Category Archives: Progress

Palm trees infected with lethal bronzing disease emit signals that warn nearby healthy palms of the threat. Those healthy palms produce their own defense that University of Florida scientists one day hope to harness to protect palms against the disease.

Entomologist Brian Bahder and his team at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center consider the studys outcome a turning point for palm disease research because it has high potential for developing management strategies for lethal bronzing, a deadly disease spread by a small insect commonly called a planthopper. This discovery could help manage other palm and plant diseases.

Plants affected by disease or pests can emit small chemical signals, or volatile organic compounds, indicating they are stressed.

Those compounds warn nearby healthy plants. Those healthy plants can activate defense mechanisms organic compounds of their own to potentially stave off the pest responsible for the disease.

Volatile organic compounds are common in plants and play an important role in protecting the plant, Bahder said. Most importantly, some of these compounds have antimicrobial properties. They have the potential for use in defending against a variety of different infections in palms and perhaps even infections in other plants.

We suspected there was a chemical compound the planthopper was detecting, Bahder added. The goal was to identify the chemical to see if we could use it as a bait system. The resulting data showed there was a much more interesting story going on and could lay the foundation for developing a management plan for lethal bronzing and perhaps other palm diseases.

This marks the first documented case of green leaf volatiles in palms infected by the bacteria that causes lethal bronzing.

For the study, Bahder and his team took leaf samples from infected cabbage palms, nearby threatened palm trees and healthy palm trees that were outside of the area with disease spread. All samples were taken from trees in Fort Lauderdale. Over time, they tested the plants for the disease among the three sets of palms and locations.

The lethal bronzing-infected palms gave off a specific signal, whereas the nearby palms that were healthy responded and emitted a different signal. The healthy palms that were at a distance from the infected area emitted a different signal than both the infected and threatened palms.

The threatened palms produced a compound with known antimicrobial properties, and we are now interested in how this affects the epidemiology of lethal bronzing in the field, Bahder said. "We hope to be able to harness these natural plant volatiles to either treat palms directly or stimulate them to produce their own defenses.

Lethal bronzing, first detected in Tampa in 2006, transmitted by the planthopper Haplaxius crudus was confirmed as the vector in 2021. For almost two decades, the disease has been making its way steadily across the state, creating significant casualties in Florida palms.

The most important thing to note is that once symptoms show up on the palm tree, it is too late, which is why prevention has been the first line of defense, Bahder said.

Currently, when a tree has been infected, the only remedy is to remove it. To prevent the bacteria from spreading, the surrounding trees require a sampling for phytoplasma. If the palm tests negative, then an antibiotic treatment of oxytetracycline is administered as prevention. The treatment, which is expensive, is repeated on a quarterly basis.

With the discovery of these plant-produced compounds, scientists see this as a breakthrough in developing ways to manage the disease that could allow for harnessing the plants own natural defenses to create a cure for infected plants that would eliminate the need for costly antibiotic treatments.

Scientists hope to be able to harness these compounds to develop new management strategies, Bahder said.

Next stage of the research process requires additional funding to find ways to use the healthy green leaf volatiles compounds that are natural to the palms defense system to treat infected palms. The methods could involve injecting the compound directly into infected palms and hopefully curing the infected palm. It could also involve potentially placing dispensers or spraying areas of risk to stimulate the at-risk palms with natural defenses.

The goal is to find cost-effective ways to protect palms whether they are over large areas that may be at risk or individual properties, Bahder said. Ultimately, we want to cut down on time and resources for nurseries and consumers.

Link:

Palm tree progress - Golf Course Industry Magazine

I think about the urgency in getting Cody Bellinger back on the field for the Cubs in three different ways. Two of which Im good with. One of which I kind of hate myself for.

The two good ones are somewhat related, but distinct: you want to see Bellinger back as quickly as possible so that whatever good joojoo was working for him in this bounce-back season doesnt get lost in the form of rust or prolonged physical discomfort. And second, you want to see that version of Bellinger back as quickly as possible because the Cubs need to really turn a sharp corner here, and a good version of Bellinger would really help.

The last reason to want Bellinger back quickly the one I hate myself for even letting slip into the back of my mind is that you want him to show hes fully healthy and still productive well before the Trade Deadline. You know. Just in case.

