Genetics, gene mutations, and cancer risk

Genetics is the field of science that looks at how traits (such as eye color) are passed down from parents to their children through genes.

Genes are pieces of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) inside our cells that tell the cell how to make the proteins the body needs to function. DNA is the genetic blueprint in each cell. Genes affect inherited traits passed on from a parent to a child, such as hair color, eye color, and height. They can also affect whether a person is likely to develop certain diseases, such as cancer.

Changes in genes, called mutations, play an important role in the development of cancer. Mutations can cause a cell to make (or not make) proteins that affect how the cell grows and divides into new cells. Certain mutations can cause cells to grow out of control, which can lead to cancer. Still, only about 5% to 10% of all cancers are thought to be strongly related to an inherited gene mutation.

Usually several gene changes or mutations are needed before a cell becomes cancer.

Most cancers start because of acquired gene mutations that happen during a persons lifetime. Sometimes these gene changes have an outside cause, such as exposure to sunlight or tobacco. But gene mutations can also be random events that sometimes happen inside a cell, without a clear cause.

Acquired mutations only affect the cells that grow from the mutated cell. They do not affect all the cells in the persons body. This means all the cancer cells will have the mutations, but normal cells in the body will not. Because of this, the mutations are not passed on to a persons children.This is very different from inherited mutations, which are in every cell in the body even the cells without cancer.

Genetic testing is the use of medical tests to look for certain mutations in a persons genes. Many types of genetic tests are used today, and more are being developed.

Genetic testing can be used in many ways, but here well focus on its use in looking for gene changes linked to cancer.

Predictive genetic testing is the type of testing used to look for inherited gene mutations that might put a person at higher risk of getting certain kinds of cancer. This type of testing might be advised:

Most people (even people with cancer) do not need this type of genetic testing. Its usually done when family history suggests theres a cancer that may be inherited (see below).

Sometimes after a person has been diagnosed with cancer, the doctor will do tests on a sample of cancer cells to look for certain gene changes. These tests can sometimes give information on a persons outlook (prognosis) and help tell whether certain types of treatment might be useful.

These types of tests look for acquired gene changes only in the cancer cells that are taken from the patient. These tests are not the same as the tests used to find out about inherited cancer risk.

For more about this kind of testing and its use in cancer treatment, see our information on specific types of cancer.

Genetic counseling and testing may be recommended for people who have had certain cancers or certain patterns of cancer

in their family. If you have any of the following, you might consider genetic testing:

If you are concerned about a pattern of cancer in your family, cancer youve had in the past, or other cancer risk factors, you may want to talk to a health care provider about whether genetic counseling and testing might be a good option for you.

You need to know your family history and what kinds of tests are available. For some types of cancer, no known mutations have been linked to an increased risk. Other cancer types may have known mutations, but theres no way to test for them yet.

Family Cancer Syndromes gives you more information on the types of cancers that may be linked to inherited genes.

Its important to find out how useful testing may be for you before you do it. Talk to your health care provider and plan to meet with a genetic counselor before the actual test. This will help you know what to expect. The counselor can tell you about the pros and cons of the test, what the results might mean, and what your options are.

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Understanding Genetic Testing for Cancer

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Published: February, 2020

It's tempting to try a direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic test kit that predicts your risk for developing certain diseases, like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. The kit is shipped to your home, where you collect cells (typically with a cheek swab or a saliva collection tube) and then send them to a lab for DNA analysis. But a report from British researchers, published in The BMJ on Oct. 16, 2019, warns that the tests commonly produce misleading predictions of high or low genetic risk for disease. In other words, a positive result for a particular gene doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop a related health problem, and a negative result doesn't automatically mean you'll dodge a particular condition. Study authors say that interpreting genetic data is complex and depends on the context of your individual and family medical history. If you want to try a DTC test, bring the results to your physician for more insight. If your doctor determines that further investigation is warranted, he or she can refer you for genetic testing that's more comprehensive than DTC tests, performed by an accredited laboratory. Those test results may be combined with genetic counseling to help you understand what to expect and what the information might mean for your health or the health of your family members.

Disclaimer:As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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Genetic test kits don't have all the answers - Harvard Health

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St. Elizabeth Healthcare

If you could take a simple test that would identify your risks of developing a potentially deadly disease so you could prevent it or treat it sooner, wouldnt you?

A proactive genetic test can do just that. Caroline Ewart, Genetic Counselor in the Center for Precision Medicine and Genomic Health at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, says, Understanding your family tree is important for your future health. Genetics play a big role in what diseases we will develop in the future. The more we understand the family, the more you can proactively do to protect your health.

Many people dont consider genetic testing because they think it is too expensive, not accurate enough, or doesnt screen for the diseases that run in their family. Ewart is helping us bust some of the common myths of genetic testing.

Myth #1: Genetic Testing is Too Expensive

When proactive genetic testing started, it was very expensive, and only a few select laboratories across the country performed the testing. Today, genetic testing is very affordable. Many health insurance companies will provide some coverage for testing, and the laboratories now have a limit on what they can charge.

A proactive screening in the Center for Precision Medicine and Genomic at St. Elizabeth Healthcare is just $395. That includes an initial genetic counseling visit, coordination of blood tests, carrier status screening, and a comprehensive consultation discussing your results. Individuals with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) may be able to use these funds to pay for the cost of the screening.

Myth #2: Genetic Testing Only Finds Breast Cancers

Its true, when genetic testing was in its infancy, we only tested for BRCA1 and 2 genes which detect breast and ovarian cancers, says Ewart. But the tests today are far more sophisticated. We now test for over 100 different gene mutations looking for a range of diseases and cancers.

Inherited conditions the tests screen for, include:

Breast cancer

Cardiovascular diseases

Colorectal cancer

Cutaneous melanoma

Gastric cancer

Ovarian cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Renal cell cancer

Thyroid cancer

Myth #3: Genetic Testing Doesnt Help the Treatment of Diseases like Cancer

Genetic testing is used not only to proactively screen for certain diseases, but it is used to treat cancer as well.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, the gene mutation may guide treatment. It can also help your team manage increased risks of developing other types of cancers, says Ewart.

More importantly, the results of proactive genetic testing can guide your healthcare teams recommendations for screenings of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This may include starting screenings at an earlier age, increasing the frequency of screenings or suggesting more advance screenings.

By screening early, we can find the disease early, when it is most treatable, says Caroline.

Myth #4: Genetic Testing isnt Accurate

Ewart says, Certainly there are limitations to testing, but our process is more than just a blood test. By gathering a thorough family history we can determine your risk factors for developing certain diseases, even if a blood test comes back negative.

At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, if you are found to be at high risk or test positive for genetic cancers, you are referred to the Heredity Cancer Clinic to develop a plan for future cancer screenings. They may also recommend your family members be tested, so you can get a full picture of your familys health. St. Elizabeth has many types of genetic screenings. To find the one that best fits your needs, pleasestelizabeth.com/dna or call 859-301-GENE (4363).

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Healthy Headlines: Four common myths about genetic testing and why they are not accurate - User-generated content

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For people like Cassandra Madison, direct-to-consumer genetic testing services from companies like 23andMe and Ancestry.com have proven revolutionary in filling gaps about their family history.

But connecting with biological relatives in cases of adoption or conception through sperm and egg donation doesnt come with a rule book forcing both parties to make difficult, emotional decisions, often on the fly.

Madison, who now lives in Virginia Beach, Va., was adopted as an infant in 1988 from the Dominican Republic by a white American couple. Throughout her life, Madison had little information about her biological family. My mom told me as much as she knew, which was just that they were very poor and couldnt afford to keep me anymore, Madison, 31, said.

Attempts to find more information on her own always proved fruitless. The lawyer in the Dominican Republic who handled Madisons adoption falsified paperwork and lied to adoptive parents about their childrens biological relatives, Madison said. It always became a dead end, Madison said.

Then one Christmas, Madisons mother gifted her with a 23andMe genetic test, so she could learn about her heritage. When she got her test results last January, she was surprised. I didnt know you could find people, she said.

Here is Cassandra Madison meeting her biological family:

When Madison clicked on her results to see her relatives, she found over 1,000 family members had taken the DNA test, which involves spitting in a test tube, including a cousin who lived in Connecticut.

She quickly went about researching him on Facebook FB, +0.17% and soon made contact. Low and behold, 20 minutes later everyone and their brother was messaging me on Facebook, Madison said. Months later, she made the trip down to the Caribbean country, meeting her relatives for the first-time in person.

Also read: 23andMe revealed that my daughter is not mine can I claim back child support from the biological father?

Genetic testing is fast becoming ubiquitous. As of 2018, around 60% of Americans with European heritage were likely identifiable from their DNA via searches of consumer websites from companies like 23andMe and Ancestry.com, regardless of whether they had ever taken a genetic test. One study estimated that around 100 million people will have their DNA mapped by one of these companies by 2021.

In situations where people were adopted or conceived with the assistance of a sperm or egg donor, the services from companies like 23andMe and Ancestry.com have removed the veil of secrecy that long existed over these relationships.

Dont miss: 23andMe can open a Pandoras Box of a familys medical secrets: As hard as it is knowing, not knowing is much worse

Consumer DNA tests have changed whos in power of the information, said Brianne Kirkpatrick, a certified genetic counselor and founder of the counseling firm Watershed DNA.

Historically, mothers typically were the only ones who knew the biological origins of their children. For decades, most adoptions were closed, meaning communication between the biological parents and their child was restricted. In many circumstances, their identities were also hidden.

Until recently, most sperm and egg donors made their donations under the expectation of anonymity.

For those who went through these procedures in the last few decades with the understanding that the donors would be anonymous the rules of the game have changed dramatically and donors are being identified and, in some cases, contacted whether or not they want to be, said Kim Kluger-Bell, a psychotherapist who specializes in infertility counseling. None of the fertility clinics or sperm banks I know of really anticipated this happening.

With so many people having taken tests already, it can be easy for some to find biological relatives. But that, too, can lead to awkward circumstances, particularly when someone connects with a relative other than their biological mother or father or vice-versa.

Ive heard stories of the parents of a sperm donor going on Ancestry.com and identifying a biological grandchild they never knew about it turned out their son had anonymously and privately donated sperm to a friend and agreed not to discuss the matter with anyone else, Kluger-Bell said. The parents of the donor wanted to contact the bio-grandchild and the parents of that child felt that this was completely inappropriate.

Ancestry.com and 23andMe have created resources for people who find themselves in these positions. There are certainly cases where a discovery might be quite unexpected. We take our responsibility towards our customers and the potential impact of complex discoveries very seriously, said Dana Chinnici, communications manager at Ancestry.

Both companies said they have experts on staff who can help customers work through some of the unexpected results they may encounter. 23andMe has a support page for customers and their family to navigate unexpected relationships, a company spokeswoman told MarketWatch.

Additionally, with both companies, customers can opt in or out of being listed as a match with other people.

When Madison was faced with the choice of reaching out to the relatives she connected with via DNA testing, she didnt hesitate. As kids we dont ask to be here, Madison reasoned.

Of course, that approach may not work for everyone. Experts who deal with situations involving adoption, and sperm or egg donation advised patience and caution when reaching out to relatives, but noted that theres not one correct approach.

There is no one size fits all scenario, said Amy Johnson Crow, a certified genealogist. Its important for the person making the contact to realize that the contact might not be welcomed. Although we all have a right to know our genetic history, we cannot force that biological parent to talk or to have a relationship.

Read more: I discovered through Ancestry.com that my biological father is someone else can I claim an inheritance as his heir?

Heres expert advice on the etiquette surrounding establishing contact:

Give the other person space: These revelations can have major ripple effects for other people, and so it may take time for the person to respond. Remember contact starts with knowing very little of each other and, like any other relationship, needs to grow and build over time. Genetics confers relatedness but not relationships, Braverman said.

