StemCell Therapy

Zolgensma is a gene therapy designed to address the genetic root cause of SMA by replacing the missing or defectiveSMN1gene1.It is administered during an intravenous (IV) infusion, delivering a new working copy of the SMN1 gene into a patient's cells, halting disease progression and restoring production of SMN protein1.

"SMA can be a devastating diagnosis for families to receive. Without treatment, many children would not be able to meet important developmental milestones like lifting their head, sitting or walking.Even breathing and swallowing can become difficult in the severe, infant-onset form of this disease," said Dr. Hugh McMillan, Pediatric Neurologist at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa."The approval of Zolgensma in Canada offers children an opportunity to maximize their developmental potential from this one-time therapy.The decision to treat based upon weight may allow children diagnosed slightly later to also benefit from this therapy."

"When I first started diagnosing SMA, I couldn't have imagined that we would see such scientific advancements," said Dr. Nicolas Chrestian, Chief of Paediatric Neurology, specialized in neuromuscular disorders at Centre Hospitalier Mre Enfant Soleil, Universit Laval in Qubec City. "Zolgensma offers, in a single dose, the possibility of halting the progression of this degenerative condition that can rob children of regular developmental milestones."

In Canada each year, approximately one in 10,000 babies are born with SMA,a rare, genetic neuromuscular disease caused by a defective or missingSMN1gene3. Without a functionalSMN1gene, infants with SMA lose the motor neurons responsible for muscle functions such as breathing, swallowing, speaking and walking2. Left untreated, muscles become progressively weaker2,3. In the most severe form, this eventually leads to paralysis and ultimately permanent ventilation or death by age 2 in more than 90%of cases4.

"The SMA community is thrilled to have another treatment option to offer hope to families grappling with an SMA diagnosis. The approval of Zolgensma couldn't come soon enough. We will continue to advocate until everyone who needs access to treatment can benefit from innovations like this," said Susi Vander Wyk, Executive Director, CureSMA Canada.

"Today's announcement about the Canadian approval of Zolgensma is a significant milestone in our journey to reimagine medicine by changing the treatment paradigm for children with SMA." said Andrea Marazzi, Country Head, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada. "Our commitment to the SMA community truly comes to life when those that could benefit most from Zolgensma can access it. This is why we continue to work collaboratively with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, provinces and territories to make this happen as quickly as possible."

The efficacy and safety data supporting the approval of Zolgensma in treating pediatric patients with SMA are derived from completed and ongoing open-label, single-arm, clinical trials in patients with infantile-onset SMA and 2 copies of SMN2 gene; and presymptomatic genetically diagnosed SMA and 2 or 3 copies of SMN2 gene1.

Zolgensma is the only gene therapy approved by Health Canada for the treatment of SMA1. Thirteen treatment sites have been identified in leading healthcare institutions with SMA expertise. The sites are located in: Vancouver, BC; Edmonton, AB; Calgary, AB; Saskatoon, SK; Winnipeg, MB; London, ON; Hamilton, ON; Toronto, ON; Ottawa, ON; Montreal, QC; Quebec City, QC; Halifax, NS.

About Spinal Muscular AtrophySMA is the leading cause of genetic infant death2. Loss of motor neurons cannot be reversed, so SMA patients with symptoms at the time of treatment will likely require some supportive respiratory, nutritional and/or musculoskeletal care to maximize functional abilities5.This is why it is imperative to diagnose SMA and begin treatment, including proactive supportive care, as early as possible to halt irreversible motor neuron loss and disease progression6.Early diagnosis is especially critical in the most severe form, where motor neuron degeneration starts before birth and escalates quickly5. Newborn screening for SMA is currently being implemented in Ontario and piloted in Alberta7,8.

About Novartis in Gene Therapy and Rare DiseaseNovartis is at the forefront of cell and gene therapies designed to halt diseases in their tracks or reverse their progress rather than simply manage symptoms. The company is collaborating on the cell and gene therapy frontier to bring this major leap in personalized medicine to patients with a variety of diseases, including genetic disorders and certain deadly cancers. Cell and gene therapies are grounded in careful research that builds on decades of scientific progress. Following key approvals of cell and gene therapies by health authorities, new treatments are being tested in clinical trials around the world.

About Novartis in CanadaNovartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In 2019, the company invested $51.8 million in research and development in Canada. Located in Dorval, Quebec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,500 people in Canada and is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. For further information, please consult http://www.novartis.ca.

About Novartis globallyNovartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 110,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at https://www.novartis.com.

Zolgensma is a registered trademark of Novartis Gene Therapies.

Novartis Gene Therapies has an exclusive, worldwide license with Nationwide Children's Hospital to both the intravenous and intrathecal delivery of AAV9 gene therapy for the treatment of all types of SMA; has an exclusive, worldwide license from REGENXBIO for any recombinant AAV vector in its intellectual property portfolio for thein vivogene therapy treatment of SMA in humans; an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement with Gnthon forin vivodelivery of AAV9 vector into the central nervous system for the treatment of SMA; and a non-exclusive, worldwide license agreement with AskBio for the use of its self-complementary DNA technology for the treatment of SMA.

References

SOURCE Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.

For further information: Novartis Media Relations, Julie Schneiderman, +1 514 633 7873, E-mail: [emailprotected]

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Health Canada approves Zolgensma, the one-time gene therapy for pediatric patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) - Canada NewsWire

I have heard about people using genes to treat diseases nowadays, but I am not sure what this gene therapy means.

Gene therapy involves trying to alter or modify the genes inside your bodys cells in order to treat or stop a disease.

Since 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three different types of gene therapy.

Maybe we can start at the beginning: what are genes?

Genes are the basic physical and functional unit of heredity.

Our genes are made out of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

Each person has two copies of each gene one inherited from your mother and the other inherited from your father.

Each human being has around 20,000 to 25,000 genes.

These genes code for the way your body and mind are structured.

Some genes act as instructions (a blueprint) for your body to make various proteins, which in turn form your cells and organs, and the enzymes and hormones that regulate your body.

Other genes do not code for proteins.

Most genes are the same for all human beings, which is why we all look like human beings (and not a kangaroo, fish, bird or an alien)!

However, just under 1% of our genes vary slightly between each person.

That is why we have different races, heights, propensity for different diseases, curly or straight hair, etc.

These small differences also contribute to why we all look different from one another.

Genes that dont work as they should also cause diseases in the human body.

What types of diseases are caused by faulty genes?

These are what we call genetic disorders.

A genetic disease is any type of disease caused by an abnormality in our genetic blueprint.

This abnormality can range from very minor to significantly major.

What we consider minor is, for example, a small mutation in the DNA of a single gene resulting in the change of a single base protein.

What we consider major is a gross chromosomal abnormality, such as the addition of a whole chromosome or the subtraction of one.

Some genetic disorders are inherited from our parents.

Others are caused by mutations due to our environment.

Examples of single gene disorders, which are caused by the alteration of just one gene in our bodies, are:

Examples of multifactorial inheritance, which are caused by a combination of environmental factors and mutations in many of our genes, are:

If we inherited these genes from our parents, then how can we possibly modify or alter them? This sounds terribly like science fiction.

We are rapidly approaching that era where what used to be science fiction could become part of our everyday life.

In gene therapy, scientists can:

How do they do this? Do they have to harvest my cells? Im scared just thinking about it!

Many of the vectors are viruses, especially adenoviruses (not coronaviruses!).

