Daily Archives: January 7, 2022

Humankinds thirst for infinite existence has taken a new turn with ideas springing from theoretical assumptions that future tech can turn practical to real-life experiments, with mice that is.

Transhumanism

A movement called transhumanism is now devoted to using science and technology to augment our bodies and our minds, and toallow humans to merge with machines, eradicating old age as a cause of death.

Mind uploading describes a hypothetical process of separating a persons consciousness (which involves their emotions, thought processes, and experiences), then converting it into a digital format, and finally transferring the digital consciousness into a different substrate, like a machine.

The process would conceivably incorporate different steps, like mind copying, mind transfer, mind preservation, and whole brain emulation (WBE).

Overview of how mind uploading can actually work

Step 1: Getting theinformationfrom the brain

The human brain regularly performs complex processes with the help of its86 billion neuronsthat function simultaneously in a large neural network. There aremore than 125 trillion synapsesjust in the cerebral cortex alone. That is a lot of information and storage capacity.

Mind uploadingadvocates claimthat noninvasive brain scans can provide sufficient resolution for copying the brain. The information stored in our brain would then be used tocreate aconnectome, a complete map of the neural connections in the brain, created using incredibly precise scanning of the neurons and the synapses.

However, to date, we only have a complete connectome for a 1.5-millimeter roundworm calledCaenorhabditis elegans, which has just 302 neurons and about seven thousand synaptic connections.In 2014, theOpenWorm projectwhich mapped the brain replicated it as software and installed it in a Lego robot that was capable of the same sensory and motor actions as the biological model.

Building a human connectome is clearly a much more complicated process needing huge amounts of time and resources forthe identificationof about 86 billion neurons, determination of their precise location, and tracing and cataloging of their projections on one another. This is inconceivable using existing technologies.

Another proposed method of getting information from the brain is through a brain-computer interface (BCI). There are already existing implanted devices that can translate some types of neuronal information into commands and arecapable of controllingexternal software or hardware, such as a robotic arm.However, modern BCIs are only very slightly related to the theoretical BCIs which would be needed to allow us to transfer our brain states into a digital medium.

Some suggest that downloading consciousness would require technology capable of scanning human brains at a quantum particle level.

Elon Musks Neuralink is one company working on aspects of mind-uploading. They are designing a neural implant that would work like a Fitbit in your skull. But it is not close to the technology needed to upload an entire brain.

Meeting the challenges of step 1: Preserving the brain

Some wealthy individuals whowish to live foreverare opting to preserve their brains and sometimes bodies through cryopreservation. In theory, in the future when human connectome technology is fully developed, their consciousness could then be retrieved and uploaded. An American cryonics company Alcor Life Extension Foundationalready stores around180 cryopreserved human bodies.

However, some experts also claim that such cryonic techniquesmaydamagethe brain beyond repair.

Recently, an MIT graduate Robert McIntyre, rekindled the brain preservation hype when heannounced his Y-Combinatorbacked startup Nectome is building some next-generation tools to preserve brains in the microscopic detail needed to map the connectome.

Step 2: Reconstruction of the artificial brain

Once all the neural activity is mapped out and the connectome is ready, the next step would be to digitize it. According toa rough estimatepublished inScientific American, the memory storage capacity of the human brain could be around 2.5 Petabytes (2,500 TB).

Apart from the storage, we will require a computer architecture on which the brain can be reconstructed in the form of computable code. And there is the issue of power for that architecture.Today, a computer with the same memory and processing power as the human brain would require around 1 gigawatt of power, or basically a whole nuclear power station to run one computer that does what our computer does with 20 watts,according to Tom Bartol, a neuroscientist at the Salk Institute.

Step 3: Emulation in an external substrate

Once all the requirements are fulfilled and the artificial brain is ready, the mind can now be uploaded into a simulation, such as a virtual world,like the metaverse. Another transhumanist idea suggests that the mind can also be uploaded on ahumanoid robot.Uploading into a physical robot would require robots that are a lot more functional than any that currently exist.

However, if the consciousness is uploaded as a substrate-independent mind (SIM), and if the SIM is deemed to be conscious, then it will also need toexist in a place and be able to interact with things. This will require virtual reality that is identical to how humans experience actual reality. All of this will require yet more storage capacity, signal bandwidth, and power.

