Daily Archives: January 3, 2022

Watch: Deer leaping to freedom after being released in the wild will give you a joyous boost – The Indian Express

Posted: January 3, 2022 at 1:25 am

There is nothing more joyous than looking at wild animals being released in their natural habitat. Indian forest service officer Parveen Kaswan has recently shared a video that evoked similar feelings.

In the video, one can see a group of forest officials in the middle of a clearing in a jungle. Soon, a herd of deer can be seen leaping out. The deer take long jumps and leap into the wild enthusiastically.

The herd was released as part of the forest departments prey base augmentation programme.

According to Parveen Kaswan, the video was shot by him last year at 5 am at a location that he described as somewhere in the core of a protected area.

So far, the video has amassed more than 40,000 views on social media.

Earlier this month, Kaswan shared a heartwarming video of a Himalayan black bear hurriedly escaping into the wild after being released from a truck. In a world where the news of wild animals getting into residential areas is making news, such videos assert the importance of maintaining and conserving the natural habitat of animals.

Go here to see the original:

Watch: Deer leaping to freedom after being released in the wild will give you a joyous boost - The Indian Express

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Watch: Deer leaping to freedom after being released in the wild will give you a joyous boost – The Indian Express

Incidents of violation of press freedom increasing – Khabarhub

Posted: at 1:25 am

The Federation of Nepali Journalists. (File photo)

KATHMANDU: Incidents of violation of press freedom have been increasing of late. The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) said that such incidents have gone up this year compared to last year.

The FNJ records show that 52 incidents of infringement on press freedom had occurred in 2020 whereas 62 such incidents have taken place from January 1 to 11 am of December 31, 2021.

One hundred ninety journalists and four media houses have been affected due to these incidents, according to Roshan Puri, the FNJ general secretary.

The FNJ study shows that 32 incidents of intimidation on journalists and 10 incidents of professional insecurity took place this year. Likewise, 10 incidents of capture and obstruction, five incidents of attacks on journalists, four incidents of detention of journalists, and one incident of policy-level restriction have been reported this year.

Nepal Press Union (NPU) president Badri Sigdel said that the incidents of violation of press freedom could be minimized through the full implementation of the provision of full press freedom enshrined in the constitution.

Overall, this year too journalists and media have become the victims of threats, attacks, and mistreatment by various sides taking over news content or in course of collecting news. Journalists and media have been facing such incidents when writing and disseminating news on corruption, irregularities, and anomalies.

Similarly, journalists have sustained injuries when police have resorted to baton charging while gathering news on protest demonstrations organized by various groups.

Acts of barring the journalists from collecting news about public programs continued this year also. Journalists are prohibited and prevented from reporting the meetings of the parliament, the parliamentary committees, swearing-in ceremonies for ministers, or the general conventions of the political parties.

Press Centre Nepal president Bishnu Sapkota stressed the need of amending or revising the Acts and Regulations related to mass communication media that are in the process of formulation based on the suggestions from the bodies concerned.

Various laws that aim to restrict press freedom have been made and registered in parliament at a federal, provincial, and local level. As a result, the concept of full press freedom ensured by the constitution has faced challenges, said the FNJ. Journalists have been affected by COVID-19 this year too. So far since the infection took place, 26 media persons have lost their lives to this deadly virus with 21 in 2021 alone, said Puri.

The number of incidents against press freedom has declined in 2021 as compared to 2020. The year 2021 witnessed 59 cases against press freedom as opposed to 96 in 2021, according to an annual media report prepared by the Freedom Forum, an NGO working in the field of democracy, press freedom, and the right to information in Nepal.

Three hundred fifty journalists have faced hardship in one year during the infection.

They were denied salaries or made to stay on unpaid leave or kicked out of their job at the hand of media owners in the name of the virus. Of them, problems of 300 have been resolved and the FNJ is taking initiatives to sort out that of 50, it has been said.

Visit link:

Incidents of violation of press freedom increasing - Khabarhub

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Incidents of violation of press freedom increasing – Khabarhub

Freedom of Information request on all internal emails in regards to a syndrome known as Post Finasteride Syndrome from 2001 to May 2021 ( FOI 21-630)…

Posted: at 1:25 am

15th July 2021FOI 21/630Dear

Thank you for your email dated 15 June 2021 where you requested the following:

all internal emails in regards to a syndrome known as Post Finasteride Syndrome caused by the drug Finasteride on behalf of the freedom of information act (FOAI) from the dates of 2001 to May 2021.

We have searched our records and attached all relevant emails. Redactions have been made under Section 40 of the FOI Act, the names of employees below the grade of Senior Civil Servant (SCS) have been withheld. This is because they are normally not responsible for high profile work and would not reasonably expect their personal details to be in the public domain. As a result, the releasing of their names would not, in our view, be fair or reasonable. We have also made redactions under Section 35 - formulation of government policy and Section 41 information provided in confidence, in this case by patients or families of patients. Information provided to us in confidence, with the expectation that it will not be released, is exempt from disclosure under the FOI Act.