Viruses have a natural ability to deliver genetic material into our cells.

After all, their main purpose is to attach themselves to cells and reproduce themselves.

Sometimes, the vector or virus is injected straight into our bodies, where they will deliver the gene that will modify our cells.

They are injected straight into the part of our body that has those defective cells.

Other times, we have to harvest healthy tissue from our body that needs to be modified.

These are usually tissues containing immune cells or stem cells, e.g. blood or bone marrow.

These tissue samples are then taken to the lab and specific cells are separated out.

The viral vector containing the corrective gene is then introduced to the harvested cells in the lab.

The modified cells are left to multiply, and then injected back into us.

Once inside our bodies, they will continue to multiply and eventually treat the disease or correct the defect within us.

Learn more about gene therapy in the next Tell Me About column on Dec 31 (2020).

Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, computers and entertainment. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information contained in this column is for general educational purposes only. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

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What is gene therapy? - The Star Online

University of Minnesota Twin Cities researchers in the Department of Chemistry have created a new polymer to deliver DNA and RNA-based therapies for diseases. For the first time in the industry, the researchers were able to see exactly how polymers interact with human cells when delivering medicines into the body. This discovery opens the door for more widespread use of polymers in applications like gene therapy and vaccine development.

The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer-reviewed multidisciplinary scientific journal.

Gene therapy involves altering the genes inside the bodys cells to treat or cure diseases. It requires a carrier that packages the DNA to deliver it into the celloftentimes, a virus is used as a carrier. Packaging of nucleic acids is also used in vaccines, such as the recently developed messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine, which is enclosed in a lipid.

The research team is led by chemistry professor Theresa Reineke and associate professor Renee Frontiera. Reinekes lab synthesizes polymers, which are long-chain molecules that make up plastics, to use for packaging the nucleic acids instead.

Its kind of like ordering something from Amazon, and its shipped in a box, Reineke explained. Things get broken if theyre not delivered in a package. Thats basically what were doing here but on a nano-level. Were taking these really sensitive RNA and DNA cargo that are susceptible to enzymatic degradation, that wont get to their target unless you have something to protect them.

The researchers designed the copolymer using quinine, a naturally occurring substance used in tonic water, and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), which makes the material soluble and is used in a variety of personal care and medical materials. Because quinine is fluorescent, the research team was able to track the DNA package throughout the body and into the cells using Raman spectroscopy, a chemical imaging technique.

Weve discovered a new packaging tool with this natural product thats important for all of these high-flying, important fields like gene therapy and vaccines, said Reineke, who is also a Distinguished McKnight University Professor. And, it works in a variety of cell-types. On top of that, its got all of these cool featuresits fluorescent, we can track it, its Raman active, and that allowed us to understand a lot of fundamentals about these packaging systems that were impossible to probe before we incorporated this natural product.

Polymer-based drug delivery is significantly cheaper than using viruses, especially for gene therapy, which can cost up to $2 million for a single injection. However, the main barrier preventing widespread polymer use was that scientists didnt know a lot about how the polymer package actually interacts with cells in the body.

This research helps clear up that uncertainty. Frontieras lab specializes in chemical imaging. Using Raman spectroscopy, they discovered that a cells own proteins play a key role in unpacking the nucleic acid cargo once the polymer carrier enters the cell.

Its very satisfying to know how this is actually happening, what the process of delivery is, and to actually see that in real-time, Frontiera said. A key point is that these polymers also work very well. For all the beneficial attributes, theyre also incredibly effective at getting the payload into cells, and we were able to tell why, which doesnt always happen in this field.

Reineke and Frontiera have been collaborating since 2013. Reinekes lab has patented the quinine polymers, and the researchers hope that a company might license this technology in the future. The College of Science and Engineering team also collaborated with University of Minnesota Medical School Distinguished McKnight University Professor Jakub Tolar to test the effectiveness of the polymer carriers in relevant cell types.

Other members of the research team include chemistry researchers Craig Van Bruggen (Ph.D. student) and David Punihaole (postdoctoral associate), chemical engineering and materials science student Andrew Schmitz, and genetics Ph.D. student Allison Keith. This research was funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Read the full research paper entitled Quinine copolymer reporters promote efficient intracellular DNA delivery and illuminate a protein-induced unpackaging mechanism on the PNAS website.

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Researchers discover new way to deliver DNA-based therapies for diseases - UMN News

A Boutique Pilates Studio in Verona, NJ. We offer Private and Duet Pilates sessions at the studio as well as remote pilates classes online.

We know that many people feel intimidated walking into a gym or Pilates Studio.At Longevity Pilates of New Jersey, our goal is to offer you a warm, personalized, nurturing, non-threatening approach to fitness.We've been helping people attain their fitness goals for more than 15 years.

With more than 15 years of teaching experience our certified teachers are well equipped to work with people of all ages, sizes and fitness levels.Whether you are training for a marathon, a retired grandmother, looking to improve your golf swing, trying to lose weight or recovering from an injury, our certified Pilates teachers will put together a Private or Duet session specifically designed for your individual needs. Live Long. Live Strong.

COVID-19 Update: At Longevity Pilates, we are doing all we can to keep you safe. This includes masking, disinfecting, and observing social distancing. If you prefer to work from home, we also offer remote Pilates training and group mat Zoom class on Saturdays at 1pm.

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Longevity Pilates of New Jersey

Eating healthy doesnt have to be complicated. Theres not a long list of rules you need to follow, or a complicated diet plan to stick to. Just ask one of the many centenarians living in the Blue Zones, who will tell you a big part of living a long and happy life is enjoying a wholesome, plant-forward diet. And your refrigerator is a good place to start stocking foods for longevity.

Through his research, Dan Buettner, longevity expert and author ofThe Blue Zones Kitchen, has found its mostly about making healthy choices every day that, together, add up to a pretty amazing life. None of the Blue Zones centenarians Ive ever met tried to live to 100. No one said at age 50, You know what, Im going to get on that longevity diet and live another 50 years! They dont count calories, take vitamins, weigh protein grams, or even read labels. They dont restrict their food intakein fact, they allcelebrate with food, says Buettner. As we have applied the wisdom of the worlds Blue Zones diet to transform cities in the United States, Ive begun to believe that we can create the same sort of culture here.

Turning your home into a Blue Zone can be as simple as keeping your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry stocked with healthy staples to promote longevity.

According to Buettner, nut-eaters outlive those who dont eat nuts. Because of that, hes a big proponent of eating a handfulaka two ouncesof mixed nuts a day. Nuts come in a variety of flavors, and theyre full of nutrients and healthy fat that satiate your appetite, says Buettner. Small quantities are best, since the oils in nuts degrade (oxidize). Larger quantities can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for a couple of months.

Buettner says 95 percent of the food you eat should be plant-based.In the Blue Zones, people eat an impressive variety of garden vegetables when they are in season, and then they pickle or dry the surplus to enjoy during the off-season, he says. The best of the best longevity foods in the Blue Zones diet are leafy greens such as spinach, kale, beet and turnip tops, chard, and collards. The Blue Zones also recommends broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and peppersreally, anything you like.

Fresh fruit is another Blue Zones refrigerator staple. Think apples, melons, grapefruit, oranges, and clementines. Fruit that lasts a long time, he says. You can also keep bananas in your fridge. He says doing so when theyre almost ripe will make them last longer. Aside from filling your fridge with fruit, placement is also key. Buettner recommends keeping your fruit (as well as your veggies) on the top shelf of your refrigerator, as doing so puts them at eye level and encourages you to eat more of them.

