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Gym, fitness workers hold outdoor workouts in protest of provincial restrictions

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Several gym and fitness studio owners are organizing outdoor workouts in protest of the Ontario government’s ban on outdoor fitness classes.

A provincial stay-at-home order — first imposed on April 8 for four weeks and now extended until May 20 — means outdoor gatherings are banned and outdoor amenities, other than playgrounds, are closed. This includes group outdoor fitness activities, which have been largely shuttered for months.

Since the new restrictions took hold, dozens have gathered at popular Toronto landmarks such as Nathan Phillips Square, Queen’s Park and City Hall, to exercise and demand that group fitness classes be deemed essential.

Geordan Thomas, the owner of United Boxing Club, is one of several gym and fitness studio owners involved in these demonstrations, called United We Fight, in the hopes of gaining the province’s attention.

“Outdoor activities done in a safe manner should be allowed,” said Thomas.

The group staged a demonstration on Sunday, with dozens partaking in a physically distanced workout at Canoe Landing Park.

Source: CBC

How Human Cells Coordinate the Start of DNA Replication

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Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) President and CEO Bruce Stillman has been dissecting DNA replication, a critical step in cell division, since the 1980s. His lab studies how Origin Recognition Complexes—ORCs—coordinate DNA duplication. They discovered how our cells assemble and disassemble ORCs during the cell division cycle. One ORC protein is sequestered into small liquid droplets, keeping it apart until the right time to recruit other proteins and initiate DNA replication.

The ORC recognizes where to initiate replication at numerous locations along the long, linear stretches of DNA in our cells’ chromosomes. Fully assembled ORCs recruit other proteins to make precise copies of the chromosomes. This mechanism is necessary to inherit DNA accurately without errors that can lead to disorders such as cancer.
Scientists have studied the structure of ORCs in several species. Stillman explains:
“We’ve previously studied this in baker’s yeast, but it turns out that human cells have a different way of doing things.”

Unlike single-celled yeast, humans have a variety of cells that divide at different times. To choreograph this, the researchers found that one human ORC protein, ORC1, has certain regions that yeast ORC1 lacks. When ORC binds to DNA, ORC1 recruits CDC6, a protein that assembles other DNA replication proteins. Some of the human-specific regions of ORC1 and CDC6 bind other proteins that regulate DNA replication. Manzar Hossain, a research investigator in Stillman’s lab, says:

“We found that ORC1 and CDC6 interact in a very tangential manner. We found a very short time period which allows them to interact.”

DNA-bound ORC1 is sequestered into liquid droplets that briefly change shape, then brings in CDC6. Kuhulika Bhalla, a postdoc in Stillman’s lab, explains:

“So if you can imagine a lava lamp, like you’ve got liquid, but you’ve got other colored liquid within it. And they still managed to stay separated.”

Throughout most of the cell division cycle, ORC1 and CDC6 amounts oscillate in the cell. Stillman explains that “both high and low amounts of ORC1 lead to severe consequences for cell viability. So, you have to have just the right amount” of each protein throughout the cell cycle. Stillman and his colleagues have shown that CDC6 recruits other regulatory proteins that control the activity and levels of ORC1 in both space and time. They published their findings in Molecular Cell.

Clinical research centre participating in a plant-based COVID-19 vaccine trial

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Medicago, a Canadian-based biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing novel vaccines using plant-based technology, announced the start of the third phase of clinical testing for its vaccine candidate in combination with England-based company GlaxoSmithKline’s pandemic adjuvant.

Medicago received approval from Canadian and U.S. regulatory authorities to proceed with the enrolment of healthy adults in the Phase 3 portion of the trial based on positive interim Phase 2 results, the company said in a news release last month.

“We reached out to pharmaceutical companies since the whole pandemic started and let them know we could help out if they were interested in studying their vaccine in Western Canada, but we didn’t have much luck,” said Tiessen.

The CARe Clinic initially reached out to Medicago for Phase 2, but wasn’t selected to participate. The research clinic then reached out again for Phase 3 and was successful.
“They looked at the data and we submitted to them what things look like here – how we’re centrally located and it would be ideal for all Albertans to participate if they wanted to,” she said.

Starting next week, the CARe Clinic will begin screening healthy volunteers, between the ages of 18 and 64, to participate in the Medicago study. The clinic is looking to enrol 250 participants over the next four to six weeks.