Please note some emails were picked up when our records were searched for correspondence containing the term post finasteride syndrome however the sections containing the term have since been redacted in line with the above explanation. Nevertheless, we have still included these emails in this response.

Finasteride 5 mg (marketed as Proscar) has been available since 1992 for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and for the prevention of urologic events to reduce the risk of acute urinary retention as well as to reduce the risk of surgery including transurethral resection of the prostate and prostatectomy. Finasteride 1 mg (marketed as Propecia) has been available since 1997 for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. In line with other regulators worldwide the MHRA considers that based on the currently available data on quality, safety, and efficacy the balance of benefits and risks of finasteride is positive. However, all effective medicines can cause side effects in some people, and these are described in product information for healthcare professionals (the summary of product characteristics) and patients (patient information leaflet, provided in each pack). Unfortunately it is not usually possible to predict which patients will experience such side-effects. Therefore, the risk of possible side effects of every medicine must be weighed against its potential benefits in each individual.

I hope the information provided is helpful, but if you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date of this response; and can be addressed to this email address.

Yours sincerely, FOI Team, Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines Division

Read more:

Freedom of Information request on all internal emails in regards to a syndrome known as Post Finasteride Syndrome from 2001 to May 2021 ( FOI 21-630)...

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Freedom of Information request on all internal emails in regards to a syndrome known as Post Finasteride Syndrome from 2001 to May 2021 ( FOI 21-630)…

Tiny homes, big dreams: How an Ontario family found freedom in the forests of N.B. – CBC.ca

Posted: at 1:25 am

Six months ago, Tasha Robitaille and Cory Belcourt left their Ontario home, bought 40 acres of heavily forested land on New Brunswick's Kingston Peninsula and turned their lives upside-down.

And somehow, Robitaille says, nothing has ever felt more right.

For some time, Robitaille and Belcourt had been feeling the pull of nature. They both had steady jobs, Belcourt as a plant manager and Robitaille as a business owner and doula, but they longed to spendmore time outdoors.

The births of their two daughters deepened that longing.

Then the pandemic hit, with its lockdowns and isolating restrictions,and suddenly, Robitaille said, they just knew it was time.

"Things were just getting really difficult, I was home with both girls ... and Cory was working a lot of hours. The pandemic definitely got to us so we needed to make a big change, to feel like our family was healthier and closer together."

They had a specific lifestyle in mind. They wanted to live simply, sustainably, on a sprawling plot of land and in aclose-knit community.

"New Brunswick just kept popping up as an answer to all of these things," Robitaille said.

They found a 40-acre plot of forested land on the Kingston Peninsula, near Kingston Corner and backing onto Mount Misery, and immediately knew they'd found what they were looking for.

"We made some big decisions really fast," Robitaille said. "We sold and bought a house within a span of a week, and arrived just in time to plant our garden."

They bought chickens and ducks, they hiked the trails that snaked through their property, they picked apples, they had bonfiresand barbecues and spent their days outdoors with their daughters, two-year-old Nova and four-year-old Rockie.

It was like a dream, Robitaille said.

But the dream was just beginning.

For years, Robitaille and Belcourt had talked about buildinga sustainable guest house on their property.

"It's always been a passion of mine to have somethingoff-grid, or a tiny home, a low-footprint cabin," Robitaille said.

Now, with 40 sprawling acres of land, much of it with spectacular views of the peninsula or Mount Misery, they realized they could expand their"tiny" plan.

They discussed building a handful of cabins to rent out to people who wanted to experience homesteading and a completely off-gridlifestyle in the woods.

At that point, Robitaille said, they committed to going all in.

Their trail hikes took on a new purpose: scouting out the perfect tiny-cabin sites.

"We followed our instincts," Robitaille said.

"We did a lot of walking and we just tried to instinctively find a ... really safe, cozy and beautiful spot in the forest. And then we went to work and created off-trails to those five cabins that areall private from each other."

Belcourt began clearing the sites, and they ordered five European pine cabin kits, each cabin measuring 108 square feet with a seven-foot loft bedroom.

In October, construction began. By late December, all fivecabins were completed and the project was christened: La Belle Cabane, a reflection of the fact that the couple are francophones.Three of the cabins are now available for rent at labellecabane.com.

The cabins are heated withwoodstoves,the lights are solar-powered, the cooking is done on a fire grill. The bathroom is an outhouse, and a community herb and vegetable garden and free-range chickens provide a daily supply of fresh produce and eggs.

To Robitaille, it felt right in her bones.

Robitaille said she and Belcourt, both of whom are Mtis from Ontario, grew up listening to the stories of their fur-trading forebears, people who lived off-grid before there was a word for it.