Senescent cells

Nowresearchers in Japan saythey may have taken a step toward boosting human longevity with successful trials of a vaccine against the cells that contribute to the ageing process.

In laboratory trials, a drug targeting a protein contained in senescent cells those which have naturally stopped reproducing themselves slowed the progression of frailty in older mice.

The vaccine also successfully targeted the senescent cells in fatty tissue and blood vessels.

We can expect that (the vaccine) will be applied to the treatment of arterial stiffening, diabetes and other aging-related diseases, Juntendo professor Toru Minamino told Japans Jiji news agency.

Cells become senescent when they stop duplicating themselves, often in response to naturally-occurring damage to their DNA.

In laboratory tests, preventing the build-up of senescent cells extended the lifespan of mice by 15%, Euronews reported. But researchers still dont know how much a living creatures lifespan can be extended.

Some believe there is a limit for the human lifespan of around 130 years as a current estimate.

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Immortality is showing life as a concept but also in the lab - AMEinfo

In the lead up to CES, I wrote a piece reflecting on top tech of CES 2012. It was an interesting exercise for a number of reasons not the least of which was recalling the buzzwords from 10 years ago.

That year, LTE and ultrabooks topped the list. One had a great run. The other one, not so much. That is to say that the strength of buzz at CES in any given year isnt predictive of longevity. By the middle of 2012, the stories around the death of the ultrabook had already begun in earnest.

This year, the halls of CES may have been fairly devoid of human life, but from the looks of things, one couldnt walk a few feet without tripping over the metaverse. Just over two months after Facebook rebranded to Meta, a little metsploitation is to be expected at a show like CES, where companies are every bit as invested in a good hook as good product. In a show like this, its understandable if youre not a company like, say, Samsung or Hyundai, its difficult standing out. Of course, both of those giant brands never met a that they didnt want to verse.

Ill spare you the specifics on the smaller companies. This thread is a pretty well versed in the aforementioned meta. Frankly, I dont want to blow up any startups for hoping they glean a little bit of that shine (though, if Im being honest, Goart Metaverse is a phrase that is going to wedge itself into my psyche until my body releases the DMT into my brain in my final moments on Earth).

What I will say, for sure, is that if you didnt know what a metaverse was prior to the start of CES, the show didnt do a particularly good job clarifying beyond the fact that it probably definitely includes some goofy looking Memojis and probably some VR equipment. And, actually, now that Im typing that, I recognize that its probably as good a description of metaverse as any.

Image Credits: Hyundai

Receiving a press release from Hyundai titled, Hyundai Motor Shares Vision of New Metamobility Concept, Expanding Human Reach through Robotics and the Metaverse at CES 2022 may have been what pushed me over the edge. Or maybe it was the accompanying video of Boston Dynamics Spot hanging out on Mars with a bunch of weird metaverse puppets. It was surreal to see a borderline sci-fi video that involved sending an actual robot to actual Mars that still revolved around the metaverse.

Hyundais concept is nothing if not interesting, using advanced robots like the ones from Boston Dynamics to serve as real-world avatars for our metaversial interactions, but it also speaks to how much even ostensibly automotive companies are banking on this concept for the future. Samsung, meanwhile, offered a kind of stopgap metaverse (betaverse?) while we sit down and wait for the real one to shake out. Here it was a virtual showcase of the companys wares, which, at very least, got around the very real irony of traveling to Las Vegas to get pitched the metaverse in-person.

The company notes:

Picture this: youve just been given the lifestyle TV youve always had on your wish list, home appliances that enhance your quality of life and the latest stylish smartphone. Now, what if we told you that you could use those innovative products to decorate your home?

Its an interesting scenario to think about, and it will become a reality once the metaverse is up and running. Samsung Electronics has been innovating with the metaverse in various ways, and has created an option for those interested in CES 2022 to experience the event online.

It must be a confusing time to be among the most bullish on the metaverse. Everyone from beauty brands to wearables. Its at once hopeful to see such excitement around the concept, but also frustrating to witness what may be an emerging metaverse of shit. That is to say, will the metaverse lose all meaning before theres a metaverse to metaverse in? Your metaverse is as good as mine (metaverse).

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At CES 2022, metaverses metaversed the metaverse - TechCrunch

I attend this church, St. Lukes Parish, situated upon a hill in a town named for the church. Church Hill, Maryland, is found in the northwest quadrant of the Delmarva Peninsula, as defined by the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays. Its parishioners are proud of their church, for its age, its beauty, and for the fellowship shared there.