Rise Market Launches Home Delivery Service to Allow Access to Healthy Food and Supplements at Wholesale Prices

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Rise Market, a pioneering online marketplace that delivers a curated selection of healthy foods and supplements announced its launch in Ontario today. Affordable prices and its purpose-driven approach uniquely positions the company to meet the $15B grocery delivery market and the need of Canadian families to save on healthy foods while giving back to the community.

Launching with a catalogue of over 500 local products, Rise Market boasts a curated selection of premium healthy products with new brands being considered weekly. For just $60 per year (the equivalent of $5 a month), families can access the discounted pricing model and get healthy foods delivered to their door at 20-40% less than traditional retailers.

Rise Market offers a diverse range of non-perishable goods that prioritizes Canadian companies wherever possible. The carefully curated selection saves significant shopping time through highly personalized dietary preferences (organic, vegan, keto, paleo, dairy-free, non-GMO, kosher).

With a mission to make healthy food accessible, Rise Market will further deliver on its promise to Canadian communities through the Rise & Shine initiative—a matching program that gifts a free membership to a frontline worker for every paid membership purchased. One dollar from each paid membership will be donated directly to local food banks alongside educational workshops.

“Supporting the local communities in which we serve is at the core of everything we do—from our discounted pricing all the way through to supporting small business owners,” said Joel Fox, co-founder of Rise Market. “Healthy choices for all Canadians is a shared vision that we are proud to drive forward by breaking down the barriers to access healthy foods for less.”

At launch, areas of operation span the Greater Toronto Area east-to-west from Oshawa to Cambridge, going as far north as Barrie. Shipping fees are waived for all orders over $59.
Early members that join Rise Market will receive a complimentary welcome box valued at $75 (more than the cost of the annual membership).

GR movement seeks to educate residents on entheogenic plants, cites health benefits

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Decriminalize Nature Grand Rapids wishes to inform local communities regarding entheogenic plants and their potential to be used as therapeutic tools.

We’re told research conducted by Johns Hopkins University and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has shown that certain compounds inside entheogenic fungi and plants may be more beneficial to treat depression, anxiety and other health maladies than other prevalent therapies.

DNGR explains that it’s due to the aforementioned health benefits that it is part of a national campaign that hopes to decriminalize medicines derived from natural plants and fungi.

“According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Grand Rapids residents’ rate of depression is over twenty percent,” says DNGR Co-founder Chad Beyer. “At the same time, The Food and Drug Administration has granted psilocybin (found in entheogenic mushrooms) a ‘breakthrough therapy’ because of its success in treating depression.”

Beyer adds, “The time to explore alternative community health approaches to effectively treat depression has come.”

DNGR tells us a handful of municipalities throughout the country have already decriminalized plants and fungi, adding that Grand Rapids is close to becoming a leader in the decriminalization movement.

Original post: Fox news

iHerb Opens Its Sixth Fulfillment Center in Hong Kong

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iHerb is pleased to announce the opening of its sixth fulfillment center. Located in Hong Kong, it will be the company’s second overseas and will serve China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The fulfillment center will carry up to 6,000 of iHerb’s top-selling products, improving delivery speed for customers’ favorite items to as early as the next day if the order is placed prior to 1:00 PM Hong Kong time.

The Hong Kong fulfillment center is established in partnership with DB Schenker, responsible for full-spectrum warehouse management services. Equipped with a state-of-the-art AGV robotic solution that will increase the efficiency of pick operations, the fulfillment center is expected to process up to  20,000 orders per day.

“We are very pleased with DB Schenker’s performance and expertise during concept development, implementation, and go-live phases of this new partnership,” said Miriee Chang, Chief Operating Officer, iHerb Global Logistics. “This new operation will allow us to service our customers in Asia faster, with world-class accuracy, and significantly improve the customer experience.”

All of iHerb’s fulfillment centers meet the highest standards of cleanliness and are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) registered. In addition, they are kept in a cool, climate-controlled environment of 74-75 degrees Fahrenheit (23-24 degrees Celsius), and have large walk-in refrigeration units for items such as those containing acidophilus that require regulated temperatures.

Canadian Federal Government Announcement

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April 19, 2021, the Canadian Federal Government announced in the Budget 2021 an extension of the current wage-subsidy (CEWS) and rent-subsidy (CERS) programs to September 25, 2021. There are, however, reductions in support.  The maximum available support will drop from 65% of revenue reduction in June (the current level) to 60% in July, to 40% in August to 20% in September.