"We've heard a lot of stories of our ancestors that lived in these little cabins," she said.

"Everyone would be close-knit, sharing each other's hobbies and cooking together and all of that good stuff."

The cabins seemed like they'd have been right at home in those adventures, Robitaille said.

The couple's Mtis roots have been woven into many layers of the La Belle Cabane project.

"That's really important to us," Robitaille said.

"So we provide medicines in the cabins, the cabins are named very intentionally in line with our medicine wheel."

As well, each of the cabins the Eagle, the Coyote, the Bear, the Elk and the Turtle featurelocal Indigenous art and decor.

The goal is to blend the interior, the exterior, the setting, and above all, the experience, in a way that opens visitors' eyes to the possibilities Robitaille and Belcourt found in their new home.

"We wanted to find freedom in the forest," Robitaille said.

"That's one of the main reasons we moved to New Brunswick, was to have more freedom with our family and our lives and our kids. And that's what we hope other people will find here as well."

Read more:

Tiny homes, big dreams: How an Ontario family found freedom in the forests of N.B. - CBC.ca

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Tiny homes, big dreams: How an Ontario family found freedom in the forests of N.B. – CBC.ca

LifeBank Chain Announces Upcoming Gene and Cell Collaboration Platform With Disrupt Blockchain Technologies – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 1:22 am

LifeBank Chain (LBC) focuses on research and development in the field of genetics and cell science, with the purposes of furthering human longevity and expanding access to genetics and cell treatments through cutting-edge technologies.

Gene and Cell Technology

JERUSALEM, Dec. 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GENE & CELL MEDICINE LTD located in Israel and Singapore started a new project : LifeBank Chain (LBC). The project LBC plans to build a genetic and cell data collaboration platform.

Genetic research seeks to understand the process of trait inheritance from parents to offspring. The human genetic research is revealing the nature of human bioinformatics and giving scientists a powerful approach to study various health issues of human life.

Cell research focuses on stem cell and immune cell therapies, which are an extremely promising approach for the treatment of many diseases with an immune component including cancer, autoimmune disease, and chronic inflammation.

The wide applications of these new biological technologies in the medical field greatly reshaped the traditional pharmaceutical industry, whose focus was not only put on the treatment of disease as before but also on gene diagnosis and prevention, which opened the door to the world of personalized and precise medicine.

Blockchain is an emerging technology that has attracted increasing attention from both researchers and practitioners. The functionalities of blockchain technology and smart contracts provide an opportunity over large gene and cell data to support genetic and cell data integrity and security while giving patients control over their own data.

LBC plans to build a genetic and cell data collaboration platform incorporating an extensible cross-chain service system based on individual and institutional nodes. The platform product service layer abstracts all typical kinds of gene and cell blockchain applications and provides the full functions and implementation framework of typical applications.

Story continues

The goal of LifeBank Chain (LBC) is to establish a global-level service platform for sharing and utilizing human genetic and cell data through secured blockchain technologies. The LBC blockchain is designed to provide genetic and cell research industry partners with enterprise-level blockchain infrastructure, industry solutions, and secure, reliable, and flexible blockchain services. LBC will work together with medical practitioners to provide full-solution ancillary reagent services and provide flexible and pioneering tools to simplify therapy workflow at every step of the medical process.

LBC will form a professional and shared social organization -- LBC Life Alliance -- inviting life technology companies, scientific research institutes, medical institutions, etc. to jointly solve medical, health, disease, and public health problems, and jointly build the application standards of gene and stem cell medical technology on the blockchain, and contribute to the cause of human health.

LifeBank Chain enables healthcare professionals to manage the medical data and do research in an auditable, transparent and secure way on LBC's distributed network. LBC continues to closely monitor the evolution of genetics and cell therapy in different medical subspecialties around the world.

LifeBank Chain:

Official Website: https://lifebankchain.io

LBC on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lifebankchainEmail : lbc@lifebankchain.io

Related Images

Image 1: Gene and Cell Technology

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

Attachment

View post:
LifeBank Chain Announces Upcoming Gene and Cell Collaboration Platform With Disrupt Blockchain Technologies - Yahoo Finance

Posted in Human Longevity | Comments Off on LifeBank Chain Announces Upcoming Gene and Cell Collaboration Platform With Disrupt Blockchain Technologies – Yahoo Finance

The Secrets to Successful Aging in 2022 – The New York Times

Posted: at 1:22 am

Looking for ways to grow old gracefully? Over the past year, Wells columnists have reported on how to keep your mind and body healthy over time. Here are some of their top insights from the most popular stories published in 2021.