Animal protein is limited when youre eating like you live in the Blue Zones. Designate two days a week when you eat meat or other animal-derived foodand enjoy it only on those days, Buettner says. Instead, opt for plant-based protein, like beans in your pantry and tofu in your fridge. Find plant-based substitutes for the meat Americans are used to having at the center of a meal, he says. Try lightly sauted tofu, drizzled with olive oil, or tempeh. There are so many different ways you can use tofu, too, all of which are anything but boring.

While meat is limited, Buettner says you can eat up to three ounces of fish daily, as those who ate a plant-based diet that included small portions of fish lived the longest. Favor mid-chain fish like trout, snapper, grouper, sardines, and anchovies, he says. And steer clear of farmed fish, as they are typically raised in overcrowded pens that make it necessary to use antibiotics, pesticides, and coloring.

Dairy should be reduced when youre eating a Blue Zones diet. While Americans have relied on milk for calcium and protein for decades, in the Blue Zones diet people get these nutrients from plant-based sources, Buettner writes. One cup of cooked kale or two-thirds of a cup of tofu, for instance, provides just as much bioavailable calcium as a cup of milk. He also recommends using alt-milks, including unsweetened soy, coconut, or almond milk: Most have as much protein as regular milk and often taste as good or better.

Blue Zones guidelines stipulate that eggs arent necessary for living a long life. Keep your egg consumption to no more than three eggs per week, says Buettner. If you choose to eat eggs, select a variety from chickens that range freely, eat a wide variety of natural foods, and dont receive hormones or antibiotics, Buettner says.

Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD, says eggs are part of a healthy diet: Eggs are cheap, satiating, and easy to find, and theyre an excellent source of high quality protein, she says. Your body is able to fully absorb all the protein from the eggs to help lower blood pressure. If you choose to eat eggs regularly, just make sure theyre high-quality to keep them Blue Zones-approved.

For more healthy recipes and cooking ideas from our community, join Well+Goods Cook With Us Facebook group.

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6 Foods You Should Always Have in Your Refrigerator, According to a Longevity Expert - Well+Good

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Capt. Franz Almeida has a practiced eagle's eye, honed over thousands of flight hours as a pilot. Junaid Mian, RPh, understands the challenges inherent to maintaining human health through the lens of work as a pharmacist. Both followed unique paths, which led them to angel investing. The two met at the NY chapter of the Harvard Business School.

Together they identified a yawning gap between space technology and biotechparticularly longevityverticals. They recognized that the world's economy is in the throes of change so radical that future generations will see the 21st century as a clear delineation marking a decidedly Earthbound humanity split from humanity that can freely live in and explore space.

The space economy explosion is happening, and there is no better time to invest than as early on as possible during that explosion. The latest estimates of the global space economy are well over $400 billion, and if growth continues to accelerate, many analyses point to a $1 trillion space economy just around the corner. The human longevity market is nearly as massive: A Merrill Lynch analysis revealed that the sector generates over $110 billion annually now and is growing to over $600 billion by 2025.

Without massive and ongoing investment and progress across both space technology and human longevity verticals, we will never be able to truly unlock the potential that our Solar System, and our galaxy, holds.

"A big part of why progress against aging used to be so slow was that so few experts on aging had an engineer's way of thinking. The convergence of those communities is making all the difference."

Aubrey de Grey, VP of New Technology Discovery at AgeX Therapeutics, Inc and Chief Science Officer of the SENS Research Foundation and Human Longevity advisor at SP8CEVC

And that's where Junaid Mian, RPh, and Capt. Franz Almeida comes in. The pair's varied perspectives have been a decisive match when it comes to examining the potential in merging investments across the space tech and human longevity verticals. Almeida and Mian are launching a new Rolling Fund in partnership with AngelList, with an exacting focus on solving the problem that is the future of humankind.

Under the umbrella of SP8CEVC, LPs will be able to gain exposure to deals to empower growing ventures in space technology and human longevity. Why these two rather specific categories? Simple: Moving to an economy based on the resources of our entire Solar System enables a much more substantial timeline for humanity's existence, and biotechnology work in longevity enables people to live and work in space.

The SP8CEVC partners who initially started with a traditional fund structure have chosen to use AngelList's rolling fund Reg 506(c) model to open up investment possibilities in these most critical verticals. As a series of quarterly pooled investment funds, SP8CEVC will give investors access to their deal flow quarterly on a subscription basis.

This new structure accelerates the pace of investing and, as a benefit, also helps promote innovation in those businesses.

The SP8CEVC team launched yesterday at TechCrunch Sessions: SPACE 2020. Investors and LPs interested in setting the pace for future advancement can have access to SP8CEVC's deal flow before anyone else here.

Media Contact:Franz Almeida917-287-5674 [emailprotected]

SOURCE SP8CEVC

https://www.sp8cevc.com/

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Introducing SP8CEVC: The World's First Space Technology and Human Longevity Focused Rolling Fund in Partnership with AngelList - PRNewswire

MUMBAI: From the start of daily soaps in 2000, Hindi GEC fiction haswitnessed multiple eras: From the now-notorious saas-bahu dramas in the first decade, to shows addressing societal evils and women empowerment,tofamily-based love stories that brought in the younger viewers. With each passing era, characters in the Hindi GEC category havebecome smarter, more fashionable and more progressive in their outlook. Whats interesting, however, is that characters who have managed to retain long-term popularity among the audience have one aspect common to their personalities: they are generally over-indexed on the personality dimension sincerity.

In her brand personality framework, psychologist Jennifer Aaker identifies five dimensions to a personality sincerity, excitement, competence, sophistication and ruggedness. Most brands will have some image associations with these dimensions, but the more enduring brands largely have one emphasised primary dimension, and optionally a secondary one.

While originally designed for brands, the framework works equally well for celebrities and characters. In the Hindi GEC category, the one emphasised dimensionacross most long-standing popular fiction characters is the sincerity dimension. Five of the seven popular Hindi GEC characters between 2016-19 (based on Ormax Characters India Loves)had sincerity as their strongest, or a strong number two, dimension. These five characters span a width of age, profession and content genres. Theres themiddle-aged shop keeper and familyman Jethalalin a sitcom; young dentistIshita engulfed in across-cultural family drama where she falls in love with a divorced father;the quintessential girl-to-bahu journey of Akshara; the young and quirky Pragya who marries a rock star accidentally; and the talentedvillage singing prodigy Kullfi,who moves to the city in search of her father.

The trend continues in 2020. The undisputed success story of this year has been Star PlusJuly launch Anupamaa. The show has achieved record ratingsin a challenging and disruptive Covid2019 period. The lead character of the showraced to number two on Ormax Characters India Loves within a month of the shows launch, a new record in character popularity tracking in the last decade.

Anupamaas rapid growth is a combination of various factors, such as a unique yet relevant concept (it addresses the anti-family topic of extra-marital relationship in a very family-palatable way), strongwriting and direction, and the performance by thelead actor herself. It is no surprise, however, that Anupamaas character too is heavily loaded on the sincerity dimension, even more than the five characters listed above.

So why do sincere characters strikesuch adeep chord with the audience?

Storytelling on Indian televisionis different from films and web-series, because in serials, audience look for ideas that are important to them. They connect with charactersthatare avatars of themselves. They feel their feeling, live their emotions. As a collectivistic society, most Indians value family cohesion and cooperation as a non-negotiable aspect of their identity. They take great pride, and seek comfort, in the strong emotional bonds they share with their family members. Watching stories driven by characters who reinforce family values give these shows a higher purposebeyond entertainment.

