No matter how you size them up they are BIG!
Lily Pads known as The Giant Water Lily…
Native of the Amazon but we found them in Waimea, Oahu!
The Giant Water Lily lives up to its name!
Just the facts:
- Leaves 7 ft. in diameter!
- Holds up to 300 pounds!
More about the flower:
- Scientific name is Victoria Amazonica.
- Purple undersurface of leaves is a network of ribs.
- Air trapped in between ribs allows the leaves to float.
Seeing is believing!
- Flowers last only 48 hours.
- First evening flowers open as white.
- Flower scent attracts a beetle that deposits pollen in the flower.
- Flower shuts, trapping the beetle until the next evening.
- Second evening flower reopens as purplish-red.
- Beetle flies off to find another white flower.
Add Lily Pads to your home décor with a custom print.
Available framed, unframed, museum back or canvas gallery wrap.
Other images can be seen at www.BabesPhotos.com/scenics
Contact Arlene for details.


(D) Heatmap showing relative distribution of VST-normalized counts (calculated using DEseq2 package) for 60 miRNAs assigned to one of five groups: PV enriched, Gad2 enriched, vGluT2 enriched, neuron enriched, and neuron depleted. LoxP-STOP-LoxP cassette; RFP, red fluorescent protein; NC, negative control; NLS, nuclear localization signal; PC, positive control; P2A, Porcine Teschovirus 2A peptide; RISC, RNA-induced silencing complex; Rpl22, ribosomal protein 22; TgUPRT, uracil phosphoribosyltransferase; V5, V5 epitope tag; WPRE, Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Postranscriptional Response Element; 2A, P2A self-processing peptide.(PNG) pbio.3000374.s001.png (1.8M) GUID:?0122DC51-9E49-4B22-8549-0402C01996BF S2 Fig: Validation of Tagger expression in tissues and cells by multiple methods. (A) Expression of Tagger in different tissues assessed by immunoblot, with anti-FLAG antibody detecting the terminal component of the construct (Ago-Tag protein). Expression was detected in multiple heterozygous (TAG/+) but not WT (+/+) tissues. (B) Expression of Kojic acid Tagger in mouse retina, stained for V5 (Ago-Tag) in light purple. Dark brown tissue to the left is naturally pigmented epithelial cells. (C) FFPE sections from original Ribo-Tag mice (top) and Tagger mice (middle) immunostained for Rpl22 (HA); prefix Omni- refers to the ubiquitous activation of the transgenes; FNF-Tagger (bottom) was used as a control. Overall expression between the two mouse lines was indistinguishable. (D) Immunoblot comparing expression levels of Rpl22-HA protein in Tagger and in the original RiboTag mice; prefix Omni- refers to the ubiquitous activation of the transgenes. (E) Immunofluorescence verification of expression specificity, using antibodies directed to cell type marker proteins (parvalbumin, Gad67, and Satb2 for respectively PV, Gad2, and vGluT2 Taggers. RFP channel is endogenous fluorescence. (F) FACS analysis of natively isolated (unfixed) nuclei sorted using anti-HA antibodies (detecting Ribo-Tag protein). Only the NeuN-positive population was shown. FACS, fluorescence activated cell sorting; FFPE, formalin fixed paraffin embedded; FNF, FRT-NeoR-FRT; Gad2, glutamic acid decarboxylase 2; Gad67, glutamic acid decarboxylase 67; HA, hemagglutinin; NeuN, neuronal nuclei; PV, parvalbumin; RFP, red fluorescent protein; Rpl22, ribosomal protein 22; Satb2, special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2; SSC, side scatter; vGluT2, vesicular glutamate transporter 2; WT, wild-type.(PNG) pbio.3000374.s002.png (9.4M) GUID:?CB7F5D1A-9060-433D-AC87-04B18BB7C147 S3 Fig: In SOX18 vivo two-photon imaging. (A) Fluorescence of RFP-NLS expressing nuclei in the cortex at different depths of an anesthetized mouse. (B) Experimental time line for monitoring RFP-NLS expression using two-photon microscopy: imaging started directly after the cranial window surgery, allowing unilateral access to the somatosensory cortex. Expression of RFP-NLS was monitored immediately before and after a laser lesion for 240 minutes (every 5 minutes for 1 hour, every 10 minutes for 2 hours, and every 20 minutes for 1 hour). (C) Images depicting RFP-NLS expression of the same population of nuclei before, immediately after (0, 5, 10 minutes), and long after (60, 120, 180, 240 minutes) laser lesion (red circle). Images are maximum intensity projections (MIPs) of two z-sections with 3-m z-steps and were acquired at a depth of 180 m. White circle surrounds the region of decreased RFP-NLS expression surrounding the lesion, which increased in diameter during the 240 minutes after lesion. (D) Enlarged excerpt of B (inset at 240 Kojic acid minutes) showing the fate of RFP-expressing nuclei close to the site of lesion. Most of the nuclei kept their fluorescence (white arrow), while just a few nuclei showed a compartmentalization (violet arrow). MIP, maximum intensity projection; RFP-NLS, red fluorescent protein-nuclear Kojic acid localization signal.(TIF) pbio.3000374.s003.tif (2.5M) GUID:?79399655-167F-448A-82BB-4BB66964D8C7 S4 Fig: Optimization of combined Ribo-Tag and Ago-Tag procedures. (A) ICIII, Agilent bioanalyzer small RNA analysis of IP done with anti-HA (I), and anti-V5 (II) and anti-FLAG (III) antibodies. Antibodies directed to Ago-Tag (V5 and FLAG) lead to the retention of miRNAs (marked with arrows). The anti-HA antibody leads to much higher levels of other types of small RNAs included in the ribosomal complexes (small ribosomal RNA, tRNA, residual pre-miRNA species, etc.) but retains no detectable mature miRNAs. IV, Comparison of Ago-Tag IP done with anti-FLAG magnetic agarose (solid line trace) and a combination of anti-FLAG antibody and PGDB (gray filled trace) shows no noticeable difference in performance. (B) Ribo-Tag IP done with increasing stringency of wash buffer. (C) IP western blot of ribosomes and RISC. Rps6 and Ago2 coprecipitating with Rpl22-HA (top blot) and Dicer 1 and endogenous Ago2 coprecipitating with FLAG-V5-Ago2 (bottom blot). Top and bottom blots represent two different membranes loaded with equal amounts of the same samples. Ago2, Argonaute 2; HA, hemagglutinin; IP, immunoprecipitation; miRNA, microRNA; Kojic acid PGDB, Protein G Dynabeads; RISC, RNA-induced silencing complex; Rpl22, large subunit ribosomal protein 22; Rps6, small subunit ribosomal protein 6.(TIF) pbio.3000374.s004.tif (824K) GUID:?3DCE9E9C-2469-4D9F-8A50-92CBB460BBE3 S5 Fig: TU-Tag reproducibility. (A) Comparison of two independent purifications using TU-Tag. Heatmap is of Z-score calculated from TPM values, calculated as follows: Z = (xCmean(input))/SD(row), where SD is standard deviation. The complete set of TPM values related to.


The goal of disinfection of public water supplies is to eliminate pathogens that cause water-borne diseases. In addition to potential pathogens, raw water may also contain pollutants that may interfere with the disinfection process. These pollutants include inorganic and organic molecules, particles, and other organisms, such as invertebrates.
Disinfection of drinking water is to prevent the occurrence of intestinal infectious diseases. Commonly used disinfection methods are the addition of liquid chloride, sodium hypochlorite. Chlorination not only helps prevent spread of Escherichia coli infections, it can also destroy bacteria, algae and mold that may grow on the walls of the water storage system.
Poly aluminium chloride PAC is the common used coagulant in drinking water treatment, which can make flocs form and settle quickly, and the formed flocs are easy to filter.
The direct indicator to evaluate the disinfection effect of tap water is the total number of bacteria, the total coliform group, and the indirect indicator is turbidity and residual chlorine.


In Biological Sciences .
Contact: Phone (603) 862-5346, email@example.com
Consult the Shoals Marine Laboratory website for current offerings: www.shoalsmarinelaboratory.org.
The Shoals Marine Laboratory, a cooperative venture with the University of New Hampshire, is located on Appledore Island in the Gulf of Maine. SML provides academic advising for students interested in the marine sciences and in SML programs: both short-term courses and semester plans. SML provides opportunities to take courses and do independent research in basic biology, marine biology, marine science and sustainability. Appledore Island, home of SML, is noted for its marine and terrestrial biota sustainability program, and place in New England history. SML has a national reputation for excellence and is North America’s largest marine field station focusing on undergraduate education. Students and faculty form a tight-knit community at SML, and can literally and figuratively immerse themselves in their academic explorations. Please refer to the Shoals Marine Laboratory section under Biological Sciences for a list of courses (BIOSM) offered. Students interested in marine biology should visit the Shoals Marine Laboratory website and contact the SM Cornell Academic Coordinator listed on the staff page.
Cornell courses offered at SML are full-time and intense (most courses run for two weeks and award 3 Cornell credits). Courses fulfill Cornell major and concentration requirements (for example: BIOSM 1780 - Evolution and Marine Diversity , BIOSM 1500 - Investigative Marine Biology Laboratory and BIOSM 1610 - Ecology and the Marine Environment ). Students on Appledore Island come from all Cornell majors and colleges, and across the globe. A typical day combines lectures, laboratory and field work (in boats and on the shore). Field trips include investigations of nearby islands or habitats on the mainland, and collecting and research excursions aboard the laboratory’s 47-foot research vessel, John M. Kingsbury, or the 36-foot research vessel, John B. Heiser. Paid research internship opportunities (marine biology, seabirds, marine education, historic garden interpretation and curation, and sustainable engineering) are also available. Field experience and practical hands-on learning in Appledore Island’s intertidal and subtidal zones, and seabird colonies, is an integral part of the SML experience.