St. Lukes was founded in 1728, so nearly 300 years ago. It is constructed of brick, prepared in a Flemish bond fashion; a design that traces back to German masons. I find myself thinking of those bricks, and the many country folk who have passed through its doors, sat in its pews, and who have offered up their prayers and worship within the space defined by those bricks. These are surely special bricks, due to the multitude of valued parishioners who have silently shared their best and their worst, some of whom are known and many more are known only to history.

I ask myself of the relative significance of those bricks, and the mortar that binds them. When people talk about church, any church, they may be speaking about the tangible structure, the image of which may be found on Christmas greeting cards. Or alternatively, they may be speaking of the intangible church; the gathering of human creatures sharing a common objective.

I recall a passage recording the words of Jesus, that He would rebuild a destroyed church in just three days time. He was speaking of the three days He would spend in the grave, and He was referring to an intangible church, with its all so real and ever growing congregation of faithful believers. And so I ponder the relative significance of the bricks, the mortar, and the church not seen.

First, to the bricks: bricks serve as building blocks; they are sourced from selected clay, shaped in molds, and then fired in furnaces. Although their origin is lowly, their destiny may be highly honorable, and at times even stately. Like ROCKS they are strong, and can be depended upon to join and support other bricks. They are well suited for their purpose; they perform well, and are long lasting. When joined, bricks can build just about anything, from bridges to pyramids, from walkways to cathedrals.

I think people are very much like bricks. They too are sourced from humble beginnings. In his story of creation, Moses equates the origin of people to that of dust. People are shaped by nature and nurture. And the extremes of this earthly life are at times as hot as the fire of a furnace. I find that what is important is less to do with the experiences we have had, and more to do with how we react to them. If we keep focus on our purpose, then chances are good that we may become functional and dependable building blocks, and can be put to that purpose, to be contributory and flexible and of great utility to the builder, our creator, and to each other. The determined builder carefully selects his bricks.

And now to the mortar: mortar serves as glue; it holds things together. It is the essential ingredient that permits bricks to take shape, and further it is the quality of mortar to last, and maintain its adhesion for extended periods of time. Mortar makes bricks functional. It is the mortar that yields the realization of the builders vision. Without mortar, there is just a pile of bricks.

I think mortar may be very much like the Holy Spirit. It is this spirit that draws people, and permits them to join together, stay together, take shape, and to serve the purpose-filled vision of the builder.

So what is this substance that serves as glue? Of the three facets of the Holy Trinity, I find the Holy Spirit the most challenging to conceptualize. While the Father and the Son are overwhelmingly difficult to describe in terms of the scope, depth, and power of their roles, it is fairly easy for my mind to latch on to the image of the patriarch and his heir. It is the Holy Spirit that mystifies me. Some even refer to this spirit, as the Holy Ghost. And when I think of ghosts, I think of the essence of the dead. But my lifes journey has proven to me that God is alive. Without even the shadow of a doubt, I know that our God is a living God.

So again I look to the Word, to help me explain the unexplainable, and to add shape to that which is without form. So here are the terms that I found which I believe may assist my goal of adding substance to this ghost. The most recurring term found was love. And in Pauls first letter to the Corinthians, he attempted to clarify what is meant by the word love. I filtered it down to charity the giving of ones self. So I think this may be Gods giving of Himself true charity from a true God, to give without reservation, expectation or limitation.

Other terms found included: Wonderful Counselor; dwelling in us; a sure foundation; working in us; our peace; our advocate; equipping us; providing us angels; leading us in the way we should go; anointing us for service; giving us revelation knowledge; a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. So, I found a number of terms that I attribute to describing the Holy Spirit, but I like the simplest one the best. The Holy Spirit is the love of God. And just like with people, love cant be seen, but the evidence of loves presence can be very tangible.

So, although the Holy Ghost is not seen, the evidence of its adhesive qualities is readily apparent to the eye. And by extension, the tangible church is evidence of the presence of the spiritual church. And just as this intangible church is the result of the adhesion of human spirits by the love of God, the tangible church is the bricks held together by the mortar consistent with the vision and purpose of the builder.

And so what is that purpose? The answer I found in the gospel according to Saint Matthew, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them. I am. The great I Am found in the midst of those who gather. That is the purpose for the mortar to bind the bricks.