In this context, characters like Jethalal and Anupamaa are the quintessential Indianfamily man and Indian family woman respectively, who value their families and relationships above everything else. While the former is in a sitcom and the latter leads a familydrama, it is their fundamentallyearnest personalities thatendear them to the Indian value system. Coupled with good storytelling, suchcharacters build long-term equity, engaging the audience with their journeys that fundamentally revolve around their large families in a manner thats truly Indian at heart, i.e.,sincere!

Story and storytelling will continue to get more progressive with time. But the cherished place characters high on sincerity have in the hearts of Indian TV audience is unlikely toweaken anytime soon.

(The author is Ormax Media partner. Indiantelevision.com may not subscribe to their views.)

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Sincerely yours: Key to longevity in the Hindi GEC category - Indiantelevision.com

The iconic former goalkeeper, who worked alongside the Portuguese in Spain, feels the five-time Ballon dOr winner can continue for a very long time

Cristiano Ronaldo's small rivalry with Lionel Messi has made him a better player, claims Iker Casillas, with the Juventus superstar being backed to remain at the top for a very long time.

The Portugal international missed out on the latest FIFA Best prize to Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski,but he has collected that award on two previous occasions and has five Ballons dOr to his name.

Only Barcelona icon Messi can claim to have bettered that return, with the mercurial Argentine another of those to have sent records tumbling over the course of a remarkable career.

Ronaldo has matched the South American stride for stride, re-writing the history books himself on a regular basis, with two all-time greats using the exploits of one another as added motivationwhen raising their own individual bars.

Real Madrid icon Casillas admits as much, with the World Cup winner telling The Nationalof his former Blancos team-mate Ronaldo and why the 35-year-old has starred for so long: Obviously hes a good professional, he looks after himself, eats well, gives the necessary importance to rest also.

So this is just a result of being what a footballer is. Other than that, hes also a great athlete. The reason is hes always hungry and always wanting to improve and better himself.

Perhaps also his small rivalry with [Lionel] Messi has helped him better himself. But its basically down to his professionalism and ambition; that has taken him to the top of the footballing world.

Ronaldo has been showing no sign of slowing down during his time in Italy, with 79 goals recorded through 101 appearances for Juve.

He has also reached 102 efforts for his country, as he looks to become international footballs all-time leading marksman,and appears to have plenty left in the tank.

Casillas cannot see the Portuguese hanging up his boots any time soon, adding on how much longer a modern-day phenomenon can go on for: I hope he can continue to play for a very long time. But, of course, football and its nature is what it is.

We all know that everything must come to an end and time does go by for everyone. Hopefully we will be able to still enjoy his football for a long time, but its difficult to say.

Ronaldo is tied to a contract in Turin through to the summer of 2022 and has stated in the past that he intends to play on beyond his 40th birthday.

Link:
Ronaldos rivalry with Messi has made him better Longevity of Juventus star doesnt surprise Real Madri... - Goal.com

Doctors report that singing may also help to reduce blood pressure.

A 76-year-old woman who had experienced severe preoperativehypertensionprior to totalknee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis (OA).

While the patient was unresponsive to aggressive pharmacologic interventions, the womans blood pressure dropped dramatically when she sang several religious songs.

This case-report appears in the April issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

Several studies suggest that listening to music can be effective in reducing blood pressure by calming or diverting patients prior to surgery, which lessensstress and anxiety, explains lead author Nina Niu, a researcher from Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Our case study expands on medical evidence by showing that producing music or singing also has potential therapeutic effects in the preoperative setting.

Niu commented, Singing is simple, safe, and free. Patients should be encouraged to sing if they wish.

This single case study showed the positive effective of singing in reducing blood pressure and controlling pain.

To be formally considered as an alternative therapy for the OA patient population, larger studies are needed to explore the effects of singing on hypertension and chronic pain relief, said Niu.

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How to live longer: Singing could reduce your dementia risk and boost longevity - Express

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA AUGUST 06: (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)

The end to the speculation of whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will or wont sign his supermax extension thankfully came to an end Tuesday afternoon.

The Milwaukee Bucks superstar wound up putting pen to paper and signed the richest contract in NBA history at five years and $228 million, which includes an opt-out clause in the summer of 2025. Still, the Bucks have the two-time MVP under contract for the next six seasons and all Bucks fans subsequently drew a sigh of relief around the city of Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin and elsewhere.

Antetokounmpo signing his extensionis as much a victory for Bucks fans as it is for the 26-year-old and the organization itself, especially after so much anxiety and fear in the years leading up to his decision.

The constant threat and speculation of how a small market like the Bucks have historically struggled to keep past and present superstars loomed over Giannis decision. Stories of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James and Kevin Durant were constant reminders of stars leaving small markets for greener pastures.

For now, Antetokounmpos decision has seen those worries and skepticism scurry away from the discussion as Bucks fans jump for joy to see the Greek superstar commit the prime of his career to the Bucks.

As all Bucks fans continue to bask in a state of pure bliss,the doubts are finally over and we have prevailed. Now to quote King George from Hamilton after losing in the Revolutionary War, What comes next?

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Giannis Antetokounmpo: What his extension means for Bucks longevity - Behind the Buck Pass

Fortunately, heart disease is a preventable condition and diet is a modifiable risk factor.

Many dietary items can help to stave off the risk by stymying the mechanisms that contribute to heart disease.

Acai berries, a Brazilian superfruit native to the Amazon region, has been shown to improve LDL cholesterol levels.

LDL cholesterol is a harmful substance that clogs up inside of your artery walls, cutting off the blood supply to the heart - the primary cause of heart disease.

READ MORE:How to live longer: Sex may reduce heart disease risk - how often you should have it

Animal studies have also suggested that acai could help improve cholesterol levels by decreasing total and LDL cholesterol.

While more research is needed, researchers postulatethat anthocyanins in acai could be responsible for their positive impact on cholesterol levels, since studies have linked this plant compound to improvements in HDL and LDL cholesterol.

HDL cholesterol is branded the "good" cholesterol because it counters the harmful effects of LDL cholesterol.

What's more, acai contains plant sterols, which prevent cholesterol from being absorbed by your body, research shows.

While certain items are essential, the most important dietary approach is to focus on heart-healthy food groups.

According to the NHS, a low-fat, high-fibre diet is recommended, which should include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (five portions a day) and whole grains.

"You should limit the amount of salt you eat to no more than six grams (0.2oz) a day as too much salt will increase your blood pressure," warns the health body.

High blood pressure can raise your risk of heart disease by narrowing your blood vessels.

You should avoid food containing saturated fats, because these will increase the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood.

Foods high in saturated fat include:

Harvard Health explains: "Regular exercise also improves factors linked to cardiovascular health, resulting in lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar regulation."

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How to live longer: Acai smoothies may reduce your risk of the global killer heart disease - Express

Photo Source: Nathan Arizona

After getting signed by an agent out of high school, Mare Winningham quickly carved a small-screen niche for herself with dozens of TV movies, ultimately earning two Emmys. Her career continued with films St. Elmos Fire and Georgia, the latter notching her Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award nominations. On hiatus from acclaimed Broadway musical Girl From the North Country, she can next be seen in the Tom Hanksled News of the World.

