collaborations between scientists, research, academia and industry partners, as its members include government, private sector industry, technology partners, public health specialists, academia and research centres and clinicians among others.

The initiative has a number of core areas of focus for research and innovation, including: epidemiology and biostatistics, digital health, laboratory and diagnosis, among others.

It also aims at promoting potential intellectual property or patent generation for research and innovation done in the country.

In an earlier interview with The New Times, Geofrey Beingana, a pharmacist and Global Health Specialist said intellectual property will be getting important for the country going forward, since the local pharmaceutical sector is starting to grow towards the possibility of making its own inventions.

With the coming up of pharmaceutical plants in Rwanda, we need such legislations. At the moment we are having about 3 pharmaceutical plants that are already in establishment in the country. We are moving in the right direction for better research and development of our own molecules, he added.

Eugene Mutimura, the Executive Secretary of the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), speaking to the participants in the launch event on Monday reflected on the importance of science and technology in the development of the country,

Science and technology is a critically important enabler and a core driver for all that we do to promote our country to become a knowledge-based economy that pertains to the wellbeing of the people but also supporting industrial development as well as research that impacts on the wellbeing of the people, he said.

The new platform is being created as local health research continues to create waves on the global scene. Speaking during an earlier event, the RBC Director General Dr Sabin Nsanzimana noted that two local studies have been able to discover new variants of Tuberculosis and Malaria.

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Teeny ‘water bear’ walk points to evolution mystery – Futurity: Research News

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Tiny tardigrades walk in a manner most closely resembling that of insects 500,000 times their size, according to new research.

Tardigrades earned the nickname water bears when scientists first observed the 0.02-inch-long animals distinctive gaits in the 18th century. Their dumpy plod raises the question of why they evolved to walk at all.

Animals as small and soft as tardigrades seldom have legs and almost never bother walking. For example, round worms of similar size and body type thrash about, slithering their doughy forms over unpredictable substrates.

Yet the water bear, a micro-animal so distinct that scientists were forced to assign it to its own phylum, uses eight stubby legs to improbably propel itself through marine and freshwater sediment, across desert dunes, and beneath the soil.

The new discovery of how tardigrades walk implies the existence of either a common ancestor or an evolutionary advantage that explains why one of the smallest and squishiest creatures evolved to walk just like larger, hard-bodied insects.

Tardigrades have a robust and clear way of movingtheyre not these clumsy things stumbling around in the desert or in leaf litter, says Jasmine Nirody, a fellow in Rockefeller Universitys Center for Studies in Physics and Biology. The similarities between their locomotive strategy and that of much larger insects and arthropods opens up several very interesting evolutionary questions.

Nirody and colleagues first determined how water bears walk and run. If you watch tardigrades under a light microscope for long enough, you can capture a wide range of behavior, Nirody says. We didnt force them to do anything. Sometimes they would be really chill and just want to stroll around the substrate. Other times, theyd see something they like and run towards it.

Nirody found that, at their most leisurely, water bears lumber about half a body length per second. At full throttle, their loping strides carried them two body lengths in the same amount of time.

Tardigrades are an important porthole into soft-bodied, microscale locomotion.

But the surprise came when she observed how a water bears feet contact the ground as it gains momentum. Unlike vertebrates, which have distinct gaits for each speedpicture a horses hooves as it transitions from a walk to a galloptardigrades run more like insects, scurrying at increasing speeds without ever changing their basic stepping patterns.

When vertebrates switch from walking to running, there is a discontinuity, Nirody says. With arthropods, all stepping patterns exist along the same continuum.

Why do tardigrades share a locomotive strategy with much larger, hard-bodied insects?

One possible explanation is that tardigrades, long assumed to fit neatly into no existing taxonomy, may share common ancestorsand even a common neural circuit with insects such as fruit flies, ants, and other segmented scurrying creatures. In fact, some scientists advocate classifying tardigrades within the proposed panarthropod clade, a catchall group that would assign common shelf space to insects, crustaceans, velvet worms, and water bears.

Another possibility is that there is no ancestral connection between tardigrades and arthropods, but that the unrelated groups of organisms independently arrived at the same walking and running strategies because they were evolutionarily advantageous. Perhaps the best way to navigate unpredictable terrain with a microscopic body is to plod like a water bear.

Nirody is equally fascinated by both possibilities. If there is some ancestral neural system that controls all of panarthropod walking, we have a lot to learn, she says. On the other hand, if arthropods and tardigrades converged upon this strategy independently, then theres much to be said about what makes this strategy so palatable for species in different environments.

Beyond the implications for evolutionary biology and the study of animal locomotion, the findings may have ramifications for the burgeoning fields of soft and microscale robotics.

By studying how small animals evolved to move across challenging environments, scientists may be able to design robots that can more efficiently squeeze into small spaces or operate at the microscale.

We dont know much about what happens at the extremes of locomotionhow to make an efficient small walker, or how soft-bodied things should move, Nirody says. Tardigrades are an important porthole into soft-bodied, microscale locomotion.

The new study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Source: Rockefeller University

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