Until now, the best tool to determine if a patient had mononucleosis was the Monospot test. This test uses a blood sample to look for antibodies created by the immune system in response to the infecting virus.
However, the Monospot is expensive and not very accurate early in the disease, as antibody levels do not peak until a person has had mononucleosis for over a week. So, a patient with an inconclusive Monospot results will need additional testing. Therefore, a new test which is more accurate in the detection of mononucleosis is welcome news.
This test, analyses white blood cells directly via a routine blood sample and seems to be able to more accurately determine if the a patient’s sore throat is the result of mononucleosis.
In a study, published in the Archives of Otolaryngology, researchers looked at the white blood cell counts in 220 patients of whom 100 had tonsillitis and 120 had mononucleosis. Those patients with mononucleosis had a higher average number of lymphocytes, a specific type of white blood cell, than those with tonsillitis.
In fact, the authors conclude, this test can accurately diagnose mononucleosis 90 percent of the time, better than the Monospot test’s 85 percent effectiveness and at a cheaper price.
"The specificity and sensitivity of this test seem to be better than the mononucleosis spot test itself," the authors write.


Control of Success
The most reliable proof of success of the treatment is the vanishing pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropine (ß-HCG). We give you a special urinary test to do this important control yourself at home. Please call and tell us the result. Most often no further tests nor ultrasound is needed. So we can close your case as 'One-Stop MTOP' (medical termination of pregnancy).
Only if you are still bleeding or if our low sensitivity pregnancy test still reacts positive, you need physicians visit including an ultrasound.
Already after one week, in most cases no or only sparse remains are still visible. If this is not longer than one week after the start of the treatment and if you want a long-acting contraception, a Mirena® could be inserted.
In rare cases, persisting remains or even an ongoing pregnancy must be removed by surgical means. It is worth to wait with such a curretage for several weeks to see the real neccessity of this operation. In case of an ongoing pregnancy, you should be aware of the possibility of a damage to the embryo through the medicaments Mifegyne® and Cytotec®.
If the pregnancy was not visible by ultrasound at the first visit, rare risks of an extrauterine pregnancy must be considered. In such cases we monitor the treatment and control the success by measuring the blood levels of the pregnancy hormone β-HCG every 2 to 3 days.
The pregnancy hormone β-HCG disappears completely only after several weeks. Sensitive pregnancy tests have a treshold of 5 units / ml and react sometimes positive to remaining hormones even up to 6 weeks after a termination of pregnancy. We give you for your control at home a low sensitivity pregnancy test with a positive reaction with treshold above 1'000 units / ml. the vanishing pregnancy hormone is more significant than results of a control by ultrasound.


BIOMED Labordiagnostik GmbH is known as a reliable and innovative partner for diagnostics in human medicine. Our core competencies are diagnostic products and instruments for routine and special laboratories for the detection and prevention of diseases. Whether immunology, infectiology, cytology, haematology or safe screening methods – we cover a wide range of test procedures. In close cooperation with customers, suppliers and employees, we develop products that enable us to expand the test spectrum and thus achieve clear test results with optimum product quality and uncompromising quality standards. Our product portfolio includes a wide range of reagents for all common analytical instruments to measure electrolytes, enzymes, substrates, proteins and other parameters on your automated clinical chemistry analyser. Our latex and concentrated reagents are particularly valued.


206 High St, Suite 2
PO Box 726
New Windsor, MD 21776
products & services
Products and Services
ImmTech has extensive experience in the development and manufacture of kits and reagents for use in biodetection assays, including an antigen detection kit for the detection of Influenza A nucleoprotein, and a variety of substrates, buffers, and accessory reagents that can be used to enhance the performance of enzyme immunoassays (photometric as well as chemiluminescent), immunofluorescent assays and immunohistochemical assays.
ImmTech offers a series of high quality reagents and supplies for the ImmunoMagnetic Separation (IMS) of multiple types of microorganisms from complex sample matrices. This technology includes analyte-specific paramagnetic beads (Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Entercocci, and Giardia) and accessory reagents that permit the rapid, sensitive, and specific isolation of the selected target.
ImmTech is the exclusive distributor for FAS-detect ELISA and FAS-detect IHC, products designed to detect and measure Fatty Acid Synthase in human serum and tissues, respectively.
ImmTech has successfully developed innovative new technologies with broad application in the immunodiagnostic industry. These technologies include products developed by ImmTech for commercialization/licensing as well as products developed for clients. ImmTechs broad-based expertise also extends to process evaluation/improvement, scale-up/tech transfer, and the manufacture of kits and components for in vitro diagnostic use.


PRP, or Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements: plasma, or the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing throughout the body. Platelets are well-known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains more platelets than normal. PRP injections can be effective in treating male pattern baldness, both in preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. PRP can also aid in the stimulation of hair growth after hair transplants. Multiple treatments are recommended and are needed to maintain hair growth.
PRP Treatment Areas


Kenalog Hay Fever Injections
If you’re one of the 10-15% that suffer from Hay fever, you’ll know how unpleasant the symptoms can be. Hay fever is quite simply the byproduct of an overzealous immune system, reacting to the presence of pollen, albeit harmless to your health, in your body.
Although there is, as yet, no ‘cure’ for hay fever, the symptoms can be greatly suppressed through a variety of treatments. Antihistamines, for example, are available over-the-counter and via prescription. Unfortunately, the symptoms of around 10% of sufferers do not readily respond to these type of treatments. As an alternative, sufferers may consider the use of steroids to help suppress the body’s immune response. This is where the Kenalog injection comes in.
The Kenalog injection administers the steroids directly into the muscle, and as it doesn’t travel through the liver or the digestive system you can administer a slightly lower dose than the tablet form. From here they pass into the bloodstream over a period of about three weeks. A single injection can suppress the symptoms of Hay fever for the duration of hay fever season, which compared to taking tablets every day, is massively convenient.
Hay Fever can seriously disrupt the lives of sufferers, but Kenalog injections have helped many of them to suppress and control their symptoms. To find out more, or to book an appointment at the Harpenden Skin Clinic get In touch using our contact form, by clicking here – or give us a call on 01582 822 000


Sometimes, in the midst of all the stress, it’s nice to see that life goes on. My new job is good, but has a steep learning curve, which is stressful. And some family situations are adding to the pile. I am struggling to find the writing time I need to finish my next book or to write blog posts. But for the last three weeks, I’ve watched a couple of killdeer fight the ridiculous battle they fight every year to reproduce.
It’s one thing to put a nest in a tree, effectively excluding a large set of predators. It’s quite another thing for ground birds to adequately position and protect their nest. And sometimes, their lack of understanding when it comes to human construction produces an interesting situation.
This year, they chose a spot near the edge of our gravel driveway — a spot that happens to be our heavily-used turn around spot. For over three weeks, they’ve squawked at and pecked away anything that came near their nest. Being the nice humans we are, we put a wagon in the way so nobody would drive over the eggs. Then we watched as the pair protected their nest and took turns sitting on the eggs.
Killdeer are interesting birds. Their first line of defense is the fact that they’re difficult to see if you don’t already know where they are. When sitting on the nest, they hunch down and blend into the gravel. You wouldn’t know they were there unless you got too close.
If a large predator (like a human) gets too close to the nest, the killdeer have an interesting way of protecting it. They run away from their nest and fake injury so the predator will think they’re easy prey. Once chased, they fly a little farther and repeat the process until the predator is far enough away from the nest to no longer be a threat. I watched this happen with our dog multiple times. It certainly worked on her.
They also mercilessly attack other birds that approach. One day, I was concerned when I saw two crows waddling toward the nest. I was about to go outside and shoo them away, when both killdeer appeared out of nowhere and pecked at the crows until they left. Even more interesting, several other non-related birds joined in the attack. (Apparently, it’s not just farmers that don’t like crows)
The eggs finally hatched yesterday. One at a time, the baby birds came out of their eggs, then rested for awhile. After awhile, they got up and ran all over the place. Killdeer are up and running within minutes of hatching — one of their special skills. Mom and Dad chased them around and eventually herded them back to the nest. I think I probably gave the poor parents a heart attack when I got close enough to take some pictures and a video.
Anyway, this post contains a picture and a very short video of these cute little buggers. A reminder to me that no matter what else is happening, life goes on.


In New Zealand, testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men between the ages of 15 and 44.
While rare, testicular cancer is one of the most survivable and curable forms of cancer, if detected and treated early. Every year, 170 men are diagnosed with Testicular Cancer in New Zealand with around 140 of them under the age of 44.
Know the signs of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer can present as a painless lump or an enlargement or hardening of the testicles which is often painless.
These are some of the symptoms to be aware of:
- Any enlargement of a testicle
- A significant loss of size in one of the testicles
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen, back or in the groin
- A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
Know your normal and self check regularly
Monthly self-testicular exams are important to notice changes in one’s testicles. Self-testicular exams allow you to become familiar with your testicles thus making it easier to notice any changes.
Most testicular cancers can be found at an early stage, when they're small and haven't spread. If you do notice any lumps or changes from your normal, see a medical professional immediately.
The best time to check your testicles is after a bath or a shower.
Know your family history
Men with undescended testes at birth, or who have a family history, like a father or brother who has had testicular cancer, are at an increased risk.
Testicular cancer is highly treatable and one of the most curable forms of cancer. Self-exams, starting in the adolescent years, are key for the early detection of testicular cancer.
Ball Checking Cards
These cards show you how to know what is normal for your balls, so that you can identify what isn't normal.