Understand potential legal ramifications: Reaching out to a biological relatives through 23andMe or Ancestry.com could violate the terms of an adoption or sperm/egg donation agreement. One woman was threatened with a $20,000 fine after reaching out to the biological grandmother of her daughter who was born via sperm donation.

Establishing contact could leave you vulnerable to lawsuits, so before doing so its important to review the terms of these agreements in advance.

Consider hiring a professional: DNA tests are far from the only route toward discovering ones biological relatives. Genetic counselors and genealogists can assist in uncovering a persons family without these services. Moreover, these professionals can serve as an intermediary in establishing first contact with ones biological family. Kirkpatrick has served as an intermediary for clients in the past and said it can help slow down the process. Creating that buffer of space and time can ultimately lead to things going well in the end, she said.

An intermediary can also help in retrieving information from a biological relative, such as a family medical history, in instances where they do not desire further contact. Of course, this can come with trade-offs. Using an intermediary removes the pressure of an immediate response but also removes the real voice that is reaching out, Braverman said.

Keep your expectations in check: Having too high of expectations from the outset can easily lead to disappointment. To that end, experts suggested doing some self-reflection to understand what an adoptee or individual conceived via sperm or egg donation wants out of a possible connection, whether it be a relationship or something more simple like a family medical history.

Avoid making assumptions about what this biological relationship may mean to the other person, said Andrea Mechanick Braverman, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University.

When Madison eventually made contact with her biological family in the Dominican Republic, joy was quickly met with sadness. She found out that her birth mother had already passed away. Additionally, she also found that some of her relatives were more interested in how much money she had than in forming more meaningful relationships with her. For those and other reasons, Madison said she would not have been able to handle this whole experience without the support of a therapist.

Despite this, Madison said she doesnt regret taking the DNA test or establishing contact with her biological family. Im learning a whole other side of me and can embrace it, she said. It was the best thing to go down there and to have people say, Oh my God, you look just like your mother.

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Everyone and their brother was messaging me on Facebook. DNA tests reveal long-lost relatives, but the rest is a minefield - MarketWatch

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CHICAGO (CBS) Despite exhaustive work by detectives, the murder of Pamela Maurer was left unsolved for more than four decades. Last year, a relatively new form of genetic sleuthing began to put together the pieces of the mystery in a matter of days.

DuPage County investigators provided genetic material preserved from the Maurer crime scene to Maryland-based Parabon NanoLabs. Pamelas body was found in Lisle in January of 1976. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled. She was last seen alive the night before her body was found, when she told friends she was going to a restaurant to buy a soft drink.

First, Parabon, led by chief genetic genealogist CeCe Moore, used the DNA to create a snapshot genotypewhich predicts a persons physical traits, such as eye, skin and hair color, and even the shape of a face.

The composite created from that test looks remarkably similar to Bruce Lindahl, a suspected serial killer who police now say killed Maurer. Lindahl died in 1981.

But the testing didnt stop with just a picture. The hard work had only just begun.

Moores team used the DNA to reverse engineer Lindahls family tree.

Parabon loaded the DNA sample from the Maurer crime to a website called GEDmatch and began a form of genetic treasure hunting. GEDMatch is a site where users can upload their genetic testing results, done by companies like 23AndMe and Ancestry.

Typically, Moore said, they find similar DNA from distant cousins of a suspect and build back from there.

We are looking just for people who are second, third, fourth, fifth cousins and beyond, Moore said. Typically we are not getting close matches to close family members.

Basically, Parabon is reverse engineering the family tree of the suspect based on who they are sharing DNA with, Moore said.

Moore said she found multiple distant cousins that led to Lindahl, up to 20 matches and put those puzzle pieces together.

It is almost never a single match that leads to an identity. Its a group of matches to see how they all connect to each other.

My work, and my teams work is really about providing answers to these families for years and decades, Moore said.

She said part of the hunt is luck. In this case, the data allowed them to find a suspected match to Lindahl in a few days.

But Parabons work didnt solve the case. Detectives still needed more proof. So, they got a court order to exhume Lindahls body and extract DNA from his remains.

The result was a match.

The odds of the DNA belonging to somebody else are 1 in 1.8 quadrillion, DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin said this week.

This was the second case Parabon has done in Illinois, but the first in the Chicago area.

Last year, Moores work led to murder charges against Michael Henslick, who police say killed Holly Cassano. She was found fatally stabbed in her home in Mahomet, Ill., on Nov. 2, 2009.

That case is expected to go to trial next month, Moore said. Parabon has so far worked on 93 cases with police across the country in the past two years. The most famous charges against the suspected Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo.

Critics find the practice controversial and a potential invasion of private DNA data. Moore says the benefit to the public, ensuring that killers are put behind bars, and the fact that families get some resolution, far outweigh those concerns.

I feel that the good that has been done is really immeasurable to public safety, Moore said.

Lindahl died at age 28 in 1981 after he bled to death while stabbing another victim, Charles Huber. The coroner said his knife wounds were accidentally self inflicted.

RELATED: Those Who Remember Lindahl Say He Gave Them The Creeps

Police now say he may have killed at least two other women.

Lindahl was charged with raping Deborah Colliander, who manged to escape from the attack. However, two weeks before Lindahls trial, Colliander disappeared after leaving her job at a hospital.

The case against Lindahl was dropped.Collianders body was found on April 28, 1982in a field on Oswego Township.

Investigators also think Lindahl may have something to do with the disappearance of Deborah McCall, a student at Downers Grove North. She was last seen alive in November 1979. Photos of her were found in one of Lindahls residences.

And there may be other victims in the 1970s and before his death, police said. The new evidence will be used to open additional investigations.

Investigators set up two tip lines: (630) 407-8107 (DuPage States Attorney) and (630) 271-4252 (Lisle police).

More:
The Case Of Pamela Maurers Murder Went Cold For Decades, Then Genetic Sleuthing By Parabon Helped Crack It - CBS Chicago

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The personal, the political, and the science of ancestry tests.

Palestinian-American cartoonist and illustrator MargueriteDabaiespat into a test-tube and sent her DNA off to the genetic testing company, 23andMe.

To her surprise the results told her somethingsignificantlydifferent to what she understood about herself and her family.

Then, two years later, 23andMe sent her an update, andthe resultsradicallychanged.

Whats going on? And, with what consequences?Is genomic science way too white?

This is one of your and our favourite Science Friction features from the year for ABC RN's Summer Season.

One of your and our favourite Science Friction programs from 2019 for the RN Summer Season.

GUESTSMargueriteDabaieCartoonist and illustrator, New YorkDr Joanna MountainSenior Director of Research23andMe, USAProfessor SarahTishkoffDavid and LynSilfenUniversity Professor in Genetics and BiologyUniversity of Pennsylvania, USA

FURTHER INFORMATION23andMe doesnt know what makes a PalestinianCartoon by MargueriteDabaie(The Nib, 2019)

23andMes Global Genetics Project

The missing diversity in human genetics studiesGiorgioSirugo, Scott M. Williams, Sarah A.TishkoffCell,177, March212019

Presenter:Natasha Mitchell

Producers:Natasha Mitchell and Jane Lee

Sound engineer:Ariel Gross

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Do genetic ancestry tests know if you're Palestinian? A cautionary tale of race and science - ABC News

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The autopsies didn't offer any clues. The children's hearts appeared normal. The family had what they referred to as "the curse of sudden death." And medical examiners couldn't figure out why.

After the deaths of the first two children, a medical examiner who conducted the autopsies got in touch with researchers at the Mayo Clinic Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory in 2004. Researchers at the lab had pioneered the concept of molecular autopsy, using genetic testing to understand the cause of death in sudden unexplained cases, and the examiner wanted to see if they could shed light on the mystery affecting the Amish community.

The team suspected that a gene called RYR2 could be the culprit -- mutations of the gene can cause a cardiac arrhythmic disorder that can lead to exercise-fainting spells, seizures or even sudden cardiac death. But when they analyzed the gene to check for mutations, nothing turned up.

The case remained cold for more than a decade. As the years went by, pediatric cardiologists and genetic counselors from other parts of the country reached out to the lab about other Amish families whose children had also died sudden deaths -- all looking for answers about this heartbreaking phenomenon.

"As we started building out the family structure, it became apparent to us that this was most likely a recessive disorder," David Tester, the lead scientist on the case, told CNN. "With more information and more technological advancement in terms of being able to look at genes, we were able to put this puzzle together."

The children likely had a common ancestor

Turns out, it was RYR2 -- the gene the researchers had suspected all along. But there wasn't just one mistake in the gene. More than 300,000 base pairs in the gene had been duplicated.

"We finally figured it out that it was an autosomal recessive condition where both bad duplications came from both parents, and those children were unfortunate to get the double dose," Michael Ackerman, director of the Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, told CNN.

To develop the duplication that causes sudden death, a child has to inherit a mutated gene from each parent -- the chances of which are 25 percent. That four children in one family inherited the mutation and died sudden deaths is incredibly unfortunate, Ackerman said.

The Amish may be more vulnerable to recessive inherited conditions because they are descended from a small number of ancestors and tend to intermarry, Tester said. The two families studied in the report are seemingly unrelated, but because the children all had the exact same duplication in a gene inherited from both parents, Ackerman said that it's likely that they have a common ancestor.

The discovery can help prevent sudden death

Now that researchers know about this genetic marker, there are steps that medical professionals can take to prevent sudden deaths from occurring in other Amish children, Tester said.

"Having this genetic biomarker, we can now very easily test any individual for the presence of the mutation," he said. "Having that ability can potentially save lives."

Knowing who has the mutation and who doesn't is the first step to preventing tragedies like the ones experienced by the families in the study, Ackerman said. If adults who are carriers for the mutation know that they have it, they can make informed decisions about whether or not they should marry another person who is also a carrier.

There are still challenges ahead. For children who have inherited the mutation and are at risk of sudden death, the only solution to prevent it is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which can be extremely expensive. Ackerman said his team is working on understanding more about what causes the duplication in the gene so that a medication to prevent it can be developed, a treatment that would be much more accessible.

"We're going fast and furious to try to get this figured out for this Amish community," he said.

But for now, Ackerman hopes the discovery will provide some closure to the families who have lost their loved ones.

"We finally have figured out the curse of sudden death for the Amish community and they now have peace of mind as to the reason," he said.

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No one knew why the kids in 2 Amish families were dying suddenly. Now researchers have some answers - CNN

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The National Western Stock Show Yards are brimming with history and cattlemen with the wisdom won through hard years and experience. The business of selling seedstock doesnt begin or end with the stock on display in the Yards, many of the ranches are selling their reputation built on generations of genetics.

The Colorado State University Seedstock Team hit the show ring Friday in the American Hereford Association shows, earning Champion Pen of Three Spring Yearling Heifers.

The team has traditionally displayed bulls and heifers, the cornerstone of a two-semester course designed to teach students the art of seedstock marketing. Though a year of experience gives only an overview of the process, it can help guide students as they find their niche in the industry.

Sam Cunningham, an associate professor of agriculture is originally from the Sandhills of Nebraska and began coaching the team last fall and is at the National Western Stock Show displaying four a pen of three and an alternate Hereford heifers and guiding six young women through the process. The young women come from varied backgrounds in Wyoming, Wisconsin, Colorado, Washington and Ohio.

This week I hope theyre learning things like the art and importance of presentation, both of themselves and the pen basically our stage and the livestock, Cunningham said.

The importance of a strong handshake, eye contact, and an introduction are being taught by each visitor to the pen, some of whom are Ram alumni and have made a point to report to Cunningham on the strengths of her students.