So said Jane Brody, our Personal Health columnist, after she turned 80 this spring. Inspired by Steven Petrows book, Stupid Things I Wont Do When I Get Old, Ms. Brody took an inventory of her own life and decided what she no longer needed to do (color her hair; talk about aches and pains to anyone who will listen) and what she is unwilling to give up (walking her dog in the woods). Sooner or later, we all must recognize what is no longer possible and find alternatives, Ms. Brody wrote. In her case, that has meant giving up ice skating, but still taking 10-mile bike rides.

You may be able to predict your likelihood of living a long life by analyzing the trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi that inhabit your intestinal tract, Anahad OConnor reported, citing a promising study.

The findings suggest that a gut microbiome that continually transforms as you get older is a sign of healthy aging. People who had the most changes in their microbial compositions tended to have better health and longer life spans, Mr. OConnor wrote. They had higher vitamin D levels and lower levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. They needed fewer medications, and they had better physical health, with faster walking speeds and greater mobility.

Ms. Brody reported on a study out of the Netherlands that focused on cognitive super-agers people who approach the end of the human life span with brains that function as if they were 30 years younger. By studying centenarians, researchers hope to identify reliable characteristics and develop treatments that would result in healthy cognitive aging for most of us. Meanwhile, Ms. Brody reported, there is much we can do now to keep our brains in tiptop condition. These centenarians tend to maintain good vision and hearing, and past research has revealed lifestyle factors that contribute to resilience such as obtaining a high level of quality education; holding occupations that deal with complex facts and data; consuming a Mediterranean-style diet; engaging in leisure activities; socializing with other people; and exercising regularly, Ms. Brody wrote.

To increase our chances for a long life, we probably should take at least 7,000 steps a day or engage in sports such as tennis, cycling, swimming, jogging or badminton for more than 2.5 hours per week, Gretchen Reynolds reported, based on two large studies.

Accumulate and measure your activities in whatever way works for you, a professor who led one of the studies told Ms. Reynolds. Step counting may work well for someone who does not have the time to fit in a longer bout of exercise. But if a single bout of exercise fits best with your lifestyle and motivations, that is great as well. The idea is just to move more.

Older people are increasingly partnering and re-partnering in various forms, Francine Russo wrote, but for women in particular, theres a fear that a romantic attachment in later life will shortly lead to full-time caregiving. One solution may be living apart together (L.A.T.), meaning you can maintain a long-term committed romantic relationship without sharing, or intending to share, a home.

I have friends who say they never want to meet anybody unless theyre 10 or 15 years younger, because they see it as having to move in and be the sole caretaker, one 81-year-old woman practicing living apart together told Ms. Russo. I wasnt about to do that. I think I have the best of two worlds.

Who better to share tips for aging well than an 81-year-old who has dedicated his career to public health? Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, who has led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for 37 years spoke to Ms. Brody when she joined the octogenarians club this year about staying fit and focused. His tips:

Take care of yourself, get some reasonable sleep, dont get overcome by stress, a good diet. Enjoy life, but dont do things in excess. Exercise is really important. I think that the fact that Ive been a marathon and 10K runner for the last multiple decades has been very important in my staying fit, looking fit and feeling fit.

Follow this link:
The Secrets to Successful Aging in 2022 - The New York Times

Posted in Human Longevity | Comments Off on The Secrets to Successful Aging in 2022 – The New York Times

Prediction For 2022: Plant-Based Foods Will Surge – CleanTechnica

Posted: at 1:22 am

Another January has arrived, and with so much traditional fat-and-sugar-infused eating behind you, you might be hearing the voice of conscience reminding you that you are what you eat. And, as you meander through errands and warm and welcoming cafes to start the new year, it might seem as if plant-based foods are everywhere. A whole new range of consumers has discovered plant-based items, with appealing selections appearing on grocery stores shelves, restaurant menus, bakeries, pizza places, delis, coffee shops, and burger joints. So, lets make a prediction for 2022: plant-based foods will not only transcend their current path leading to mainstream acceptance theyll become preferred, for lots of reasons.

Its clear now that production of animal-based proteins has many limitations environmental degradation, animal welfare, cultural considerations, and health constraints. The replacement of meat by alternative ingredients is fast becoming a norm in many countries around the world, with the numbers and varieties of alternative meat products expanding annually.

People are adopting lots of plant-based foods as part of their regular diets. Infusing plant-based foods is easier, more appealing, and compelling than ever before. Although such products remain a relatively small segment of the $585 billion US packaged food and beverage industry, demand is increasingly annually. Many factors will contribute to this plant-based foods awakening in 2022. Lets look at some of them and see the evidence in support of the prediction that plant-based eating will surge in 2022.

To maximize what longevity experts call healthspan, at least 50% of protein should come from vegetable sources. People like you are starting to assess the corresponding benefits/damages of plant-based eating for human health and the environment. Your personalized diet solutions are likely to point to a middle ground where you identify trade-offs and substitutions you are willing to make; for example, you might decide to eat less processed meat and more seafood.