On a personal level, the history of my familys structure, at least as measured within my experience, is that the members are held together by a strong matriarch. Initially, Bessie Glover, my great-grandmother served in that role. Then it was my grandmother, Pauline Rider, who served as the glue. And now it has passed to my mother, Wilma Stammer. When cupboards were empty, and when cupboards were full. Through global events that impacted every family, including the Great Depression, and two world wars; and the many personal tragedies that stemmed much closer to home including miscarriages, drug and alcohol abuse, disease, murder, suicide, and divorce; and balanced with the all too few but greatly welcomed events like weddings, and births. These greatly tested matriarchs held us all together and continue to do so in a very uncertain world.

Perhaps some people serve as instruments of the Father, and some as of the Son, and a select few serve as instruments of the Holy Ghost. I thank God for the glue that holds families together, and for the mortar that binds bricks allowing churches to stand for hundreds of years so that thousands of parishioners may share the presence of the great I Am.

The beauty of assembled bricks is due to the adhesion of the mortar. The longevity of the construction is due to the quality of the mortar. Just as the shape, strength, and longevity of human relationships is due to the love that holds them together. Perhaps all people should work toward becoming chosen bricks, and then to look for the mortar that binds for purpose.

Bobby Gallion writes from Centreville. Gallion grew up in the northern part of Queen Annes County, attended schools there and has been a parishioner at St. Lukes for 30 years.

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Pondering the significant truths of bricks and mortar - Kilgore News Herald

It is an act of cruelty for the BBC to re-launch The Apprentice within days of the new year. Here we are, drawing up lists of resolutions and embarking on life laundries, when in barges the countrys most stubbornly static TV programme, one as dedicated to same-ness as we are to annual betterment. Considering its been on for nearly 20 years and shows no signs of trying to evolve, its probably a lot smarter than we are. And if were being honest, Alan Sugars groaning factory of capitalist delusion will probably outlive us all, too.

The key to the shows longevity remains its contestants, who run the gamut of mortifying to not quite as mortifying. The 16 entrepreneurs duking it out for Lord Sugars approval this year embody well-worn Apprentice types: the bolshy hun; the rugby lad; the harried mum; the wide-eyed eccentric. Standouts so far include financier Akeem, a petrified owl of a person whose brightest idea this week is a logo featuring a bizarre half-man, half-wave. It gets compared to everything from a rotten banana to human faeces. He must be protected at all costs.

Theres also shop owner Stephanie, who helpfully explains why she thinks a cruise ship emblem should be coloured blue (Because its a colour associated with the sea), and Nicki Minaj superfan Navid, a pharmacist whose anti-vax tweets had been unearthed before the series had even begun. Asked here why that aforementioned half-man logo is coloured like the contents of a toilet bowl, he too masters the art of pointing out the bleeding obvious: So you know trees? he asks a bemused marketing expert. Its brown, and then its green because of the leaves, and when it comes to healthy living and lifestyle, its all to do with greenery.

The task at hand is to film an advert for a new line of cruise ships, with the episode ticking off a host of classic Apprentice tropes as it trundles along. Unnecessarily shouty conflict? Check! Green screen errors? Check! Eerily upbeat American comparing themselves to Steven Spielberg? Check! Besides the gentle if bland presence of series one winner Tim Campbell as one of Lord Sugars advisors Claude Littner has had to sit this series out due to a bicycle accident youd be forgiven for wondering if this was a repeat from years ago.

But thats also this shows genius. You have to admire its eternal skill at finding budding moguls devoid of raw ability but overflowing with unearned hubris (Im so confident that some people think Im deluded, boasts a candidate nicknamed The AK-47). Likewise, the increasingly surreal Lord Sugar, whose signature gags have become as predictable (In this boardroom you dont get furloughed, you get fired!) as they are confusing (You sound like Donald Trump he was also a very collaborative leader!). No matter the state of the world, or however many genuinely monstrous people The Apprentice has foisted upon it over the years, theres something undeniably cosy about its lack of growth. Why fix whats always been broken?

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The Apprentice review: Alan Sugars groaning factory of capitalist delusion will outlive us all - Yahoo News

NHS Digital figures for England show an increase in admissions in all parts of the UK, with the pandemic also having an effect on inpatient treatment. From April to October 2021, there were 4,238 hospital eating disorder admissions for children aged 17 and below up 41 percent from 3,005 in the same period of 2020. The figure is 69 percent higher than 2019s the year before Covid hit when there were 2,508 admissions for those aged 17 and below.

