Monthly Archives: October 2010

Natural Ways of Reducing Bad Cholesterol Levels

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A group of researchers found that eating 45 grams of dark chocolate in a day for a period of 16 weeks can potentially reduce the cholesterols levels of diabetic patients.

Understanding Bad Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterols in the body: the good and bad. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is referred to as bad cholesterol since high levels of LDL results to a higher risk of developing coronary and cardiovascular diseases. It interferes with healthy blood flow by sticking on artery walls and forming a thick and hard cholesterol plaque. This narrows the blood passages in a process called atherosclerosis.

There’s a good type of cholesterol, on the other hand, that is essential in preventing and reversing the adverse effects of LDL accumulation by extracting the bad cholesterol from the walls of the artery and removing them from the body through the liver. The body needs to have more of the good cholesterol in order to function properly. Good cholesterol is responsible for promoting the fluidity and permeability of membranes and it is also essential in the manufacturing of bile acids that breaks down fats and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin D and vitamin A.

A person’s bad cholesterol level is greatly influenced by his diet and hereditary condition. Eating foods with high contents of saturated fats will result to the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the blood. Rich sources of saturated fats are dairy products and meat. Vegetable oils from cocoa, palm and coconut are also rich in saturated fats. There is a specific health condition which may result to high LDL levels despite minimal intake of saturated fats. This is called familial hypercholesterolemia which literally means more cholesterol in the blood. It can be inherited and is usually brought about by the lack of cholesterol receptors in the cells of the liver. Note that the liver is responsible for the processing of LDL cholesterols. This condition can result to atherosclerosis and other coronary diseases in early adulthood. High cholesterol levels have also been linked by different studies to diabetes.

There will always be a natural way of reducing the risk of health conditions such as coronary diseases and diabetes. Medical experts will always recommend healthy diet and active lifestyle on top of anything else. A group of researchers from the Hull York Medical School of the University of Hull found that eating one of our most favorite bitter-sweet treats can reduce the cholesterol levels of diabetic patients.

Dark Chocolate against High Cholesterol in Diabetics

An Overview

A group of researchers from the Hull York Medical School published a study in Diabetic Medicine saying that dark chocolate has the capacity to lower cholesterol levels in people suffering from diabetes. Their findings may sound incongruous but they have found that eating 45 grams of dark chocolate reduced the cholesterol levels of 12 diabetic participants in a study period of 4 months. The head of the research team and professor of diabetes and endocrinology, Steve Atkins, said that their study demonstrated that dark chocolate can result to the reduction of cardiovascular risk caused by insulin resistance and being overweight. The 12 participants had type 2 diabetes, a condition wherein cells are weakly responsive to insulin naturally produced by the body.

The Benefits of Polyphenols

The researchers linked the positive results of their study to polyphenols found in cocoa. This compound has a powerful anti-inflammatory property, making it a strong and effective antioxidant. As its natural function, polyphenols protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which causes it to become glued to artery walls, causing atherosclerosis. A person can maintain high levels of polyphenols in the body by eating foods rich in polyphenols; topping the list is cacao alongside green tea and wine. The researchers suggested for chocolate manufacturers to create smaller packages of dark chocolate bars in order to give individuals with diabetes a better way to manage their intake of polyphenol-rich chocolates and so they can better take advantage of its benefits in lowering their blood cholesterol levels.

The Methodology and Results

The researchers recruited a group of 12 diabetic patients and gave them 3 bars of 15-gram dark chocolate bars per day for a period of 16 weeks. The chocolate bars contained 85 percent cocoa and other placebo bars did not have any cocoa content and was only dyed to achieve the same color as dark chocolate. They said that the bars were no bigger than a banana and, unlike the usual way of eating a banana, the bars were eaten at different points of the day. The researchers also said that dark chocolate has a low glycaemic index which related to the release of glucose into the blood stream from sugars.

Though the researchers used a very small group, the participants did not report any increase in weight nor did they experience problems in controlling their blood sugar levels brought by their existing health condition. They said that the study is only a preliminary of more and bigger studies to come and they will be releasing more information regarding their findings in the following days.

Foods against Bad Cholesterol

The body’s bad cholesterol level is a major health concern. High levels of bad cholesterol in the body may result to coronary problems and other serious health problems. But eating the right kind of foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help in managing cholesterol levels and promoting a healthier body.