In fact, the rapid growth of the alternative protein market is posing a threat to the conventional meat industry. Thats because a totality of what you eat on a daily basis combines to determine your health outcomes whether positive overall health attributes or nutrient deficiencies. In fact, alternative meats are often considered a bridge to other non-animal protein sources. Edamame, tofu, and tempeh are examples of whole-soy products that offer protein and fiber. Across history, beans and rice have combined to produce a complete protein.

How you eat and what you eat can have a real impact on your intake of nutrients as well as your carbon footprint. How can you adapt your meat-focused diets so you and the Earth are healthier?

The UN says that industrial meat production is one of the most destructive ways in which humans leave their footprint on the planet. Industrial meat is one of the biggest causes of deforestation globally, with the UNs Food and Agricultural Organization finding that, over the past 25 years, forests have been cleared from an area the size of India for cattle ranching. Such alterations of agriculture and forest systems are affecting our current ecosystems and their services and potentially threaten our overall food, water, and livelihood security.

When you follow a climatarian diet, youre conscious how the foods you eat alter the planet. To do your part to reduce carbon emissions, you can choose lower-carbon, environmentally-friendly options. It means considering the carbon footprint and the emission level of the food youre buying and about to consume.

A climatarian diet focused on whole plant-based foods can also reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and obesity. 60% of the calories people in the US consume come from processed food products, providing enormous amounts of calories and huge corporate profits but virtually no nutrition. Instead, eating a climatarian diet can increase your overall vitality, mental health, and longevity.

Yeah, its hard for the guys out there to hear, butmens meat-heavy diets are responsible for40% more climate-heating emissions than those of women. Meat-eating in rich countries must be sharply reduced in order to tackle the climate crisis, largely caused by the methane and deforestation associated with cattle. That goal can be aided significantly if more men open up their minds and hearts to flexitarian food selections with more plant-based items. And its happening! The Beet says that plant-based diets are increasing in popularity among men who are looking to lead a healthier lifestyle, lose weight, or maximum muscle gains.

Lots of male celebs are promoting plant-based eating. Powerlifting record holder Patrik Baboumian, Olympic silver medalist Dotsie Bausch, ultra-marathoner Scott Jurek, and 7-time Mr. Olympia champion Arnold Schwarzenegger are backing a plant-based way of life on screen, and the case for swapping turkey with tofu has never been quite so compelling. Since 2018s Netflix show The Game Changers, Tour de France champion Chris Froome, Rocky star Dolph Lundgren, and professional bodybuilder Kai Greene have all switched to a plant based diet.

Men who make the move to plant-based eating need to learn to pay particular attention to their vitamins (B12, D) and minerals (calcium, zinc, iron), protein, and fiber when consuming only plants.

It became increasingly clear in 2021 that the largest human impact to the Earth has been thebillions of tons of chemicals that we emit and circulate through our normal daily and industrial activities. Those activities include the foods we eat. Consumers like you are more likely than ever to choose products that are toxin-free, lessening the chemical influx in the food chain, water supply, air, and wider environment through informed consumer choice.

Last year, people in the US spent almost $9 billion on pesticides for agricultural use. Widespread pesticide use seriously threatens the health of fish and aquatic life, insects, and mammals, including many endangered species. Instead, agroecology can model a future where farming responds to the climate crisis by phasing out pesticides and maintaining vital biodiversity. It is the integration of ecology in agriculture and agri-food systems, encompassing ecological, economic, and social dimensions. It provides sufficient and healthy diets for a growing population without chemical inputs and with and not against nature.

By building organic matter into soils, regenerative agriculture produces stronger yields and nutrient-rich crops. It leads to resiliency diminishing erosion and runoff, improving water quality on and off the farm, and helping to better withstand climate change impacts like flooding and drought. The transition to agroecology implies development and use of innovations to allow responding to real user needs via new technologies. Agroecology needs your support.

Scientists have found that limiting global warming will be impossible without significant changes to how the world eats. Achieving a food future that has low environmental impacts, contributes to food and nutrition stability, and offers a healthy life for present and future generations is an urgent matter that depends on global collaborative efforts.

Responding to the devastating climate crisis, many companies are working to reduce the significant climate footprint of the animal-farmed meat industry by innovating ways to move to plant-based meat products.A grant from Beyond Foods, a distributor of plant-based meat alternatives, compared the effect of consuming plant-based alternative meat as opposed to animal meat on health factors. Researchers looked at outcomes such as concentration of TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide), a gut-flora metabolite that indicates risk for cardiovascular disease, LDL cholesterol, and body weight. All 3 improved with the plant-based alternative foods.

In a recent study, more than half 52% of US consumers are eating more plant-based foods and beverages. The number rises to two-thirds 65% globally. Almost 60% of respondents said that their change to plant-based food was permanent, or they hoped it was permanent.

How about you? Whats your prediction about plant-based eating for 2022?