Dr Agnes Ayton, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists said: We cannot afford to let this go on. Early intervention is key to recovery and prevention, which is why its crucial the money announced by the Government urgently reaches the front line. The Government must also deliver a workforce plan to tackle shortages in eating disorder services so they have enough staff to treat everyone who needs help.

Tom Madders, from the mental health charity YoungMinds, said: The impact of the last two years has left many young people isolated, uncertain about the future and with less control over their lives. Its clear the Government must re-double its efforts and ensure that it improves access to NHS services.

Overall, there were 23,302 admissions for eating disorders among all age groups in the financial year 2020/21. This represents an increase of 13 percent from 20,647 in 2019/20 and up 21 percent on the 19,244 from 2018/19.

Tom Quinn, of eating disorders charity Beat, said: The number of hospital admissions is only the tip of the iceberg, and there are many other people needing support. We urge the Government to publish data about the number of adults waiting for and accessing treatment, so we can better understand the scale of demand and assess what improvements are needed.

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Charity urges government to publish eating disorders waiting lists - newsconcerns

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- When CEO James Schmachtenberger founded Neurohacker Collective in 2015, he was hoping to popularize an entirely new approach to nutritional formulations. Specifically, James sought to factor in overlooked considerations, such as ingredient synergies, and how to offer health formulas which support the body's normal regulatory capacities without overriding them for a shortsighted effect. In an even more ambitious sense, he hoped to enhance the mental and physical capacities of humanity to withstand the increasingly intense demands of the modern world.*

6 years later, Neurohacker Collective, and its Qualia brand supplements, have exploded in popularity, both nationally and internationally. The San Diego Business Journal just named Neurohacker Collective one of the top 2 San Diego based health and wellness brands in the Small Business category in terms of recent revenue growth, as well as 2nd in top line revenue in the Small Business category across all industries.

The Qualia brand began its focus on mental performance and brain health supplementation (known as nootropics), which inspired the name Neurohacker Collective. But as their science team has grown in both expertise and resources, they've expanded their product lineup to include many additional health focuses, such as aging, sleep, skin, immune health, and more.*

"We're excited about our continuing pace of growth," says Schmachtenberger of the recent honor. "Our profits are allowing reinvestment in research and development, which is resulting in new product options for consumers in 2022 and beyond. It's also been exciting to see our focus on having a cultural identity within health and wellness continuing to distinguish our brand loyalty."

That broad focus on building culture, rather than only products, has included the development of an increasingly popular science podcast called Collective Insights. The podcast has attracted A-list health luminaries and thought leaders such as Tristan Harris, Dr. Andrew Weil, Deepak Chopra, Dr. Molly Maloof, Ken Wilber, Dr. Steven Gundry, and many more.

Neurohacker has also invested in a growing blog and science literature repository on their website, as well as brand partnerships with top tier health influencers like Dave Asprey, Ben Greenfield, and Thomas DeLauer. They even have a beta-testing community to provide feedback and community assessment data on potential new products.

"Our overarching mission is to provide tools to support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing*, as a separate consideration from whether someone buys our products," states Schmachtenberger. "If providing free educational resources makes our formulation techniques more appreciated, then it benefits product sales. Regardless, providing consumers with free educational resources to optimize the health of their body and mind, reflects the spirit that founded Neurohacker, and we want to stay true to that broader mission."

2022 promises to be a big year at Neurohacker Collective, with at least three new products scheduled to debut with the support of record profits in 2021. As Neurohacker Collective and the Qualia brand goes increasingly global, they hope to inspire other wellness brands to take their broad approach of providing education and cultural identity beyond just products.

"I didn't start Neurohacker with a particular product vision," James states. "The vision had far more to do with human potential, and what type of team I could assemble in service to advancing that potential. Education and culture are as central to human wellness as products are, and so all three will remain a focus of Neurohacker for the foreseeable future."

About Neurohacker Collective

Neurohacker Collectivewas founded in 2015 with the mission to advance human quality of life by creating best-in-class well-being products. Neurohacker Collective's products are radically different because they employ a unique methodology to research and development based on complex systems science. This scientific approach focuses on supporting the body's ability to self-regulate. The company began with a focus on cognitive products and nootropics with the launch of Qualia Mind and has since developed products to support sleep, longevity, skin, energy, vision and immune health.* Learn more about their scientific approachby going to neurohacker.com.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease.

