Daily Archives: May 14, 2021

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media: UK response – GOV.UK

Posted: May 14, 2021 at 6:58 am

Madam Chair, I wish to thank the Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Ms Teresa Ribeiro, for her report. Teresa - many thanks for the helpful and clear description of the trends in the OSCE region and, by extension, the challenges you face in helping participating States protect and promote media freedom. As mentioned in your remarks today, you are here to support us as participating States to meet our OSCE principles and commitments.

Media freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists remains a priority for the UK. Media freedom is a cornerstone of democracy - essential for holding governments to account. We believe that people must be able to discuss and debate issues freely, to challenge their governments, and to make informed decisions, supported by access to information provided by a strong, robust and independent media.

The UK welcomes your transparency in describing the manner in which you will work to deliver against your mandate. We agree with your emphasis on a sustained, focussed and tailored approach, with public interventions on individual cases where required, but without losing sight of your overall objective on concrete progress on media freedom across the OSCE region.

As you recognise in your report, different cases have different backgrounds and demand different responses. We share your concern about the shrinking space for media in Belarus and also underline your concerns on Russia on the labelling of foreign agents, on judicial abuse and legal harassment, and the abuse faced by journalists during public gatherings in support of Navalny.

Many of those and other concerns in the report are shared by the UK. We understand why you describe the current media landscape in the OSCE region as bleak, with a shrinking space for media freedom. The safety of journalists, both online and offline, remains a real concern, with the online safety of female journalists a particular concern. We are grateful for the work done already in creating the Safety of Female Journalists Online Resource Guide, and commend the Guides recent publication in Serbian and Russian languages.

We also agree that disinformation is a problem, and merits increased attention. Given the public harm that can be caused by disinformation, it is important that we fully understand the challenges around tackling malign foreign interference, safeguarding our elections, responding to disinformation and information manipulation and engaging with social media platforms.

Madam Chair, we have all freely signed up to a series of OSCE commitments on media freedom and freedom of expression. It is important that every participating State offers the direct, open and productive contacts that the RFoM requires. The Representatives future success will depend on the actions and reactions of us participating States.

As we said in our statement last week to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, whilst the UK is determined to protect and promote media freedom globally, we also recognize there are areas for improving our domestic media environment which we are committed to doing.

We appreciate that any open and genuine dialogue will include challenging discussions on difficult subjects, such as the tragic killing of Lyra McKee. Where appropriate, we aim to share examples of best practice and lessons learned - including at next weeks Stockholm Media Freedom Conference, where we will share our National Action Plan on Safety of Journalists.

Madam Chair, the RFOM is a critical institution for the OSCE region. It is important its mandate is implemented in an impartial, independent and objective manner. We thank you, Teresa, for your efforts since assuming your mandate and offer you, and your staff, full support in the months ahead.

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OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media: UK response - GOV.UK

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Warner Bros. vs. Netflix: Streamer Gives Creative Freedom, Data, and Real Partnership to the Snyders – Yahoo Entertainment

Posted: at 6:58 am

When Zack Snyder departed his Warner Bros. tentpole Justice League in 2017, it spelled the end of the filmmakers long run with the studio. Even though he resurrected his vision with Zack Snyders Justice League on Warner Medias HBO Max, after seven films with the studio, he and his wife, creative partner, and producer Deborah Snyder opted to bring their next film to Netflix.

Theyd long hoped to make Army of the Dead, an ambitious zombie heist film, at Warners, but Deborah said they have no regrets in creating this new partnership. When Netflix stepped in to make the film in 2019, it offered a big budget, a greenlight for two more franchise entries, and the kind of creative freedom not often on offer in a world gone mad for existing IP. And then there was the data.

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I got absolutely no information from HBO Max or Warner Bros. None, she told IndieWire. Im getting a lot more indication [from Netflix about Army of the Dead], a lot more sharing of information in terms of indicators that are looking good. They wont be reporting box office because its not really about the box office for this were in 600 theaters but I think the idea was more, this is a big film and they want to eventize it.

While a theatrical run was never in the cards for Zack Snyders Justice League, Army of the Dead rolls out in 600 theaters today, a week before it hits Netflix. Snyder sees it as a win-win: having something new to play on the big screen can help theaters, while also giving eager fans the chance to see it early.

