Mid-May 2015 was a lush growing time!
In the tangle of vegetation in the "Postage Stamp" (a half-acre on the south side of the bridge, between the driveway and the creek), appeared these interesting but puzzling plants. I was familiar with Saponaria officinalis, AKA Bouncing Bet, and these looked like Bouncing Bet writ large. But where Bouncing Bet is low & leafy, these plants were tall & rangy, with lots of naked stem. Still, those opposite leaves, the five petals, the tube-like capsule below the bloom--this had to be a relative. I pored over descriptions of Bouncing Bet's family, the Pinks (Caryophyllaceae), and found a few likely candidates--but always one detail or another didn't fit. Finally, I turned to Mark Mayfield at the KSU Herbarium. Mark quickly identified this sweet little plant: It is Sleepy Catchfly, Silene antirrhina.
|Sleepy Catchfly is a native plant, unlike its|
European cousin Bouncing Bet.
Insects might not think it's so sweet. There is a sticky substance on its stem that traps flies and other arthropods.
|This annual plant |
loves disturbed ground.
The ability to trap insects makes this plant "protocarnivorous" or "paracarnivorous"--on its way to becoming carnivorous or similar to carnivorous plants in some ways. Silene antirrhina catches insects but it doesn't digest them, as far as anyone knows.
Is it evolutionarily on its way to developing the enzymes needed to digest insects? Or did it once have that ability and discard it along the way? Or does it retain a quality that is currently of no use to it but might be needed in the future--if it should grow on soil too poor, for example, to provide it with enough nitrogen?
Why would Catchfly bother to catch flies if it doesn't get any benefit out of it?
Some other species trap insects which in turn draw predatory insects whose feces provide the host plant with nitrogen. Could my Catchfly be doing the same?
Others trap crawling insects on their stems with the result that only flying insects reach the blossoms--providing possible advantages for pollination, seed-protection, or seed-dispersal. The "catchiness" certainly slows down plant-eating crawlers as well.
So maybe my sticky plants do derive some benefit from trapping bugs--some benefit we have yet to discern.
That's for Catchfly to know and us to find out!


Neck pain can refer to any soreness or stiffness in the neck area no matter how slight or severe and can often radiate up to the head or down into the shoulders, arms and fingers. A very common occurrence, neck pain affects 10-15% of the population at any given time, negatively impacting a person’s ability to engage in a healthy, active lifestyle. While it is possible that neck pain may alleviate itself over time, common reoccurrence or persistence may signify an underlying cause that needs to be addressed.
One of the leading causes of neck pain stems from poor posture, particularly when a person’s head in tilted forward for long periods of time. This causes strain on the muscles, tendons and ligaments, making them work harder. Sitting at a computer, reading a book and texting are the most common reasons for poor posture. Additionally, sleeping in the wrong position can overextend the neck or create fatigue in the spinal muscles and joints. Other common causes of neck pain include injury from sports or trauma such as whiplash.


Sam Harris speaks with Robert Sapolsky about the brain and human behavior. They discuss the relationship between reason and emotion, the role of the frontal cortex, the illusion of free will, punishment and retributive justice, neurological disorders and abnormal behavior, the relationship between science and religion, and other topics.
Robert Sapolsky is a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University and the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation genius grant. He is the author of A Primate’s Memoir, The Trouble with Testosterone, Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, and Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst.
Episodes that have been re-released as part of the Best of Making Sense series may have been edited for relevance since their original airing.


Only 1 left!
One North Star
Five toads hop, four brook trout swim, three elk graze, two loons call, and one beaver gnaws on a paper birch tree, all under one North Star. Through bog and marsh, along river and lake, across prairie and into the woods, children learn what lives where by counting the creatures on foot or in flight, swimming or perching in exquisite woodcut and watercolor illustrations created by Beckie Prange and Betsy Bowen in an artistic collaboration. For those looking for more about the pictured wildlife, Phyllis Root includes fascinating facts and information on the state’s ecosystems and the plants and animals that make their homes there.


Enjoy this innovative dietary supplement from Sana Hemp Juice
SANA CANNABIS SATIVA CAPSULES with Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and B12
Sana Cannabis Juice Capsules are now available with added magnesium, B6 and B12 vitamins. The benefits of these vitamins can be great, and Sana’s juice powder ensures an effective absorption of the added nutrient.
B12 reduces fatigue and tiredness and contributes to the normal function of the nervous system. B6 contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Contents: 60 capsules (33.5 g)
Ingredients: Magnesium Citrate, Cannabis Sativa Juice Powder, Capsule (Hydroxypropylcellulose, Gellan Gum)), Rice extract, B6 (Pyridoxal-5-phosphate), B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Content per day dose (2 capsules): Cannabis Juice Powder 250 mg
Magnesium 56 mg (16% RI)
Vitamin B6 1.4 μg (100% RI)
Vitamin B12 2.5 μg (100% RI)


Leading US health experts predicted a coronavirus could kill tens of millions of people in a chilling warning three months before the deadly outbreak in China.
Scientists at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security modeled a hypothetical pandemic on a computer as part of research last October.
The simulation predicted 65million people from every corner of the world would be wiped out in just 18 months.
So far the highly contagious disease currently ravaging China has killed 41 people and infected more than 1,200 – but experts predict the true number to be thousands.
Dr Eric Toner, a senior researcher at Johns Hopkins, said he wasn’t shocked when news of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan in late December.
Coronaviruses are infections of the respiratory tract that can lead to illnesses like pneumonia or the common cold.
One was also responsible for the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China, which affected 8,000 people and killed 774 in the early 2000s.
Dr Toner’s computer simulation suggested that after six months, nearly every country in the world would have cases of coronavirus.
Within 18 months, 65million people could die. The outbreak in Wuhan isn’t considered a pandemic, but the virus has been reported in 10 different nations.
The US, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau and Nepal have all confirmed cases.
Dr Toner’s simulation imagined a fictional virus called CAPS – a pandemic that originated in Brazil’s pig farms in the hypothetical scenario.
The virus in Toner’s simulation would be resistant to any modern vaccine. It would be deadlier than SARS, but about as easy to catch as the flu.
His computer modelled outbreak started small, with farmers coming down with fevers or pneumonia-like symptoms.
It then spread to crowded and poverty-riddled communities in South America.
Flights were grounded and travel bookings were slashed in half. After six months, the virus had spread around the globe and a year later it had killed 65 million people.
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
What is this virus?
The virus has been identified as a new type of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of pathogens, most of which cause mild respiratory infections such as the common cold.
But coronaviruses can also be deadly. SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, is caused by a coronavirus and killed hundreds of people in China and Hong Kong in the early 2000s.
Can it kill?
Yes. Twenty-six people have so far died after testing positive for the virus.
What are the symptoms?
Its symptoms are typically a fever, cough and trouble breathing, but some patients have developed pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the small air sacs in the lungs. People carrying the novel coronavirus may only have mild symptoms, such as a sore throat. They may assume they have a common cold and not seek medical attention, experts fear.
How is it detected?
The virus’s genetic sequencing was released by scientists in China to the rest of the world to enable other countries to quickly diagnose potential new cases. This helps other countries respond quickly to disease outbreaks.
To contain the virus, airports are detecting infected people with temperature checks. But as with every virus, it has an incubation period, meaning detection is not always possible because symptoms have not appeared yet.
How did it start and spread?
The first cases identified were among people connected to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan.
Cases have since been identified elsewhere which could have been spread through human-to-human transmission.
What are countries doing to prevent the spread?
Countries in Asia have stepped up airport surveillance. They include Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines.
Australia and the US are also screening patients for a high temperature, and the UK announced it will screen passengers returning from Wuhan.
Is it similar to anything we’ve ever seen before?
Experts have compared it to the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The epidemic started in southern China and killed more than 700 people in mainland China, Hong Kong and elsewhere


Today, while dancing amidst hundreds of snowdrops in the pre-spring sun and brisk breezes, I spotted a honeybee.
Well, no, that’s not true. I wrote that line a little less than a year ago and never completed the essay. Today it is cloudy and bees tend to stay close to home under those conditions. The nearest bees, to my knowledge, come from a pair of hives perhaps a mile away in a city park. But there are breezes a-plenty today, though not brisk–it is over sixty degrees and glorious–and yes, hundreds of snowdrops are dancing.
It’s only January! And many of these little beauties have been blooming for a month, oblivious to the relentless freeze/thaw cycle of this strange winter. (It’s the end of January and I have never gotten my sled out!)
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are amazing; they have always been magical and wondrous to me, the first flowers of the year, shouting out life in a seemingly dead landscape.
In Michiana where I grew up, I could expect to see these lovely harbingers breaking out of the snow in February, even though we had a good six more weeks of winter. Hard crusts of ice never deterred them. In more recent years they have come up earlier, and here in Central Indiana, I have come to expect at least some in late January; occasionally they have poked up as early as around the New Year. This year I had some budding at Christmas. I worried for them, but I need not have. Snowdrops have antifreeze in their leaves. The early bloomers, having survived several repeated bouts of nights in the ‘teens, are as bright and bouncy as they were a month ago. Snowdrops not only assure us of spring’s future arrival, but they generally last a long time, long enough to welcome the larger, more colorful daffodils and the delicate crocus that normally begin to appear in March. (This year, however, I have recently seen the odd daffodil in bloom. Something is clearly amiss with our climate.)
Hoping soon to begin my own hive, I have taken an interest in the hives of honeybees in the afore-mentioned city park. A few years ago I noticed that some bees were out and about in very early spring with little hope of finding the sustenance they sought. I offered some of my snowdrops to the park, which they accepted. The transplants are doing very well and have spread (they are blooming as I speak). That’s the other wonder of snowdrops–how they multiply! The majority of my hundreds came from three small clumps dug up from my homeplace twenty years ago. My backyard is now filled with them, and more have migrated around to the front. This puzzled me for years until I read that the snowdrop’s tiny seeds have a substance attractive to ants, and so they are spread by the insects. The bulbs, too, multiply, and these plants are survivors! The plant world offers role models for us all.