SOURCE Neurohacker Collective

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San Diego Business Journal Honors Neurohacker Collective Among Top Startups - PRNewswire

Crab Bank, an island inCharleston Harbor, South Carolina,has been a critical nesting spot and refuge for birds for decades.But years of erosion, and thena brutal storm and high tide in 2018, washed much of island away, and the area went from supporting 5,000 nests yearly tozero. Local conservation groups, including Audubon South Carolina, have discussed the need torestore Crab Bank for years, and in 2021 it finally happened. After a very busy fall in Charleston Harbor, this spring shorebirds will find 32-acres of brand new island around Crab Bank.

Luck or chance were in Crab Banks favor when it came to its restoration, because when the island needed new sediment the most, the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project was also launched just a couple of miles away. That project, which will increase the depth of CharlestonHarbor from 45 feet to 52 feet, has already removed nearly 40 million cubic yards of sediment. And what better place to put someof that dredged sediment than on a nearby island desperate for it?

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) first spotted the opportunity to restore Crab Bank using dredged sediment, says Nolan Schillerstrom, the coastal program associate at Audubon South Carolina.It wasnt until 2017 that the Army Corps of Engineers opened up a comment period for the beneficial use of dredged material as part of the Charleston Harbor Deepening project. They had three different [potential] options for the beneficial use of that trench material. One of those options was Crab Bank.

Audubon South Carolina joined partners like Coastal Conservation League, Coastal Expeditions Foundation, andSCDNRto make the project successful. According to Angelina Eisenhauer, interim executive director of Audubon South Carolina, one of Audubon's main roles in the effortwas securing the funding.

We submitted an application to have the whole project and island considered as a pilot program for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers Beneficial Use of Dredge Materials program, says Eisenhauer. We undertook a fundraising campaign, and we submitted an application for a coastal resilience National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant.As a result of those efforts,Audubon South Carolinareceived $700,000 for Crab Bank fromthe National Coastal Resilience Fund.

As Audubon South Carolina and its partners continued to raise funds for the project, they also had to figure outthe best way to restore and stabilize Crab Bankwith natural infrastructure to ensure its longevity. This is another spot where fortunesmiled upon the project:the material dredged from the harbor was good for nesting and it was compatible with the existing island,in part because the original Crab Bank was built on dredge spoils fromthe 1950s.

One of the most amazing things about it was that the dredge material was suitable for nesting. The birds aren't too picky, but sometimesit is too toxic or not the right consistency, says Schillerstrom. It was just a really rare and awesome opportunity, a perfect scenario that the available sediment had what this island needed.

Over the course of eight weeks, the deepening project added600,000 cubic yards of dredgedmaterial to the eroded island, increasing its area from less than half an acreto 32 acres. Construction ended in late 2021.The natural vegetation that will grow on the island will help stabilize the island long-term, but Schillerstrom says there are no other stabilization plans until they observe how the first nesting season looks.

We certainly have it on our minds that it might be necessary to either add more sediment many years down the road or do something to give the island a better shot at staying around for longer, he adds.

And though this restoration project may be coming to a close, Schillerstrom saysthat this is just one step in helping coastal birds.Going forward,people will not be able to land on the island during nesting season and shorebird monitors will keep an eye out for any human or predator incusions,all in effort for the birds to have a productive nesting season once again at Crab Bank.

Human disturbance is one of the largest threats to coastal birds in South Carolina, and our Shorebirds Stewardship program is one of the best ways to get involved and volunteer to help, Schillerstrom says. If you can't volunteer, please consider donating to the program and help reduce the negative impacts of human disturbance to our nesting and resting coastal bird populations

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One Good Turn Deserves Another | Audubon - National Audubon Society

BOSTON, Jan. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Biosciences, a pioneering life sciences company developing therapeutics that target the biology of aging, today announced the completion of a Series C financing of $82 million led by Alpha Wave Ventures. Senior management and founders invested in the Series C financing alongside longevity-oriented funds, seasoned investors, and experienced biotechnology scientists/entrepreneurs. Since its founding, Life Biosciences has raised over $158 million.