It helps the movie theaters to drive people there, but it wasnt about having to make a certain amount of money, she said. For us, its about people liking it and seeing it and wanting to see it.

And while Snyder is an unabashed fan of the theatrical experience, she recognizes that many studio films the kind she and her husband used to make for Warner Bros. only happen if theyve got existing IP (and existing fanbases) behind them. For Army of the Dead, an original story that Zack Snyder had been trying to make for over a decade, Warner Bros. couldnt offer what Netflix could.

Story continues

I dont think would have been made had it not been for Netflix, Snyder said. What a streaming service like Netflix is doing is allowing stories to get told that wouldnt be getting told. Warner Bros., for so many years, we couldnt figure it out with them. When we decided to make it, they had the opportunity to do so [with us], but [Warners] couldnt offer us the same budget that we could get to make it [at Netflix]. Everyone has to make these safe choices and I feel with the streaming services, theyre a little bit more bold and brash, and I think thats really good for filmmakers.

Netflix was also willing to do something few studios would: greenlight a franchise, including two films and an anime series, right out of the gate. The film prequel, Army of Thieves, was filmed during the pandemic (directed by Army of the Dead co-star Matthias Schweighfer, who also stars in it) and will hit Netflix later this year. Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas, the anime series, Snyder has developed alongside Jay Oliva and will reunite most of the films cast to give voice to their characters. Snyder himself directed two episodes of the series.

Thats not something that would happen in the studio world, she said, particularly with a new story and universe like the one her husband and co-writer Shay Hatten created with Army of the Dead.

If youre thinking about creating exciting new IP, and you wait until the [first] movie comes out and its successful, youre waiting years before you can say, Okay, go ahead, lets pull the trigger on a prequel. Lets pull the trigger on an animated series,' she said. Everybodys waiting on the sure bet and sometimes you have to take that chance, and they were willing to do that. The studios dont want to make that investment until they know its a sure thing. Whats been exciting is for Netflix to say, Yes, we want you to create a franchise, we believe in this and we like what were seeing. I felt like it was a real partnership.

Asked if there was anything cut from the film like an alleged sequence involving a zombie penis that Snyder missed, she was resolute: With this one, everything really that I wanted to see, I got to see.

That even included a nod to Zack Snyders Justice League, which didnt exist when the Snyders shot Army of the Dead in summer 2019; it didnt even seem like a possibility.

When we were making the film, we never thought that [the Snyder Cut of] Justice League would actually happen, so we put the film canisters of Justice League in the vault that they open up, Snyder said. At the time, it was never a possibility. That was a fun one.

Asked if the Snyders view Netflix as their new homebase, Snyder demurred. Well have to see, she said. Its great to be able to not be tied to a single studio, but at the same time, weve had this amazing relationship with our executives, with our marketing department. We like staying with people when its a good partnership and you feel mutually supported. So I really hope to do a lot more with Netflix.

Army of the Dead is in limited theaters now, and will hit Netflix on Friday, May 21.

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Freedom Of Expression On Campus Must Be Protected | Scoop News – Scoop.co.nz

Posted: at 6:58 am

Friday, 14 May 2021, 11:25 amPress Release: ACT New Zealand

ABill introduced to the UK Parliament this week sharesthe same goal as my Members Bill and should be debatedhere in New Zealand, says ACT MP Dr JamesMcDowall.

Free speech on campus iscritical. Fostering the ability of students to discuss anddebate ideas is an essential part of higherlearning.

My Bill, The Education (Freedom ofExpression) Amendment Bill will ensure tertiary educationinstitutions like universities are funded by taxpayers forthe purpose of freely and openly discussingideas.

Speakers shouldnt be de-platformed bypeople who dont agree with them.

Tertiaryeducation institutions are required by the Education Act1989 and the Bill of Rights Act 1990 to uphold academicfreedom and freedom of expression, but it is currently not acondition of funding that institutions adhere to theserequirements.

Essentially, there are noconsequences if an institution actively inhibits freedom ofexpression without legitimate cause.

Its greatto see the UK moving in the right direction with thislegislation which has thesame goal as my MembersBill.