The Spinal Cord Society of India has warned doctors against offering stem cell therapy to spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.
In a statement published in the European Spine Journal, the expert body said that though there exists sufficient pre-clinical evidence in support of the safety and potency of cell-based interventions, the same is not able to be translated robustly at clinical level.
“In the current scenario, any cellular intervention for SCI in humans is speculative and not proven. Thus, any offer of cellular interventions as ‘therapy’ with commercial implications is unethical,” the society has said.
This kind of injury, mostly caused due to fall from height or in road traffic accident, is a devastating ailment. It causes impairment of limb movement among others and, experts say, there is no established therapeutic intervention capable of restoring significant neurological function.
“Stem cell therapy has the potential to repair and regenerate the spinal cord nerves damaged in an injury. But it hasn’t been proven yet. Research in this field is mostly at experimental stage,” said Dr H S Chabra, chief of Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC).
Nevertheless, he added, many centres have sprung up in big cities like Delhi and Mumbai that are using stem cell therapy to treat SCI. “Short of alternatives, many patients spend lakhs on the therapy. The failure to get any significant improvement makes them depressed and uninterested in conventional treatment even,” the ISIC director said.
He is the primary contributor to the position statement published in the European journal. Other authors include Geeta Jotwani from the Indian Council of Medical Research, Gourie Devi from Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, S L Yadav from AIIMS and Susan Charlifue from Craig hospital in USA.
The experts have opined that to stop the malpractice of marketing such ‘unproven’ therapies to a vulnerable population, it is crucial that all countries unite to form common, well-defined regulations or legislation on their use in SCI cases. Stem cell-based transplantation has been accepted as a standard therapy only in case of leukemia, burns and corneal regeneration. Other than these indications, stem cell interventions are still under trial, say experts.
Stem cell therapy emerged as a big thing in India after one private clinic based in south Delhi claimed to have successfully treated former Chattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi, who was paralysed completely in a road accident in 2004.
Many centres provide stem cell therapy in the name of research or treatment and charge between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 4 lakh for a single shot of stem cell.


Leica Camera AG and the WWT continue their cooperation
Leica Camera AG continues to back the ambitious project of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) for the protection and preservation of the endangered spoon-billed sandpiper. This collaboration to save the unique wader from extinction began in 2013 and has now been renewed to guarantee the project’s long-term success. Leica Camera AG supports the breeding programmes and field expeditions of the WWT team and, in its function as exclusive optics partner of the organisation, equips its members with first-class optical equipment such as binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras for work in the field.
For several years now, the spoon-billed sandpiper has been the focal point of an intensive international rescue programme being carried out by the WWT and its partners in the bird’s north Siberian breeding grounds. Some of the fledglings are reared by hand and then released into the wild. The global population of the spoon-billed sandpiper has fallen to the critical level of only around 100 breeding pairs. Above all, environmental pollution, the extraction of fossil fuels and hunting pose particular threats to the survival of this bird with the characteristic spoon-shaped bill. Not least because of this situation, Leica Camera also helps raise awareness amongst the local population in the wintering colonies of the threat to this rare and charismatic bird.
Stephan Albrecht, head of the sport optics division at Leica Camera AG, says: ‘One of Leica’s primary focuses is on long-term and sustainable support for selected nature conservancy projects. For us, the decision to continue our collaboration with the WWT in their efforts to save the spoon-billed sandpiper from extinction was therefore a logical step. For conservationists, our binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras are the perfect tools for monitoring the sensitive breeding areas from an appropriate distance without disturbing this remarkable wading bird.’
About Leica Camera
Leica Camera AG is an internationally operating, premium-segment manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products. The legendary reputation of the Leica brand is founded on a long tradition of excellent quality. In combination with innovative technologies, all Leica products fulfil a common objective: better pictures, wherever perception and visualization matter. Leica Camera AG has its headquarters in Wetzlar, in the state of Hessen in Germany, and a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal and operates its own worldwide network of regional organisations, Leica Retail Stores, Leica Galleries and Leica Akademies.


PAINTOR: integration of functional and association data in fine-mapping studies
Finding causal variants that underlie known risk loci is one of the main post-GWAS challenges. Here we present PAINTOR (Probabilistic Annotation INtegraTOR), a probabilistic framework that integrates association strength with genomic functional annotation data to improve accuracy in selecting plausible causal variants for functional validation. The main output of PAINTOR are probabilities for every variant to be causal that can be used for prioritization in functional assays to establish biological causality.
PAINTOR 3.0 that incorporates multi-ethnic, multi-trait together with important sampling for improved computational speed can be downloaded here.
If your data is not imputed to the latest 1000Genomes (or other updated reference panel), we recommend doing so either from individual data or directly from summary association statistics (see ImpG-Summary).
Manuscripts describing PAINTOR:
Integrating functional data to prioritize causal variants in statistical fine-mapping studies.
Kichaev G, Yang WY, Lindstrom S, Hormozdiari F, Eskin E, Price AL, Kraft P,Pasaniuc B. PLoS Genetics 2014.
Leveraging functional annotation data in trans-ethnic fine-mapping studies. (Cotterman award for best paper by a trainee in AJHG 2015)
Kichaev G, Pasaniuc B. Am J Hum Genet. 2015 Aug 6;97(2):260-71. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2015.06.007. PMID: 26189819
Improved methods for multi-trait fine mapping of pleiotropic risk loci.
Kichaev G, Roytman M, Johnson R, Eskin E, Lindström S, Kraft P, Pasaniuc B. Bioinformatics. 2016 Sep 22. pii: btw615. PMID: 27663501
Please contact Gleb (email@example.com) or Bogdan (firstname.lastname@example.org) for any comments or suggestions related to the software.
The software is free for non-commercial use, and may be licensed for commercial use.
This web-site is based upon work supported by the National Institutes of Health under awards R03 CA162200 and R01 GM053275. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding agencies above.


In the presence of vegetative adrenergic symptoms postprandial hypoglycemia should only be considered if biochemical hypoglycemia does occur within 2-4 hours after intake of a standardized testmeal (rich in carbohydrates) during laboratory test conditions, e.g. as compared to a testmeal rich in proteins.
Postprandial hypoglycemia typically may occur after a carbohydrate rich meal, thus also classified as "alimentary hypoglycemia". This is in contrast to fasting hypoglycemia or spontaneous hypoglycemia in insulinoma.
Eventually patients with an insulinoma may experience hypoglycemia within 3-6 hours after an oral glucose load or a meal (depending upon the insulin secretion pattern of the tumor). The hypoglycemia cannot be efficiently counterregulated, fasting needs to be withdrawn.
Patients with postprandial hypoglycemia are able to counterregulate hypoglycemia adaequately and thus return to the normal range of blood glucose levels .
postprandial hypoglycemia and " d i a b e t e s " ?
Very often we face the erroneus notion, postprandial or meal-associated hypoglycemia mistakingly be seen as "an early sign" of diabetes mellitus ???
It is true that real hypoglycemia after a meal may occur early in the development of type II diabetes. However, this is caused by untimely delayed and therefore increased insulin secretion when elevated hyperglycemic blood glucose levels have been detected early-postprandially (so called right-shift of the insulin secretion curve).
Typically, co-existence of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia is found but not hypoglycemia alone. The HbA1c may be normal, too.
postprandial hypoglycemia and
Non-insulinoma pncreatogenic hypoglycemia-syndrome (NIPHS)
postprandial hypoglycemia together with clearly neuroglycopenic symptoms may be a challenging issue if caused by non-insulinoma pancreatogenic hypoglycemia-syndrome / NIPHS (= islet cell hyperplasia, rarely hypertrophy ).
According to J.Service (Mayo Clinic Rochester MN) this is probably the correct terminus for rare islet cell hyperplasia or nesidioblastosis in adults.
The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) does not allow the diagnosis of postprandial hypoglycemia, since the "meal" is not physiological and the availibility of glucose in the gastrointestinal tract of short duration. Glucose tolerance testing is suitable for screening purposes.
The term "reactive" or "functional" hypoglycemia is outdated and should not be used.
Adrenergic Postprandial Syndrome - APS
Despite normal concentrations of blood glucose patients face unspecific symptoms (sweating, tremor, palpitations, anxiety, nausea) caused through autonomic adrenergic counterregulation. The adrenergic tone elicits the symptoms and simultaneously avoids hypoglycemia through biochemical mechanisms (action of epinephrine / adrenaline; see "Gluco-Homeostasis".
APS represents a reactive or functional dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and should not be classified as "hypoglycemia". Terms like "pseudohypoglycemia" or even "non-hypoglycemia" should be avoided, since they do not address the virtual presence of discomfort reported by these patients.
The biochemically defined cutoff for hypoglycemia as tolerated in the brain is 2.8 mmol/l (50 mg/dl). A counterregulatory response (epinephrine/adrenaline and glucagon) is triggered at higher blood glucose levels in the range of > 60 mg/dl (cutoff 3.1-3.3 mmol/l). Glucagon does not cause symptoms, but epinephrine does.
The early dumping-syndrome does occur within 30 minutes in 10-15% of patients after resective gastric surgery. These are orthostatic hemodynamic symptoms induced secondary to a rise in intestinal osmotic pressure due to a rapid emptying of the osmotically active gastric content. Symptoms are characterized as adrenergic symptoms, in addition patients experience nausea, intestinal rumors, fullness, falling blood pressure with tachycardia/bradycardia.
Causes are: catecholamines, serotonin, vasoactive kinines; intraluminal pressure. Eventually and depending upon the carbohydrate content transient hyperglycemia may even be seen.
The late dumping-syndrome is identical with true postprandial hypoglycemia in patients after gastric surgery caused by an imbalance of postprandial hyperinsulinemia and availability of carbohydrates.
It may occur in patients with dysfunction of intestinal motility without prior gastric surgery. Increase of the intestinal passage and contractions are mediated by the secretion of intestinal hormones / peptides (cholecystokinine - CCK, gastrin, motilin, neurotensin (?), substance P).
Causes of postprandial hypoglycemia: 1. Increased insulin secretion (triggered through increased glucagon-like peptide 1 - secretion ("early responder") 2.
Rapid gastric emptying (after gastric surgery):
a. stimulation of insulin secretion
b. stimulation of GLP-1-secretion, GIP (gastric insulinotropic polypeptide)
3. Renal glucosuria 4. Increased insulin sensitivity (increased non-oxidative glucose metabolism) 5. Decreased insulin sensitivity ("insulin resistance") with initially decreased insulin response, thereafter right-shifted increased insulin response ("late responder"). 6. Decreased glucagon secretion / glucagon resistance (hyposensitivity of glucagon receptors) ?
Literature postprandial hypoglycemia: 1. Hogan MJ, Service FJ, Sharbrough FW, Gerich JE. Oral glucose tolerance test compared with a mixed meal in the diagnosis of reactive hypoglycemia. Mayo Clin Proc 58:1983, 491-496 2. Gastineau CF. Is reactive hypoglycemia a clinical entity? Mayo Clin Proc 58:1983, 545-549 3. Lefebvre PJ, Andreani D, Marks V, Creutzfeldt W. Statement on postprandial or reactive hypoglycemia. Diabetes Care 11: 1988, 439 4. Brun JF, Fedou C, Mercier J. Postprandial reactive hypoglycemia. Diabetes & Metabolism 26:2000, 337-351