At semesters start, Cunningham and the students pored over the data and then walked through the cattle, all the while learning about selection with a production sale as the end result. The group sorted through Angus and Hereford bulls, Angus and Hereford heifers, and cow calf pairs, all part of the CSU ARDEC herd, finally choosing three bred Hereford heifers due to calve in April.

With the transition of the program on campus this year, we opted for a strong push in quality of presentation and emphasizing the importance of a breeder selecting the very best of the best to display, she said. Youre going to bring the best of the best, whether thats six or 16. Youre going to bring something representative of your best genetics.

While in Denver, the students have been promoting the bull sale, slated for Tuesday, Feb. 22 at the CSU ARDEC facility. Those who have hosted a bull sale know the amount of work and preparation outside of producing the sale cattle, and the students are partnering with others in the animal science program and ARDEC to work through the bull and bred female sale production calendar. Advertising, marketing, data, catalog, sale animal preparation, sale facility set up, and other details are playing a part in rounding out the students experience.

Bulls in this sale are summered on high altitude pasture near Hesparus where theyre grown and PAP tested before returning to ARDEC in the fall and placed on a bull development ration and managed with the intent and hope that they will be lauded for sale.

Also different this year from previous years, this group of students is going to be involved in the CSU Beef Improvement Facility Sale we host in Saratoga in April, she said.

That sale is ranch-developed commercial Angus bulls that have been altitude tested by CSUs Dr. Tim Holt. Working through sale selection and preparation for the two sales, each very different than the other, is a unique experience for the students.

As the spring semester wears on, the focus will shift to seedstock selection and mating decisions. This portion, she said, relies on area producers who speak to the students virtually or in person, sharing their breeding and marketing philosophies, the history of the program, and lessons from a lifetime in the business.

At the end of the day, the experience comes full circle through the students interaction with those in the industry, especially those whose roles may look like something to strive toward. One Ram alumna from Canada took time to speak to the young women, telling them about her experience as a woman in the cattle industry.

I wish I would have recorded her when she said it because you and I have talked about it, we have thought it, and it was that yes, we can cook dinner and make things pretty, but theres lots of other things we can do to generate value, she said.

Finding a place as a woman and within those traditional roles is attainable, she said, but creating a space as a woman in agriculture is also attainable.

I hope theyre seeing the value in the relationships and the networking, and the hustle it takes, she said. Theyre not all going to do this I dont know that one of them will do this later but I hope they get the importance of follow through and they see the risk and the reward and they develop a sense of pride in something. The relationships theyre building between themselves are important, too.

The cattle marketing is but one of the many lessons learned beneath the catwalk in the Yards, an old landmark, steeped in history, teaching a new batch of young people lessons once again.

Gabel is an assistant editor and reporter for The Fence Post. She can be reached at rgabel@thefencepost.com or (970) 392-4410.

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CSU Seedstock Team learning the ropes at the NWSS - Fence Post

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Enlarge / This is the exact moment in the goop lab's third episode in which Gwyneth Paltrow admits she doesn't know the difference between a vagina and a vulva. She's making a hand gesture to say what she thought the "vagina" was.

Netflix

Disclaimer: This review contains detailed information about the Netflix series the goop lab with Gwyneth Paltrow. If you plan to watch the show (please, don't) and do not wish to know details in advance, this is not the review for you. Normally, we would refer to such information as "spoilers," but in our editorial opinion, nothing in this series is spoil-able.

In the third episode of Goop's Netflix series, a female guest remarks that we women are seen as "very dangerous when we're knowledgeable." [Ep. 3, 33:35]

"Tell me about it," Gwyneth Paltrow knowingly replies amid "mm-hmms"as if she has a first-hand understanding of this.

In fact, earlier in that same episode, we learn that the 47-year-old actor didn't even know what a vagina is.

"It's our favorite subjectvaginas!" Paltrow proclaims gleefully [Ep.3, 3:05]. Then the same guest, feminist sex educator Betty Dodson, corrects her: "The vagina is the birth canalonly. You want to talk about the vulva, which is the clitoris, and the inner lips, and all that good shit around it."

Paltrow giggles before responding, "The vagina is only the birth canal? Oh! See, I'm getting an anatomy lesson that I didn'tI thought that the vagina was the whole..."

"No, no, no, no," Dodson cuts her off.

To be fair, a lot of women might not be clear on this particular anatomical point. But for Paltrow, who claims to help empower women while touting dubious and dangerous products and treatments for said body partahem, vaginal steaming, cough, jade eggsyou'd hope she had a tight understanding of what a vagina isor isn't in this case.

But sadly, she didn't. And throughout the rest of the series, her ignorance and lack of critical thinking skills are on full display as a parade of questionable "experts" and ridiculous claims about health and science march across the small screen unchallenged.

(To be clear, Dodson was not among the dubious guests I'm referring to here; she is knowledgeable and respectable and was probably the most interesting and informative guest on the show.)

I'll go through each episode in more detail below, but for those who want to spare themselves from the bulk of the absurdity, I'll summarize here:

In so many ways, the goop lab with Gwyneth Paltrow is exactly what you'd expect based on what we already know about the Goop brand. The series provides a platform for junk science, gibberish, and unproven health claims from snake-oil-salesmen guests. It's a platform on which respected, trained medical experts are not considered the authorities on health and medical topics; where logic and critical thinking are enemies of open-mindedness; where anecdotes about undefined health improvements are considered evidence for specific medical treatment claims; where the subjective experiences of a few select individuals are equivalent to the results of randomized, controlled clinical trials; and where promoting unproven, potentially dangerous health claims is a means to empower women.

Paltrow and Loehnen sit in Goop's headquarters for an interview.

Netflix

Members of the "Goop gang" convene in Jamaica to convince themselves that magic mushrooms are a crucial part of a therapeutic journey.

Netflix

This woman isn't crying because she's on the goop lab. Instead, the tears are apparently coming on because she took a dose of psilocybin as part of a "therapy retreat" in Jamaica.

Netflix

A Gooper lies on the floor while tripping.

Netflix

These are often paired with anecdotes about participants in limited clinical trials. We hear their success stories without context about how the associated study at-large turned out or whether any positive results came with side effects or issues with bias.

Netflix

A Gooper gets a hug while tripping.

Netflix

Just another day in Jamaica, where Goopers gather to take shrooms, cry, and hug.

Netflix

The problem with this boilerplate statement is that most of the goop lab is full of one-sided, anecdotal claims that standard Western medical practice is all wrong. Right or wrong, that is most certainly a type of "medical advice," Gwyneth and co.

Netflix

But, beyond all of that, the show is just, well, boring.

Each episode uses the exact same structure. Each presents one of six health topics, which are (in order): psychedelics;"iceman" Wim Hof's breathing and cold-treatment method; female pleasure; anti-aging; energy healing; and psychics.

In each episode, you see Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop's chief content officer, Elise Loehnen, interview a couple of people involved in the episode's topic. The interviews take place in an airy, stylishly decorated office at Goop's Santa Monica headquarters. Interspersed between snippets of those interviews, you see groups of Goop-employee volunteers subject themselves to some therapy or experience related to the episode's topic. The interview dialogue from Goop headquarters is used to essentially narrate the Goopers' experiences. The Goopers' results are, in turn, intended to back up whatever claims the interviewees make.

It's a tiring structure for six straight episodes, and it's often not done well. The pacing is slow at times; some of the Goopers' experiences are just not engaging and seem like filler; some of their personal stories are introduced at the start of episodes and then inexplicably abandoned at the end; the interviews at Goop headquarters can seem drawn out and dry; and there are random tangents about Gwyneth Paltrow's life and the office environment at Goop headquarters.

Even if you're interested in the topics, getting through the episodes can feel like a slogand they're each only 30-35 minutes long.

It feels like the momentum of each episode is supposed to be driven by anticipation of how the Goopers' experiences match what the interviewees are saying. But we hardly ever get satisfying conclusions on that frontand we wouldn't be convinced even if we did. Instead, the show seems to move each episode along more by leaning on shock content that might best appeal to middle schoolersshowing glimpses of a woman having an orgasm, a Goop staffer getting a face lift using string that pulls her smile toward her ears, and a group of Goopers tripping on mushrooms.

Meanwhile, the goop lab makes no effort to question or critically evaluate any of its claims. There are no fact checks or counterpoints offered. There's no mention of any criticism and little to no warnings of potential harms.

In all, it's a show that you can safely skip. But, if you still want to know more about why the goop lab is so bad, let's run through the six episodes.

The first episode covers psychedelics and their potential to improve mental health. Paltrow and Loehnen sit down with Will Siu (a psychiatrist who supports "psychedelic Integration" in therapies) and Mark Haden (executive director of MAPS Canada, which is an affiliate of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, a nonprofit created in 1985 to advocate for the medical benefits and use of psychedelic drugs, such as MDMA and LSD). Siu received training at MAPS.

Being the person that people perceive me to be is inherentlytraumatic.

For instance, in 2016 the Food and Drug Administration greenlighted the first Phase III trial to assess whether or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)known as "molly" or "ecstasy"can improve the symptoms of PTSD. And treatments with psilocybin, the psychedelic component of "magic" mushrooms, has yielded positive results in small trials on people struggling with depression.

While that research is legitimate and interesting, the Goop episode approached the topic in the dumbest possible way: a group of four Goop employees hop on a plane to Jamaica to trip on mushrooms. Two of the Goopers weren't trying to address mental health. One Gooper said she wanted to feel more creative and like her "authentic self," and Loehnen, who went, said she wanted a "psychospiritual experience." The other two were trying to "process some personal trauma."

While the clinical trials are evaluating specific drug doses to treat well-defined symptoms in tightly controlled, weeks-long programs, the Goopers drank mushroom tea once, in a "more ceremonial setting," surrounded by what they described as "psychedelic elders."

Meanwhile, the interview back at Goop headquarters starts rambling, with discussion around vague mental health issues, the value of "connecting people," harmful societal norms, and how basically everyone is suffering. Paltrow notes at one point that she, too, suffers mental-health problems despite her wealth and status, and she adds that "being the person that people perceive me to be is inherently traumatic." [Ep.1, 29:00] Poor Gwyneth.

At the end of the episode, some of the Goopers talk about how the experience was intensewell, yeah. We don't hear back from the woman who wanted to be more creative, so we can only hope things worked out for her. But one of the Goopers processing trauma (in his case, trauma of having an emotionally distant father) said in a final one-on-one discussion with Paltrow that he felt more of an "openness" after the experience. He thanked Paltrow for letting him go.

Yeah, OK.

NEXT.

Read more:
Goops Netflix series: Its so much worse than I expected and I cant unsee it - Ars Technica

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Use it or lose it. Weve all heard that expression, often used in reference to the strength of our muscles or even parts of our brain. But is the saying also accurate for women when it comes to sex and fertility?

A study publishedon January 15, 2020, in the journal Royal Society Open Science found that women who had sex at least once a week were 28 percent less likely to go through menopausecompared with women who engaged in sexual activity less than once a month. Women who had monthly sex were 19 percent less likely to experience menopause than women who had sex less than that.

Related: 9 Natural Ways to Boost Your Sex Life

The authors of the paper suggest sexual activity, or the lack of it, could be sending messages to the body about whether or not continuing to ovulate is a good use of the bodys resources. If a woman isnt sexually active, the body may choose not to invest in ovulation because there would be no point, according to Megan Arnot, a PhD candidate at University College London, and coauthor of the study.

Conversely, if the woman is still engaging in sex regularly, then it may be adaptive for her to continue ovulating for slightly longer, the authors wrote.

Related: How to Have More Satisfying Sex

Investigators looked at 2,936 women in the United States who were part of the Study of Womens Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a multisite longitudinal, epidemiologic study thats designed to examine womens health during their middle years. At the start of the study, women were all between 42 and 52 years old and hadnt reached menopause yet.