How did you land your first agent?I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and went to public schools. There was something in the water at that time in the 70s in the Valleywe were all very theater-obsessed kids. There were all these festivals and competitions we were involved in, in addition to our productions. I was very single-minded about theater; I did it in my free time and during school. We started getting noticed because of all these festival competitions around Los Angeles, and our school was always winning. I think somebody had a relative who worked at an agency, and they came out to see The Sound of Music, which we were doing when I was in 12th grade. I got invited to see this agent, Meyer Mishkin, who had a boutique agencyone of the few that was high-powered but was just a single-entity agency. He ran it himself, and it was called the Meyer Mishkin Agency. Lee Marvin was a client. I remember running into Richard Dreyfuss in the waiting room. He said that he was going to take me on as a client. This was at the very end of high school, just about when I was wondering, How do I parlay this love of theater into a career? From the beginning, he had this plan. He said, Youre not going to do commercials. Were going to do TV movies. At that stage, it was very divided: Movie actors didnt do television. I think he thought: Youre going to corner that market, kid. I started working right away, mostly small parts on Starsky & Hutch and Family, these TV series of the late 70s. Then I got my first TV movie and started working pretty much in television movies for many years.

What advice would you give your younger self? Open up, dont gossip, and dont listen to gossip. Film sets and rehearsal roomseveryone describes them as instant families. There are good families and there are bad families. I would tell myself to not be fraught and not worry so much and let stuff roll off a bit. And if you are a leader, lead with love.

READ: How Negativity Affects Career Longevity

How did you first get your SAG-AFTRA card? I remember being confused about this Catch-22 about how you cant get a SAG card without having a job, and you cant get a job without having a SAG card. I was grateful that there was a casting director casting this teen idol show that was very popular called James at 15, and in that episode, he was having a Miss 15 pageant. There were about six of us; each of us was a contestant in this Miss 15 pageant. They had backstage scenes where we were all discussing James. We all got our cards. In some ways, I dont know if Ive ever been happier.

Do you have an audition horror story you could share with us? There were so many. I had an interior casting director in me, and in my mind, I would see someone and go, Oh, theyre much better for it than I am, and I would defeatedly go in the room and carry that thought with me. One time, I saw the [character breakdown] sheet, and it actually said, Were looking for a Mare Winningham type, and I didnt get it! I think I was my own worst enemy a lot of times. I probably have a career because I didnt have to audition for those TV movies.

Whats the wildest thing youve ever done to get a role? The best job of my life is the one I currently hold. When Broadway reopens, I have this incredible project that started in London, this Conor McPhersonBob Dylan musical, Girl From the North Country. When I had to audition for it two years ago, I started picking on myself again, and my sweetheart said, No, Im not watching this. Take your dulcimer, go in there, [and] sing the songs. And I said, No, theyre going to have an accompanist there. And he said, Do what you want. Hes going to want to hear your best. This is how you want to sing it? Do it. I fought him and fought him and finally did it his way and got it.

Whats one performance every actor should see and why? When I was a little girl, they used to play The Wizard of Oz before the holidays. I was so frightened of Margaret HamiltonMiss Gulch, the Wicked Witch. She was the first scary person in my life, and I had to leave the room when she was on. Later, as I watched her as an actor, I loved that performance. I find Miss Gulch so awful, and I love the way she built that performance.

Joaquin Phoenix in The Master. He has a close-up in that movie that I couldnt get over. I dont even know if I want to watch it again because it affected me so much. Hes being scrutinized, and its excruciating watching him go through what hes going through. In a more humorous way, no less powerful, would be at the end of Sense and Sensibility, when Emma Thompsons character, its beginning to dawn on her, as shes listening to Hugh Grants character, that their love can be now. Thats a beautiful close-up. Tom Hanks at the end of Captain Phillips. How did he do that scene when hes being examined by the doctor after the ordeal on the ship? Thats how I like to watch acting now: in the quiet dark of a theater or at home. I love to see an actor blow my mind. It makes me want to jump up and shout. Almost everything I watch, I find something that makes me want to jump up.

This story originally appeared in the Dec. 17 issue of Backstage Magazine. Subscribe here.

Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click here for auditions you can do from home!

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'News of the World' Interview With Mare Winningham | BACKSTAGE - Backstage

A huge fan of horror movies, Goldberg reveals that she has been lobbying to be involved in a Stephen King adaptation for years, even going back to the 1994 version of this same project.

Ive been looking for a horror movie to do my whole career. What I love more than almost anything is a good scare. Ive been trying to do this since the original miniseries came out, but I was unable to do it, Goldberg says. Then I found out that Ruby Dee was my age now when she did Mother Abigail. So its worked out great. If this had come any sooner, I would have probably just really messed it up.

At the time of the series premiere, the EGOT-winning Goldberg is 65 years old. Dee was 70 years old when filming on the 1994 miniseries began. Both actresses, however, are considerably younger than the wizened Abigail Freemantle of Kings book. This isnt a case of Aunt May getting progressively younger across every Spider-Man franchise but rather an acknowledgement from both miniseries that Abigail has a powerful aura about her that belies her advanced years.

Listen, its all in the lineage, I myself am 108. And my skin looks amazing, Goldberg jokes, before adding. You know, also, shes got a little God dust on her too. You cant look that good without a little God dust. The same goes for (Randall Flagg actor) Alexander (Skarsgrd). He looks great because hes got some devil dust on. Thats how Im looking at it, so it balances out.

In addition to Mother Abigails sprinkling of God dust, what Goldberg finds compelling about the character is her humanity as opposed to her otherworldliness. Given the dearth of Black characters in Kings earlier works, Abigail has sometimes been pointed to as an example of the Magical Negro stereotype, in which a mystical Black character comes to the aid of white characters. Its that representation of the character that Goldberg says she hopes to avoid.

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The Stand: Whoopi Goldberg Reveals the Secret to Mother Abigails Longevity (Its God Dust) - Den of Geek

It is always best to maintain good oral care. You can even go as far as dreaming of having brilliant teeth. After all, it is said to be our faces greatest asset. It is in our smiles that people can see our happiness, awkwardness, shyness, joy, and many other emotions. It is normal to value it as much as we value the rest of our body parts. These are the top dental procedures and teeth whitening that will ensure you have a beautiful smile. Longevity Live Partner Content

There are some things only the human teeth are characteristic of, such as:

So if they are a bit crooked, one too many, or terribly far apart from each other, it only goes to show that youre unique nothing to be ashamed of. Then again, there is nothing wrong with going the extra mile to feel more special. If you feel like they have the potential to be better, then you have all the right to choose whats best for them. Getting your teeth a brand new makeover to help you build confidence in yourself is never a bad thing. Its just one way of showing how much you treasure your own smile!

There are many ways to go about an oral makeover, but most of them require a visit to the local dentist. If youre not quite sure about what dental procedure you should have, we thought the following suggestions might help you out!

If you have nasty cavities plaguing your tooth, you might want to consider getting a dental filling procedure pretty soon. Time is of the essence; cavities wont wait until youve strengthened your resolve. Theyll keep eating away at your tooth until such time that there is nothing left of it. It may sound like nothing to be alarmed about. After all, youre just going to lose a tooth (Whats a single tooth when you have thirty-two or more of them, right?).

However, what you fail to see here is that with the degradation of your tooth comes excruciating, discomforting, and unsettling pain that seems to drain the life out of you. Dont let it get to that point.

