�The inability of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to carry knocked out its mandate with respect to simple, low-tech products such as children's jewelry and toy trains bodes poorly for its ability to supervise the safety of complex, high-tech products made exploitation nanotechnology, according to a new story released by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN).
Two nanotech products under the jurisdiction of the CPSC are existence used in the Olympic Games in Beijing - a geminate of running shoes and a swimsuit. The products can be found in PEN's consumer product inventory (http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/consumer/), which immediately contains more than 800 manufacturer-identified, nanotechnology-enabled items.
"The means lacks the budget, the statutory authority and the scientific expertise to assure the hundreds of nanoproducts now on the securities industry, among them baby bottleful nipples, babe teething rings, paints, waxes, kitchenware and appliances, are safe. This problem will only exacerbate as more than sophisticated nanotechnology-based products begin to enter the consumer market," argues E. Marla Felcher, world Health Organization teaches at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and is the generator of the report, The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Nanotechnology. The theme is available at: http://www.nanotechproject.org/n/CPSC/.
The CPSC is charged with protecting the public against unreasonable risks of combat injury or end associated with consumer products. More than 15,000 consumer goods fall under the CPSC's jurisdiction, including toys and baby products, sports equipment, fitness equipment, home improvement and garden equipment, clothing, appliances, electronics and computers. The consumer product inventory maintained by PEN indicates that nanotechnology has already found its way into every unmatchable of these product categories.
"During the strike of 2007, many Americans faced a hazard in their products that had been prohibited for 30 years - lead. As millions of children's toys coated with lead paint were recalled, it became clear that government lapse had failed, and that the CPSC, the means primarily responsible for the oversight of these toys, was stretched too thin from long time of disuse, underfunding and the challenges posed by an increasingly global manufacturing system," says PEN Director David Rejeski. "It is against this background that we need to expect the head: Is the CPSC adequately prepared to deal with nanotechnology, which is now associated with more than 800 manufacturer-identified consumer products ranging from infant pacifiers to paints to appliances to clothing?"
The release of PEN's new report comes on the heels of the united States President signing legislating that eliminates lead in toys and either for good or temporarily bans half a dozen types of phthalates in children's products, which are under the CPSC's jurisdiction. Phthalates ar a full family of chemicals primarily used to make vinyl group soft and flexible and are launch in thousands of products including toys, garden hoses, wiring and cables, construction materials, flooring, automotive interiors and medical devices.
Felcher's report identifies many similarities betwixt the issues raised by phthalates and nanomaterials: many of the same products that contain phthalates ar now being made with nanomaterials (e.g., infants' pacifiers and teething rings); both phthalates and nanomaterials can enrol the human body through multiple pathways, such as the lungs or digestive tract; and jurisdiction over phthalates in the United States, like jurisdiction over nanomaterials, is spread over multiple agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food & Drug Administration.
But despite these similarities, phthalates and nanomaterials dissent in two important respects, Felcher says. First, phthalates have been the guinea pig of thousands of scientific studies documenting their effect on the health of animals and humans - some demonstrating a link between the chemicals and decreased spermatozoan count and sexual malformation in boys - while little is known around possible chronic hazards associated with nanomaterials. Second, nanomaterials are scientifically far more diverse than phthalates, increasing the complexness involved in understanding their toxicology.
"It took decades of research before lawmakers base the political will to keep lead and phthalates out of toys. It could take a identical long time to inquiry and secure that potentially dangerous nanomaterials are unbroken out, to a fault," says Rejeski.
The new PEN report includes a number of recommendations Felcher believes will help the CPSC to ameliorate its supervising of nanomaterials in consumer products, including:
Building the CPSC's nanotechnology knowledge base and expertness.
Identifying companies and industries that are currently fabrication nanoproducts and request that they submit research studies, risk assessment data and any data they possess that will enable the CPSC scientists to assess nanoproduct base hit.
Urging Congress to remedy the Consumer Product Safety Act to give the CPSC the authority to require manufacturers to name any nanomaterials in their products.
Encouraging Congress to adopt a section Consumer Product Safety Act measure recommended by the National Commission on Product Safety in its 1970 Final Report, which would consecrate the CPSC the authority to promulgate safety standards for "new" consumer products based on new and emerging technologies, including nanotechnology.
About Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the ability to measuring stick, see, manipulate and manufacture things ordinarily between one and 100 nanometers. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter; a human hair is close to 100,000 nanometers wide-cut. In 2007, the ball-shaped market for nanotechnology-based products totaled $147 billion. Lux Research projects that figure will grow to $3.1 billion by 2015.
The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies is an initiative launched by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and The Pew Charitable Trusts in 2005. It is dedicated to helping business, government and the public previse and wield possible wellness and environmental implications of nanotechnology. For more data about the project, log on to http://www.nanotechproject.org/.
The Pew Charitable Trusts (http://www.pewtrusts.org/) is a national charitable organization helping the world interest by informing the public, forward policy solutions and supporting civic sprightliness. Based in Philadelphia, with an office in Washington, DC, the Trusts invested $248 gazillion in financial year 2007 to offer organizations with fact-based research and practical solutions for challenging issues.
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is the living, national memorial to President Wilson established by Congress in 1968 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center establishes and maintains a neutral forum for free, open, and informed dialog. It is a nonpartizan institution, supported by world and private funds and engaged in the study of national and international affairs.
Source: Julia Moore
Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies
More info
Sunday, 24 August 2008
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Study Shows Benefits Of A High Omega 3 Diet In Older Adults
�A study conducted by
Phoenix-based Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI) found that a dieting
high in omega-3 fat improves insulin sensitivity and reduces seditious
markers, simply does non alter hormone responsiveness. This study was
recently promulgated in Hormones and Metabolic Research.
"As we years, hormone secretion and cell responsiveness drop-off,
possibly due to loss of cell membrane fluidity or modification of the
membrane," said Dr. S. Mitchell Harman, MD, PhD, Director and President of
Kronos Longevity Research Institute. "Animal studies have shown that
omega-3 fatty acids may help hormone signals get into cells whose cell
membrane has been stiffened by age."
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in certain
natural foods, such as fish, especially salmon and tunny. They ar known to
help protect against heart disease. KLRI examined the effects of a diet
high in omega-3 fatty acids on the loss of normal hormone balance that
occurs during normal aging. KLRI recruited hands and women over the age of 60
to investigate whether a high omega-3 butterball acid diet would amend their
ductless gland function.
"It is possible to achieve significant changes in the fat molecules in
cell membranes later relatively light periods of changes in one's diet,"
said Panayiotis D. Tsitouras, MD, Clinical Director at KLRI. "We wanted to
see if we could improve mental function, internal secretion levels at rest and/or
under emphasis, and immune function, toward a pattern more like that of
younger individuals."
In this study, all participants were given a conventional Western diet
with defined fat and daily intake of olive/corn crude mix for six weeks. For
the next ogdoad weeks, participants were situated on a high omega-3 content
pisces diet with additional subjunction of fish oil, high in omega-3 fatty acid
polyunsaturated fat. This study had administered the highest known level of
omega-3 than previous studies.
During the utmost week, tissue layer fatty acids were metric on each diet.
Insulin sensitivity was also assessed. The results showed that in a diet
with a high intake of omega-3, triglycerides were rock-bottom in women and free
fatty acids were reduced in hands. Serum C-reactive protein was also decreased
with a high omega-3 diet. No changes were found in metabolic parameters or
internal secretion responses.
"We concluded that a diet high in omega-3 increases insulin sensitiveness
and reduces inflammatory markers," said Harman. "However, it did non alter
endocrine responsiveness after eight weeks."
These findings are consistent with other studies that have base that
diets high in omega-3 and/or omega-3 supplements have anti-inflammatory drug
benefits. Omega-3 fats ar abundant in Japanese and Mediterranean diets,
and are believed to contribute to low warmness disease rates in those regions.
"Clearly, a diet rich in omega-3 fats is good to one's heart
wellness," said Tsitouras. "This study along with similar studies in the
future testament shed new light and pave the way for preventative measures for
pump disease."
About Kronos Longevity Research Institute
Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI) is a not-for-profit,
501(c)(3) organization that conducts state of the art clinical
translational research on the bar of age-related diseases and the
propagation of healthier human life. KLRI tests new strategies to detect and
prevent chronic diseases associated with aging and investigates the effects
of innovative interventions to slow the ripening process and improve wellness
outcomes for older persons. In plus, KLRI helps the aesculapian and place
communities see important aging issues. KLRI research findings
support a healthier caliber of life and a robust life-style in our senior
age. For more information, see http://www.kronosinstitute.org.
Kronos Longevity Research Institute
http://www.kronosinstitute.org
More info
Phoenix-based Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI) found that a dieting
high in omega-3 fat improves insulin sensitivity and reduces seditious
markers, simply does non alter hormone responsiveness. This study was
recently promulgated in Hormones and Metabolic Research.
"As we years, hormone secretion and cell responsiveness drop-off,
possibly due to loss of cell membrane fluidity or modification of the
membrane," said Dr. S. Mitchell Harman, MD, PhD, Director and President of
Kronos Longevity Research Institute. "Animal studies have shown that
omega-3 fatty acids may help hormone signals get into cells whose cell
membrane has been stiffened by age."
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in certain
natural foods, such as fish, especially salmon and tunny. They ar known to
help protect against heart disease. KLRI examined the effects of a diet
high in omega-3 fatty acids on the loss of normal hormone balance that
occurs during normal aging. KLRI recruited hands and women over the age of 60
to investigate whether a high omega-3 butterball acid diet would amend their
ductless gland function.
"It is possible to achieve significant changes in the fat molecules in
cell membranes later relatively light periods of changes in one's diet,"
said Panayiotis D. Tsitouras, MD, Clinical Director at KLRI. "We wanted to
see if we could improve mental function, internal secretion levels at rest and/or
under emphasis, and immune function, toward a pattern more like that of
younger individuals."