Bellinger, who has been out since that mid-May wall catch in Houston, is making progress in his recovery from the bone bruise in his knee. He started a running progression this weekend, and Meghan Montemurro reports that those strides have been encouraging:

That said, if Bellinger cant return this week on the West Coast trip, then hes going to have been away for at least a month. At that point, its pretty hard to imagine a guy coming back WITHOUT a rehab assignment, which would allow him a little in-game action to ready himself for game speed, and also would be a final check against discomfort in the knee. This is a guy whose last two seasons were sunk, in part, because he was playing through less than 100% physical health. The worst outcome here for BOTH the Cubs and Bellinger is that he comes back at less than 100%, and proceeds to play like crap over the next couple months.

Much more on that from Patrick Mooney, and Bellingers agent Scott Boras, in this piece at The Athletic. Obviously Boras has all the incentive in the world to talk up Bellingers bounce-back this year it was all just the injuries the last two years, he says and also to be OK with Bellinger being traded at the deadline (since that would mean Bellinger couldnt receive a Qualifying Offer and wind up tied to draft pick compensation). Boras even dropped a little discussion of Brandon Nimmo, who received eight years and $162 million from the Mets this offseason, even at age 30. Bellinger will be 28 this offseason.

Anyway, none of that stuff will matter if Bellinger doesnt come back somewhat soon, and isnt clicking at the plate like he was before the knee injury.

For his part, Bellinger is confident hell be good to go.

Its definitely frustrating, Bellinger said, per The Athletic. But once I come back, I am still pretty confident that Im going to be where I was. I feel good. Im still feeling strong. Im able to do quite a bit of workouts. Its more the extension (of my knee right now). Im pretty confident that once I come back, Ill play how I want to play.

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Cody Bellinger Making Progress, Confident in His Ability, But ... - bleachernation.com

After a visit to LSU, four-star receiver Jeremiah McClellan is impressed.

According to On3, LSU is now near the top of McClellans list. McClellan told On3 hes a fan of wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton and his track record of development.

McClellan has four stars from all four major recruiting services. 247Sports is the highest on his ability right now, slating McClellan as the 17th-best wide receiver in the 2024 class and the fourth-best player in the state of Missouri.

LSU has competition here. Ohio State is also recruiting the blue-chip receiver and the Buckeyes rarely miss when recruiting pass catchers.

Brian Kelly and staff made it a point to recruit the St. Louis area when taking over at LSU.

Kelly, having spent a decade at Notre Dame, is familiar with the midwest, and LSU cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples is a fixture in the St. Louis high school football community.

Last cycle, LSU landed tight end Mac Markway from Missouri. LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo is also from the area and transferred to LSU after beginning his career at Missouri.

LSU makes strong impression on Georgia offensive tackle ahead of commitment date Malik Nabers among the SEC's top receivers in 2023 Former LSU LB Bradie James named to 2024 College Football Hall of Fame ballot

Contact/Follow us@LSUTigersWireon Twitter, and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Story originally appeared on LSU Tigers Wire

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LSU makes progress with blue-chip receiver from St. Louis - Yahoo Sports

Tetra Pak published its Sustainability Report FY22, highlighting the companys progress across various aspects of sustainability. Now in its 24th edition, the report demonstrates how sustainability remains core to Tetra Paks strategy and continues to be prioritized in decision making.

During 2022, Tetra Pak achieved significant milestones, reducing operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 39%, with 84% of the energy coming from renewable sources. This puts the company on track to achieve net zero within its own operations by 2030.

Additionally, the sale of 8.8 billion plant-based packages and 11.9 billion plant-based caps translated into 131 kilo tons of CO2 savings. Tetra Pak also invested nearly 30 million to accelerate collection and recycling of beverage cartons, while working with food technology incubators and start-ups to explore the future of sustainable food.

This was in the context of a year marked by considerable uncertainty, driven by the after-effects of COVID-19, supply chain issues and geo-political challenges such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The combination of all these factors has resulted in significant financial challenges for businesses and consumers, driving up the cost of living and resulting in food insecurity for many.

The current operating environment has emphasized the need for integrated, systemic solutions, Adolfo Orive, president and CEO at Tetra Pak, said. This is the only way we can meet the scale and speed of change required to strengthen food access while reducing the environmental impact, in a way that leaves no one behind.