Myth: Muscles Turn Into Fat When We Quit Exercising
This is impossible simply because muscle and fat are composed of totally different cells. While exercising you do not produce more cells (hyperplasia) but only increase the volume of the existing ones (hypertrophy). When you quit exercising your muscle sells just relax. Muscle mass maintaining requires very small amount of energy, 13 calories per kilogram daily. The persons who exercise have more needs for food so they can maintain and increase their muscles. When they suddenly quit doing exercises their need for food decrease and their muscles stop increasing as well. In other words, it is true that the food they eat after they quit exercising turns into fat because they are not active anymore, but it is not true that the same thing happens with their muscle cells. It will be more like… a magic.
Myth: Red Liquid in Raw Meat is Blood
The truth is that there is almost no blood in the meat we buy, except in the steak and similar meat, but those are very small amounts of blood in them. When you buy chicken or so-called “white meat,” you can never see any blood because it has already been removed during slaughter. Red meat, especially beef, contain quite a bit of water. In combination with a protein called myoglobin, this water ends up comprising most of that red liquid.
Myth: Ostriches Bury Their Heads in Sand
Contrary to popular belief, not one ostrich bury their heads in the sand. You’ve probably heard that ostriches do such a thing when they are in danger. Well, let’s think logically! With their acute eyesight and hearing, ostriches can sense predators from far away. Since the ostriches can run at over 70 kilometers per hour (43 mph) for up to 30 minutes, it will be very foolish of them to just bury they heads in the sand in order to protect theirself. However, when threatened the ostrich will lay its head to the ground, so that its body will resemble a bush to passing predators. To an observer it may look like the ostriches bury their heads in the sand, but they actually never do that.
Myth: Shaving Increases Hair Growth
Researches that have been led since 1920 show that shaving neither increases hair growth nor causes the hair to become thicker or darker. Skin organs that produce hair are follicles and they are located beneath the surface of the skin, which means that there is no possibility you can touch them with your razor. To make it even clearer, let’s think logically again. For example, if shaving really increase the hair growth then why it is not used as a cure for male patterned baldness. All what the men suffering from baldness would have to do is to shave their heads periodically. It just doesn’t happen. If you still are asking yourself “Than why my hairs are thicker and darker than few years ago,” the answer is simple… the aging process.
Myth: Sushi is Raw Fish
Wrong! Sashimi is thinly sliced raw seafood that is usually served in restaurants along with sushi, but sushi itself is not raw fish! Sushi is vinegared rice that is most often, but not always, paired with raw seafood. For example, the Seattle roll sushi typically consists cucumber, avocado, and raw or smoked salmon.
Myth: The Sun is Yellow
Yes, it is surprising! Even though it appears yellow in the sky, the color of the sun is actually white. For you computer geeks out there, the exact color of the sun is #fff5f2. The reason the Sun appears yellow on Earth is that our atmosphere scatters light from the Sun – so the apparent color of the sun changes. This same scattering effect is why the sky looks blue during the day instead of black, like during the night.
Myth: We Use Only 10% of Our Brain
This myth has been misattributed to many people, including Albert Einstein. However, there is no scientific data which support this statement. The truth is that every part of the brain has its function. Our brain is active even when we sleep, it is just in a different active state. If 90% of brain is “inactive” or “unused,” then how it is possible that damage to these areas impair performance? There is almost no part of the brain that can be damaged without loss of abilities.
Myth: Tongue Has Different Taste Zones
This myth has begun when Edwin G. Boring, a Harvard psychologist, mistranslated a German paper written by German scientist D.P. Hanig, in 1901. The truth is there isn’t any ‘tongue map.’ Everybody can sense (more or less) every taste everywhere on the tongue where there are taste bud, with slight variations that are random from person to person.


Kiwi fruit was transferred to New Zealand from the Far East, where it became an export fruit that was renamed “Kiwi” in honor of the famous bird native to this country. Kiwi fruit is grown in California today, making it available year-round. Kiwi have a brown, "fuzzy" peel with a vibrant green flesh darted with tiny black seeds, which are safe to eat.
Store at room temperature, uncovered and out of the sun. It is ripe when it yields to gentle pressure.
Kiwi fruit is best enjoyed in its raw form. Slice the fruit in two and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. The fruit may also be peeled and sliced into attractive pieces.


St Augustine has an attractive blue-green color and forms a deep, fairly dense turf. It spreads by above ground runners and has broad, flat blades. Often the most popular choice for lawns throughout the southern US, St Augustine can grow in a wide range of soil types. It thrives in heat and does well under drought conditions. St Augustine is moderately good under heavy foot traffic and is somewhat shade tolerant. While it is aggressive, it is easily controlled around borders.
Centipede is a low, medium textured grass that makes a dense, attractive, weed free turf. It is more shade tolerant than Bermuda but less shade tolerant than St Augustine or Zoysia. Since it produces only surface runners, it is easily controlled around borders, flower beds and walks. Centipede's popularity as a lawn grass stems from its adaptation to low fertility conditions and its low maintenance requirements. It is generally resistant to most insects and diseases.
Bermuda grass is drought resistant, grows on many soils and makes good turf. Because it can withstand heavy traffic, it is a major species used for sports fields, parks, golf courses and lawns. Tifway 419 Hybrid Bermuda has improved disease resistance, greater density, better weed resistance, fewer seed heads and a finer, softer texture with a more favorable color.
Zoysia is extremely drought tolerant. Although it turns straw colored under extreme drought conditions, it has the capacity to respond to subsequent irrigation or rainfall. It conserves moisture more effectively than other species and has a deep root system allowing it to extract water from greater soil depths. Zoysia is nearly as salt tolerant as Bemuda and is among the most wear tolerant turf grasses. It does, however, grow slowly, so recuperation is slow. It is fairly shade tolerant.


Uterine contractions are a natural part of pregnancy, and they are responsible for helping your body get ready for the eventual delivery of your baby. While contractions can be uncomfortable, they are not usually painful, and they typically happen without any warning. However, there are some situations where contractions can be an indication of a more serious problem, and it is important to be aware of them so that you can take appropriate action when necessary.
One of the most common causes of uterine contractions is dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, it will often respond by contracting the uterus in an attempt to conserve fluid. This is why it is so important to drink plenty of water throughout your pregnancy, especially during hot weather or if you are participating in strenuous activities.
Another common cause of uterine contractions is stress. When you are under stress, your body produces hormones that can cause the uterus to contract. This is why it is important to find ways to manage your stress during pregnancy, such as through exercise, meditation, or other relaxing activities.
Physical activity can also trigger uterine contractions, especially if you have been inactive for some time. This is because physical activity can increase the blood flow to the uterus and cause it to contract. However, if you experience frequent or painful contractions during physical activity, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to make sure that everything is okay.
Medical conditions such as premature labor, placental abruption, or gestational diabetes can also cause uterine contractions. If you experience frequent or painful contractions, especially before your due date, it is important to seek medical attention right away to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.
In summary, uterine contractions are a natural part of pregnancy, but they can be caused by a variety of factors. If you experience frequent or painful contractions, or if you are concerned about your health or the health of your baby, it is important to seek medical attention right away. By staying aware of the factors that can cause uterine contractions, you can help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.