Ohio and National Native Plant Month
April is Ohio Native Plant Month and, starting this year, National Native Plant Month!
In July 2019, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 59 of the 133 General Assembly into law, designating April as Ohio Native Plant Month. This made Ohio one of the country's first states to dedicate an entire month to our native plants.
In 2021, Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced a resolution to declare April 2021 as National Native Plant Month. The resolution was based on unanimous consent on March 25th.
The Piqua Public Library has celebrated native plants through a variety of programs. In 2019, we hosted a month-long Native Gardening Series in March. Our series has had to be postponed due to COVID-19, but we look forward to offering it in the future. As a safe alternative to our in-person speaker series, we provided a no-contact Native Plant of the Week program. A new native plant was highlighted every week, and patrons could take home free seedlings or seed packets. The program ran for 24 weeks, from August to February, and gave away 1,648 plants and seed packets.
The Piqua Seed Library includes many native Ohio plant species. Patrons can choose from various seeds (including vegetable, herb, and flower seeds) to borrow from the Piqua Seed Library. After enjoying the harvest, we ask that they save some seeds and return them to the Seed Library so we can share them with others. Seed saving creates a seed stock well-suited to the Miami Valley climate, the plants are more pest-resistant, and growers save money on their seeds and plants. Seed saving helps create a culture of sharing and community, too!
The Ohio Native Plant Month website has many resources for learning about native plants and how you can add them to your home garden and landscaping.
The Piqua Public Library has some fantastic books on gardening with native plants in our collection. These are some of our favorites.
Native Gardening Guides
- Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants, Updated and Expanded by Douglas W. Tallamy and Rick Darke
- Go Native!: Gardening with Native Plants and Wildflowers in the Lower Midwest by Carolyn Harstad
- Growing the Midwest Garden by Ed Lyon
- Landscaping With Wildflowers and Native Plants by William Wilson
- Lawn Gone!: Low-Maintenance, Sustainable, Attractive Alternatives for Your Yard by Pam Penick
- Native Plants of the Midwest: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best 500 Species for the Garden by Alan Branhagen
- Natural Landscaping: Gardening with Nature to Create a Backyard Paradise by Sally Roth
- Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy
- The Garden Awakening: Designs to Nurture Our Land and Ourselves by Mary Reynolds
- The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife (How to Create a Sustainable and Ethical Garden that Promotes Native Wildlife, Plants, and Biodiversity) by Nancy Lawson
- The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden by Rick Darke and Douglas W. Tallamy
- The Natural Habitat Garden by Kenneth Druse
- The Self-Sustaining Garden: A Gardener's Guide to Matrix Planting by Peter Thompson
- The Water-Saving Garden: How to Grow a Gorgeous Garden with a Lot Less Water by Pam Penick
- Wildflowers in Your Garden: A Gardener's Guide by Viki Ferreniea and Carol Bolt
Native Gardening Philosophy + Natural History
- A New Garden Ethic: Cultivating Defiant Compassion for an Uncertain Future by Benjamin Vogt
- American Green: The Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Lawn by Ted Steinberg
- Discovery and Renewal on Huffman Prairie: Where Aviation Took Wing by David Nolin
- Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World by Emma Marris
- Thoreau's Garden by H. Peter Loewer and Henry David Thoreau
Gardening for Pollinators, Birds + Other Wildlife
- 100 Plants to Feed the Bees: Provide a Healthy Habitat to Help Pollinators Thrive By Eric Lee-Mader and The Xerces Society
- All-Season Backyard Birdwatcher (Quarry Book) by Marcus Schneck
- Attracting and Feeding Backyard Birds by Carol Frischmann
- Attracting Birds and Butterflies (Home Grown Gardening) by Barbara Ellis
- Attracting Birds to Your Backyard: 536 Ways To Turn Your Yard and Garden Into a Haven For Your Favorite Birds By Sally Roth
- Bee Garden by Elke Schwarzer
- Bird and Butterfly Gardens (For Your Garden) by Warren Schultz
- Bird-by-Bird Gardening: The Ultimate Guide to Bringing in Your Favorite Birds--Year after Year by Sally Roth
- Birds in Your Backyard: A Bird Lover's Guide to Creating a Garden Sanctuary by Robert Dolezal
- Butterflies in the Backyard by Scott Shalaway
- Butterfly Gardening with Native Plants: How to Attract and Identify Butterflies by Christopher Kline
- Garden Birds: How to Attract Birds to Your Garden by Noble S. Proctor
- Gardening for Butterflies: How You Can Attract and Protect Beautiful, Beneficial Insects by Scott Black and The Xerces Society
- Gardening for the Birds by Thomas G. Barnes
- Nature's Gardens: Create a Haven for Birds, Butterflies-And Yourself! From Better Homes and Gardens
- Ortho's All About Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies (Ortho's All About Gardening) by Ortho
- Pollinators of Native Plants: Attract, Observe and Identify Pollinators and Beneficial Insects with Native Plants by Heather N. Holm
- Songbirds in Your Garden by John K. Terres
- The Bee-Friendly Garden: Design an Abundant, Flower-Filled Yard that Nurtures Bees and Supports Biodiversity by Kate Frey, Gretchen LeBuhn
- The Butterfly Gardener's Guide (Brooklyn Botanic Garden All-Region Guide) by Claire Hagen Dole
- Wildlife in the Garden: How to Live in Harmony with Deer, Raccoons, Rabbits, Crows, and Other Pesky Creatures by Gene Logsdon


The August meeting of the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Ikenobo Ikebana Society
was today at our member Laura's Garden. Professor Emiko Suzuki discussed the "In and Yo" of selecting and cutting plant materials out in the garden for Ikenobo arrangements.
She also talked about the different ways parts of the same plant grow toward the light and which of these parts are most suitable for specific elements of an Ikenobo design. Using a "Shoka" arrangement as the example, Emiko showed us where to find the best material for "Shin" and "Soe" from a big azalea bush and how to study the growing pattern of a daisy to discover the best parts to cut for the "Tai" group.
Professor Suzuki shared her knowledge of how to best utilize the growing habits of different plant materials when planning a Free Style arrangement too. How one considers the plants can be influenced by whether the arrangement is right or left handed, upright, slanting or horizontal, the type of container used, and even the time of year (which can determine the availability of some materials).
Thank you Laura for opening your home and garden up to us. Thank you Professor Emiko Suzuki for sharing your knowledge and insight. And thank you again to Laura and all of the other members who contributed to a delightful luncheon.