  • The body needs soluble fiber in order to sweep out saturated fats which can increase the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Soluble fiber can be found in oatmeal, prunes, barley, pears apples and kidney beans. Including some of the fiber-rich foods in ones daily diet can reduce the risk of developing diseases caused by bad cholesterol.

  • Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, lake trout and mackerel can also help in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing blood pressure by preventing the clotting of the blood and the accumulation of bad cholesterol on the walls of the arteries.

  • Almonds, walnuts and other kinds of nuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids which helps maintain the smooth passage of blood through the blood vessels and reduce blood cholesterol levels. Eating around 43 grams of nuts can lower the risk of developing heart diseases according to the Food and Drug Administration. But keep in mind that nuts are packed with calories so eating a handful can be enough.

  • Other foods that can lower bad cholesterol levels are those fortified with plant sterols like yogurt drinks, orange juice and margarine. Eating at least 2 grams of plant sterols through rich food sources can lower LDL cholesterol by more than 10 percent.

Sources:
nutraingredients.com
medicinenet.com
raysahelian.com
mayoclinic.com
webmd.com

Discuss this post in Frank Mangano’s forum!

Tips on Arthritis and Obesity Prevention

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A study showed that obesity can increase the risk of developing arthritis.

Obesity is a global problem and is thought to be second to smoking as one of the contributory cause of cancer. It is a medical condition associated with the excessive storage of body fat which can lead to serious health conditions and reduced life expectancy. A body mass index above 30 kilograms per square meter is considered obese. The list of common health conditions that are induced and intensified by obesity include some types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

There are several factors that cause obesity. In a nutshell, the consumption of a greater number of calories than what the body burns results to the disproportionate storage of fat. An unhealthy diet and an inactive lifestyle are two of the primary causes of obesity and obviously, the best recommended cure is the modification of one’s diet and increased physical activity. Among the chronic conditions caused by obesity is arthritis.

The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published on October 8 stated that arthritis limits the physical activity of over 21 million people. Obesity is now being linked to arthritis and the study showed that an excess in weight serves as a hindrance to having healthy joints basically because it affects joint movement. And according to the report, unless Americans learn to control their weight, the prevalence of arthritis will remain on the rise. Just like obesity, arthritis is a major public health problem that can be effectively prevented through weight management which includes increased physical activities, diet modification, and proper education.

The Link between Obesity and Arthritis

The National Health Interview Survey for the year 2007 to 2009 indicated that more than 22 percent of adults aged 18 and above are diagnosed with arthritis. This is an equivalent of almost 50 million people. More than 21 million people in this group had reported limited body movements and decreased physical activities. In the population suffering from obesity, on the other hand, more than 33 percent of women and over 25 percent of men have arthritis. This is more than twice of the arthritis prevalence in people with normal or below normal weight, with almost 14 percent in men and about 19 percent in women.

Though the prevalence of arthritis is commonly linked to a person’s age, issues such as lifestyle, physical activity, weight, and even educational attainment are also some of the factors that can increase the risk. The report also showed that the limitations in physical activities that cause arthritis are caused by the ageing population and rising rates of obesity.

The ageing population and increasing prevalence of obesity are expected to increase the rates of developing arthritis in the next 20 years according to the report. The expected number of adults with arthritis can go up as much as 67 million by 2010. The other findings of the study showed that more than 24 percent of women and 18 percent of men were surveyed with doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Almost 22 percent of the survey participants whose educational attainment was less than a high school diploma had arthritis, comparatively higher than the 20 percent of people who spent a few years in college. In addition to this, almost 24 percent of people with sedentary lifestyle have arthritis, a lot lesser than the 19 percent who engaged in increased physical activities.

The survey participants were asked if they were diagnosed with any form of arthritis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, gout or fibromyalgia by a medical expert. According to the report, arthritis results to an annual cost of $128 billion on a national scale and the condition is one of the common causes of disability. The risk of getting knee osteoarthritis is more than 60 percent in obese individuals. The report also suggested that even an 11-pound reduction in weight can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by 50 percent and mortality rate also by half.