Related: 5 Things Weve Learned From the Most Important Menopause Study

Women were asked how often they engaged in sexual activity of any kind, not just intercourse. Any sexual touching or caressing, oral sex,and masturbation counted as sex.

Sexual activity other than intercourse was included because of the authors hypothesis that the cues from these behaviors could all potentially trigger the same signal in the body that could indicate a possible pregnancy to the body, according to the authors.

The maximum amount of sexual activity from any of those behaviors was used as the sexual frequency number, or sex index. If a woman reported having intercourse once a month but oral sex every week, then weekly was recorded as her sex index. Due to the small number of responses in some categories, all responses were placed into one of three categories:

Climax, or female orgasm was not included as part of the questions or considered in the signaling hypothesis, Arnot responded via email. We arent 100 percent sure on the exact mechanism, but sexual activity can cause fluctuations in estrogen, which would send signals; it might just be that vaginal stimulation signals possible pregnancy, she wrote.

Although the study cant prove that the extra sex postponed menopause onset or that lack of it does the opposite, the authors suggest that the relationship is the result of an adaptive trade-off relative to the likelihood of pregnancy when approaching menopause.

To conclude that a lack of sex would somehow trigger the body to divert resources elsewhere is a bit of stretch, according to Lauren Streicher, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. You have to keep in mind that theres a big difference between causation and association. They found that women who are sexually active tend to go through menopause later than women who are not sexually active, says Dr. Streicher.

This doesnt mean that if you have more sex you wont go through menopause, according to Streicher. Theres a correlation between women who go through menopause earlier and who are not as sexually active, which is no surprise, she says. That doesnt mean that this earlier menopause is caused by the lack of sex, she adds.

Streicher uses a popular headline from last year as an example. It was in the news that people who exercise have better sex, she says. Yes, but the exercise doesnt make them have better sex; people that are physically fit tend to have better sex. Again, its about causation versus correlation, says Streicher.

Related:BDSM: Rules and Etiquette at Social Events Involving Bondage, Dominance, Discipline, and Submission

Keep in mind that biologically the reason we have sex is to reproduce, she adds. If biologically youre no longer able to reproduce, than biologically youre going to have more difficulty with sexual function.

Technically, menopause occurs after a woman goes 12 consecutive months without a monthly period. The months or years leading up to that milestone is called the menopause transition, or perimenopause, and symptoms can include hot flashes, mood changes, disruptions in sleep, and changes in the monthly cycle.

Genetics is probably the number one factor that determines when you will go through menopause, according to Streicher. It doesnt have anything do with when you start your period; thats a common myth. You dont go through menopause because you run out of eggs, she says. Its because your eggs age; you still have plenty of eggs, she says.

If your mother went through menopause early, in the absence of some medical reason, then you may too, says Streicher. There are still many things we dont understand about why some women go through menopause earlier than others, but it can be health-related. People with autoimmune diseases or thyroid disfunction tend to go through menopause earlier, as well as those with chronic disease in general, she says. Smoking has been linked to earlier menopause, too, she adds.

Research indicates that naturally going through menopause later in life is associated with a longer life expectancy as well as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and osteoporosis.

Having more sex can improve relationships, quality of life, and intimacy, says Streicher. Will it prevent heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, or other chronic diseases? The answer is no. Sex doesnt make you healthier, but if youre healthier, you tend to have more sex, she says.

Streicher points to research published in the The New England Journal of Medicine by Stacy Lindau, MD, and colleagues that looked at sexuality and health in older adults in the United States. They found that age was less important than the persons medical condition. A healthy 70-year-old is far more likely to be sexually active than a sick 40-year-old, says Streicher.

People love saying, If you have more sex youre going to live longer. No, if you live longer, youre more likely to have more sex, she says with a laugh. And having more sex might make you happier, it might give you a better relationship, but it wont make you live longer.

Read more:
Will Not Having Sex Trigger Early Menopause? - Everyday Health

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Nowhere is the struggle between maintaining the traditional status quo of the gender binary, and moving forward toward greater inclusivity, more pronounced than in competitive sports, due to the differences in male and female physiology. But, there is enough science and data out there to suggest these differences arent nearly as stark as weve been led to believe which means any argument against allowing trans and intersex people and people with differences in sex development (DSD) to compete against ciswomen is queerphobic at best. Here are all the arguments you need to fight for greater gender inclusivity in sport.

The science on what womens bodies can do is flimsy at best. But consider what the female body can do better than a male body: Womens bodies have a lower center of gravity and therefore better balance; they tend to be more flexible, and their bodies more efficiently convert calories into energy giving them greater endurance, Liesl Goeker writes for The Swaddle, while arguing for equal pay in sports. This gives women the upper hand in ultra-endurance running and gymnastics just as male bodies have the upper hand when it comes to sports such as the shotput and 100m sprint that require speed and brute strength. But zero trans women who are gymnasts are complaining about the advantage cis women have, or saying they want to compete in the mens category for endurance running or gymnastics because they just want to participate in the sports category congruent to their chosen gender identity.

Besides, sports isnt fair. It never was. Genetics isnt either. Many elite athletes are genetically blessed in a way the average person isnt. Basketball players have the advantage of height, and Michel Phelpss very peculiar anatomy gives him the upper hand in swimming. Privilege isnt fair either athletes of color are at a disadvantage when it comes to exposure, opportunities, and resources to even begin pursuing sports competitively, compared to Caucasian athletes. So, what is this level playing field argument but a myth spun by those allowed to play and win in the field, to maintain the status quo?

Related on The Swaddle:

New Report Outlines Scale of Homophobia, Transphobia in Sport

The science on physiological advantages male athletes have over female athletes is in a nascent stage. Its important to preface this argument by pointing out that very little research and conversation is around, say, the advantages of estrogen (the hormone responsible for many physical characteristics of a typical female) or prolactin (the breastfeeding hormone) on athletic ability. The obsession is entirely with testosterone (T) the hormone responsible for many glorified physical characteristics of a typical male and the absurd question of at what level of testosterone does a female athlete become too good to be a woman.

For every credible study and statement out there that proves greater testosterone is linked to greater athletic ability in men and women, there are equally credible studies that prove testosterone is just one of the many factors that affect sporting ability sometimes even negatively. Take the International Association for Athletics Federations data on elite women athletes. Its initial analysis of two world championships showed that women with higher T levels performed better in only five out of 21 events.

After an independent group of researchers took an issue with the research methodology to reach even this finding, the sports body was forced to issue a correction. In the corrected results, in three of 11 running events, the group with the lowest levels of T did better. Across all events, the association between T and performance was the strongest (and the most surprising) in the 100m sprint: athletes with lower T ran 5.4% faster than those with the highest levels of T. The independent group of researchers who objected to the results earlier concluded its impossible to discern the real relationship, if any, between T and performance. Clearly, though, neitherthis study nor the broader sports science literature supports the IAAFs claim that targeted trans, intersex athleteshave the same advantages over [other] women as men do over women.

Then theres the stuff outside of the binary that science is nowhere close to explaining clearly, like Chands and Semenyas hyperandrogenism (a medical condition where a typical female body produces higher testosterone than usual). Or, as Faryal Mirza, a clinical endocrinologist at the University of Connecticut Medical Center, tells Scientific American, sometimes high T simply means that a person isnt very efficient at using T: the body is producing more precisely to arrive at typical function of someone producing T in the typical range.

Related on The Swaddle:

IAAFs Caster Semenya Decision Arbitrarily Dictates What Is Female

A review of 31 national and international transgender sporting policies, including those of the International Olympic Committee, the Football Association, Rugby Football Union and the Lawn Tennis Association by researchers at the Scool of Sports Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University concluded: After considering the very limited and indirect physiological research that has explored athletic advantage in transgender people, we concluded that the majority of these policies were unfairly discriminating against transgender people, especially transgender females by overinterpreting the unsubstantiated belief that testosterone improves athletic performance.

Thousands of trans athletes have been competing at national and international competitions who you just dont hear about simply because they dont all win or qualify for the Olympics even with all their apparent unfair advantages. This also proves the non-cisgender athletes who do go ahead and win medals owe their success more to their training, skill, perseverance, resilience, and a host of other reasons apart from their gender or sex, and especially from the myth of testosterone.

Yikes. Are we really suggesting there are numerous male athletes who will declare they identify as women, go through exhausting transition processes such as hormone replacement, gather the required medical and psychological proof of their fake gender dysmorphia (prolonged distress caused a mismatch between their biological sex andgenderidentity), go through their entire lives living under the pretense of being female, all while facing prejudice that trans people face on a daily basis only for a few gold medals and some cash?

Notwithstanding the paranoia (looking at you Martina Navratilova), this argument is the literal definition of transphobia. This idea that we should ban all innocent and real trans and intersex women based solely on the fantastic hypothetical of the fraudulent cis man has roots in an irrational fear of the other (in this case, non-cisgender people) based on prejudice or ignorance.

Laws and rules can always be misused, irrespective of gender. But, we cant deny peoples rights simply because a few could, in theory, game the system. Look at it this way: are some people falsely framed for murder? Yes. Does that mean we dont have any rules to punish the crime? Of course not.

This debate doesnt even have to be esoteric; there is actual data to prove male athletes arent queuing up to declare a new gender identity. In 2003, the International Olympic Committee adopted the Stockholm Consensus (SC) allowing the inclusion of trans athletes who had undergone sex reassignment, making it possible for trans athletes to compete in the Olympics from 2004. The IOC modified these guidelines in 2015 to put a cap on testosterone levels for trans women athletes. And yet, despite the fact that more than 50,000 athletes have participated in the Olympics since 2004, no trans athlete has ever been a part of the Olympics until now, real or fake. So, clearly including trans athletes in sports wont make the sky fall.

Related on The Swaddle:

Explaining the Vocabulary of the Gender Spectrum

Creating a third, mixed category for trans, non-binary, cis men and women to compete against each other can be an earnest, motivating place to start making sports more inclusive. Mixed-gender sports teams are a widely debated topic and have been for many years, just not in relation to opportunities for transgender people. But, introducing more mixed-gender sports teams would also facilitate accessibility for transgender people.

The IOC did well, when in June 2017, it added mixed-sex events in athletics, swimming, table tennis, and triathlon to the upcoming Summer Olympics schedule in Tokyo 2020, in addition to the traditional categories. This not only allows trans and intersex athletes to compete as their chosen gender identity based on their athletic ability alone, Tokyo 2020s milestone mixed-sex events are a concrete step towards ungendering sports. (It is important here to note this will all be moot unless the IOC allows trans and intersex athletes to compete in these mixed events at least without having to meet any criteria other than being a human adult whos good enough to qualify.)

Another way to organize sports, as suggested by Alison Heather, a physiologist at the University of Otago in New Zealand, and her colleagues in an essaypublished in the Journal of Medical Ethics, would be to create a system that uses an algorithm to account for physiological factors such as testosterone, height, and endurance, and social factors like gender identity and socioeconomic status. Sure its a Herculean task, but international sports bodies have enough money to at least begin research into the idea if it means a more inclusive world.

Apart from this, sports can also be organized on the basis of other factors such as weight class, professional/amateur status, and size. The idea is that through a mixture of formats, we redesign sports to make them more inclusive.

Its going to take fresh thinking and self-awareness that what we believe to be facts about sex and gender are not unquestionable. But every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind, and in the spirit which requires mutual understanding, with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. Those are not my words, thats the Olympic charter.

See more here:
All The Arguments You Need: To Prove It's Fair for Trans, Intersex Athletes to Compete in Their Chosen Gender Category - The Swaddle

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Penguins, it so happens, dont like to travel solo at least not the five king penguins of Montreals Biodme.