Avidea’s SNAPvaxTM Tolerance Vaccine Program Boosted by SAB Appointments and Encouraging Preclinical Data
BALTIMORE, Maryland – Avidea Technologies, Inc. (“Avidea”), a biotechnology company developing ‘precision’ immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmunity, announced today the appointment of Professor Christopher Jewell, a Minta Martin Professor of Engineering at the University of Maryland Fischell Department of Bioengineering, and Dr. Peter Calabresi, Director of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center at Johns Hopkins, to Avidea’s scientific advisory board (SAB).
“Professor Jewell is an international leader in biomaterials research for immunotherapeutic applications, particularly for treating autoimmune diseases, and Dr. Calabresi is an internationally recognized physician-scientist in the fields of MS and neuroinflammation who has substantial experience treating patients with MS and advancing promising new therapies through clinical testing. Their expertise will be a huge asset to both our basic research and translational efforts in the tolerance space,” said Nick Fullenkamp, Avidea’s CBO.
As members of the SAB, Jewell and Calabresi will advise Avidea’s research and clinical development strategy, including Avidea’s efforts to develop a tolerance vaccine for MS, referred to as SVT201. SVT201 is based on Avidea’s vaccine platform technology, SNAPvaxTM, which leverages self-assembly to codeliver multiple antigens and immunomodulators in nanoparticles optimized for priming T cell immunity for various applications, including autoimmunity and cancer treatment (Lynn G, et al. Nature Biotechnology, 2020).
“The modularity of SNAPvax enables a plug-and-play approach to precisely control the type and specificity of immune response desired,” said Dr. Andrew Ishizuka, Avidea’s CSO. “Avidea’s tolerance vaccine (“SNAPvax TV”) is optimized for priming regulatory T cell (Treg) responses against antigens implicated in autoimmune diseases. Preclinical data show that SNAPvax TV primes Tregs and mitigates disease in a mouse model of MS referred to as EAE.”
“Most existing treatments for autoimmune diseases are non-specific, broadly immunosuppressive, and often don’t lead to a cure. SNAPvax TV induces Tregs that suppress inflammation and block autoreactive responses in an antigen-specific manner, thereby providing a more targeted, and potentially curative, treatment,” said Dr. Geoffrey Lynn, CEO of Avidea Technologies. “Our SNAPvax TV candidate for MS provides the advantage of targeting all the major myelin antigens. We believe this will lead to broader Treg responses, which may be key for treating MS.”
Avidea’s founding team and advisors include experts in synthetic vaccines and T cell biology out of the NIH’s Vaccine Research Center. “The appointment of Jewell and Calabresi expands our capabilities in tolerance and reaffirms our commitment to advancing treatments for autoimmunity,” said Lynn. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Professor Jewell and Dr. Calabresi and are certain their insights will lead us to developing better therapies for the patients who need them.”
In addition to these appointments, the Jewell Lab at UMD was recently awarded a Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) grant to evaluate the SNAPvax TV technology in preclinical animal models (Avidea/UMD MIPS Award - 5/17/21). This is in addition to Avidea’s ongoing Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (Avidea/NIH CRADA – 2/23/17) with the NIH’s Vaccine Research Center to evaluate SNAPvax in preclinical models.
“The SAB appointments build upon our existing partnerships with UMD and NIH to significantly expand our capabilities in autoimmunity,” said Lynn. “These relationships are creating a lot of synergy that have already yielded some exciting discoveries we expect will translate to better, more targeted, therapies.”
About Avidea: Avidea is a private biotechnology that is advancing the next generation of safer and more effective T cell immunotherapies for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. Avidea’s precision immunotherapies are enabled by two polymer-drug conjugate technologies, SNAPvax and SyntholyticTM, which were purpose-built to address the need for improved T cell immunotherapies. The SNAPvax and Syntholytic platforms are enabling a pipeline of immunotherapies that will enter clinical testing in 2022 and 2023. For more information visit www.avideatechnologies.com.
About Christopher Jewell: Prof. Jewell’s research integrates immunology and biomaterials to decipher the interactions between synthetic materials and immune tissues to improve therapeutic vaccines for cancer and autoimmune diseases. He has authored over 100 manuscripts and patents. Prof. Jewell undertook postdoctoral training as a Ragon Institute Fellow with Prof. Darrell Irvine at MIT and as a Visiting Scientist at Harvard with Prof. Dan Barouch in the Division of Vaccine Research. For more information visit: http://jewell.umd.edu.
About Peter Calabresi: Peter A. Calabresi, MD is a Professor of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Director of the Johns Hopkins Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center. Dr. Calabresi is also Director of the Richard T. Johnson Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale College and medical degree from Brown University. Dr. Calabresi completed residency training at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, and a post-doctoral research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, Neuroimmunology Branch. For more information visit: http://www.calabresilab.com.
Contact: Geoffrey Lynn, PhD, Avidea’s CEO, is available to comment.


Revolutionize Your Healthcare Team: Hiring Medical Technologists
Published on March 8th, 2023
Medical technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists or clinical laboratory scientists) are healthcare professionals who perform laboratory tests on patient specimens, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples, to help diagnose and treat diseases. They use various types of laboratory equipment and techniques to analyze specimens and interpret results. There are quite a few things you should be careful about while hiring medical technologists, in inorder to make a visible difference in your healthcare team. Here’s a detailed read on hiring medical technologists.
Medical technologists also ensure the accuracy of test results by following strict laboratory protocols and quality control procedures. They may work in hospitals, clinics, research labs, or other healthcare settings, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide accurate and timely diagnoses. To put it in simple words, hiring medical technologists has a humungous role in revolutionizing your healthcare team.
Benefits of Hiring Medical Technologists
Medical technologists play a vital role in the healthcare industry by performing a wide range of laboratory tests and analyses. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Performing Laboratory Tests: Medical technologists are responsible for performing various laboratory tests, including microbiology, hematology, blood banking, clinical chemistry, and immunology. They use complex laboratory equipment and techniques to analyze patient samples and generate accurate results.
- Analyzing Results: After performing laboratory tests, medical technologists analyze the results and communicate their findings to physicians and other healthcare professionals. They must be able to interpret test results accurately and make appropriate recommendations for patient care.
- Maintaining Laboratory Equipment: Medical technologists are responsible for maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment to ensure that it operates correctly and produces accurate results. They must also troubleshoot equipment problems and perform routine maintenance tasks to ensure that the laboratory operates efficiently.
- Quality Control: Medical technologists are responsible for performing quality control procedures to ensure that the laboratory equipment and testing procedures are accurate and reliable. They must also comply with regulatory standards and maintain accurate records of all laboratory procedures.
- Ensuring Safety: Medical technologists must follow strict safety protocols to ensure that laboratory samples are handled safely and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. They must also ensure that the laboratory equipment is functioning correctly and that all safety protocols are followed.
- Training and Supervision: Medical technologists are responsible for training new staff and students in laboratory procedures and protocols. They may also be responsible for supervising other laboratory personnel, such as medical laboratory technicians and phlebotomists.
- Research and Development: Medical technologists may also conduct research and development projects to improve laboratory testing procedures and develop new diagnostic tools and techniques.
Medical technologists play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. They must be highly skilled, detail-oriented, and able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Why Hire Medical Technologists
Apart from these benefits you just read, here are some results that the medical technologists could bring in order to be the core of your healthcare team. Here’s what they provide:
- Accurate diagnoses: Medical technologists play a critical role in the diagnostic process, providing accurate and reliable laboratory test results that physicians and other healthcare professionals rely on to make informed decisions about patient care.
- Efficient workflows: By hiring medical technologists, healthcare organizations can ensure that laboratory tests are performed quickly and efficiently, reducing patient wait times and improving overall workflow efficiency.
- Expertise in specialized areas: Some medical technologists have specialized knowledge and expertise in particular areas, such as microbiology or immunology, which can be invaluable in diagnosing and treating certain diseases.
- Compliance with regulations: Medical technologists are often required to comply with various regulatory standards and guidelines, ensuring that healthcare organizations remain in compliance with legal and ethical requirements.
In a nutshell, hiring medical technologists can help healthcare organizations provide high-quality patient care while ensuring efficient and accurate laboratory operations.
Skills to look for while Hiring Medical Technologists
Medical technologists possess a range of technical and analytical skills, as well as interpersonal and communication skills. Here are some of the key skills required for this role:
- Laboratory skills: Medical technologists must be proficient in a wide range of laboratory techniques, including microscopy, microbiology, immunology, chemistry, hematology, and molecular biology.
- Technical skills: Medical technologists must be comfortable using and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges, microscopes, spectrophotometers, and PCR machines.
- Analytical skills: Medical technologists must be able to analyze and interpret laboratory test results accurately and effectively, using critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify potential issues or errors.
- Attention to detail: Medical technologists must have a keen eye for detail and be able to follow strict laboratory protocols and quality control procedures to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
- Communication skills: Medical technologists must be able to communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide information about test results and help inform patient care decisions.
- Time management skills: Medical technologists must be able to manage their time effectively, prioritizing tasks and completing laboratory tests efficiently and accurately.
- Teamwork skills: Medical technologists often work as part of a team, collaborating with other laboratory professionals and healthcare providers to provide high-quality patient care. Team players rule the world these days. Skills seem to have more value when it comes to a team while building great organizations or providing services.
Generally, medical technologists must be highly skilled and detail-oriented professionals with a strong commitment to accuracy, safety, and quality. However, their skills and requirements differ according to the subcategories and the narrowed-down field of expertise.
Categories of Medical Technologists
Of course, medical technologists are a broad field of technologists who can be categorized into different types based on their area of expertise. While hiring medical technologists, make sure. Some of the categories of medical technologists are:
- Medical Laboratory Technologists: Clinical laboratory technologists, also known as medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) or medical laboratory scientists (MLSs), are responsible for performing laboratory tests on various bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and tissue samples. They use various laboratory techniques and instruments to analyze samples and generate results that help physicians diagnose and treat patients. Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) are responsible for performing routine laboratory tests and procedures under the supervision of a medical technologist or a physician. They prepare specimens, operate laboratory equipment, and perform quality control procedures to ensure that the test results are accurate.
- Blood Bank Technologists: Blood bank technologists, also known as immunohematology technologists or transfusion medicine technologists, work in blood banks and are responsible for preparing blood components for transfusions. They also perform compatibility testing to ensure that the blood is safe for transfusion.
- Histotechnologists: Histotechnologists prepare tissue specimens for microscopic examination by a pathologist to help diagnose diseases. They use techniques such as fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining to prepare the specimens.
- Cytotechnologists: Cytotechnologists prepare and analyze cellular samples to help diagnose diseases such as cancer. They use techniques such as microscopy, staining, and imaging to examine and analyze the cellular samples.
- Molecular Biology Technologists: Molecular biology technologists use techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing to analyze genetic material and diagnose genetic disorders. They work in specialized laboratories and are trained in advanced laboratory techniques.
- Health Information Technologists: Health information technologists (HITs) are responsible for managing, organizing, and analyzing patient health information. They use technology to maintain electronic health records (EHRs), ensure patient data privacy and security, and analyze health data to improve patient outcomes. HITs also work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patient records are complete, accurate, and up-to-date.
- Medical Equipment Repair Technologists: These professionals repair and maintain medical equipment, such as diagnostic machines and surgical instruments. They may also install new equipment and train healthcare staff on how to use it.
These are some of the categories of medical technologists. Each category has its unique skill set and training requirements, and their contributions are essential to the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. Make sure you look up on the category well before you hire medical technologists so that you can revolutionize your healthcare team in a jiffy!
Assessments for Hiring Medical Technologists
As you already know, assessments play the most crucial role in hiring. It differs according to different categories of medical technologists. However, the major things to look for remain the same. When assessing candidates for a medical technologist position, it is important to look for the following qualities:
- Education and Certification: Look for candidates who have a degree in medical technology or a related field. It is also important that they have the necessary certification from a recognized certification agency.).
- Technical Skills: Candidates should have experience with laboratory equipment, sample preparation, and analytical procedures. They should also be proficient in data analysis and interpretation.
- Accuracy: The job of a medical technologist requires a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Candidates should have a track record of being detail-oriented and able to work meticulously.
- Teamwork: Candidates should be able to work collaboratively with other medical technologists, as well as with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
- Flexibility: A medical technologist must be able to adapt to changing situations and be flexible in their approach to problem-solving.
- Ethics: Candidates must adhere to ethical and professional standards, such as patient confidentiality and safety.
During the interview process, consider asking the candidate about their experience with specific laboratory equipment, how they would handle a difficult or unexpected situation, and how they stay up-to-date with developments in the field. You may also consider asking for references from previous employers or professors to gain insight into their work ethic and professionalism. Want to provide hassle-free assessments for your candidates? HireQuotient’s skill assessments library is all set for you with the customized assessments on healthcare and a lot more job categories!
Facts to consider while Hiring Medical Technologists
Still looking for your purple squirrels? Here are some interesting facts you should consider before hiring medical technologists:
- Demand for Medical Technologists: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical technologists is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for medical technologists is expected to increase due to an aging population and advances in medical technology. This is exactly why they could make revolutionary changes in medical fields in the coming years!
- Required Education: Medical technologists typically need a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field. Some programs may also require completion of an internship or clinical rotation.
- Certification: Most employers require medical technologists to be certified by a recognized certification agency. Certification requires passing an exam and meeting continuing education requirements.
- Job Responsibilities: Medical technologists perform a variety of laboratory tests, analyze the results, and communicate their findings to physicians and other healthcare professionals. They may also be responsible for maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment, ensuring accuracy of results, and training new staff.
- Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical technologists in the United States was $54,180 as of May 2020. Salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and industry.
- Work Environment: Medical technologists typically work in hospitals, clinics, or reference laboratories. They may work in a variety of settings, including hematology, microbiology, immunology, and blood banking.
- Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, medical technologists should have strong communication skills, attention to detail, critical thinking abilities, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Hiring Process: When hiring medical technologists, consider assessing candidates through an interview process that evaluates their technical knowledge, experience, and soft skills. You may also consider conducting a skills test or requiring candidates to complete a laboratory simulation exercise.
Do you want to revolutionize your healthcare team without any hurdles? Are you planning on hiring medical tecnologists? Finding your purple squirrels is now made easier through HireQuotient’s talent sourcing platform. Book a demo now to find more details. Explore our skill assessments library for pre-made assessments for multiple jobs, sit back and enjoy your hiring process with us!
Thomas M. A.
A literature-lover by design and qualification, Thomas loves exploring different aspects of software and writing about the same.
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Measles has reared its spotty red head in Palatine, Illinois for the second time in the last month at a KinderCare Learning Center. Five infants under the age of 1 were infected. Under the age of 1 — these tiny humans who can’t walk yet are too young to be vaccinated effectively, even if their parents are planning on vaccinating them according to the recommended schedule.
Luckily, they still have a shot at protecting their kid; if their baby is 6 months or younger, a doctor can give he or she an injection of human normal immunoglobulin, which will temporarily increase the number of antibodies in their system, providing immediate (yet temporary) protection against measles. If their baby is between 6 months and 12 months old, he or she can get a dose of the MMR vaccine earlier than the routine age of 13 months, given within 3 days exposure to the virus. He or she will still need the MMR shot at 13 months and again at five years old. (I’m no doctor, but I’ve asked doctors and nurses about protection for newborns and infants. This is the information they have told me.)
With most of my generation vaccinated against measles, this whole anti-vaccination movement creates an awareness problem; we’ve never seen measles in action and, therefore, underestimate its seriousness. A parent doesn’t know that their child has been exposed to the measles until it’s too late. Most people don’t know how contagious the virus really is; the virus is spread through the air and stays around for about two hours after its sneezed or coughed into a stranger’s face. I don’t think most people will know their kid has measles until the rash appears, as many of the early symptoms look exactly like the flu. It gets worse — measles is contagious before the rash appears. If there is any reason to quarantine your kid from the outside world, this is it.
And this is why places like Disneyland are such a huge problem — right up there with airplanes — or any place where a large group of people gather. One anti-vaccine mega-church in Texas — Eagle Mountain International — experienced such an outbreak in 2013 and offered free vaccinations as a result. Measles is much scarier when it’s actually happening, isn’t it? (Anyone want to throw down some money on making t-shirts that say, “Disneyland: I survived the outbreak. Vaccinate.”)
Measles is not without a list of potential complications. One of the most common is a bacterial ear infection. As a kid, I got a few of those every winter, and they were bad. One time my ear wax changed colors; it looked like little gray pieces of chicken. One time my ear was so impacted with wax my doctor had to reach into the ear canal and fish out the wax with a little hoop. It felt like a alien probing around my skull. Now, I have permanent scaring on both of my ear drums. Ear infections are bad enough on their own. Throw measles into the mix? Fuck that. Pneumonia is common as well, and Encephalitis is another awesome complication. For every 1 in 1,000 people it causes inflammation in the brain leading to vomiting, convulsions, and, although rare, coma or death. If you’re pregnant, take special care to avoid measles because it can cause pregnancy loss, pre-term labor or low birth weight. Measles does not make happy and healthy newborn babies.
If you know anyone who refuses to vaccinate, tell them this: It is not just about your kid(s); it’s about everyone and their kid(s). Those parents had their choice of protecting their infant from measles taken away from them when you and your loony band of anti-vaxxers decided that junk-science was more accurate and truthful than real science and decades of research. Please talk to your pediatrician about the MMR vaccine. Measles should be taken seriously and anyone who says it’s a “benign childhood illness” is an idiot. Do most kids die from it? No, but there can be complications.