Getting a dental filling procedure done should help you avoid having to go through this ordeal and help you save your tooth in the process. Its a simple, almost 100% painless dental procedure that involves cleaning the affected part of the tooth and filling it in with a substitute substance that will become the new surface of your tooth. It can be done in no more than an hour (for a single tooth, that is).

If you find yourself having cavity problems, cure it while early.

Are you tired of dentures? We will all come to a point in our lives when we lose our munching sets no matter how much we take care of them, no matter how careful we are of them. Its a reality we must all face. Other factors, such as aging and wearing down of teeth, may be attributed to this unpreventable teeth loss https://medlineplus.gov/toothdecay.html. However, that doesnt mean that we have to brave life toothless.

There are several substitutes we can use in place of genuine teeth, of course. One of them is having dentures made. These are artificial that can be retracted when the wearer needs or wants to. They fulfill whatever purpose teeth have and are more than capable of doing common tooth tasks such as biting, chewing, and grinding. However, dentures do come with disadvantages.

You have to remove them for cleaning from time to time, and you also risk having them fall off at the most significant times. You can be talking to the CEO of your company when it suddenly decides to jump right out of the basket. Yikes! Total mishap! If you fear having to experience such moments, then maybe dental implants are more suitable for you.

A dental implant is a substitute for real teeth that are permanently attached to the gums. Even though theyre artificial, you can pretty much do the same things as you would with your regular teeth, like brushing and flossing. It can really help you save time and avoid the hassle. The best part of having dental implants is that you get to enjoy all the perks of having healthy teeth, minus the risks of cavities. Make sure to get them checked by your family dentist every year or so, though!

Everyone dreams of having dazzling pearly whites. The kind of brilliance that shines as bright as its wearers smile. Sadly, not everyone is born naturally with it. All too often, one must work very hard to achieve it. Beautifying this part will most probably involve a whitening procedure.

For people that have been meaning to whiten their teeth, there are various options you can try out. Now available in the market are some of the best teeth whitening kits that come at a very affordable price, so you do not necessarily need to do a full bleach at the dentist. If you want something easily accessible, you can try using over-the-counter whitening strips. These are white elastic strips (looks like gauze tape, really) that you wrap around your teeth. Most of these strips have fluoride a chemical long been proved to whiten teeth effectively.

There are risks to using whitening strips, however. This includes blotching and uneven patches. If you find it really bothersome to use whitening strips, you can opt for a more natural method baking soda paste. Baking soda is a familiar name among moms because of its many practical uses around the home. One particular use is stain removal.

If it can remove stains from dirty laundry, wooden floors, and woolen carpets, then it can definitely whiten teeth as well. Just create a paste-like mixture using baking soda powder and water and apply it to the desired area. This is not an overnight remedy to remove yellowness, but it will certainly improve the color in the long run. Of course, if all these other ways dont work for you, having a professional look after your teeth is a terrific choice. Undergoing a whitening procedure will bring you the desired results in less time.

Why dont you ask your family dentist about it today?

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Dental Procedures and Teeth Whitening for A Beautiful Smile - Longevity LIVE

Californias COVID-19 outbreak continues to worsen, with a grim new statistic revealing the 53,000 new confirmed infections diagnosed on Tuesday.

In a press briefing, Los Angeles Countys Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer described Southern California and the Central Valley regions struggle to suppress the surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations, specifically adding that with the current death rate, two people are dying every hour in Los Angeles County.

"We're experiencing an explosive and very deadly surge," Ferrer said.

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The Golden State has been under siege as coronavirus transmission increases across the country during the winter season.

Earlier reports document the state government providing about 5,000 body bags to the embattled Southern California counties, along with 60 refrigerated trailers to serve as additional morgue space.

On the county level, 99.9 percent of all counties in California are experiencing what the state health department classifies as widespread risk levels, bringing the state total of confirmed infections to 1,723,362.

Some 379 new deaths have been recorded across the state as of Dec. 17.

In Los Angeles County specifically, the new case trajectory is increasing,with more than 21,000 new confirmed infections as of Dec. 16.

Theeffect of these statistics on hospitals is substantial, matching statewide trends of rising inpatient admissions and dwindling capacity.

"Hospitals are under siege and our models show no end in sight," Christina Ghaly, Los Angeles Countys health services director said.

HOW DID THE UK GET THE CORONAVIRUS VACCINE BEFORE THE US?

FORMER ALABAMA STATE SENATOR DIES OF COVID-19, LAST WORDS ARE WE MESSED UP

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UK BECOMES FIRST WESTERN NATION TO AUTHORIZE COVID-19 VACCINE

Originally posted here:
'Explosive surge' of COVID-19 in LA sees two people dying every hour | TheHill - The Hill

Its the festive season and we all know what that means, a lot of holiday overindulgence. Often, we tend to drink more over the festive season than we would in the usual course of events. Copious alcohol consumption is not a great idea. Some alcoholic drinks though, like wine (both red and white) have health benefits. So, if you do choose to grab a few drinks this festive season, wine might be the better choice.

Red wine is well known for its benefits. Many medical professionals believe that a glass of red wine per day is a valuable part of a healthy, balanced diet. And many studies seemingly back this up. Red wine specifically has repeatedly been shown to reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease. However, these studies are associated with moderate red wine intake and. Its always difficult to know when moderate becomes too excessive. Excess consumption can negate all the benefits and might evencausehealth problems. So, the bottom line is yes, your daily glass of wine could be very beneficial for your health.

Red wine is made from dark grapes which are crushed with the skin on and then fermented. The alcohol content of wine generally ranges from12-15%.There are many variations of red wines and common varietals include Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, and Zinfandel. All of these varietals have been shown to have benefits when it comes to your health and wellness. Red wine contains a lot ofpowerful antioxidants.Many experts also agree that thealcohol in wineis a major contributing factor when it comes to health benefits.

Grapes themselves are rich in antioxidants which include resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, and proanthocyanidins. These are what are believed to be behind red wines healthy reputation. To expand upon this: Resveratrol is the antioxidant that is found in grape skin. According to Healthline, it is produced by many plants as a response to harm or injury. It has benefits such asfighting inflammation and blood clotting, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.Having said that, the amount of resveratrol in red wine is too low to makethat much of a difference. Youd need to consume several bottles per day to realize the benefit and that is obviously not recommended. If you want to increase your resveratrol intake, you can easily get a supplement that comes without the liver-damaging alcohol.

A small daily intake of red wine is linked to more health benefits than any other alcoholic drink. People who drink about 5oz (about 150ml) of red wine a day have a32% lower risk of heart disease than their teetotal counterparts.Any more than that per day though and your riskincreasesdramatically.Another studyfound that, for middle-aged men, drinking 13 glasses of red wine per day on 34 days of the week, may reduce the risk of stroke.

Red wine has also been associated with a reduced risk of:

If youre looking for an alcoholic drink with some actual health benefits, red wine is the way to go. It is, however, important to be aware of your overall alcohol intake. In Europe and America, moderate red wine consumption is considered to be 11.5 glasses a day for women and 12 glasses a day for men. Many health professionals also recommend having 1 or 2 alcohol-free days per week to allow your body to recover.

