Category Archives: Human Longevity

Im so sick of using cables to charge all my devices. Arent you?

Back in the early 1890s, famed inventor Nikola Tesla (hes the guy that really invented the alternating current) predicted that one day, electricity would be ubiquitous, wireless and free.

He called it free energy or ambient power.

Ambient power was the idea that you could transmit energy through the air, rather than through a metal wire, to any device within range.

Not only was the thought of wireless power considered ludicrous, but it was also considered useless.

Well, times have changed. Now we have some 2 billion smartphones; soon, well have a trillion sensors needing power.

And Nikola Tesla was right.

Wireless power is right around the corner, and before I tell you about a specific, incredible company that will rock this world, let me briefly cover the recent past.

Whats Out There?

Wireless charging has been out there for some time, waiting for the right interface moment to make it brain-dead easy to adopt.

The rest is here:
Power is Coming

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

30-Oct-2014

Contact: Kim Newman sciencenews@einstein.yu.edu 718-430-3101 Albert Einstein College of Medicine @EinsteinMed

October 30, 2014(BRONX, NY)Investigators at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and Montefiore Medical Center will present their latest aging research at the Gerontological Society of America's (GSA) 67th Annual Scientific Meeting. Topics include the identification of a genotype that can predict survival, risk factors for cognitive impairment and the cellular biology of aging. GSA 2014 will take place November 5-9, 2014 in Washington, D.C.

"Einstein-Montefiore has distinguished itself in a range of aging fields from basic biology to clinical diagnosis and treatment," said Joe Verghese, M.D., chief, division of geriatrics, department of medicine, and director of the Center for the Aging Brain and the division of cognitive and motor aging, department of neurology, at Einstein and Montefiore. "Our ongoing longitudinal studies, in particular the Einstein Aging Study and LonGenity, also link the bench and the bedside, improving our understanding of the aging process and driving discoveries that may potentially slow it."

Dr. Verghese will attend GSA 2014 and is available for interviews.

Einstein-Montefiore symposia presentations are:

1. High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Phenotype and Genotype Predict Survival in Individuals with Exceptional Longevity This study of 326 older women and 106 older men found that those who survived longest had both higher levels of "good" (HDL) cholesterol and a variant of the gene CETP that increase blood levels of HDL. Presented by Sofiya Milman, M.D. assistant professor of medicine, Einstein, and attending physician, endocrinology, Montefiore.

2. Hearing Impairment and Incident Frailty in Older Adults 2,000 individuals age 70 and older were analyzed to evaluate if hearing impairment is linked with frailty. Findings demonstrated that those with moderate or greater hearing impairment had a 61.3% increased risk of frailty compared with normal hearing individuals, indicating that hearing impairment is independently associated with frailty. Presented by Rebecca Kamil, Einstein medical student.

3. Alterations in Body Composition with Aging and Connections to Diseases and Mortality

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Einstein-Montefiore investigators present aging research at Gerontological Society of America's Annual Scientific ...

You're probably going to live longer than you thought you would -- even longer than you thought you would a few years ago.

The Society of Actuaries on Monday released a report on longevity aimed at actuaries who calculate pension costs. The new tables showed that life expectancy for men age 65 had risen two years from age 84.6 in 2000 to age 86.6 in 2014. For women age 65, overall longevity rose 2.4 years, from age 86.4 in 2000 to age 88.8 in 2014.

According to estimates from human resources consultancy Aon Hewitt, this could mean that retirement liabilities for old-fashioned defined benefit pension plans willincrease by about 7 percent.

Dale Hall, managing director of research at the Society of Actuaries, says the data on which the calculations are based was acquired from companies that still offer pension plans. Thedata included in this year's study came from significantly more blue collar occupations compared to the study done 10 years previously. "Firms hiring for blue collar jobs are more likely to have kept their defined benefit plans," Hall says.

Hall explains that blue collar and white collar mortality tends to be different, with white collar workers frequently living longer. But this study shows that regardless of what you do, your life span has probably increased and is likely to continue to do so.

The study points out that many of the current increases to longevity are thanks to improvements in water quality and sanitation, discovery and use of immunizations and antibiotics, access to Medicare and Medicaid health care coverage for seniors and the poor, and improvements in our standard of living. These factors, the study points out, are unlikely to appreciably drive increases in longevity in the future.

But that doesn't mean we won't be living longer. In fact, the actuaries are recommending that companies with pension plans consider extending their calculations to take into account the likelihood that some retirees will live to age 120. Hall says many things suggest life will continue to get longer, including development of sophisticated diagnostic, surgical and other life-sustaining techniques; improvements in nutrition, and better isolation and treatment of diseases.