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Tetra Pak Makes Further Progress On Sustainability Transformation ... - Ink World Magazine

Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi is traveling to Kiev as an envoy of the Pope on June 5 and 6, 2023, announced the Vatican press office on June 5. The mission of the archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Bishops Conference is to listen in depth to the Ukrainian authorities regarding possible ways of achieving lasting peace, and to support gestures of humanity that contribute to easing tensions.

On May 20, the Pontiff entrusted the Italian cardinal with the task of leading a mission, in agreement with the Secretariat of State, to contribute to the easing of tensions in the conflict in Ukraine.

At the time, the Holy See announced that the details of this diplomatic intervention were still under study.

Cardinal Zuppi has long been a member of the lay SantEgidio community, a Catholic association committed to ecumenical dialogue and working for peace.

In fact, the cardinal has a long history of helping to bring about peace in certain serious world conflicts.

While still just a priest, he acted as a mediator in several conflicts. He mediated in 1992 in Mozambique, which at that time was being torn apart by civil war. He subsequently mediated on behalf of SantEgidio in Tanzania, Cuba, Kosovo, and Basque Country in 2017, when members of ETA decided to make him their moral witness when they laid down their arms.

The SantEgidio community has taken on significant importance under Francis pontificate, sometimes being described as a diplomatic agency parallel to that of the Secretariat of State.

According to Reuters, the mission entrusted to the 67-year-old Italian cardinal is to meet separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While no papal representative has been received in Moscow since the beginning of the conflict, Cardinal Zuppi is not the first papal representative to visit Ukraine.

Francis has sent Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity and papal almoner, to the war-torn country five times, where he has brought medical supplies and ambulances.

Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, also made a brief visit to Ukraine from the Hungarian border in March 2022.

Other cardinals have visited Ukraine without being asked to do so by the Pope, such as Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius on June 1.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and linchpin of papal diplomacy, also visited Ukraine from May 18 to 20, 2022. My visit is intended to demonstrate the closeness of the Holy See and Pope Francis to the Ukrainian people, particularly in light of Russias aggression, he said at the time.

According to a Vatican source, for a time the Holy See had been considering a visit by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, but ruled it out because it could be perceived as preparation for a papal visit. During the first months of the conflict, the Pope had expressed his wish to visit both Moscow and Kiev, before abandoning this project in the face of reluctance on the part of both Ukraine and Russia.

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Can this peace-building cardinal bring progress in Ukraine? - Aleteia

A busy Elden Ring player has found a creative way to keep track of their progress and the game's storyline, gathering some attention from the game's subreddit. Elden Ring has a captivating story that thousands of gamers keep track of and spend countless hours discussing and finding more details about the game's bosses, environments, and more. Some players find it hard to follow the main plot while trying to beat the game's bosses, and this is why one busy gamer developed a method to keep track of everything.

Elden Ring launched in 2022, and since then, thousands of gamers have been exploring The Lands Between, finding uncharted terrain, terrifying mini-bosses, powerful weapons, and much more. Elden Ring's developer's approach to the story gives players a lot of reasons to explore the map by themselves and pay attention to the in-game dialogue, their surroundings, and the enemies they encounter in their play sessions. Elden Ring's map is huge in comparison to some open-world games, and many players have taken some extra help, like this Reddit user who plans to use a physical map and something more to keep track of their adventures and progress.

RELATED: Elden Ring Player Has Unfortunate Encounter With Abductor Virgin

On June 5, Reddit user EnlightingWave made a post on the Elden Ring subreddit sharing a new method they will be using to keep track of progress. According to the Reddit post, after putting in 200 hours in their main save and forgetting most of their playthrough, they decided to replay the game again with the help of a physical map and a notebook in which they would take notes about their progress in hopes to refresh themselves each time they sit down to play the game as they can only put around two hours per week into the game. Elden Ring players have shown their creativity in-game, but this player took it to another level.

Many Reddit users were impressed by the player's idea. Elden Ring's environments are captivating, to say the least, and according to EnlightingWave, putting into words the world surrounding their character will make the storytelling even better as they progress through the game. Many Elden Ring players have finished the game rather quickly, and this gamer is planning to do the opposite, immersing themselves in the game and enjoying the experience.