Tips to Prevent Obesity

Obesity and arthritis can come hand in hand. This suggests that one of the best ways to prevent the development of obesity is by properly managing weight. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone: you are avoiding obesity and at the same time reducing the risk of developing arthritis.

It needs to be understood that obesity is caused by the over-consumption of calories while getting less than recommended physical activities. The best approach is by being aware of your calorie intake while increasing physical activity at the same time in order to burn any stored fat. Identifying any early indications of obesity is also key to preventing the condition from becoming a serious problem.

Remember to:

  • Maintain an active lifestyle. Though going to the gym or jogging around the park may be more recommendable, having an active lifestyle can be achieved in the comforts of your own home like doing open backyard activities.
  • Monitor weight regularly. It’s difficult to always count the calories. Though you may always need to think about the food you eat, counting calories down to the last piece of candy may become too obsessive and stressful. The better way of doing it is by monitoring your weight on a regular basis. This will tell you if you have been eating well and if you are getting enough physical activities to burn the extra pounds.
  • Eat right. There’s no better way of managing your weight but by eating the right kind of foods. Fresh fruits, vegetables and foods rich in fiber, like whole grains, are best in flushing out saturated fats from the other foods you eat. Eating regularly and slowly will also help in the better digestion of food.

Tips to Prevent Arthritis

Food rich in bad cholesterol, saturated fats, sodium, and uric acid leads and worsens arthritis. The recommended diet to prevent and alleviate arthritic conditions consists of consuming healthy foods such as:

  • Parsley
  • Watercress
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • wheat grass products
  • barley
  • pecans
  • avocados
  • soy products
  • whole grain products like oats, millet, barley, wheat
  • cold water fishes like sardines, salmon and herring.

Foods rich in antioxidants like omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, bioflavonoids, carotenes and vitamin C has also been found to reduce the inflammation of the joints caused by free radicals.

Meanwhile, foods containing high amounts of calcium inhibitors have been found to increase the risk of arthritis. So try to avoid the following:

  • red meat
  • chicken
  • eggs
  • dairy products
  • coffee
  • alcohol

Foods with high contents of oxalic acid like plums, cranberries, rhubarb, spinach and chard can also cause and worsen arthritis.


Sources
arthritis.webmd.com
healthtree.com
today.msnbc.msn.com

Discuss this post in Frank Mangano’s forum!

Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits

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The cordyceps mushroom is back in the spotlight again, except this time for its anti-aging properties. Researchers from Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., and LifeGen Technologies have found that Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4), a traditional Chinese mushroom, is a powerful anti-aging food with the ability to improve energy metabolism, decrease fatigue, bolster endurance levels and lengthen lifespan.

Back in March, we covered breakthrough research on the power of cordyceps to treat cancer (http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=22848,http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=22276), but the new research has found even more beneficial uses for this emerging superfood. By encouraging human genes to express in ways that promote longevity, cordyceps has incredible potential in helping to reverse the negative effects of aging.

"We're making great breakthroughs in gene expression science that have application in the fields of health and longevity," explained Joe Chang, Ph.D., chief scientific officer and executive vice president of development at Nu Skin. "These studies ... help validate the critical role gene expression modulation plays in the aging process. We believe that the future of anti-aging is in developing consumer solutions that support youthful gene expression." Read more...

Youtharia for Anti-Aging & Longevity

Western medicine teams up..

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This LA Times article will let you see where Integrative Medicine may be taken over by major medical centers. There are some important observations made by this Times Staff Writer that can help you differentiate for your clients what you offer them from what these centers are doing.

The concerns voiced about appearing unscientific etc. by a cancer patient here is important to appreciate. Please understand that in my view, no one is fully offering adequate Vitamin C based programs to their patients. The books written can provide your patient with scientific information that will help most begin to deal with their problem of ill health, which virtually always needs to be a multifactorial approach. They can start with Irwin Stone's Vitamin C The Healing Factor, which anyone can obtain free of charge from following the links on Wikipedia after you search on Vitamin C, to newer books like Dr Levy and Dr Hickey have written or the audiotape by Dr Riordan. Read more...

More information's about detox diets

Experimental Treatment Could Fight Muscular Dystrophy

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(HealthDay News) -- Injecting a therapeutic molecule into muscle appears to jump-start the production of a crucial protein that's missing in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, British researchers report.