"Change is coming so rapidly that we think we are going to have to start doing these studies every three years instead of every 10," Hall says,

Whether we have an old-fashioned pension or not, it behooves all of us to consider the possibility that we'll be around for awhile -- and figure out how to pay for that eventuality.

Read more:
Get ready to live to 120

Difficulty in conceiving a child is a major challenge for one in seven heterosexual couples in America, especially for those over the age of 35. Now a new discovery by researchers at Tel Aviv University and Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer could boost the chances of conception in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.

Their new research reveals a linkage between the genes of the innate immune system -- immunity with which human beings are born, rather than immunity they acquire during their lives -- and ovarian longevity. The study, published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, constituted the doctoral work of Dr. Shiri Uri-Belapolsky of TAU's Sackler School of Medicine. The research was led by Prof. Ruth Shalgi, of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at TAU's Sackler School of Medicine, Dr. Yehuda Kamari and Prof. Dror Harats of TAU's Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sheba Medical Center, and Dr. Aviv Shaish of Sheba Medical Center.

According to research conducted on laboratory mice, the genetic deletion of the protein Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key player in the innate immune system, could improve the number of eggs available for fertilization as well as improve the ovarian response to hormonal stimulation involved in IVF procedures. This could prove especially effective in women who initially respond poorly to hormonal treatment.

Neutralizing the risks

"We revealed a clear linkage between the genes of the innate immune system and female reproduction," said Dr. Uri-Belapolsky. "The results of our study, which point to neutralizing the effects of the IL-1 protein to slow down the natural processes that destroy the eggs, may set the basis for the development of new treatments, such as an IL-1 blockade that would raise the number of eggs recovered during an IVF cycle and reduce the amount of hormones injected into women undergoing the treatment."

The connection between IL-1 and fertility was discovered by accident in the course of research performed by the scientists on the role of IL-1 in atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries. In a surprise result of the research, the fertility lifespan of IL-1-deficient mice was found to be 20% longer than that of control wild-type mice.

Keeping the clock ticking

Female mammals, including humans, are born with a finite number of eggs and are subject to a biological clock that dictates the end of the reproductive lifespan at around 50 years of age. Over the past decade, a trend of postponing childbearing into advanced age has led to a corresponding upward trend in the number of IVF treatments. Inflammation has been reported to affect both IVF outcomes and the ovarian reserve adversely. "Identifying a possible culprit, such as Interleukin-1, may offer new insight into the mechanisms responsible for egg loss as well as practical interventions," the study reports.

"Our revelation is secured with a patent application, and naturally, further study in mice and in humans is required to examine this therapeutic opportunity," said Prof. Shalgi. "I believe we will take this research forward into human clinical trials. However, there is still research to be done before we can start these trials."

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Slowing the biological clock: neutralizing immune system gene could improve success of fertility treatments

Im so sick of using cables to charge all my devices. Arent you?

Back in the early 1890s, famed inventor Nikola Tesla (hes the guy that really invented the alternating current) predicted that one day, electricity would be ubiquitous, wireless and free.

He called it free energy or ambient power.

Ambient power was the idea that you could transmit energy through the air, rather than through a metal wire, to any device within range.

Not only was the thought of wireless power considered ludicrous, but it was also considered useless.

Well, times have changed. Now we have some 2 billion smartphones; soon, well have a trillion sensors needing power.

And Nikola Tesla was right.

Wireless power is right around the corner, and before I tell you about a specific, incredible company that will rock this world, let me briefly cover the recent past.

Whats Out There?

Wireless charging has been out there for some time, waiting for the right interface moment to make it brain-dead easy to adopt.

See original here:
uBeam To Bring Wireless Charging

Synthetic Genomics Inc., a San Diego-based startup founded by human genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter, announced the appointment of Oliver Fetzer as the companys new chief executive officer.

Fetzer also will join the Synthetic Genomics (SGI) board of directors. Founding CEO, Venter, will remain involved in SGI as executive chairman and co-chief scientist with Co-Founder Hamilton Smith. Venter is also co-founder and CEO of the company Human Longevity Inc., and founder, chairman and CEO of the not-for-profit J. Craig Venter Institute both based in San Diego.

I am excited to welcome Oliver as the new CEO of SGI, Venter said. His decades of proven biotechnology product development experience coupled with his scientific intellect and measured leadership style will help drive SGIs continued upward trajectory. I look forward to working with Oliver and the executive team to continue to meet our goals of turning SGIs science and technology into commercially viable and societal changing products.

Fetzer will lead all aspects of SGI, including management of SGIs three business units SGI-DNA, Synthetic Genomics Vaccines Inc. (SGVI) and Genovia Bio. Over the last several years, SGI has refined its business plan to leverage and deploy its core synthetic biology technologies in a variety of industries.