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If there really is anyone out there who feels genuinely panicked about what cancel culture' is doing to our precious freedoms, then maybe they should just take a deep breath, look hard at who has allegedly been cancelled and see if they can detect any trace of a lasting cancellation effect. Chances are, the alleged cancellees will be doing just fine. By and large, they will be people who do not lack for a public platform never have, never will and the downstream effects of being cancelled will almost invariably be trending towards zero... More>>

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John Butler talks about art and freedom ahead of New Zealand shows – Stuff.co.nz

Posted: at 6:58 am

Supplied

John Butler performs shows in Christchurch and Auckland this weekend.

John Butler always has an appreciation for the freedom music affords his life, but right now he is incredibly grateful for the freedom and connection between Australia and New Zealand.

Australias highest-selling independent artist, American-born Butler performs two shows in New Zealand this weekend, on Friday night at Christchurch's Isaac Theatre Royal and at Auckland's Powerstation on Sunday.

Travelling internationally without the need to be in quarantine is an incredible luxury.

It is an honour and privilege to live in this part of the world where we can actually do this. We are so lucky, he says.

READ MORE:* What's on: Event highlights in tautahi Christchurch* Culture Calendar: All the unmissable events in Auckland for the month of May * Grammys 2021 winners: The complete list

He will perform songs from his extensive back catalogue, including the John Butler Trio's multi-award winning seventh album, Home, which hit the ARIA Charts at number 1 upon release.

The Covid-19 lockdown and restrictions lead to the cancellation of BluesFest at Byron Bay this year, which he was headlining, but the silver lining was the time off-stage afforded him a rare opportunity to focus on his art and create new songs.

He started playing guitar at 16 and was busking, playing instrumental songs by the age of 21. Now hes 46 and has a busy family life.

I have travelled constantly for the last 20 years so not being on tour has been a break in many ways, Butler says.

It has allowed me to focus on making the art rather than performing the art.

In his home studio he has been self-producing and self-engineering a new body of work.

It has been an immense learning curve but, I have enjoyed putting it together ... making my own little world.

I have to bend and morph to what the song wants, whether that is guitar, if it wants to be a drum 'n bass song ... I contort to the song, that brings out a million and one ways to approach it. I just sit in my studio trying to figure out what it wants ... I sit in my studio and try and serve the song.

STUFF

Kiwis welcome Australians to New Zealand, as the first flights from Australia arrive after the opening of the trans-Tasman travel bubble.

On his new songs he has mined themes of the human condition.

Life has been a mixture in the past year. I lost my dad ... one kid has graduated from school. Beautiful moments and tragic moments and everything in-between like most people, he says.

On these songs Ive been thinking about the human condition mainly, externally and internally ... micro and macro, its very fractal. The world without is just a reflection of the world within. Our relationships with each other are all about the relationship we have with ourselves.

While in New Zealand he hopes to reconnect with friends from Trinity Roots but wont have time for any sightseeing.

For me, just actually performing again ... it's very freeing. I will give my take on myself, the world and art.

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John Butler talks about art and freedom ahead of New Zealand shows - Stuff.co.nz

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Wednesday Freedom Kicks: Covid-19 vaccinations at Audi Field, Alex Ovechkin talks Washington Spirit, and more – Black And Red United

Posted: at 6:58 am

Good morning! Its me again, as Donald and I traded days due to the whole Thursday night D.C. United game this week thing. Weve got some DCU news, some Washington Spirit, a little NWSL, and some looks at two clubs who made mistakes. Lets get into it:

Shot for a shot: DC United hosts vaccine event | WTOPIf you havent gotten your Covid vaccination yet, you can get it done tonight at Audi Field, and the first 100 people to do so get a ticket to a future game.

Heres your pre-game thread of tweets from Uniteds pre-game press conference, with a couple of modest injury updates included:

Meet the Washington Spirits Newest Investor: Alex Ovechkin | Washington City PaperStill quite wild that this has happened.

Inside the meeting where Columbus Crew fans were shown the clubs rebrand: Im just shocked and appalled | The AthleticThe number of times Crew supporters were told things that are demonstrably not true by Crew ownership/employees feels like a sign of the times. You know the vibe: were doubling down on... a thing theyre actually moving away from. Just a colossally dumb thing to do, on top of being dishonest.

The battles for control through Atlanta Uniteds rapid ascent and sudden backslide | The AthleticA different sort of oof here, as it sounds like Atlanta Uniteds initial success is a little more about money and luck than it is about a brilliantly-run club.