The treatment so far is only applicable to about 13 percent of people with the debilitating and ultimately fatal disease, but scientists are hopeful that similar molecules might expand the treatment to a wider range of patients.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects about one in 3,500 males, and involves a progressive wasting of muscle due to a genetic inability to produce the protein dystrophin, a key component of muscle structure. No treatments are available for the illness, and most of those affected die by age 30.

Recently, molecules called antisense oligonucleotides have shown some promise. These molecules work by "skipping over" portions of the defective gene that would otherwise block dystrophin production. Read more...

Heart health

Notes from The Chairman Concerning ISCO Price Fluctuations

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As a matter of policy, we at ISCO refrain from commenting on movements in the price of our stock. However, events yesterday were so unusual and have resulted in so many questions, that I think it is our duty to our shareholders to tell you what we know.

As best we can determine, Patrick Cox, who has been and continues to be a strong supporter of our company, was required yesterday by his publisher to cease coverage of our stock and issue a sell recommendation because he has an equity interest in a company with which we do business that could have been perceived as a conflict of interest. That has resulted in numerous negative comments on investor message boards that referred to the sell recommendation without giving the background or a full explanation. As a result, I felt it was important that we put the day's events into proper context. The following are what I believe to be the relevant excerpts from Patrick's article:

As you know, I've been a huge promoter of International Stem Cell Corp.'s (OTCBB: ISCO) parthenogenic stem cell technology. I've not only told you about the company, but I appeared on John Mauldin's podcast show with ISCO board chairman Ken Aldrich about six months ago. Aldrich and Mauldin subsequently became friends and found that their organizations were a perfect fit for marketing ISCO's cosmeceutical skin care product.

John Mauldin asked me to be a part of that organization. We looked hard at Agora Financial's policies as well as applicable SEC regulations and concluded that there would be no conflict of interest because the position gave me no direct interest in ISCO or its stock price....

My publisher, however, has grown increasingly uncomfortable with this arrangement. The reason is not that Agora Financial believes that there would be an actual conflict of interest. Rather, it is that it might be perceived as one by some, in particular SEC lawyers....

My publisher's trading policy's aim, however, is to keep me purely objective and disinterested. This policy is debatable, but I respect it. My only option, therefore, is to issue a sell order or face the wrath of a disappointed spouse.

You can probably guess what that means. I'm going to have to issue a sell order.

Patrick followed that with a supplement, in which he said, in part,

Just to re-iterate, now that I've seen the price action from this afternoon's sell alert, I'm not parting with the shares of International Stem Cell Corp. (OTCBB: ISCO) because I believe they are a bad investment (my feelings, as you probably know, are quite the opposite)...ISCO still has the transformational potential that I've told you about. The only real change is that I won't be able to update you from here on out -- due to an over abundance of caution from my publisher.

Obviously, we can't know for certain if these articles caused the price movement yesterday, but we believe they were a major factor. Moreover, the comments and the response of investors to them are beyond our control, but we do want to reassure all interested parties that there is no information of which we are aware to justify the price fluctuation that occurred yesterday.

I hope this will prove helpful.

Sincerely,

Ken Aldrich

Chairman

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.

International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Completion of Its First Manufacturing Run of Lifeline Skin Care’s Stem Cell-Based Skin Rejuvenation…

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International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Completion of Its First Manufacturing Run of Lifeline Skin Care's Stem Cell-Based Skin Rejuvenation Products

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care, Inc., in partnership with an experienced OTC drug licensed manufacturer of cosmetic products, successfully manufactured its first scaled-up lots of stem cell-based skin creams, confirming that these unique products can be made in larger batch quantities and continue to meet Lifeline's high quality standards. This marks an important milestone in proving that two new technologies, the derivation of human parthenogenetic stem cells, and the packaging and delivery of critical anti-aging ingredients, including those derived from stem cells, can be scaled-up into a level of production suitable to meet commercial levels of demand.