"Our three platforms are based on seminal research demonstrating that aging biology can be modified therapeutically. The Series C funding enables us to accelerate development of our innovative therapies for multiple aging-related conditions, and we expect to initiate first-in-human studies for our first drug candidate possibly as early as the end of 2022," said Chief Executive Officer Jerry McLaughlin. "We appreciate the support of both our new and existing investors as we advance the company to its next stage of development. Life Biosciences' experienced management team is committed to bringing potentially pioneering science to the service of humanity."

Proceeds from the Series C financing will be used to accelerate research and development activities in the company's three platforms that target fundamental biological mechanisms contributing to aging. The mitochondrial uncoupling platform is developing oral small molecules that are designed to increase metabolic rate and decrease fat accumulation in models of obesity and NASH. The chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) platform is developing oral small molecules that are designed to activate CMA and thereby remove unwanted proteins that accumulate during aging and contribute to multiple aging-related diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. The epigenetic reprogramming platform is developing therapies that are designed to induce the expression of three Yamanaka factors to reprogram the epigenome of cells to a younger state and thereby restore cellular function across a wide range of diseases such as glaucoma.

Commenting on the investment, Alpha Wave Global Chairman Rick Gerson added, "We are impressed by the groundbreaking science that has been published in leading and recently peer-reviewed journals like Nature and Cell by the company's co-founder and director David Sinclair and other founder scientists such as Dr. Ana Maria Cuervo. Their foundational science could revolutionize how we develop therapies for aging-related conditions. We are excited to invest in this emerging field and believe that Life Biosciences' experienced management team and exceptional science has the potential to unlock a new wave of therapies across their multiple platforms."

In addition, Life Biosciences announces the appointment of Bill Sullivan as Chief Financial Officer. Bill brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate finance, strategic transactions, fundraising, and investor relations. He served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, a publicly traded gene therapy company, where he led multiple financings and core business and finance functions. Prior to AGTC, he worked at Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for ten years and held a variety of important leadership positions including Chief Financial Officer.

"It's an honor to join the Life Biosciences team as the company pursues tremendous growth opportunities where aging biology has a clear link to disease pathogenesis," said Mr. Sullivan. "I'm energized by both the people and strong science at the company and look forward to working together with the management team to drive the next phase of growth."

"I couldn't be more delighted by the progress made by the Life Biosciences' team under Jerry's leadership to sharpen its focus on developing therapeutics on a platform-oriented approach. In my opinion, Life Biosciences is on the cusp of revolutionizing medicine for aging-related diseases globally," said Executive Chairman Dr. Mehmood Khan.

About Life BiosciencesLife Biosciences is a private biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapies to improve the lives of people as they age. The company is focusing on three platforms targeting key mechanisms underlying aging biology: mitochondrial uncoupling, chaperone-mediated autophagy, and epigenetic reprogramming. Therapies developed within each platform have the potential to prevent, treat, and/or reverse multiple aging-related diseases. For more information, please visit http://www.lifebiosciences.com.

About Alpha Wave GlobalAlpha Wave is a global investment company with offices in New York, Miami, London, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, and Bangalore. Its flagship global venture and growth fund, Alpha Wave Ventures, aims to invest in best-in-class venture and growth-stage companies and endeavors to be helpful long-term partners to the founders and management teams. Alpha Wave manages a variety of investment partnerships that cover a number of asset classes, themes, and geographies. For more information, please visit http://www.alphawaveglobal.com.

Media ContactLife BiosciencesMaggie Farrandmedia@lifebiosciences.com

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Life Biosciences, Leading Developer of Therapeutics for Aging-Related Diseases, Completes $82 Million Series C Financing Round - BioSpace

Wausau Pilot & Review

Editors note: Business of the Week is a sponsored feature that shares the stories of locally-owned and operated businesses in the Wausau area, highlighting the products and services they offer and the ways they contribute to the metro areas unique flavor. Learn how to feature your business by emailing christina@wausaupilotandreview.com.