When we look back at the history of medicine to decide what ‘improvements’ led to an ever increasing life span in humans, three major things stand out. First interestingly enough was the improvement in the management of pregnancy and especially the period around the delivery of the child. This improved ‘maternal and infant’ mortality. The second major development was understanding the importance of micronutrients including vitamins in diet. And third was the discovery of antibiotics. Of these the first two improvements are well established and require only fine tuning but antibiotics are becoming problematic.
Antibiotics are designed to kill organisms that can kill humans. So in a sense antibiotics and related medicines are a form of offensive warfare against other life forms. These primitive life forms include primarily bacteria but also include viruses and parasites. It is however important to understand that humans are surrounded by bacteria and there are literally billions of bacteria living inside our bodies many of whom are beneficial to our body processes. So, not all bacteria are harmful to humans but some are. The first line of defence against harmful bacteria is the body’s immune system. Antibiotics are needed when the body cannot fight against the bacteria by itself.
Medical science has developed stronger and better antibiotics to overcome bacterial resistance but the microbes kept developing resistance to even the newer and the more powerful antibiotics. So far science has been able to produce more effective antibiotics but we are reaching a state of diminishing returns. Newer antibiotics besides being more expensive also have detrimental side effects on the human organism itself.
There are three factors that have been blamed for this new medical threat. It is quite possible that with the emergence of antibiotic resistance bacteria, infections will again become a major source of morbidity and mortality among people in general but especially among the sick and the very old and the very young. The factors are first widespread and often inappropriate use of antibiotics in patients. Second, the routine use of antibiotics in farm animals even in the absence of any infection and third an aging population that is less able to fight against infections and needs to be treated more often.
Considering the inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans, estimates of antibiotics that are prescribed unnecessarily are quite large even in the United States (US) where antibiotics are only dispensed with a prescription from a registered physician. Why do physicians prescribe too many antibiotics is an interesting question for which there are many possible answers.
First is the most common one, namely it is easier to be cautious and prescribe an antibiotic for a sore throat or an upset stomach rather than order appropriate cultures (tests) to determine the real nature of the infection and then choose an appropriate antibiotic. These tests can take days to provide the answer while the patients want something done immediately. Doing the ‘right thing’ is often more time consuming and more expensive.
The second problem is that the prescription is correct but the patient feels better in a couple of days and decides to stop taking the antibiotics. This allows incomplete eradication of the infection and the surviving bacteria can develop resistance to that antibiotic. Worse, patients keep the unused antibiotics and use it another time if they have the same problem thus increasing the chance of producing resistance. The obvious question the patient asks is if all the bacteria are not dead then why am I better. Well, the body can also kill bacteria and once the number is lower, a healthy body can keep these bacteria in check.
In Pakistan, though the problem is often quite different. Physicians do prescribe antibiotics more than they should but they are not the only culprits. Almost all antibiotics are available ‘over the counter’ without a prescription. Patients can walk in and buy these antibiotics based on personal preference, a friend’s advice or on the advice of the pharmacy employee who in all probability has no formal medicine related training. There have been times when standing at a pharmacy counter I have seen people walk in and buy two or three antibiotic pills.
Feeding small doses of antibiotics to farm animals is very common especially in the US where most of the antibiotics used are fed to healthy animals being bred for human consumption. For whatever reason, these antibiotics fed animals are larger and healthier. Why these animals are larger and healthier is not really known. However this indiscriminate use of antibiotics is responsible for producing resistant bacteria that can transfer to humans and then produce infections that are difficult to control. There is a push to decrease the use of antibiotics in healthy animals.
As our populations get older and sicker, they develop weakness of their immune systems that naturally fight infections. These people then become more susceptible to getting infections and therefore need frequent antibiotics. Frequent use of antibiotics tends to produce resistant bacteria. Since many of these sick patients are in hospitals when they are treated these resistant bacteria start living in the hospital environment. Even under the most stringent cleaning techniques some of these bacteria persist and can infect other patients especially those that undergo major operations or need ‘tubes and lines’ reaching into the body. This type of infection acquired while in a hospital is called a nosocomial infection and is becoming a major problem in the hospital setting. These bacteria living in hospital environment are frequently resistant to most antibiotics.
Why bacteria develop resistance is a complicated question. The most probable cause is that the bacteria receive sub-lethal doses of antibiotics and survive but at the same time develop a mechanism for withstanding the effects of that antibiotic in the future through genetic mutations. The other fact is that most antibiotics have existed in nature in plants and fungi even before discovery by science and bacteria coming in contact with them developed resistance as an evolutionary defence mechanism. Whatever the reasons for antibiotic resistance, it is fast becoming a major health problem almost all the world over.
In a country like Pakistan, the most common reason for the increased development of antibiotic resistance is ‘off prescription’ use of these medicines. Clearly antibiotics should only be taken after being prescribed by a proper healthcare professional. Equally important is that antibiotics like all medicines should be taken as prescribed and for as long as they are prescribed for. In Pakistan another factor is also of importance. That is the unsupervised and often inappropriate production of medicines including antibiotics. It would be interesting to see how many of the antibiotics manufactured and being sold in the market place contain less than the advertised amount of the antibiotic.
Finally as I mentioned above antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria. Bacteria as living organisms have built in evolutionary mechanisms designed to survive adverse environmental factors including antibiotics. Eventually science will have to develop vaccination like mechanisms to prevent bacterial infections. Preventing infections eventually will be more effective than fighting infections by killing the invading bacteria. This is how we managed to control diseases like small pox and polio.