Image provided by Impossible

Excerpt from:
Prediction For 2022: Plant-Based Foods Will Surge - CleanTechnica

Posted in Human Longevity | Comments Off on Prediction For 2022: Plant-Based Foods Will Surge – CleanTechnica

10 amazing health stories you may have missed in 2021 – Livescience.com

Posted: at 1:22 am

For a second year, the COVID-19 pandemic has dominated health news headlines, and for good reason. But amid all the talk of viral variants and vaccine boosters, you may have missed some of this year's most amazing medical cases and breakthroughs. In 2021, scientists made great strides in the world of organ transplants, cancer treatment trials and gut microbiome research, and doctors shared some amazing treatment success stories.

Here are 10 cool medical stories you may have missed this year.

Curtis Means and his twin, C'Asya, were born only 21 weeks and 1 day into their gestation, meaning they were about 19 weeks premature. C'Asya did not respond to treatment and died shortly after birth, but Curtis' vitals steadily began to improve. Even so, doctors estimated that he had only a 1% chance of survival. Over the following months, he received constant care to maintain his breathing and body temperature, and to take in adequate nutrition. He was able to come off his ventilator at 3 months old, and he was discharged from the hospital at 9 months. After six months at home, Curtis and his family received a Guinness World Record certificate acknowledging Curtis as the most premature baby in the world to survive.

Read more: Baby born at 21 weeks survives, breaks world record

With human organs in short supply for transplant surgeries, scientists have long been working to make animal-to-human transplants safe, feasible and widely available. This year, in a watershed experiment, doctors connected a pig kidney to a human and watched as it effectively filtered waste from the body and produced urine. The experiment was conducted in a brain-dead patient who was a registered organ donor and whose family granted permission for the procedure. The team used a kidney from a genetically modified pig that lacked the gene for alpha-gal, a type of sugar that can trigger an intense immune reaction in humans. The successful experiment could signal a big step forward for animal-to-human transplants, but many questions remain.

Read more: Pig kidney successfully hooked up to human patient in watershed experiment

Immunotherapies theoretically rally the immune system against cancer cells, but they don't work for all cancer patients. Only about 40% of patients with advanced melanoma, for instance, reap long-term benefits from immunotherapy drugs. But a small study published in February in the journal Science hints that tweaking cancer patients' gut bacteria can help boost the drugs' effectiveness.

In the study, scientists collected stool from melanoma patients who responded well to immunotherapy and then transplanted the patients' feces which was chock-full of microbes into the guts of 15 patients who had never responded to the drugs. After the transplant, six of the 15 patients responded to immunotherapy for the first time, showing either tumor reduction or disease stabilization that lasted more than a year. Looking forward, the scientists plan to investigate exactly why the poop transplant helped these six patients and why the other nine patients didn't seem to benefit.

Read more: Cancer patients weren't responding to therapy. Then they got a poop transplant.

A study conducted in lab dishes and mice hints at a new way to take down drug-resistant bacteria. This new weapon could make existing antibiotics more effective, thus reducing the need to formulate brand-new antibiotic medications. In the study, published in June in the journal Science, scientists ran experiments with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two bacteria that show pervasive resistance to multiple drugs and rank among the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections. These so-called superbugs use a specific enzyme to shield themselves from harm by antibiotics, so the team searched for molecules that could block the enzyme and leave the bugs defenseless. The molecules the scientists identified made antibiotics two- to 15-fold more potent against the microbes, depending on the antibiotic being used and the bacterial strain being targeted. Now, they'll have to see if the same strategy can work in humans.

Read more: New discovery could help take down drug-resistant bacteria

A woman now known as the Esperanza Patient was diagnosed with HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS, in 2013. But as of this year, doctors can find no trace of the virus in her body. The woman received neither a bone marrow transplant nor any drug intervention; her immune system has apparently eliminated HIV from her system on its own. This had happened once before, in a California woman named Loreen Willenberg. And although the two women are anomalies, their cases give scientists hope of finding a cure for HIV/AIDS.

Read more: Patient's immune system 'naturally' cures HIV in the second case of its kind

An experimental "cancer vaccine" works by training immune cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells in the body, without harming healthy cells. In a small trial of eight patients with advanced melanoma, the vaccine helped prevent the patients' tumors from growing for years after vaccination. By the end of the four-year follow-up period, all eight patients were alive and six out of eight showed no signs of active disease. Two had experienced cancer recurrence and received additional treatments called "checkpoint blockades," which essentially rip the brakes off of immune cells known as T cells. In combination with the T cell-targeting cancer vaccine, these checkpoint blockades were highly effective. This hints that such vaccines could serve as a very important therapy, to be used in tandem with other cancer treatments, but more and larger trials are still needed to know for sure.