I am thrilled to become the CEO of Synthetic Genomics, a company that unites leading science with a strong platform to address some of the worlds pressing needs and a proven track record of applying these capabilities in high profile partnerships, Fetzer said. I look forward to working with Craig and an exceptional team to fulfill SGIs vision and to advance the company into commercialization.

Fetzer comes to SGI from Cerulean Pharma Inc., a pharmaceutical company that develops oncology therapeutics, where he was president and CEO for five years. Under Fetzers leadership, Cerulean advanced from a pre-clinical platform company to become a publicly traded clinical development stage company with a pipeline of product candidates.

Prior to Cerulean, Fetzer served in variety of positions at Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc., including senior vice president of corporate development and research and development, senior vice president of corporate development, chief business officer and senior vice president of business development.

SGI is a privately-held company developing genomic-driven solutions to address a wide range of global challenges. The company is focused on several commercialization programs including developing new synthetic DNA products, tools and instruments through its subsidiary, SGI-DNA. The company is also involved with research for new and improved algae-based food and nutritional products and biofuels through its subsidiary Genovia Bio; and synthetically-derived vaccines and anti-microbials through Synthetic Genomic Vaccines Inc. (SGVI), a business unit co-founded with the J. Craig Venter Institute.

Read more:
Oliver Fetzer Named CEO of Synthetic Genomics Inc.

There are two types of companies when it comes to sequencing human genomes: Illumina and everyone else. While Pacific Biosciences of California failed on its promise and hype in 2010 to revolutionize human genome sequencing, it has carved out a spectacular niche and built an envious reputation when it comes to sequencing microbial genomes with ultrahigh accuracy. Good news: high-quality microbial genomes are becoming increasingly more important in commercial applications and Pacific Biosciences is gradually developing additional business opportunities as it expands its capabilities.

The genomic diagnostics partnership signed with Roche in September 2013 is a prime example of management's vision to diversify the business -- and it has certainly catalyzed share gains for investors.

PACB data by YCharts

Yet, while encouraged by the progress and commitment from a blue chip biotech company, investors are also curious about the path to profitability. Do the recent Pacific Biosciences earnings provide any clues? Here's what you need to know.

By the numbers Pacific Biosciences had a great quarter for two reasons. First, it realized $11.7 million in revenue from the Roche partnership: $10 million from hitting a milestone and $1.7 million in quarterly amortization of the upfront payment. Second, it grew product revenue 15.6% and service revenue 34.7%. The company booked 16 orders of its third-generation DNA sequencing system, the PacBio RS II, and has now booked 30 systems year to date. That compares favorably to the 16 bookings made through the first three quarters last year and should keep the momentum going.

3Q14

3Q13

% Change

Product Revenue

Originally posted here:
Pacific Biosciences of California Earnings Rocket Higher on Roche Deal

The health risks and benefits of vegetarianism have long been discussed in relation to the human diet, but newly published research reveals that it's definitely of benefit to the reptile population. That, and being less sexually active! The research team investigated how longevity of 1,014 species of scaled reptiles is influenced by key environmental characteristics and by their feeding and sexual habits.

Snakes and lizards who want to live longer should abstain from sex until late in life, and be vegetarian, according to new research which investigated how reproductive intensity and diet affects reptile lifespan.

An international team of researchers investigated how longevity of scaled reptiles (Lepidosaurs) is influenced by key environmental characteristics and by their feeding and sexual habits.

Based on a worldwide study, involving 1,014 species including 672 lizards and 336 snakes, it was found that a higher frequency of laying or giving birth and early sexual maturation are associated with shortened longevity.

The results have been published in the journal Global Ecology and Biogeography.

Co-author Dr Daniel Pincheira-Donoso, from the School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, UK, said: "We observed that more sex (or at least more pregnancies) means shorter life, very much like the rock star adage 'live fast, die young'. Along the same lines, the study revealed that reptiles which sexually mature at a younger age will likely have shorter lives, while those who prefer to delay sexual maturity will probably live longer. And lastly, we found that vegetarians live longer than their carnivorous counterparts. Vegetal food is an intrinsically low-nutrition food, so we think that those who have these diets experience a reduction in reproductive rates, which in turn increases their lifespan."

The results support key predictions from life-history theory and suggest that reproducing more slowly and at older ages and being herbivorous result in increased longevity.

For each species, the team collected literature on body size, earliest age at first reproduction, field body temperature of active individuals, reproductive mode, clutch or litter size and brood frequency, diet and activity time.

They found that long-living scaled reptiles are generally characterised by 'slow' life-history traits: delayed and infrequent reproduction, smaller clutches, larger hatchlings and colder body temperatures. High investment in reproduction, expressed in frequent, large clutches is correlated with short life -- but species with large eggs compared to their size live longer.