Professor Jim Harris – Consortium Lead Principal Investigator
Jim is a systems ecologist interested in system complexity, function and emergent properties – particularly resilience and how the principles learned from ecology can be applied to the “Five Capitals” of our socio-ecological system. Principally working in soil microbiology, restoration ecology and ecosystem service research focused on microbial ecology in relation to ecosystem processes. He has applied this particularly in the assessment and treatment of degraded systems, restoration ecology, quantitative assessment of ecosystem goods and services, and has pioneered work on catabolic profiling and the thermodynamics of soil microbial communities. This work has advanced our understanding of the effects of environmental and management practices on the soil microbial community, provided better tools for assessing ecosystem status, the effects of land management, soil management and amendment, and importantly restoration and agricultural programmes aimed at enhancing natural capital to achieve net environmental gain whilst securing productive environments. He was the Consortium Lead PI for the NERC Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Sustainability Programme – BESS Urban: Fragments, functions and flows and CoI on the BBSRC Projects “Fundamental basis of soil biological resilience” and “Self-organisation of the soil-microbe complex”. He is Science Adviser to the Societé General funded Climate SHAKE program aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in bringing agritech innovation to the market place. His work on defining and assessing soil health via measurement of biological, physical and chemical properties has been widely adopted. He has worked extensively at national and international level in policy development: he has acted as Scientific Adviser to the UK Defra group at IPBES meetings in Colombia, Rome, and Bonn; a Lead Author in the IPBES Report on Land Degradation and Restoration; and past Chair of the International Society for Ecological Restoration.
Dr Mark Pawlett – Co-Investigator
Mark (C.Env) is a Senior Research Fellow of Soil Biology, with a focus on developing innovative strategies for sustainable land management. He is especially interested in the biological interface between the plants and soil, targeting sustainable management solutions to improve soil health (function and nutrient cycling pathways) for improved ecosystem services. Of particular interest is the use of biogas digestaes to manipulate the soil microbiome for improved health, the potential of natural burials to affect soil biodiversity and function, and the use of biostimulants and microbial inoculants for improved soil health. Overseas, Mark has worked at the Engabreen Glacier in Norway, heathland restoration in Netherlands, and Bauxite residue recovery area restoration in Ireland. He is also the Course Director for MSc Environmental Engineering.
Dr Daniel Simms – Co-Investigator
Daniel is a Lecturer in Remote Sensing at Cranfield University working on the development of new technologies and methodologies for extracting useful patterns of land-cover and land-use from remote sensing data at multiple scales. He is currently leading new research into resource monitoring and measuring landscape scale processes. Of particular interest is how deep learning can help to improve our understanding of the changing state of the Earth’s land-cover.
Dr Alexey Larionov – Co-Investigator
Alexey currently works as a Lecturer in Bioinformatics at Cranfield University, heavily involved in teaching of postgraduate students. His current interests are in metagenomics and long reads sequencing data analysis. From 2013 to 2021 he worked as a bioinformatician in Cambridge University, setting up lab- and bioinformatics methods to study heritable predisposition to cancer. Before this (2002-2013) he worked in Edinburgh University, studying markers and mechanisms of endocrine resistance in breast cancer.
University of Stirling
Professor Kirsty Park – Principal Investigator
Kirsty is a conservation scientist with a focus on quantifying the effects of environmental change on biological diversity and testing the efficacy of solutions to mitigate anthropogenic impacts. Her research spans multiple habitats and land-uses, with a focus on heavily anthropogenic landscapes (e.g. forestry, agriculture, urban) and across a diverse range of taxa. Since 2013, she has been co-lead of a long-term research programme related to RestREco, the WrEN project (Woodland Creation & Ecological Networks), a collaboration of academics, policy makers and practitioners interested in the restoration of ecologically degraded landscapes. She works with a wide range of policy and practitioner organisations and is a Trustee for the Loch Lomond & Trossachs Countryside Trust.
Dr Elisa Fuentes-Montemayor – Co-Investigator
Elisa is an ecologist and conservation biologist investigating how human activities impact biological communities and ecosystem functioning. Her main areas of expertise include animal ecology, woodland ecology, restoration ecology and spatial ecology. She has a track record investigating the consequences of anthropogenic disturbances (e.g. habitat loss and fragmentation) and the effectiveness of conservation actions (e.g. habitat restoration and implementation of agri-environment schemes) for biodiversity. To address these subjects, she studies a variety of taxa (mainly mammals, birds and invertebrates such as moths), using a combination of field surveying techniques, state-of-the-art sensing technologies, and novel analytical approaches. Her research is strongly applied, with a focus on finding effective ways to restore biodiversity (and associated ecosystem functions and services) in human-modified landscapes. She has a track-record collaborating with academics, policy makers, industry and organisations involved in conservation and environmental management. Elisa is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Stirling.
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Professor James Bullock – Principal Investigator
James works on finding solutions to the ecological emergency by understanding how species may respond to climate change, analysing and modelling ecosystem services, assessing how to enhance connectivity in fragmented landscapes, investigating how to make farming sustainable, and, critically, how to restore our damaged and degraded ecosystems. He leads research tackling some of today’s most critical ecological problems, stemming from the need to maintain complex and diverse ecosystems in the face of growing demands for food, water, housing, and transport.
Dr Ben Woodcock – Co-Investigator
Ben’s research interests revolve around reconciling intensive agricultural management with the maintenance and enhancement of native biodiversity and the ecosystem services that they provide. While a lot of his work is of an applied conservation nature, linked to the development of agri-environment schemes (the UK policy mechanism for extensifying agricultural management), he is interested in the fundamental mechanisms that underpinning community ecology in these systems. This work has focused on how restoration, particularly in grassland systems, can be used to establish complex multitrophic systems and how dispersal limitation of both plants and arthropods interact to limit this happening.
Professor Rosie Hails – Principal Investigator
Professor Rosie Hails MBE FRSB is an ecologist and Nature and Science Director at the National Trust, holding honorary chairs at Exeter and Cranfield Universities. Her role is to develop the Trust’s research portfolio and advise on science evidence relevant to Trust decision making. She leads teams focusing on Nature Conservation, Trees & Woods, Wildlife Management, Land Use, Farming and Public Benefits delivered by Nature. She is a member of Defra’s Science Advisory Council, chairing the Biodiversity Targets Advisory Group, Council member of the RSPB, Chair of the Woodmeadow Trust Steering Group and Trustee of the John Innes Foundation. She is also on a number of advisory boards. Formerly she was the Science Director for Biodiversity & Ecosystem Science at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
Ben McCarthy – Co-Investigator
Ben is an ecologist and Head of Nature Conservation & Restoration Ecology at the National Trust. Having held senior positions with statutory and non-statutory organisations he now provides national leadership to realise the Trust’s ambition for nature and nature-based climate solutions. He uses his experience over twenty years translating conservation science into practical delivery to restore nature and deliver nature-based climate solutions across England, Wales and N Ireland. Sitting within the National Trust’s Science & Nature Directorate he contributes towards building their evidence and reputation as a leading UK nature conservation organisation.
Professor Kevin Watts – Co-Investigator
Kevin is senior landscape ecologist at Forest Research, the research agency of the Forestry Commission. As an applied scientist he is interested in understanding the impact of woodland creation and restoration on the biodiversity, functioning and resilience of wooded landscapes with the aim of informing policy and practice. His work utilises spatial models, tools, indicators and simulations to explore and predict potential impacts. This work is coupled with empirical studies on species movement, landscape genetics and field experiments. Much of his work has been developed through a broad range of collaborative projects, including the WrEN project, and the co-supervision of PhD students, most recently with the Universities of Stirling, Aberdeen, York, Leeds, Reading and Southampton. Kevin is also head of the Land Use and Ecosystem Services (LUES) Science group at Forest Research. The group aims to deliver evidence, methods and tools which support policymakers and practitioners in their understanding of how land use and climate change affects the biodiversity, resilience and ecosystem services of wooded landscapes now and in the future. Kevin is also an Honorary Professor at the University of Stirling and a member of the Woodland Trust Conservation Advisory Group.