Read more: Cancer vaccine helped keep melanoma under control for years in small study

A new dietary supplement helped malnourished children put on weight and gain height at a faster rate than children who were given a standard "ready-to-use supplementary food." What made the difference? The new supplement helped to restore the kids' gut bacteria so they more closely resembled the gut bacteria of healthy children.

Malnourishment leaves kids' gut microbes "stunted," as the microbes don't have adequate fuel to grow and multiply. Through exhaustive animal studies and a small pilot trial with human children, a team of scientists came up with a formula to both deliver kids the calories they need and help restore their gut bacteria. In a larger trial, published in April in The New England Journal of Medicine, they found that the supplement not only helped kids grow faster but also increased the concentrations of key proteins in their blood, including those involved in bone growth and nerve and brain development.

Read more: Tweaking the gut bacteria of malnourished kids could help them grow

The first in-human trials of a new HIV vaccine stirred up excitement about the experimental shot, as it showed 97% success at stimulating a rare set of immune cells that play a key role in fighting the virus.

The human immunodeficiency virus poses a huge challenge for vaccine developers because it mutates so quickly, but in this case, the researchers targeted the pathogen using a unique approach: They designed their vaccine to target a specific subset of B cells, a kind of immune cell that produces "broadly neutralizing antibodies," proteins that can latch onto a key protein on HIV and stop the virus from infecting cells. In a trial of 48 people, the vaccine was safe and induced neutralizing antibody production in 97% of the participants. Although this hints that the vaccine may work well, the trial didn't directly test whether the vaccine prevented HIV infection; that will be the next step in development.

Read more: HIV vaccine stimulates 'rare immune cells' in early human trials

People who live to age 100 and beyond may partially have their gut bacteria to thank, according to a study published in July in the journal Nature. In the study, researchers examined the communities of gut microbes, or microbiota, living in 160 centenarians, who were, on average, 107 years old. The researchers compared the centenarians' gut microbiota to those of 112 people ages 85 to 89, and 47 people ages 21 to 55. The centenarians showed a distinct gut microbe "signature," meaning specific microbes appeared in higher or lower abundance than in the younger groups. In addition, they had significantly higher levels of so-called secondary bile acids, a fluid produced by the liver and released into the intestine. In particular, they produced high concentrations of the secondary bile acid isoalloLCA, which the researchers found to have potent antimicrobial properties that may inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

More research is needed to know if and how the centenarians' gut bugs help them survive to such advanced ages and whether this knowledge could be used to boost other people's longevity.

Read more: People who live to 100 have unique gut bacteria signatures

A recent study found that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has reduced the number of cervical cancer cases by 87% among women in the U.K. Using cancer registry data gathered between 2006 and 2019, researchers compared the cervical cancer rates among women who were vaccinated with the HPV vaccine Cervarix when they were young, between the ages of 12 and 13, with the cervical cancer rates of women who received the vaccine slightly later and with the rates of those who did not receive the vaccine at all.

The researchers found that the vaccine was most effective when given to the youngest cohort; women who had been vaccinated with Cervarix between the ages of 12 and 13 had 87% fewer cases of cervical cancer compared with those who weren't vaccinated. There was a 62% reduction in cases among women who had been vaccinated between the ages of 14 and 16, and a 34% reduction in cases in women vaccinated between 16 and 18, compared to the unvaccinated population.

Read more: HPV vaccine slashes cervical cancer rates by 87% among women in the UK

Originally published on Live Science.

Read more from the original source:
10 amazing health stories you may have missed in 2021 - Livescience.com

Posted in Human Longevity | Comments Off on 10 amazing health stories you may have missed in 2021 – Livescience.com

‘Happy to be here’: Wayne mayor, a cancer survivor, sworn in to fourth term – NorthJersey.com

Posted: at 1:22 am

City of Passaic prepares for New Year's Eve piata drop

Passaic gives New Year's Eve piata a test run ahead of the festivities on Friday.

Anne-Marie Caruso, NorthJersey.com

WAYNE Mayor Christopher Vergano startedanotherterm Saturday, telling guests at the municipal reorganization that he felt happy to be reelected and lucky to be alive.

The long-reigning mayor, who had a bone marrowtransplant in June, was sworn in with his wife, Deneen,andchildren by his side. Butfirst, he shareda moment with the judge who administered his oath of office.

"Judge Weiss and I have done this on multiple occasions," Vergano said, hinting at their longevity.

Yes, the magistrate agreed, "But with different-color hair."

Such was the positivevibeas the governing bodykicked off the new year. The township attorney andauditor were reappointedwithout incident, andCouncilman Franco Mazzei, of the 3rd Ward, was selected unanimously to be Township Council president.

'INDEPENDENT THINKER':Wayne councilman, 87, stepping down amid much praise

PUBLIC SAFETY:Staten Island man, 28, dies in Wayne crash after striking utility pole

TRENDING:Some NJ water utilities fail tomeet stricterlimits ondangerous chemicals

"Most of you know that I had a very long summer," the mayor said after taking the oath. "But I'm here today, and I'm happy to be here today."