The web page detailing the changes has not yet been updated but should be very soon. Go to Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan – Canada.ca.

Stem & Root™ Plant-Based Supplements Partners with Good360

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The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented crisis, causing physical, mental and economical strains on both individuals and businesses alike. For non-profits, the pandemic has created new challenges and increased strain on their organizations. In fact, according to a new survey commissioned by plant-based health care brand, Stem & Root™ Plant-Based Supplements, of 800 organizations in the Good360 network of non-profits, 72 percent of the organizations suffered a decrease in donations and financial support in comparison to pre-pandemic. To assist those in need, Stem & Root™ Plant-Based Supplements announced a significant contribution of products specifically designed to aid stress and help with sleep, which is needed more than ever during this challenging time, along with a $20,000 donation to support Good360’s work with its network of non-profit charities, all of which aim to transform the lives of individuals, families and communities impacted by disaster and other life-challenging circumstances.

In addition to the challenges the non-profit organizations are experiencing due to a decrease in volunteers and roadblocks with distribution efforts, the individuals these organizations serve are also feeling negative effects of the pandemic. In fact, the survey revealed organizations cite stress levels (88 percent), mental health (79 percent) and sleep (34 percent) as areas most negatively impacted for the populations served, which underscores the need for solutions that assist in these areas.

“With the key wellness areas of stress and sleep so drastically affected by the pandemic for those in need, we felt it was our duty to help by providing both financial support and product solutions for those in need,” Stem & Root™ Plant-Based Supplements Marketing Director Niki McKinney said. “Good360’s nonprofit members are doing important work and we are honoured to provide products harnessing the power of plants to support overall health, so they are able to care for themselves and the communities they serve.”

The Stem & Root™ Plant-Based Supplements distributed include plant-powered solutions for the mind and body that are supported by decades of scientific research with each key ingredient curated and supported with clinical trials to verify its benefits. Stem & Root™ Stress Less combat the occasional stresses of daily life with soothing support for the nervous system through a potent combination of valerian, passionflower, black horehound and hawthorn, while Stem & Root™ Sleep Well helps to achieve a better night’s sleep through a powerful combination of melatonin and passionflower to ease the mind and body.

“Nearly half of our nonprofit organizations cited that their communities look for more natural and plant-based products when it comes to product donations, making Stem & Root™ Plant-Based Supplements an excellent partner,” noted Matt Connelly, CEO of Good360. “The generous donation from Stem & Root™ will not only help us assist underserved communities, but also meet the expressed needs of our partners and allow them to continue their critical work.”

Hain Celestial Brands Expand Commitment to National Military Non-Profit Folds of Honor

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The leading organic and natural products company providing consumers with A Healthier Way of Life®, announced the expansion of its partnership with Folds of Honor, a 501C-3 national nonprofit dedicated to providing educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled American service members, with more than 40 percent of recipients representing ethnically diverse groups. In September 2020, the initial partnership was announced, and Hain Celestial’s support has already impacted hundreds of military families.

Hain Celestial is broadening the program’s reach to include select Celestial Seasonings® teas and The Greek Gods® yogurt products. These specially-marked products join continuing program brands Live Clean®, Sensible Portions®, TERRA® and Garden of Eatin’®. Packaging for these brands now features the Folds of Honor seal, reiterating this important partnership.

“We are proud to support the Folds of Honor motto — Honor their sacrifice. Educate their legacy,” said Hain Celestial Chief Commercial Officer Chris Boever. “As we look to the summer, it may be the first time many Americans have gathered in more than a year. We believe red, white and blue packaging is a welcoming, festive touch, and a fun way to celebrate summer holidays.”

Hain Celestial will roll out new Folds of Honor branded products across its beverage and snack brands throughout the year. This summer, consumers can feel even better about purchasing Hain Celestial products while celebrating Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, honouring military veterans and their families.

“Our product rollout embodies the spirit of the partnership by bringing better-for-you products to consumers, across our portfolio, ” said Boever. “We’re especially proud to have delivered Live Clean® Hand Sanitizer so rapidly to market last year, at a time when Americans needed it the most. Consumers have indicated the fragrance and quality of the hand sanitizer makes it their new favorite, and we’re adding products to this new line, a soap and a lotion, as a result of the success in collaborating to help protect Americans.”

“Since our partnership with Hain began last year, we’re proud to share that they’ve been an important  contributor in our fight for the future of military families and a supporter of our educational programs,” said Lt Col Dan Rooney Founder, CEO Folds of Honor. “We appreciate Hain Celestial bringing so many products to the market that celebrate the service of military members.”

Hain Celestial brands supporting Folds of Honor include:

  • Live Clean®: Vegetarian and cruelty-free personal care products, including hand soaps made from 98% plant and naturally derived-based ingredients, and hand sanitizer that kills 99.9% of germs. Made with recyclable packaging, you can feel good about the products you and your family use.
  • TERRA®: Deliciously seasoned-to-perfection vegetable chips made from a collection of real vegetables like sweet potatoes, naturally blue potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, yuca, taro, batata and parsnip. Also available in Red, White & Blues for the summer holidays.
  • Garden of Eatin’®: Perfectly crispy tortilla chips made from organic blue, yellow and white corn sourced from family-owned farms. Available in Red Hot Blues, White Chips and Blue Chips.
  • Sensible Portions®: Craveably, crunchy, better-for-you Garden Veggie Straws with no artificial flavors or preservatives and 30% less fat than the leading potato chip* and allows for 38 straws per serving(*7g fat in our product compared to the leading potato chip at 10g fat per 28g serving).  Also available in limited edition Stars & Stripes.
  • The Greek Gods®:  Indulgently creamy Greek-style yogurt made with wholesome, quality ingredients, for a superior silky smooth texture.  All Taste No Tang®. Available in Strawberry, Blueberry and Honey Vanilla flavor 4-packs.
  • Celestial Seasonings® Cold Brew Iced Tea:  The perfect glass of refreshing iced tea anytime, with no boiling required. New convenient cold water steeping method brews in minutes to make any moment more chill. Available in Sweetened Black Tea, Unsweetened Black Tea, Half and Half, Citrus Sunrise, and Red, White & Blueberry.

For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship, please visit foldsofhonor.org/.

Inner Armour Sports Nutrition Brand Sold to New Owners

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After more than a decade of providing athletes with the most powerful sports supplements in the world, Inner Armour Sports Nutrition is ready to step into the ring with a new ownership team that includes six-time UFC champion, Randy Couture.

Launched in 2005, Inner Armour was the first global sports nutrition brand to produce products that were Banned Substance Free and included the Informed Choice and Test Sports Academy logos. These programs certified that all of its nutritional supplements were tested for banned substances by LGC Group, a global leader in pharmaceutical testing.

Using clinically tested ingredients and formulated doses, its products are trusted by both amateur and professional athletes around the world to build lean muscle mass in order to perform at the highest levels. Unlike other supplement companies that cut corners, use unsafe ingredients, or spike their supplements with banned ingredients, Inner Armour develops each product with pure, high-quality and clinically researched ingredients.

IA Distribution Ltd. is the new global license owner of the Inner Armour brand and looks forward to growth by tapping into Couture’s UFC connections and expanding its product distribution within the MMA, WAKO Kickboxing, Test Football Academy, wrestling, amateur sports and the fitness enthusiast community.

The new ownership team also includes several industry heavyweights, including Kevin Mcisaac, with over 25 years’ experience in the sports nutrition industry, Jennifer Kelly, with more than 20 years’ experience with international marketing, and Paul Dhemi, who has extensive sales experience in the sports nutrition industry in the United States.

Quick Facts:

  • Inner Armour Sports Nutrition will now be sold by IA Distribution Ltd.
  • First sports nutrition brand to produce products that use ingredients that are Formulated Banned Substance Free.
  • Used by amateur and professional athletes to build lean muscle mass in order to perform at the highest levels.
  • IA Distribution Ltd. and affiliated companies own and operate certified GMP licensed facilities in North America with established manufacturing, and a distribution facility on the East and West coast.
  • IA Distribution Ltd. is excited about its combined expertise in marketing, retail, eCommerce, distribution, manufacturing, Amazon online retailing and this full skill integration will be able to provide the best product possible from concept to the consumer’s hands.
  • IA Distribution Ltd. looks forward to expanding their international partnerships that Inner Armour leadership was so key in establishing during the previous two decades.