Even though Elden Ring has been out for a while now, its community is very active online; Elden Ring players often make interesting posts on Reddit, gathering the attention of many fans. The Elden Ring community is more than committed to the title created by FromSoftware, and posts across social media show it, besides the other thousands of players who keep enjoying and talking about the game.

Elden Ring is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

MORE: Elden Ring's Map Lacks The Best Thing About Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

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Busy Gamer Tracks Progress in Elden Ring in a Creative New Way - GameRant

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Breast Cancer Canada, a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research, has announced a $3-million three-year funding for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, one of the leading cancer research centers in the world.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230605005044/en/

The 3P Precision Prevention Progress Project will drive molecular breast cancer prevention research to improve early detection, screening, treatment and ultimately, future prevention strategies for breast cancer patients.

Dr. Rama Khokha, a Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret who specializes in molecular cancer prevention, will lead the research team.

The best way to stop breast cancer is to stop it from occurring, and today Breast Cancer Canada is making an investment in prevention. Breast cancer research has made remarkable progress, but we still have work to do, said Kimberly Carson, Breast Cancer Canada CEO.

Thanks to the commitment of our donors, this three-year funding will elevate the capacity of Dr. Khokha and her team. We are inspired by their momentum. The discoveries at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre are at the forefront of Canadian breast cancer research I have goosebumps just thinking about the impact.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Dr. Khokhas research focuses on identifying new risk factors and developing screening methods to detect cancer at an earlier stage, or before it has begun.

"With BCC's unparalleled support for our bold ideas, we will strive to progress Canadas position as a leader in cancer precision prevention. This funding will not only actively advance breast cancer prevention research but to also help train and inspire next generation of scientists to have a passion for the cause, said Dr. Khokha, a world-renowned expert in mammary stem cells and breast cancer.

The 3P Project will focus on molecular breast cancer prevention research, with the guiding principles of reduced incidence, improved early detection, personalized and targeted prevention and future prevention strategies.

We are excited and grateful to Breast Canada Cancer for this grant, said Dr. Brad Wouters, Executive Vice-President, Science and Research at University Health Network. Dr. Khokha is a tremendous scientist and leads a very talented team. This grant will help her lab develop a better understanding and new approaches to explore prevention strategies.

To donate to Breast Cancer Canada and support the Precision Prevention Progress Project, please visit breastcancerprogress.ca.

ABOUT BREAST CANCER CANADA

Breast Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research. With a focus on precision oncology (personalized care) it is the only national breast cancer organization in Canada that has a clear mandate to raise money for research. The organization receives no government funding, meaning all research is funded through the generosity of donors. For more information visit, breastcancerprogress.ca.

ABOUT PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTRE

The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has achieved an international reputation as a global leader in the fight against cancer and delivering personalized cancer medicine. The Princess Margaret, one of the top five international cancer research centres, is a member of the University Health Network. The UHN also includes Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and The Michener Institute of Education. The scope of research and complexity of cases at University Health Network has made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230605005044/en/

Originally posted here:

Breast Cancer Canada Announces $3-million Precision Prevention ... - BioSpace

Ambassador Dennis Francis - who has had a nearly 40-year-career - will take the helm of the UNs main policy-making body, starting in September.

He was elected by acclamation during a ceremony in the iconic General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters in New York.

The General Assembly consists of all 193 UN Member States, all of which have an equal vote. Its duties include appointing the Secretary-General, on the recommendation of the Security Council, and approving the Organizations annual budget.

Mr. Francis said he will prioritize encouraging and facilitating meaningful dialogue.

It is my hope to bring forward, with your help and support, a renewed atmosphere of conciliation, cooperation and shared commitment in addressing the many challenges and seizing every opportunity, however nascent, before the General Assembly, he said.

I will seek to enhance current approaches and adopt new ones with probable solutions, as we endeavour to deliver or at least to strengthen the bases for delivering Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability.

He also spoke about the prominent role of education in his life and career and upheld the need to ensure all people have the chance to learn, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for ending extreme poverty and other deprivations, by 2030.

The current General Assembly President, Csaba Krsi of Hungary, noted that his successor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the post.

Mr. Francis vision for the 78th session Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability offers a comprehensive view of the work of the General Assembly as we rebuild trust in and within this institution, tackle climate change and strive to get the SDGs back on track, he said.

With 100 days remaining in his administration, Mr.Krsi said he will continue to promote the use of science for a sustainability transformation, namely in preparations for the SDG Summit during the High-Level Week of the General Assembly in September,

UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres added that Mr. Franciss tenure comes at a deeply challenging moment", amidst conflicts, climate chaos, and escalating poverty, hunger and inequality - while the SDGs are also slipping out of reach.

He said the incoming President also brings a critical perspective as many issues addressed in the General Assembly such as climate change and an unjust global financial system - hit small island developing States like Trinidad and Tobago the hardest.

We look forward to the President-elect carrying forward the theme of his presidency - Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability - in the year ahead, and to bringing this Assembly together to strengthen global cooperation at this difficult moment, he said.

Mr. Francis is currently the Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the UN and has had a diplomatic career that spans nearly four decades.

During this period, he held the rank of Ambassador for 18 consecutive years until his compulsory retirement in 2016, making him the countrys longest serving Ambassador.

Before leaving office as the Director of Multilateral Relations, he served as Senior Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on all multilateral matters, including climate change and the negotiations for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which contains the SDGs.

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Incoming General Assembly President to prioritize 'Peace ... - UN News

After reading in the Progress Times that MCISD is considering its own police force I couldnt help but recall the long proven saying that it takes a village to raise a child. That village of course includes its fire department, political infrastructure, laws, schools, churches and of course a police department. Each of these are specialties. Each requires special training and, in many cases, a special type of person. All these agencies are charged with raising children who will prosper in Americas free society, within a set of rules, and providing remediation if they dont.

Does MCISD want to set a double standard? What benefit does a second police force have to the village and more importantly to the children? To me it seems that they want to establish a different set of standards for students. Our City of Mission police department enforces the law of the land daily. Would the school police enforce a different one? If not wouldnt that agency be just a duplication of effort sponsored by control freaks? Shouldnt the students expect that the laws and type of enforcement they experience for 13 years be the same they experience one foot off campus or a second after graduation?

On a more practical note, where will the ISD get these officers, vehicles, communication system, etc? Where will they be trained and by whom? Will they be paid the same as other Law Enforcement Officers in Mission and not off the street security guards? They would be placing our most valuable asset, our children, in unknown hands. Just for the chance at some possible future grants that might not even materialize.

Nope, Keep Law Enforcement within our police department. Add a little sensitivity training if needed, and maybe create a specialty division within the department for those experienced with school security. However, for a school board, who cant even get a stadium repaired, to try and reinvent the police department is pure folly and a danger to the students.

Ned Sheats

Mission

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Letter to the Editor Mission CISD police department - Progresstimes

Followers, listeners, allies, and supporters, we are proud to introduce Progress Texas Institute Board Chair Kathleen Thompson as our new executive director!

Kathleen is a professional communicator who helps candidates, political action committees, and nonprofits get noticed. She was most recently communications director for the Dallas County Democratic Party, which mobilized precinct chairs, activists, and voters to flip three county seats and nearly 90 precincts red to blue, resulting in a Dallas County government that's nearly all Democratic and more reflective of the county. Shes a former Texas Gun Sense advisory board member, Texas Democratic Party State Executive Committee member, the founder of the Grapevine, TX Veterans Day Parade, and leader of successful local campaigns for public safety and ethics.

Im proud to help write the next chapter for Progress Texas, as we work hard to bring humor and positivity to the political scene and give Texans reliable, timely information, with the progressive side of story. - Kathleen Thompson

As a non-profit media organization, Progress Texas believes that making a serious difference starts with shaping the narrative. News can be overwhelming, and we keep voters energized about the big issues of the day.

We reach millions of Texans each month with smart, funny, and hard hitting content that stands out from the rest of the clutter online. Our work seeks to inspire engagement and give voice to a growing majority of people, with the ultimate goal of leading to a more representative democracy.

Join us in welcoming Kathleen as our new executive director! While campaigns come and go, Progress Texas is here to stay. Help us build a more progressive Texas with a donation of any amount! Progressive media infrastructure is worth your investment!

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Progress Texas' New Executive Director! - Progress Texas