Vergano, 62, vice president of human resources and sales for Hishi Plastics U.S.A. Inc. in Lincoln Park, served on the Board of Educationand council before becoming mayor in 2008. He took over for Scott Rumana, who resigned to assume a positionin the state General Assembly.

He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma a cancer that attacks plasma cells in August 2019. His surgical procedure was followed by extended stays at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Vergano's cancer was in remission by November, when he garnered more than 70% of the vote in a sound defeat of Arlene Sullivan, a Democrat.

"Battling what I did made me even stronger than I was before," the Republican mayor said at the reorganization meeting.

Vergano thanked all of his supporters, promising that he and his administration "will not let you down."

"To the 5,576 people who chose not to vote for me," the mayorsaid, "we'll work harder to take care of you and the people of Wayne."

Also taking oaths Saturday were council members Jill Sasso and David Varano, each returning for asecond term, and Councilman Jason DeStefano, embarking on his first.

DeStefano, 34, is the youngest member of the governing body 53 years the junior of the man he was elected to replace. Former Councilman Joseph Schweighardt stepped down at the end of the year after five terms and a total of 3 decades ofpublic service.

"Joe certainly leftbig shoes for me to fill," DeStefano said, "but I look forward to the challenge of filling them."

Philip DeVencentisis a local reporter forNorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community,please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email:devencentis@northjersey.com

See the rest here:
'Happy to be here': Wayne mayor, a cancer survivor, sworn in to fourth term - NorthJersey.com

Posted in Human Longevity | Comments Off on ‘Happy to be here’: Wayne mayor, a cancer survivor, sworn in to fourth term – NorthJersey.com

Genomic Biomarker Market Overview by Industry Dynamics, Regional Analysis and Forecast 2021 to 2026 Industrial IT – Industrial IT

Posted: at 1:22 am

The latest research on Genomic Biomarker Market concisely segments the industry based on types, applications, end-use industries, key regions, and competitive landscape. Also, the report provides a detailed evaluation of the gross profit, market share, sales volume, revenue structure, growth rate, and the financial position of the major market players. The scope of development for new entrance or established companies in the Genomic Biomarker business was also highlighted in the report.

In the report, a concise presentation has been included concerning the product or service. Moreover, the various trends and affecting factors of the Genomic Biomarker Market. These variables have helped decide the behavior of the market during the forecast period and empowered our specialists to make effective and precise predictions about the market future.

Key Features of Genomic Biomarker Research Report:

Request for Sample Copy of Genomic Biomarker Market with Complete TOC and Figures & Graphs at https://www.in4research.com/sample-request/60687

The study also involves the important Achievements of the market, Research & Development, new product launch, product responses, and regional growth of the most important competitors operating in the market on a universal and local scale.

Top players Covered in Genomic Biomarker Market Study are:

For more Customization in Genomic Biomarker Market Report: https://www.in4research.com/customization/60687

Genomic Biomarker Market Segmentation

Genomic Biomarker market is split by Type and by Application. For the period 2018-2026, the growth among segments provides accurate calculations and forecasts for sales by Type and by Application in terms of volume and value. This analysis can help you expand your business by targeting qualified niche markets.

Market Segmentation by Type:

Market Segmentation by Applications:

Regions covered in Genomic Biomarker Market report:

Get Sample ToC to understand the CORONA Virus/COVID19 impact and be smart in redefining business strategies. https://www.in4research.com/impactC19-request/60687

Research Objective Genomic Biomarker Market Research:

The report is useful in providing answers to several critical questions that are important for the industry stakeholders such as manufacturers and partners, end-users, etc., besides allowing them in strategizing investments and capitalizing on market opportunities.

Key Target Audience:

To Buy the Full Report, Connect with us athttps://www.in4research.com/buy-now/60687

For More Details Contact Us:

Contact Name: Rohan

Email: [emailprotected]

Phone: +1 (407) 768-2028

Browse More Articles

Casual Sandals Market Worldwide: Latest Industry Trends, Trades, Supply, Demand, Future prospects by 2026

Innovative Clothing Labels Market Research Report Segmented by Applications, Geography, Trends and Projection 2026

Innovative TIG Welding Torch Market Research Report Segmented by Applications, Geography, Trends and Projection 2026

New Report of Medium and High Power Motors Market with Size, Growth Drivers, Market Opportunities, Business Trends and Forecast to 2026

Go here to read the rest:
Genomic Biomarker Market Overview by Industry Dynamics, Regional Analysis and Forecast 2021 to 2026 Industrial IT - Industrial IT

Posted in Human Longevity | Comments Off on Genomic Biomarker Market Overview by Industry Dynamics, Regional Analysis and Forecast 2021 to 2026 Industrial IT – Industrial IT