Archive for the ‘Life Extension’ Category

OTTAWA Call it the case of the missing icebreaker.

The fate of the Canadian Coast Guard's next heavy icebreaker has been wrapped in mystery since the federal government quietly removed the $1.3-billion project from Vancouver shipyard Seaspan's order book in May.

But plans to build the icebreaker, which was first promised by Stephen Harper's Conservative government more than a decade ago, have not been cancelled, says Coast Guard Commissioner Mario Pelletier.

Rather, Pelletier said the icebreaker has beensent back to the drawing board as the Coast Guard looks to update the original design to account for changes in technology and the government's requirements.

"It's still in the plan," Pelletiertold TheCanadian Press this week. "Actually, we're updating our design. It was a really good design.... Because it's been a number of years, we're just updating the design and we'll see how that unfolds and we're going to queue it somewhere."

Exactly when and where the CCGS John G. Diefenbaker, as the icebreaker is to be named, will be built and how much it will ultimately cost remains up in the air.

But Pelletier expressed confidence the icebreaker it is expected to replace, the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent in service since 1969 will be able to operate through to the late 2020s thanks to various upgrades. That includesa recent $7.1-million life extension by Quebec's Chantier Davie shipyard.

The Diefenbaker was originally supposed to replace the St-Laurent in 2017.

"Before we decided to invest in vessel life extension, we did an extensive survey ... and they were amazed at the amount of steel left on the ship," said Pelletier, who previously served on the Louis S. St-Laurent when it was still running on steam power.

"So yes, the ship is old. (But it has)a lot of steel left so that makes it safe and the propulsion-control system and everything else have been upgraded. They were upgraded in the '90s, were upgraded four or five years ago again. So she's been extremely reliable."

Seaspan was tapped in 2011 to build Diefenbaker as part of a larger order that also included four science vessels for the Coast Guard and two navy supply ships, but it was removed from the Vancouver shipyard's order book and replaced with 16 smaller multipurpose vessels in May.

Davie has been jumping at the chance to have the Diefenbaker built at its shipyard outside Quebec City.

The federal government announced Thursday that Davie was the only shipyard to qualify for addition into Canada's multibillion-dollar shipbuilding strategy, through which Ottawa is already building new naval warships, Arctic patrol vessels and Coast Guard science ships.

While that sets the company up to win potentially billions of dollars of federal work building six medium icebreakers for the Coast Guard, it has been lobbying hard for the heavier Diefenbaker as well.

The government has said Ontario-based Heddle Shipyards, which had raised concerns from the start that the selection process was rigged in Davie's favour, did not qualify for inclusion in thestrategy. The company has said it is looking at its options.

Pelletier said no decision has been made on where the Diefenbaker will be built, adding: "The way things are starting up, we are going to start the(multipurpose vessels)and the (six) icebreakers before. When we look at all options for the polar, we'll see where it can go."

The Coast Guard commissioner applauded the government's addition of a third shipyard focused exclusively on building icebreakers as "good news" for his service given the age of its current fleet, with many ships having already exceeded their expected lifespans.

That has resulted in more unplanned breakdowns, leading to ferry-service disruptions, difficulties resupplying northern and coastal communities and complaints from industry about negative impacts on maritime trade.

"The industry both down south and up north are putting a lot of pressure for us to renew our program icebreakers," Pelletier said, referring to the main icebreaker fleet.

The Coast Guard did obtain three second-hand icebreakers for more than $800 million from Davie. The company isstill in the process of converting two of them for the Coast Guard's use to help fill the gap, but those are considered a temporary measure.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2019.

Lee Berthiaume, The Canadian Press

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Back to the drawing board for missing heavy icebreaker: Coast Guard - Airdrie Today

As we enter a new year and the beginning of a new decade, theres no better time to make sure your digestive health aisle is well-stocked: Products that heal and nourish the gut are likely the helping hand your customers will need to achieve all their health resolutions in 2020. The composition of the gut microbiome influences every aspect of our physiology and regulatory processes, which affects not only digestive health but also systemic health and ones risk for developing diseases, asserts Samantha Ford, Business Development Director, AIDP Inc.

Indeed, over the past decade, study after study has uncovered new ways that the trillions of bacteria in the gut can influence everything from nutrition absorption to hormone balance to protection against pathogens like the flu virus. People typically consider probiotics for digestive health. However, based on scientific research it is becoming increasingly clear that they have other health benefits as well, notes Andrew G. Swick, M.S., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Life Extension. A healthy gut microbiome promotes healthy immunity, metabolism, mood, heart, liver and other organ systems.

All told, this growing awareness of the microbiome has the digestive health market booming, and it stands to soar even higher in the coming decade: A report by Grand View Research Inc. projects global sales of digestive health products will reach $57.5 billion by 2025a big jump from the $31.2 billion of 2017 (1). Significant growth is anticipated in the digestive health category, affirms Hank Cheatham, Vice President, Daiwa Health Development. With the awareness of the connection between gut health, overall health and cognitive function as well as athletic performance, growth seems to be a sure thing. In addition, researchers have only just begun to identify methodology to define a healthy microbiome; as this investigation evolves, growth in the market will occur, not only in personalized medicine, but overall.

That said, its not just probiotics and other microbiome-nourishing supplements fueling the market. Theres also a big opportunity to gain loyal customers who are dealing with specific digestive complaints like IBS, GERD and leaky gut and want to avoid the side effects and costs associated with traditional OTC and prescription treatments. According to the Natural Marketing Institutes (NMI)/Nielsens recently published report Opportunities in Digestive Health, 37% of consumers consider themselves to be managing some type of digestive health issue, Cheatham notes. People look to digestive remedies to help with the side effects of unhealthy diets and stressful lifestyles.

To help you navigate this increasingly flooded market so you can point your customers in the right direction to optimize their health, we tapped leading industry insiders for the low-down on the most promising new trends and technological advances in probiotics and microbiome support, as well as the research-backed natural options for the most common digestive concerns.

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology posited that if everyone in the U.S. took probiotics, health care payers would save an estimated $373 million in medical bills and sick days would be reduced by 54.5 million, saving the economy approximately $1.4 billion per year in medical costs and lost productivity (2). And thats just savings associated with probiotics immune-boosting ability to fend off respiratory tract infections that cause cold and flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals.

With recent scientific advances, probiotics for obesity, dental health, diabetes and even heart disease could become a reality over the next decade. A wide variety of probiotic strains are being investigated for viability in specific health areas, such as oral health, mood/cognitive support, cholesterol management and more, notes Sam Michini, Vice President of Marketing & Strategy, Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes. Condition-specific action and support is the future of probiotics.

Dr. Swick agrees. With advancing technology, scientists have been able to select specific strains of organisms to accomplish precise tasks. Here, just a few strains shown to deliver targeted benefits that are already on the market:

Immune support. More than 70% of your immune system is in your gut, says Dr. Swick. He recommends a probiotic blend like Life Extensions Immune Support that combines B. lactis BS01, L. plantarum LP01, L. plantarum LP02, L. rhamnosus LR04, and L. rhamnosus LR05, which have been demonstrated to promote a healthy immune response.

Mood support. Experts estimate that up to 90% of the bodys serotonin is produced in the gut. Clinical and pre-clinical studies indicate that gut microbes can support mood and behavior by affecting the gut-brain axis, a complex communication network that links your gut with your brain, explains Dr. Swick, noting that innovative probiotic strains, L.helveticus Rosell-52 and B. longum Rosell-17, which are found in Life Extensions Florassist Mood Improve, are particularly helpful here: In two randomized controlled trials, study participants given these strains reported significant mood, stress response and emotional balance support as compared to placebo.

Also of interest for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth: The probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 is backed by clinical data in mood and anxiety support post-partum, says Ford. AIDPs Actazin in combination with HN001 has been shown to fuel the growth by as much as 140% in-vitro.

Fitness performance: Our spore-forming probiotic strain, Bacillus subtilis DE111, has the science to show its viability in fitness and athletic achievement, notes Michini. He points to a recent study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research that showed DE111, in conjunction with adequate post-workout nutrition, produced statistically significant improvements in the reduction of body fat percentage, and a strong trend indicating improved performance of the deadlift exercise (3.) In a separate study, DE111 was also found to promote tissue recovery and reduce the likelihood of injury.Weight management.Studies have suggested that there is an association between gut bacterial diversity and body weight, notes Dr. Swick. While specific strains are still being investigated, L. rhamnosus and L. gasseri show great promise in preliminary studies.

Whether your customers are shopping for a general health probiotic or a benefit-specific one, its better to focus on getting a diverse mix of bacteria strains rather the quantity or number of live active cultures, advises Neil E. Levin, CCN, DANLA, Senior Nutrition Education Manager, NOW Foods. Diversity and variety are important for gut health. A healthy gut will have no fewer than 50 to 100 probiotic strains present and that amount is actually at the low end of whats required. He notes that NOW Foods generally provides between at least 8 to 10 strains in their probiotic formulas to help foster this diversity.

Diversity can also be achieved by combining targeted strains found in a supplement along with probiotic food sources like yogurt, kimchi, kombucha and kefir, as well as functional snacks enriched with heat-resistant microbes like Kerrys spore-forming probiotic GanedenBC30. Some experts also recommend changing up the brand or formula of your probiotic supplement every few months to introduce new strains to the microbiome.

Trisha Sugarek MacDonald, BS, MS, Sr. Director of Research & Development/National Educator, Bluebonnet Nutrition Corporation, adds that its also critical to understand the quality of the probiotic, and each strains specific applications. Genetic DNA identification is the only way to ensure that you are getting the most effective probiotic strains, she says, noting that all probiotic strains in Bluebonnets Advanced Choice SingleDaily Probiotic formulas have been genetically identified and characterized by the Pasteur Institute, the scientific non-profit foundation dedicated to the study of microorganisms. Depending on ones food sensitivities, dietary benefits, such as made with non-GMO ingredients and free of most allergens, may also be important to look for on the label.

Survivability through the GI tract is also a consideration, but Levin believes theres little need to sweat it. We all know that probiotic foods are often effective without special delivery systems, and fortunately for both consumers and manufacturers, many modern probiotics are robustly acid-tolerant. For example, acidophilus literally means acid loving, he notes. Acidophilus and other common strains such as bifidobacteria have been tested for their ability to survive stomach acid for an hour at body temperature, and are rated at over 90% survivability. That can eliminate the need for enteric coatings, which contain some controversial ingredients and add to costs.

Many of the health-promoting effects of a balanced microbiome come not from the probiotics themselves, but from the short-chain fatty acids that are produced when bacteria ferment indigestible fibers, dubbed prebiotics, as food. Fermentation of certain fibers leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids, other metabolites and some vitamins, explains Kyle Krause, Product Manager, Functional Fiber and Carbohydrates, Beneo. Science demonstrates that short-chain fatty acids, achieved through this prebiotic fermentation, can reach the brain and other organs directly through the blood, or indirectly via the stimulation of immune cells, the hormonal or nervous system and the release of messenger substances. As a result, the gut microbiota can influence digestive health, an individuals inner well-being and overall health.

These prebiotic fibers play a critical role in helping good gut bacteria to thrive and multiply. While its possible to get sufficient prebiotics from food sources (onion, garlic, artichokes, bananas, barley, oats, beans and apples are all good sources of inulin and other soluble fibers and resistant starches), Michael Bush, President and CEO, Prenexus Health and Executive Board Member of the International Probiotics Association (IPA), cautions that most people struggle to get enough through diet alone. Dietary fiber is great but only 5% of Americans consume the recommended amount of dietary fiber, so supplemental prebiotics are necessary to properly feed the good bacteria that is already found in the gut. Plus, notes Cheryl Myers, Chief of Scientific Affairs and Education at EuroPharma, Inc., Supplemental prebiotics have the benefit of being consistentwhich is exactly what probiotics need to thrive.

Fortunately, theres no shortage of ingredients on the market that are effective in small doses and can be easily snuck into functional food and beverage. For instance, inulin and oligofructose, such as BENEOs chicory root fiber-derived Orafti Inulin and Oligofructose, can be easily and undetectably added to food and drink products, and have been shown to contribute to better digestive health and inner well-being by first and foremost selectively promoting the growth of beneficial microbiota, notes Krause. Studies also show improvements in bowel regularity as well as in calcium absorption and thus bone health. BENEOs prebiotic fibers have been proven to support weight management. This all results in an improved quality of life.

Xylooligoscacharides, or XOS, found in AIDPs propeitary ingredient PreticX, also show promising health perks. PreticX selectively feeds beneficial bacteria, without feeding the bad bacteriacausing a favorable alteration in gut microbiome, notes Ford. This is a tremendous advantage over other, higher dose prebiotics, which tend to feed all the bacteria, without a meaningful impact in the gut ratio. She points to a clinical trial which found that a dose of 2 grams of PreticX daily significantly increased levels of the bacteroidete B. fragilis strain, without increasing the firmicutes strain Lactobacillus. This suggests that PreticX may foster a more beneficial Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, which has been linked to improved metabolic response and benefits to weight management.

Consumers who are sensitive to starch or fiber based prebiotics may want to consider emerging phage technology, advises Michini. Phages are minuscule bundles of DNA or RNA enrobed in a protein shell. Phages are diverse and abundant: there are 10-fold more phages than bacteria populations in the human body. The role of each type of phage is to overtake a specific bacterium. He explains that phages, like those found in Deerlands PreforPro, work as a dual action prebiotic. These compounds destabilize the cell wall of the bad bacteria, which then provides nutrients as well as space for the good bacteria to grow. Whats more, he notes, PreforPro is effective in a small dose (15 mg) and does not incur bloating or flatulence because it doesnt become fermented.

Also showing promise as a prebiotic: Antioxidants like anthocyanins from berries, notes Melanie Bush, Director of Science, Artemis International, Inc. Studies have shown that flavonoids essentially behave as prebiotics and modulate a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut. Additionally, researchers studied how gut microbes can metabolize berry flavonoids into metabolites that have significant health benefits.

SOS for digestive distress

Chronic digestive issues, including inflammatory bowel disease, acid reflux and food intolerances, can be painful, frustrating and downright embarrassing. And often, the long-term side effects of the OTC and prescription treatments can be as troubling as the condition itself. Case in point: An alarming new study published in the BMJ found that extended use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are routinely prescribed to treat heartburn, ulcers and acid reflux, was associated with a 17% increased risk of early death (4). No wonder so many Americans are trying to get off their PPIs. A new survey from the University of Michigan Medical School revealed that 79% of patients had at least some concern about PPI side effects, even if they couldnt necessarily name any specific side effects, and 83% had attempted to get off of the meds without a doctors recommendation (5).

If customers come in looking for a natural solution to digestive problems, be sure to advise them to talk to their healthcare practitioner about transitioning off meds, notes Levin. But there is natural help to be found for GERD and IBD, and its largely compatible with OTC meds, notes Myers. Some consumers choose to take their OTC and the natural product together for a week or two, then slowly wean off the OTC drug. Once inflammation (especially 5-LOX inflammation, seen in many inflammatory bowel diseases) is under control or eliminated with natural products, the digestive relief and symptom remission is going to be much more sustainablewithout the potential side effects of OTCs.

Help for heartburn, acid reflux or GERD. Myers notes that the PPIs typically used to treat reflux and heartburn shut down acid production, which may temporarily stop the pain, but used long term, it leaves users vulnerable to other problems, including increased susceptibility to food poisoning, bone density loss, and increased rates of other infections. Stomach acidity is a natural barrier against microbes entering the body along with food or liquids since the low pH discourages the growth or most organisms, explains Levin. If the acidity level is too weak, foods wont be properly digested and that immune barrier would be compromised.