Working with Elephants is a unique and rewarding experience that everyone should try.
When visiting Victoria Falls, stop by the Wild Horizons Victoria Falls Elephant Sanctuary. Here you can see and learn about these fantastic creatures in their natural habitat! The elephant encounter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget!
Elephants have been part of the Wild Horizons family for more than 25 years, and regardless of which phase in their care. From rescue to release back into the wild, it is all about what’s best for the elephants.
The Wild Horizons team are strong conservationists. Their ethic is associated with creating safe habitats and environments for the wildlife in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and surrounding areas.
The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary
Those at the helm of the elephants' care know that their work is important. They are provided with ample training to do so. They have come a long way from where they started and are now able to make sure that these majestic animals stay happy, healthy, and well-tended as always!
Click here to meet the hero's who work with the elephants every day. They will tell you that each elephant is like a part of their own family. Some of these guys have worked at the sanctuary for many years and will have a wealth of information to share with you at the sanctuary.
Click here to meet Jake, Coco, Naledi, Emily, Izibulo, Janet, Jock, and Jumbo. You can read about each of them and discover how uniquely different they all are.
You can also donate or even adopt your very own elephant.
Wild Horizons' main goal with the elephant encounter in Victoria Falls is to ensure that the elephants have the best care and quality of life. This also needs to be in the most natural environment possible. They know that elephants are intelligent and social creatures, so they try to provide them with as much stimulation as possible.
The Elephant Encounter
The African elephant is one of the most majestic animals on earth and being able to see them up close is a truly wonderful experience.
The Wild Horizons team
The team will make sure that you have an unforgettable time by making it possible for you to get comfortable with these giants in their natural habitat. They’re wild but they’re also gentle, curious, and highly social animals.
The Elephant Encounter provides guests with a unique opportunity to observe the biggest personalities in Africa. They can experience an untouched wilderness environment overflowing with natural beauty.
You will get to have a heart-to-heart with the elephants and connect in the most positive and natural way possible.
The Elephant Introduction
There is an open-design thatch BOMA where guests are given a breath taking view of the Masuwe River (a tributary of the Zambezi river). Here you will learn about and be educated on the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary.
You will have an opportunity to talk to guides that have journeyed – physically and metaphorically, incredible distances with these elephants. They will tell you more about the complexities of the individuals and the herd structures.
They will tell you about the history of how these animals came to be saved by the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary, as well as the threats that the natural elephant population faces daily and the solutions to help stop them.
The Elephant Experience
Then, you will venture out into the bush to spend time with the elephants up close and personal in a true elephant encounter.
The Vic falls elephant keepers care deeply for these animals. They are responsible for looking after the many needs of the elephants, which is a tough job but also one of great importance to them!
Take lots of photographs with the elephants, while you walk alongside them through the bush and chat with the guides.
When you get back to the BOMA, it's treat time! You will have an opportunity to feed your newfound friends some tasty elephant snacks before enjoying a cool refreshment on the veranda and watching the elephants disappear back into the bush at the end of the activity.
By visiting the sanctuary, you become part of the solution. Your contributions will go a long way to ensure the future of Zimbabwe’s elephants and the efforts of continuing the care, anti-poaching, and educating the next generation about conservation in Africa.
Many people worldwide are working to ensure elephant welfare is prioritized. Not only do they know that these magnificent animals need our help, but they also believe they deserve it.
The sanctuary was established in 1992 to provide an environment where elephants could roam freely, be cared for without fear from poachers while also being used as ambassadors on behalf of African elephant conservation efforts.
If you are interested in learning more about conservation in this area, then I'd recommend visiting Elephants without Borders, a global charitable organization that is dedicated to conserving wildlife and natural resources in several different ways.
The folks in Victoria Falls truly care about keeping Africa in a pristine condition by collectively working together on all things wild, and to ensure that this beautiful land and its inhabitants will be around for generation after generation to enjoy.
African Elephants are on the Endangered List
There are two separate species of the African elephant, the savannah and the forest elephant.
The African savanna elephant is the larger of the two species and moves through open grasslands across most of East and Southern Africa. At up to four meters high and weighing nearly 10 tonnes, savanna elephants are the largest land animal alive today.
The forest elephant is smaller and reaches around 2.5 meters and weighs up to four tonnes, making this animal, one of the smallest members of the elephant family living in rainforests spread across much of Africa's interior regions.
What the Authorities say
The latest International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List studies have shown that the two species are doing much worse than was originally thought.
African elephants are officially in danger of extinction, steady drops in population have been recorded, mainly due to poaching and shrinking habitat from deforestation. Both savanna and forest populations have been classified as endangered, but it is the forest species that has suffered the most in recent times.
Andrew Terry, the Director of Conservation at the Zoological Society of London, says, 'Conservation efforts to protect savanna elephants have seen many populations begin to recover, but sadly the same is not true for forest elephants.
5 Interesting Elephant Facts
Have you ever wondered what makes elephants so unique? Well, besides being the largest land animals on earth, they are also very intelligent and have excellent memories. Here are 5 interesting facts you may not know about elephants.
Fear of Bees
You might think elephants are fearless because of their size, but you’d be wrong. They fear bees and even something that sounds like a swarm of bees has been known to make elephants scatter or stampede.
The African elephant also has a fear of ants. Elephants have sensitive trunks which are packed full of nerve-ending and scientists believe this causes them to experience intense pain from any stings or bites, including the painful sting of a bee or single ant bite.
Elephants are a keystone species.
This means that whole ecosystems depend on them for survival, and important plant and animal species exist because of them. One example is the dung beetle, which exists because of elephant dung.
The baobab tree relies on elephants for both moisture and nutrients to live; without the elephant, the tree dies.
Ecosystems that once had elephants, but do not anymore, can become deserts. Watch this fun video, to see how elephants help keep nature growing.
Right-handed or left?
Just as humans have a dominant right or left hand, elephants are usually more comfortable using one tusk rather than the other during fights or for functional pursuits, such as stripping bark from a tree or lifting objects.
Elephant tusks are made of ivory, which is very dense and largely consists of a material called dentin, which is also found in teeth! Dentin features at number 3 on the Mohs' scale of mineral hardness.
Elephants can recognize themselves
A landmark study showed that, unlike a chimpanzee which might mistake an image of itself for another animal in the mirror, African elephants typically identify themselves first when looking at their reflection.
Humans are only around two years old when they fully recognize themselves. Baby elephants, on the other hand, appear to demonstrate a high level of self-awareness in intelligence testing.
"These studies could have profound implications for our understanding of the species and how we can protect elephants for the long-term in Africa" –and worldwide.
Knowing that elephants are intelligent and have high-level thinking abilities may give more support to their rights and protection.
A trip to the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary will not only leave you with a thrilling experience, but you will have learned something about these magnificent animals and the people who work with them.
By booking this activity, you play a small, but very vital role in the ongoing conservation efforts of African elephants in the region.
For more interesting and fun things to do in Victoria Falls, Check out out Activities Page.


Users can learn about all human body parts from the head & neck to the knee & foot and from the circulatory system to the reproductive system in detail in the Human Anatomy Atlas 2023. It is one of the best medical applications offered by the Visible Body and has a 4.5 rating out of 5. Also, it’s the #3 top medical app on the Play Store. It features very detailed 3D interactive models to study human anatomy and supports the Augmented Reality (AR) view.
Also Check: Health Pal Fitness
Interactive 3D Anamotical Model
In this app, you can learn about all anatomical structures with the interactive 3D anatomy model that has all body organs & structures perfectly designed with sharp graphics and with every tiny detail. It has multiple views such as regions view, systems view, gross anatomy lab, cross sections, microanatomy, and muscle actions. You can use them to see the structures in specific ways. Also, you can interact with the model like rotate, moving, zooming in/out, selecting any structure, etc.
Various Anatomy Views
The anatomy models of various body parts, organs, and structures are categorized into multiple views. Below, we have explained these anatomical views.
Regions – In the regional view, you can select the anatomy course based on the regional part of the body such as the head, neck, spine, hips, knee, foot, etc.
System – In the system view, it shows the anatomy courses based on the functions of the body such as the respiratory system, digestive system, muscular system, urinary system, etc.
Gross Anatomy Lab – In this view, the anatomy model will be on the dissection table. It’s similar to the gross anatomy of a body in an anatomy lab. You can change the position of the model from prone to supine. It also supports AR view. You can use it to place the body on a surface around you.
Cross Section – In this view, along with the anatomy model, you can also see the images of CT scans, MRI scans, diagnostic imaging, and cadaver scans of the selected structure.
Microanatomy – It includes the anatomy at a smaller level than the system anatomy. You can see the anatomy of the sensory parts like the eye, lens, ear, tongue, etc., dental anatomy, skeletal muscle, heart wall, the structure of blood vessels, and other similar anatomies.
Muscle Action – It includes the movements of bones & muscles of specific body parts. Mandible elevation, depression, protraction & retraction, head rotation, shoulder flexion, shoulder medial rotation, elbow flexion, hit flexion, hip adduction, foot digits flexion & extension, all movements are included in it.
Detailed Overview of Every Anatomical Structure
When you select any anatomical structure, it shows its English name as well as the Latin name. Also, it shows three options. The first option shows the definition of the selected structure. The second option shows all related pathologies. And the third option pronounces the name in English. A fourth option also appears when you select a bone. Using that option shows the bony landmarks of the selected bone and attached muscles.
Huge Library of Patient Education Animation Videos
It also has a library of animated videos that explain the key physiology and pathologies. The topics it covers are bones & skeletal muscles, cells & tissues, respiration & circulation, nutrition & elimination, and system overviews. The pathology topics are respiratory & circulatory pathologies, digestive & urinary pathologies, and muscle & bone pathologies. Advanced & more detailed animation videos of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, and urinary system are also available on this app.
Quizzes & Lab Activities
To see how much you have learned about human anatomy, you can take quizzes in this app. You can select any functional system of the body to start the quiz. The quiz will give you an anatomy model and structure name. You will have to find that structure by dissecting the model.
MOD Version of Human Anatomy Atlas 2023
In the MOD version of Human Anatomy Atlas 2023, you are getting the following features:
Paid Unlocked – It’s the unlocked version of the app and costs you nothing.
All In-app Content Unlocked – The Video library of patient education animations, advanced animations, and 3D dental anatomy are also unlocked.
Also Check: MyFitnessPal
Frequently Asked Questions-Answers:
Yes. It doesn’t require rooting for the installation. It’s malware-free, virus-free, and entirely safe for use.
Yes. You can hide all the structures related to an organ without affecting other structures. To do that, tap on the System button, then select the body region and then unselect the body organ. All structures related to that organ will be hidden.
Human Anatomy Atlas 2023 is the best medical app for learning about human organs & structures. Its 3D interactive models for every body part are designed with great details and provide detailed information.