Know your farmer. Know your food. Here at Hood's Heritage Hogs we believe that our future depends on preserving our food heritage. Every time a breed or variety is lost, valuable genetic diversity disappears forever. Red Wattle Hogs are critically rare numbering less than 2000 animals. It sounds wrong, but to save them we must eat them. If there is no demand for Red Wattle Pork the RW's will disappear. Please help us save the Red Wattles and save our family farm heritage.


Hawaii's beautiful landscape is home to many unusual species, including carnivorous caterpillars, the largest dragonfly in the U.S. and the exotic silversword plant, which can take decades to bloom. In fact, much of the state's native flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Teeming with brightly colored, fragrant flowers, it's no wonder Hawaii is known for its tradition of making leis. Popular flowers used to make these decorative garlands include hibiscus, gardenia, pikake (jasmine), plumeria and orchids.
With its woodpeckers, owls, honeycreepers, songbirds and a diverse population of seabirds, Hawaii is a great place for bird-watching. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to check out the state bird -- the Hawaiian goose, or nene.
Some of the best scuba diving in the world can be found in the clear, warm waters of the Hawaiian islands. Divers might encounter sharks, dolphins or sea turtles. Three types of sea turtle are native to Hawaii -- green, hawksbill and leatherback. Green sea turtles, called honu, are most commonly sighted by snorkelers and divers. The coral reefs here are home to roughly 450 species of reef fish, almost a third of which are unique to Hawaii.
Another distinctive Hawaiian creature is the monk seal, or Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua, which means "dog that runs in rough waters." Recently named the state mammal, these seals can weigh up to 600 pounds and have been around for millions of years.
Hawaii is a breeding ground for the North Pacific humpback whale. Every winter, from November to May, humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds in Alaska to breed in the warmer waters off the coast of Hawaii. Maui is a top whale-watching spot from the sea, but day cruises are available from most ports on the islands of Hawaii, or you might even spot whales from the shore.
From the lush greenery on land to the abundant life at sea, one thing is certain: The Aloha State is a nature lover's paradise.


Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
What is amblyopia?
Amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye”, is a condition in which the vision in one or both eyes cannot be corrected even after corrective eyeglasses have been prescribed. In a child with normal visual development, the brain receives information from the right eye and information from the left eye and combines the two to see one clear picture of the world. This is called fusion.
Amblyopia occurs when the brain is unable to fuse information. As a result the brain suppresses the information from the weaker eye, which leads to further deterioration. Amblyopia can be caused by an unequal alignment of the eyes, an uneven prescription in the two eyes, or by an organic obstruction to the eye.
Generally, amblyopia will develop within the first few years of life. Fortunately, however, amblyopia can be treated at any age.
What types of amblyopia can occur?
Three most common types are:
Anisometropic Amblyopia (due to a difference in optical power in the two eyes):
This is a condition in which the optical correction is very diverse between the two eyes. For example, one eye may be very farsighted while the other is only slightly farsighted, causing the brain to ignore the eye with the blurry images.
Isometropic Amblyopia (due to a high degree of optical correction in both eyes):
This condition is when the optical correction is very high in both eyes. Because the child has not worn glasses, the vision in both eyes will be poor.
Strabismic Amblyopia (due to misalignment of the two eyes):
This is a condition in which one eye is turned in or out. This eye is ignored by the brain, leading to more deterioration of vision in that eye.
How common is amblyopia?
Approximately three percent of children and young adults have amblyopia.
What are the problems and symptoms associated with amblyopia?
The main problem associated with amblyopia is poor vision in one or both eyes. The child usually does not complain because the vision in the good eye is unaffected. If the amblyopia is a result of poor optics in one eye, the eyes appear very normal and crossed eyes or other obvious problems are not present. Only a vision screening or professional eye examination can detect this problem. This is one reason we recommend the first professional eye examination at six months of age.
How is amblyopia treated?
If the problem is due to the optics of the eyes, eyeglasses will be prescribed and, in most cases, need to be worn full-time. In addition, the good eye may need to be patched to force the weaker one to be used. Vision therapy is necessary to improve binocular vision (both eyes working simultaneously). The amount of patching required varies from case to case. Generally, the process takes about six months with the most dramatic improvement occurring in the first three months of patching and therapy.
If the basis for the amblyopia is an eye turn, glasses may or may not be necessary but patching and vision therapy are essential. In some cases, a surgical consultation is advised. Follow-up visits are important in order to determine the progress of treatment.
Vision therapy, a successful treatment approach to remedy amblyopia, involves weekly office visits. During treatment, the patient is assigned select activities designed to restore normal flexibility to the eyes. This should lead to improved visual acuity.
View our Optometry and Vision Therapy sections for more information on common vision problems in children. Also find out more about the optometrists and vision specialists at Ezra Medical Center.