So when renovations began at the nature museum and the king penguins were moved from their sub-Antarctic island ecosystem to the Calgary Zoo in 2018, they all travelled together in the same crate.

We noticed that a penguin is more stressed alone, so it was decided to build a large crate, using a transportation palette as the base, and to transport them together, explained Jean-Philippe Gagnon, one of the Biodmes three living-collection supervisors. They are responsible for about 40 employees who work with aquatic and terrestrial animals and with plants.

It is also stressful for the penguins not to see the source of sounds around them, he said, and so the crate incorporated grilles so they were able to see out. The crate was placed in the cargo section and a Biodme veterinarian was on the same flight.

As the habitats of the 2,500 individuals from 175 species in the nature museum were emptied in April 2018, many of the animals were moved to temporary abodes in Montreal, elsewhere in Canada or the United States. As renovations near completion, plans are in place for the animals to be returned to the Biodme in 2020.

Biodme director Yves Paris checks out the new entranceway of the Biodme on Dec. 9, 2019. The Biodme is scheduled to reopen in the spring.Pierre Obendrauf / Montreal Gazette

A planned reopening in September 2019 was delayed to mid-December, then delayed again. Surprises encountered with demolition of parts of the unusual building, constructed as a velodrome for the 1976 Olympic Games, were in part responsible, said Biodme director Yves Paris. So were shortages of skilled workers and delays in deliveries of materials.

The reopening is now anticipated for the spring of 2020. There could be more surprises, but things are going well and I hope it will be spring, he said.

With one million visitors a year, the Biodme is the most-visited facility in Quebec among museums with admission fees. The goal of the $37.2-million renovation is to make its public spaces more welcoming by creating for visitors a more immersive experience, Paris said.

The museum is unique in the world because it features five ecosystems found in the Americas: a tropical rainforest; a Laurentian maple forest; ecosystems of the Gulf of St. Lawrence; the Labrador coast and the sub-Antarctic islands. Among new elements in the revamped Biodme are a bridge that will permit visitors to climb to the top of the tropical forest habitat for a birds eye view and a tunnel of ice leading into the polar ecosystem inhabited by the penguins.

Although the king penguins at a height of three feet they are among the largest penguins were moved to Calgary, other species of Biodme penguins, including the gentoo and Southern rockhopper, remained in Montreal in accommodations built especially for them.

They are smaller and we were able to create a temporary environment for their size and temperament without moving them, Paris said.

To deter overly enthusiastic visitors whose presence would be potentially disruptive to the population, the Biodme has remained circumspect about the location of the local temporary abodes.

To ensure that the move was as free of stress as possible, preparation for the transfer began long before the actual moves.

Two lynx were moved to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo in separate crates but at the same time during renovations at the Biodme. Claude Lafond/Espace pour la vie

Biodme director Yves Paris, left, talks to a worker as he walks through the new entranceway of the Biodme. The Biodme is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2020 following renovations.Pierre Obendrauf/Montreal Gazette

A capybara, a member of the world's largesT rodent species, was transferred to the Magnetic Hill Zoo in New Brunswick as renovations at the Biodme in Montreal got underway, and he will stay there.Sylvie Pilon/Espace pour la Vie

A sloth like this one was moved to Granby Zoo during renovations at the Biodme.Claude Lafond/Espace pour la vie

This is how the entrance to the Biodme will look once renovations are complete./Kanva

A King penguin from Montreal's Biodme at the Calgary Zoo. Some animals were transferred to other facilities in preparation for renovations at the Biodme. The Biodme is slated to reopen next spring. /Calgary Zoo

Biodme director Yves Paris checks out the new entranceway of the Biodme Dec. 9, 2019. The Biodme is scheduled to reopen in the spring.Pierre Obendrauf/Montreal Gazette

An ice tunnel is being added to the polar ecosystem at the Biodme./Kanva

King penguins from Montreal's Biodme at the Calgary Zoo. Some animals were transferred to other facilities in preparation for renovations at the Biodme. The Biodme is slated to reopen next spring./Calgary Zoo

Its important to realize that these are beings we are transporting, said Gagnon, a biologist. There was a long preparation, six months to a year, for many to make sure that the transfer was not stressful for them and to provide for a period of acclimation in the new place.

The Biodme is part of an association of accredited North American zoos that manage their populations with broader vision that goes beyond the needs of a single institution, explained Gagnon. Regular acquisition activities, which favour co-operation and exchanges between North American zoos to maintain genetic diversity, slowed about two years before the Biodme closed.

Those individuals transferred from the Biodme were moved only to accredited facilities, Paris said. These include the Calgary Zoo, one of few facilities with the polar environment necessary to accommodate the king penguin colony, the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Saskatoons Forestry Farm Park and Zoo, Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton, N.B.; Granby Zoo and the Ecomuseum Zoo in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue.

Moving the penguins was relatively simple since, apart from the special crate, they required no advance training or preparation, Gagnon said.

But in other cases, intensive preparation by Biodme workers was needed before animals were moved. They worked with the animals behaviour to effect the transfers, Gagnon explained. Before the six sloths were moved, for instance, a resting space was created in their habitat and a transport crate placed in it that they could choose to enter or not. It was a year before they started to enter the crate on their own.

One sloth was moved to the Kansas City Zoo, where he will remain; another, who was transferred to the Granby Zoo but still belongs to the Biodme, might return, Gagnon said. Four remained in Montreal.

The golden lion tamarin monkey also needed a year to get used to the crate in which the small South American primate was ultimately transported from the Biodme. It was left in his rainforest habitat, empty and initially he didnt want to enter it. Only once he was entirely at ease with it did animal technicians begin to train him to enter the crate, using a system of positive reinforcement and rewards.

Two lynx were transported to Saskatoon at the same time but in separate crates.

King penguins are part of a population management and conservation program known as the species survival plan; its intended to maintain captive populations that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable.

The Biodme had four males for one female; for reproduction purposes, couples are preferred, he said. By putting our two populations together, we were able to re-establish an equilibrium, so that both institutions will be stronger, he said.

The beauty of the operation is that by having a larger number of individuals, the penguins had a larger choice of partners, Gagnon said. Once penguins choose a partner, the two tend to stay together for a long time, he said.

A sloth like this one was moved to Granby Zoo during renovations at the Biodme.Claude Lafond / Espace pour la vie

In August of last year a new king penguin chick, the issue of two of the Biodmes king penguins, was successfully hatched in Calgary. The zoo said the egg was laid by Antoinette, who is 27. Because she and her mate, Louis, had never hatched a successful chick, they had no relatives in the zoo population. Having a chick with new genetics is important to the king penguins species survival plan, the Calgary Zoo said.

For reasons related to the welfare of the animal or the genetics of the population, a small number of animals who were moved will not return to the Biodme but will be replaced. Some of the king penguins are more than 20 years old, and more travel would be stressful.

And we want a few new animals, Paris said.

A capybara the worlds largest rodent species, native to South America went to Magnetic Hill from the Biodme and hell stay there. He is happy there, Paris said.

Besides, his Biodme habitat has been modified to accommodate a group of capybaras, and it would have been difficult to get him used to a group, he said. The other capybaras remained in Montreal, in spaces adapted for them.

Every transfer is a challenge and every one is different, but we can count on the experts, who know how to proceed so that everything goes well, said Marie-Jolle Filion, a communications co-ordinator with Espace pour la vie, the natural science museum complex made up of the Biodme, the Botanical Garden, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium and the Insectarium. (The Insectarium is also closed for renovation and slated to reopen in 2021.)

Those animals moving back to the Biodme will be returned slowly and given time to get accustomed to their surroundings, she said. Returning the animals to places they know should facilitate their acclimatization, she said.

sschwartz@postmedia.com

View original post here:
How to move a penguin and other lessons from the Biodme reno - Montreal Gazette

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

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On the contrary, inadequate infrastructural facilities coupled with ethical issues related to embryonic stem cells might impede the growth of the market. However, the ongoing research for the manipulation of stem cells from cord blood cells, bone marrow, and skin for the treatment of ailments including cardiovascular and diabetes will open up new doors for the advancement of the market.

Global Stem Cell Therapy Market: Market Potential

A number of new studies, research projects, and development of novel therapies have come forth in the global market for stem cell therapy. Several of these treatments are in the pipeline, while many others have received approvals by regulatory bodies.

In March 2017, Belgian biotech company TiGenix announced that its cardiac stem cell therapy, AlloCSC-01 has successfully reached its phase I/II with positive results. Subsequently, it has been approved by the U.S. FDA. If this therapy is well- received by the market, nearly 1.9 million AMI patients could be treated through this stem cell therapy.

Another significant development is the granting of a patent to Israel-based Kadimastem Ltd. for its novel stem-cell based technology to be used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other similar conditions of the nervous system. The companys technology used for producing supporting cells in the central nervous system, taken from human stem cells such as myelin-producing cells is also covered in the patent.

Global Stem Cell Therapy Market: Regional Outlook

The global market for stem cell therapy can be segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. North America emerged as the leading regional market, triggered by the rising incidence of chronic health conditions and government support. Europe also displays significant growth potential, as the benefits of this therapy are increasingly acknowledged.

Asia Pacific is slated for maximum growth, thanks to the massive patient pool, bulk of investments in stem cell therapy projects, and the increasing recognition of growth opportunities in countries such as China, Japan, and India by the leading market players.

Global Stem Cell Therapy Market: Competitive Analysis

Several firms are adopting strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships, apart from product development with a view to attain a strong foothold in the global market for stem cell therapy.

Some of the major companies operating in the global market for stem cell therapy are RTI Surgical, Inc., MEDIPOST Co., Ltd., Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., NuVasive, Inc., Pharmicell Co., Ltd., Anterogen Co., Ltd., JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., and Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l.

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Reasons to Purchase this Report:

* Estimates 2019-2025 Stem Cell Therapy market development trends with the recent trends and SWOT analysis

* Market dynamics scenario, along with growth opportunities of the market in the years to come

* Market segmentation analysis including qualitative and quantitative research incorporating the impact of economic and policy aspects

* Regional and country level analysis integrating the demand and supply forces that are influencing the growth of the market.

* Competitive landscape involving the market share of major players, along with the new projects and strategies adopted by players in the past five years

* Comprehensive company profiles covering the product offerings, key financial information, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and strategies employed by the major market players

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Stem Cell Therapy Market is Anticipated to Attain a Market Value of US$XX by the End of 2017 2025 - Fusion Science Academy

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

In a recent study published by MRInsights.biz, titled, Global Fish Skinning Machine Market 2019 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2024, analysts offer a comprehensive overview of the industry for the forecast period 20192024.The report is based on complete research of the entire market, covering all its sub-segments through comprehensively thorough classifications. The report comprises of an in-depth investigation into the geographical landscape, industry size, demand, market share, technological advancements, regional gamut, and revenue estimations for the forecast duration. Further, it sheds light on the challenges impeding market growth and expansion strategies employed by leading companies in the market.

The Report At A Glance:

The report offers profound knowledge and extensive examination of the trends from the yesteryear and future. It provides the stakeholders, product owners, and marketing personnel a competitive edge in the market for the forecast period, 2019-2024. It focuses on economic developments and consumer spending trends across different countries. The report makes projections on which countries and regions will have a better standing in the years to come. The research study takes a closer look at the key driving forces, restraints, and opportunities responsible for determining the future of the market for the forecast period 2019-2024.

DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE REPORT: https://www.mrinsights.biz/report-detail/209775/request-sample

Attracting The Target Audience:

Firstly, the report aims to find out why customers need a certain product or service. The report looks at what problems a certain product and service can solve. The industry experts focus on the factors including audience type, target demographics, as well as other vital attributes about the target customer segment.