Alcohol Think Again. 2020. The Festive Season. [Online] Available at: https://alcoholthinkagain.com.au/alcohol-your-community/the-festive-season/

Arkwright, A. 2019. How to survive party season: Christmas health hacks. [Online] Available at: https://www.culturewhisper.com/r/lifestyle/how_to_be_healthy_at_christmas_wellness_guide/12721

Bhatnagar, S. 2019. Red Wine Or White Wine: Which Is Better For Your Health?. [Online] Available at: https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/red-wine-or-white-wine-which-is-better-for-your-health-1834678

Bjarnadottir, A MS. 2017. Red Wine: Good or Bad? [Online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-wine-good-or-bad#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2

Mukamal KJ, Ascherio A, Mittleman MA, Conigrave KM, Camargo CA Jr, Kawachi I, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Rimm EB. Alcohol and risk for ischemic stroke in men: the role of drinking patterns and usual beverage. [Online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15630105/

Truelsen T, Gronbaek M, Schnohr P, Boysen G. 1998. Intake of beer, wine, and spirits and risk of stroke: the Copenhagen city heart study. [Online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9836752/

US Department of Agriculture and US Department of Health and Human Services. 2010. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. [Online] Available at: https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2020-01/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf

Wine Enthusiast. 2020. Red Wine Information & Basics. [Online] Available at: https://www.winemag.com/2015/10/27/red-wine-basics/.

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Could red wine be a better choice this festive season? - Longevity LIVE - Longevity LIVE

Following the harassment of Christian Cooper in Central Park in May 2020, Black birders created #BlackBirdersWeek to celebrate Black nature enthusiasts and highlight their belonging in outdoor spaces. Since then, dozens of campaigns have emerged to amplify and appreciate Black academics, scientists, and naturalists.

Next up is #BlackInMarineScienceWeek, running from November 29th to December 5th.Led by founder Dr. Tiara Moore and organizers Amani Webber-Schultz, Dr. Camille Gaynus, Carlee Jackson, Al Troutman, Jasmin Graham, Jeanette Davis, Kris Howard, Leslie Townsell, Kaylee Arnold, and Jaida Elcock, this week represents an opportunity for community building and improved representation.

There are few Black folks in ecology and even fewer in marine ecology, says Arnold, a science communicator and disease ecologist. The network that Ive gained through organizing this week is phenomenal. Meeting other Black marine scientists and showing that to the world, especially young Black folks, is a way to say we exist, were here. We have a full day dedicated to young kids, which is unique and exciting.

The organizers hope that the week will help normalize Black folks doing marine research, inspire younger generations, and remind everyone to check their preconceived notions.

"When I say I study sharks people seem concerned about my swimming or my hair, [and] sometimes respond with 'Oh, thats super interesting'... I dont know if that's because it's unusual for people to study sharks or because Im Black and I study sharks, recalls Elcock, an elasmobranch movement ecologist, science communicator, and co-founder of Minorities in Shark Science. Science is for everybody. People say there isn't diversity because [Black] people arent interested... thats clearly not true theres a whole week dedicated [to it]."

Discussion this week will address the fact that exclusion, not lack of interest, led to todays lack of representation. Centuries of segregation and underinvestment in Black neighborhood pools led to, and are perpetuated by, these incorrect and harmful ideas.

My grandparents and my mom said there were just no pools for her to go to... I had a very different experience. Despite people trying to push us out of the water and science, we persevered, and now we get to break down those stereotypes, notes Arnold.

Black in Marine Science Week is here to do just that, showcasing organizers and participants from every imaginable marine science niche, all shaping how society views the oceans and its inhabitants.

There's more Black folks than even we know and are showcasing. I hope that if the media picks up on the number of us as well, and has better representation. Seminar series are extremely white, and now you have a resource of people you can invite instead, emphasizes Arnold, pointing to the necessity of non-Black marine scientists to step up and ensure representation continues beyond this joyous and educational week.

Continued here:
Scientists have restored youth to aging eyes in mice - Massive Science

Dec. 17, 2020 08:30 UTC

GALWAY, Ireland, & SAN DIEGO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ONK Therapeutics Ltd, an innovative natural killer (NK) cell therapy company, today announced that it has secured three new exclusive option license agreements which strengthen its off-the-shelf, dual-targeted natural killer (NK) cell therapy platform and extend its pre-clinical pipeline to four programs across both hematological and solid tumors.

The first option agreement, with Cellerant Therapeutics, gives exclusive rights to a humanized CLEC12A scFv binder. CLEC12A is strongly expressed by blasts in the majority of AML patients. The option to license has enabled ONK to expand its pre-clinical product portfolio, launching a fourth program (ONKT104). This dual-targeted approach combines the CLEC12A CAR with a TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand variant (TRAILv) targeting death receptor 4 (DR4).

While expressed on leukemic stem cells, CLEC12A is absent from normal hematopoietic stem cells and we thus expect that our dual-targeted NK cell therapy approach should enable safe targeting, with a reduced risk of prolonged aplasia in AML, said Prof Michael ODwyer MD, ONK Therapeutics co-founder, and CSO.

The second agreement in-licenses a humanized, tumor-specific antibody targeting an aberrantly glycosylated tumor-associated form of MUC1 (TA-MUC1) from Glycotope GmbH. Multiple solid tumor types express the mucin MUC1, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. This antibody will be integrated into ONKs pre-clinical program ONKT103, for solid tumors.

Non-selective targeting of MUC1 could be problematic since the target is also expressed by healthy tissues, but ODwyer explains how ONKs dual-targeted approach can be used to address this. We have designed a CAR tailored to the glycosylation pattern distinct to tumor-associated MUC1 with specific recognition of the carbohydrate antigens Tn and T on MUC1, the expression of which is restricted to cancer cells. Glycotope has identified the glycosylation pattern as a way to unlock the potential of TA-MUC1 as a solid tumor target. ONK is thus set to bring the natural benefits of NK cells over T cells to bear on TA-MUC1, in a tumor-specific fashion, while also further boosting efficacy and countering resistance through the use of our TRAIL variant targeting DR5, he said.

ONKs unique platform approach combines the expression of a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and a high affinity, membrane-bound TRAILv. The incorporation of these two humanized scFvs has the potential to minimize the risk of immunogenicity in the allogeneic setting.

ONK is also exploring several innovative strategies to improve the homing of NK cells. This is an important consideration as ex-vivo expansion can lead to changes in chemokine receptor expression. Through this new license agreement with the NIH, ONK plans to enforce the expression of CCR7, which is downregulated on NK cell expansion. This may improve the homing of NK cells to lymph nodes and is expected to be particularly useful for ONKs off-the-shelf CD19 program targeting B cell lymphoma, ONKT101, which is partnered with Avectas.

ONK is making rapid progress since it announced its most recent financing in October. Chris Nowers, ex Kite Pharma Head of Europe, who joined at that time as Chief Executive Officer, said: The recent American Society of Hematology meeting highlighted the NK cell therapy area as offering great hope as the next generation of advanced cell therapies. We believe our best-in-class off-the-shelf, dual-targeted NK cell therapy platform has the potential to improve performance and overcome some of the shortcomings seen with earlier approaches. These new licensing activities strengthen and expand our programs and illustrate our ambition and strategy to become a leader in this exciting field.

The company recently expanded its operations into the USA, moving into JLABS @ San Diego, Johnson & Johnson Innovations flagship facility, at the heart of San Diegos precision medicine and cell therapy cluster. This represents a second facility that complements its main R&D team and operations in Galway, Ireland. The companys recruitment drive across both facilities has been rapid and the company continues to expand its capability in key areas, including NK cell biology, construct design, gene editing, and process development.