Udo's 3.6.9 Oil Blend is a carefully blended mix of the finest Omega 3, 6 and 9 varieties of Essential Fatty Acid sources.This premium-quality product has a pleasant light nutty flavor and is easily mixed with health shakes, protein drinks, or, added as a topping to salads and vegetables!
What are Essential Fats?
Scientists have given essential fats (a.ka. essential fatty acids or EFAs) their name because the body must have them to survive, but cannot synthesize them from any other substance we eat, so a direct food source is required. Hence, the name essential. There are many kinds of fats, but only two kinds of essential fats: omega 3 (n-3 or w3) and omega 6 (n-6 or w6), both of which are unsaturated fats. Each EFA is turned into several derivatives by the body, provided enough n-3 and n-6, in the right ratio, and made with health in mind, are supplied. All other fats, such as omega 9 (monounsaturated), omega 7, and saturated fat, are non-essential because the body can produce them from sugars and starches.
Where do Essential Fats come from?
Sources of n-3s are flaxseeds and green leafy vegetables. The n-3 derivatives EPA and DHA are found in high fat, cold water fish such as albacore tuna, sardines, Atlantic halibut and salmon, coho, pink and king salmon, Pacific and Atlantic herring, Atlantic mackerel, and lake trout. Small amounts of EPA and DHA n-3s are also found in oysters and other shellfish.
N-6 is found in sesame and sunflower seeds and other seeds and nuts. Land animal meats and fish are sources of the n-6 derivative arachidonic acid (AA). The fish listed above are preferred sources of n-3 and n-6 derivatives, because they are the richest sources, and contain both, with more n-3s.
Why do we need Essential Fats?
Just as a member of a large family has many roles, essential fats serve many functions in the complex workings of the human body. Taken in the right amounts and ratios, and taken from the right sources, essential fats help establish and maintain health as follows . . .
Increase energy, performance, and stamina. EFAs enhance thermogenesis, help build muscle, prevent muscle break down, and speed recovery from fatigue;
Strengthen the immune system. EFAs make hormone-like eicosanoids that regulate immune and inflammatory responses. N-3s have anti-inflammatory effects and can slow autoimmune damage;
Lower most risk factors for cardiovascular disease. EFAs (especially n3s) lower abnormally high levels of blood pressure, triglycerides, Lp(a), fibrinogen, tendency to clot formation, and inflammation;
Improve brain function: mood, intelligence , behavior, and vision. Our brain is over 60% fat. EFAs are important components of the entire nervous system. They are necessary to make the neurotransmitter serotonin. Depression and other brain diseases show decreased levels of n-3;
Aid in weight reduction. EFAs help keep mood and energy up and suppress appetite, thereby aiding in weight loss. More recently, they have been found to block the genes that produce fat in the body (saturated and Trans Fat do not have this same effect) and increase thermogenesis;
Regulate organs and glands. Liver and kidneys, adrenal and thyroid glands, and the production of male and female hormones need EFAs;
Speed recovery and healing. EFAs are necessary for cell growth and division. They form all cell membranes and regulate vital cell activity;
Support healthy child development. For nervous system development, a growing fetus needs optimum EFAs from the mother's body. Mothers become depleted of EFAs during pregnancy, and need optimal EFA intake for their health and their children's optimum development;
Improve digestion. Poorly digested foods tie up the immune system and can cause gut inflammation, leaky gut, and allergies. N-3s improve gut integrity, and decrease inflammation and "leaky gut";
Decrease infection. EFAs have anti-fungal, anti-yeast, and anti-microbial properties, helping to protect against infections;
Keep bones strong. EFAs aid in the transport of minerals that keep bones and teeth strong, helping to prevent osteoporosis;
Protect genetic material. EFAs regulate gene expression, and n-3s inhibit tumor growth;
Ease PMS. Studies indicate that n-6 (GLA) intake was voted, by women, among the top three most effective PMS treatments. N-3s may be even more effective;
Produce beautiful skin, hair, and nails. Some of the first signs of EFA deficiency are dry, flaky skin, dull hair, and brittle nails. N-3s can help skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Also, GLA (n-6 derivative) administration is useful for some patients with atopic eczema.
Essential fats are easily damaged by light, air, heat, metals, water, and
Of all the essential nutrients, essential fats are by far the most abused because they are perishable, chemically unstable foods. Almost all supermarket oils, including the oils used in processed foods, have been damaged by destructive processing techniques, including refining, bleaching, overheating, and/or partial hydrogenation (a process which produces deadly trans fats).
By now, it may be clear that everybody needs essential fats.
N-3 consumption has decreased to one sixth the level found in our food supply in the 1850s. N-6 consumption has doubled in that time, drastically changing the ratio of n-6 to n-3 in our food supply. This change is reflected in the makeup of our tissue fats and in our health. That means that while both n-3s and n-6s are required by every cell, we get too much n-6 and far too little n-3. For this reason, research shows that n-3s help in more than twice as many degenerative diseases than do n-6s.
More recently (the last 20 years), 'low' fat, 'no' fat, and 'fake' fat diets have been depriving people of both essential fats. Deficiency leads to deterioration of every cell, tissue, gland, organ and organ system and, by extension, to symptoms of deficiency that accompany loss of health.
The dangers of trans fats:
In 1994, a Harvard School of Public Health press release warned the consumers on the dangers of eating trans fatty acids found in some margarines, most commercially baked goods, and deep-frying oils, including oils used in restaurants. On June 23, 1999, they again announced a press release on the most recent trans fat research. It was titled: "Harvard review of evidence verifies that eating trans fats increases risk of heart disease". Head author, Alberto Ascherio, revealed that "...if trans fats were replaced by unsaturated vegetable oils, we would expect to see at least 30,000 fewer persons die prematurely from CHD (coronary heart disease) each year." That number was based on the United States alone!
The n-3 essential fat alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) is damaged 5 times more quickly than the n-6. This makes it a manufacturer's nightmare, unless great care is taken to protect it during manufacture, storage (and home use too). Unfortunately, fish oils are destroyed 5 times more rapidly than even LNA. This is why fish oils smell and taste fishy (which is rancidity) and why eating fresh fish at the sushi bar to get the health-benefiting EPA and DHA is preferable to capsules of EPA or DHA-rich oils from fish.
See the book Fats That Heal Fats That Kill (456p.) for the complete story on fats, oils, and our health.
Where do we get Undamaged Essential Fats?
Oils made with health in mind come from organically grown seeds. They are pressed under protection from heat, light, and oxygen; packaged in tightly sealed brown glass bottles; placed in a light-excluding box; and stored in the fridge. Oils made with this care - the highest possible quality - are mostly found in health food stores and naturopathic physician offices, although some department stores and specialty stores are now also servicing their customers.
What is Udo's Oil Blend?
Made with exceptional care, this Oil Blend was developed for people who want one product that gives them all the good fats they need, without any of the bad fats they should avoid.
How should we use Essential Fats?
Used in the right amounts and ratios, essential fats confer invaluable health benefits. 1 to 5 Tbsp/day of Udo's 3.6.9 Oil Blend will make skin soft and velvety. For serious conditions, seek advice of a nutritionally trained health care professional.
Udo's 3.6.9 Oil Blend is compatible with all foods and can be used with cold, warm, and hot (once off the heat source) foods but must not be used for frying, baking, or other high temperature cooking. Favorite uses are in salads, protein shakes, yogurt, juices, soups, on steamed vegetables, rice, and pastas, and with balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Sealed Udo's 3.6.9 Oil Blend bottles can be kept for up to eight months refrigerated and for over two years in the freezer (oil shrinks when frozen so the glass bottles will not break). For freshness, the oil is best used within eight weeks of opening the bottle.
What makes Udo's 3.6.9 Oil Blend unique?
Udo's 3.6.9 Oil Blend is a certified organic blend of guaranteed GMO-free, unrefined edible oils. This unique blend delivers a reliable source of the n-3 and n-6 essential fatty acids that are essential to life. Based on 15 years of practical experience with fats and oils, this formula is a 2:1:1 ratio of n-3: n-6: n-9, a combination most therapeutic for the n-3-deficient, n-6-rich diets, as well as 'low' and 'no' fat diets, common today. The Oil Blend includes oils from fresh flax, sesame and sunflower seeds, as well as oils from evening primrose, rice germ and oat germ.
This blend is rich in GMO-free lecithin, which provides the building materials for healthy cell membranes. The formula used to include medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easy to digest and assimilate, but are not available in an organic form. These were recently replaced by organic coconut oil, which contains MCTs with powerful antimicrobial effects, and powerful antioxidants. The blend also contains the potent antioxidant tocotrienols (from rice). The MCTs in the coconut oil are used directly by our cells as an energy source without increasing fat deposits. Vitamin E and rosemary oil, both potent antioxidants, are added to increase freshness and to act as scavengers of free radical molecules in the body.
Carefully chosen, the seeds used to make Udo's 3.6.9 Oil Blend are pressed at a temperature of less than 120°F (or 50°C) and, even more important, in the absence of light and oxygen. Nitrogen-flushed, amber glass bottles packaged in a box and found only in the fridge or freezer, protects this Oil Blend from potential damage by heat, light and oxygen, and helps to ensure maximum freshness and stability.
Along with the invaluable health benefits blended essential fats confer when taken internally, external application has also proven to be of benefit for nice skin. In the January 2000 issue of the UK fashion magazine, Tatler, alternative health guru, Leslie Kenton, explains "I cover my face and body religiously with Udo's 3.6.9 Oil Blend."
To date, Udo's 3.6.9 Oil Blend has won 12 gold medals of Alive Award of Excellence since year 1996.
Udo's 3.6.9 Oil Blend Ingredients:
- organic flax seed oil;
- organic sunflower seed oil;
- organic sesame seed oil;
- rice and oat germ oils;
- rice and oat bran oils;
- organic coconut oils;
- organic evening primrose oils;
- lecithin (guaranteed GMO-free);
Naturally Occurring "Minor Ingredients":
- 65mg of phytosterols/tablespoon (lower cholesterol and normalize immune function);
- lignans (beneficial phytoestrogens from flax);
- carotene; and
- tocotrienols and other seed specific antioxidants.
- hundreds of other oil-soluble, health-benefiting phytonutrients
The content on this site is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended for use as official
health consultation or recommendations. Forever Green Organic takes no responsibility for harm that may result from the use, abuse or misuse of information contained on this site.


When the kids were younger we used to play a game where the objective was to find either the King or Queen of the garden. I would come in from outside and ask them what plant they thought was either the King or Queen of the Garden. Not that complicated but it did get them to go outside and explore what was going on out there! Sometimes one of them would come in all excited and tell me they had found a new King. Strangely it gave me a lot of pleasure that they took an interest, it has been sometime since that happened, however my youngest Suki does still get excited about a discovering a new “event.”
I think the Hawthorn is the current King of the Garden, you can’t help but notice the frothy white blossom of the Hawthorn all over West cork at the moment, it always flowers this time of year but I think it has been particularly spectacular this year, in fact it is a very good year for all types of tree blossom, the Cherry, Apple and even the Blackthorn has had a great display so far this year. I have a hedge of Blackthorn outside the Conservatory and I have trimmed it to allow the Hawthorn to rise above the hedge line. My wife thought it looked a bit odd and often said we should cut it back to go in line with the rest of the hedge but now it is tall enough to look really well and I am hoping that later in the year the red berries, which attract the small birds will also give a good display. The berries are used as a treatment for cardiovascular problems and have been found useful in treating angina, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia.
My current Queen of the Garden is our Chilean Lantern Tree (Crinodendron hookerianum). It hid behind a Blackcurrent hedge for a few years but now rises above reaching about 10 foot. It has wonderful urn like red flowers that dangle and last for a couple of months and later on the seed pods also look attractive.
The Tulips have come and gone now but their bold presence captured the prize earlier in the year, I will be lifting some of them soon as the leaves have nearly died back.
I went to visit my mum last year in Wales and met up with my nephew (also called Owen), he is a professional gardener and we spent quite some time talking plants in a way that would bore the majority of people but I found it a real bonding experience to share such a passion. He suggested that I should grow a Verbascum and showed me a picture of one. I thought it looked rather ugly and not the thought of thing that would interest me but when I visited a local walled garden with my mum later on in our visit I came across two potted Verbascums in a sale for £2 and thought “hell why not!” They made the trip back with me and I stuck them in a rocky bed near the front door. Unfortunately one of them didn’t survive after being trampled by one of my dogs but the other one seems to be on its way. The plant is a native to Greece and can grow to 5 foot with a display of yellow flowers that attracts bees. I love the furry grey covering of the stem. Owen was right this is a very exciting plant and I keep checking each day to see how tall it has got.
From the very big to the very small. I am also very excited by some seeds that are germinating in the kitchen at the moment. They are tiny but they are growing! I have been in love with a plant called Cherry Pie (Heliotrope Marine) since I first discovered it in a public park in Minehead, Somerset. One morning I was walking on my way to the local shop and cut through the park. As I walked past one of the beds I was hit by the most amazing scent. I initially thought it was coming from a nearby bakery as it was just like the smell of a freshly baked Cherry Pie. I must have looked very odd as I walked about sniffing all the flowers and eventually I came across the source, a small fairly innocuous dark green plant with short umbels of purple flowers. Whenever I am looking round garden centres I always hope to come across one of these plants and I have had some success with semi ripe cuttings but I have never managed to grow one from seed, even finding the seed has been a problem. This year I took to the internet, oh what a wonderful thing the cyber world is, I ordered some seed from the UK and tried once again but nothing came up. I took to the internet again and found a forum discussing how difficult it was to get heliotrope seeds to germinate and there were a number of suggestions. A lack of heat seemed to be my main problem, I had them under an upturned fish tank but even in the kitchen it didn’t appear to be warm enough. My wife Kate came up with the solution. Many years ago the kids gave me a pet lizard “Ziggy” for some reason, the lizard is long departed but the equipment was still stored somewhere in the house and there was a heat mat to keep the herpetarium to the correct heat. A piece of cardboard and a plug and within a couple of days tiny green shoots have started sprouting. The kids all think I’m a bit weird getting all excited about these tiny shoots and I probably am but just wait till they get a whiff of that Cherry Pie!
The sun is out and I’m inside typing, something is not quite right about that, I need to be somewhere else. See you later.