The team also discovered that herbivores live longer than similar-sized carnivores. Ingestion of a protein-rich diet (meat) may lead to faster growth, earlier and more intense reproduction and hence to shortened longevity. Herbivorous individuals probably consume poorer food, so reach maturity later and live longer. It could also be that hunting is more risky than collecting fruits and vegetables.

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Sex-loving, meat-eating reptiles have shorter lives

Professor Sir Colin Blakemore said there's a limit on how long we can live He believes 120 years might be a real absolute to human lifespan This is because living for longer is so rarely exceeded that even with medical advances, it is unlikely this threshold will be raised Claims were made at a Legal and General conference earlier this week

By Victoria Woollaston for MailOnline

Published: 04:55 EST, 22 October 2014 | Updated: 07:13 EST, 22 October 2014

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The number of people living past 100 has soared by 71 per cent in the past decade.

And while one expert believes this figure will continue to rise, he stated that anyone hoping to live for double or triple this time will be disappointed.

Speaking at a gerontology conference, Professor Sir Colin Blakemore claimed there is a ceiling on how long humans can live, and how much the body can age - and he stated that that 120 years might be a real absolute limit to human lifespan.

Professor Sir Colin Blakemore (pictured) claimed there is a ceiling on how long humans can live and believes 120 years might be a real absolute limit to human lifespan. This is because living for longer is so rarely exceeded that even with medical advances, it is unlikely this upper threshold will be raised

Read more:
We'll soon all live to 120 years old - but this is probably the absolute limit, claims expert

Stop & Shop associates enjoy competitive benefits and celebrate being part of a 100-year legacy in the northeastern United States.

Ahold USAs EVP, Human Resources Kathy Russello discusses the retailer's team-oriented culture.

We are a group of associates who really like to win, declares Kathy Russello, Ahold USAs EVP, human resources, but it takes teamwork to make it happen, the required ingredients for which consist in equal parts of bringing the right people together; having a healthy respect for differences of opinions, thoughts and perspectives; and a willingness to share.

An accomplished leader for more than 30 years, Russello who earned distinction as a PG Top Woman in Grocery in 2011 is a self-described passionate believer in the retail supermarket business and a strong advocate for people from all ranks of the company, each of whom is central to Ahold USAs Better Neighbor promise. Leading the companys efforts to ensure weve got the right people in the right roles and to empower them with the capabilities to propel growth, Russello oversees the full scope of Ahold USAs human resources support functions, with a singular focus: to foster a culture of people development and growth.

Russellos supermarket roots run deep. Beginning her career in store operations for Mayfair Supermarkets, she joined Ahold in 1995 as part of the human resources support team for the New York division of both Edwards and Stop & Shop. Throughout her career, she has taken on progressively challenging leadership positions within human resources and labor relations, which has in turn given her a deep understanding of and appreciation for the broad range of career opportunities.

Russello is a big believer in investing in associates careers by offering growth opportunities, training and development programs that bring out their best. Weve got a family of companies that have been around for a very long time, and Im really proud of that, she says, noting that the retail banners longevity ultimately reflects on its stellar associates. Weve got a number of people who have worked for each of our different companies for many, many years. They followed in the footsteps of other generations whove worked for the company, so our heritage is truly about our associates, who take such good care of customers. We have centuries of experience, and our people are driving us forward.

Another interesting aspect of Ahold USAs heritage, Russello adds, is its loyal customers. I knew many of our customers on a first-name basis, and I know the same is true for so many associates. We often like to think its about great products, prices and services, she continues, and these are undoubtedly important. But its really about the trusted relationships store associates have with customers.

When talking about the grocery industry as a place to build a career, Russello applauds the many diverse and rewarding paths it offers to existing employees seeking advancement, as well as to prospective job candidates. Ahold USAs divisions, she reports, have done a great deal to do promote the industry as an employer of choice, particularly in the past five years, during which time Russello has seen a surge of interested applicants from outside the food industry.

She notes, Our employer brand is changing, and people are coming in from other industries, in many cases via word-of-mouth referrals from friends and co-workers. People are seeing the real opportunities, for a few good reasons, including that we are competitive, with very good salaries and great benefits; we reward and recognize great performance.

Equally important, she continues, is that aside from retail management, a career at an Ahold USA company provides people with the chance to grow in careers across a multitude of areas, including merchandising, finance, human resources, legal, IT, operations, marketing, real estate, construction management and supply chain. Our companies are also doing lots of interesting things focusing on digital marketing, Russello says, adding that the field has attracted talent from top universities, who are sharing their knowledge and skills to help us drive the digital advancements currently underway company-wide.

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