The rapid surge of urbanization has led to a boost in the popularity of urban indoor farming, with microgreens taking center stage. For city dwellers, this form of agriculture is not just a trendy hobby; it’s a sustainable, nutritious, and efficient way to grow food right within the confines of their homes. But what exactly are microgreens, and what role do they play in urban indoor farming for enhancing nutritional intake? Let’s delve into this intriguing topic.
Before we can discuss the role of microgreens in urban indoor farming, we must first define what they are. Microgreens are young vegetable greens, harvested just after the cotyledon leaves have developed. They are usually about 1-3 inches tall and come in a variety of flavors, colors, and textures.
Microgreens are not to be confused with sprouts or baby greens. Sprouts are the very first shoots of a plant, harvested within days of germination, while baby greens are older and larger than microgreens.
Microgreens are incredibly nutrient-dense and are used in a wide array of dishes, from salads to sandwiches, and even as garnishes. They’re also remarkably easy to grow, making them a popular choice for urban indoor farming.
The rise of urban indoor farming with microgreens is not only due to their vibrant flavors and aesthetic appeal. Their popularity stems from the numerous health benefits they offer, making them a potent tool for enhancing nutritional intake.
Microgreens are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that the body requires for optimal functionality. Studies show that these tiny greens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. For example, red cabbage microgreens have six times more vitamin C and 69 times more vitamin K than mature red cabbage.
Furthermore, microgreens can help combat chronic diseases. They contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that’s linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and more.
Microgreens contribute significantly to the sustainability of urban indoor farming. They have a short growth cycle, taking only 1-2 weeks from seed to harvest. This makes them a highly efficient food source, as they can be grown and harvested multiple times in a year, even in small spaces.
Moreover, microgreens require less water and land compared to traditional crops. This makes them ideal for urban areas, where space and resources are often limited. Also, they reduce the need for long-haul transportation of food, as they can be grown right at home, minimizing carbon emissions and contributing to a healthier planet.
Microgreens also have a positive impact on the economy of urban areas. Due to their high nutritional content and culinary versatility, they command a higher market price than many other vegetables. Urban indoor farmers can potentially turn a handsome profit by selling these nutritious sprouts to local restaurants, food trucks, and health-conscious consumers.
Importantly, the businesses sprouting from the sale and distribution of microgreens contribute to local economic growth and job creation. They also offer an opportunity for urban dwellers to become self-sufficient, reducing their dependence on external food sources.
The future of microgreens in urban indoor farming looks very promising. With advancements in farming technologies, such as hydroponics and aeroponics, growing microgreens indoors is becoming increasingly efficient and accessible.
Moreover, as awareness of the health benefits and sustainability of microgreens continues to grow, so too does their popularity. They are not only becoming a staple in the food industry, but also a symbol of the urban farming movement.
In closing, microgreens play an integral role in urban indoor farming. From their high nutritional value to their contribution to sustainability and local economies, they have proven to be more than just a fad. As we move towards a more sustainable future, microgreens will continue to grow in importance, transforming the way we farm and consume food in urban areas.
Food insecurity, characterized by limited or uncertain access to nutritious food, is a major concern in urban areas. Microgreens can play a vital role in solving this issue due to their high nutritional value and ease of cultivation. Because they require minimal space and resources, they are an ideal solution for people living in compact urban environments.
Microgreens represent a versatile, low-cost food option that can be grown year-round, regardless of the weather conditions outside. Their rapid growth cycle means they can provide a steady supply of fresh produce to urban dwellers. As such, they can help mitigate food insecurity by providing a reliable source of vital nutrients to people who might not otherwise have access to them.
Furthermore, the ease of growing microgreens might inspire more people to start their own indoor gardens, thereby promoting a culture of self-sustainability. This can contribute to the overall health of urban communities, as individuals can take control of their nutritional needs without relying solely on external food sources.
In the not-too-distant future, we might see microgreens becoming a staple in the diets of urban dwellers. Thanks to their immense health benefits, ease of cultivation, and minimal resource requirements, they naturally fit into the urban lifestyle. As more people become aware of the advantages of consuming microgreens, their popularity is likely to skyrocket.
Urban indoor farming, particularly with microgreens, is an innovative solution to several challenges posed by urbanization. It can enhance the nutritional intake of urban populations, promote sustainability, stimulate local economies, and even combat food insecurity. Therefore, microgreens are not just a trendy addition to our diets; they are a paradigm shift in how we approach food production and consumption in urban scenarios.
Indeed, the role of microgreens in urban indoor farming extends beyond enhancing nutritional intake. They are a testament to our ability to adapt and innovate in the face of challenges. As we continue to refine our urban farming techniques and technologies, microgreens will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food in our cities. After all, they are not just a source of nutrition, but a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and self-sufficiency.


REAGEN This kit is a lyophilized fluorescent PCR test used to detect Dengue virus. When using, just add nucleic acid sample to make the reaction mixture for use On-board testing.
Kit Contents, Storage and Shelf Life
RT-PCR Mix(lyophilized powder)
Positive control (lyophilized powder)
Note: Kit components of different batch numbers cannot be used interchangeably
Store:The test reagents in the kit have been vacuum-packaged and stored in aluminum foil bags, and can be stored for 24 months in the dark and moisture-proof condition. After the vacuum package is opened, unused reagents must be sealed together with desiccant in a ziplock bag, stored in an aluminum foil bag, and used as soon as possible.
Need To Bring Your Own Equipment and Reagents
1. Fluorescence PCR machine
2. Micro pipette and pipette tip
3. Special reaction tube cover for fluorescent PCR
4. Fluorescent PCR reaction tube
5. Nuclease-free water
6. Nucleic acid extraction reagents


Its nearly 4 years since the first off-spring of a cloned cow was born on a UK farm but it seems to me that the government is no more prepared than it was back then.
GM Freeze comment to the news that the governments advisory panel believes cloning is “safe hypothetically speaking”. And below my comments from Jan 07 when the first off-spring of a cloned cow was born on a UK farm
GM Freeze press release
Immediate Release 25 November 2010
Government Must Consider All Issues on Cloned Animals
GM Freeze is calling on the Government to look at all issues including food safety, animal welfare , ethics and socio-economics before deciding whether to allowed cloned animals, their off-spring and products into the UK.
Today the Advisory Committee on Novel Food and Processes (ACNFP) issued an opinion that products of cloned animals are safe to eat. GM Freeze says that there is a lot of evidence that the cloning process has a profound impact on the health and welfare of the animals. Only a minority of cloned embryos survive to full term and the life expectancy of cloned offspring is low because of breathing difficulties, tumours and organ malfunction  and other less noticeable impacts could impact on the quality and safety of cloned products.
The group say that cloning is also a retrogressive step for farming. The introduction means that farmed livestock will be drawn from a shrinking gene pool at a time when many have realised that the inbreeding of dairy cattle for milk production has had a detrimental impact on the life their expectancy, reproduction and overall health.
Earlier in 2010 the FSA admitted that they had no way of tracing cloned animals or their offspring in the UK . The revelation in the summer of 2010 that cloned meat had already entered the market here came as a result of media coverage in the USA rather than the FSA’s own efforts to monitoring the movement of clones which they knew were in the country.
Cloning of farmed animals is not legal in the European Union and the European Parliament called for a moratorium in summer 2010 pending the introduction of legislation to regulate it. FSA opinion research show there is widespread public opposition to the introduction of cloning and a Which? survey in 2008 found 80% of people opposed. UK supermarkets have told GM freeze that they will no stock products from cloned sources
Commenting Pete Riley of GM Freeze said;
“ Cloning is a highly controversial issue with little public support. The very high death rate and existence of health problems in clones points to the fact that the impacts of cloning are poorly understood and we need to be looking in greater detail at the differences between clones and animals produced by conventional breed techniques. It takes livestock farming further down the route of intensification where high outputs to produce cheap food are the main objective.
The Government and FSA must take the widest possible view of the impacts of cloning on our food, farming and countryside including ethical, animal welfare and socio-economic as well as food safety. The views of the public must also figure strongly.
Cloning will be another step in making animals mere commodities that can be traded globally. The high failure rate of cloning and its impact on the health and welfare of the animals must also be a major factor in deciding if cloning should go ahead”.
Calls to : Pete Riley 07903 341065
2. Quoted in the Daily Mail, 16 September 2010. See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1312414/Clone-food-shops-years.html#ixzz0zgcT5J8n
CLONING Jan 07
There was a terrible feeling of deja-vu about the media storm that followed the revelation that a daughter of a cloned cow has been born on a UK farm.
Just as with the GM debacle the government seemed to be wholly unready for the public and media reaction against the use of this technology in the food chain.
It took the Daily Mail to draw the nation’s attention to the latest failure of Defra by exposing the latest excess of genetic science imported from the USA and forcing Defra into admitting that they don’t know if cloned animals or their progeny are being imported into the UK.
But Defra is so pro-genetic science that it is blind to the concerns of the public and has failed to introduce any regulation on the import of these animals
This admission must have come as a surprise to the all milk and beef farmers who spend too much of their time in the tiresome bureaucratic exercise of ensuring that their cattle have the all paperwork that follows the animals from birth to slaughter.
Now I am certainly not calling for more regulation to be imposed on farmers but the public are so nervous around cloning – and with good reason looking at the plethora of websites devoted to the issue and the number of eminent scientists warning against the irresponsible use of this powerful technology.
After the furore that met Dolly the sheep and the recent statement from the Food Standards Agency in the USA that products from cloned animals can be allowed in the US food chain – fortunately the EU expressly forbids products from cloned animals into the EU food chain – it beggars belief that there is no appropriate regulation.
It was even more disappointing to hear the NFU defending Defra’s incompetence and demanding that farmers should have ready access to cloning technology making the argument that dairy farmers need this technology to become more ‘ efficient’.
Presumably ‘efficient’ means producing more milk for less return.
Many in the dairy industry, along with consumer organisations, now recognised that producing more and more milk at lower and lower farmgate prices is never going to address the problem of a failing dairy industry or secure supplies of high quality dairy products for the consumer.
However a significant number of farmers are still wedded to the belief that technology will deliver greater yield and greater prices – and thus deliver them from all their problems. Even though the evidence of recent years, where increased production has led to lower prices, would suggest otherwise.
It seems to me that farmers are on a technology treadmill that makes them run faster and faster but not get anywhere. I would argue that ensuring profitability is far more important than increasing output and that sometimes less can be more.
But my fear is that in adopting these technologies farmers risk alienating themselves from the public and will reduce public confidence in our products – and without public confidence and support the future really does look bleak.


People the world over have long known about the benefits of safe sunbathing and how exposing our skin to the sun for short periods of time creates essential Vitamin D. Spending time out of doors in nature has always been recognized as healthy. What many people may not know –especially those who suffer from chronic pain – is that immersing yourself in nature may help to relieve chronic pain.
While many people enjoy the benefits of sunbathing, the Japanese have long enjoyed forest bathing. It’s called “shinrin-yoku.” This is the very simple act of spending time in the forest connecting with the environment.
The Japanese attribute the sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air with providing a sense of comfort. These sensations ease stress and worry, help us humans to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us. Of course, if you don’t have access to an actual forest, any green space and natural environment will do.
In 2009, Forest-therapy expert Yoshifumi Miyazaki published a paper that reviewed previous research on the physiological effects of shinrin-yoku. After analyzing evidence from field experiments conducted in 24 forests in Japan, he concluded that when compared to city settings, spending time in forest environments could:
•lower concentrations of cortisol
•lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure
•increase parasympathetic nerve activity (the relaxation response)
•lower sympathetic nerve activity (the fight-or-flight aka stress response)
Each of the results listed above directly contribute to the lessening of pain. Stay tuned for more pleasurable and pain-relieving activities that are free and can set you free from the life-draining habit of popping yet another pill.


Manures collected from animals such as cattle and pigs during periods of the year when they are housed, typically contain 6-10% dry matter and so are not appropriate for combustion or gasification without energetically and financially costly drying.
They are also inefficient to transport any distance or store owing to the high proportion of water.
However some energy technologies make use of biomass in an aqueous slurry, and these can make efficient use of such 'wet' materials. The high water, and low dry matter content means that the most appropriate energy technology for making use of animal slurries is anaerobic digestion for the production of biogas.
Dairy cattle typically produce between 42 kg and 64 kg (depending on body weight) of manure per day, so if they are housed for 50% of the year that corresponds to 7.6-11.6 tonnes pa per cow. Between them the UK herd of 2 million dairy cows produces around 20 million tonnes of slurry, equivalent to around 2 million tonnes of dry matter (at 10%).
The resource from the UK beef herd of 1.8 million will be less, as they typically spend less time housed, though may still be in excess of 5 million tonnes (wet) pa.
Pigs and sheep
There are also 4.9 million pigs in the UK and 20 million sheep. However, as sheep are kept almost entirely outdoors collecting their manure may not be practical.
Other uses for animal slurry
Animal slurry is widely used as a fertilizer and there are a number of methods to spread it on the land, though recent concerns about loss of ammonia to the air means that Defra now advises against broadcast spreading.


Acupuncture To Aid Fertility And Pregnancy
Acupuncture is an effective treatment that can increase fertility, and can increase chances of giving birth to a healthy child.
Acupuncture is the process of inserting needles along the lines of the body that stimulates acupressure points in order to ease any bodily pain and reduce stress. It comes from Ancient China were it has been practiced for thousands of years, developed to unclog the lanes that allow positive energy to flow through the body.
Today, it has been adapted for other uses, including boosting woman’s fertility. Research has indicated that acupuncture can help women conceive because it relieves stress and anxiety.
Acupuncture has also been proven to reduce depression, which is a common problem for women with infertility.
Our body while under stress produces Cortisol hormone, which has been linked to raise the risk of having a miscarriage. To produce Cortisol the adrenal gland needs progesterone, but we need our progesterone to maintain healthy menstrual cycle and to support pregnancy and avoid miscarriage. After acupuncture treatment patients are relaxed and Cortisol levels are lower.
Acupuncture when used with Western fertility treatments can increase conception rates by 26%.
There has been a recent study from Tel Aviv University that reports, “When combining IUI with TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) treatments, 65.5% of the test group were able to conceive, compare with 39.4% of the control group, who received no herbal or acupuncture therapy.”
There is even another form of acupuncture: electro-puncture. Electrical stimulation in the needles go to the nerves and helps the body release its endorphins, creating positive effects on fertility. Other studies and medical research confirm that acupuncture can increase blood flow to the reproductive organs and balance endocrine system. By increasing the flow of blood to the ovaries and uterus acupuncture is helping eggs to be stronger, nourished and carried to term.
While the results are still too soon to say, early research found that women who did acupuncture for pregnancy were more likely than women who made small changes to get pregnant through in-vitro fertilization.
The practice of acupuncture is safe with a licensed professional.
The acupuncturist will use different points on the head, legs, arms and belly to begin stimulating with needles. Points on the head help with relaxation, points around the belly open up pathways for blood to the ovaries, and points around the legs promotes blood flow to other reproductive organs. The needles are put in for 20-25 minutes as the person relaxes in a quiet room.
Most miscarriages take place within the first three months of pregnancy, women are treated with acupuncture through the first 12 weeks weekly and after that they might continue with the treatment less frequently and treatment is safe to have during pregnancy. Acupuncture can be used to take care of any fertility disorder, especially when combined with herbal remedies, hyperprolactinemia, and polycystic ovation syndrome. It even helps men that may be affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation that also plays a role in the cause of miscarriages.
When looking for an acupuncturist in Reading (UK), always see an acupuncturist who specializes in treating fertility disorders rather than just a traditional acupuncturist.


Our team can't wait to create a custom treatment plan for your specific needs.
SoftWave patented technology releases soundwaves that increase blood flow up to 20x and break down scar tissue. The ultimate combination to cure erectile dysfunctions, Peyronie's, or different pelvic pains. Not only do the majority of patients feel this immediate relief but also increased cell growth and activated cell migration providing long-term results as well. A viable alternative to repetitive pill consumption or an invasive surgery. Popular indications include:
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. PRP is in the category of regenerative autologous treatments, which means it comes from your own blood and can stimulate cellular regeneration and tissue repair. Platelets are one of the cells in our blood and when activated, they can release growth factors and other proteins. Our bodies have a remarkable capacity to heal themselves. Regeneration of new tissue is accomplished by the natural production of stem cells. PRP involves concentrated platelets, rich in bioactive proteins, which release growth factors to stimulate cellular regeneration and accelerate tissue repair.
The benefits of PRP were initially used in wound healing, dentistry, and the treatment of sports injuries, but now have evolved to address aesthetic concerns, sexual wellness/dysfunction, overactive bladder, and urinary incontinence. PRP is one of the most advanced, effective natural treatments for cellular repair AND rejuvenation throughout the body.
A vasectomy is a safe and effective method for providing permanent contraception.
No-Scalpel: The no-scalpel vasectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that is completed without a needle and scalpel. The main difference between a no-scalpel vasectomy and a vasectomy is the way the doctor approaches the vas deferens. In a no-scalpel vasectomy, a small clamp is poked through the skin of the scrotum and then opened to close the vas deferens. This is a quick office procedure with very little bleeding, less discomfort, and a 40% quicker recovery with no scar.
Classic: During a vasectomy, a doctor makes one or two small openings in your scrotum and cuts the vas deferens from each testicle. Once they are sealed, the skin is closed with stitches. Most men can return to work in one to two days.
Vasectomy Reversal: Having a change of heart concerning your past decision to get a vasectomy? We offer Reversal Vasectomy or Vasovasostomy at very reasonable prices. Same-day surgery procedure with a very high success rate. Dr. Prody has performed over 1000 vasectomy reversal procedures with excellent outcomes.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which a man can’t achieve or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. ED is a common occurrence as men age. ED is diagnosed if the condition lasts longer than a few weeks or months. We use patented technology triggering soundwaves to activate stem cell migration and increase blood flow up to 20x for long term results.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is an enlarged prostate. The prostate gland, found only in males, is located below the bladder, and as the prostate enlarges, the gland presses against the urethra. This pressure leads to problems passing urine. BPH is
not a form of cancer and does not develop into cancer.
After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Prostate cancer can be diagnosed through a prostate-specific antigen blood test or a digital rectum exam. Symptoms of prostate cancer include but are not limited to: Blood in the urine, erectile dysfunction, weakness or numbness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, and trouble passing urine (which could be caused by BPH rather than cancer.)
Bladder cancer most often begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. Symptoms include but are not limited to: Blood in the urine, frequent urination, painful urination, back pain, and pelvic pain. Bladder cancer is highly treatable if diagnosed at an early stage.
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a disease in which kidney cells become cancerous and form a tumor. There are not many signs or symptoms of kidney cancer in its early stages; however, in the later stages, symptoms may include: Blood in the urine, back pain below the ribs, weight loss, and fatigue.
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits comprised of minerals and acid salts formed in the kidney. When kidney stones move through the urinary tract, they may cause frequent or painful urination, nausea, blood in the urine, or severe pain in the back, belly, or groin. Passing a stone can be quite painful but usually doesn’t cause permanent damage.
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of bladder control and can range from mild leaking to chronic uncontrolled urination. The most common causes of chronic incontinence include: Overactive bladder muscles, weak pelvic floor muscles, nerve damage, or an enlarged prostate (only in men, also known as BPH.)
Testosterone levels naturally decline in men as they age and sometimes testosterone therapy is needed. Some cases can be treated with lifestyle changes such as weight loss or exercise. Other cases are treated medically with testosterone supplementation. Men who have received low testosterone therapy have reported increased energy, sex drive, and fewer mood swings.
For men with low levels of testosterone, TESTOPEL® is a pellet available to help restore testosterone levels. While some testosterone therapies require daily or weekly doses, TESTOPEL® is implanted under the skin and slowly release testosterone over time. The pellets are smaller than the width of a dime and can be implanted in the office.