Whats more, Levin notes, its been estimated that perhaps half of those taking antacids have insufficient stomach acid production to enable digestion (and provide a proper immune barrier). The clinical pearl that clinical nutritionists learn is to consider the timing of heartburn after a meal. Delayed onset heartburn is an indication to look at the probability of the acid being too weak to actually digest the food, especially protein. When this is the case, he recommends exploring a supplement with betaine HCl to supplement the stomachs own acid production and pepsin, the stomach main digestive enzyme.

Other reflux soothers: Two of the best ingredients to fight heartburn and GERD naturally are d-limonene and sea buckthorn, says Myers. D-limonene is a clinically tested component of citrus oil that appears to coat and protect the stomach walls and mucosa from the potential damage of stomach acid (without interfering with acid production), and supports healthy peristalsisthe muscle action of the intestines that moves food through the digestive system. In one study, she notes, 19 adults with a history of mild to moderate symptoms of heartburn or GERD were asked to discontinue their OTC or prescription medications and take d-limonene instead. By the second day of taking d-limonene, 32% of the participants experienced symptom relief. After 14 days, 89% of the participants were symptom free.

Seabuckthorn works another way, Myers continues. It has a protective effect on the stomach and actually helps prevent and heal gastric ulcers. It also soothes the mucosal in the digestive tract. Similarly protective of the esophagus is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract, adds Levin. Licorice has been shown to support healthy concentrations of compounds that promote mucus production, which may provide an improved protective barrier between the delicate lining of the esophagus and the acidic stomach contents.

Help for inflammatory bowel disease. One of the most effective botanicals for dealing with IBS or other digestive issues is boswellia, says Myers. She notes that this botanical, found in BosMed Intestinal Bowel Support, fights 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inflammation. Inflammation through the small bowel and colon may be one of the physical causes and effects of IBS and other diseases. Because boswellia stops the 5-LOX cascade, it is a valuable ally. For example, in the case of Crohns disease, individuals were treated with either boswellia or the drug mesalazine (a drug commonly used to treat Crohns, ulcerative colitis, and IBS). Boswellia performed as well as the drug, but without the dangerous side effects.

Another smart supplement: Zinc L-carnosine offers a comprehensive approach to protect your stomach lining and promote gastric health, notes Levin. Several clinical studies showed that 150mg daily of zinc L-carnosine significantly reduced factors associated with gastric discomfort within eight weeks.

Help for food sensitivities or intolerances. A broad-spectrum enzyme blend can be a great solution for those who experience digestive discomfort when they eat, as it helps facilitate better digestion of the many components of a mealfats, carbohydrates and proteins, says Michini. But if a food sensitivity is claimed by your customer to be an issue, point them to supplements containing specific enzymes. Deerland makes a trio of targeted enzyme ingredients, ProHydrolase, Dairylytic and Glutalytic, that can help customers consume hard-to-digest protein peptides (like those in meat or protein powders), dairy and gluten with fewer digestive symptoms. Glutalytic is also clinically proven to reduce levels of IgA and CRP, supporting a proper immune response, he notes.

Help for leaky gut. Leaky gut is caused when inflammatory compounds (like gluten in people with gluten intolerances) and other toxins damage the digestive tract lining, creating microscopic tears that allow endotoxins and waste to leak out of the GI tract and into the bloodstream. This is notoriously difficult to treat, but Miles Sarill, National Educator, CV Sciences, sees big potential for a raw CBD component called cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) for speedier healing. He explains that this compound, which is found in CV Sciences new raw CBD oil, is a non-psychoactive precursor to CBD that has been shown in preliminary animal studies to actually facilitate healing of the digestive health tract. CBDA cant cross the blood-brain barrier, so it goes to work within the body along with 500 other anti-inflammatory compounds in a full spectrum oil, he explains. Full spectrum raw CBD oil can be deeply supportive for both inflammation response, as well as that gut barrier and the microbiome.

When it comes to growing your digestive health sales, Dr. Swick notes, It is important to educate consumers about the importance of probiotics and how they play a beneficial role within and outside the gut. Specifically, with respect to condition specific probiotic strains and how they can complement other interventions. For example if you are promoting mood support with traditional herbs or amino acids, also consider a probiotic product that has been studied and demonstrated to support the same health concern.

Myers agrees, Having printed materials that explain the connection between gut health and overall wellness are essential, too. It gives customers something to think aboutand ideally, some other lifestyle and supplemental optionsthat can encourage them to return to the store. Also, stores can invite guest speakers and experts to talk about the connection between gut health and well-being that may resonate in more direct ways than printed material.

Dont be afraid to make use of the complexity of the digestive health in illustrations or imagesthey can draw customers in, adds Michini. The gut is the bodys main manufacturing facilityit processes all the raw materials taken in from food, beverages, supplements to pharmaceuticals. This concept works well for visual storytelling, which can be used in store on a white board or other display, as well as in social media. Get the consumer involved in a way that rewards him or her. WF

References

Grand View Research, Digestive Health Products Market Size Worth $57.54 Billion By 2025,GrandViewResearch.com. Posted 2/19. Accessed 12/3/19. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-digestive-health-products-market

Lenoir-Wijnkoop, et al. Probiotics Reduce Health Care Cost and Societal Impact of Flu-Like Respiratory Tract Infections in USA,Frontiers in Pharmacology. Published 8/28/19. Accessed 12/3/2019. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.00980/full

Toohey, et al. Effects of Probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) Supplementation During Offseason Resistance Training in Female Division I Athletes,The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Published 06/26/18. Accessed 12/3/2019. https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/publishahead/Effects_of_Probiotic__Bacillus_subtilis_.95273.aspx

Kristina Sauerwein, Heartburn drugs linked to fatal heart and kidney disease, stomach cancer, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Publised 5/30/19. Accessed 12/3/19. https://medicine.wustl.edu/news/popular-heartburn-drugs-linked-to-fatal-heart-disease-chronic-kidney-disease-stomach-cancer/

Jina Sawani, Many Americans Are Worried About Taking PPIs and Have Tried Stopping Them Without Doctor Approval, University of Michigan Health Lab. Published 5/22/19. Accessed 12/3/19. https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/industry-dx/many-americans-are-worried-about-taking-ppis-and-have-tried-stopping-them-without

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A Healthier New Year Starts in the Gut - WholeFoods Magazine

Key Point: Nuclear command and control is one of the most important tasks for the U.S. military.

In a military that operates Raptor stealth fighters, A-10 tank busters, B-52 bombers and Harrier jump jets, the U.S. Navys placid-looking E-6 Mercury, based on the 707 airliner, seems particularly inoffensive. But dont be deceived by appearances. Though the Mercury doesnt carry any weapons of its own, it may be in a sense the deadliest aircraft operated by the Pentagon, as its job is to command the launch of land-based and sea-based nuclear ballistic missiles.

Of course, the U.S. military has a ground-based strategic Global Operations Center in Nebraska, and land-based transmitters for communicating with the nuclear triad. However, the E-6s sinister purpose is to maintain the communication link between the national command authority (starting with the president and secretary of defense) and U.S. nuclear forces, even if ground-based command centers are destroyed by an enemy first strike. In other words, you can chop off the head of the U.S. nuclear forces, but the body will keep on coming at you, thanks to these doomsday planes.

The E-6s basic mission is known as Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO). Prior to the development of the E-6, theTACAMOmission was undertaken by land-based transmitter and laterEC-130Gand Q Hercules aircraft, which had Very Low Frequency radios for communication with navy submarines. Interestingly, France also operated its ownTACAMOaircraft until 2001, four modifiedTransallC-160HAstarttransports, which maintainedVLFcommunications with French ballistic-missile submarines.

The first of sixteenE-6sentered service between 1989 and 1992. These were the last built in averylong line of military variants of the venerable Boeing 707 airliner, in particular the707-320BAdvanced, also used in theE-3 Sentry. Bristling with thirty-one communication antennas, theE-6Aswere originally tasked solely with communicating with submerged Navy submarines. Retrofitted with more fuel-efficientCFM-56turbojets and benefiting from expanded fuel tanks, theE-6Acould remain in the air up to fifteen hours, or seventy-two with inflight refueling.

To use its Very Low Frequency radios, an E-6 has to fly in a continuous orbit at a high altitude, with its fuselage- and tail-mounted VLF radios trailing one- and five-mile-long wire antennas at a near-vertical attitude! The VLF signals can be received byOhio-class nuclear ballistic-missile submarineshiding deep underwater, thousands of miles away. However, the VLF transmitters limited bandwidth means they can only send raw data at around thirty-five alphanumeric characters per secondmaking them alotslower than even the old 14k internet modems of the 1990s. Still, its enough to transmit Emergency Action Messages, instructing the ballistic-missile subs to execute one of a diverse menu of preplanned nuclear attacks, ranging from limited to full-scale nuclear strikes. The E-6s systems are also hardened to survive the electromagnetic pulse from nuclear weapons detonating below.

Between 1997 and 2006, the Pentagon upgraded the entire E-6A fleet to the dual-role E-6B, which expanded the Mercurys capabilities by allowing it to serve as an Airborne Nuclear Command Post with its own battle staff area for the job. In this role it serves as a backup for four huge E-4 command post aircraft based on the 747 Jumbo jet. The E-6B has ultra-high-frequency radios in its Airborne Launch Control system that enable it to remotely launch land-based ballistic missiles from their underground silos, a task formerly assigned to U.S. Air Force EC-135 Looking Glass aircraftyet another 707 variant. The E-6s crew was expanded from fourteen to twenty-two for the command post mission, usually including an onboard admiral or general. Additional UHF radios give the E-6B access to the survivable MILSTAR satellite communications network, while the cockpit is upgraded up with new avionics and instruments from the 737NG airliner. The E-6B can be distinguished in photos by its additional wing-mounted pods.

The Mercurys abundant communications gear allows it to perform nonnuclear Command, Control and Communications (C3) operations as well. For this reason, E-6s have at times been deployed to Europe and the Middle East to serve as flying C3 hubs. For example, VQ-4 was deployed in Qatar for three years from 2006 to 2009, where it relayed information such as IED blast reports and medical evacuation requests from U.S. troops in Iraq who were out of contact with their headquarters.

Two Navy Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons currently operate the E-6: VQ-3 Ironmen and VQ-4 Shadows, both under the Navy Strategic Communications Wing 1. These have their home at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, but also routinely forward deploy out of Travis AFB in California and Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland. At least one E-6 is kept airborne at all times. E-6s on the submarine-communication mission often fly in circles over the ocean at the lowest possible speedfor as long as ten hours at a time. Those performing the nuclear command post mission typically remain on alert near Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. The E-6s nuclear mission has also made its operations occasional fodder for conspiracy theorists and foreign propaganda outlets.

The E-6 platform should remain in service until 2040 thanks to a service-life extension program and continual tweaks to its systems and radios. While the Mercury has demonstrated its usefulness as an airborne communication hub for supporting troops in the field, the airborne command post will be considered a success if it never has to execute its primary mission. The heart of nuclear deterrence, after all, is convincing potential adversaries that no first strike will be adequate to prevent a devastating riposte. The E-6s are vital component in making that threat a credible one.

Sbastien Roblin holds a masters degree in conflict resolution from Georgetown University and served as a university instructor for the Peace Corps in China. He has also worked in education, editing and refugee resettlement in France and the United States. He currently writes on security and military history forWar Is Boring.

This first appeared in 2016. It is being republished due to reader interest.

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Fact: The Deadliest Aircraft Ever Carries No Weapons (It Could 'Kill' Billions) - The National Interest Online

The `Balder Future project will involve drilling 13 new production wells and one new water injector on the Balder field.

Courtesy Vr Energi

Offshore staff

SANDNES, Norway Vr Energi has submitted its plan to extend production from the Balder and Ringhorne area in the North Sea to 2045.

Norways Ministry of Petroleum and Energy will review the revised proposals for the `Balder Future project, which will involve drilling 13 new production wells and one new water injector on the Balder field to recover an additional 136 MMboe, and extending the lifetime of the Jotun A FPSO.

The Balder field is in license PL 001. According to Var, the NOK19.6-billion ($2.17-bilion) project should create almost 30,000 man-years of work through 2045.

In addition, the company and partner Mime Petroleum plan to drill subsea infill wells and new wells from the neighboring Ringhorne platform, and Vr may undertake further exploration drilling in the area, which could boost the resource further. All these activities will take place while production continues at the Balder and Ringhorne fields.

Earlier this year, Vr awarded an EPCI contract to Rosenberg Worley in Stavanger for the FPSO life extension works. The vessel will be taken off-station and removed to the shore in mid-2020 for the upgrade program, then reinstalled during summer 2022 at a location in between the two fields.

Baker Hughes and Ocean Installer in Stavanger, will engineer, procure, construct and install new subsea production systems, umbilicals, risers and flowlines for Jotun A.

12/17/2019

Link:
Norway's government to review North Sea Balder Future proposals - Offshore Oil and Gas Magazine

Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) voted for the final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. Here is a statement from Senator Heinrich's office:

Heinrich, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, authored a number of provisions in the bill to strengthen New Mexico's military installations, national laboratories, economic development, and leadership in the future of technologies like Artificial Intelligence, directed energy, and space. The NDAA also included language Heinrich authored to designate White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico and complete a land exchange between the Army and the National Park Service.

This bill makes major investments to ensure our Armed Forces are equipped with the most modern technology so we can stay ahead of our adversariessaid Heinrich.New Mexico is the Center of Excellence for small satellites and for directed energy weapons, and this bill increases funding and streamlines authorities to bolster those missions. I am proud to have authorized funding for military construction projects that will modernize infrastructure at Holloman Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range, and Kirtland Air Force Base. This bill also makes major reforms to fix the military housing crisis and takes meaningful action on contamination at dairies outside Cannon Air Force Base. These provisions, among many others, help New Mexico families, benefit our economy, and further New Mexico's strong position as a leader in national security for years to come.

As the co-founder of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, Heinrich added, "I am also proud to have incorporated language from the Armed Forces Digital Advantage Act to modernize defense workforces with digital engineers, specialized in computer science, and to have increased funding for the future of Artificial Intelligence.

The NDAA sets the Department of Defense spending levels and policies for the upcoming fiscal year and authorizes funding for the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons programs at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, as well as the Department of Energy's environmental cleanup programs including the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The Senate will soon vote on a number of appropriations bills that set the funding levels for agencies.

A list of many of the programs and provisions Senator Heinrich advocated for during the bill writing process that were included in the FY20 NDAA is available as a PDFHEREand below.

New Mexico Military Construction Projects

Kirtland Air Force Base

Senator Heinrich secured $15.5 million for the construction of a Combat Rescue Helicopter Simulator Facility at Kirtland Air Force Base. This facility will house new HH-60W simulators, training spaces, and equipment used by the 58th Special Operations Wing to train new students. This construction will allow for a seamless transition from the HH-60G legacy aircraft to the new HH-60W and provide continuous Programmed Flight Training for its operators.

Senator Heinrich secured $22.4 million for the construction of a UH-1 Replacement Facility at Kirtland Air Force Base. This facility will house new simulators used for training flight crew personnel in the UH-1 replacement aircraft set for delivery to the 58th Special Operations Wing starting at the end of FY 2022. This construction will allow for an on-time delivery of the simulators, and critical training in the new aircraft.

Holloman Air Force Base

Senator Heinrich secured $20 million for the construction of a climate-controlled, storage and shipment facility at Holloman Air Force Base. The facility will be used to store, inspect, and prepare the movement of military support equipment and provide maximum protection of our expeditionary, warfighting resources. This will enable assets to be maintained in a constant state of readiness and postured for worldwide deployment with greatly reduced maintenance costs. The use of this facility will save the government $800,000 annually for the maintenance and/or replacement of these assets by preserving the shelf-life of items otherwise stored in the open as well as save $120,000 a year in replacement costs of shipping containers damaged by exposure to weather.

White Sands Missile Range (WSMR)

Senator Heinrich secured $5.8 million to build a microgrid at White Sands. The microgrid will utilize a solar array, natural gas generator, and lithium ion battery system to power water wells to provide an uninterrupted water supply to WSMR. Currently, the wells are connected in such a way that leaves them susceptible to power outages that could leave WSMR without drinkable potable water. This microgrid system will ensure a reliable supply of water for the installation.

White Sands Missile Range Land Enhancements and White Sands National Park

White Sands Missile Range Land Enhancements and White Sands National Park

The Senate Armed Services Committee adopted an amendment by Senator Heinrich that incorporates legislation to finalize updated land exchanges between the Department of the Interior and the Department of the Army that have been pending since the 1970s. The exchange of parcels between White Sands National Monument and White Sands Missile Range will clean up boundary anomalies, transfer important missile range infrastructure to the jurisdiction of the Army, and provide increased opportunities for visitors at the National Monument. The bill was developed in close consultation with the Army, the Air Force, the National Park Service, local elected officials, neighboring tribes, and local residents.

New Mexicos National Laboratories and WIPP

Los Alamos National Laboratorys Plutonium Mission

Senator Heinrich again secured full funding authorization to maintain Los Alamos National Laboratorys (LANL) role as the nations Center of Excellence for Plutonium Research. The bill authorizes $551 million for LANLs ongoing plutonium research and pit production programs. The funding supports personnel, equipment and other activities at LANL to meet pit production requirements by 2026; highlights include, $232 million for plutonium operations, $21 million to support pit production, $10.5 million for fire suppression upgrades in PF-4, $16 million for power and communications improvements and $168 million for construction related to replacing the outdated Chemistry and Metallurgy Research (CMR) building at LANL.

Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

Senator Heinrich supported provisions in the bill that direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to allow the onsite safety inspectors from the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) full access to all defense nuclear facilities at LANL, Sandia National Laboratories and WIPP. The bill also ensures access to all required documents and reinforces the boards role protecting both the general public as well as onsite employees and contractors. Senator Heinrich supported these provisions in response to an order DOE issued in May 2018 that attempted to limit the boards access and role in protecting health and safety. Congress created the DNFSB in 1988 to provide oversight of public health and safety at the defense nuclear facilities managed by the Department of Energy.

National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD)

Senator Heinrich secured a provision extending for one year an exemption from an administrative overhead burden on NNSA labs for LDRD that would double-tax Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory. LDRD is a strategic research and development program that is critical to maintaining the scientific vitality of the national laboratories. The bill continues the suspension of the overhead burden through fiscal year 2021.

National Laboratory Funding

Senator Heinrich supported full funding authorization for the National Nuclear Security Administrations (NNSA) nuclear weapons programs. Within NNSAs funding, Senator Heinrich secured full funding of $2.1 billion to continue the Life Extension Programs supported by Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories. This increase of $197 million over FY19 will maintain the existing weapons stockpile and assure safety and security.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Environmental Cleanup

The bill authorizes the presidents request of $195.5 million for soil and water remediation and removal of radioactive waste. Funding is included again this year to address the hexavalent chromium and Royal Demolition eXplosive (RDX) plumes in groundwater in Los Alamos. Senator Heinrich will work now with the Appropriations Committee to increase the funding for fiscal year 2020 to $220 million, the same level as the last fiscal year.

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)

The bill authorizes full funding of $398 million to operate the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), including $17.5 million to repair and replace degraded facility structures, systems, and components, $58 million to continue construction of additional ventilation for the mine and $34.5 million for a new utility shaft.

New Mexicos Defense R&D Labs, Test Ranges, and Industry

U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protg Program

The bill re-authorizes the DoDs Mentor Protg Program (MPP), which is the oldest continuously operating federal mentor-protg program in existence, through 2026. Originally established in 1991, the MPP helps eligible small businesses expand their footprint in the defense industrial base. Under the MPP, small businesses are partnered with larger companies. In the past five years, DoDs MPP has successfully helped more than 190 small businesses fill unique niches and become part of the militarys supply chain. Senator Heinrich ensured the survival of the MPP when it faced expiration, and salvaged this influential, small-business focused program.

Directed Energy Test Range Workloads

Senator Heinrich secured $15 million for White Sands Missile Range in order to accommodate the increase in directed energy testing workloads to accommodate the increased demand in the 21st century. A lack of funding for increased directed energy testing is a serious issue; especially, given the workload and number of directed energy demonstrations and exercises have increased significantly since 1975. The projected workload for fiscal years 20182022 for the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility at White Sands is large and growing, and has expanded to include high-powered microwave testing. Yet, funding remained at the same level. Senator Heinrich secured the funds necessary to meet the growing demand and support the appropriate test workloads.

3-D Printed Electronics Army Innovation Hub for Next Generation Additive Manufacturing

Senator Heinrich secured an additional $2 million for additive manufacturing (AM), which is already making innovative technological leaps that could yield major advances in more lethal and longer-ranged fires. New Mexico Tech and the University of Texas at El Paso are leading entities in 3-D printing. This technology can combine existing and new materials into 3-D printed circuit architectures, producing smarter, lighter, and denser constructs to enable projectiles to double current ranges while achieving higher precision.

STARBASE

Senator Heinrich helped secured an additional $30 million for the STARBASE program. This program is meant to improve the knowledge and skills of students in kindergarten through 12th grade in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects, to connect them to the military, and to motivate them to explore STEM and possible military careers as they continue their education. STARBASE is a highly effective program run by our dedicated servicemembers and strengthens the relationships between the military, communities, and local school districts. STARBASE currently operates at 76 locations in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, primarily on military installations. New Mexico is one of those locations. Since its inception in 1991, over 825,000 students have benefitted from the STARBASE program, including 45,000 last year.

New Mexico Space Missions

Department of Defense Launch Support and Infrastructure Program for Small-Class and Medium-Class Payloads

The bill authorizes a provision championed by Senator Heinrich that enables the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to enhance infrastructure and improve support activities for the processing and launch of Department of Defense (DoD) small-class and medium-class payloads.

Spaceport America in New Mexico is a licensed inland spaceport that provides surface-to-space open sky launches landing in restricted flight zones. The New Mexico Spaceport is located next to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) where the DoD controls the only restricted air space in the entire country besides the White House.

Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor

In an effort to develop a reliable defense against cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons, Senator Heinrich and Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) added $108 million for a hypersonic and ballistic tracking space sensor that will help correlate data and track the incoming target for intercept. Senator Heinrich crafted language to help prioritize this capability gap and increased funding.

Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Sp-RCO)

The bill authorized nearly $24 million for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Sp-RCO) which is housed at Kirtland Air Force Base. As Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Senator Heinrich has fought to ensure New Mexico remains the small satellite center of excellence for the military. Senator Heinrich recently announced plans for the establishment of additional classified workspace, near Sp-RCO, that can be used by potential commercial partners to facilitate the rapid fielding of new space capabilities.

Space Test Program (STP)

The conferenced bill authorized $26.09 million for the Space Test Program (STP) which is housed at Kirtland Air Force Base. As Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Senator Heinrich has strongly supported STPs mission to secure launches for experimental spacecraft from emerging entrants including Rocket Lab or Vox Space that are smaller and far less expensive than traditional military satellites that are launched aboard larger rockets under the National Security Space Launch program. Senator Heinrich included provisions elsewhere in the bill to establish a program to improve infrastructure and launch support at FAA licensed spaceports. Since 1965, the STP has conducted space test missions for the purpose of accelerating Department of Defense space technology transformation while lowering developmental risk.

Rocket Systems Launch Program

The bill authorized $13.19 million for the Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) which is housed at Kirtland Air Force Base. Senator Heinrich supports the Rapid Agile Launch Initiative which seeks to award launch service agreements with non-traditional, venture-class companies.

Artificial Intelligence

Armed Forces Digital Advantage Act

The NDAA incorporates important provisions taken from Senator Heinrichs Armed Forces Digital Advantage Act. These provisions recognize the importance of individuals with aptitude and experience in digital expertise and software development to the armed services and requires Secretary of Defense to devise an implementation plan to recruit and develop digital engineering specialists. The bill also requires the Defense Secretary to create a digital engineering capability for the development and deployment of acquisition programs and software support. The bill also requires a demonstration of digital engineering capabilities and policy guidance to promote the use of said capabilities.

National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence Extension of Authority

The bill includes a provision supported by Senator Heinrich that extends the duration of the current Artificial Intelligence Commission in order to account for time lost due to the government shutdown earlier this year.

New Mexico Military Housing Reform and Contamination Cleanup

Military Housing Reform

The bill includes a provision championed by Senator Heinrich that establishes a uniform code of basic housing standards and requires inspections to ensure compliance. This uniform code provides for safety, comfort, and habitability for military housing units and ensures the inspection of such units adhere to this standard. This is a critical step in addressing the problems associated with military housing around the world and ensuring our service members and their families live in the healthy dwellings they deserve.

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) Contamination Cleanup

Senator Heinrich included provisions from H.R. 1567 or the PFAS Damages Act, to provide relief to communities and businesses impacted by PFAS contamination in groundwater around Air Force bases in New Mexico and across the country, including dairy farms in New Mexico that have been upended by PFAS contamination from nearby Cannon Air Force Base.

This measure will ensure that the Department of Defense (DOD) takes precautionary action to prevent human exposure, including through agricultural products, provide alternative water or water treatment for contaminated agricultural water, and acquire contiguous property that is contaminated. The measure will also mandate that the Department of Defense (DOD) create a plan of action to clean up contaminated sites nationwide and take all necessary steps to prevent further risks to public health.

New Mexico Military Energy Resilience

Military Environmental Research Programs

The bill includes a requirement supported by Senator Heinrich and Senator Angus King (I-Maine) that would direct no less than $10 million be directed toward the development and demonstration of long-duration, on-site battery storage for distributed energy applications, $10 million for development, demonstration and validation of secure microgrids for both installations and forward operating bases, $10 million for development, demonstration, and validation of non-fluorine based firefighting foam and $5 million for development, demonstration, and validation of technologies that can harvest potable water from air.

Additional Priority Provisions

Federal Employee Paid Leave

The FY20 NDAA for the first time provides all federal employees with 12 weeks of paid leave including for the birth, adoption, or fostering of a new child. The bill also allows 12 weeks of paid leave for the care of close family members, serious employee health conditions, and for circumstances that arise when the employee or a family member is detailed for covered duty in the armed forces. Paid family leave supports federal employees and their family commitments and provides benefits necessary to recruit and retain the talent that is essential for federal agencies to carry out their mission to serve the nation. The federal government is the nation's largest employer, with more than 2 million employees. This provision ensures that our federal workforce will no longer face the impossible choice of caring for their health and family, or receiving pay.

Eliminating the Widows Tax

The FY20 NDAA mandates a 3-year phase out of the so-called widows tax, which required that surviving spouses of deceased military members forfeit part or all of their Department of Defense Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity when they receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. More than 60,000 surviving families are negatively impacted by the Widows Tax, which reduces surviving spouses' benefits by an average of $924 per month, or $11,000 annually. This action by Congress will ensure that widows and widowers of a deceased active-duty service member or retiree who died of a service-related cause receive full annuity payments.

Addressing and Stopping the Flow of Synthetic Opioids to the United States

The bill includes provisions that will hold foreign countries accountable for their pledges to go after those who produce and traffic fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Specifically, the NDAA will give the U.S. federal government the ability to apply economic and other financial sanctions to illicit traffickers from China, Mexico, and other countries of concern. The FY20 NDAA also establishes a Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking to create a strategic approach to combating the flow of synthetic opioids into the United States.

The opioid crisis in New Mexico has had devastating effects on families across the state. Senator Heinrich has advocated for more resources to fight this epidemic - including measures like those in this years NDAA that penalize other countries for their involvement in the flow of illicit substances to the United States.

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Bill To Create White Sands National Park Heads To Trump For Signature - KRWG

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Best Informative Report on Soy Isoflavones Market 2019 to 2025 | Leading Companies- NOW Foods, InVite Health, ADM, DHC, GNC and Life Extension -...

Dmitry Kaminskiy speaks as though he were trying to unload everything he knows about the science and economics of longevityfrom senolytics research that seeks to stop aging cells from spewing inflammatory proteins and other molecules to the trillion-dollar life extension industry that he and his colleagues are trying to fosterin one sitting.

At the heart of the discussion with Singularity Hub is the idea that artificial intelligence will be the engine that drives breakthroughs in how we approach healthcare and healthy aginga concept with little traction even just five years ago.

At that time, it was considered too futuristic that artificial intelligence and data science might be more accurate compared to any hypothesis of human doctors, said Kaminskiy, co-founder and managing partner at Deep Knowledge Ventures, an investment firm that is betting big on AI and longevity.

How times have changed. Artificial intelligence in healthcare is attracting more investments and deals than just about any sector of the economy, according to data research firm CB Insights. In the most recent third quarter, AI healthcare startups raised nearly $1.6 billion, buoyed by a $550 million mega-round from London-based Babylon Health, which uses AI to collect data from patients, analyze the information, find comparable matches, then make recommendations.

Even without the big bump from Babylon Health, AI healthcare startups raised more than $1 billion last quarter, including two companies focused on longevity therapeutics: Juvenescence and Insilico Medicine.

The latter has risen to prominence for its novel use of reinforcement learning and general adversarial networks (GANs) to accelerate the drug discovery process. Insilico Medicine recently published a seminal paper that demonstrated how such an AI system could generate a drug candidate in just 46 days. Co-founder and CEO Alex Zhavoronkov said he believes there is no greater goal in healthcare todayor, really, any venturethan extending the healthy years of the human lifespan.

I dont think that there is anything more important than that, he told Singularity Hub, explaining that an unhealthy society is detrimental to a healthy economy. I think that its very, very important to extend healthy, productive lifespan just to fix the economy.

The surge of interest in longevity is coming at a time when life expectancy in the US is actually dropping, despite the fact that we spend more money on healthcare than any other nation.

A new paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that after six decades of gains, life expectancy for Americans has decreased since 2014, particularly among young and middle-aged adults. While some of the causes are societal, such as drug overdoses and suicide, others are health-related.

While average life expectancy in the US is 78, Kaminskiy noted that healthy life expectancy is about ten years less.

To Zhavoronkovs point about the economy (a topic of great interest to Kaminskiy as well), the US spent $1.1 trillion on chronic diseases in 2016, according to a report from the Milken Institute, with diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and Alzheimers among the most costly expenses to the healthcare system. When the indirect costs of lost economic productivity are included, the total price tag of chronic diseases in the US is $3.7 trillion, nearly 20 percent of GDP.

So this is the major negative feedback on the national economy and creating a lot of negative social [and] financial issues, Kaminskiy said.

That has convinced Kaminskiy that an economy focused on extending healthy human lifespansincluding the financial instruments and institutions required to support a long-lived populationis the best way forward.

He has co-authored a book on the topic with Margaretta Colangelo, another managing partner at Deep Knowledge Ventures, which has launched a specialized investment fund, Longevity.Capital, focused on the longevity industry. Kaminskiy estimates that there are now about 20 such investment funds dedicated to funding life extension companies.

In November at the inaugural AI for Longevity Summit in London, he and his collaborators also introduced the Longevity AI Consortium, an academic-industry initiative at Kings College London. Eventually, the research center will include an AI Longevity Accelerator program to serve as a bridge between startups and UK investors.

Deep Knowledge Ventures has committed about 7 million ($9 million) over the next three years to the accelerator program, as well as establishing similar consortiums in other regions of the world, according to Franco Cortese, a partner at Longevity.Capital and director of the Aging Analytics Agency, which has produced a series of reports on longevity.

One of the most recent is an overview of Biomarkers for Longevity. A biomarker, in the case of longevity, is a measurable component of health that can indicate a disease state or a more general decline in health associated with aging. Examples range from something as simple as BMI as an indicator of obesity, which is associated with a number of chronic diseases, to sophisticated measurements of telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes that shorten as we age.

While some researchers are working on moonshot therapies to reverse or slow agingwith a few even arguing we could expand human life on the order of centuriesKaminskiy said he believes understanding biomarkers of aging could make more radical interventions unnecessary.

In this vision of healthcare, people would be able to monitor their health 24-7, with sensors attuned to various biomarkers that could indicate the onset of everything from the flu to diabetes. AI would be instrumental in not just ingesting the billions of data points required to develop such a system, but also what therapies, treatments, or micro-doses of a drug or supplement would be required to maintain homeostasis.

Consider it like Tesla with many, many detectors, analyzing the behavior of the car in real time, and a cloud computing system monitoring those signals in real time with high frequency, Kaminskiy explained. So the same shall be applied for humans.

And only sophisticated algorithms, Kaminskiy argued, can make longevity healthcare work on a mass scale but at the individual level. Precision medicine becomes preventive medicine. Healthcare truly becomes a system to support health rather than a way to fight disease.

Image Credit: Photo byh heyerleinonUnsplash

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Why AI Will Be the Best Tool for Extending Our Longevity - Singularity Hub

Heathrow Airport is a massive employer in London.

Not only do you have four terminals each requiring their own teams of security, cleaning and ground crew staff, but you've also got the many shops, bars and restaurants.

It's always busy at the West London airport, meaning it's all hands on deck.

Have you ever fancied a behind the scenes look at Heathrow? Well, now might be your chance.

Heathrow Airport is currently hiring a total of 21 positiions.

Here is everything you need to know.

Closing date: December 19, 2019

The role involves being responsible for implementing a quality assurance function at the airport.

Basically - you need to make sure everything runs smoothly and well. From reviewing activities in the supply chain and dealing with members of the public, you will be first on hand.

For more information, click here.

Closing date: January 5, 2020

The control room operative works in the engineering maintenance department.

You will be monitoring the system and ensuring trains and planes are running smoothly and making sure any delays are dealt with appropriately.

It's also important to work safely at all times and follow procedures as well as spot any hazards.

Click here for more information.

Closing date: December 19, 2019

In this role, you will act as Data Steward for the Property Team under the General Data Protection Regulations and ensure the airport complies with all Heathrow standards associated with GDPR and Data Protection.

To apply, click here.

Closing date: December 13, 2019

You'll be participating in all movements of trolleys across Heathrow, clearing all areas of trolleys, pushing them back into the areas where our passengers need them and making sure passengers do not use any broken trolleys.

What's more, the job would pay you more than 21,000 a year.

Click here for more information.

Closing date: December 24, 2019

One responsibility for this role is acting as the airport contact with the statutory authorities, Highways Agency and Local borough councils for engineering works associated with airport-based utilities.

Click here to apply.

Closing date: December 24, 2019

You will be managing the development and upkeep of asset plans and asset standards that reflect asset systems strategies.

To apply, click here.

Closing date: December 24, 2019

For this role, you will be providing technical knowledge and support to operational teams within the function and wider organisation to ensure a robust asset management strategy.

For more information, click here.

Closing date: December 18, 2019

This role is all about developing asset plans and asset standards that reflect the asset system strategies, with detailed maintenance strategies, renewal plans, refurbishment and life extension plans.

You can apply here.

Closing date: December 13, 2019

This is the role for you if you are able to drive revenue and merchandise and trading for our key service products including Car parking, VIP lounges, Meet and Assist, Fast track and porters.

Click here for more information.

Closing date: December 24, 2019

You'll be responsible for content managing product information for non-automated retailers as well as managing key retail partner online relationships in conjunction with existing offline account management team.

You can apply for the role here.

Closing date: January 5, 2020

You'll undertake planned and reactive maintenance tasks on assets in accordance with allocated target dates to maximise availability and service levels.

As well as this, you'll complete working orders and accurately capturing maintenance history.

For more information, click here.

Closing date: January 5, 2020

As a rail systems engineer you'll be designing and delivering solutions to system and component obsolescence for HAL Rail assets and designing and delivering system upgrades to improve system safety and reliability.

Click here for more information.

Closing date: January 5, 2020

Developing performance improvement plans for rail assets, to deliver continuous improvements and meet stakeholders requirements is what you'll be doing in this role.

More information can be found here.

Closing date: December 19, 2019

For this role, you'll be part of the Heathrow expansion team ensuring the successful delivery and implementation of the services.

Click here to apply.

Closing date: December 20, 2019

In this role, you'll be making sure everyone sticks to the health and safety procedures, as well as updating them.

You can apply for the role here.

Closing date: December 13, 2019

You'll be leading and driving a data driven strategy on omnichannel personalisation across the customer journey and driving optimisation ROI within digital estates across Heathrow.

Click here for more information.

Closing date: January 5, 2020

The job involves ensuring systems, assets and components perform at optimum levels against design standards, making sure any changes are effectively communicated.

Apply here.

Closing date: January 21, 2020

You will provide support to the IT Supplier Relationship Manager in managing the relationship and governance across all IT suppliers.

Click here for more information.

Closing date: January 21, 2020

Your role will be to champion GDPR compliance within IT on behalf of CIO, providing assurance to ITLT, Deputy General Counsel and Data Protection Officer.

If you'd like to apply for this role, click here.

Closing date: December 24, 2019

You'll be providing technical steering to asset systems strategies including the asset management plan.

Another responsibility is developing asset intervention plans including method statements to support the achievement of the long-term business plans.

Click here to apply.

To keep up to date with all the latest breaking news, stories and events happening across West London, give the My West London Facebook page a like.

We will provide you with the latest traffic and travel updates, including updates on train and London Underground services, in areas including Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith, Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Uxbridge and Richmond upon Thames.

The latest breaking news will be brought straight to your news feed including updates from the police, ambulance and fire brigade. We will also bring you updates from our courts and councils, as well as more lighthearted long reads.

We also publish your pictures and videos, so do message us with your stories.

Like the My West London Facebook page here.

You can also follow us on Twitter here.

Closing date: December 11, 2019

Your role will be to provide leadership and line management to a team of technicians, ensuring they are offering great quality and reliable service for Heathrow whilst also adhering to company policies.

Click here for more information.

Originally posted here:
21 Heathrow Airport jobs that are currently on offer - MyLondon

Investors gravitate towards Canadian banks, and with good reason. As few of the most stable banks in the world and generous dividend providers, they make for excellent long-term stocks stocks you can bank on. And, of course, the first stock that draws the eyes of the investors is the king itself: Royal Bank of Canada a bank that possesses every significant attribute that makes the countrys banking sector stand out.

But if you want to explore more investment options, there are other stable and attractive ones in the market Dividend Aristocrats with juicier yields than Royal Banks 3.86%. TC Energy, Emera (TSX:EMA), and Exchange Incomeare three stocks to consider for higher yields.

TC Energy owns and operates one of the largest natural gas pipeline networks in North America, spanning 92,600 kilometres. The company has a 4,900-kilometre liquid pipelines and electricity production capacity of 6,000 MW. TC Energy has steady cash flows, and its banking on its ongoing projects for better future profitability projects like Keystone XL, NGTL, and Bruce Power Life extension.

The company is stable, relative to the market, with a beta of 1.04. TC Energys operating margin of 45% is better compared to the overall sector. This year has been especially fruitful for the companys growth, with the market value up by 38%. Currently, the company is trading at $67.2 per share. The yield of 4.43% is also an attractive attribute to consider TC Energy as a potential investment.

Emera is an energy company with a focus on clean electricity production. It focuses on zero-emission renewables like wind, hydro, and solar, as well as low-emission sources like natural gas. With its eye on a cleaner and sustainable future, the companys growth potential seems high. Emera operates in Canada, the U.S., and four Caribbean countries.

The company has well earned its title of a Dividend Aristocrat by increasing dividends for 12 consecutive years. The current yield of 4.45% is also a significant scale up from Royal Bank. But the dividend yield isnt the only factor that makes Emera an attractive investment. Its impressive history of growth is also worth considering. In the past five years, the company has grown its market value by 40%, including this years sizeable increase of 22%.

But even at a conservative estimate, the company stands at a chance 8% growth a year, all the while handing out increasingly generous payouts.

If you are thinking about diversifying your portfolio, the adequately diversified company, Exchange Income, might prove to be a fantastic stock. Exchange income focuses on acquiring aerospace and aviation-based businesses, and it has created a well-balanced portfolio of many such companies. This acquisition policy has played out very well for the company and investors.

The companys five-year growth is a whopping 92%. Even if the company underperforms a bit, it stands at a chance of doubling its investors money in the next seven years. And the cherry on top is the yield of 5.15%, with a prestigious payout history of increasing dividends for nine consecutive years.

Stability, growth, and dividends payouts three common attributes that almost every long investor should consider before choosing stocks. The stocks mentioned above provide the right mix of all three traits, maybe even an edge better than the Royal Bank.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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3 Stocks That Will Pay You More Dividends Than RBC (TSX:RY) - The Motley Fool Canada

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rio Tinto has approved a $1.5 billion investment (100 per cent basis) to continue production at its Kennecott copper operation in the United States. The investment over the next six years will extend operations at Kennecott to 2032.

The investment will further extend strip waste rock mining and support additional infrastructure development in the second phase of the South Wall Pushback project, to allow mining to continue into a new area of the ore body and deliver close to one million tonnes1 of refined copper between 2026 and 2032. It is a world class project that will generate attractive returns, and allow further exploration of the deposit and options for mine life extension.

This additional investment will commence in 2020 and is included in our group capital expenditure guidance of $7.0 billion in 2020 and $6.5 billion in both 2021 and 2022 as development capital. With this project, Rio Tinto has invested more than $5.0 billion in modernisation, environmental stewardship and mine-life extension initiatives since it acquired Kennecott in 1989.

Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said, This is an attractive, high value and low risk investment that will ensure Kennecott produces copper and other critical materials to at least 2032. The outlook for copper is attractive, with strong growth in demand driven by its use in electric vehicles and renewable power technologies, and declining grades and closures at existing mines impacting supply.

Kennecott is uniquely positioned to meet strong demand in the United States and delivers almost 20 per cent of the countrys copper production. North American manufacturers have relied on high quality products from Kennecott for the past century and this investment means it will continue to be a source of essential materials into the next decade.

Earlier this year, Rio Tinto announced that it would cut the carbon footprint associated with operations at Kennecott by permanently closing its coal fired power plant and sourcing renewable energy certificates.

J-S added, Kennecott will be supplying customers across North America with products that are not only produced in the region but responsibly mined with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

Notes to Editors

The first phase of the South Wall Pushback, which is expected to be complete in 2021, extended production from 2019 to 2026. $0.3 billion remains to be spent of a $0.9 billion investment.

In addition to copper, Kennecott is one of the largest producers of gold, silver, platinum group metals and molybdenum in North America, and a potential source of critical minerals such as rhenium and tellurium.

The complex operates on Rio Tintos privately owned land and hosts one of the most advanced copper and precious metals smelters in the world. It processes concentrate from Kennecott and third parties, and is one of only three smelters in the United States.

Rio Tinto is a member of the US Department of Energys Critical Materials Institute (CMI) and is jointly investigating with CMI experts ways to extract additional critical minerals from the existing refining and smelting process.

_____________________

1 This production target (stated as payable metal) includes 0.9 million tonnes of refined copper from the second phase of South Wall Pushback and 0.1 million tonnes from first phase of the South Wall Pushback. It is underpinned 60 per cent by Proved Ore Reserves and 40 per cent by Probable Ore Reserves for the years 2026-2032, which have been scheduled from current mine designs by Competent Persons in accordance with the requirements of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Minerals Resources and Ore Reserves, 2012 Edition.

Reserves referenced were released to the market in the 2018 Rio Tinto Annual Report on 2 March 2019. The Competent Person responsible for reporting of those Ore Reserves was Ed Woods (AusIMM). Rio Tinto is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the above ore reserve or mineral resource estimates as reported in the 2018 Annual Report, and confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning these estimates continue to apply and have not materially changed. The form and context in which each Competent Persons findings are presented have not been materially modified.

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Rio Tinto Invests $1.5 Billion to Continue Production at Kennecott Copper To 2032 - Business Wire

December 5, 2019

SBM Offshore is pleased to announce that it has signed contracts for the construction of the Companys fourth and fifth hulls under its purchase program for Fast4Ward new build multi-purpose hulls. The contracts were signed with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding and Offshore Co., Ltd. (SWS) and China Merchants Industry Holdings (CMIH). Both yards are also progressing the construction of SBM Offshores first three hulls which are already allocated to projects.

Bruno Chabas, CEO of SBM Offshore, commented:

We continue to have good visibility on new awards from active client engagements. This has given the Company the comfort to accelerate the program and commit to two additional Fast4Ward hulls. The Company is currently constructing five hulls simultaneously, a fact which underscores the fundamentals of our market and SBM Offshores competitive position. During this period of increasing demand, SBM Offshore remains disciplined and selective with respect to market opportunities.

Corporate Profile

SBM Offshore N.V. is a listed holding company that is headquartered in Amsterdam. It holds direct and indirect interests in other companies that collectively with SBM Offshore N.V. form the SBM Offshore Group (the Company).

SBM Offshore provides floating production solutions to the offshore energy industry, over the full product lifecycle. The Company is market leading in leased floating production systems delivered to date, with multiple units currently in operation and has unrivalled operational experience in this field. The Companys main activities are the design, supply, installation, operation and the life extension of floating production solutions for the offshore energy industry.

As of December 31, 2018, Group companies employ approximately 4,350 people worldwide, including circa 650 contractors, which are spread over offices in key markets, operational shore bases and the offshore fleet of vessels. Group Companies employ a further 400 people, working for the joint ventures with two construction yards. For further information, please visit our website at http://www.sbmoffshore.com.

The companies in which SBM Offshore N.V. directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this communication SBM Offshore is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to SBM Offshore N.V. and its subsidiaries in general, or where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

The Management BoardAmsterdam, the Netherlands, December 5, 2019

For further information, please contact:

Investor RelationsBert-Jaap DijkstraDirector Corporate Finance and IR

Media RelationsVincent KempkesGroup Communications Director

Disclaimer

This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements based on managements current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those in such statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results and performance of the Companys business to differ materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements. Certain such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as believes, may, will, should, would be, expects or anticipates or similar expressions, or the negative thereof, or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, or intentions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this release as anticipated, believed, or expected. SBM Offshore NV does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Nothing in this press release shall be deemed an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

See more here:
SBM Offshore orders two additional Fast4Ward hulls, bringing the construction program to a total of five hulls - Financialbuzz.com

Following the initial 60,000-metre resource drilling program initialled in June 2019, the company has now completed 28,868 metres with the latest assays comprising 10,000 metres of drilling.

() has received assays for a further 10,000 metres of the 60,000-metre resource definition drilling program at the San Antonio and Roswell prospects to the south of its Tomingley Gold Operations (TGO) in New South Wales.

A total of 28,868 metres has been drilled to date in order to define an initial inferred resource at the Roswell and San Antonio prospects.

The drilling program is part of an extensive regional exploration program designed to provide additional ore feed either at surface or underground to TGO.

Assays received so far have demonstrated the potential for a material project life extension and show that a return to open-pit mining or underground extension is possible with appropriate resource confirmation, landholder agreement and regulatory approvals.

The latest notable intersections at Roswell include:

First phase drilling at Roswell is now complete with samples being prepared and assayed to form part of an initial resource which is expected in December.

San Antonio assays include:

Difficult drilling conditions in the southern portion of the San Antonio prospect has caused early abandonment of some drill holes which means the initial inferred resource is now expected in February.

Drilling continues in other areas while the company awaits the arrival of the collaring and casing tool, including some of the 20 metre infill lines that were scheduled for later in the program.

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Alkane Resources intersects additional broad high-grade gold up to 139.5 g/t at Tomingley in NSW - Proactive Investors Australia

A corrosion monitoring program provides comprehensive monitoring of all critical components of industrial objects, assets, facilities and plants for signs of corrosion. For reliable operation it is important to identify the location, rate, and underlying causes of corrosion. A corrosion monitoring program identifies any non-conforming alloy components, as these are generally susceptible to accelerated corrosion and can give relatively frequent cause for catastrophic failure.

Corrosion Monitoring can provide significant advantages when integrated into both preventative maintenance and the processes inherent to safety management programs. Based on the results of the Corrosion Monitoring program, informed decisions can be made, not only regarding the remaining life of the object affected by corrosion but also regarding life extension strategies, prospective material selection, and cost-effective methods for remedy of corrosion issues and problems.

This reprot focsues on the instrument market.

Access Report Details at: https://www.themarketreports.com/report/global-corrosion-monitoring-instrument-market-research-report

The global Corrosion Monitoring Instrument market is valued at xx million US$ in 2018 is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx% during 2019-2025.

This report focuses on Corrosion Monitoring Instrument volume and value at global level, regional level and company level. From a global perspective, this report represents overall Corrosion Monitoring Instrument market size by analyzing historical data and future prospect. Regionally, this report focuses on several key regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan.

Key companies profiled in Corrosion Monitoring Instrument Market report are Honeywell, ClampOn, Emerson, Intertek, Buckleys (UVRAL) Ltd, PT Korosi Specindo, Cosasco, Alabama Specialty Products and more in term of company basic information, Product Introduction, Application, Specification, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019), etc.

Purchase this Premium Report at: https://www.themarketreports.com/report/buy-now/1416380

Table of Content

1 Corrosion Monitoring Instrument Market Overview

2 Global Corrosion Monitoring Instrument Market Competition by Manufacturers

3 Global Corrosion Monitoring Instrument Production Market Share by Regions

4 Global Corrosion Monitoring Instrument Consumption by Regions

5 Global Corrosion Monitoring Instrument Production, Revenue, Price Trend by Type

6 Global Corrosion Monitoring Instrument Market Analysis by Applications

7 Company Profiles and Key Figures in Corrosion Monitoring Instrument Business

8 Corrosion Monitoring Instrument Manufacturing Cost Analysis

9 Marketing Channel, Distributors and Customers

10 Market Dynamics

11 Global Corrosion Monitoring Instrument Market Forecast

12 Research Findings and Conclusion

13 Methodology and Data Source

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Latest Research Report to uncover key Factors of Global Corrosion Monitoring Instrument Market - Market Research Base

Most people would be surprised to hear that the most advanced nuclear-tipped cruise missile ever put into operation was retired from service while its predecessor, a less survivable missile it was supposed to replace, soldiers on in U.S. Air Force service to this very day. This topsy-turvy reality is somewhat metaphorical of General Dynamics' AGM-129 Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM) itself. In fact, the AGM-129 could be considered the second stealth aircraft to ever enter production, because that is what it really was, albeit one that was designed upside down, and for good reason.

The origins of the ACM are fairly straightforward. The AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) entered service in the early 1980s. When it was being designed, and while the non-production AGM-86A was undergoing initial trials, the best way to deliver a nuclear warhead deep inside Soviet airspace by an air-breathing platform was via low-altitude penetration. The AGM-86 was designed exactly for that, to punch through at treetop level using terrain contour matching, terrain-following radar, and inertial navigation to get close enough to a target that the W80 nuclear warhead onboard could do its job successfully.

USAF

Later on, the AGM-86C and D would integrate GPS to deliver pinpoint conventional strikes. You can read all about the AGM-86C/D's capabilities in this recent piece of ours, but the nuclear-armed version of the era had no such accuracy. Regardless, survivability against quickly evolving Soviet air defenses was the most pressing requirement in the Air Force's air-launched cruise missile portfolio as the 1970s gave way to the 1980s.

USAF

AGM-86 being dropped by a B-52 during tests.

The AGM-86B had a few stealthy characteristics, but it was far from a true low observable design. Just as it came into service, the Air Force realized that the days when being able to beat air defenses via low-flying alone were coming to an end. Airborne early warning and control aircraft and advanced fire control radars with look-down-shoot-down capabilities, like those on Russia's 4th generation fighter and interceptor fleets (Su-27 and MiG-31, specifically), would decrease the effectiveness of nap-of-the-earth flying tactics. Something far more survivable was needed, and fast.

Russia MoD

Out of a handful of DARPA initiatives and studies dubbed TEAL DAWN that explored future cruise missile technologies and long-range bomber strategies, it was concluded thatthe new stealth bomber then in development alone wouldn't be survivable against the densest Soviet air defenses. Long-range and survivable standoff weapons would be needed in part to mitigate those defenses. Two requirements were establishedone stealthy missile that could travel around 1,500 miles or more and another that could travel over 5,000 miles. The latter clearly invalidated much of the need for a stealth bomber in the first place and it was thought that at least a decade would be needed to develop such a long-range weapon. As a result, it was jettisoned to concentrate on the shorter-ranged stealthy cruise missile requirement that could be fielded quickly and equip the Air Force's new stealth bomberat least that's what they hoped. With this in mind, a competition to build such a weapon was quietly launched.

Lockheed, Boeing, and General Dynamics ended up squaring off in secret for this new contract. Lockheed's Skunk Works leveraged their work on the F-117 program, which was just spinning up in a very secretive operational state at the time, to produce its F-117-shaped cruise missile, known under the code name SENIOR PROM. The details surrounding Boeing's design remain unclear. General Dynamics' design was a bit more of a traditional configuration, but one that was clean-sheet and packed with very stealthy features arranged in unique ways to maximize its effectiveness and efficiency. SENIOR PROM, which was a test program before competing for the Advanced Cruise Missile contract, was very stealthy, but it would have been troublesome fitting it into a bomber's weapons bay. By 1983, General Dynamics clenched the contract and the AGM-129A Advanced Cruise Missile was officially born.

Public Domain

Lockheed's SENIOR PROM stealth cruise missile based on its still then very secret F-117 Nighthawk design.

General Dynamics' design, which measured nearly 21 feet long and weighed in at 3,700 pounds, was downright wicked looking. A faceted, stiletto-shaped fuselage with a chined, sharp-tip nose area and forward-swept pop-out wings gave it a sinister, almost Klingon-like look. Not just the wings were backward, all the low observable features were oriented towards defeating detection from above, not below. This resulted in an upside-down-looking airframe of sorts.

The vertical stabilizer-rudder pointed down instead of up. It was made up of composite materials, as were the missile's horizontal forward-swept stabilizers, to remain nearly invisible to the most threatening radar bands. The vertical stabilizer was also offset to the left side of the fuselage's centerline.

Semanticscholar.org/USAF

That gas from the missile's two-dimensional exhaust aperture was blown over a platypus-like defuser structure that shielded its signature from, you guessed it, above, instead of below. The exhaust was also mixed with cold air to help further attenuate its infrared signature. Sovietinfrared search and track (IRST) systems were advancing in capability at the time and included on all of Russia's 4th generation fighter/interceptor designs, so infrared signature reduction was weighted heavily alongside radar cross-section reduction during the competition that led to the AGM-129.

USAF

The AGM-129 seen in stowed configuration during climate testing at Eglin AFB.

The low-observable trapezoidal air inlet sat flush on the bottom of the missile instead of the top of it and fed the engine with air through a serpentine duct, thus eliminating any radar return from the engine fan face. Realizing a flush air inlet on something that flies at transonic speeds comes with major design challenges and it's not like any stealthy air inlet configuration is easy to design or produce, to begin with. Beyond its underlying radar-evading structures, the AGM-129 was also covered with radar absorbent material and coatings and given an olive drab color to blend in with the terrain it would roar over just before sparking off a nuclear apocalypse.

USAF

So, if you think the AGM-129 looks like it is flying inverted, that is by very conscious design. Overall, the missile was designed with a particular weight put on stealth from its upper and forward aspects, where it was most vulnerable. From directly to its side, its radar signature was reduced, but more visible than from other angles. This was deemed a non-issue because the pulse-doppler radars that could threaten it from above are unable to detect low-flying targets hiding in ground clutter while flying at perpendicular angles to the radar antenna as they remain inside the radar's "doppler notch." You can read more about this phenomenon and the tactics associated with it here.

Navigation was also innovative. The AGM-129 introduced a laser doppler velocimeter into its navigational suite, which, like the AGM-86, also included inertial navigation and terrain contour matching. This gave it substantially better accuracy over long distances than the AGM-86B, which was designed less than a decade before it.

It also included laser detection and ranging system (LADAR) to aid in low-altitude flight, which further allowed it to fine-tune its endgame attack run down to as accurate as 90 feet according to stated metrics, although the system likely became even more accurate as it matured. Considering it still packed the same W80 variable yield warhead (5kt-150kt) as the AGM-86B, its better accuracy substantially increased its effectiveness, especially against reinforced targets or those that are partially shielded by terrain.

LADAR, as opposed to radar, also allowed the AGM-129 to remain electromagnetically silent, giving off no radio frequency energy when it was most vulnerable and thus making it even harder to detect. There were some tradeoffs though, LADAR could have trouble receiving data against certain surfaces, such as those that were extremely reflective or highly light absorbent. Still, the system was extremely effective and because the missile was so stealthy, it could fly at higher altitudes and in most cases still survive to make it to its target if need be.

FAS.ORG

Still, the system was not perfect. During one test over Dugway Proving Ground in 1997, an AGM-129 was flying so low it impacted some trailers belonging to an observatory. Nobody was hurt in the incident and the missile had been flying for three and a half hours before the accident. It turns out the mission planners had no idea the trailers were there and how the missile got so low was unclear to begin with.

The missile was fast, traveling at just under the speed of sound, and it also packed a very long range. It used a far more fuel-efficient engine, the Williams International F112-WR-100 turbofan, than the one found on the AGM-86, which gave it significantly greater range while retaining similar dimensions and the same payload. Officially, ACM could reach out 2,000 miles to its target , but it seems clear that its real range was actually significantly further, especially when flying a more efficient flight profile during more benign portions of its trip to its target area. As noted earlier, the missile's high degree of stealth meant that it could climb to more efficient altitudes during certain phases of flight and still have a high chance of surviving to complete its horrific task.

Another interesting component of the AGM-129 was its computer system. From how it has been explained to me it used basically one central processor and computing system to run the vast majority of the missile's functions. For early 1980s military technology, this is an amazing feat. Basically, the computer system and the system designed to used it on the missile was absolutely cutting-edge for its time.

USAF

An incredible gathering of 1990s stealth technology, with the AGM-129 in the foreground and the F-117 and B-2 in the background.

It can't be stressed enough how advanced the ACM was for its time. It had many elements that hadn't yet emerged from the classified manned aircraft realm, but was an autonomous system meant to fly thousands of miles to its target without aid and to be built by the hundreds. It was truly a highly sensitive modern marvel of its era.

The first flight test of an AGM-129 occurred in July of 1985, with the first production missiles being delivered two years later, in 1987. It was that year when the program became public, as well. In that sense, it was the first disclosure of a stealth flying machine ever. Still, the program struggled early in its production run. There were technological issues that popped up in flight testing, but the major problems were with building the advanced missiles themselves. Remember, at the time of its first deliveries, no stealth aircraft had even been acknowledged by the Air Force. This wouldn't occur until two years later when the F-117 was officially disclosed to the public. So, the technologies used in its manufacturing were absolutely cutting-edge in nature.

The missile's very aggressive concurrent testing and production schedule concept and major labor issues with the International Association of Machinists began to cripple the program and it quickly became a pariah on Capitol Hill and in certain parts of the Pentagon. By the end of the decade, the AGM-129 was being declared a fiasco. Things got so bad with quality control issues that production was halted between 1989 and 1991.

FAS.ORG

ACMs being manufactured at the General Dynamics plant.

Of course, the timing of this setback couldn't have been worse. The Cold War was ending and the defense budget was set to snap back hard, especially in terms of strategic weaponry. In addition, the B-2 wouldn't fly until 1989 and still would have a long developmental road ahead of it. The B-1B was also having its own troubles and the missile was never designed to fit in its weapons bays, it was too long, and eventually, the B-1B would lose its nuclear role altogether. So, the weapon that was procured at least in part to be paired with the stealth bomber would be relegated to the B-52.

The confluence of these factors, as well as the START treaty which limited these types of weapons, resulted in a drastic reduction of the programmed buy. The nearly 1,500 missiles needed to replace the AGM-86B in full was slashed down to less than half that, and eventually to a final number of just 460 missiles. Unit cost soared partially as a result of the curtailed order, with each missile costing roughly $4.3 million in 1992 dollars. This is extremely expensive for a cruise missile even by today's standards. A decade earlier, the AGM-86Bs cost around $1.3 million each. The ACM had truly entered a Pentagon budgetary 'death spiral' alongside the plane that was supposed to carry it, the B-2.

FAS.org

President Bush underneath an ACM.

Still, they were the most advanced cruise missiles in the world and the truncated force of 460 missiles soldiered on over the next two decades, exclusively equipping the B-52 force. A single B-52 could carry 20 of the missiles at one time. Six on each wing pylon and eight in the jet's cavernous weapons bay on a rotary launcher.

Two other AGM-129 variants were proposed, but never came to fruition. The AGM-129B was a shadowy initiative to equip a revised design with an axial-flow jet engine, new software, and a different nuclear warhead to take on a specialized role that remains classified. This could have been a GPS-equipped, imaging infrared, or otherwise more precise upgrade of the weapon that would also be equipped with a penetrating nuclear warhead of a lower yield to take on heavily fortified bunkers and more hardened structures. Then again, maybe it was something more exotic, we just don't know for absolute certain.

USAF

ACMs loaded onto a B-52.

The other proposed variant was a conventional land attack model similar to the AGM-86C/D Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missiles (CALCM), but far more survivable and with a lot longer reach. GPS would have been necessary for this weapon, just like it was for its CALCM progenitor. An imaging infrared seeker with imaging matching could have been injected into the design for even better accuracy. In retrospect, this would have been a relatively amazing weapon.

The ACMs that were built may have received a GPS upgrade sometime during the decade and a half or so that followed their introduction into service in 1990, although it remains unclear if this actually happened. It would have given the missiles pinpoint accuracy, but GPS connectivity would not be assured during a nuclear war and it may have been cost-prohibitive to integrate a GPS antenna onto the ACM's stealth airframe. If the upgrade did happen, it would have likely occurred when the missiles were put through a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) in the early 2000s that would allow them to serve until 2030 and possibly beyond.

Regardless of this life extension program, in 2007, the 17th year of the AGM-129's operational service, it was decided that the entire ACM force would be drawn down and eliminated from service by the end of 2012. A number of factors contributed to this decision, the first being the post 9/11 focus on counter-insurgency operations instead of preparing for peer state conflicts. The U.S. had two raging wars on its hands that were anything but cheap, and the Russian bear remained largely dormant at the time, while China was just on precipice its economic, geopolitical, and technological rise. The AGM-129 program, with its relatively small fleet made up of super high-tech 1980s technology, meant that sustaining the missiles was far from a cheap or easy task. The AGM-86B, although much less survivable, checked a box for much less money and had commonality with its conventionally armed cousin, the AGM-86C/D, which helped significantly in terms of sustainment scalability.

Beyond fiscal matters, the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (SORT) with Russia also meant more warheads would be pulled off the front lines. So, the Air Force moved forward with not just retiring the AGM-129, but destroying the fleet, a task that was completed as planned by the end of 2012.

During its drawdown period, one highly publicized and unfortunate event occurred with what were historically very shy missiles. On August 30th, 2007 a "Bent Spear" incident occurred with a package of 12 ACMs. A B-52H was set to ferry unarmed ACMs from Minot AFB in North Dakota to Barksdale AFB in Louisiana. The missiles were to be decommissioned at Barksdale, so the mission itself wasn't necessarily out of the ordinary. What was not normal is that six of the missiles were actually carrying their W-80 thermonuclear warheads.

The nuclear-armed B-52 sat overnight without a proper security detail and other precautions until the crew showed up for the mission the next day. During pre-flight checks, the crew did not inspect both pylons loaded with missiles. They only inspected the one that held six unarmed ACMs, but logged that both pylons full of missiles were indeed checked and that they were unarmed. The crews then flew across the Midwest not knowing they were carrying six nuclear warheads.

USAF

A B-52H seen with a 'package' of ACMs pre-loaded on their pylon at Minot AFB.

After arriving at Barksdale, the jet sat for another eight hours without standard precautions associated with nuclear-armed aircraft. It was nearly a day and a half after the Minot AFB personnel blew off normal procedures and loaded the hot ACMs on the B-52 that the fact that the plane was actually carrying live warheads was discovered. The incident was the first of its kind in four decades and sent shockwaves through the Air Force and the Pentagon. A subsequent investigation showed horrible disregard for critical nuclear weapons handling protocols and everyone from four unit commanders down to those directly involved were heavily disciplined or removed from duty. All nuclear weapons handling was suspended at Minot AFB. It also resulted in a new set of procedures that were designed to make sure such a breakdown in procedures doesn't happen again.

It was a sad end to the troubled development and career of the world's first stealth cruise missile.

USAF/Public Domain

In retrospect, the decision not just to retire, but fully destroy the AGM-129 cadre seems like a very poor one. Today, the Air Force is working on developing a new stealthy long-range nuclear-tipped cruise missile, the Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) weapon, a program that will cost tens of billions of dollars and won't produce an operational missile until at least 2030. Raytheon, which owns the AGM-129 design after it bought Hughes Missile Systems, which bought General Dynamics' missile portfolio prior, is competing with Lockheed for the LRSO contract. In the meantime, the AGM-86B is supposed to remain a viable deterrent even in an era of ever more capable highly integrated air defense systems, ones that now rely on look-down-shoot-down sensors more than they did 35 years ago and that are far more advanced in general than what existed when ACM was conceived. This begs the question, is the AGM-86B really a survivable deterrent at all? The true answer, that we will never officially get, is probably less comforting than we may want to hear.

The truth is, the AGM-129 was way ahead of its time. Today, there are numerous stealthy cruise missiles in production or will be in production soon and they are becoming an extremely sought-after item. The USAF can't get enough of Lockheed's JASSM family of missiles, which continues to rapidly grow in capability, while the Navy is procuring the anti-ship LRASM cousin of JASSM, the stealthy Naval Strike Missile, and a powered version of the JSOW. Multiple foreign militaries have their own stealthy cruise missiles, as well. But these are conventionally armed weapons. It will be at least another decade until a nuclear-armed stealth cruise missile hits the USAF's inventory again. That weapon, the LRSO, will be in many ways the son of AGM-129 and from what we are hearing, it will be absolutely loaded with the latest and greatest technology that will allow it to survive in the most inhospitable of combat environments. It is also meant to equip the USAF's new stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider.

Somehow this all sounds eerily familiar, doesn't it?

Contact the author: Tyler@thedrive.com

Link:
The Saga Of The AGM-129 Cruise Missile That Was Basically A Stealth Jet Designed Upside Down - The Drive

The 338 Mira was estabilished on 24th December 1952. All these years, 338 Sqn has consisted and is still continuing to consist the cornerstone of the structure of the Hellenic Air Force , which guarantees the security of Greece and the territorial integrity.The emblem of the Squadron is rapresented by Aris, the god of war, and it well fit with the milestone of the aviations after the 60s, the F-4E Phantom II. In the emblem there is still the quote H TAN H ENI TAS, the phrase that Spartian woman said to their sons when they handed over the shield to them- come back with it (winner) or over it (dead).

The 338 Fighter Bomber squadron was formed at the Elefsis air base equipped with the F-84G, the first jet of the Hellenic Air Force. In April 1953 the Squadron redeployed from Elefsis air base (112 Combat Wing) to Larissa air base (110 Combat Wing), where it stayd until November 1956, when it returned to the 112CW. The next redeployment took place in May 1958 moving to Souda air base, Crete, with the 115 Combat Wing.

In January 1960 the squadron stopped its operations for four years, and in 1964 it was again operative with the new F-84F. At the airport of Souda, the Squadron stayed until 30th June 1974, when it stopped again its operations and become incorporated in the 340 Squadron.

The pause in operation took place in order to be reformed in the airport of Andravida with the new F-4E Phantom II, which were just delivered to Hellenic Air Force. In a very short time, the pilots, trained in the USA, diffused their knowledge to the rest of the Unit, yielding a fully operational Squadron in May 1975.

In 1981 the Mobile Training Unit of USAF partecipated in the training of the Squadron on new tactics and advanced aerobatic maneuvers. On 1st February 1984, the new Basic Order 3-1/1984 was applied concerning the increase of fighting capability.

Particularly, all the pilots were trained and certified in low apex attacks, low night navigation and advanced maneuvers. There were also carried out a lot of missions for the familiarization of the pilots with the operational environment of the Aegean Sea.

The next milestone in the history of 338 Squadron happened on 5th August 1991, when the replacement of Peace Icarus I and II aircraft by F-4E SRA took places. Since 12th October, flights of the new aircraft were carried out for their operational development. On 18th December 2002, the aircraft, which equipped the squadron since 1st July 1974, returned, having been upgraded structurally as well as electronically, making them the best Phantoms ever flown.

Until today, after 60 years, 338 squadron continues to contribute to the missions of the Hellenic Air Force, having highly trained crew, that in cooperation with an upgraded legendary aircraft, is able to defend the rights and interests of the Hellenic Nation both in Greece as in Cyprus.

Apart from many exercises and training missions outside Hellenic Airspace, Ares Sqn. partecipated in all range of HAF missions like air to ground attacks, interception, Close Air Support, Interdiction, Air to Surface attacks and Electronic Warfare, but the main role of the Squadron is OCA (Offensive Counter Air) and CAS missions.

The training of the pilots is continuous and includes many release of live ordnance such as AIM-9, AGM-65 Maverick, Laser-guided bomb GBU-12, GBU-16 and GBU-24 and Mk 82 and Mk 84. Squadron sorties are also used to train other HAF pilots with JEWCS jamming pods which fit the F-4E and also with releasing flare targets for A/A live ordnance shots.

Due to its primary role in air-to-ground missions, the 338 Sqn was always present and ready to take action for attacking ground or naval targets during all the tensions in the Aegean Sea such as Ocanographic Chora crisis in 1987 or Imia island tensions during 1996. 338M being the last squadron of Polemiki Aeroporia using the Phantom, is even responsable for the training of new pilots assigned to the Phantom.

Actually the Group is training four pilots are complating the basic training to the F-4E, and after aproximately 70 missions, they are ready to be a aircraft leader, and to continue the big History and career of F-4E in Hellenic Air Force. The Squadron keep two aircraft armed with air to ground weapons ready for QRA.

On 11st August 1997, when the contract was signed with the German EADS for the Peace Icarus 2000 upgrade, also known as the Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP), the most important milestone was put for the History of 338 Mira. It was decided to upgrade the initial F-4s in Hellenic service (Peace Icarus I and II) and to apply a service life extension program to the entire F-4E and RF-4E fleet.

The AUP was an ambitious and challenging piece of work carried out to enhance the capabilities of the Phantom and to maintain the effectiveness of the weapon system into the 21st century. The AUP was complex and resulted in an all-new avionic system featuring a core MIL standard 1553 Databus with integration of improved AN/APG 65 GY radar, mission computer, armament central system, navigation system including GPS and INS, communication system, TCAN, radar altimeter (RADALT), data transfer and video recording system, the CPU-143/A central air data computer, Modular Multi-Role Computer (MMRC), laser gyro inertial navigation system with embedded GPS, AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) and multi-function colour displays.

A comprehensive upgrade of the associated equipment and mission software ensured that the introduction of this all-new avionic suite brought an increased workload for pilots. In order to ease the transition and ensure that the Phantom cockpit become a more ergonomic and logical working environment a redesigned Human Machine Interface was introduced, featuring Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS), multi function colour display, improved Head Up Display and an enhanced audio warning system.

The AUP upgrade allow the Hellenic Phantom to enhance its operative life. Nowadays the date for its retirement is not clear, probably the Phantom will fly in the Hellenic sky for other 5 years, until the budget for a new aircraft will be available. And, until now, it is not known if the new jet will be the F-16V or the new F-35.

Text and images: Andrea Avian

Original post:
Hellenic Air Force 338 Mira "Ares": the last Phantom over the Aegean - Aviation Report

By Blaine Curcio

The Asia Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC) is, among other things, arguably the premier satellite communications (satcom) member organization in Asia-Pacific. From its headquarters in Seoul, the APSCC publishes a quarterly newsletter on regional industry ongoings, provides assistance on issues such as spectrum coordination, and, most notably for the purposes of this article, puts together the APSCC Conference in October/November of every year. I often tell people that ConnecTechAsia (formerly Communicasia) in Singapore is a bit like the Asian equivalent to the SATELLITE conference in Washington DC every yearthat is, a stadium-sized convention center with thousands of people clamoring to see massive booths. In contrast, APSCC is a bit more like the Asian version of the Euroconsult World Satellite Business Weekit is smaller, much more intimate (always in a very comfortable hotel), and the attendees, while vastly fewer in number, are higher in pay-grade. It is, in short, a leadership summit of the APAC satellite (and increasingly, space) industry.

In addition to all of the above, the APSCC is also an organization in transition, with the transition involving two major prongs1) broaden the scope from satcom to space, more generally, and 2) create a more international, inclusive organization. This transition is an exciting one, and was fully on display at this years APSCC Conference, which was held from 19-21 November at the Intercontinental Bangkok. Having represented Euroconsult on the conference organizing committee over the preceding ~10 months, and having sat front row center (just next to the omnipresent Peter de Seldingthey should really give him his own microphone), I was delighted to see young people, companies I had never heard of, and an increasing representation of women in a region that is oftentimes rather male-dominated. Having spent the better part of a week surrounded by some of the industrys brightest minds, some key trends emerged surrounding the Asian space industry.

The Young Shall Inherit the Earth

One of the most striking elements of the APSCC conference was the number of young people. The biggest example of this was the Youth Development Workshop on the conferences 3rd day, which brings in university students from the host country for a workshop on satellite and space. However, more impressive were the number of startups that were actively participating in the conference, being led by founders born in the 1980s or 1990s.

Day 3 of the conference, for instance, started with a keynote from Tim Ellis, CEO of Relativity Space, a company aiming to 3D-print rockets. The company has raised around US$200 million, with a CEO that is, at the oldest, 29. If Mr. Elliss goal were to win the youngest CEO of a rocket company at this conference award, however, he would need a time machine to bring him back about 6 years, because Simon Gwozdz, the CEO of Equatorial Space Industries (a Singaporean launch startup that presented on Day 3), is roughly 23 years old, having graduated from university in 2019. Given that no launch companies at the conference had founders under age 23, he also won said youngest founder award, which was given out after the conference (not really).

Separate to the plethora of rocket companies founded people born in the 1990s, the conference featured a New Space Pitch Competition for the first time, which brought in a number of New Space companies to pitch judges and the audience on their businesses. The startups were, likewise, full of young people. Having never heard of most of these startups before, I was impressed and to a certain extent blown away by the innovative ideas and energy brought onto the stage, including companies focused on in-orbit life extension, small launch, and beam-hopping technology.

A different type of youth also showed up in spades during the conference, with one of Asias youngest (read: newest) countries, and fairly recent New Space entrant Singapore being strongly represented at the New Space Pitch Competition, as well as at the conference more generally, with an increasing number of space companies calling the Little Red Dot home, or at a minimum, APAC HQ. Following the conference, I was kindly invited to a Singapore New Space WhatsApp group with over 100 members, an anecdotal indication of the growing space community in the Lion City.

In Satcom, the Times They are AChangin

The satellite industry is changing rapidly, and this was clear from the 3-day event. This change is occurring in several ways. First, the industry is transitioning from being a TV broadcaster in the sky, to being a telco in the sky.

Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), an Indonesian satellite operator, reported that today, the company connects 5,000 rural villages in Indonesia to the Internet via satellite, with these 5,000 villages including 5 million people. The companys ambitious target is to cover 20,000 villages, and 20 million people, by the end of 2020. This has been enabled in part by another change, and one that is particularly noteworthy in Southeast Asiathe fall of C-band, and the rise of Ka-band. For years, naysayers held that the climate in Southeast Asia was far too rainy for Ka-band to be feasible, while holding that C-band, with its higher reliability in the face of rain, would remain the go-to frequency. In the case of PSN, this is not the case, with the companys CEO, industry veteran Adi Adiwoso, making it patently clear that the only way to serve the masses with internet connectivity would be to use Ka-band, even in rainy Indonesia, because frankly speaking, there just isnt enough spectrum in C-band or Ku-band to enable the bandwidth economics required. A representative from KTSAT echoed the bearishness on C-band, noting that in South Korea, there are already 4 million 5G subscribers, and that very soon, the spectrum allocated to 5G will become saturated, requiring more spectrum to be re-allocated.

In addition to moving into new frequency bands and new verticals, the satcom industry is achangin in even more out there ways. During a lunch sponsored by Sky Perfect JSAT, the satellite operator of Japan, we were treated to a short video, which showed JSATs current ongoings and future ambitions. The more interesting components of this involved a partnership with Japanese EO company Axelspace, plans to provide communications services to human activity in outer space, and other business models that are far outside of the selling megahertz to video broadcasters business model that has for so long paid our bills and dominated industry rhetoric. Separate to this, satellite operators such as KTSAT of Korea spoke about integrating with 5G networks, while Measat sent a representative from their ConnectME consumer broadband business to be their Young Talent Award nominee.

Finally, the Satellite Executive of the Year award, presented to the most outstanding satcom industry executive in the region, went to Christian Patouraux of Kacific, a startup satellite operator aiming to offer low-cost, Ka-band high-throughput capacity in APAC, nearly exclusively for data connectivity as opposed to the more traditional video broadcast verticals. If there was any further need for an indication that the satcom industry is changing, and that those leading the change are being recognized for their work, this was it, with the companys satellite to launch next month to a strong pre-existing book of business, and tens of thousands (or more) unserved or underserved waiting customers.

The Rapidly Evolving Space Industry

While the times are clearly achangin in satcom, the broader space industry is also experiencing a rapid change, and APSCC was a showcase for such change. Completely new business models are emerging. On one panel, there was discussion of a company that wanted to offer connecting flights to space (Momentus, a California-based company that aims to offer rides from LEO to other orbits), while another strived to be a space garbage man (AstroScale, a Japanese company that is focusing on cleaning up orbital debris). 3D printing is starting to play a bigger role, with Relativity Space, the aforementioned rocket company, noting that 95% of the companys rocket parts are made using 3D printers. The company claims a launch price of $10 million for a 1,250kg payload to LEO, working out to US$8,000 per kg, a competitive price to be sure.

Another more macro change within the industry that was perceptible during the conference was the increasing number of Chinese companies, both state-owned giants and private startups. For the first time, China Satcom participated in the Asia satellite operator panel, while LandSpace and Ultimate Blue Nebula (UBN), a rocket company and consulting firm, respectively, participated in a China space industry panel. Companies such as Starwin, an antenna manufacturer from Chengdu, also made an appearance. Moving forward, with over 100 private space startups in China, and with a large number of them looking internationally as well as domestically, we will likely see an increase in the number of Chinese companies represented at APSCC, and other events in the region.

Conclusions

During the conference, several long-time attendees approached me saying that it had been the best APSCC ever. A dynamic APAC satcom industry, a slew of youthful startups coming from all across the region (with many from Singapore), and a variety of more established New Space companies entering the fray made for a truly out-of-this-world conference. In the coming years, we are likely to see an even more diverse audience, with even more new business models, contributing to a conference that is rapidly becoming the premier space event in APAC.

*Disclaimerhaving attended APSCC on two other occasions, this year was the first in which I was also a member of the conference organizing committee. That being the case, my analysis may at times border on subjective.

Blaine Curcio is the founder and owner ofOrbital Gateway Consulting, a boutique market research and consulting firm focusing onemerging commercial opportunities in space and satellite industry, as well as the Chinesespace/satcom market. Blaine is also a senioraffiliate consultant for Euroconsult, and is based in Hong Kong. Blaine can be contacted at: [emailprotected]

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#SpaceWatchGL Column: Reflections on the 2019 APSCC Conference - Putting on a Show in the Land of Smiles - SpaceWatch.Global

A Derbyshire mum hanged herself after finding out she had an incurable brain tumour, an inquest heard.

Tracy Wardle was described as having everything to live for, including a young daughter, before receiving the devastating diagnosis.

Mrs Wardle, 36, from Langley Mill, was found by her partner on Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

The inquest heard that, just hours before her death, Mrs Wardle had woken up her partner, wanting to be comforted because she was in pain.

Mrs Wardle, a nursery nurse, had been told by doctors that any treatment she had would only control the tumour.

A woman at the inquest said she and Mrs Wardle had been best friends for over 20 years.

She said: She had a brain tumour and we went through all that with her.

She was in a lot of pain. She had enough.

Her daughter was her biggest priority in life.

The inquest heard that Mrs Wardle, who was born in Salford, was estranged from her husband but they remained close friends.

Assistant coroner Louise Pinder said Mrs Wardle was awaiting results from a scan when she died.

She said: She was found hanging on the stairs by her partner.

She started to have seizures that led to the diagnosis.

Oncology were finding it difficult to engage with her. She was in denial about how serious it was.

The best that could be offered to her was life extension, not a cure.

A spokesperson at Derbyshire police said they were asked to attend a house in Langley Mill at 1pm on September 12, 2018.

She said paramedics from East Midlands Ambulance Service were already at the scene and told officers that Mrs Wardle had died.

The officer said her partner of one year had woken up after midday, realised Mrs Wardle wasnt in bed and had then seen Tracy at the top of the stairs.

She said: He realised that she appeared to be deceased. He got a knife from the kitchen and cut the scarf and placed her body at the top of the stairs. He was in a lot of shock.

He then rang emergency services.

The officer added: Her partner said in the night she asked him to hug her at 2am. She had woken him up to say my head is hurting, can you comfort me.

I believe shes been in pain and its been a quick act. It was a snap decision.

She said Mrs Wardle was close to her young daughter but due to her physical health she couldnt have full care.

The pathologist said a post mortem examination had been carried out which showed there were no signs of an overdose.

Mrs Wardles GP at Brooklyn Medical Practice, in Langley Mill, said she had been registered to the surgery in May 2018 after suffering from a seizure.

He said in April 2018 she had surgery on the grade four tumour, one whose cells grow rapidly and spread faster than tumours with a lower grade.

Later, she was taken to A&E by a friend after she reported feeling strange and hearing voices.

He said Mrs Wardle accepted chemotherapy and radiotherapy but all treatment was aimed towards controlling things.

The inquest heard that, by August, Mrs Wardle had finished her radiotherapy treatment.

She was seen by her GP and a Macmillan representative in August who were concerned about her as she had not taken her medication.

Her friend added: We were all shocked. She had been planning things for the future. The brain tumour was why it all happened.

She had everything to live for, she just got a house and started a new life with her partner. She had a daughter.

When she was diagnosed it all fell apart.

The coroner agreed with the pathologists findings that Mrs Wardle died due to asphyxia after being found hanging by a ligature.

He also referenced her depression and that she was being treated for a brain tumour.

Mrs Pinder said: I conclude that Tracey took her own life.

She was very well supported by her friends and family.

In the face of this catastrophic diagnosis, it seems something overwhelmed her that night and as a result of that she carried out this act.

Shes a huge loss to you.

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how youre feeling, or if youre worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org

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Beloved Derbyshire nursery nurse took her own life over incurable brain tumour - Derbyshire Live

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S-adenosylmethionine Market 2019 Trends, Size, Share, Growth Insight, Competitive Analysis, Segments Overview, Regional, And Global Industry Forecast...

A thousand seemingly insignificant things change as an organism ages. Beyond the obvious signs like graying hair and memory problems are myriad shifts both subtler andmore consequential: Metabolic processes run less smoothly; neurons respond less swiftly; the replication of DNA grows faultier.

But while bodies mayseem to just gradually wear out, many researchers believe instead that aging is controlled at the cellular and biochemical level. They find evidence for this in the throngof biological mechanisms that are linked to aging but also conserved across species as distantly related as roundworms and humans. Whole subfields of research have grown up around biologists attempts to understand the relationships among the core genes involved in aging, which seem to connect highly disparate biological functions, like metabolism and perception. If scientists can pinpoint which of the changes in these processes induce aging, rather than result from it, it may be possible to intervene and extend the human life span.

So far, research has suggested that severely limiting calorie intake can have a beneficial effect, as can manipulating certain genes in laboratory animals. But recently in Nature, Bruce Yankner, a professor of genetics and neurology at Harvard Medical School, and his colleagues reported on a previously overlooked controller of life span: the activity level of neurons in the brain. In a series of experiments on roundworms, mice and human brain tissue, they found that a protein called REST, which controls the expression of many genes related to neural firing, also controls life span. They also showed that boosting the levels of the equivalent of REST in worms lengthens their lives by making their neurons fire more quietly and with more control. How exactly overexcitation of neurons might shorten life span remains to be seen, but the effect is real and its discovery suggests new avenues for understanding the aging process.

In the early days of the molecular study of aging, many people were skeptical that it was even worth looking into. Cynthia Kenyon, a pioneering researcher in this area at the University of California, San Francisco, has described attitudes in the late 1980s: The ageing field at the time was considered a backwater by many molecular biologists, and the students were not interested, or were even repelled by the idea. Many of my faculty colleagues felt the same way. One told me that I would fall off the edge of the Earth if I studied ageing.

That was because many scientists thought that aging (more specifically, growing old) must be a fairly boring, passive process at the molecular level nothing more than the natural result of things wearing out. Evolutionary biologists argued that aging could not be regulated by any complex or evolved mechanism because it occurs after the age of reproduction, when natural selection no longer has a chance to act. However, Kenyon and a handful of colleagues thought that if the processes involved in aging were connected to processes that acted earlier in an organisms lifetime, the real story might be more interesting than people realized. Through careful, often poorly funded work on Caenorhabditis elegans, the laboratory roundworm, they laid the groundwork for what is now a bustling field.

A key early finding was that the inactivation of a gene called daf-2 was fundamental to extending the life span of the worms. daf-2 mutants were the most amazing things I had ever seen. They were active and healthy and they lived more than twice as long as normal, Kenyon wrote in a reflection on these experiments. It seemed magical but also a little creepy: they should have been dead, but there they were, moving around.

This gene and a second one called daf-16 are both involved in producing these effects in worms. And as scientists came to understand the genes activities, it became increasingly clear that aging is not separate from the processes that control an organisms development before the age of sexual maturity; it makes use of the same biochemical machinery. These genes are important in early life, helping the worms to resist stressful conditions during their youth. As the worms age, modulation of daf-2 and daf-16 then influences their health and longevity.

These startling results helped draw attention to the field, and over the next two decades many other discoveries illuminated a mysterious network of signal transduction pathways where one protein binds another protein, which activates another, which switches off another and so on that, if disturbed, can fundamentally alter life span. By 1997, researchers had discovered that in worms daf-2 is part of a family of receptors that send signals triggered by insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar, and the structurally similar hormone IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor 1; daf-16 was farther down that same chain. Tracing the equivalent pathway in mammals, scientists found that it led to a protein called FoxO, which binds to the DNA in the nucleus, turning a shadowy army of genes on and off.

That it all comes down to the regulation of genes is perhaps not surprising, but it suggests that the processes that control aging and life span are vastly complex, acting on many systems at once in ways that may be hard to pick apart. But sometimes, its possible to shine a little light on whats happening, as in the Yankner groups new paper.

Figuring out which genes are turned on and off in aging brains has long been one of Yankners interests. About 15 years ago, in a paper published in Nature, he and his colleagues looked at gene expression data from donated human brains to see how it changes over a lifetime. Some years later, they realized that many of the changes theyd seen were caused by a protein called REST. REST, which turns genes off, was mainly known for its role in the development of the fetal brain: It represses neuronal genes until the young brain is ready for them to be expressed.

But thats not the only time its active. We discovered in 2014 that [the REST gene] is actually reactivated in the aging brain, Yankner said.

To understand how the REST protein does its job, imagine that the network of neurons in the brain is engaged in something like the party game Telephone. Each neuron is covered with proteins and molecular channels that enable it to fire and pass messages. When one neuron fires, it releases a flood of neurotransmitters that excite or inhibit the firing of the next neuron down the line. REST inhibits the production of some of the proteins and channels involved in this process, reining in the excitation.

In their new study, Yankner and his colleagues report that the brains of long-lived humans have unusually low levels of proteins involved in excitation, at least in comparison with the brains of people who died much younger. This finding suggests that the exceptionally old people probably had less neural firing. To investigate this association in more detail, Yankners team turned to C. elegans. They compared neural activity in the splendidly long-lived daf-2 mutants with that of normal worms and saw that firing levels in the daf-2 animals were indeed very different.

They were almost silent. They had very low neural activity compared to normal worms, Yankner said, noting that neural activity usually increases with age in worms. This was very interesting, and sort of parallels the gene expression pattern we saw in the extremely old humans.

When the researchers gave normal roundworms drugs that suppressed excitation, it extended their life spans. Genetic manipulation that suppressed inhibition the process that keeps neurons from firing did the reverse. Several other experiments using different methods confirmed their results. The firing itself was somehow controlling life span and in this case, less firing meant more longevity.

Because REST was plentiful in the brains of long-lived people, the researchers wondered if lab animals without REST would have more neural firing and shorter lives. Sure enough, they found that the brains of elderly mice in which the Rest gene had been knocked out were a mess of overexcited neurons, with a tendency toward bursts of activity resembling seizures. Worms with boosted levels of their version of REST (proteins named SPR-3 and SPR-4) had more controlled neural activity and lived longer. But daf-2 mutant worms deprived of REST were stripped of their longevity.

It suggests that there is a conserved mechanism from worms to [humans], Yankner said. You have this master transcription factor that keeps the brain at what we call a homeostatic or equilibrium level it doesnt let it get too excitable and that prolongs life span. When that gets out of whack, its deleterious physiologically.

Whats more, Yankner and his colleagues found that in worms the life extension effect depended on a very familiar bit of DNA: daf-16. This meant that RESTs trail had led the researchers back to that highly important aging pathway, as well as the insulin/IGF-1 system. That really puts the REST transcription factor somehow squarely into this insulin signaling cascade, said Thomas Flatt, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Fribourg who studies aging and the immune system. REST appears to be yet another way of feeding the basic molecular activities of the body into the metabolic pathway.

Neural activity has been implicated in life span before, notes Joy Alcedo, a molecular geneticist at Wayne State University who studies the connections between sensory neurons, aging and developmental processes. Previous studies have found that manipulating the activity of even single neurons in C. elegans can extend or shorten life span. Its not yet clear why, but one possibility is that the way the worms respond biochemically to their environment may somehow trip a switch in their hormonal signaling that affects how long they live.

The new study, however, suggests something broader: that overactivity in general is unhealthy. Neuronal overactivity may not feel like anything in particular from the viewpoint of the worm, mouse or human, unless it gets bad enough to provoke seizures. But perhaps over time it may damage neurons.

The new work also ties into the idea that aging may fundamentally involve a loss of biological stability, Flatt said. A lot of things in aging and life span somehow have to do with homeostasis. Things are being maintained in a proper balance, if you will. Theres a growing consensus in aging research that what we perceive as the body slowing down may in fact be a failure to preserve various equilibria. Flatt has found that aging flies show higher levels of immune-related molecules, and that this rise contributes to their deaths. Keeping the levels in check, closer to what they might have been when the flies were younger, extends their lives.

The results may help explain the observation that some drugs used for epilepsy extend life span in lab animals, said Nektarios Tavernarakis, a molecular biologist at the University of Crete who wrote a commentary that accompanied Yankners recent paper. If overexcitation shortens life span, then medicines that systematically reduce excitation could have the opposite effect. This new study provides a mechanism, he said.

In 2014, Yankners laboratory also reported that patients with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers have lower levels of REST. The early stages of Alzheimers, Yankner notes, involve an increase in neural firing in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that deals with memory. He and his colleagues wonder whether the lack of REST contributes to the development of these diseases; they are now searching for potential drugs that boost REST levels to test in lab organisms and eventually patients.

In the meantime, however, its not clear that people can do anything to put the new findings about REST to work in extending their longevity. According to Yankner, REST levels in the brain havent been tied to any particular moods or states of intellectual activity. It would be a misconception, he explained by email, to correlate amount of thinking with life span. And while he notes that there is evidence that meditation and yoga can have a variety of beneficial effects for mental and physical health, no studies show that they have any bearing on REST levels.

Why exactly do overexcited neurons lead to death? Thats still a mystery. The answer probably lies somewhere downstream of the DAF-16 protein and FoxO, in the genes they turn on and off. They may be increasing the organisms ability to deal with stress, reworking its energy production to be more efficient, shifting its metabolism into another gear, or performing any number of other changes that together add up a sturdier and longer-lived organism. It is intriguing that something as transient as the activity state of a neural circuit could have such a major physiological influence on something as protean as life span, Yankner said.

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Longevity Linked to Proteins That Calm Overexcited Neurons - Quanta Magazine

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TMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to busi-ness entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experi-enced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.

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Shelf Life Extension Ingredients market evenly poised to reach a market value of ~US$ by 2017 2025 - Space Market Research

Increasingly, the unprecedented levels of food waste in the developed world, at a time when close to one billion of the worlds population faces starvation, is seen as an international scandal.

At the same time, people are becoming more aware of the enduring damage inflicted upon the planet by the disposal of 20th century packaging materials.

Tackling these problems at source will require massive changes, all under circular economy principles.

However, such actions are hugely disruptive to well-established industries and often come at significant extra cost - ultimately to the consumer.

One measure which can be taken quickly - and often at comparatively low cost - is to extend the shelf life of food and drink.

When it comes to shelf life extension, one area currently under investigation is the use of packaging materials which have been enhanced to reduce microbiological growth. Also known as active packaging, the packaging material is treated directly, and/or the food products are coated with antimicrobial agents.

These antimicrobial agents can be essential oils such as oregano, clove or orange, or organic acids such as acetic acid or natural polymers, for example chitosan, which are derived from shellfish and insects.

Initial research conducted on active packaging and its ability to control microbiological growth has been promising, with a variety of materials assessed. However, further analytical work is required to understand the full scope of antimicrobial efficacy against a variety of microorganisms, as well as how temperature abuse might affect the proposed packaging and coatings. Additionally, the packaging materials themselves must be thoroughly assessed to understand potential chemical and physical hazards.

As it shifts from traditional plastic packaging to novel active packaging and coatings, the food industry should therefore work closely with scientific safety analysis (as well as with sensory panel testing) to understand the potential hazards.

Otherwise, the benefits of longer shelf life could come at the cost of serious unintended consequences for human health.

See the rest here:
Antimicrobial packaging can extend shelf life and prevent food waste - but more analysis is needed - The Grocer

Brazil

Brazils National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) has awarded 12 offshore blocks to various consortia under the countrys 16th bid round. The applications drew signature bonuses totalling $2.2 billion. Operatorships in the Campos basin went to Chevron, ExxonMobil, Petrobras, Petronas, Repsol, Shell and Total, while BP Energy will operate block S-M-1500 in the Santos basin. Contracts should be signed and ratified by Feb. 14, 2020.

Petrobras has asked two Far East contractors to provide FPSOs for the Marlim cluster revitalization project in the Campos basin. MODEC will supply, charter and operate one of the floaters, which will have an 80,000 b/d crude and 7 MMcf/d gas processing capacity, with SOFEC responsible for the spread mooring system. Yinson will supply the FPSO Marlim 2, designed to process 70,000 b/d of oil and 4 MMcm/d of gas. The Marlim field is 150 km (93 mi) from the northern Rio de Janeiro State coast in 670 m (2,198 ft) water depth.

Shell has contracted Maersk Supply Service to undertake a mooring system life extension program for the FPSO Fluminense, which has operated on the Bijupira and Salema oilfields in the Campos basin since 2003. The subsea support vessel Maersk Achiever will manage the offshore campaign which is due to start in December, and includes heading control of the FPSO and replacement of mooring lines.

BP has confirmed a southern extension to the Yakaar gas field in Senegals Cayar Offshore Profond block. The appraisal well, drilled by the Valaris DS-12 drillship 9 km (5.6 mi) from the Yakaar-1 discovery well, delivered 30 m (98.4 ft) of net pay from the Cenomanian interval. According to partner Kosmos Energy, the result suggests the overall Yakaar-Teranga gas resource could support a phased LNG development project.

Australian independent FAR has increased its operated stake in blocks A2 and A5 offshore the Republic of Gambia to 50%, the remainder held by Petronas. The partners have also agreed on extensions to the licenses, the terms including a commitment well in the first two years on either block. They will use results from a new 3D seismic survey over the concessions to delineate prospects.

BW Offshore has proven more oil in the Dussafu license offshore Gabon. The DHIBM-1 well and subsequent side track on the Hibiscus Updi prospect - both drilled by the jackup Borr Norve in 116 m (380 ft) of water - intersected 47 m (154 ft) of net pay in the Gamba formation. BW estimates recoverable volumes at up to 50 MMbbl.

ION Geophysical has been acquiring a new 2D multi-client seismic survey over the barely explored Namibe basin off southern Angola. The NamibeSPAN data-set will integrate various ION BasinSPAN programs to form a continuous regional exploration overview spanning over 65,000 km (40,389 mi) along the coast. Results should be available for Angolas new licensing round.

The hull of the FPSO Energean Power was floated out recently from the Cosco shipyard dock in Zhoushan, China. The vessel will serve Energeans deepwater Karish/Tanin gas field development offshore Israel. Following further construction work, the hull was due to sail before year-end to Sembcorp Marines Admiralty Yard in Singapore for integration of the topsides.

Noble Energy and its partners in the nearby Leviathan and Tamar gas fields have extended their firm gas supply commitments to Delphinus Holdings by five years to 15-year terms, with total combined contracted quantities now above 3 tcf. In addition, the partners have been negotiating to participate in the regional East Mediterranean Gas pipeline project.

BP has awarded a consortium of Subsea 7 and Bos Shelf a wide-ranging work program for the Azeri Central East (ACE) project offshore Azerbaijan. It includes engineering and fabrication of subsea structures and spools, launching of a 16,200-metric ton (17,857-ton) jacket, and floatover of an 18,500-metric ton (20,393-ton) topsides. Water depth at the offshore site is 140 m (459 ft). ACE is the latest-phase development of the Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli oilfield complex.

Shell has pulled out of the proposed development of the Khazar project in the Kazakh sector, and the Kashagan consortium (including CNPC, Eni, ExxonMobil, and Total) has also decided against pursuing the Kalamkas More project. According to consultant Wood Mackenzie, the potentially large oil volumes appear to have been offset by the marginal economics of the two projects, due to a combination of complex geology and logistics and the ultra-shallow water setting.

ADNOC and Abu Dhabis government have awarded Lukoil a 5% stake in the UAEs offshore Ghasha gas concession, which includes the ultra-sour Hail, Ghasha and Dalma fields. The other partners are Eni, OMV, and Wintershall Dea. The planned Ghasha mega-project is designed to produce over 1.5 bcf/d of gas for domestic power generation and more than 120,000 b/d of oil and condensates.

Qatar Petroleum (QP) has assumed control of the Idd El-Shargi North Dome and South Dome oilfields offshore Qatar following the expiry of production-sharing agreements with former operator Occidental Petroleum. QP has also issued tenders for EPC packages covering new storage, loading and distribution facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City to manage increased liquids volumes from Qatars offshore North Field Expansion project.

Irans Petropars is set to start work next year on the South Pars 11 gas development in the Persian Gulf. The company has taken charge of the project after Total, the originally designated operator, withdrew following the US decision to re-impose sanctions on Iran.

Total has completed its acquisition of Anadarkos 26.5% operated stake in the Mozambique LNG project for $3.9 billion. This was part of a package of four interests held by Anadarko across Africa when it was acquired earlier this year by Occidental. The two-train onshore project will have an annual liquefaction capacity of 12.9 MM metric tons (14.2 MM tons), supplied by 18 tcf of gas from the deepwater Golfinho and Atum fields in Offshore Area 1 in the Rovuma basin. Total anticipates start-up by 2024.

Proposed development of the Barossa field offshore northern Australia.(Courtesy ConocoPhillips)

Santos is buying ConocoPhillips northern Australia business for $1.39 billion, with a further $75 million payable based on FID for the Barossa field, 300 km (186 mi) north of Darwin. The transaction brings Santos operated interests in the offshore Barossa, Bayu-Undan and Poseidon fields and the 3.7MMt/yr-capacity Darwin LNG plant.

The plan for Barossa calls for subsea wells tied back to an FPSO for gas processing and condensate export, with the gas transported through a new 260-km (161-mi) pipeline, to be installed by Allseas, and tied into the existing Bayu-Darwin pipeline 100 km (62 mi) northwest of Darwin. Santos estimates capex to first gas in 2024 at $4.7 billion, with associated upgrades at Darwin LNG extending the facilitys lifespan by over two decades.

Read more from the original source:
Global E&P - Offshore Oil and Gas Magazine

FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 19, 2019 Penguin Computing, a leader in high- performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), and enterprise data center solutions and services, today announced that it, along with partners Intel and CoolIT, will deliver the Magma Supercomputer to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The Magma system was procured through the Commodity Technology Systems (CTS-1) contract with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and is one of the first deployments of Intel Xeon Platinum 9200 series processors with support from CoolIT Systems complete direct liquid cooling and Omni-Path interconnect.

Magma is based on Relion XE2142eAP compute servers. Magmas 752 compute nodes are each configured with dual Xeon Platinum 9242 processors, with a theoretical peak of over 7 TFLOPs and 293TB of system memory calculating an RPeak of 5.313 PFLOPS. CoolIT Systems provides the complete direct liquid cooling solution for Magma through a blind-mate coldplate loop design which captures +85% of the server heat through CPU, DIMM and VR coldplates, allowing the servers to operate at maximum efficiency. The CoolIT subfloor piping, in-rack manifolds and row-based CHx750 CDUs deliver the required heat exchanging capability and coolant flow to support all racks.

Funded through NNSAs Advanced Simulation & Computing (ASC) program, Magma will support NNSAs Life Extension Program and efforts critical to ensuring the safety, security and reliability of the nations nuclear weapons in the absence of underground testing.

The convergence of HPC and AI is here today. We are excited to deliver Magma, an HPC system that is enhanced by artificial intelligence technology, said William Wu, Vice President of Hardware Products at Penguin Computing. We are seeing artificial intelligence permeate every industry and, specifically in HPC, we can now deliver a converged platform that allows AI to accelerate HPC modeling for our data scientist customers.

We continue designing new, leading edge solutions with our partners for the DOE NNSAs CTS-1 contract. Magma is another example of a great shared effort resulting in an HPC cluster designed and built to meet new demanding workloads. We anticipate this system to qualify for the November 2019 Top500 HPC list said Ken Gudenrath, DOE Director at Penguin Computing.

Penguin Computing is committed to Expanding the worlds vision of what is possible! The Magma cluster brings a new level of synergy amongst our clients, partners and Penguin Computing. One of our primary goals with Magma is to bring new mission technologies and capabilities to Livermore National Labs and its user communities. said Sid Mair, President of Penguin Computing.

Magma is a major leap forward in HPC and AI convergence that could only be achieved with trusted engineering collaboration between Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Penguin Computing, and Intel, said Phil Harris, VP and GM of Intels Datacenter Solutions Group. With up to 96 cores per node, massive memory bandwidth, and integrated AI acceleration with Intel DL Boost technology, the Intel Xeon Platinum 9200 processor will provide a powerful foundation for Lawrence Livermore National Lab to enhance its ability to achieve its mission goals.

The Commodity Technology System efforts at NNSA represent a very cost-effective way to manage our workload at each of our three laboratories, said Mark Anderson, Director for NNSAs Office of Advanced Simulation and Computing and Institutional Research and Development Programs. In this model, commodity-based systems take on the bulk of day-to-day computing, leaving the larger advanced technology capability systems available for only the most demanding problems across the Tri-Lab community. This is just an example of the sophisticated approach NNSA is taking to manage demanding workloads in the most efficient manner for the country.

Magma represents a timely addition to our CTS machines in order to address the significant surge in demand coming from NNSAs major Life Extension Program, said Michel McCoy, LLNLs Advanced Simulation & Computing program director. It is essential to have available a supply chain that can respond essentially instantly, delivering state-of-the-art technology in just a few months to meet pressing national security needs. We look forward to moving this system into production as fast as possible.

Under the CTS-1 contract, Penguin has delivered more than 22 petaflops of computing capability to support the ASC program at the NNSA Tri-Labs of Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories.

For more information about the Relion XE2142eAP server and Intel Xeon Platinum 9200 processors, or to speak with a Penguin Computing representative, please visit us atwww.penguincomputing.com.

Continue reading here:
Penguin Computing to Deliver Magma Supercomputer to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - HPCwire

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pfenex Inc. (NYSE American: PFNX) is a development and licensing biotechnology company focused on leveraging its Pfnex Expression Technology to develop and improve protein therapies for unmet patient needs. Using the patented Pfnex Expression Technology platform, the Company has developed the FDA-approved PF708 product indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in certain patients at high risk of fracture and created an advanced pipeline of therapeutic equivalents, biologics and vaccines. The Company announced today that Eef Schimmelpennink, President and Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting at the Evercore ISI HealthCONx Conference 2019 on Tuesday, December 3rd, taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.

Interested parties can access the live audio webcast and archive from the Investors Section of Pfenex's website at http://www.pfenex.com.

About Pfenex Inc.Pfenex is a development and licensing biotechnology company focused on leveraging its Pfnex Expression Technology to develop and improve protein therapies for unmet patient needs. Using the patented Pfnex Expression Technology platform, Pfenex has created an advanced pipeline of potential therapeutic equivalents, and vaccines. Pfenexs lead product candidate is PF708, a therapeutic equivalent candidate to Forteo (teriparatide injection). PF708 has been approved in the U.S. for the treatment of osteoporosis in certain patients at high risk of fracture, and marketing authorization applications are pending in other jurisdictions. In addition, Pfenex is developing hematology/oncology products in collaboration with Jazz Pharmaceuticals, including PF743, a recombinant crisantaspase, and PF745, a recombinant crisantaspase with half-life extension technology. Pfenex also uses its Pfnex Expression Technology platform to produce CRM197, a diphtheria toxoid carrier protein used in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.

Pfenex investors and others should note that Pfenex announces material information to the public about Pfenex through a variety of means, including its website (http://www.pfenex.com/), its investor relations website (http://pfenex.investorroom.com/), press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, corporate Twitter account (https://twitter.com/pfenex), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Pfenex-Inc-105908276167776/timeline/), and LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/company/pfenex-inc) in order to achieve broad, non-exclusionary distribution of information to the public and to comply with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Pfenex encourages its investors and others to monitor and review the information Pfenex makes public in these locations as such information could be deemed to be material information. Please note that this list may be updated from time to time.

Investor Contact: Hans VitzthumManaging DirectorLifeSci Advisors, LLC.Office: 617-430-7578hans@lifesciadvisors.com

See the article here:
Pfenex to Present at the Evercore ISI HealthCONx Conference 2019 - Yahoo Finance

The Global Cryonics Technology Market report study includes an elaborative summary of the Cryonics Technology market that provides in-depth knowledge of various different segmentations. Cryonics Technology Market Research Report presents a detailed analysis based on the thorough research of the overall market, particularly on questions that border on the market size, growth scenario, potential opportunities, operation landscape, trend analysis, and competitive analysis of Cryonics Technology Market. The information includes the company profile, annual turnover, the types of products and services they provide, income generation, which provide direction to businesses to take important steps. Cryonics Technology delivers pin point analysis of varying competition dynamics and keeps ahead of Cryonics Technology competitors such as Praxair, Cellulis, Cryologics, Cryotherm, KrioRus, VWR, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Custom Biogenic Systems, Oregon Cryonics, Alcor Life Extension Foundation, Osiris Cryonics, Sigma-Aldrich, Southern Cryonics.

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The primary sources involve the industry experts from the Global Cryonics Technology industry including the management organizations, processing organizations, analytics service providers of the industrys value chain. All primary sources were interviewed to gather and authenticate qualitative & quantitative information and determine future prospects.

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Global Cryonics Technology Market 2019 by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2025 - Industry News Time 24