-Ends-

ONK Therapeutics http://www.onktherapeutics.com ONK Therapeutics Ltd is an innovative cell therapy company dedicated to developing the next generation of off-the-shelf, dual-targeted NK cell therapies targeting solid and hematological cancers.

The company was founded in 2015, by Prof. ODwyer MD, of NUI Galway, an expert in translational multiple myeloma research, the tumor microenvironment, and exploitation of NK cells as cellular immunotherapy. Its core proprietary platform is based on a dual-targeted NK cell expressing both a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting a known tumor antigen and a TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand variant (TRAILv) targeting the death receptor pathway (i.e. DR4 or DR5). This unique approach has the potential to enhance efficacy by addressing both intrinsic (e.g. CAR engagement of a tumor-specific antigen) and extrinsic (e.g. signaling through the death receptor pathway) apoptotic pathways and to reduce the susceptibility to possible target antigen escape through the engagement of tumor antigen-independent TRAILv.

Its pre-clinical pipeline comprises four programs;

In addition to the unique dual-targeted NK cell therapy platform, the company has a strong research focus on strategies to enhance homing and persistence, and overcome exhaustion, including the exploration of proprietary gene edits, such as the deletion of checkpoint inhibitory receptors in NK cells.

ONK Therapeutics is headquartered in the med-tech hub of Galway, Ireland, with a wholly-owned US subsidiary, ONK Therapeutics, Inc. based at JLabs @ San Diego. Shareholders include Acorn Bioventures, ALSHC (principally Seamus Mulligan), and Enterprise Ireland.

Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Avectas - http://www.avectas.com Avectas is a cell engineering technology business that has developed a unique delivery platform, Solupore to enable the ex vivo manufacture of cell therapy products, which have high in-vivo functionality.

Glycotope http://www.glycotope.com Glycotope is a biotechnology company utilizing a proprietary technology platform to develop highly tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies called GlycoBodies. GlycoBodies bind to targets (GlycoTargets) tumor-specific carbohydrate structure dependent, enabling the development of highly-specific immunotherapies across a broad range of cancer indications. Glycotope has to date discovered in excess of 150 GlycoTargets with GlycoBodies against eight of these targets currently under development.

Each GlycoBody can be developed in an array of modalities with different modes of action providing a unique offering in the (immuno) oncology space. Currently, six clinical and pre-clinical programs based on the GlycoBody technology are under development by Glycotope or its licensing partners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201217005068/en/

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ONK Therapeutics Announces Three Exclusive Option License Agreements, Which Extend and Strengthen its Dual-Targeted NK Cell Therapy Pipeline -...

Kevin Croak, who taught acting at UW-Madison and appeared in independent films, was known for portraying bad guys.

He loved to play the mob bosses and the gangsters, from James Cagney onward, said Wil Loper, who directed Croak in several entries in the 48 Hour Film Project, an annual competition.

In real life, Croak was anything but a thug, said those who knew him. He was very gentle and mild-mannered, Loper said.

Croaks sister Cathy Braiman agreed. Its funny that the place he landed was this tough guy, she said. Its just the opposite of how I saw him.

Kevin Croak loved to play bad guys in films and dress up as a gangster, including during this photo shoot in 2014 on the UW-Madison campus.

Croak, 64, of Madison, died Nov. 28 from complications of COVID-19, according to what the medical examiner told the family, Braiman said. Single and living alone, Croak was found dead at his apartment a few days after calling in sick at his waiter job at Olive Garden near West Towne Mall. He had no underlying medical conditions that the family knew of, Braiman said.

He was the fourth of five children who grew up on Madisons West Side and attended Edgewood High School. His siblings left for Colorado, Maryland and Texas with one living in West Allis while Kevin stayed in the Madison area, where some cousins remain.

In the mid-80s, Jay Ekleberry hired Croak at Wisconsin Unions Mini Courses, now part of Wheelhouse Studios. Over more than 30 years, Croak taught basic acting techniques to hundreds of students in the five-week or six-week courses offered several times a year.

He really engaged people, Ekleberry said. He customized the class based on who was enrolled.

Loper directed Croak in six short films, including one for which Croak won a best actor award in 2016 in the 48 Hour Film Project in Milwaukee. When Loper would ask Croak to give his narration a bit of Rod Serling from Twilight Zone or Mr. Phelps from Mission Impossible, Croak knew exactly what he meant, Loper said.

On the next take, he would just nail it, Loper said. He lent gravitas towards it more so than caricature.

Kevin Croak is shown playing the lead role in "Gunner's Lament," a film shot in 2017 and directed by Jeremiah Zeier.

Croak was in nearly 400 films and more than 100 plays, including Madison Theatre Guild productions, according his undated online resume. I have made a career out of playing antagonists who ultimately come to an untimely end, including slippery politicians, smarmy lawyers, corrupt cops, mercurial mob mosses, sleazy nightclub owners, salacious Hollywood directors, eccentric professors and germaphobic pimps, the resume says.

Veronica Myers, who met Croak a few years ago while waitressing at Olive Garden, said she considered him her best friend.

Kevin had a way of interacting with people that made them feel like they were the only person in the world, she said.

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Following the harassment of Christian Cooper in Central Park in May 2020, Black birders created #BlackBirdersWeek to celebrate Black nature enthusiasts and highlight their belonging in outdoor spaces. Since then, dozens of campaigns have emerged to amplify and appreciate Black academics, scientists, and naturalists.

Next up is #BlackInMarineScienceWeek, running from November 29th to December 5th.Led by founder Dr. Tiara Moore and organizers Amani Webber-Schultz, Dr. Camille Gaynus, Carlee Jackson, Al Troutman, Jasmin Graham, Jeanette Davis, Kris Howard, Leslie Townsell, Kaylee Arnold, and Jaida Elcock, this week represents an opportunity for community building and improved representation.

There are few Black folks in ecology and even fewer in marine ecology, says Arnold, a science communicator and disease ecologist. The network that Ive gained through organizing this week is phenomenal. Meeting other Black marine scientists and showing that to the world, especially young Black folks, is a way to say we exist, were here. We have a full day dedicated to young kids, which is unique and exciting.

The organizers hope that the week will help normalize Black folks doing marine research, inspire younger generations, and remind everyone to check their preconceived notions.

"When I say I study sharks people seem concerned about my swimming or my hair, [and] sometimes respond with 'Oh, thats super interesting'... I dont know if that's because it's unusual for people to study sharks or because Im Black and I study sharks, recalls Elcock, an elasmobranch movement ecologist, science communicator, and co-founder of Minorities in Shark Science. Science is for everybody. People say there isn't diversity because [Black] people arent interested... thats clearly not true theres a whole week dedicated [to it]."

Discussion this week will address the fact that exclusion, not lack of interest, led to todays lack of representation. Centuries of segregation and underinvestment in Black neighborhood pools led to, and are perpetuated by, these incorrect and harmful ideas.

My grandparents and my mom said there were just no pools for her to go to... I had a very different experience. Despite people trying to push us out of the water and science, we persevered, and now we get to break down those stereotypes, notes Arnold.

Black in Marine Science Week is here to do just that, showcasing organizers and participants from every imaginable marine science niche, all shaping how society views the oceans and its inhabitants.

There's more Black folks than even we know and are showcasing. I hope that if the media picks up on the number of us as well, and has better representation. Seminar series are extremely white, and now you have a resource of people you can invite instead, emphasizes Arnold, pointing to the necessity of non-Black marine scientists to step up and ensure representation continues beyond this joyous and educational week.

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