This weeks featured Wausau business is an organization that connects people, passion and resources for maximum local impact The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin. Led by President and CEO Tim Parker, the Foundation has a clear mission: to enhance the quality of life for the people of north central Wisconsin. The organization acts as a catalyst to design programs and identify issues in collaboration with other foundations, corporations, organizations and communities, while responsibly managing philanthropic assets. The leadership team includes Karla Lodhoz, director of donor services, a donors first connection to establishing a fund as a way to fulfill their philanthropic wishes and give back to the community. Program officer Sue Nelson is another key leader, with 33 years of experience in managing grants and strengthening nonprofits. Together, they engage in creative, sensitive grant making to enrich the communities they serve with a special emphasis on education, the arts, health and human services, and the preservation of historical, cultural and natural resources. Simply put, the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin provides people with a variety of easy, secure, and effective ways to give back to their communities, strengthening every aspect of life in our area for generations to come. Here is their story.

Q: When was the organization established?

A: On January 22, 1987, the Wausau Area Community Foundation was formed by a group of visionary individuals in the community (including names like John Ullrich, Stan Staples, Dwight Davis, Bart Kellnhauser, David Grade, Jim Lundberg, Mac McCormick, and Caroline Mark) who realized there was a need to build an endowment for the maintenance, enhancement, and enrichment of the greater Wausau area and Marathon County. The Foundations purpose is to connect the passions of people who want to give with the needs of nonprofits for local community impact.

Since its inception, the geographic reach of the Foundations work has expanded to communities beyond Marathon County like Merrill, Antigo, Minocqua, Boulder Junction, and Three Lakes. The name of the Foundation was changed to the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, to more adequately reflect the donors we serve.

With 35-years experience, the Community Foundation leads and inspires philanthropy to enhance the quality of life for generations to come. The Community Foundation currently has over $85 million in assets and prudently manages 431 different funds. Through its commitment to excellence in donor investment, the Foundation received $6.3 million from donors in 2021 and distributed more than $7.4 million to support nonprofits throughout our area.

Q: What makes the Community Foundation unique?

A: The community foundation field is one of the fastest-growing philanthropic sectors in the United States. Community foundations build and strengthen communities in a multitude of ways, including providing the means for a wide range of donors to create funds to meet critical needs. Though the first community foundation was launched over 100 years ago in Cleveland, Ohio, today there are more than 750 community foundations in the United States.

Through professional management of donated assets, the Community Foundation is built to last and to be a permanent force in north central Wisconsin. This assures stability and longevity, and that all donations and funds will be used as the donor intended.

The Community Foundation, as its name indicates, is a foundation for the community or the community savings account. Assets totaling more than $85 million have been built up over time though donations from many sources individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Community Foundation allows anyone to be a donor. Through the generosity of our donors, we support programs and organizations that enhance every aspect of life in our area for generations to come. Earnings are used to support projects and programs, like the 400 Block, the Riverfront development, JoJos Jungle, and many more that make this a more vibrant and livable community.

In addition to being a funding resource, the Community Foundation is a leader in our nonprofit sector. A healthy nonprofit sector is essential to building a vibrant and livable community. The Community Foundation is committed to supporting our nonprofit sector by providing information and educational resources, opportunities to network with each other, and financial support for their important work.

Q: As an organization, what are you most proud of accomplishing?

The Community Foundation prides itself in being a community connector. We are proud that in 35 years, the Community Foundation has granted more than $89 million total to charitable organizations in Marathon County and beyond.

Q: Has anything changed since the Foundation was established?

A: The mission of the Community Foundation has not changed over time we continue to play a role in enhancing the quality of life in our area. Our strength as a Community Foundation reflects in our ability to adapt to the needs of the community as they arise through our funding sources. Our donors are a true reflection of the community and we are thankful to them for meeting relevant and pressing needs.

In the Community Foundations first year of disbursements, we granted $82,000. In 2021 that number has escalated to $7.4 million we can only go up from there through the generosity of our donors.

Q: What are your hopes and dreams for the future? Where do you see the Foundation headed?

A: Our vision is to be seen as a leader in north central Wisconsin to identify and support community needs. We are positioned to help individuals and businesses understand where philanthropy can create the best impact to make north central Wisconsin the best place to visit and live. We will continue to help donors know where their gifts can be directed and to prepare nonprofits in the region to optimize their impact.

In the next year, we on a path for $100 million in managed assets and up to $10 million in annual distribution of grants. We see this as an exciting milestone for our 35th year in operation.

Over the next 5-10 years, we intend to increase awareness of what a community foundation can do for the community. As people in the region become more aware of our work, we expect accelerated growth both within and beyond Marathon County.

Excerpt from:
Business of the Week: Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin - wausaupilotandreview.com