In this study, all participants were given a conventional Western diet
with defined fat and daily intake of olive/corn crude mix for six weeks. For
the next ogdoad weeks, participants were situated on a high omega-3 content
pisces diet with additional subjunction of fish oil, high in omega-3 fatty acid
polyunsaturated fat. This study had administered the highest known level of
omega-3 than previous studies.
During the utmost week, tissue layer fatty acids were metric on each diet.
Insulin sensitivity was also assessed. The results showed that in a diet
with a high intake of omega-3, triglycerides were rock-bottom in women and free
fatty acids were reduced in hands. Serum C-reactive protein was also decreased
with a high omega-3 diet. No changes were found in metabolic parameters or
internal secretion responses.
"We concluded that a diet high in omega-3 increases insulin sensitiveness
and reduces inflammatory markers," said Harman. "However, it did non alter
endocrine responsiveness after eight weeks."
These findings are consistent with other studies that have base that
diets high in omega-3 and/or omega-3 supplements have anti-inflammatory drug
benefits. Omega-3 fats ar abundant in Japanese and Mediterranean diets,
and are believed to contribute to low warmness disease rates in those regions.
"Clearly, a diet rich in omega-3 fats is good to one's heart
wellness," said Tsitouras. "This study along with similar studies in the
future testament shed new light and pave the way for preventative measures for
pump disease."
About Kronos Longevity Research Institute
Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI) is a not-for-profit,
501(c)(3) organization that conducts state of the art clinical
translational research on the bar of age-related diseases and the
propagation of healthier human life. KLRI tests new strategies to detect and
prevent chronic diseases associated with aging and investigates the effects
of innovative interventions to slow the ripening process and improve wellness
outcomes for older persons. In plus, KLRI helps the aesculapian and place
communities see important aging issues. KLRI research findings
support a healthier caliber of life and a robust life-style in our senior
age. For more information, see http://www.kronosinstitute.org.
Kronos Longevity Research Institute
http://www.kronosinstitute.org
More info
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Anthony Green's solo work recharges Circa Survive
Circa Survive frontman and singer/songwriter Anthony Green [ ] is preparing for some life history firsts this week, with today's (8/5) release of a debut solo album, "Avalon," and the launch of a US headlining tour that includes 32 cities and kicks off Wednesday (8/6).
Best known as the passionate, androgynous-voiced pencil lead singer for the Philadelphia-based progressive rock candy unit Circa Survive and, prior to that, Saosin, Green aforesaid "Avalon" is a selection of 11 songs that he wrote over the past decennary.
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"This was the first gear time I had a chance to [make my own record]. It seemed like Circa was approach up on a break (one of the first since the band started in 2004), and everybody in the band matte like they needed it; and I didn't feel like I needed it at all," he explained, from his hometown in Doylestown, PA, just a few years before his album release and enlistment.
Although "Avalon" is his first official solo effort, Green has performed gigs on his own in the past, including one at this year's SXSW festival in Austin, TX; so when it came to choosing songs for the record, having enough material wasn't a job.
"I had a pretty good list [of songs], but I don't cerebrate I even made an actual list to record until the day earlier. I had practiced stuff and had ideas, merely there are actually a bunch of songs that I didn't get to record because they weren't as highly-developed as everything else." While Green opted out of releasing some of the songs, he plans to play them on this tour, to prep them for succeeding recordings.
Green admitted that, overall, "Avalon" came together rather easily, compared to working with his striation, who, to date, have two major-label records.
"Writing the music with Circa is a huge collaboration, with basketball team dudes having their say and hands in everything--whereas, with this, I call all the shots. If somebody's like, 'That sounds too repetitive, you pauperization to variety that verse,' I can just be like, 'Yeah, well, I didn't want to,'" he said, with a chortle. "Like, if I idea it wasn't good and I treasured to sing it over again, I did. It's kind of nice to make something that you're not checking in with anyone else to see if it's cool or not. It's gracious to be able to do any the f you want.
"This stuff is way easier for me than Circa stuff. I take a less unquiet approach to everything than the reside of the dudes in my band do. Like, if I feel just about something, that's it. I don't second-guess it. That inherent aptitude has gotten so much stronger with doing this project. I think I see it meshing and melting into everybody else in Circa."
Proof of that meshing is the fact that connexion Green on tour will be Circa Survive guitar player Brendan Ekstrom and bassist Nick Beard. "They both asked me if they could number on the tour, and I was like, 'F--- yeah!' We motive a bass part player anyway and Brendan's playing guitar. I feel like everybody is getting inspired by everybody else right nowadays. It's a really good vibe in the Circa house right now."
Green aforementioned that, in addition to being a musical change over, "Avalon" will alter his live performance style, which has become a trademark mix of tip-toe passion and enchanting, fluid dance moves. Aside from the sheer nature of the music, this change is also attributed to the fact that Green will be acting guitar in addition to singing.
"I've gotten better at guitar over the years. I'm still non very good at all," he aforesaid, half-jokingly. "I think these songs nominate me
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