NWSL minimum and maximum salaries, team caps each rise 5-10% in 2021 | Equalizer SoccerDetails on the NWSLs minimum and non-allocated maximum salaries going up, and this years overall salary cap.

Debinha named MVP of 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup presented by Secret | NWSLsoccer.comDebinha was the last player left off of my ballot (we were asked to put our top three choices forward), but you can make a case for her for sure.

I need breakfast and a good stretch, so thats it for me. However, Ill leave you with one last bit on our returning insect overlords:

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Wednesday Freedom Kicks: Covid-19 vaccinations at Audi Field, Alex Ovechkin talks Washington Spirit, and more - Black And Red United

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Parramatta Laity Make Their Voices Heard in Dispute With Their Bishop – National Catholic Register

Posted: at 6:57 am

Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen of Parramatta has been criticized by local Catholics for what they see as his favorable and false approach to the homosexual agenda, especially in relation to diocesan schools.

Lay Catholics in the Australian Diocese of Parramatta have succeeded in having their bishop moderate his public support for gender identity after they waged a campaign that led him to amend his opposition to local legislation banning discussion of gender ideology in schools.

Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen of Parramatta has been criticized by local Catholics for what they see as his favorable and false approach to the homosexual agenda, especially in relation to diocesan schools.

According to his critics, the bishops pro-LGBT agenda was particularly manifest in his opposition to a bill introduced in April by Australian politician Mark Latham. The bill introduced in the New South Wales state legislature would prohibit the teaching of the ideology of gender fluidity to children in schools and seek to ensure that schools not usurp the role of parents.

It further proposed that teaching in relation to core values is to be strictly non-ideological and should not advocate or promote dogmatic or polemical ideology that is inconsistent with the values held by parents of students.

The proposed legislation, which is in line with both Church teaching and Pope Francis comments rejecting gender fluidity, has been strongly condemned by homosexual activists.

The Diocese of Parramatta under Bishop Longs leadership split from other Catholic leaders in the state and opposed the legislation, describing it in an April 27 submission as counter to promoting and respecting the human dignity of all.

Concerned that students who identify as lesbian, homosexual, bisexual or transgender could be harassed because of the bills prohibition on teaching gender fluidity, the dioceses executive director of Catholic education, Greg Whitby, told the media April 28 that the bill was an unacceptable incursion into the professional judgment of Catholic schools and systems.

After a backlash from some diocesan priests, parents and laity, Bishop Long appeared to overrule Whitby by issuing a new submission on May 5 in which he said the Diocese of Parramatta affirms the prohibition of teaching gender ideology (gender fluidity) in an educational setting. He also added that he had serious concerns, echoing Pope Francis, about this ideology.

In a further about turn to the previous statement, he said the Parramatta Diocese strongly affirms the Catholic teaching that parents are the primary educators of their children in matters of faith and education.

Latham tweeted his thanks to Bishop Long for withdrawing his earlier submission and replacing it with a statement recognizing parental primacy in education and supporting prohibition of teaching of gender fluidity in schools.

Despite the public reversal, the faithful in Parramatta contend that the bishop continues to be sympathetic toward the agenda of gender-identity activists.

His critics point to the bishops May 5 statement, including a proviso that the bill must not prohibit a school from supporting children who are already at risk of marginalization because of gender identity issues. They also cite the bishops words, quoting Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, that the young need to be helped to accept their own body as it was created, and that he said it is important that the school community is able to challenge unhealthy, ill-informed and discriminatory attitudes.

Dallas McInerney, chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW which backed the bill and supported the protests, welcomed Bishop Longs new submission, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. [We] look forward to engaging with Mr. Lathams inquiry further on this matter now that we have the benefit of a more aligned position, he said.

But parishioners want to keep up the pressure.

The bishops new submission is not viewed as a major victory at all, said Zana, a Parramatta Catholic. Its an appeasement to shut us down, she told the Register, while he continues his unfaithful agendas in many spheres.

Bernadette Ching, who has led much of the resistance to the bishop, said she did not agree with Latham that Bishop Long had withdrawn his initial submission as she believes the bishop still wants a new curriculum implemented that continues to promote an LGBT agenda. The bishop refers to Vatican and papal documents, Ching said, but defies the letter of what the Pope said that teaching LGBT issues in schools is indoctrination.

Catholic means universal, she told the Register. We welcome all to learn Christs teaching, but what Bishop Long means by this is that we need to learn more about their [homosexuals] sin to make them feel welcome. So why not teach murder and adultery to children, too?

Another parishioner, Craig Donaldson, said he found the revised submission tepid and misguided, and took issue with its assertion that the diocese is trusted by local families on sensitive educational matters. The diocese is not trusted by local families on these issues, he insisted, adding that some parents have removed their children from diocesan schools because they are so concerned about the agenda being pushed.

He also said that promised collaboration with parents has not materialized and the bishop avoids any engagement.

Opposition to Bishop Longs approach to the bill followed prior concerns about the diocesan education office and its stance toward same-sex relationships, including a new school curriculum sympathetic to the agenda. Parishioners also have other complaints against the bishop including other concerns about the curriculum (that it contains divisive subjects such as Black Lives Matter and pantheism) and claims of financial corruption and mismanagement.

This led to several lay-led petitions as well as an appeal sent to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that called on Bishop Long, his vicar general for education Father Chris de Souza, and Greg Whitby to resign.

Faithful of the diocese continue to hold Rosary protests outside the bishops office, the latest one taking place on May 13, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima and the Solemnity of the Ascension.

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Insights on the Recombinant DNA Technology Global Market to 2027 – Featuring Amgen, Bamboo Therapeutics and Biocon Among Others – PRNewswire

Posted: at 6:56 am

DUBLIN, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Recombinant DNA Technology - Global Market Trajectory & Analytics" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Recombinant DNA Technology estimated at US$609.8 Million in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$841.3 Million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% over the period 2020-2027.

Medical, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record 5.2% CAGR and reach US$631.4 Million by the end of the analysis period. After an early analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Non-Medical segment is readjusted to a revised 3.4% CAGR for the next 7-year period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at $179.7 Million, While China is Forecast to Grow at 4.4% CAGR

The Recombinant DNA Technology market in the U.S. is estimated at US$179.7 Million in the year 2020. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$148.5 Million by the year 2027 trailing a CAGR of 4.4% over the analysis period 2020 to 2027. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 4.5% and 3.7% respectively over the 2020-2027 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.9% CAGR.

Select Competitors (Total 32 Featured):

Key Topics Covered:

I. METHODOLOGY

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. MARKET OVERVIEW

2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS

3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

III. MARKET ANALYSIS

IV. COMPETITION

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/epifxz

Media Contact:

Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [emailprotected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

http://www.researchandmarkets.com

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Insights on the Recombinant DNA Technology Global Market to 2027 - Featuring Amgen, Bamboo Therapeutics and Biocon Among Others - PRNewswire

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Grant Recipient to Study Impacts of Polyphenols on DNA Function – Olive Oil Times

Posted: at 6:56 am

Spanish graduate student Andrea del Saz Lara has received afour-year grant from the International Olive Council (IOC) for her Ph.D. studies and research for her thesis: Epigenomic consequences of hydroxytyrosol consumption in cardiometabolic diseases.

One of the conditions for being awarded the grant was that you had to research olive oil, del Saz told Olive Oil Times. Honestly, Iwas not aware of all the properties and benefits worthy of the study of this food. We all know that olive oil is good for our health, but we usually dont know why.

Del Sazs research focuses on epigenomics. Epigenomes are chemical compounds and proteins which modify DNA functions. Epigenomic compounds do not alter the underlying DNA sequence but change the way cells respond to the DNAs instructions.

With the scholarship, del Saz will continue her research on epigenomes at the Madrid-based IMDEA Food Institute.

The work they do seems very interesting to me, she said. The field of epigenetics, and more specifically that of microRNAs, is still little researched and offers many possible biomedical applications.

In addition, the area of nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition is currently booming and Ithink that the possibility of preventing certain diseases thanks to some bioactive foods such as olive oil is wonderful and very worthy of further study, she added.

Researchers are currently seeking new ways to promote beneficial epigenomes and suppress harmful ones. Many are looking at one of the worlds oldest health foods: olive oil. Decades of research have demonstrated that the physically obtained fruit juice has arange of health benefits.

At the molecular level, it is amazing how many changes olive oil is capable of inducing, del Saz said. It contains compounds called polyphenols, which are attributed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

One of olive oils most beneficial polyphenols is hydroxytyrosol, which gives olive oil its distinctive flavor and aroma and has demonstrated protective qualities against cardiovascular diseases, cancer and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Cardiometabolic diseases include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and adiposity (belly fat). In the United States, about 655,000 Americans die from heart disease each year one in every four U.S. deaths. People with cardiometabolic diseases are twice as likely to die from coronary heart disease and three times more likely to have aheart attack or stroke.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small pieces of RNA that target genes and interfere with biological processes, play arole in obesity, inflammation, and belly fat development. MiRNAs are involved in fat production and are associated with cell-signaling proteins linked to diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Hydroxytyrosol reduces the production of several harmful miRNAs and lowers concentrations of inflammatory enzymes. Hydroxytyrosol also increases the production of eNOS, an enzyme that regulates blood vessel constriction and clotting and is essential for cardiovascular health.

Del Sazs research will evaluate the biological effects of hydroxytyrosol consumption in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through clinical trials which measure liver function, oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory enzymes. She will also assess the impact hydroxytyrosol has on miRNAs and other epigenomic functions.

The most important thing Ihave learned is that we are what we eat and that we must take care of our diet if we want to maintain our health, she said. Until now, Ihad not been aware of how the nutrients we ingest modify the way our genes are regulated and how this can induce the appearance of some diseases.

Del Saz is agraduate of the University of Castille-La Mancha and received aMasters degree in experimental biomedicine in 2020. With the help of the IOC grant, she will continue conducting her research at the IMDEA Food Institute.

I wanted to continue with my predoctoral studies, but without funding, it was very complicated, del Saz said. I will always remember the day they confirmed that Ihad been awarded the scholarship as one of the happiest days of my life. For me, research is adream.

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$5.4 Billion Worldwide DNA and Gene Chip Industry to 2027 – Impact of COVID-19 on the Market – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 6:56 am

TipRanks

Investing is all about profits, and part of generating profits is knowing when to start the game. The old adage says to buy low and sell high, and while its tempting just to discount cliches like that, theyve passed into common currency because they embody a fundamental truth. Buying low is always a good start in building a portfolio. The trick, however, is recognizing the right stocks to buy low. Prices fall for a reason, and sometimes that reason is fundamental unsoundness. Fortunately, Wall Streets analysts are busy separating the wheat from the chaff among the markets low-priced stocks, and some top stock experts have tagged several equities for big gains. Weve used the TipRanks database to pull up the data and reviews on three stocks that are priced low now, but may be primed for gains. Theyve been getting positive reviews, and despite their share depreciation, they hold Buy ratings and show upwards of 80% upside potential. Vapotherm, Inc. (VAPO) First up, Vapotherm, is a medical device manufacturer, specializing in heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannulas. These are therapeutic breath aids, designed to deliver oxygenated air directly to the patients nose. Heating and humidifying the air reduces the discomfort of delivering dry oxygen. As can be expected, during a pandemic of a respiratory illness, Vapotherm saw high sales in recent months but the share price has pulled back since early February. Paradoxically, the two events are related. First, on the positive side, Vapotherms 1Q21 financial results were solid. The companys revenue, at $32.3 million, was up 69% year-over-year, and worldwide, installations of the Precision Flow base unit was up 73% over the same period. The companys net loss in the quarter, $5.2 million, was an improvement from the $10.2 million loss in the year-ago quarter. On the negative side, VAPO shares are down from their early-February peak. The drop is substantial; the stock has fallen 50% from its peak, and is down 34% year-to-date. The fall in share value reflects concerns that the companys flagship product is oversold, that customers, fearful of COVID-related respiratory emergencies, bought more units that would be needed in ordinary times. This is the case made by Piper Sandler analyst Jason Bednar. Shares have meaningfully underperformed since early February as many investors have questioned utilization dynamics for the bolus of Precision Flow systems that were sold into hospitals last year We understand the logic here, particularly for those investors with a shorter time horizon, but with much of that concern seemingly already reflected in the stock at current levels we do believe the upside opportunity meaningfully outweighs the risk of further downside, Bednar noted. The analyst added, "Its also our view that investors who wait for utilization trends to bottom out will ultimately miss an initial move higher that could come as HVT 2.0 begins to contribute with a rollout later this year and as market expanding opportunities for HVT 2.0 in 2022 begin to take on a more defined shape (particularly EMS and home-based care)." To this end, Bednar rates VAPO an Overweight (i.e. Buy), and his $32 price target implies a robust upside of 81% in the year ahead. (To watch Bednars track record, click here) Overall, the unanimous Strong Buy consensus rating on this stock, supported by 4 recent analyst reviews, makes it clear that Bednar is not alone in his bullish view. The average price target here, $39, is even more optimistic, suggesting an upside of ~122% from the current trading price of $17.65. (See VAPO stock analysis on TipRanks) Emergent Biosolutions (EBS) The next stock were looking at, Emergent, is a biopharmaceutical company. The company has multiple products on the market, including a NARCAN nasal spray for use on opioid overdose patients, and vaccines against smallpox, anthrax, and other diseases. Emergents development pipeline includes a pediatric cholera vaccine, Vaxchora, currently in a Phase III trial. Several programs, including an anthrax vaccine candidate, a Chikungunya vaccine, and a seasonal flu shot, have all completed Phase II and are in preparation for Phase III. One of Emergents most important programs is in its Contract Development and Manufacturing service, a service extended to other pharmaceutical companies to manufacture vaccines which they have developed. Under a CDMO plan, Emergent is part of Johnson & Johnsons manufacturing chain for a COVID-19 vaccine. That last is a key point. The J&J vaccine has been linked at least in some reports to serious adverse events, particularly blood clots in otherwise healthy recipients. That has caused a hold in manufacturing of the vaccine, and consequently a delay in receiving payments from J&J. Which, in turn, impacted the companys 1Q21 financials, resulting in lower revenues and earnings than expected. Investors are concerned, and the stock has fallen 33% year-to-date. Despite the setback, Benchmark analyst Robert Wasserman keeps a Buy rating on EBS shares, along with a $120 price target. If correct, the analysts objective could deliver one-year returns of 101%. (To watch Wassermans track record, click here) "EBS remains solidly profitable, and even with the lowered expectations for J&N and AZ vaccine contracts, is expected to show solid revenue growth for this year. These shares remain a bargain in our CDMO/bioprocessing group and could offer significant upside for value-oriented investors if circumstances turn around or new business can be garnered in the near-term," Wasserman opined. Overall, the Street currently has a cautiously optimistic outlook for the stock. The analyst consensus rates EBS a Moderate Buy based on 3 Buys and 2 Holds. Shares are priced at $59.59, and the average price target of $89.67 suggests an upside potential of ~50% for the next 12 months. (See EBS stock analysis at TipRanks) Haemonetics Corporation (HAE) For the last stock on our list, well stick with the medical industry. Haemonetics produces a range of products for blood and plasma collection and separation, as well as software to run the machines and service agreements for maintenance. In short, Haemonetics is a one-stop shop for blood donation centers and hospital blood banks. Blood products is a $10.5 billion market in the US alone, with plasma accounting for 80% of that, and Haemonetics has made itself an integral part of that business. Haemonetics had been recovering steadily from a revenue dip at the height of the corona crisis, and its 3Q fiscal 2021 earnings showed a solid results: top line revenue of $240 million and EPS of 62 cents. While the revenue was down 7.3% yoy, EPS was up 6.8%. Even with that, however, the stock dropped sharply between April 15 and April 20, losing 42% of its value in that short time. The reason was simple. One of Haemonetics largest customers, CSL Pharma, announced that it does not plan to renew its contract with HAE. That contract, for supply, use, and maintenance of Haemonetics PCS2 plasma collection system, was worth $117 million and made up approximately 12% of the companys top line. The cancellation comes with a one-time charge of $32 million in other related losses. Fortunately for HAE, the CSL contract does not expire until June of 2022, giving the company time to plan and prepare. Covering the stock for JMP Securities, analyst David Turkaly noted: The advance notice gives HAE some time (~15 months) to prepare for the expiration, and we note that management has consistently strengthened its financial position using levers such as complexity reduction and product optimization to derive significant cost savings, and more of these will likely be employed ahead to help offset the customer loss. The analyst continued, "While this disappointing decision could impact HAE's plasma positioning with other fractionators, we continue to believe that giving customers the ability to collect more plasma in less time is a very compelling value proposition - and HAE still has contracts and maintains significant market share with many of the most relevant plasma players." Accordingly, Turkaly rates HAE an Outperform (i.e. Buy), and sets a $110 price target. This figure implies an upside of 86% from current levels. (To watch Turkalys track record, click here) All in all, HAE has a Moderate Buy consensus rating, based on 7 reviews that break down 5 to 2 in favor the Buys over the Holds. The stock is trading for $59.02 and carries an average price target of $108.67, which suggests ~84% one-year upside. (See HAE stock analysis at TipRanks) To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.

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$5.4 Billion Worldwide DNA and Gene Chip Industry to 2027 - Impact of COVID-19 on the Market - Yahoo Finance

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Scientists Use DNA to Trace the Origins of Giant Viruses – Lab Manager Magazine

Posted: at 6:56 am

2003 was a big year for virologists. The first giant virus was discovered in this year, which shook the virology scene, revising what was thought to be an established understanding of this elusive group and expanding the virus world from simple, small agents to forms that are as complex as some bacteria. Because of their link to disease and the difficulties in defining themthey are biological entities but do not fit comfortably in the existing tree of lifeviruses incite the curiosity of many people.

Scientists have long been interested in how viruses evolved, especially when it comes to giant viruses that can produce new viruses with very little help from the hostin contrast to most small viruses, which utilize the host's machinery to replicate.

Even though giant viruses are not what most people would think of when it comes to viruses, they are actually very common in oceans and other water bodies. They infect single-celled aquatic organisms and have major effects on the latter's population. In fact, Dr. Kiran Kondabagil, molecular virologist at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, suggests, "Because these single-celled organisms greatly influence the carbon turnover in the ocean, the viruses have an important role in our world's ecology. So, it is just as important to study them and their evolution, as it is to study the disease-causing viruses."

In a recent study, the findings of which have been published in Molecular Biology and Evolution, Dr. Kondabagil and co-researcher Dr. Supriya Patil performed a series of analyses on major genes and proteins involved in the DNA replication machinery of Mimivirus, the first group of giant viruses to be identified. They aimed to determine which of two major suggestions regarding Mimivirus evolutionthe reduction and the virus-first hypotheseswere more supported by their results. The reduction hypothesis suggests that the giant viruses emerged from unicellular organisms and shed genes over time; the virus-first hypothesis suggests that they were around before single-celled organisms and gained genes, instead.

Kondabagil and Patil created phylogenetic trees with replication proteins and found that those from Mimivirus were more closely related to eukaryotes than to bacteria or small viruses. Additionally, they used a technique called multidimensional scaling to determine how similar the Mimiviral proteins are. A greater similarity would indicate that the proteins co-evolved, which means that they are linked together in a larger protein complex with coordinated function. And indeed, their findings showed greater similarity. Finally, the researchers showed that genes related to DNA replication are similar to and fall under purifying selection, which is natural selection that removes harmful gene variants, constraining the genes and preventing their sequences from varying. Such a phenomenon typically occurs when the genes are involved in essential functions (like DNA replication) in an organism.

Taken together, these results imply that Mimiviral DNA replication machinery is ancient and evolved over a long period of time. This narrows us down to the reduction hypothesis, which suggests that the DNA replication machinery already existed in a unicellular ancestor, and the giant viruses were formed after getting rid of other structures in the ancestor, leaving only replication-related parts of the genome.

"Our findings are very exciting because they inform how life on earth has evolved," Kondabagil says. "Because these giant viruses probably predate the diversification of the unicellular ancestor into bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, they should have had major influence on the subsequent evolutionary trajectory of eukaryotes, which are their hosts."

In terms of applications beyond this contribution to basic scientific knowledge, Kondabagil feels that their work could lay the groundwork for translational research into technology like genetic engineering and nanotechnology. He says, "An increased understanding of the mechanisms by which viruses copy themselves and self-assemble means we could potentially modify these viruses to replicate genes we want or create nanobots based on how the viruses function. The possibilities are far-reaching!"

- This press release was originally published on the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai's Industrial Research and Consultancy Centre website. It has been edited for style

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Scientists Use DNA to Trace the Origins of Giant Viruses - Lab Manager Magazine

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