By Mike Barnett
Since the tragic death of an eight year-old in the Pitt Town Public School playground in 2014, gum trees have been under close scrutiny all over the state.
What followed was a swift, but potentially over the top, reaction from the NSW Education Department. All public schools were directed to hire qualified arborists to inspect trees overhanging buildings and playgrounds, or any other areas used by students and staff. The effect of this was not only to overwork the poor arborists, but also to condemn a large number of perfectly healthy trees that pose very little danger to human health and safety.
So the question that needs to be asked is – do the dangers outweigh the benefits? How can we be sure that the risk to personal injury or property damage outweighs the ongoing benefits and amenity plus the huge cost involved?
Among others, this situation poses a predicament for landscape architects and designers. Commonly, species selection for a planting scheme utilises an assessment of the soil landscape to ascertain the appropriate species for the appropriate location. There are obviously other cultural factors that influence the final selection, but utilising species that suit the climate, soil and growing conditions can contribute to ongoing sustainability and ecosystem success.
What once may have been the ideal tree, fit for purpose, will now be refused by the client, Council or Government Body that has subscribed to the perceived attitude that all gum trees are dangerous and kill people.
Obviously not all gums are off the table. But there are a number of questions that should be addressed to establish a basis for tree selection in order to avoid potential accidents or injuries in the future. These questions revolve around species selection, growing conditions, causes of and susceptibility to damage and also management of risk.
Adrian is of the opinion that the whole school thing is a knee jerk reaction. The reality is that every tree has the potential to fail – no tree is 100% safe. He despairs “that we have now lost thousands of trees based on a flawed brief. What could have seen a fantastic five year tree management outcome has become a liability shift from the Department of Education to tree consultants…”
Cassian Humpheys, a senior arborist from Naturaculture has commented in online forum posts “the fact is that most gums (of the mid East Coast) are in fact exceptionally mechanically robust. On the whole Corymbia and Lophostemon are the most durable, though the vast majority of Eucalyptus species are too.” Red river gum E. camaldulensis (NSW-Vic) is a gum commonly attributed for major limb failure (giving most other species of gum a similar ‘regard’).
Paul is a believer of the ‘right tree for the right location’ mantra. He states “Eucalyptus trees are perfectly feasible in school grounds, given enough space to grow. Exotic species are suitable in some situations but generally prefer good fertile soil, regular moisture and little soil compaction, not always available in Australian conditions”.
Summer Branch Drop: Why Does it Occur?
Trees are organic and sometimes give us little reason, therein the danger lies. However, there is some element of common sense to the equation.
As trees age, they acquire defects. Eucalyptus trees that are not maintained or receive sub-standard maintenance practices can acquire wounds through pruning, lawn mowing, string trimmers, over irrigation in turf areas, and soil compaction. Poor pruning cuts such as topping or heading Eucalyptus destroy the tree form and become entry points for wood rotting pathogens. The decay that caused the branch failure most likely occurred from one of several previous pruning cuts resulting in decay.
William Jones of Tree & Garden Services has identified potential factors that can lead to Summer Branch Drop, which are applicable in terms of causes. He mentions the following:
Some research suggests that Summer Branch Drop (SBD) is related to inter-cellular water content (Harris, Shigo, Strouts & Winter, Lonsdale). That is, trees under stress from too little water may react by drying out.
Management of risk
The recommended hazard minimisation options for mature species which are susceptible to the phenomenon of Summer Branch Drop include:
- Removing or reducing long horizontal branches;
- Prune trees to encourage tapered branches;
- Maintain tree health and moderate vigour;
- Inspect for and correct structural defects, removing low vigour limbs and those with decay or cavities;
- Remove over-mature trees of low vigour or restrict activity under them.
The landscape architect can also make a positive contribution in this process. Proper location and placement can significantly decrease the risk, not only of injury, but also of plant failure in general.
Eucalyptus are drought tolerant trees – when planted in turf areas, they can receive excessive irrigation, resulting in root rot disease. Overhead turf irrigation results in shallow surface rooted conditions. Turf mowers run over the roots, causing injuries to roots that become entry points for root rotting organisms.
Public exclusion zones can be an effective means of reducing risk through control of movement. By designing / placing garden beds, understory plantings or simply areas where grass is left longer, we can minimise the likelihood of personal injury in areas of potential conflict.
Essentially, the message that is coming through clearly is that hands down, proactive beats reactive, and that education is a very important requirement to mitigate and prevent accidents.
In terms of arborist’s services, their engagement in the assessment of trees for safety is crucial. In high risk environments such as schools and public spaces, these assessments should not be limited to Visual Tree Assessments. Detailed examination of the stem and limbs should occur at regular intervals. Regular inspections and maintenance are part of responsible tree management. The consulting arborist’s role is not only to assess but also involves informing, educating and making recommendations to the client to ensure a safe and visually appealing environment is provided for all. Proactive beats reactive, hands down.
Arcadia have been involved on several school projects recently – Lakes Grammar in Warnervale, Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College in North Sydney, and St Ignatius at Riverview.
Lakes Grammar have retained a proposed roadside planting of Corymbia maculata (Spotted Gum), which are part of the local vegetation community. Part of this process considered substituting this tree for something exotic, but after assessing the proposed locations it was agreed that the danger of falling limbs causing harm was very low and could be managed. This took some persuasion as the initial approach was to categorically exclude this species from our planting palette, even though it had been preferred by Council during the Development Application process, which occurred prior to the Pitt Town tragedy.
At Monte Sant Angelo, North Sydney Council gave approval for the school to remove any tree under 10m in height. The school took this opportunity to remove some of the canopy between buildings but there are new Brush Box’s (Lophostemon Confertus) proposed to supplement the existing palette of shade planting. These are supplemented by Tristaniopsis laurina ‘Luscious’.
Saint Ignatius College at Riverview also required application of common sense in tree management. Further to the retention of several mature Eucalypts, we have selected a number of indigenous tree species to provide the future shade canopy and preserve the Lane Cove River edge landscape character of the site. Sometimes if an element is not contributing…it’s detracting so we’re glad common sense prevailed…


MANGOTSFIELD School has started work to create an orchard and wild flower meadows.
Students and teachers were joined by staff from South Gloucestershire Council’s Common Connections Project to plant first a variety of wild flowers then five apple trees and a pear tree to start the school’s own orchard.
Common Connections is a scheme funded by the West of England Combined Authority to restore and join up green spaces, rivers and ponds in 87 sites across the district.
The aim is to create wildlife corridors so animals can travel safely, extend their habitat and food sources.
A spokesperson for the school said: “It was wonderful for the school to take part in this creative community project.
“The long term vision is to support our food curriculum through fruit growth on site. Many thanks to the students who took part.”


Several birds including large grey babblers were screaming on this tree near our house this morning. Rushing with my camera I was stunned to see this amazing creature, a Barn owl, perched on the branch and calmly surveying the scene.
And it allowed me to take scores of pictures, even as the birds tried to scare it away. The wonders of life!
Indraprastha, Hadapsar, Pune, India
Oct 22, 2019
Nikon D7500, 18-140, F5.6, 1/250s, ISO 1250


Specialty Functional Medicine Testing
We provide access to naturopathic and functional medicine testing in order to gain further insight into the causes and progression of their autoimmune conditions, fatigue, insomnia, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorder, hormone-related issues, gastrointestinal disorders, and more. The results of these specialty labs are important because they provide us with additional information that helps us to construct more effective, individually-tailored wellness plans and help you become healthier and happier, faster.
The tests described below are just a few of lab tests that have helped many of our clients along the path of renewed health. Because we take an individualized approach with each client, we may recommend different functional medicine testing options for your specific case.
Micronutrient Status Testing
Our micronutrient testing gives insight into your state of health by measuring functional deficiencies at the cellular level. The test measures how well the body utilizes vitamins, minerals, amino/fatty acids, antioxidants, and metabolites. These micronutrients are the building blocks from which the body produces enzymes, hormones, and other substances essential for proper growth, development, and good health. This test provides the basis of a personalized, functional medicine approach in addressing a broad variety of clinical conditions including arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular risk, diabetes, various immunological disorders, metabolic disorders, and micronutrient deficiencies.
Digestion and Stool Analysis
The comprehensive stool analysis provides valuable information regarding digestion and absorption status, as well as the presence and types of bacteria, yeast, and parasites in the gastrointestinal tract. It also provides information regarding beneficial bacteria, intestinal immune function, and signs of gastrointestinal inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. It can be useful in cases of digestive disorders, suspected dysbiosis, brain fog, behavioral problems, and learning difficulties.
Metabolic Testing for Developmental and Mental Health Conditions
This test looks at a metabolic snapshot of your body by evaluating intestinal yeast and bacteria, metabolites of various neurotransmitters, and more. This is important because research is showing that abnormally high levels of certain microorganisms and their metabolites can cause or worsen behavioral disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and immune dysfunction. This test also provides valuable information regarding vitamin and mineral status and oxidative stress as well as valuable information regarding autism spectrum disorders, other developmental disorders, and many other mental health conditions.
Adrenal Function Testing
The adrenal stress index provides valuable information for individuals who seem to have low tolerance to stress, as well as those who have a difficult time waking in the morning, feel that they have low energy during the day, have a difficult time falling asleep or staying asleep at night, have symptoms of poor blood sugar regulation, have unexplained cravings, struggle with obesity, and more. It may also provide valuable information for individuals who struggle with depression and with attention-deficit disorder.
Male and Female Hormone Testing
Our male and female hormone panel evaluates adrenal and sex hormone levels and can detect problems with weight gain; impaired memory; insomnia; digestion; blood pressure; cravings; low libido, infertility, and other sexual dysfunction; immune system problems; symptoms related to pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), menstruation, menopause, and peri-menopause; uterine fibroids; and more.
We provide access to genetic tests that provide information regarding your risk for various mental and physical health concerns, as well as information regarding how your body processes psychotropic medication. These tests identify genetic markers that are specific to each individual. These genetic markers may provide you with information regarding which treatments are likely to work as intended, which are not likely to have the expected effect, and which are likely to cause adverse or unwanted side effects. The tests are typically used to guide treatment for a range of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.
We also provide access to genetic tests that look at a group of key genes that may uncover potential genetic susceptibility to autism spectrum disorder and other developmental issues, neurodegenerative disorders, and mood disorders. Alterations in these genes may affect your body’s ability to clear potentially harmful substances (commonly referred to as detox) and may lead to increased oxidative stress. Understanding your genetic profile as it relates to these specific genes can provide valuable information regarding contributing factors to your current state of health and provide you with the knowledge required to give your body what it needs to help you experience improved health.
We also provide access to advanced testing for autoimmune disease; specialty tests to evaluate for heavy metal toxicity, mold/biotoxin illness, hereditary cancer risk, and other genetic abnormalities; and more.


If your child is sick with an unusual fever and has not responded well to antibiotics, your primary care doctor will refer you to an infectious disease specialist. While the name may sound serious, our specialists treat fairly common bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections, strep throat and other respiratory infections in addition to more uncommon bone and joint infections.
Infectious disease specialists are also trained to treat meningitis, hepatitis and other autoimmune disorders.
Outpatient Infectious Disease services available at this location:
Pediatric Specialty Clinic
7777 Hennessy Blvd., Suite 502
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm
Phone: (225) 765-6834


Sex dating in claremont south dakota
It is highly flexible in social organization, living either in a family unit or in loosely knit packs of unrelated individuals.
It has a varied diet consisting primarily of animal meat, including deer, rabbits, hares, rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, though it may also eat fruits and vegetables on occasion.
Its characteristic vocalization is a howl made by solitary individuals.
The coyote is a prominent character in Native American folklore, mainly in the Southwestern United States and Mexico, usually depicted as a trickster that alternately assumes the form of an actual coyote or a man.The species is versatile, able to adapt to and expand into environments modified by humans.It is enlarging its range, with coyotes moving into urban areas in the Eastern U.Coyote males average 8 to 20 kg (18 to 44 lb) in weight, while females average 7 to 18 kg (15 to 40 lb), though size varies geographically.Northern subspecies, which average 18 kg (40 lb), tend to grow larger than the southern subspecies of Mexico, which average 11.5 kg (25 lb).


· By River Doyle
The Different Types of Dehydration: Winter vs. Summer
Dehydration is a common condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. It can happen in any season, but there are some key differences between winter and summer dehydration that are important to understand.
In the winter, dehydration can be caused by a combination of factors. The cold weather can cause us to feel less thirsty, leading us to drink less water. In addition, the dry air of the winter months can dehydrate our bodies by drawing moisture out of our skin and mucous membranes. And, if we're spending time outside in the cold, we may be losing water through our breath as well.
In contrast, summer dehydration is typically caused by the hot weather. When it's hot outside, our bodies need more fluids to keep cool. If we're not drinking enough water, or if we're sweating a lot due to physical activity, we can become dehydrated.
Symptoms of dehydration can include thirst, dry mouth, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and in severe cases, fainting. It's important to be aware of these symptoms and to take steps to prevent dehydration, no matter the season.
Here are some tips for staying hydrated in the winter and summer:
- In the winter, make sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. It's also a good idea to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
- In the summer, drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you. If you're going to be outside in the heat, bring a water bottle with you and take regular sips to stay hydrated.
- In both seasons, eat foods that are high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables. These can help keep you hydrated and can also provide important vitamins and minerals.
Remember, dehydration can happen to anyone, so it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to take steps to prevent it. By staying hydrated, you can help keep your body healthy and functioning at its best, no matter the season.


The biceps, a prominent muscle group in the upper arm, is not only a symbol of strength but also a focus area for those seeking sculpted and well-defined arms. Understanding the anatomy of the biceps is crucial for tailoring an effective exercise routine that targets this muscle group efficiently. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the structure of the biceps and explore exercises that can help you achieve optimal results.
The biceps brachii, commonly known as the biceps, is a two-headed muscle located on the front part of the upper arm. It consists of a long head and a short head, both of which originate from the scapula (shoulder blade) and insert into the radius bone in the forearm. The primary function of the biceps is elbow flexion, but it also plays a role in shoulder flexion and forearm supination.
Key Exercises for Biceps Development:
- Barbell Curl:
- Execution: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, grip a barbell with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width, and curl the barbell towards your chest while keeping your elbows stationary.
- Targeted Area: Both heads of the biceps.
- Dumbbell Hammer Curl:
- Execution: Hold a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing each other), and curl the weights toward your shoulders.
- Targeted Area: Emphasizes the brachialis muscle, which lies beneath the biceps.
- Preacher Curl:
- Execution: Use a preacher bench, place your arms on the pad, and curl a barbell or dumbbells with controlled movements.
- Targeted Area: Focuses on the peak of the biceps, emphasizing the long head.
- Concentration Curl:
- Execution: Sit on a bench, lean forward, and curl a dumbbell with one arm, focusing on isolating the biceps through a full range of motion.
- Targeted Area: Isolates the biceps, particularly the short head.
- Incline Dumbbell Curl:
- Execution: Sit on an inclined bench, let your arms hang straight down, and curl the dumbbells toward your shoulders.
- Targeted Area: Stretches the long head of the biceps for increased muscle activation.
Tips for Effective Biceps Training:
- Warm-up Adequately: Prioritize a thorough warm-up to increase blood flow and prepare the muscles for the upcoming workout. Light cardio and dynamic stretches can be beneficial.
- Focus on Form: Maintain proper form during exercises to ensure maximum engagement of the biceps and reduce the risk of injury.
- Vary Your Grip: Experiment with different grips, such as wide grip, narrow grip, and neutral grip, to target various parts of the biceps and surrounding muscles.
- Include Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight you lift to continually challenge the muscles and promote growth.
- Allow for Adequate Recovery: Biceps, like any other muscle group, need time to recover. Ensure you incorporate rest days into your workout routine to allow for optimal recovery and muscle growth.
Achieving well-developed and defined biceps requires a combination of targeted exercises, proper form, and strategic workout planning. By understanding the anatomy of the biceps and incorporating a variety of exercises into your routine, you can effectively stimulate muscle growth and enhance the overall appearance of your arms. Remember, consistency and patience are key when working towards your fitness goals, so stay committed to your biceps-focused workout regimen and enjoy the results of your hard work.


Aloe Vera is a succulent plant, originating in the Arabian Peninsula but grows widely in many tropical climates. It is found in many consumer products including food, beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, and ointments.
Fun fact: the earliest record of human use for Aloe Vera comes from the 16th century BC in Egypt. According to a study, in ancient Egypt they called Aloe Vera "that plant of immortality."
Aloe Vera has many benefits, some of which include:
- A study showed that Aloe Vera gel is at least as effective as commercial toothpaste in fighting oral bacteria.
- Germany’s regulatory agency for herbs approved aloe Vera for the treatment of constipation.
- It has been shown to promote skin wound healing and to protect from skin damage.
- It has antioxidant and possible antimicrobial properties.
Should you have any health concerns regarding Aloe Vera, please consult your doctor.


As part of the development phase for Natsal-3, we have validated an assay to measure levels of testosterone in saliva. Salivary testosterone is related to the concentration of 'free' testosterone in serum; the component available to tissues that correlates better with androgenic status. The assay has been validated against levels in blood, which is the usual way of measuring testosterone. Remaining saliva will be stored for future testing.
We have collected saliva samples from approximately 4,500 men and women aged 18-74 years.
Analysis of these samples will allow us to:
- explore the relationship between free testosterone levels in saliva and sexual behaviour and function;
- establish the normal range of free testosterone across the life span in men and women; and
- document the prevalence of late-onset hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency) in middle aged and elderly men


MTE TURMERIC AFDHAL
RM69/60 capsules (vegecap)
Curcumin: This compound in turmeric can boost your heart health
Adding spice – in the form of curcumin supplements – to the daily diets of people with risk factors for heart disease may lower inflammation, a new study suggests.
Inflammation is implicated in a wide range of illnesses, from heart disease to cancer and joint pain. In the eight-week trial, researchers found significant reductions in signs of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein and other blood markers.
“Curcumin is the active ingredient of the famous spice turmeric and has a long history of culinary and medicinal use in the Asian countries,” says the study’s senior author Amirhossein Sahebkar.
“Two key effects of curcumin that account for most of the therapeutic effects of this compound are its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Sahebkar researcher at the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran.