In recent years, forensic science has made significant strides, particularly in the field of DNA analysis. From solving cold cases to identifying suspects in recent crimes, DNA analysis has proven to be a powerful tool in the criminal justice system. However, despite its advancements, there are still limitations and challenges that can impact its effectiveness. This article will delve into the science behind forensic DNA analysis, its capabilities, and its limitations, using two contrasting scenarios as case studies.
The Power of Forensic DNA Analysis
Forensic DNA analysis involves extracting and analyzing DNA from physical evidence to identify a suspect or victim. This process has become increasingly sophisticated over the years, allowing forensic scientists to extract DNA from a wide range of sources, including blood, saliva, hair, and even skin cells left behind on objects.
One notable example of the power of forensic DNA analysis is the ability to match decade-old DNA left on a pizza. In this scenario, the DNA could have been left behind from saliva or skin cells when the person ate the pizza. Despite the age of the DNA, if it was preserved well – for example, if the pizza was stored in a cool, dry place – it could still be analyzed and matched to a suspect.
The Limitations of Forensic DNA Analysis
Despite its power, forensic DNA analysis is not infallible. There are several factors that can limit its effectiveness, including the quality and quantity of the DNA sample, the conditions in which the sample was stored, and the presence of substances that can degrade DNA.
For instance, consider the hypothetical scenario of finding who left cocaine in the White House. While it might seem straightforward to simply analyze the DNA on the cocaine, there are several challenges. First, cocaine is a powdery substance, which makes it difficult to obtain a good DNA sample. Second, the cocaine could have been handled by multiple people, resulting in a mix of DNA that can be challenging to analyze. Finally, certain substances, including some types of drugs, can degrade DNA, making it difficult to obtain a usable sample.
Forensic DNA analysis is a powerful tool in the criminal justice system, capable of extracting and analyzing DNA from a wide range of sources. However, it is not without its limitations. Factors such as the quality and quantity of the DNA sample, the conditions in which the sample was stored, and the presence of substances that can degrade DNA can all impact the effectiveness of DNA analysis. As forensic science continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how these challenges are addressed and overcome.
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Study of the features of livestock sector growth of the world market
Table of contents: The Kazakh-American Free University Academic Journal №4 - 2012
Konurbayeva Zhadyra, East Kazakhstan State Technical University in honor of D. Serikbayev, Kazakhstan
Zakimova Alfiya, East Kazakhstan State Technical University in honor of D. Serikbayev, Kazakhstan
Rakhimberdinova Madina, East Kazakhstan State Technical University in honor of D. Serikbayev, Kazakhstan
Agriculture is considered to be one of the major sectors of the
global economy. It is aimed to provide population with foodstuff and to supply
light and food processing industry with raw materials. That is the only sector
of material production which depends upon natural conditions.
However, its significance in the economy of different countries and
regions varies much. The geography of agriculture has an extraordinary
diversity of forms of production and agrarian relations. All of them can be united
in two groups:
- Commodity agriculture is characterized by high efficiency,
intensive development, a high level of differentiation;
- Consumer agriculture is characterized by low efficiency, extensive
development, and lack of differentiation.
Agriculture of developed countries is characterized by sharp
predominance of commercial agriculture based on mechanization, chemicals,
biotechnology, advanced selection methods. Agriculture in developing countries
is plural and includes a traditional sector (mainly crop area with small farms)
and a modern one (commodity agriculture with well-organized plantations and
Livestock is a most important branch of agriculture providing
population with high-protein and health food, and a number of industries with raw
materials. Livestock industry provides 45% of total production, accumulates 75%
of fixed production assets and 70% of manpower resources in agriculture,
livestock value is also determined by the fact that it produces the most
relevant and biologically valuable products in the human diet .
Livestock affords valuable raw materials for the industry: wool,
leather, lambskin, etc. The development of livestock sector can make productive
use of agricultural labor and material resources in the course of the year.
Crop sector waste is used in livestock, valuable organic fertilizer such as
manure and slurry are produced.
The main task in the livestock industry is to create proper
conditions for manufacturing of products whose volume and quality conform to
population size and nutritional standards and whose prices ensure profitability
of their production and commensurability with the size of most people’s income.
In the past the main objective was to get more products, however now the main
criterion of the industry is to achieve competitiveness and breakeven.
Livestock as a branch of agriculture is developing almost worldwide.
The deployment of its branches depends first of all on the food reserve.
The contrasts in the development of animal husbandry over the world
between developed and developing countries are even more than those in farming.
Animal husbandry comprises the following subsectors:
- livestock (cattle-breeding);
- poultry keeping;
- deer farming;
- fur animal breeding;
- bee keeping.
Cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry are the main subsectors among them.
The significance of cattle-breeding (1.3 billion animals per year)
is in providing almost all the milk and more than one third of meat. The
largest total number of livestock abroad is in Asia and Latin America.
There are three main areas in cattle-breeding:
- Dairy cattle (characteristic of densely populated areas of Europe
and North America);
- Meat and dairy cattle (characteristic of forest and forest-steppe
- Meat cattle (characteristic of dry areas of temperate and
subtropical zones). India, Argentina, Brazil, the USA, China, and Russia have the largest number of cattle.
Cattle-breeding is spread relatively evenly through the world but
its levels of productivity and differentiation vary in different zones. Meat
and dairy cattle are ranched in forest and steppe temperate zones. Dairy cattle
prevail with stalled and mixed keeping of cattle in suburban and other
highly-populated areas. In arid zones with migratory cattle-breeding meat
cattle predominate. Most of the livestock population (almost 60%) is in
Pig breeding is considered to be the most dynamic sector of the
livestock (more than 0.8 million head per year). Advance in the development of
this sector promoted the fact that pork became cheaper than beef. Pig breeding
is available everywhere. In Muslim countries there are practically no pigs for
religious reasons. This sector is close to densely populated areas and areas with
intensive potato and sugar beet growing. Chine is the first country in the
number of pigs (almost half of the world total) followed by the U.S., Russia, Germany, and Brazil.
Sheep farming is the third leading livestock industry, producing
wool, astrakhan fur, sheepskin, meat, fat, and milk. This is one of the most
traditional and extensive production in agriculture.
Sheep breeding (1.2 billion head per year) prevails in the countries
and areas with extensive pastures. While fine-wooled sheep breeding is most
often found in areas with an arid climate and in the steppe and semi-desert,
semi fine-wooled sheep breeding, meat and wool sheep breeding prevail in areas
with humid and mild climate. Steppe regions of Australia are the world's
largest area of sheep breeding.
Sheep farming predominates in the countries and areas with extensive
pastures. Several breeds of sheep are grown for different purposes. Australia and New Zealand have the largest number of sheep. Sheep breeding falls into meat and wool,
wooly and fat-rumped sheep. Wooly sheep farming is subdivided into fine-wooled,
semi fine-wooled and astrakhan. Fine-wooled farming developed in arid and
semiarid regions (China, Argentina, Iran, and Uzbekistan) provides the highest
quality fine-wool. Central and Western Asia are suppliers of valuable astrakhan
(newborn sheep skins).
Goat breeding is close to sheep breeding. Generally it has local
significance, except Angora goats breeding giving mohair.
Poultry farming is one of the most fast developing livestock
industries. Highly mechanized poultry farms for eggs and poultry are located
not far from cities and major grain producing areas.
Fishing is a very ancient craft of mankind. Currently it is an
important sector of the world economy. In freshwater 0.1 of the world fish
catch is fished out, the rest part is got in the oceans and seas.
Many countries develop fishery as a sector. But nearly half the
world's fish catch is produced by six countries such as Japan, China, Russia, the USA, Chile, and Peru. The disastrous decline in industrial fish reserves
in the ocean promotes fish farming development.
This means also fish farming and increasing and improving the
quality of fish stocks in natural waters (various species of sturgeon, salmon,
and herring), and in special artificial reservoirs (bream, carp, crucian carp,
etc.). Japan has the most significant advances in fish farming and growing
There are other narrow prominent sectors of livestock such as camel
breeding, horse breeding, reindeer breeding, bombycid growing, rabbit breeding,
bee keeping, and fur animal breeding.
The leaders of livestock production are economically developed
countries; the USA, China and Russia are leading producers of meat, Russia,
Germany, France are leading producers of butter, and the USA, India, Russia are
the leaders of dairy industry.
The main exporters of livestock products are:
- Poultry – France, the USA, the Netherlands;
- Mutton – New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain;
- Pork - the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Canada;
- Beef – Australia, Germany, France;
- Butter - the Netherlands, Finland, and Germany;
- Wool – Australia, New Zealand, Argentine .
China has an average of 58.8 pounds of meat per person, which is high even for the world average. According to the Ministry
of Agriculture of China its livestock sector achieved a stable delivery of
milk, meat and eggs to the domestic market for five years from 2005 to 2010.
In 2010 meat production was 78.5 tons, milk production was more than
37 tons, and egg production reached 28 tons. For five years, the growth
performance of milk production was 31%, meat and eggs - 13%. China has 21 pounds of eggs per capita, which exceeds the relevant data of any developed country.
In 2010 the number of pig and dairy farms among agricultural
enterprises of this sector was 66% and 47% respectively. These figures
increased more than 20% in comparison with 2005.
Over the last five years from 2005 to 2010 no state has allocated so
much money to maintain and expand existing pastures as China. During this time the area of pastures increased by more than half. Expanding the
natural forage for livestock is a breakthrough .
Table 1 - Geographic segmentation by
livestock exporting countries
|Livestock products and live cattle
||Main exporting countries
|Beef and veal
||Australia, Germany, Finland, New Zealand, Ireland, the Netherlands, the USA, Hungary
||The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, Hungary
||New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain
||France, the USA, the Netherlands, Brazil
||Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Uruguay, the Republic of South Africa
||Brazil, Argentina, Mexico
||Ethiopia, China, the Netherlands, Canada
|Sheep and goats
||Australia, Turkey, Somalia, Ethiopia
The Table clearly characterizes the international trade of livestock
products. It describes the leading position of the mature economies in trade
and these are the first-rate exporters of meat and wool products. The
percentage of the developing countries is somewhat higher in live cattle trade.
Livestock is a secondary sector in the most developing countries
while it dominates over farming and is notable for intensive farming in the
most developed countries. Industrialization, food supply improvement and
progress in selection work in the developed countries promoted higher
productivity in their livestock sector. Because of the common problems of
livestock and farming in the developed countries e.g. economic glut, the governments
of these countries pursue the policy of containment and cutback in production.
Economically developed countries are far ahead in absolute
indicators of developing livestock production. This is due to the lower
productivity of livestock in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Suffice it to say
that they produce only 25% of the world beef and 14% of milk.
Figure 1 – World dynamics of production by
country for 2009 and 2010 (KZT million)
Per capita indicators of livestock products in the developed
countries tend to be many times higher. Especially there are small countries
with a highly intensive livestock sector (New Zealand, the Netherlands). But countries with smaller population such as Australia and with more extensive
livestock might also have high per capita indicators.
Livestock is as widespread as crops, and grasslands and pastures
occupy three times more land than agricultural land in the structure of land.
The bulk of the country's livestock production comes from the temperate zone.
The geography of the world livestock is characterized by cattle
Different countries have a diverse level of livestock sector
development. In advanced developed countries e.g. Europe, North America, Japan,
and former socialist countries with transition economy e.g. Central Europe and
CIS countries, the livestock sector is a highly intensive and mechanized
industry based on the same intensive and mechanized feed production. Its main
subsectors are dairy cattle breeding, stalled breeding of cattle for meat,
swine breeding, and highly mechanized poultry breeding.
The livestock in these countries is a highly marketable sector
closely related to processing and value chain of agriculture. However, in the
countries with large pastures, livestock combines features of extensive
production (but well technically equipped) associated with the other components
of the agricultural sector. Pastures are used to grow cattle for meat, and to
breed sheep. This is a characteristic of South-West of the USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and to the less extent the South of Ukraine and Russia, Kazakhstan, etc.
An extensive livestock using grazing and very little related to
other branches of the agriculture sector has been formed in developing
countries. There are the most developed subsectors such as meat cattle, meat
and dairy cattle breeding (with cattle less productive in comparison with
Europe or the U.S.), grazing sheep, horse breeding in some areas, camel
Among developing countries, the most total number of livestock for
meat is in Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay) and East Africa
(Ethiopia), of sheep and goats - in South West and South Asia (Iran, Turkey,
Developing countries are going to increase wool production volume in
the near future. Kazakhstan, India, Russia, China, and Turkey don’t process the whole amount of wool up to now. Only streamlining the collection and
classification of wool will promote the growth of the total production of wool.
Traditional leaders in wool production, however, will reduce the
production of wool, as the market is saturated and overstocked with the
products. Prices for the input wool are very low in the world market, and close
to the price of production. Traditional leaders will cut down livestock
population, and shift from wool to meat and dairy farming.
Land in Europe is constantly becoming more expensive, and requires
the maintenance of sheep grazing, so the number of sheep and wool production in
Europe will continue to decline.
2 - Forecast of production of pure wool, by country, 2009-2014 (KZT, thousand) Source: International Wool Textile
Production of pure wool will increase stably in developing
countries, where state supports its farmers and home processing of raw
Wool production is also influenced by weather conditions. Weather
affects more sheep than beef cattle. In recent years, unstable weather in Australia and South America also prompted breeders to reduce the number of sheep.
Large foreign buyers of wool, such as China and India, require large volumes of supply and prefer to work with traditional suppliers, New Zealand and Austr alia with established inexpensive marine logistics. European countries also
prefer to work with reliable suppliers who provide carefully selected and
The number of people in the world grows to
about 70-80 million people a year. Never have so many people lived at the same
time in the world. If you consider agriculture and food, everyone tends to
increase consuming, and therefore relative consuming increases together with
absolute consuming due to population upsurge.
3 - Forecast of pure wool exports, by country, 2009-2014 (KZT, thousand)
Source: United Nations Statistical Division
Accordingly, more food will need to be produced by the same amount
of land (or even by a smaller area) in the XXI century worldwide. Recent
studies of future demand indicate that the world will have needed 70-100% more
food by 2050.
When asked “What should be done to provide 10 billion food?” Ida
Kubiszewski, professor at the University of Portland, the editor of The
Solutions journal replied that there is absolutely enough food supply in the world
today but about 30 to 50% of food in both developed and developing countries is
wasted, though for very different reasons.
In developing countries, the loss is mainly due to the lack of
infrastructure in the production chain, such as storage technology of food
produced by farms, during transporting, storage prior to sale. Huge losses
during storage are typical for developing countries, such as India, where 35-40% of fresh produce is lost because neither wholesale stores nor retail outlets are
equipped with refrigerators.
Though rice can be stored without any special equipment there are
its losses in South East Asia. So after harvest about a third of the crop is
going to be lost due to pests and spoiling.
In developed countries, the food losses up to the retail stage are
much lower, but the losses during retail trade, public catering and individual
consumption are significant. For example, consumers are used to buying good
looking products and, consequently, retailers have to throw a lot of edible,
but slightly damaged products. For consumers in developed countries food is
relatively cheap, which also promotes producing waste.
The world faces a triple problem in the XXI century from the point
of view of world food security:
a) to satisfy growing demand for food;
b) to ensure sustainable food security in terms of the environment;
c) to cope with the problem of hunger.
1. http://be5. biz/ ekonomika1/ r2011/ 1298. htm
2. http://www. grandars. ru/
shkola/ geografiya/ zhivotnovodstvo. Html
Table of contents: The Kazakh-American Free University Academic Journal №4 - 2012


David Kennedy, DDS, of the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology, has produced a wonderfully informative feature documentary on the topic of water fluoridation. The documentary is entitled, Fluoridegate – An American Tragedy, and calls upon numerous scientific authorities to tell the truth about fluoridation.
A partial list of the scientists and academics featured in the video include:
- Boyd E. Haley, PhD., Professor Emeritus University of Kentucky
- Robert Carton, PhD., – Retired Scientist from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- J. William Hirzy, PhD., Former EPA Senior Scientist
- William Marcus, PhD., Board Certified Toxicologist and EPA Senior Science Advisor (retired)
- Yolanda Whyte, M.D., Pediatrician
- Daniel G. Stockin, M.P.H.
- Roger D. Masters, PhD., Professor Emeritus at Dartmouth College
Fluoride is not a nutrient. In fact, the evidence is irrefutable, that Fluoride is extremely toxic, interfering with many human biological functions. Fluoride is implicated in such things as osteosarcoma (bone cancer), kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and even infant mortality. By interfering with kidney function, Fluoride may even contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Instead of promoting dental health, Fluoride actually causes adverse health effects, including Dental Fluorosis, learning disabilities and even diminished mental acuity (IQ).


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Oligosaccharides are key components involved in many cellular processes and also serve as attachment sites for bacteria and viruses for entry into the cell. Both natural and synthetic oligosaccharides have potential therapeutic applications. The zuCarb™ technology platform allows us to produce a wide variety of oligosaccharides that have previously been difficult or impossible to obtain using traditional chemistry. Contact us for your custom needs.


This was a piece I wrote recently for a module assignment at uni, it was the assignment that inspired me to start this blog so it seems only right to have it as my first post- my starting block.
Corals are one of the most fascinating global phenomena. Made up of tiny colonial organisms to create over 1,000 species that cluster together all over the world, they form the bursts of life that so many coastal communities depend on; our coral reefs. But the human race is putting these habitats at risk of extinction. Everyone knows our plastic waste threatens marine animals like turtles and seabirds, but the extent to which plastic is really polluting our planet is greater than many of us imagine. The fact of the matter is that corals are 20 times more likely to become infected with disease in the presence of marine litter. Furthermore, corals have been found to actively ingest small bits of plastic, potentially increasing their disease risk again. It’s time for us to clean up our mess.
A 2018 study by Lamb et al., published in Science Journal, unveiled an alarming new threat to our most biodiverse ecosystems. Plastic as a transmitter of disease. The study looked at 159 reefs in the Asia-Pacific region from 2011 to 2014, sampling plastic greater than 5cm in length. They found a third of reefs in this region to have plastic debris. Indonesian reefs had an average of 25.6 plastic items per 100m2, whereas Australian reefs had an average of 0.4 per 100m2. It was this stark difference that first inspired Joleah Lamb, a marine disease ecologist who led the research team, to study the disease implications of plastic abundance on coral reefs. The study concluded that this presence of plastic increased the likelihood of disease from 4% to 89%- a factor of 20! These are the reasons why.
Plastics make corals 20 times more likely to become infected with disease.
Humans put 11 billion tonnes of plastic in the ocean every year. This is largely due to poor waste management and ranges from cigarette butts, bottles and bags, to large fishing nets discarded at sea. A 2018 study by the US’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) showed lifespans of these range from 1.5 to 600 years. When in the ocean, algae and micro-organisms attach to the plastic, creating what scientists call a biofilm. This biofilm includes pathogens which are viruses and bacteria. The problem is that attaching to such objects prolongs the lifespans of pathogens, allowing further distribution of a greater number of pathogens. Plastic marine litter acts like a city transport system; picking up and carrying pathogens through our seas, ready to infect living things.
As plastic debris comes into contact with corals it passes pathogens into the coral tissue. Infection via plastic can happen directly by causing physical injury to the coral tissue and the direct introduction of foreign pathogens, like cutting yourself with a blunt, dirty knife. Infection can also occur indirectly by infecting organisms that the coral eats or relies on for its’ survival. Lamb and her research team found 3 diseases, in particular, to be associated with plastic contact. These 3 included white syndromes, black band disease and skeletal eroding band disease which, in particular, has been shown to accompany plastic inflicted wounds. They concluded that plastic polluted reefs face different disease threats to plastic- free reefs where these diseases were much less common.
In addition to this ground-breaking study, it has been discovered that the corals’ problem with plastic extends beyond plastic debris to microplastics, too. A Microplastic includes any piece of plastic below 5mm which is often formed from the breakdown of larger plastics. Plastics are not fully broken down and recycled in the same way as dead plants or animals; the pieces of plastic just get smaller. This means that when an animal is predated upon by another, rather than being broken down, the plastic is moved through the food chain. The plastic builds up in the stomachs of animals, making plastics a recognised threat to marine life. The accumulation of plastics in the body continues all the way up the food chain… to humans.
Research is emerging to suggest that corals will remove and ingest microplastics from the water column. A 2020 study by Corona et al. published in Frontiers in Marine Science found that mushroom corals were prone to ingest and retain plastics, particularly if they were covered in a biofilm. This is likely because the biofilm tricks corals into thinking the plastic is organic food. The consumption of micro-plastics is a potential cause for concern for scientists. If micro-plastics have a biofilm, that suggests they are harbouring diseases. If these are being ingested by corals, corals are putting themselves at greater risk of disease and will potentially hamper their own food consumption. However, whilst this link between micro- plastics and disease is likely, it is not yet confirmed, however the potential link makes our plastic issue all the more concerning.
Worse still, the study by Lamb et al. established that complex types of coral, such as ‘branching’ forms, are 8 times more likely to be affected by debris than ‘massive’ forms of coral, which are often flatter. However, when in contact with plastic, massive corals have a 98% chance of being infected with one of the diseases associated with plastic, suggesting they have fewer immune defences. Nevertheless, complex corals are disproportionately affected, posing a problem for the entire ecosystem. Coral ecosystems rely on the complexity of the reef structure to create enough habitats for all the animals that live there. When reef complexity is reduced, there are fewer habitats available and the diversity of animals that live there diminishes. This is comparable to habitat loss for orangutans, tigers and rhinos from the deforestation that currently devastates our planet. Habitat loss on coral reefs has been shown to reduce fishery productivity by a factor of 3, having detrimental effects on the communities and industries that rely on them.
The loss of coral reef complexity will significantly reduce biodiversity in one of the most important habitats on earth.
Many of the communities most reliant on coral reefs are part of the poorest countries in the world. Such countries also have disproportionately more plastic on their reefs, putting reefs in these regions at greater risk. Lamb’s study noted that Indonesian reefs had the greatest amount of litter per 100m2. Australia, on the other hand, the most developed of the countries sampled, had the lowest. Unsurprisingly, the reason behind this is the lack of resources for developing countries to create effective waste management, paired with the fact that waste from the western world is often shipped to these areas. Without intervention, such as targeted improved waste management, projections of reef plastic get significantly worse for developing countries, almost doubling in the next 5 years for countries such as Indonesia. To put this into perspective, plastic on Australian reefs is projected to increase only 1%. When all of this is taken into consideration with the high levels of fishing taking place in our seas, it becomes apparent that having more plastic in our oceans than fish by 2050, is a very real possibility.
It’s clear that corals are at increasing risk of disease from plastic waste, a threat that, for decades, has gone somewhat unnoticed. Though the future of reefs may appear bleak, the problem is resolvable. Initiatives to reduce ocean plastic are already cropping up. For example, 4Ocean, a global plastic clean-up company, have cleaned up 11 million pounds of plastic from coastal regions to date. Similarly, the Ocean Clean-up, another plastic removal company focusing on new technologies to do so, aim to remove 90% of marine plastic pollution by both tackling plastic manufacturing and removing plastic from the ocean. The reality is, however, that with our continued dependence on plastics, the problem is not going to disappear.
It is our job to live as sustainably and consciously as possible. Though recently in the media corporations, like Shell, have been putting environmental issues down to consumer demand, it is actually our responsibility to challenge the system. We must put pressure on manufacturing companies to find and fund alternatives to plastic. Contact Coke-a-Cola. March against McDonalds. Knock at Nestle’s door. Do not let them think plastic is what we want. Corals are calling out for help; we must not ignore their cries.


The Ballarat Wildlife Park has welcomed a second tiger to its Tiger Sanctuary conservation display.
Satu, a male Sumatran tiger, arrived late last week from Queensland’s Australia Zoo. He joins his female friend, Maneki (pictured below), who has been at the park since late last year.
The tigers are part of a global species management plan and will be ambassadors for helping their cousins survive in the wild through education programs and the promotion of conservation initiatives.
The park’s Tiger Sanctuary has been designed to ensure a stress-free environment for its new inhabitants. Double the size of the standard requirement for a tiger enclosure, it features swimming pools, climbing poles, shady areas, heated dens and state-of-the-art security to ensure both the tigers and the community are kept safe.
From the Indonesian island of Sumatra, Sumatran tigers face increasing challenges to their survival due to the clearing of their natural habitat for farming and palm oil plantations, as well as poaching for markets and medicine trade. While it is estimated only 500-600 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild, the actual number could be as low as 400.
The Ballarat Wildlife Park is supporting tiger conservation efforts via the Tiger Protection Conservation Unit (TPCU). The TPCU are a group of rangers on the frontline in Sumatra who disable snares, follow leads, solve tiger-human conflicts and provide evidence for legal proceedings.


Glutathione is critical for one simple reason: It recycles antioxidants. You see, dealing with free radicals is like handing off a hot potato. They get passed around from vitamin C to vitamin E to lipoic acid and then finally to glutathione which cools off the free radicals and recycles other antioxidants. After this happens, the body can “reduce” or regenerate another protective glutathione molecule and we are back in business.
However, problems occur when we are overwhelmed with too much oxidative stress or too many toxins. Then the glutathione becomes depleted and we can no longer protect ourselves against free radicals, infections, or cancer and we can’t get rid of toxins. This leads to further sickness and soon we are in the downward spiral of chronic illness.
But that’s not all. Glutathione is also critical in helping your immune system do its job of fighting infections and preventing cancer. That’s why studies show that it can help in the treatment of AIDS.(i)
Glutathione is also the most critical and integral part of your detoxification system. All the toxins stick onto glutathione, which then carries them into the bile and the stool — and out of your body.
And lastly, it also helps us reach peak mental and physical function. Research has shown that raised glutathione levels decrease muscle damage, reduce recovery time, increase strength and endurance and shift metabolism from fat production to muscle development.
If you are sick or old or are just not in peak shape, you likely have glutathione deficiency.
In fact, the top British medical journal, the Lancet, found the highest glutathione levels in healthy young people, lower levels in healthy elderly, lower still in sick elderly and the lowest of all in the hospitalized elderly. (ii)
It is critical for immune function and controlling inflammation. It is the master detoxifier and the body’s main antioxidant, protecting our cells and making our energy metabolism run well.And the good news is that you can do many things to increase this natural and critical molecule in your body. You can eat glutathione-boosting foods. You can exercise. And you can take glutathione-boosting supplements. Let’s review more specifics about each. Read more…


Don’t Let Ants Ruin Your Thanksgiving Leftovers
Although people in and around Haskell, N.J., don’t have to worry about marauding bands of millions of army ants that devour everything in their path, there are still plenty of other kinds of ants that can cause problems in your home. They’re not going to take off with your fully cooked Thanksgiving bird, but they might take little pieces of it back to their nests. In any event, who wants to eat an ant-infested Thanksgiving meal? Here are four common ant types and the problems they might cause:
Unlike termites, who eat the cellulose in the wood they infest, carpenter ants burrow inside the wood and remove parts of it to build the tunnels of their nests instead. These ants tend to be quite large, measuring more than a half inch in length. Although they prefer damp, decaying, or dead wood, they have been known to tunnel into solid wood too. Because these ants usually choose trees, stumps, and logs for their initial nests, people living in wooded areas should be especially vigilant against them. Carpenter ants are either all black or black with reddish legs.
Although fire ants are much smaller than carpenter ants, they are much more dangerous. They build large mounds for nests and should be avoided at all costs. The most dangerous variety of these pests is the Red Imported Fire Ant, or RIFA. RIFAs can kill pets and small animals, and the venom of their stingers, called Solenopsin, can be deadly to human beings who are allergic to it too. Even if you’re not allergic, you will still suffer numerous painful stings from these ants.
As their name suggests, these ants tend to congregate and build nests in cracks in concrete, asphalt, and other stones. They usually only infest buildings in search of food and are nonaggressive. Although they do sting, they would much rather not bother you. They do, however, eat almost anything that human beings eat, especially greasy foods like dark-meat Thanksgiving leftovers or “inside-the-bird” stuffing. They have a peculiar habit of “blazing trails” to their food sources and seldom deviate from those direct-line routes.
These ants are tiny; 16 of them end-to-end wouldn’t even measure one inch. They are what as known as polygynous, which means their colonies can have multiple queen ants. In some colonies, there are as few as 12 workers per queen. In contrast, consider tropical army ants, which have tens of millions of workers per just one queen. Because there are multiple queens for each colony, pharaoh ants tend to split off into subcolonies very easily and often. These colonies don’t attack each other, which would defeat the purpose of having multiple queens and multiple colonies. Pharaoh ants prefer hot, humid temperatures, which is why they prefer hospitals and other buildings with large central heating systems. Because of their small size, they get into everything and are a terrible danger because of the infections they carry. They are difficult to eradicate because of their multiple colonies.
No matter which kind of ants you have infesting your home or business, Abarb Pest Services is well-versed in all methods of removal, including both chemical and nonchemical. We also guarantee our service, and the Better Business Bureau has both accredited our business and rated us A+. To get rid of the scourge of ants on your property, give us a call today to set up an appointment.


The Quail Hollow Ranch Nest Box Project is a group of volunteers associated with the Santa Cruz Bird Club. who maintained and monitored nest boxes at Quail Hollow Ranch County Park. This citizen-science project was started in 2002 to provide habitat for cavity-nesting bird species, particularly the Western Bluebird, (WEBL). which are now abundant at the park. Other species that regularly use our boxes are the Ash-throated Flycatcher, (ATFL) the Chestnut-backed Chickadee, (CBCH), the Violet-green Swallow, (VGSW) and and the Oak Titmouse. (OATI).
We report our data each season to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch database.


Corn was being grown for silage. In this photo the forage department consultant is shown in a field planted on April 10. It was 140 day maturity corn and at least 3 weeks before it would pollinate. It had good color with high plant density and was being grown in the desert with a center pivot system designed in Nebraska.
This corn was planted on March 20 and was starting to pollinate. The photo was taken at my eye level and the plants were at least three feet taller than my eye level.
H0lstein heifers grown for replacement were well grown with expected calving at ages between 24 and 27 months on this 1000 cow dairy near Amman. They were getting corn silage and alfalfa hay from the agricultural company that I worked with located about 200 miles south of Amman in the region of Wadi Rum near the border of Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The milking herd was milking quite well and seemed to tolerate the heat well. Of course the humidity was less than 15 percent most of the time. Daytime temperatures would be around 90 degrees and nights would cool to under 65 degrees with a breeze, so cows did cool off each day. They were in a dry lot with shades.
Fresh cows got lots of alfalfa hay with limited amounts of concentrates. They were starting off well with few problems and many were milking well over 100 pounds milk per day.
The irrigated alfalfa hay had very fine stems with excellent leaf retention. Baling was done from 4:00 to 7:00 a.m. each day when there was some dew to keep leaves from shattering. The hay was being sold for near 350 dollars per U. S. ton.
At Wadi Rum the alfalfa was being grown under center pivot and was being watered continuously with about 3 applications per day. The pivots had drop down nozzles to minimize transpiration losses. The stands were being cut about every 28 days with 8 ot 9 cuttings per year. They were taking the third cuttings in mid-June when I was there.
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The new African Gorilla Forest was one of the most highly anticipated exhibits at the Houston Zoo. After a 10-year hiatus, the Houston Zoo is now home to seven gorillas that are broken up into two groups: the first is a family unit of three (mother, father, and child) and one single female, and the second is a group of three bachelors. The two distinct troops of gorillas will spend their days alternating between an outdoor habitat and a multi-tiered night house that includes private bedrooms, an artistic 23-foot tall climbing tree, and a behind-the-scenes outdoor yard. The forest is a state-of-the-art natural habitat with features that include a waterfall, flowing stream, natural and artificial logs, and boardwalks where visitors can get a closer look. There is also a huge, sloping berm with a dense forest and moat.


This Plug In Diffuser from Pet Remedy works alongside the brain’s natural messengers known as neuro-transmitters, which will tell the nerve receiving the message either to calm down or get “fired up”. In times of anxiety or stress in our pets the nerves tend to get over stimulated, which will lead to many symptoms of stress. The Essential Calming Diffuser has blends of essential oils which work alongside the natural relaxation pathways to help calm the nerves of anxious and stressed pets.
- Natural product with special formulated low concentration valerian blend.
- Unique patented formulation which is Valerian based with small inclusions of Vetiver, Basil, and Clary Sage
- Works for all mammals, reptiles, and birds ( so not species specific). Ie. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, horses
- Clinically proven (studies completed for dogs, cats, and rabbits)
- As used and recommended by Vets, pet professionals, and Rescue Centres
- The easy to use Plugin diffuser starts to help immediately
· Will help calm pet without sedating
· Will only have an effect on the stressed pet(s) in a multi pet situation. Nerve cells in any mammal, reptile, or bird are only ever excited or calm, so an already calm pet simply cannot be even more calm
· Will help a stressed pet become more aware of their surroundings and more receptive and attentive to the owner
- Much more affordable than other calming products, so great value
- Plug-in diffuser lasts longer than others available in the marketplace, at up to 8 weeks
- Developed and made in England
The plugin diffuser should be located in the room in which the stressed pet spends the most time.
Starts to help within minutes and ideal for separation anxiety, fireworks , new home, bonding, and any other stressful situation


Museum of the Garden
The Museum of the Garden is located on the edge of a
well-established small woodland area.
The Museum is set underground with a long glazed elevation opening onto the adjacent woodland. This forms a “wedge” as the Museum is not set parallel to the natural contours of the site. The roof of the Museum is grassed and is inhabited by the estate deer herd. This ensures that the Museum has as low a visual impact as possible as one approaches it.
The experience of approaching the Museum is dramatic. The woodland floor descends from the Museum forming a dell at a lower level. This topography provides the setting for a tree-top walkway. The walkway, called “The Viper”, is set at the ground level of the Museum. The visitor approaches it at the northern end of the Museum and walks through the tree canopies towards the Museum entrance. As one winds through the trees, immersed in the flora and fauna of the woodland, views of the Museum are glimpsed through the leaves and
branches at canopy level.
On arrival at the Museum entrance the walkway splays out to form a terrace and the Museum reveals itself. Full height glazing to the front elevation is minimal and elegant. During the day-time the woodland is reflected in the glazing. 5m high glazed sliding doors open to present
the visitor reception and cafe.
The drama of arrival at the Museum is set up by the juxtaposition of a civic public space which is located in a secluded woodland setting.
The permanent exhibition at the Museum offers the opportunity to engage in a deeper exploration of the central theme of the estate, the garden. The exhibition considers the history of gardening from biblical Eden through to today’s popular consumer culture of gardening. It explores the microscopic world of botany and showcases the technology of gardening and the tools and techniques that have been developed through
centuries to the present day.
All the while, whilst enjoying the exhibition and the Museum, the visitor can look back outside through the glazed elevation to the woodland right outside.
Opens autumn 2019. Watch this space.


At some point in our lives, most of us have felt a brief spell of dizziness or light-headedness. But what happens when these fleeting moments lead to a sudden loss of consciousness? This phenomenon is often referred to as syncope.
Syncope is a temporary and sudden loss of consciousness, usually caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain. It’s commonly known as “fainting” or “passing out.” Before a syncope episode, individuals may experience dizziness or light-headedness.
Causes of Syncope
There are numerous causes of syncope, but they generally fall into three categories:
- Vasovagal syncope: Triggered by a sudden drop-in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain. Common triggers include dehydration, stress, or seeing blood.
- Cardiac syncope: Caused by heart-related issues such as arrhythmia, valve obstructions, or even a heart attack.
- Orthostatic syncope: Occurs when a person stands up too quickly, and blood pools in the legs, resulting in decreased blood flow to the brain.
Causes of Dizziness
Dizziness can arise from various causes, including:
- Inner ear problems: Issues like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or Meniere’s disease can lead to dizziness.
- Vestibular migraines: Migraines that cause dizziness.
- Medications: Some drugs list dizziness as a side effect.
- Other causes: Low iron, low blood pressure, anxiety, or dehydration can also result in dizziness.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent or manage dizziness and syncope:
- Stay hydrated to maintain blood volume.
- Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
- Recognize the triggers, like hot environments or emotional stress, and try to avoid them.
- Discuss with your doctor any medications that might be causing dizziness.
When experiencing dizziness or syncope, it’s crucial to sit or lie down immediately to prevent injuries from falling.
If episodes of loss of consciousness or dizziness occur frequently, it’s essential to see a healthcare professional. They can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatments or interventions.
Both dizziness and syncope can be alarming, but understanding their causes and differences can help individuals manage and respond appropriately. While many cases might not be serious, recurring episodes, especially those of syncope, warrant medical attention to rule out potentially serious underlying conditions.
- Loss of consciousness
- Vasovagal syncope
- Cardiac syncope
- Orthostatic syncope
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular migraines


Scientists Make Progress in Developing Vaccines for Global Pandemics
In recent years, the world has witnessed the devastating effects of global pandemics, such as the H1N1 influenza, Ebola, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. These diseases have caused significant losses in terms of human lives, economic stability, and public health. However, amidst the chaos, scientists have been diligently working to develop effective vaccines to combat these global health threats.
Vaccines have played a vital role in eradicating various diseases and minimizing their impact on society. They provide a degree of immunity against infectious diseases by stimulating the immune system to produce a response that recognizes and destroys the pathogen. The development of vaccines is a complex and time-consuming process that begins with identifying the specific genetic material, proteins, or other components of the pathogen that can trigger an immune response.
One of the major advancements in vaccine development for global pandemics is the utilization of new technology platforms. Traditional vaccine production methods often rely on cultivating and inactivating the whole pathogen or using weakened strains. However, these approaches can be time-consuming and come with safety concerns. Through the use of newer platforms, such as messenger RNA (mRNA) and viral vector-based vaccines, scientists have significantly reduced the time required to develop and produce vaccines.
mRNA vaccines have garnered particular attention in recent years due to their success in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This technology allows for the delivery of genetic information to cells, instructing them to produce a harmless piece of the virus that triggers an immune response. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are both mRNA-based vaccines that have proven highly effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.
Viral vector-based vaccines also hold great promise in the fight against global pandemics. These vaccines use a harmless virus, such as an adenovirus, as a carrier to deliver genetic material from the pathogen to trigger an immune response. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine are examples of viral vector-based vaccines that have been approved for emergency use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another remarkable advancement in vaccine development is the establishment of global collaborations and partnerships. Scientists and researchers from various countries and organizations are now collaborating extensively to share knowledge, clinical trial data, and resources. This collaborative effort minimizes duplication of efforts and accelerates the development and distribution of vaccines. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is one example of an organization that fosters partnerships to advance the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.
Moreover, advancements in related fields, such as genomics and computational biology, have contributed to the rapid development of vaccines. The ability to sequence the genetic material of pathogens quickly and accurately has enabled scientists to identify specific targets for vaccine development. Computational biology has played a crucial role in simulating the behavior of viruses and predicting their potential impact, aiding in the design and optimization of vaccine candidates.
While scientists have made significant progress in developing vaccines for global pandemics, challenges still remain. The emergence of new variants and the need for booster shots to maintain immunity pose ongoing challenges. Additionally, ensuring equitable distribution and access to vaccines worldwide remains a pressing issue that requires global coordination and investment.
Nevertheless, the advancements made in recent years in vaccine development for global pandemics provide hope for a brighter future. The successes seen in combating COVID-19 with mRNA and viral vector-based vaccines demonstrate the potential of these technologies in addressing future pandemics. With continued scientific collaboration, advancements in technology, and global commitment, scientists are paving the way for a world better prepared to combat global health threats and protect humanity from the ravages of pandemics.


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What is HIV/AIDS?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a condition that destroys the body's immune defense system. It is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). After HIV invades the body it lives in the white blood cells, which are the cells that protect the body from disease.
How is HIV transmitted?
A person becomes infected by:
- Having sex without a condom with someone who is infected.
- Injecting drugs/medication with a needle used by someone who is infected.
HIV can be transmitted only through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk.
What medical treatments are there for HIV disease?
There is no cure for AIDS, however, with new medications and protease inhibitors available, people diagnosed as being HIV+ are living longer. In the early years of the epidemic many died within two years.
Why is it important to test for HIV?
If you test negative, take precautions to keep yourself healthy. If you test positive, immediately seek the treatment and support you will need. Also, tell anyone who was exposed to your blood, semen or vaginal fluid, including sexual partners or needle sharing partners. If you do not feel you can tell them, have your physician, case manager, or trusted friend/family member inform these partners.
For testing locations, please refer to our "CONTACT" tab above.


Salt is back in the News as the latest 'health hazard', but there must be 'moderation in all things'. Small amounts of dark chocolate are recognised as beneficial to the human brain and wellbeing; but sodium chloride or common salt is essential for life. So what is salt and why has it played such a significant role throughout human history? Empires were built and administered through a salt tax; trade depended upon salt; the word 'salary' is derived from 'salt'; and a good person may be described as: 'Salt of the Earth'. These five lectures will look at various facets of the fascinating history of this crucial and critical compound in life on this planet.


Human Nutrition & Food Science
Non Technical Summary
Patchouli essential oils have been used for medicinal applications due to a variety of biological effects including antibacterial, antifungal, antiinfluenza and antioxidant activities. Patchouli is a species of plant from the genus Pogostemon and major component of patchouli oil. Recently we found that patchouli alcohol possesses anti-inflammatory activity in immune cells. The general aim of this proposal is to study if patchouli alcohol influences occurrence of metabolic disorders including inflammation, obesity and cancer, focusing on elucidating the mechanisms and biological targets. The expected results will expand our understanding on health benefit of using patchouli alcohol and the scope of action using essential oil prevention of human chronic diseases.
Animal Health Component
Research Effort Categories
Goals / Objectives
Obesity is a worldwide epidemic associated with increased risk of various types of cancer. Chronic inflammation is a central characteristic of obesity, leading to many complications such as cancer. In particular, obesity-induced inflammation confers additional cancer risk beyond obesity itself.Patchouli alcohol is a tricyclic sesquiterpene and most abundant form in patchouli oil. Recently, we reported that patchouli alcohol possesses anti-inflammatory activity in mouse macrophages and colon cells (1). However, health benefits effects and reliable mechanisms by patchouli alcohol on metabolic disorders and human chronic diseases remain unanswered. The primary goal of this proposal is to explore if patchouli alcohol prevents inflammation, obesity and cancer. The second goal is to determine proposed mechanisms and molecular targets by which patchouli alcohol reduces inflammatory response in macrophages, differentiation of preadipocytes and proliferation of colonocytes.In the following specific aims we will investigate:Aim 1. Determine anti-inflammatory activity of patchouli alcohol Aim 2. Determine anti-obese and anti-diabetic activity of patchouli alcoholAim 3. Determine anti-cancer activity of patchouli alcohol
Aim 1. Determine anti-inflammatory activity of patchouli alcoholAim 1.1. In vivo study to exam anti-inflammatory activity of patchouli alcohol using DSS-induced colitis modelExperimental designThirty six experimental mice (C57BL/6 background) will be assigned to three groups and each will be receiving 1) vehicle (0.5% methylcellulose), 2) low dose of patchouli alcohol (20 mg/kg body weight) and 3) high dose of patchouli alcohol (40 mg/kg body weight) (twelve mice/each group). Patchouli alcohol suspension will be given by oral gavage every day for 2 weeks before DSS treatment. Then 5% (w/v) of DSS will be given to mice through autoclaved drinking water for one week with gavage of patchouli alcohol. Aftertreatment of DSS and patchouli alcohol, the mice will be euthanized.MeasurementsExtent of colitis, immunohistochemistry, MPO activity and gene expressionAim 1.2. In vitro studies to exam the mechanism(s) of anti-inflammatory activity using THP-1 monocytesExperimental designHuman monocytic cell line (THP-1) will be pretreated with different concentrations of patchouli alcohol (0, 12, 25, 50, 100 µM) and then co-treated with LPS or IL-6 for 30 minutes or 24hours.MeasurementsTranscriptional activity of NF-?B, nuclear localization of p65 and STAT3, proteasomal degradation of p65, phosphorylation of JNK/p38 MAPK, JAK1/STAT3 and ERK, and expression of target genesAim 2. Determine anti-obese and anti-diabetic activity of patchouli alcoholAim 2.1. In vivo study to exam anti-obese and anti-diabetic activity of patchouli alcohol using Ay/J mouse modelExperimental designAy/J mice in a B6 genetic background (KK.Cg-Ay/J, Jackson Laboratories) will be obtained and bred to produce enough numbers for experiment. At 6 weeks old, thirty six Ay/J mice will be assigned to three groups and each will be exposed to 1) vehicle (0.5% methylcellulose), 2) low dose of patchouli alcohol (20 mg/kg body weight), and 3) high dose of patchouli alcohol (40 mg/kg body weight) respectively (twelve mice/each group) for 4 weeks.MeasurementsBody fat pad, lipolysis/fatty acid oxidation, glucose tolerance test, macrophage infiltration, histological analysis and expression of chemokines and inflammatory cytokinesAim 2.2. In vitro studies to exam the mechanism(s) of anti-obese and anti-diabetic activity using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and C2C12 myocytesExperimental design3T3-L1 preadipocytes will be cultured in DMEM containing 10% FBS until confluent. Two days after post-confluence, cells will be stimulated to differentiate with 1 μM dexamethasone, 0.5 mM isobutylmethylxanthine, and 5 μg/mL insulin in 10% FBS/DMEM for 2 days (day 0). Cells will be then maintained in 10% FBS/DMEM medium with 5 μg/mL of insulin for another 2 days, followed by culturing with 10% FBS/DMEM medium until analysis. Patchouli alcohol (0, 12, 25, 50, 100 µM) will be treated from day 0 to day 4 (for study of gene expression) or day 8 (for triglyceride accumulation). For culture of myocytes, C2C12 cells will be maintained in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and then differentiated using DMEM replacing 1% FBS in the absence or presence of different doses of patchouli alcohol (0, 12, 25, 50, 100 µM) for 7 days.MeasurementsLipid accumulation, in vitro glucose uptake and lipolysis, expression of adipogenesis and lipogenesis marker genes, phosphorylation of AMPKα and ACC, expression and translocation of β-catenin protein, and luciferase activity of TOP/FOP flashAim 3. Determine anti-cancer activity of patchouli alcoholAim 3.1. In vivo study to exam anti-cancer activity of patchouli alcohol using inflammation-induced colon cancer model Experimental designThirty six ApcMin/+ mice at 6 weeks of age will be assigned to three groups and each will be exposed to 1) vehicle (0.5% methylcellulose), 2) low dose of patchouli alcohol (20 mg/kg body weight), and 3) high dose of patchouli alcohol (40 mg/kg body weight) respectively (twelve mice/each group) by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Then 2% (w/v) DSS will be given to mice through autoclaved drinking water for one week and the patchouli alcohol will be gavaged every day for 4 weeks.Measurements Tumorigenesis in colon and histological analysisAim 3.2. In vitro studies to exam the mechanism(s) of anti-cancer activity using SW480 colonocytesExperimental designSW480 cells will be treated with different concentrations (0, 12, 25, 50, 100 µM) of patchouli alcohol for 0, 24 and 48 hours.MeasurementsApoptosis, activity of caspases and expression of apoptosis-associated genes, cell cycle distribution and expression of growth arrest genes, cell invasion/migration and expression of MMP-2/9, In vitro angiogenesis and expression of VEGF


- May 12, 2022
- Posted by: AliensFaith
- Category: OBJECTIVE PRESS
Researchers at the University of Florida planted thale cress in harsh lunar dirt returned by Apollo 11 astronauts
For the first time, scientists have grown plants in soil from the moon collected by Nasa’s Apollo astronauts.
Researchers had no idea if anything would sprout in the harsh moon dirt and wanted to see if it could be used to grow food by a new generation of lunar explorers. The results stunned them.


BCG: is a weakened bacterium that will stimulate your immune system to fight the cancer cells. These bacteria will not cause disease.
Interferon: a natural chemical made by your body which can now be artificially produced. When mixed with BCG it helps treat bladder cancer by stimulating your immune system and fighting the cancer cells.
Treatments are scheduled in blocks of 6-8 appointments approximately 1week apart. After the initial block of treatments , there is a rest period of approximately 4-6 weeks before a cystoscopy is performed to evaluate the status of your bladder. Depending on the results another course of treatments may scheduled or a shorter maintenance course of 3 treatments or once a month treatment may be arranged.
Avoid excessive coffee (1/2 cup is fine), decrease fluid intake before your treatment as you will be requested to hold your bladder for 2 hours after the procedure.
A small catheter will be inserted into your bladder. Your bladder will be drained and approximately 2 oz of medicine will be placed in your bladder, the catheter will then be removed.
If the side effects worsen with each successive appointment, please let us know as we may be able to adjust the medication dose or change the medication completely.
If you should develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) – burning, frequency, urgency or foul odor to your urine; or you can see blood in your urine CALL the office we may need to obtain a urine culture and possibly reschedule your appointment.
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Semaglutide/Cynocobalamin (vitamin B12)
Pricing with Consultation
Semaglutide (generic for Wegovy) is a drug used for type-2 Diabetic, however, it has weight loss properties. At Q-Infusion we believe in preventative health by decreasing insulin resistance. Semaglutide improves metabolism, and weight loss and reduces the inflammatory cascade caused by insulin resistance and obesity.
Cyanocobalamin, also known as Vitamin B12, promotes weight loss through improved cellular and glucose metabolism. The combination of Semaglutide-cyanocobalamin is a groundbreaking method for weight loss, energy, sleep cycle regulation, decrease inflammation, and a better client experience.
Semaglutide/Cyanocobalamin Injection is a once-a-week dose that works by simulating hormones that target areas of the brain involved in controlling appetite and food intake. This can curve appetite by making you eat less, leading to weight loss. It is advisable to inject the same day of the week, any time of the day, with or without food. As per recommendation, an excellent period for dosing is a point where there is an appetite reduction and no nausea.
It is highly recommended to get started on a lifestyle modification involving diet and exercise for more effective results.
Some of the Benefits
- Weight Loss
- Improve blood sugar
- May improve blood pressure
- May improve cholesterol
The most common side effect that has been associated with Semaglutide/Cyanocobalamin injection weight loss regimen is nausea.
How to limit Nausea symptoms can include:
- Eat a bland diet
- Eat liquid foods like soup and gelatin
- A small portion of Rice
- Toast of bread
The medication follows a titration regimen. All the clients must start with the Month 1 dose with weekly subcutaneous injections for four weeks. After month 1, the dosage per injection gradually increases in months 2, 3, and 4. A maintenance dose can be ongoing for a period of 8 months depending on the client’s weight loss goals.
A minimum BMI of 27 or greater is required to order this medication regimen.
Warning: Semaglutide is not recommended for these individuals who are taking other diabetic medications as it may cause a significant drop in blood sugar levels. If sensitive to medication, it is highly recommended to start at a low dose or half-dose. It is not recommended during pregnancy or intends to get pregnant. At the start of the program, it is advisable to have a source of sugar (candy bar, juice, or fruit) handy in case of a blood sugar level drops. Symptoms may include but are not limited to: lightheadedness, jitteriness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and headaches.


We are active members of the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) and the Berkeley Stem Cell Center, with students in several departments including the UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Group in Bioengineering, Berkeley’s Biophysics Graduate Group, and Mechanical Engineering.
Current Research Projects:
Using Node-Pore Sensing to Mechanically Phenotype Cancer Cells
We are utilizing NPS to phenotype cancer cells based on their mechanical properties. Our goal is to correlate mechanical phenotype with invasive potential using.
Node-Pore Sensing (NPS) is a label-free technique that can screen for multiple markers on the surface of cells, simultaneously. Currently, we are applying NPS to phenotype subpopulations of cells for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. At the same time, with Prof. Michael Lusting in EECS, we are focused on developing the next-generation NPS by encoding our devices with codes used in radar, Wi-Fi, and telecommunication.
Optofluidic Platform for Label-Free Cell-Surface Marker Screening
We are developing an optofluidic version of NPS and are developing cell-tracking algorithms to measure the transient-binding interaction between surface markers and specific antibodies. We aim to apply this platform to point-of-care diagnosis and monitoring of cancer.
Liquid Biopsy Platform
We are developing a microfluidic platform which utilizes inertial forces to isolate rare cells for downstream analysis and therapeutic monitoring.
Engineering Strategies for Studying the Neural Stem-Cell Niche
In a collaboration with Prof. David Schaffer (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering), we are developing new DNA-based patterning technologies that enable us to dissect the complex mechanisms of niche signals on instructing single neural stem-cell fate decisions.
Patterned 3D Cell Culturing
We are developing a novel cell-culturing platform in which we are able to tightly control the stiffness dynamically via light cues. This hydrogel platform could help mimic in vivo dynamic stiffness environments, such as blood vessels, which will greatly influence our understanding of mechanobiology.
In Vitro Assays for Drug Testing
Sewoon Han, Ph.D.
We are developing microchips that attempt to recapitulate the mechanical and biochemical pathologies of specific human tissues. These chips could ultimately be used for accurate in vitro assay drug testing.
In-vitro human endothelial cell wall model
We are developing an in-vitro model of the human endothelial cell wall micro-environment which will aid us in the study of trans-endothelial migration.


“The Lightning Process works. Period. And I would recommend it to anyone looking for a natural way to change old unsuccessful patterns in their life.”
Neuroplasticity has been hailed as one of the most important medical breakthroughs in centuries. It describes the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections or pathways in response to new information.
The more the brain is exposed to this new information, the more efficiently it lays down new neural pathways that, after a while, start to run automatically and unconsciously.
It’s somewhat akin to learning to drive. At first we need to concentrate carefully on each new step. But, with repetition, the brain starts to automate to these new tasks, to the point that we learn to drive with ease — often with little or no conscious awareness of what we are doing. This is clearly a very helpful phenomenon. But only so long as the brain is receiving the right information about how to be a good driver.
The same applies to our health and overall well-being. Sometimes we become stuck in unconscious patterns (especially in how we are responding to stress) that contribute to chronic illness or difficult mental and emotional issues.
The exciting news is that, once we have recognized these unconscious and unhelpful patterns, neuroplasticity allows us to create powerful changes by retraining our plastic, flexible brains to build new, healthier pathways. The Lightning Process® teaches people how to do this through a series of simple, powerful and highly effective mental exercises and techniques. And the more we retrain the brain to promote what we want— health, vitality and well-being— the more automatically it responds to create exactly that.


Hendricks Regional Health is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Our health system continues to grow to meet the needs of our community.
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Hematology and Blood Disorders Home
Overview of Blood and Blood Components
What Are Red Blood Cells?
What Are White Blood Cells?
What Are Platelets?
What Is Plasma?
What Are Stem Cells?
Blood Donations and Blood Banking
Cord Blood Banking
Blood Clotting Disorders in Children
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Megaloblastic (Pernicious) Anemia
Sickle Cell Disease
Beta Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia)
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Bone Marrow Transplant


Pulmonology is a medical speciality that deals with diseases involving the respiratory tract. The term is derived from the Latin word pulmō, pulmōnis ("lung") and the Greek -λογία, -logia. Pulmonology is synonymous with pneumology (from the Greek πνεύμων ("lung") and -λογία, -logia), respirology and respiratory medicine.
Endocrinology (from Greek ἔνδον, endon, "within"; κρίνω, krīnō, "to separate"; and -λογία, -logia) is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions known as hormones.
Optometry is a healthcare profession concerned with the eyes and related structures, as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information processing in humans. Optometrists are trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision, and in some countries are trained to diagnose and treat various eye diseases.
Osteopathy—as distinct from osteopathic medicine—is a type of alternative medicine that emphasizes the physical manipulation of the body's muscle tissue and bones. Its name derives from Ancient Greek "bone" (ὀστέον) and "disease of" (-πάθεια).
Are you suffering from ongoing emotional or mental problems that are affecting your life? Our specialists in our Brooklyn NY medical center are highly experienced in the areas of psychotherapy. Your mental well-being is one of the most important things that is needed to live a fulfilling and happy life. It may seem sometimes that emotional problems can never go away and will be following you around forever.
Dermatology is the area of medicine that focuses on the health and well being of our skin, which is our biggest organ. Your skin is constantly on display to others and plays a major role in our appearance and how we appear to the world.
Podiatrists focus on medicine and treatments that relate to the foot, ankle and lower extremities such as toes. Our feet play an important role in our everyday lives and when they are not performing at full capacity it can have a major affect on most anything we do.
If you are suffering a neurological disorder you know how scary it can be. Our nervous system is the central framework that allows our body to receive signals from other parts of our body and to perform actions dictated by the brain.
Urologists specialize in the branch of medicine that focuses on the male and female urinary tract system and the male reproductive system. The kidneys, adrenal glands, urethra, testes, prostate and penis are all part of a urologists field of expertise.


Workshops for dog owners and trainers
Mary regularly speaks to groups of dog owners and trainers about animal training, animal behavior, and applied behavior analysis. She believes that an understanding of the science of learning and behavior can help us find smarter and more humane ways to train our animals.
If you are interested in having Mary present an animal training seminar, lecture, or workshop in your area, contact her!
Weekend seminars and workshops are a great way to delve into the science of animal behavior and take your knowledge of animal training to the next level. Presentations and workshops can be tailored to the needs and desires of your group. Most workshops consist of a mix of lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities.


Join us at picturesque Gabriel Farms to hear the story of how they established their diverse fruit crops, get an update on the dreaded spotted wing Drosophila, and hear about the potential for chestnuts in Northern Michigan.
· Duke Elsner, MSU Extension; Understanding and managing spotted wing Drosophila.
· Dennis Fulbright, MSU professor emeritus; Potential for chestnuts in Northern Michigan.
· Kristi Schuil, Owner, Gabriel Farm; Establishing and managing diverse fruit crops: apples, grapes, haskaps … What’s a haskap? You’ll have to come to the field day to find out!
Register online here.
For more information call or email Larry Dyer: 231-881-2784 or firstname.lastname@example.org


U.S. House Judiciary Committee passes exotic snake bill
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee today passed H.R. 511, a bill that will add nine species of large constrictor snakes to the list of injurious species under the Lacey Act.
H.R. 511, which is sponsored by Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, would ban the import or interstate trade for use as pets of the Indian python (including Burmese python), reticulated python, Northern African python, Southern African python, boa constrictor, green anaconda, yellow anaconda, DeSchauensee’s anaconda and Beni anaconda. Those nine species have been identified by the U.S. Geological Survey as posing “high” or “medium” risk of becoming established in the wild as an invasive species.
Supporters of the legislation say its passage could help thwart Florida’s exotic snake problem, specifically in the Everglades, where an estimated 10,000 to 100,000 pythons currently live.
The Humane Society of the United States commended the bill’s passage in a press release sent out today. “The House Judiciary Committee recognized that the trade in large, constricting snakes is reckless and irresponsible, putting people, ecosystems and the animals that live in them, and the snakes themselves at risk,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. “We hope that the bill is scheduled for a vote on the House floor soon, and that the Senate takes up the matter expeditiously.”
Exotic pets, like snakes, pose a major threat to native wildlife and can cost the government millions of dollars to address.
According to one recently-published study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, ever-proliferating pythons in the Florida Everglades appear to be wiping out large numbers of small mammals.
In March 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed a rule to ban the nine species outlined in Rooney’s bill, which were identified by the United States Geological Survey report as posing a “significant risk.” In January 2012, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced a final rule restricting trade in just four of the nine species - a move that environmentalists say isn’t enough. By including only some species, critics say the trade will simply shift to other species, like boa constrictors and reticulated pythons. Unless all nine species are banned, threats to public safety, animal welfare, and the environment will continue unabated.


Adam advises in all areas of life-science and especially in biotechnological, medicinal, and diagnostic technologies involving stem cells, antibodies, nucleic acids, vaccines, and peptides. He has a background in molecular biology with a focus on epigenetics and disease.
Adam is experienced in working with universities, start-ups, and large firms, and has expertise in evaluating patentability, freedom to operate analyses, and drafting and prosecuting patent applications before the EPO.
University of Barcelona (B.Sc. Plant Biology, 2008)
University of California, Irvine (M.Sc. Biotechnology, 2010)
Copenhagen University (BRIC, Ph.D. Health & Medical Sciences, 2014)
English, Danish, French, Spanish, Catalan.


As part of our Animal Husbandry Training sessions which are taking place over the next few weeks in our recently adopted villages, it is crucial that the Goat beneficiaries learn which plants are best to feed their new animals.
Howeida Mohammed Ahmed, our Animal Production Officer, is leading the training in this area and will be explaining about local natural pasture plants.
Awish, gow, kerjina, Bano, gharoub and grass roots are all natural pasture plants which provide a very good source of vitamins and minerals for Goats and help the animals stay healthy and give good milk production.
There are also man-made fodder cakes, made from melon juice with millet corns and cotton seed cakes, which are especially good for pregnant or lactating goats.
Howeida will show the trainees how to plant fodder like sorghum in the rainy season in late July or early August when the rainfall rate is at its peak. The plants should be weeded before the final maturation when the fodder is cut. The fruits and the stem can then be put in sacks and kept in a dark place and left to dry. This green fodder will be kept and used in the dry season or when there is only a little rainfall. The stored green fodder will be of high nutritional value and great benefit to the animals.
Here is Howeida Mohammed teaching the Villagers about the range of animal fodder and discussing pasture plants.
The next step is for us to purchase the Goats! It is such an exciting time of year!
Can you please Donate a Goat today to help us ensure we can provide enough Goats for the poorest families in our new villages?
£50 ($69) provides one Nanny Goat
£66 ($92) provides one Billy Goat to be shared between three families
£250 ($346) provides five Nanny Goats to one family
£316 ($437) provides five Nanny Goats to a family and a Billy Goat (shared between three families)
Choose how many Goats to Donate here – thank you so much!


Not only does spaying and neutering help reduce the risk of pet overpopulation, but the sterilization of your cat or dog will also increase his/her chance of a longer and healthier life!
What is spay/neuter? The word “spay” refers to the sterilization (or altering) of female pets. The term “neuter,” while more commonly used to refer to the castration of male pets, can be used to describe the sterilization (or altering) of either female or male pets.
According to SpayUSA.org, “Altering your canine friend will increase his life an average of 1 to 3 years, felines, 3 to 5 years. Altered animals have a very low to no risk of mammary gland tumors/cancer, prostate cancer, perianal tumors, pyometria, and uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers.”
In females, spaying and neutering reduces or eliminates the risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer, especially if done before the first heat cycle. In males, the risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and decreases incidence of prostate disease.
If you are concerned that your pet might become overweight after spaying or neutering, keep in mind that just like people, pets become overweight when they eat too much and/or exercise too little. An appropriate diet and sufﬁcient activity is all it takes to keep your pet slender and healthy after spaying or neutering.
When in doubt ask your Veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian about the most appropriate time to spay or neuter your pet based upon its breed, age and physical condition and discuss the health benefits and how spaying and neutering can benefit your pets.
SPAY USA http://www.spayusa.org/benefits.php
American Veterinary Medical Association https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/spay-neuter.aspx
Best Friends http://bestfriends.org/resources/general-pet-care/spay-or-neuter-your-pet


21 Day Reset Bundle
$460.00 Plus GST
Bundle includes: 2x NutriClear, 2x NitroGreens and 1x Liver Support
- 21 Day Detox meal reset plan
- Soup ebook (for extra inspiration)
- Weekly email reminders
- An optional Facebook group
- Before and after Online Nutritional Assessment
- Stress beaker PDF exercise
Out of stock
NutriClear (Regular Price $105): A pea protein based, hypoallergenic clearing formula designed to support healthy GI function and normal detoxification pathways.
NitroGreens/Bio Fibre (Regular Price $78): A rich source of phytonutrients including isoflavones, polyphenols, natural carotenoids, betalains, glucosinolates and isothiocynates, as well as naturally occurring enzymes, vitamins and trace minerals.
Liver Support: The liver support we have provided on this detox is additional to the two drinks as we want to support your body as much as possible during this time to further enhance your liver detoxification pathway.It’s a unique formulation combining vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanical components, and other nutritive synergists to support healthy Phase I and Phase II liver detoxification pathways


There are a few reasons why some dicks curve and others don't, but by and large a curved dick isn't a problem. But it might seem like a problem given the tendency of pornography to feature penises that are ramrod straight. In reality, curves are almost always natural and nothing to be worried about, and in some ways can be a bonus. The majority of men have some degree of curvature, some more than others.
When it comes to understanding why a penis has a curve, it helps to understand the structure of the penis. The human penis is essentially a bundle of blood sponges wrapped in a skin balloon. These erectile tissue sponges — a pair of corpus cavernosum tubes on top and a corpus spongiosum on the bottom encasing the urethra — are fed blood by arteries and drained by veins.
When you get an erection, the arteries open up and the veins close up, increasing blood pressure inside and forcing the erectile tissues to expand. The fact that there are three such tubes is almost always the underlying cause behind a curve.
The single most likely reason behind a penis having a curve is the fact that human bodies are imperfect and become even more imperfect as they grow. No human body is perfectly symmetrical, and that applies to penises as well. It only takes is for one of the erectile tissue tubes to be slightly shorter in its fully extended length to create a curve in that direction. It might not be obvious in the flaccid state, but once fully inflated the smaller tube finds itself pulling against its larger companions. Conversely, one of the tubes being larger than the others can lead to a curve away from that side.
When one of the two corpus cavernosum is shorter than the other, it can lead to a curve to that side, left or right. When the corpus spongiosum is shorter it can result in a downward curve, while a longer one may lead to a penis that curves up.
Again, it is perfectly normal for there to be asymmetry in the human body. Most of us have uneven faces and limbs, it should not a surprise that penises do the same.
Unbalanced blood supply
Even if the erectile tissues themselves are all properly sized such that the erection should be straight, issues with the blood supply in the penis can also lead to a curvature.
While the penis has a single artery that supplies it with boner-sustaining blood, that artery splits into multiple branches before entering the separate erectile tissues. A restriction or blockage in any one of those can lead to a decrease in blood supply to that side and thus reduced pressure and then a curve.
Conversely, if the veins that drain the penis experience a blockage or restriction they can increase the pressure on that side and cause a curve in the opposite direction. Veins can also fail to properly constrict, leading to reduced pressure and curvature as well.
Internal scarring can cause penises to curve. The fibrous scar tissue doesn't stretch in the same way as the skin and erectile tissue, so its presence holds back that side of the penis from fully expanding, inducing a curve towards that side. Scar tissue is the most likely culprit when the curve is more of a "bend" in a single spot than a continuous curve.
There are multiple reasons why scar tissue may develop inside the penis. Obvious injuries like penile fracture can result in scar tissue forming around the wound site as the body heals. Less obvious injuries, including moderate bending under force and impacts, can cause scaring to develop. There's no guarantee that any of these will result in internal scar tissue, and there's no guarantee that such scar tissue with result in a curve.
Men are very familiar with the sensitivity of their own penis, so avoiding these scenarios shouldn't be too hard for most men. But if you believe you've suffered an injury to your penis that could result in scarring, please talk to your doctor before things get bad.
Taking internal scarring to the next level is Peyronie's disease. This condition is where internal scar tissue has occurred to such a degree that erections have a significant bend and often result in pain. The curvature with Peyronie's can be so extreme that it inhibits normal sexual activity, and the scaring can be so severe that it results in erectile dysfunction.
The causes of Peyronie's disease are not known, but theories include a genetic predisposition to the rampant development of fibrous plaques, or the body going into scar tissue overdrive after a relatively minor trauma to the penis. It's possible that both may play a role, or that the two are separate conditions lumped under the Peyronie's banner. Peyronie's disease can occur seemingly overnight, or develop slowly over time.
Circumcision remains a controversial topic, the reasons behind it and opposition to it are not something that will be broached in this piece. What will be discussed is how botched circumcision can lead to penile curvature, especially when performed in adolescence or later instead of as an infant.
Circumcisions involves the surgical removal of the foreskin, followed by the healing of the remaining tissues, leaving the glans fully exposed. When a circumcision is performed poorly and too much skin is removed, the healed wound may leave not enough skin on a particular side for the penis to fully extend, resulting in a bend to that side. The vast majority of circumcisions are performed without incident, and even poorly performed circumcisions on an infant or young child are less likely to result in curvature as there is still significant penile development to occur.
Influence of size on curvature
Longer and thicker penises are not any more likely than shorter or thinner ones to develop a curvature. The biological processes that can lead to a curvature operate exactly the same way regardless of penis size. That said, a longer penis can have more of an apparent curve simply due to its size — given two penises with the same radius of curvature, the longer one will appear to have more of a curve just because it carrie the curve on for a greater distance.
Penile fracture is a greater risk with longer penises, as there is simply more dick to be bent during rough intercourse.
A curve can make a penis appear smaller, as it reduces the apparent length from base to tip. A curved penis isn't actually any smaller than if it were straight, but visually it can look that way. A road isn't any shorter because it has a curve in it! Measurement of a curved dick can present a challenge; the best option is to use a flexible tailors tape measure to get a length along the inside and outside of the curve, then averaging the two to get a close approximation of the midline length.
Underwear won't curve your dick
There is no evidence showing that clothing has any impact on a penis's curvature. It might make sense on a superficial level that tight briefs could result in a penis curving to whatever side it is worn, but the reality is that underwear is highly elastic and never so tight that it will restrict penis growth.
For every guy that has a penis that is curved to match how he dresses hiself, there's another that has a curve that doesn't match, or ended up with a curve despite wearing loose boxers.
So why does it seem like your curve matches your body and underwear. It's a coincidence that you have a relatively minor curve, and you simply wear your penis to the side where it's most comfortable. That's it.
Fixing a curved penis
For the most part, a curved penis is not something that is a medical concern or in need of correction. Curves up to 30º are considered to be within the realm of "normal", even if it doesn't meet the pornographic ideals we see in modern erotica. A substantial curve can be limiting in some positions (such as an upward curve being uncomfortable for the recipient in doggy), but it can also prove to be a bonus in stimulating areas a straight dick would struggle to reach. As with many things in life, you have no choice but to work with what you've been given.
For more extreme curves, medical intervention can be warranted. For curves that are the result of uneven growth, the only real option is the use of a traction device to manually straighten the penis. Worn over the course of several weeks or longer, the traction device applies a stretching force to the penis and can induce cellular division. While these are popularly marketed as length extenders, the primary recognized medical use for such devices is in curvature correction.
For men dealing with penile scar tissue, whether from injury or as a result or Peyronie's disease, treatment can take multiple courses and run through a few different stages. Injections of Interferon have been shown to be effective in preventing the formation of new scar tissue and even helped to break down existing scar tissues and reduce curvature. Collagenase injections have likewise been shown to break down scar tissues associated with Peyronie's and are currently under review by the FDA for such treatment.
Multiple oral medications have been tested and shown to have little impact on curvature correction, including vitamin E, potassium amino-benzoate, carnitine, and tamoxifen. Newer proposed treatments of ultrasound, shockwaves, and radiation are currently under study, but aren't widely expected to have a significant impact.
Surgery is also an option for the most severe curvature, especially those that result in pain with erections and where other treatments have proven ineffective. These surgeries can take a few different forms. One involves removing tissue from the opposite side of the curve to balance it out, and is considered the easiest and safest option, especially for men that already have an above-average penis. Another surgical option is to remove a problematic scar plaque and place a graft in its place, allowing that side to more fully extend, but this surgery is considered to be riskier and can result in more significant dysfunction.


Ranchers giving their cattle antibiotics may be doing more than creating drug-resistant microbes: They could be boosting greenhouse gas emissions as well, a new study suggests. Researchers looked at the effect of a 3-day treatment of tetracycline, a commonly used antibiotic, on the amount of methane generated within the manure of cattle. Over the course of the experiment, emissions of planet-warming methane from the dung of antibiotic-dosed cows were, on average, 80% higher than those from the manure of untreated cattle, the team reports online today in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The boost may be due to a relative increase in methane-producing microorganisms called archaea in the digestive systems of treated cattle due to the suppression of antibiotic-susceptible bacteria, the team suggests. The findings are the first to note increased greenhouse gas emissions due to antibiotic use in cattle; a recent study suggests that methane emissions from cud-chewing livestock worldwide, including cows, account for about 4% of the greenhouse gas emissions related to human activity. Because methane emissions from a cow’s manure are typically lower than those released from its belching, future studies should look at the effect of antibiotics on that source of the greenhouse gas, too, the researchers suggest.


Since the symptoms of nasal allergies are similar to cold symptoms, it can be difficult for parents to tell the difference.
If your baby is experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion coughing, or sneezing, it is possible that he or she is suffering from persistent allergies rather than frequent colds.
Colds usually go away after seven to ten days. Allergic reactions last much longer, especially if the allergen is not removed from the baby’s environment.
Babies can come into contact with allergens through a variety of ways, including eating them, touching them, or breathing them in.
When an allergen upsets a baby, symptoms can range from mild to serious.
Allergens can also cause skin symptoms like eczema or rashes. Respiratory symptoms are also commonly associated with nasal allergies or allergic rhinitis. Food allergies can trigger intestinal problems.
Some tell-tale allergy symptoms include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, or itching. Respiratory allergies are far more common than skin and food allergies, so be on high alert for these signs.
Since there are so many possible allergens, parents must be diligent and observant when monitoring their baby’s environment.
Pay attention to how your baby responds to particular foods and certain rooms of your house. Pay attention to your baby’ reaction after taking certain drugs and consuming different types of food or formula.
Environmental allergens like animal dander, dust, mold, insects, or pollen can be more difficult to recognize and control.
If your child is struggling with allergies and you are unsure of the cause, it is best to keep pets away from the baby until you have determined what is triggering your baby’s allergies.
If you suspect your baby is struggling to cope with animal dander, dust, pollen, or mold, make sure your house is clean. It is especially crucial that the baby’s room is dust-free and has clean air.
They say that dust mites cause allergic reactions in approximately 85% of allergy sufferers. If you can eliminate dust in your home, you may see some relief in your baby. A humidifier or air purifier may help better filter the air in your home and provide your baby some relief.
If symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose persist, trying using a nasal aspirator to clear your baby’s nostrils and open their airways. These symptoms are uncomfortable and you should try to alleviate them as soon as you notice them.
Babies with nasal allergies are more prone to ear infections, asthma, and sinus infections, so it is important to remove anything your baby may be allergic to in his or her environment as soon as possible.
If you are unable to determine what is triggering your baby’s allergies after some sleuthing, it may be time to see a doctor.
*Please note that the above advice is not from a professional medical source and should not be taken as medical advice. Contact your Doctor for more information*


Groundwater is an essential freshwater resource stored in underground reservoirs called “aquifers”. “These aquifers supply drinking water to over two billion people, and around 70% of withdrawals are used for agriculture. However, more than half of the world’s major aquifers are being depleted faster than they can be naturally replenished. As groundwater accumulates over thousands of years, it is essentially a non-renewable resource.
The tipping point in this case is reached when the water table falls below a level that existing wells can access. Once crossed, farmers will no longer have access to groundwater to irrigate their crops. “This not only puts farmers at risk of losing their livelihood, but can also lead to food insecurity and put entire food production systems at risk of failure.
Many farmers throughout the world rely on groundwater, nearby water sources, and pumping supplies to water their crops. Conventional agriculture is known for its high water usage. However, water conservation in agriculture has become increasingly important for the health of the environment and the sustainability of agriculture. By using water more efficiently, better-yield crops can grow while using less water, contributing to preserving one of nature’s most valuable resources.
Water conversion in agriculture has become increasingly crucial for the health of the environment and the sustainability of agriculture.
Techniques for Effective Water Conservation:
- Drip Irrigation
- Capturing and Storing Water
- Crop Rotation
- Conservation Tillage
- Adoption of Drought-Resistant Crops
- Use of Organic Fertilizers and Mulch
Importance of Water Conservation:
- Optimizes water use
- Maximizes crop yields
- Promotes long-term sustainability in agriculture
Why Water Conservation is Required?
Water scarcity is becoming a growing concern in many regions, exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and competing water demands. Efficient water conservation practices in agriculture help reduce the pressure on limited water supplies and mitigate the impacts of water scarcity on both agricultural production and ecosystems. Water conservation in agriculture is vital for preserving limited water resources, mitigating water scarcity, and ensuring sustainable food production. Adopting efficient irrigation methods and water-saving techniques can help farmers optimize water usage, reduce environmental impact, and maintain the long-term viability of agricultural systems.
But water conservation in agriculture is not just about preserving resources for food production. It also has a far-reaching impact on the environment and human well-being. For example, conserving water in agriculture can help to reduce the stress on water systems, maintain healthy ecosystems, and preserve aquatic life.