Lifeline Skin Care's product development scientists have combined human parthenogenetic stem cell technology with the latest discoveries in skin rejuvenation to create its unique day and night skin care creams. ISCO's scientists were the first to intentionally create human parthenogenetic stem cells from unfertilized human eggs, thus avoiding the ethical concerns of harming a viable human embryo. ISCO's therapeutic research team discovered that such cells had qualities that made them suitable for skin care products, thus leading to the formation of ISCO's wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. Valuable assistance from ISCO's other wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, allowed the rapid transition and scale-up of a research-based discovery into a quality-controlled commercial product. Lifeline Cell Technology is staffed with experts in the manufacture and quality control of cell based products.

According to Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, CEO of Lifeline Skin Care, "Although it will be necessary to continue to develop new technologies to further scale-up the production of our new skin care products, this first successful manufacturing run proves that the team of ISCO's therapeutic research scientists, in combination with Lifeline Skin Care's product development expertise and Lifeline Cell Technology's manufacturing and quality control expertise, has the ability to quickly develop and commercialize new products using stem cell technologies."

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and is developing a line of cosmeceutical products via its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.

To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
1-760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Lifeline Skin Care, Inc.
Ruslan Semechkin, Ph.D., President & CEO
Vice President, International Stem Cell Corporation
ras@intlstemcell.com

International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Completion of Its First Manufacturing Run of Lifeline Skin Care's Stem Cell-Based Skin Rejuvenation…

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International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Completion of Its First Manufacturing Run of Lifeline Skin Care's Stem Cell-Based Skin Rejuvenation Products

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care, Inc., in partnership with an experienced OTC drug licensed manufacturer of cosmetic products, successfully manufactured its first scaled-up lots of stem cell-based skin creams, confirming that these unique products can be made in larger batch quantities and continue to meet Lifeline's high quality standards. This marks an important milestone in proving that two new technologies, the derivation of human parthenogenetic stem cells, and the packaging and delivery of critical anti-aging ingredients, including those derived from stem cells, can be scaled-up into a level of production suitable to meet commercial levels of demand.

Lifeline Skin Care's product development scientists have combined human parthenogenetic stem cell technology with the latest discoveries in skin rejuvenation to create its unique day and night skin care creams. ISCO's scientists were the first to intentionally create human parthenogenetic stem cells from unfertilized human eggs, thus avoiding the ethical concerns of harming a viable human embryo. ISCO's therapeutic research team discovered that such cells had qualities that made them suitable for skin care products, thus leading to the formation of ISCO's wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. Valuable assistance from ISCO's other wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, allowed the rapid transition and scale-up of a research-based discovery into a quality-controlled commercial product. Lifeline Cell Technology is staffed with experts in the manufacture and quality control of cell based products.

According to Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, CEO of Lifeline Skin Care, "Although it will be necessary to continue to develop new technologies to further scale-up the production of our new skin care products, this first successful manufacturing run proves that the team of ISCO's therapeutic research scientists, in combination with Lifeline Skin Care's product development expertise and Lifeline Cell Technology's manufacturing and quality control expertise, has the ability to quickly develop and commercialize new products using stem cell technologies."

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and is developing a line of cosmeceutical products via its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.

To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
1-760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Lifeline Skin Care, Inc.
Ruslan Semechkin, Ph.D., President & CEO
Vice President, International Stem Cell Corporation
ras@intlstemcell.com

How does Patri spend his time?

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People often ask me how I spend my time. Seasteading, after all, is a complex and audacious goal, and it isn't immediately clear to most people exactly how someone would advance it. As it turns out, I've been tracking my time by project for the last couple months as an experiment in productivity enhancement. So while we're working on improving our strategy documentation and 2011 plans, which we'll of course share with you, I can actually tell you exactly what I spend most of my time on!

read more

In Penang, Malaysia, Skip the Beach at Batu Ferringhi but go to the Night Market

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During the ride from the airport to my guest house on the island of Penang, Malaysia, my taxi driver provided me with running commentary about the things to see and do on Penang.

“I highly recommend a walking tour of George Town, since it has the largest collection of pre-World War II buildings in all of SE Asia. The Snake Temple is also worth visiting, and you must go to Batu Ferringhi, not only for the beach but also for its amazing night market.”

Great for water sports, but the water and sand leave much to be desired

Dutifully, I took a local bus to the northeast tip of the island one sunny day when I had a hankering to catch some rays. From the moment I set foot on this long crescent beach I was disappointed. The sand was coarse and in some areas erosion had eaten away the beach right to the stoops of the cottages and restaurants that lined it, in some cases exposing heaps of fraying sandbags. Trash was scattered about liberally, and even the water seemed murky. The cloudy water might be forgiven, since it was monsoon season and runoff from the land has a way of muddying up waters along the shore, but the trash was bad enough that I couldn’t even bring myself to spread my beach towel. And as for getting into the water, well, the big red sign warning of the dangers of jellyfish put an end to that idea.

Jellyfish warning at Batu Ferringhi beach

Since I’d made the trip I decided to stick around for the night market. With several hours to kill before dark, I amused myself with a visit to the Fish Spa for a fish-nibbling pedicure, enjoyed some very economically priced body work on the beach from an amazing man who specialized in sports massage, and lolled in a local restaurant for a couple of hours, stuffing myself with Malaysia’s world-famous delicious, cheap food.

Night market at Batu Ferringhi beach stretches for more than a mile

By the time I emerged from the restaurant it was dark and time to shop. While I ate, the main road that fronts the beach had been transformed from a mile of concrete sidewalks in various stages of disrepair to a glittering outdoor covered market that stretched as far as I could see. Block after block, I wandered through stalls where vendors hawked everything from designer jeans to exquisite Vietnamese lacquerware. I spent several hours dickering with merchants for scarves and leather wallets, enjoying bantering over prices, and discovered that the best deals resulted when I walkED away. Inevitably, the merchants ran after me, relenting to my demands. A few hours later, as pedestrian traffic began to dwindle, vendors began breaking down their stalls until the following evening, when the whole process would repeat itself.

I’d agree with my friendly taxi driver that Batu Ferringhi is a not-to-be-missed experience, but skip the beach and just go to the night bazaar for some of the most amazing shopping in Penang, Malaysia.

Photo Credit: Barbara Weibel
Article by Barbara Weibel of Cultural Travel with Hole In The Donut

Staying Safe On The Beach – Do you know what the colored flags mean?

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Staying Safe on the Beach

Staying Safe on the Beach

The following is a great piece on staying safe on the beach by Britt Reints, a featured writer on UpTake Orlando’s Getaway Crew. Britt walks you through all the different flag colors and what they mean. – Sebastien

If you head to any public beach in the state of Florida, you’ll see a flag in one of four colors designed to tell you whether or not the water is safe for swimming.  All public beaches use the same color system so that you’ll know exactly what the warnings mean no matter which beach you’re visiting.

Of course, you still have to know what each color means.

Florida Beaches Warning Flags – What Each Color Means

Purple – Dangerous Marine Life

Yep, we’ve got stuff swimming in our waters that can bite, sting or otherwise harm you.

Green – Low Hazard

It’s important to note that “low hazard” still means to “exercise caution”.  The oceans and gulf waters are constantly changing and you should always be alert when swimming at the beach.

Yellow – Medium Hazard

You’ll see this flag if the surf is high or the current is strong.  If you’re not on a surf board, you may be safest staying in waist deep water.

Red – High Hazard

Bring a bucket and build a sand castle or go for a walk along the edge of the water, but save body surfing for another day.  There are actually two red flags.  One red flag has a no swimming symbol to indicate that the water is closed to the public.

In addition to paying attention to the hazard flags, what other beach safety tips should visitors keep in mind?

Photo and article by Britt Reints

Remembering Cecelia White Abbott

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I have received news of the passing–Thursday morning, October 28, 2010– of Cecelia White Abbott, adventurer, shell enthusiast and wife of the late R. Tucker Abbott. I first met Cecelia Abbott during the 2008 International Seabean Symposium in Cocoa Beach. My friend Marge Bell introduced her to me as the wife of the late R. [...]

Blogging the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival

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I’m happy to announce that again this year I will be blogging about the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival coming up in January 2011. This year most of my blogging will take place on the Festival’s Facebook page rather than on this blog. I’ll also be attending and live-blogging from the Festival. The program [...]

Waxwings on the move

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Seal pup on Brownsman (David Andrews)
Cow seal basking in the sun on Brownsman (David Andrews)
Wednesday 27th October comments: It’s been another difficult period as the weather continues to play havoc with daily life on the islands. In recent weeks, we’ve hardly seen the mainland and today brought yet more strong winds (from the west) although thankfully the forecast is set to improve over the forthcoming days.
On the Seal colonies, everything is well and we’ve now reached 200 pups with plenty more to come. On the bird migration front, there are huge numbers of Waxwings arriving in the country from Scandinavia, with huge numbers seen (c4,000 in Scotland alone yesterday). Its one of the largest and earliest invasions on record and we’ve had a few in recent days as they move west too the mainland.

Recent Highlights :

Wed 27th Oct: Little Auk 185N, Grey Phalarope one on the sea in Staple Sound, Jack Snipe, Iceland Gull first winter over Knoxes Reef, Merlin, Peregrine 2, Sparrowhawk
Tues 26th Oct: Waxwing 16 west during the day, Woodcock 6
Sun 24th Oct: Little Auks 142N

How to Rent Your Own Private Island

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mushacay640_397x224The media often focuses much of it’s attention on the buying and selling of private islands. However, what many people fail to realize is that there are literally hundreds, perhaps thousands of islands available for rent around the world. Fox News recently published an excellent article highlighting the experiences of a number of former island renters. Here is an excerpt from the article:

About five years ago travel writer Joshua Berman and his wife capped their honeymoon by renting a private island, French Louie Caye, off the Placencia Peninsula in Belize.

He recalls that “it was an incredible experience watching that boat pull away and knowing we were all alone,” which they were for a night and the following day, though they also enjoyed a little non-human companionship. “We had two dogs and a fridge stocked with shrimp and fish in a small wooden cabin. We could see a few other islands in the distance, but otherwise, it felt like the Caribbean was all ours. We cooked our own meals, snorkeled the coral around the island, and sat in the sand watching the dogs chase crabs back into the water.”

To read the full article visit Fox News

Private Island on Manhatten’s Doorstep

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petra-island-1It is an inherent trait of islands that each one is unique and beautiful in it’s own way. But occassionally one island comes on the market that is truly special. Petra Island is a truly special island.

An 11 acre island located just 50 miles north of New York City (15 minutes by helicopter) and featuring two houses designed by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Petra Island truly must be seen to be believed.

The island itself is 11 acres in size and is situated on New York’s very private Lake Mahopac. Petra Island has its own helicopter landing pad, and is of course accessible from the mainland by boat.

Two dwellings sit on the island - a 1,200-square-foot cottage, and a 5,ooo-square-foot main residence which is nothing short of an architectural masterpiece. The cottage was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1950. The main residence was built in 2008 from one of Wright’s final plans, and is considered by some to be one of the most spectacular designs of his career. Boasting 1,500 square feet of skylights and vast expanses of stone, cement, and mahogany, the main residence is truly a triumph of modern architecture.

Island properties such as this are rarely seen on the market - a must-see! Inquire at Private Islands Online for details.

petra-islandpetra-island-13

Billionaires Scooping up Private Islands

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nsongaisland-1According to the Times of India, in addition luxury yachts, jets and homes, Indian billionaires have started purchasing Caribbean and South Pacific private islands. 

The Times reports that although no one is disclosing the names of buyers yet,   five deals are understood to have been struck from India in recent months. “The trend we have observed is toward an increasing number of interested buyers coming from India. noted Chris Krolow CEO Of Private Islands Inc.,

Krolow also notes that “After the recession, some properties have reduced dramatically, as prices were quite inflated before the recession,” he added. For some islands, there was a reduction in prices of as much as 30-50%, and in some cases owners are willing to negotiate.
I think it’s great the emerging markets are taking a keen interest in private islands. I am sure it will help keep the industry competitive for years to come!

The Beerman Chronicles

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Beer. It’s a wonderful thing. But, this particular Brew Master – yes, Kris Kalav is a Brew Master in the work-a-day world – prefers rum, martinis or the occasional umbrella cocktail. He has recently begun blogging about his various travels and some very interesting encounters. Oh, beer will be mentioned at some point. Brew Master…

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English Man In Moscow

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This site is brought to you by “Poo Vision, Inc.” – or so states the blog introduction. (Might just be true…) Justin is a British ex-pat living in Russia with his wife and young son. He is also a stay-at-home-dad. His entries are a mix of ex-pat tips, child-rearing “lessons learned” and “how tos” for creating a new life in Moscow – all with a humorous twist.

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