Global Fish Skinning Machine market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and each manufacturer including VMK Fish Machinery, , Uni-Food Technic, , Trio Machinery, , Baader, , NOCK Maschinenbau, , Cabinplant, , Maja-Maschinenfabrik Hermann Schill, , AGK Kronawitter, , Grupo Josmar, , Varlet,

On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share, and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Automatic Fish Skinning Machine, Manual Fish Skinning Machine

On the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, including: Canned, Seafood Processing, Frozen Food, Other

This report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, covering: North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)

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Customization of the Report:This report can be customized to meet the clients requirements. Please connect with our sales team ([emailprotected]), who will ensure that you get a report that suits your needs. You can also get in touch with our executives on +1-201-465-4211 to share your research requirements.

Read the original post:
Autologous Stem Cell Based Therapies Market Report Analysis, Share, Revenue, Growth Rate With Forecast Overview To 2024 - Fusion Science Academy

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Allele Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (President and CEO: Jiwu Wang, Ph.D., Allele), a San Diego-based private company, and Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Kenji Yasukawa, Ph.D., Astellas), through its Massachusetts-based subsidiary Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine (AIRM), entered into a licensing agreement to expand Astellas access to Alleles induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies for various cell therapy programs.

Astellas, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Japan and already a leader in the development of cell-based therapeutics, has further dedicated to development of the field through its commitment to state-of-the-art iPS cell generation, modification, and manufacturing. iPSC lines can differentiate into all somatic tissue types, enabling a wide variety of therapeutic applications. The field of iPSC-derived cells has seen dramatic growth in clinical trials recently--the majority of the ~12 clinical trials around the world were initiated within the last 18 months and many more are upcoming.

Allele has been developing its core strength in reprogramming somatic cells into iPSCs with granted patents and the first commercial cGMP system it developed over the past 10 years. Allele also engages in more than a dozen different human tissue derivation activities through its own R&D efforts for internal programs and partnerships. To realize the unparalleled potential of iPSC, Alleles researchers and cGMP team are committed to setting up and validating cell assays for product quality control, genome analysis pipelines, closed-system automation for reprogramming, and machine learning in iPSC-related fields.

Under the terms of the new license agreement, Astellas will pay Allele upfront and milestones, product-based royalties, and potentially manufacture fees.

About Allele Allele Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1999. In 2015, the company completed an 18,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in San Diego for the production of GMP-grade human iPSC lines. The facility also supports the production of tissue-specific cells differentiated from these iPSCs, including pancreatic beta cells, neural progenitor cells, and cardiomyocytes.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005668/en/

Read the original:
Allele and Astellas Enter into an Expanded License for the Development of iPSC Lines - BioSpace

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Paul Olson wants everyone to know that he's thankful that Mayo Clinic saved his life ... twice.

That's why he purchased a high-profile billboard on South Broadway proclaiming that "I Beat Cancer Twice!" in big gold letters and thanking his doctors Larson, Kwon and Beahrs.

Actually, it's the second such billboard he put up in Rochester. The first was in 1997, five years after his first bout with prostate cancer.

"I have a perfect life thanks to Mayo. I would have been dead before I turned 50," said the retired 75-year-old Olson. "I think doctors need to get feedback from their patients. ... Everybody hears the gripes. Nobody hears the applause."

His story started in 1992, when he was referred to Mayo Clinic at age 47 and doctors discovered an advanced case of prostate cancer.

"A diagnosis like that is like looking at the end of a gun barrel," said Olson. "But the first thing they give you at Mayo is hope."

A treatment of surgery, chemotherapy and hormone therapy took care of the cancer. Olson, who was president of the Grand Rapids, Minn.-based Blandin Foundation, got on with his life. That meant travelling with his wife, running marathons, playing golf and eventually retiring.

Then in 2017, he ended up back at Mayo Clinic.

"I knew I had something funny going on," Olson said.

A special medical scanner unique to Mayo Clinic that he calls "magical" detected six tumors growing throughout his body. The prostate cancer had returned 25 years later.

Once again, his doctors at Mayo Clinic treated the cancer until no trace of the cancer was detectable in 2018.

"I just wanted to thank my doctors and Mayo for their extraordinary assistance ... for saving my life... again," he said.

Read more here:
Cancer patient shows his appreciation for Mayo Clinic on a billboard thank-you card - PostBulletin.com

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

The students of Moordale Secondary are growing up in season two of Netflixs breakout Sex Education.

When creator Laurie Nunn introduced her coming-of-age comedy about teenage nobody Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield), who launches an underground sex clinic at his school, her characters inventive riffs on teen-com clichs that exist somewhere between the present and a nostalgic re-imagining of the John Hughes era were just beginning to awkwardly fumble their way through various sexual rites of passage.

The fumbling continues in season two, a way for Nunn to mine humor and relatability from this tale of a sensitive boy searching for his place (and libido) in the grand scheme of things. But theres a sureness of step now, for both Nunn and her colorful collection of misfits, who use the shows sophomore season to explore urges and fetishes and the kind of hormone-fueled existential crises grown-ups remember with detached amusement.

Season two of Sex Education delivers more heartfelt laughs and engaging storylines about a handful of fan-favorite characters, but it also pushes its storytelling, introducing new faces, confronting even more controversial issues, and asking viewers to grow with it. Before season two debuts Jan. 17, here is a refresher on the biggest storylines from season one and a look ahead at what to expect from the new episodes.

Old Dramas

The debut season ended with resolved conflicts and more than a few unanswered questions. After pining after school rebel Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey) all season, Otis began a relationship with Ola (Patricia Allison), a fellow weirdo and the daughter of handyman Jakob (Mikael Persbrandt). Jakob and Otis mother, Jean Milburn (Gillian Anderson), were shacking up, but neither teenager knew thatyet. Just as Otis began to embrace his stunted sexual appetites, forgiving his mother for penning a book about his repressed urges and inability to pleasure himself, his romance with Ola kick-started his sex drive.

Meanwhile, Maeve, who spent much of season one struggling to survive on her own, was forced to say goodbye to her unreliable brother and her academic career after shouldering the blame for his illegal drug dealing at school. Eric (Ncuti Gatwa), who was tormented by school bully Adam (Connor Swindells) for much of the year, was left contemplating a confusing, violent hookup as Adams father, Mr. Groff (Alistair Petrie), sent him packing to military school.

Season two will check in on the status of Otis and Olas relationship and that of their parents as well as Erics romantic endeavors and Maeves life at the trailer park now that her business venture and friendship with Otis have been put on the back burner.

New Kids

With a new year comes new students, and a trio of characters make their mark early on in season two.

I still think that Otis very much leads us through the world, and he's still our protagonist, but I really wanted to be able to kind of get under the skin of some of our other characters, showrunner Nunn told The Hollywood Reporter about the shift in focus.

Expanding the world of Moordale means storylines focusing on fan favorites like Aimee (Aimee Lou Wood), Lily (Tanya Reynolds) and Jackson (Kedar Williams-Stirling). Newcomers include Rahim (Sami Outalbali), a French foreign exchange student who factors into Erics story in surprising ways; Viv (Chinenye Ezeudu), a brilliant young woman who shares a special bond with Jackson following a traumatic event; and Isaac (George Robinson), Maeves sarcastic new neighbor, who comes to her aid when her mother (Anne-Marie Duff), a former addict, pushes her way back into her daughters life.

In many ways, season two seems to bid farewell to childhood, untethering itself from former friendships and expected character arcs in favor of bolder storytelling. Otis seems content in his dalliance with Ola, and though he continues to dole out his brand of "sexpertise" to his fellow students, the days of bathroom confessionals are long gone. Eric, who went through an identity crisis in season one following a horrific assault, sports an enviable amount of self-confidence, even when lamenting his nonexistent love life. Maeve, whose cynicism masked her dreams and ambition, is forced to fight for what she wants for once.

The influx of new characters also means that Andersons soft-spoken sex therapist will take on a bigger role in season two, venturing from the safety of her home office and finding new clientele at Moordale Secondary after an episode of STI hysteria makes it painfully clear just how archaic the schools sex education curriculum is.

More Sex

Speaking of sex, theres certainly more of it, and in greater variety, in season two. Otis, who achieved the impossible by finally having an erection in the season one finale, is mastering the art of masturbation and learning how to please his girlfriend. Butterfield is given a big comedic moment in season two that involves a self-pleasuring montage set to the heavenly choir cover of the Divinyls' I Touch Myself that encapsulates everything this show does well before abruptly ending in the most nightmarish of ways.

This season also explores queer sex, using Eric and Rahims friendship to cover topics that feel taboo, even in these modern times, and forcing other mainstays to question their impulses in interesting, comical ways. There are fetishes and female orgasms galore, but there are also meditations on the aftermath of sexual assault, repressed desires and pregnancy scares.

Even More Questions

One thing Sex Education has also done well, and continues to shine at in season two, is letting its characters exist in a state of ambiguity. Yes, there are big payoffs, victories for underdogs, reconciliations for strained relationships, but Nunn poses as many questions as she answers by the time the eight episodes are over. Will Eric and Adam reunite? Will Maeve and Otis finally admit their feelings for one another? Will Jean write her book? Will Otis lose his virginity? Nothing is tied up too neatly this season, which might disappoint some, but its also proof that this series is fully dialed into the story its trying to tell, a messy, conversation-starting contemplation on the joys and pains of growing up thats as sincere as it is silly.

The second season of Sex Educationlaunches Jan. 17 on Netflix. Stay tuned to THR for additional coverage.

Read the original post:
'Sex Education' Primer: Where Things Left Off and What to Expect From Season 2 - Hollywood Reporter

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

BEAVER COUNTY (KDKA) A new center in Beaver County is focusing on helping the LGBTQ community.

Central Outreach Wellness Center in Aliquippa provides care while trying to break the stigma surrounding HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

The clinic which opened Dec. 16, 2019 is the first of its kind for people in Beaver County, and the third location of its kind in the Pittsburgh region.

Alex Tatangelo, a nurse practitioner for the center, said the new location is in an area that lacks LGBTQ services.

Theres a lot of fear in that community still and theres a lot of fear going into a doctor and talking about things that may be concerning to them, Tatangelo said.

The clinic has STD testing, Hepatitis C care and hormone replacement therapy.

For the LGBTQ community, we offer PrEP, which keeps you protected for acquiring HIV, Tatangelo said. We offer HIV care and primary care for individuals who are already HIV positive.

What makes this center even more unique is it shares office space with the LGBTQ agencies PRISM and Project HOPE.

We are a safe space for LGBTQ youth and their allies to come and be themselves, PRISM founder Jaci Palmer said.

Palmer said her goal is to make LGBTQ youth feel like they matter and cut down on teen suicide.

She says LGBTQ teens are five times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual friends.

And as for David Adkins, whos HIV positive and the founder of Project HOPE, his goal is to create awareness for people impacted by HIV and AIDs.

He does that through outreach, support groups and fundraisers.

Ive lost a lot of friends to HIV and AIDs, and why am I still here? Theres a reason Im here to do what I can do, Adkins said.

Central Outreach Wellness Center has offices in Allegheny and Washington counties.

The center accepts appointments and walk-ins.

Originally posted here:
We Are A Safe Space: Center In Beaver County Aiming To Help LGBTQ Community And Break Stigmas - CBS Pittsburgh

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

WAUSAU, Wis. (WZAW) -- Approaching middle age often brings stress and fear, and if you're a woman, you can be at an increased risk of developing a mental illness like clinical depression and anxiety.

Judy Lemke, a professional counselor and clinical social worker from Behavioral Health Clinic joined the Deep Bench on Thursday to discuss the topic. She said as a woman, you cant escape menopause and it comes with changes both physically and emotionally.

The estrogen levels are the things that decrease the most and fluctuates, but thats not the only hormone that gets out of balance. So does dopamine, cortisol and the feel-good drugs. That can bring about mood changes and can create anxiety and depression.

Lemke said when those changes happen, it can make it very difficult to control your emotions.

The most common, you might feel irritable, you might feel very sad. You might be teary one minute and laughing the next, kind of feel like youre all over the map and not know what to expect, she explained.

Lemke add that its not something that everyone can understand, especially if you arent experiencing the same changes.

She went on to explain that if you have a history of postpartum depression, significant PMS or clinical depression prior to menopause, youre most likely to experience a depressive episode during menopause.

But there doesnt seem to be a real specific, scientific proof that you will become depressed or anxious. And theres a lot of women, about 25% that make it through menopause without any type of effects on their emotions, other than the physical effects.

Excerpt from:
Deep Bench: How aging and menopause in women can impact mental health - WSAW

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

We're taught the basics about the female body in sex ed. But after milestones for women like getting your period and giving birth, many women feel uninformed about the basics of their reproductive system -- especially as they age.

Just like aging is visible outside of your body, many dont realize their internal organs are also going through a transition.

Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News' chief medical correspondent, breaks down four things all women should know about their reproductive system.

"When we look down the road, it should be with optimism and understand that everyone will get through it," Ashton said. "Just like we all got through puberty."

First, its important to understand that the full female reproductive system is more than just the vagina and ovaries.

"Were talking about the whole external and internal urogenital system," Ashton explained, which also includes the bladder, urethra and vulva.

The ovaries are responsible for the production of the hormones estrogen, progesterone and a portion of the bodys testosterone, all of which decrease as a woman approaches menopause.

Estrogen is a major hormone responsible for affecting change in a womans body.

"Everything in the pelvic, genital area is affected by a decrease in estrogen levels," Ashton said. "Dropping estrogen levels are responsible for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, weakening of bones -- you name it and estrogen is likely involved."

A decrease in estrogen levels in the pelvic and genital areas causes the tissues to become weaker and more fragile. This can make this region of the body more susceptible to injury and infection.

Meanwhile, a decrease in progesterone levels can affect mood and also lead to memory loss, while a decrease in testosterone can be related to a decrease in a womans libido.

"A lot of people dont realize that women have testosterone as well," Ashton said. "That drop in testosterone level in a woman is responsible for the dreaded, 'I dont understand why I am gaining weight while Im still exercising and eating well.'"

As the strength and elasticity of muscles in the pelvic region decrease, problems such as incontinence and prolapse of pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus and rectum, may occur. A prolapse is when organs fall down or slip out of place

"Any of those organs can prolapse or protrude through the vagina, in most severe cases, outside of a womans body, but most of the time just into the vagina," Ashton said.

Women who have had many vaginal deliveries can be at higher risk of pelvic organ prolapse, but chronic coughing and obesity are also associated causes. Though women of any age can experience issues related to a weak pelvic floor, it is more common in older women.

"The most common symptom is the sensation of pressure," Ashton explained. "Some women will feel a lot of pelvic pressure and some women might have to urinate more frequently."

She notes that medical devices, such as the Yarlap, can strengthen and tone pelvic floor muscles, helping women regain control over their bladder and work to prevent pelvic organ prolapse.

"One thing women should focus on is the importance of the pelvic floor when it comes to the reproductive system," MaryEllen Reider, co-founder of Yarlap, said. "Its a muscle that hasnt gotten a lot of recognition and women shouldnt be ashamed to talk about any issues."

Menopause is defined as one year without a menstrual period.

According to the Mayo Clinic, menopause can happen in women in their 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51 in the U.S. Ashton explained that factors such as family history, smoking and medical conditions can affect the age when a woman begins through menopause.

Common symptoms leading up to menopause include mood swings, memory loss, hot flashes, an increase in body fat, a decrease in bone density and irregular vaginal bleeding, but not all women will experience all of the symptoms.

"In some women, as they approach menopause, their period will just fade off into the sunset and bleeding will completely stop," Reider said. "In other women, bleeding can become more irregular. In some cases, heavier and closer together. There is really no way to predict, it's very individual."

Although menopause is something many women dread, Ashton said women have something to look forward to.

"For many women it might feel like the worst thing ever, but there are treatments and ways to manage it," she said. "Women are now living a third of their life after menopause and those can be really vital and vibrant years."

Read the original:
What women should know about their reproductive system as they age - ABC News

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

At-home finger pricks used to be synonymous with diabetes. Now, anyone can prick their finger at home to test for virtually any condition they want.

Lab tests and disease screenings historically involve making a doctor's appointment, enduring a couple hours in a clinic and waiting weeks to find out your results. Direct-to-consumer health companies have changed that with mail-order kits that test for everything from Celiac disease to nutrient deficiencies, all with only a finger prick or a saliva sample.

You can test an entire hormone panel to discover the cause behind chronic symptoms -- like daytime fatigue, digestive issues and headaches -- or test for a single compound, such as hbA1c for diabetes.

While you shouldn't use these at-home health tests as a diagnostic tool alone, they can help you avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor if you get negative results -- or spark an informed discussion with your primary care physician if you get positive results.

Remember that these at-home health tests aren't perfect, but the results you get can give you insight to a health concern you've been struggling with. For example, if you've been battling poor sleep and digestive issues, you might have a food intolerance. An at-home allergen-specific test can be the first step in modifying your diet or seeking treatment from a nutrition professional.

With that, we round up eight of the best at-home diagnostic tests for different health concerns.

Chances are you know at least one person who eats a gluten-free diet, whether they have a diagnosed gluten allergy or not. Many people have health concerns about gluten ranging from minor sensitivities to full-blown Celiac disease.

If you suspect you have Celiac disease, the Imaware Celiac Disease Screening Test is a good place to start -- the kit tests for an antibody called tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibody, or tTG-IgA. This enzyme repairs damaged tissues in your body, but people with Celiac disease often make antibodies that destroy tTG-IgA.

At $99, this at-home Celiac screening is likely to be less expensive than visiting a doctor for a Celiac test, depending on your insurance. If you get positive results, you can follow up with a physician. The only caveat -- you'll need to consume gluten regularly leading up to the test, so if you typically have a negative response to foods with gluten, you might endure a few uncomfortable days.

Read more: On a gluten-free diet? This search engine will make life easier

If you often find yourself keeling over and battling cramps after meals -- or dealing with less severe symptoms such as chronic fatigue and joint aches -- you might have food sensitivities to something you eat on a regular basis.

Check for 240 food items with the Test My Allergy Core Test, an allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test. Your body makes IgE antibodies to protect your organs and tissues from viruses, bacteria and allergens -- they look different depending on what they are reacting to, which is how an allergen-specific IgE test can pinpoint what you're allergic to.

Note that you may be better off with a general IgE test that Test My Allergy also offers, which measures the overall level of IgE antibodies in your blood. This is because a high percentage of allergen-specific IgE tests for food intolerances can yield false positives. If you get positive results on either type of at-home test, you should take the results to your primary care doctor for further discussion.

No one enjoys talking about their sexual health, even with a doctor, when things go wrong. If you think you might have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), an at-home test can be a less awkward first step to getting treated.

The Complete 10 kit by LetsGetChecked tests for the 10 most common sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and syphilis. For this test, you'll collect both a blood and urine sample and mail them back on the same day.

If you get positive results for any infection, see a doctor right away to begin treatment. Also, remember that many STDs don't show any symptoms, so don't rely on symptoms as a sign that you need to get tested: If you're at all suspicious, talk to your partner about the possibility of an infection.

The EverlyWell Men's Health Test checks for levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), free testosterone and estradiol, four key hormones that can affect mood, weight and muscle mass, energy and libido in men.

Collect a saliva sample shortly after you wake up and mail the sample back to EverlyWell the same day. You'll get a personalized, physician-reviewed report of your levels of each hormone and how those hormones relate to your current symptoms -- if you've been feeling chronically tired and weak or experiencing a low sex drive, for example, this test can help pinpoint what's wrong.

Via a finger prick and saliva sample, the EverlyWell Women's Health Test checks for 10 hormones thought to affect energy, mood, weight, fertility, sex drive, sleep, skin health, muscle and joint health, headaches, bloating and indigestion, hair health and more in women.

At $399, it's not a cheap kit, but it could help you discover if wacky hormone levels are the culprit behind your daily fatigue, poor concentration or other symptoms. And a full hormone panel at a doctor's office might cost you upwards of $1,000 depending on your insurance.

When your report comes back with information about your hormones and what the detected levels mean, you can decide whether it's worth seeing a professional about your symptoms in person.

Hormones aren't the only things that can cause seemingly unexplained fatigue, disturbed sleep, low libido or poor productivity. If you aren't getting enough essential vitamins and minerals from your food, nutrient deficiencies can spur those same symptoms.

This Nutritional Deficiency Test from 5Strands looks for 115 nutrients with a hair analysis, an incredibly accurate method of testing often used for DNA and drug tests. You'll find out if you're deficient in any amino acids, fatty acids, trace minerals and vitamins, as well as certain hormones (like melatonin) and compounds that affect your metabolism.

This comprehensive at-home hormone panel tests for five hormones, but what's more interesting is that it tests for your cortisol levels in the morning, afternoon, evening and night. Cortisol is often called the "stress hormone" because of its known role in physiological stress -- cortisol surges when you undergo a fight-or-flight response, but it's also important for exercise responses, controlling blood sugar, regulating your metabolism and balancing inflammation.

Cortisol naturally fluctuates throughout the day, but if you have unexplained symptoms at certain times during the day or night, the HealthConfirm Hormone Vitality Complete test can help uncover the cause. For example, cortisol levels should naturally reduce to their lowest at night. If you can't sleep -- and you know it's not caused by too much blue light or other sleep-disturber -- unusually high nighttime cortisol could be the offender.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

See the article here:
8 at-home health kits to test for Celiac disease, fertility and more - CNET

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Theyre not at home, she said. They are not sleeping well, because things are buzzing and bumping at night. Theyre loaded up with a whole bunch of medicines. Its not a restful place to be.

That disorientating, sleep-depriving atmosphere likely is the reason that hospitals and intensive care units in particular are common places for the phenomenon known as sundowners syndrome, said Greminger, an Essentia Health internist and faculty member at the University of Minnesota Medical Schools Duluth campus.

Also known as sundown syndrome, sundowning syndrome or just plain sundowning, its the emergence or worsening of agitation (or) other types of potentially problematic, challenging behaviors that occur in the late afternoon or early evening, said Joseph Gaugler, director of the School of Public Health Center on Aging at the University of Minnesota.

Some of the behaviors can include confusion, anxiety, aggression, ignoring directions and pacing or wandering, according to Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester whose specialties include Alzheimers disease and dementia.

Sundowning is by far most common among people who have forms of cognitive impairment or dementia, the experts said, although it doesnt necessarily accompany dementia.

Sometimes we hear from patients and their families that sundowning was one of the earliest symptoms, Graff-Radford said. Patients who have "dementia with Lewy bodies" seem to be particularly susceptible, he added.

It often does, the experts say. Also, its very common in older adults who are living in nursing homes or assisted living, Greminger said.

The unfamiliar surroundings seem to be a trigger.

Any change in environment, whether it be a hospitalization or a move to a new living environment, can prompt this, Graff-Radford said.

The short answer: No one knows. Theres actually not much research on sundowning, Gaugler said.

Some theorize that its a disorder in the circadian rhythm, Greminger said. Another theory in the early stages, Gaugler said, is that its related to the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) and its production of the stress hormone known as cortisol.

Again, the answer isnt known. According to Alzheimers Association data from 2006, anywhere from 2.4 to 25% of patients with Alzheimers also have sundowners, Greminger said.

Its certainly a well-known, if not well-understood, phenomenon.

I would say every hospitalist has seen it, Greminger said. Its not uncommon.

No. Sundowning syndrome is exactly that, Gaugler said. Its this unique pattern of symptoms that happens at that time late in the afternoon, earlier in the evening.

But its similar to delirium, Greminger said. Delirium, which isnt limited by time of day, is a confused state that may be induced by medical treatment.

Delirium tends to be brief; hours or days, she said. Its not a long-term pattern. It fluctuates during the course of the day.

Patients symptoms often do diminish when they return home to a familiar environment, Graff-Radford said. But maybe they dont get quite back to where they were before.

Its important to not just assume the problem will go away when your loved one comes home, Gaugler said. I dont think its as simple as well get them out of the hospital and well get them home; its all great, he said. There does need to be some ongoing care management.

Hospitals should try to help patients achieve somewhat normal sleep patterns, Greminger said. Maybe not doing labs during the middle of the night; not taking vital signs during the middle of the night.

She disagrees with telling patients to leave their glasses and their hearing aids at home.

Im not going to say that hospitals or nursing facilities have never lost them, Greminger said. That happens. But in reality, having those things, having the ability to hear like you would at home, having the ability to see like you would at home, having proper adaptation reduces the risk.

Research suggests melatonin therapy, light therapy and moderate exercise may have benefits for those with sundowners, Gaugler said.

So can turning off TVs in the evening.

Ive been in many nursing homes where the TVs always on blasting through dinnertime and such, and these kinds of distractions I dont think are helpful for behaviors and people with memory loss, he said.

Both Greminger and Gaugler gave two thumbs down to antipsychotic medications, at least as a first line of treatment.

They have a number of very adverse effects and consequences, Gaugler said. Too often theyll be used as chemical restraints by nursing homes. Thats not good for the quality of life, and its not good for the person.

If you can place familiar objects in the room such as pictures of family members, you can lower the risk of your loved one developing sundowners while in the hospital or nursing facility, Graff-Radford said.

Or bring yourself.

Having someone familiar around them could be very helpful, Greminger said.

Also, Graff-Radford said, if you have a loved one with dementia who is going into the hospital for even a routine procedure, you should make sure the medical team is aware of the dementia diagnosis.

Read this article:
Why late afternoon, evening in hospitals can be the worst time of day - Brainerd Dispatch

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) I remember distinctly the moment I first told my wife we were moving to Indianapolis for a great new opportunity at WTHR. There was elation, followed by her biggest concern the weather!

Even though my wife was born and spent some of her youth in the Midwest, she quickly grew tired of the cold, overcast skies and snow. We were probably spoiled after spending years in the south, between stops in Texas and South Carolina. We both crave sun and warmth, but the reality is, we love Indiana!

So how do you overcome living in the Midwest during December through March?

Well, psychologists have diagnosed it as "Seasonal Affective Disorder," or "SAD" for short.

Experts define it as a type of depression related to the change in seasons. For most, the symptoms typically start in late fall and continue through winter.

Typical symptoms include:

However, there is hope.

I spoke to Dr. Danielle Henderson, a clinical psychologist with IU Health, about ways to cope. Some of the tips are simple enough: get outside, take a walk, sit by a window if it's too cold to go out, make plans or make yourself go out with family and friends. She says if those don't do the trick, then it's definitely time to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to talk about your mood and symptoms.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most experts say that shorter days and less daylight in winter cause a chemical change in our brain. The sleep hormone melatonin might play a part too. Doctors say the body makes more melatonin when it's dark, and since it's darker longer in winter, you may have more melatonin in your system, which could cause some fatigue. The brain chemical serotonin could play a part too. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in it, which could cause depression.

If they deem you do indeed have SAD, then obviously there are medications, even mild anti-depressants that can be prescribed, according to Dr. Henderson.

"With Seasonal Affective Disorder, we might notice these symptoms kind of staying around a little bit later into the winter and then hopefully starting to improve around the springtime when our weather and seasonal changes do happen," Dr. Henderson said.

However, she said if symptoms still last through spring and summer, then speaking to a trained professional is paramount. Also, if a friend, family member or co-worker comes to you to talk about their concern, they may have SAD. Dr. Henderson said to be sensitive to that. Listen to them. Be a support system. Offer counsel.

For Christine Winger of Fishers, she admits she's suffered from the winter blues since early adulthood.

She's never been diagnosed with SAD, but she definitely notices change this time of year.

"It really hits January, February," Winger said.

Winger is a school counselor at Carmel Middle School, so she's not shy about opening up regarding her mood in the winter time and how the the change of season affects her.

"The lack of sun, lack of being able to get outside...I've noticed that I've just struggled with like lower energy levels. I feel like I'm more irritable," Winger said.

Experts estimate SAD impacts about 10 million Americans. They say another 10 percent to 20 percent may have mild SAD, which is most likely the category Winger and my wife fit in.

Research shows SAD is four times more common in women than in men. So, Winger has found ways to cope with the winter blues that work for her.

"Definitely running and exercise is the biggest thing that helps me get through it," Winger said.

She runs at least a mile a day. It's a challenge she enjoys. It gets her outside, breathing fresh air and sometimes, the sun is even out!

Dr. Henderson agrees that's a great way to conquer the winter blues but knows that each case can be unique.

Find healthy and safe ways that work for you!

Again, it's important to remember to never be afraid to talk to someone.

Remember, we at WTHR are proud partners with Community Health Network. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, you can find resources for assistance by clicking here.

Excerpt from:
Beating the 'Winter Blues' - WTHR

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

The more sex you have in middle age, the later youll enter the menopause. Thats about the gist of recent headlines after a new study, that followed 3,000 middle aged women for a decade, found those having weekly sex went through the menopause later than those having it less than once a month.

One of the study authors, Megan Arnot, who is studying for a PhD at University College London, said of the studys findings:Theres a use it or lose it kind of thing going on.

However,as a menopause doctor, I think we should take these findings with a pinch of salt. Partly because the study involved questioning women about their sex lives, which always raises the question of how truthful and accurate the answers are. And secondly because the issue of menopause and sex is such a complex one.

Rather than weekly sex delaying the menopause, it could be that women who are in the early stages of the menopause start to have less sex. And this could be for several reasons.

None of the women who took part in the study had yet entered the menopause. However, 46per cent were beginning to experience symptoms, such as changes in their period and hot flushes, which means they were very likely to be perimenopausal, which is the transitional stage leading up to the menopause. Oestrogen and testosterone, two hormones that begin to dip as you approach the menopause and then decline as you go through it,can bevery important for self esteem, self worth, weight gain, and body image. Which, as every woman knows, are very important when it comes to how much sex you feel like having.

See the rest here:
The truth about sex and the menopause, by a menopause doctor - Telegraph.co.uk

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

The Fulton County Health Department has scheduled the following health clinics and services.

CANTON The Fulton County Health Department has scheduled the following health clinics and services. Please call the number listed with each service for an appointment or more information.

Maternal child health: Health screenings, WIC nutrition education and supplemental food coupons for women, infants and children. To make an appointment or for more information call 647-1134 (ext. 254). For Astoria clinic appointments call 329-2922.

Canton - Clinic - Monday, Jan 13 - 8-4 - Appt needed

Canton - WIC Nutrition Education - Tuesday, Jan 14 - 8-4 - Appt needed

Canton - Clinic/Immunizations - Wednesday, Jan 15 - 8-4 - Appt needed

Astoria - Clinic, WIC Nutrition Educ. - Wednesday, Jan 15 - 9-3 - Appt needed

Canton - Clinic - Thursday, Jan 16 - 8-4 - Appt needed

Adult Health Immunizations: Various vaccines are available. There is a fee for immunization administration. Medicaid cards are accepted. To make an appointment or for more information call 647-1134 (ext. 254).

Canton - Immunizations - Wednesday, Jan 15 - 8-4 Appt needed

Other times available by special arrangement at Canton, Cuba and Astoria.

Blood Lead Screening: Blood lead screenings are available for children ages one to six years. A fee is based on income. To make an appointment or for more information call 647-1134 (ext. 254). For Astoria appointments call 329-2922.

Canton - Clinic - Wednesday, Jan 15 - 8-4 - Appt needed

Family Planning: Confidential family planning services are available by appointment at the Canton office for families and males of child-bearing age. Services provided include physical exams, pap smears, sexually transmitted disease testing, contraceptive methods, pregnancy testing, education and counseling. Services are available to individuals of all income levels. Fees are based on a sliding fee scale with services provided at no charge to many clients. Medicaid and many insurances are accepted. After hours appointments are available. To make an appointment or for more information call the 647-1134 (ext. 244). *Program funding includes a grant from the US DHHS Title X.

Pregnancy testing: Confidential urine pregnancy testing is available at the Canton and Astoria offices. This service is available to females of all income levels. A nominal fee is charged. No appointment is needed. A first morning urine specimen should be collected for optimal testing and brought to the health department. Services are provided on a walk-in basis on the following days each week:

Canton: Every Wednesday & Thursday, 8-3:30 (for more information call 647-1134 ext. 244)

Astoria: Every Wednesday, 9-2:30 (for more information call 329-2922)

Womens Health: A womens clinic for pap tests, clinical breast examinations and vaginal examinations is available by appointment. There is a nominal fee for this service. Medicaid cards are accepted. Financial assistance is available for a mammogram. Cardiovascular screenings may be available to age and income eligible women. To make an appointment or for more information call 647-1134 (ext. 244).

Mammograms: Age and income eligible women may receive mammograms at no charge. Speakers are available to provide information to clubs and organizations. For more information or to apply for financial assistance, call 647-1134 (ext. 254).

Mens Health: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests are available for men for a fee. To make an appointment or for more information call 647-1134 (ext. 224).

Canton - Clinic - Monday, Jan 13 - 8-12 - Appt needed

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Clinic: Confidential STD and HIV testing services are available by appointment to males and females at the Canton office. Services include physical exams to identify STDs, a variety of STD testing, HIV testing, education, counseling, medications and condoms. There is a nominal fee for services. Services are available to individuals of all income levels. Medicaid cards are accepted. To make an appointment or for more information call 746-1134 (ext. 224).

HIV Testing and Counseling: Confidential HIV testing and counseling services are available by appointment through the sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic at the Canton office. To make an appointment or for more information call 647-1134 (ext. 224).

Tuberculosis (TB) Testing: TB skin tests are available at no charge by appointment. To make an appointment or for more information call 647-1134 (ext. 254).

Blood Pressure Screenings: The Fulton County Health Department provides blood pressure screenings at no charge on a walk-in basis during the following times:

Canton - Screening - Monday, Jan 13 - 8-4 - Walk in/Room 108

Cuba - Screening - Monday, Jan 13 - 8-12 - Walk in

Astoria - Screening - Wednesday, Jan 15 - 9-12 - Walk in

Health Watch Wellness Program: The Health Watch Program provides low cost lab services. Through this program adults can obtain venous blood draws for a variety of blood tests. Blood tests offered without a doctors order Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), Complete Blood Count (CBC), Lipid Panel, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, Hepatitis C test, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). A wide variety of blood tests are also available with a doctors order. There is a charge at the time of service. To make an appointment or for more information call 647-1134 (ext. 254).

Canton - Clinic - Monday, Jan 13 - 8-12 - Appt needed

Dental Services: The Dental Center offers a variety of basic dental services to children and adults. An appointment is needed. Medicaid and Kid Care cards are accepted. To make an appointment or for more information call 647-1134 (ext. 292).

Link:
Health Department announces services for the week of Jan 13 - Canton Daily Ledger

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith