The Academy of Digital Art, Sciences, & Culture (ADASC) founding member Chris J. Snook and E! Entertainment Television founder Larry Namer recently announced the pre-eminent Web3 innovation awards show gala, The NFTYS. Today, the duo unveiled the striking NFTY Award that will be presented at the inaugural awards gala at The NIKO Theatre at Worre Studios in Las Vegas on June 14, 2023.
The NFTY award, designed by New Jersey-based artist Connor McLoughlin, known for his branding and design work for Master & Dynamic, Netflix, Peacock, Nike, Puma and Timberland, will be 3D printed in clear polymer that will be filled with lead and resin. The award manufacturing process is a blend of environmentally friendly and 3D printed methodologies, with each award costing thousands of dollars to produce standing over 12 inches tall and weighing approximately 6 pounds. The ribbons of the award design will be hand-painted, making each a one-of-a-kind, unique work of art. The 3D model design is by TurboSquid.com/Nn_Man. The official teaser can be found here.
“The NFTY is an iconic reflection on the historical depth that culture has always played in moving society into its next revolution or evolution,” comments Snook about the award design. “The award is a representation of the bold and bright future that lies ahead because of the creatives and innovators that earn her recognition.”
“Our goal with the presentation of the NFTY Award is to become a true career highlight for its winners, and a genuine keepsake befitting of the honor it bestows on its recipients,” adds Namer.
Each NFTY will be simultaneously minted as a digital twin when awarded to the recipient on the XRP Ledger as part of the support received from the Ripple Creator Fund, with an enhanced and vibrantly animated 3D digital twin and model of itself with each winner’s metadata. This will be stored on the Arweave PermaWeb to ensure an immutable historical record of the awards.
Additionally, the NFTY Award pays a special homage on its base to Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta, the co-inventors of the decentralized ledger/blockchain technology in 1991. They were also responsible for the first-ever mention and patent associated with what has become widely known now as the NFT – non-fungible token. The inscription reads “With Gratitude from Us All Who Stand on Your Shoulders to Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta, Jr.”
The NFTYS is the first ever live global broadcast show of its kind recognizing the cultural innovators who are redefining fashion, art, music, entertainment, and technology across the Metaverse. Nominations for the 2023 NFTYS will remain open until midnight PST on April 15, 2023. Nominate A Project to a NFTY — NFTYS.org | Academy of Digital Art, Sciences, & Culture and the shortlist of finalists in each category will be announced on May 15, 2023.
ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF DIGITAL ART, SCIENCES, & CULTURE (ADASC) – ADASC is a social benefit diversified DAO advancing the benevolent use of breakthrough technology innovation across Art, Sciences, and Culture. Its membership includes a variety of invite-only and public tiers that form the decentralized and diverse nomination committee of awardees and grants at its annual public celebration and broadcast of The Annual NFTY Awards Gala. For more information about membership to the Academy and nominations for The NFTYS please visit https://nftys.org
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey & Flying Dog Brewery Release “The Osopher” Exclusive Limited Edition Set and Commemorative NFT Bundle
After selling out their last limited edition product collaboration in a matter of days, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey and Flying Dog Brewery have partnered once again to create an exclusive ultra-premium collection set, “The Osopher NFT Bundle.” This limited edition set marks the first time Stranahan’s and Flying Dog will sell their respective “The Osopher” limited edition products as a collection to a national audience. On Thursday, November 10, 2022, whiskey and beer fans alike can purchase the collection exclusively on SpiritsNetwork.com. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to the First Responders Foundation.
Twenty-three collection sets will be available for $230 and include the following:
● One bottle of The Osopher from Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey ● One bottle of The Osopher from Flying Dog Brewery ● One tote bag with artwork by Ralph Steadman ● A digital NFT artwork by The Osopher’s collaboration bottle designer, internationally renowned artist, and friend of George Stranahan, Ralph Steadman
One additional “The Osopher NFT Bundle” collection set includes:
● A priceless signed limited edition print version of the NFT artwork from Ralph Steadman ● Both The Osopher expressions ● Ralph Steadman tote bag ● Ralph Steadman digital NFT artwork
In August 2022, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey and Flying Dog Brewery launched their first joint limited edition product release collaboration, “The Osopher Project,” to celebrate their shared history and commemorate their founder George Stranahan. The limited-edition whiskey sold out in 72 hours, with people lining up outside of the Stranahan’s distillery in Denver, Colorado, beginning at midnight on launch day. The limited-edition Flying Dog beer also immediately sold out at specific Maryland retailers. Both Stranahan’s and Flying Dog are excited to bring their partnership to the next level on a national scale – an expansion truly dedicated to their dedicated fans.
About “The Osopher Project”
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey and Flying Dog Brewery have a shared connection, history, and founder; however, The Osopher Project, launched in the summer of 2022, marked the first joint product release for the two companies. This collaboration celebrates the intersection of George Stranahan’s accomplishments as a distiller and brewer. The resulting beer and whiskey is a true testament to the art, science, and creativity on which George built both companies. The Osopher speaks to the idea that you can pursue anything if you’re just crazy enough to try it.
The Osopher Single Malt Whiskey
Stranahan’s “The Osopher” is the oldest whiskey the distillery has ever bottled. It stays true to George Stranahan’s passion for creativity and Stranahan’s commitment to innovating American Single Malt Whiskey. It starts its journey of aging for 11 years at the distillery before being matured for another four months in barrels used to age Flying Dog’s Road Dog Porter. The flavor profile consists of the following: ● Nose: Coffee cake. Roasty malt mingles with toffee and barrel char ● Palate: Dark chocolate caramels, sherried-soaked plums, and a dash of aged hops ● Finish: Bread pudding and barley wine temper to a dry finish
The Osopher Imperial Road Dog Porter
The limited-edition Flying Dog beer created for The Osopher Project is an imperial version of Road Dog Porter, an early creation by the brewery. Road Dog was one of the first beers to be wrapped in original artwork by internationally renowned artist Ralph Steadman; a version of this label was used to create The Osophers for both brands as well as the NFT. Flying Dog’s imperial Road Dog Porter was aged in 10- year-old Stranahan’s Whiskey barrels before being bottled. The results are:
● Aroma: Dark chocolate and caramel dominate the aroma, followed by cocoa butter and maple that finishes with light notes of nutty vanilla. ● Palate: A velvety smooth explosion of chocolate, vanilla cream, toasted pecans, toffee, and maple balanced with hints of caramel, spice, and tobacco from the whiskey.
Stranahan’s The Osopher carries a 47.3% ABV and Flying Dog’s The Osopher carries a 12% ABV. This project is powered by YellowHeart, the Web3 marketplace for ticketing, music, and memberships.
About Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is a pioneering and award-winning American single malt whiskey comprised of 100% malted barley and Rocky Mountain water, aged in new American white oak barrels. From grain to glass, Stranahan’s whiskey is distilled and bottled at its Colorado distillery, the state’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. Stranahan’s expressions include Original, Blue Peak, Sherry Cask, Diamond Peak, Mountain Angel 10-Year-Old, and the limited-edition yearly release: Snowflake. As one of the first and best-selling American single malts, Stranahan’s is committed to building recognition and admiration for the category globally.
About Flying Dog Brewery
As the 35th largest craft brewery in the U.S., Flying Dog has a reputation for brewing premium beer that pushes the confines of traditional styles out of our home base in Frederick, MD. From hop-heavy favorites like The Truth Imperial IPA and Double Dog Double IPA to left-of-the-dial best sellers like Kujo Cold Brew Coffee Porter and Dead Rise Old Bay Summer Ale – we take pride in challenging the status quo. Our brand is built on the gospel of Gonzo, drawing inspiration from Hunter S. Thompson’s relentless truth seeking and Ralph Steadman’s provocative drawings. In the true gonzo spirit, when authoritarians have tried to censor our creativity, we’ve gone to Federal court defending our right to free speech and expression and won. At Flying Dog, we challenge conformity, embrace the weird, and encourage you to Cut The Leash and reclaim your independence. For more information visit flyingdog.com.
About Ralph Steadman When George Stranahan first founded the Flying Dog Brewery just outside of Aspen, Hunter S Thompson immediately suggested Ralph Steadman produce the labels for their first beer, Road Dog. Flying Dog still uses Ralph’s work on their beer bottles today so it was a natural fit to use that first artwork on the Osopher Whiskey. Steadman is best known for his collaborations with Hunter S Thompson including Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and The Curse of Lono. He has illustrated literary classics such as Alice in Wonderland and Treasure Island, and written his own books including I Leonardo, Freud and The Big I Am. Other collaborations include Pyschogeography with Will Self and the Gonzovation Trilogy about endangered animals with Ceri Levy. Ever the trailblazer, Ralph has recently begun minting his art as NFTs on objkt.com at steadmanart.tez and is enjoying exploring the new opportunities that Web 3 offer.
About First Responders Foundation
Rooted in 9/11 remembrance and how first responders often are taken for granted until tragedy strikes, the First Responders Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving and honoring our first responders, veterans and their families, building appreciation and respect for their work, and enhancing public safety. The First Responders Foundation supports all first responders from Law enforcement, Firefighters, Dispatchers, EMTs, Medical Personnel, and Veterans. For over 14 years, the First Responders Foundation has been supporting the overall well-being of first responders, veterans and their families through key areas such as behavioral and mental health programs, physical health services, service dog programs (JALVELAN), and community events.
About YellowHeart
Founded in 2017, YellowHeart is the leading Web3 marketplace for ticketing, music and memberships, which accepts both crypto and credit card payments. Powered by distributed ledger technology, YellowHeart’s platform was designed to help the larger industry graduate to the next phase of ticketing, giving control back to artists and fans. YellowHeart is one of the earliest adopters of blockchain ticketing and music, having released the first-ever NFT tickets and NFT album with Kings of Leon in 2021. Tao Group Hospitality, MGM Resorts, Maroon 5, Julian Lennon, and ZHU are just a few of the globally recognized artists and brands YellowHeart works with.
ImpacX, the innovative Internet of Packaging (IoP) company, has partnered with Gatorade, the global sports fuel brand. The result: Gatorade Smart Gx bottles powered by impacX’s science and technology.
The Internet of Packaging company that provides a full end-to-end connected experience for water, vitamins, supplements and CPG brands through an Internet of Things (IoT) smart packaging platform, announced a partnership with global sports fuel brand Gatorade. The result: Gatorade Smart Gx bottles powered by impacX’s science and technology.
At the heart of this partnership is the “connected experience” – a new and personal way for Gatorade Smart Gx bottle consumers to interact with the physical product. impacX’s patented smart cap technology transforms reusable bottles into a smart, digital device that, tracks and collects hydration data for the user while calculating beverage intake based on the user’s profile and sport activity when paired with the accompanying Gx app. This innovation encourages hydration with intelligent reminders that are triggered by sensors located within the bottle’s cap that detect the level of liquid inside the bottle.
“We’re excited to partner with an international brand such as Gatorade,” said Yoav Hoshen, co-founder and senior vice president of impacX. “At impacX, we empower consumers through our digital and personalized solutions to help them track their own hydration and wellness needs. We strive to be leaders of the smart hydration space and are dedicated to technology that brings a robust and well-rounded product for our customers and partners.”
The smart bottle technology benefits both customers and the brands. Customers gain insights from a user-friendly mobile app that coaches them to achieve their hydration and wellness goals once they have entered personal information catered to their current fitness and health journeys. The technology inside the users’ Smart Gx bottle also shows a progress gauge that reminds and coaches them when they should take another sip, when their bottle is empty, how many more ounces they need to consume, and more. Meanwhile, brands receive access to customer and usage insights using impacX’s unique smart hydration platform.
“We have been searching for an innovative technology company to partner with that can deliver personalized daily hydration recommendations and change the way athletes hydrate and fuel,” said Drew Palin, senior director of innovation at Gatorade. “impacX has created a smart packaging technology that precisely meets our needs. This new partnership represents the future of packaging and has the potential to improve athlete engagement.”
The Gatorade Smart Gx bottle powered by impacX is currently available in black and has the option for personalization. It comes in a kit including the bottle, a four pack of Gx pods, two Gx Sweat Patches, and is available now for $69.99 USD on Gatorade.com.
impacX was founded in 2015 and has two main product lines: Water.io – the world leading smart hydration platform, and Vitamins.io – an innovation platform for vitamins and supplements for tracking, reminding, and re-ordering.
ImpacX(TASE: IMPC.TA) is a smart packaging company that delivers a connected experience for brands through innovative technology. Its end-to-end Internet of Packaging platform uses a unique combination of sensors, algorithms, cloud services and mobile apps to provide a complete personalized experience for consumers as well as products and brands. ImpacX is a publicly traded Israeli technology company that was originally founded as Water.io in 2015.
About Gatorade
The Gatorade Company, a division of PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP), meets the needs of consumers who participate in sports and fitness, through brands that include Gatorade, Propel, Muscle Milk, and Evolve. The solutions they provide are driven by a deep understanding of the unique occasions and needs across athletic activity. Gatorade, their marquee brand, is underpinned by a 56-year history of studying the best athletes in the world, and sports nutrition research by the Gatorade Sport Science Institute, allowing it to provide scientifically formulated products that meet athletes’ needs both on and off the field. For more information and a full list of products, please visit HERE.
“At impacX, we empower consumers through our digital and personalized solutions to help them track their own hydration and wellness needs. We strive to be leaders of the smart hydration space and are dedicated to technology that brings a robust and well-rounded product for our customers and partners.”
The LALANAExhibition is an entirely original and provocative art concept that is currently on display in the Miami Design District, which presents art as people have never seen- or used- before. LALANA is a design initiative that works with modern and contemporary Argentine artists to reimagine their original artworks as functional pieces bred in local techniques and noble materials. The exhibition features three textile pieces based on artworks by Roberto Aizenberg alongside a floor piece and sculptural chair by Luis Fernando Benedit.
These resulting pieces have been hand-woven artisanally in silk and wool or built as prototypes from sketches, enabling new ways of engagement with the artworks which can now be used, touched, and inhabited. Designed for those curious at heart, this exhibition sets your inner child free.
Architect, designer, and visual artist, Benedit began his career in the arts in the early sixties. He explored Informalism and Neo-figurative art, and later approached the aesthetics of Pop with bright solid colors and a hint of humor. In the seventies, he explored the connection between art, science, and nature. A recurring subject in Benedit’s work is the historical and cultural identity of Argentina. Parallel to his artistic and architectural career, he designed a vast variety of interiors and every-day items, such as lamps, tables, chairs, and other furniture. Conceived as unique pieces, they frequently feature materials and elements that evoke this local imagery, from a modern and often satirical point of view.
Aizenberg studied architecture for a year before devoting himself to painting. He joined the workshops of Antonio Berni and Juan Batlle Planas, both Surrealist pioneers in the Argentine art scene at the time. Architectural structures and geometrical shapes would soon become a key element in the development of a very personal iconography, rooted in surrealism and metaphysical painting. Throughout a five-decade-long career, he worked in multiple techniques, including oil painting, drawing, collage, etching, sculpture and jewelry design. The objects represented, with sharp edges and muted colors often resemble buildings or towers, with endless rows of tiny empty windows, much like ancient monuments or abandoned cities. They are set in unlikely landscapes, where the earth is a dark and reddish hue, against huge bright skies in gradients of blue, green or yellow, which might evoke those of Aizenberg’s birthplace in Entre Ríos. Often, the central feature of these enigmatic compositions are multi-faceted shapes -resembling fans or umbrellas- suspended in space. In others, it is curvilinear figures recognizable as human. Treading a fine line between figuration and abstraction, these striking images arouse feelings of uncertainty and existential uneasiness. The impossible combination of these elements create dreamlike atmospheres, sometimes peaceful, other times nostalgic, but in all cases unsettling, like an unapproachable symbolic language.
Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris), a major player in French innovation, will present 21 high technological value start-ups at the 6th edition of VivaTech, taking place from June 15 to 18, 2022. On Friday, June 17th from 10:30 to 11:45 am (French time),IP Paris will present a workshop “Tech the challenge for society,” highlighting the latest game-changing research projects conducted within its existing interdisciplinary centres (E4C on Energy and Climate, and Hi! PARIS on AI and Data Analysis) and upcoming ones (in Arts, Science and Society and Bioengineering). The programme of this workshop can be found HERE.
With 3 incubators, 82 start-ups incubated in 2021, including 44 new ones, 1,400 million raised by start-ups founded by IP Paris alumni in 2021, 35% of Next40 start-ups and nearly 25% of French Tech 120 start-ups founded/managed by alumni or from its incubators, 30 laboratories and a community of nearly 1,000 researchers, 50 patents and software applications filed this year, Institut Polytechnique de Paris is asserting its position as a key player in technological innovation in France and internationally.
For this sixth edition of VivaTech, 21 start-ups from IP Paris’ ecosystem will take turns to present their innovations to professionals and the general public within the framework of the six major themes established by VivaTech: innovations related to the fight against global warming and the energy transition, tomorrow’s mobility, future of work, diversity, decoding Web3 and the promotion of the European tech ecosystem.
How can we meet the needs of maritime players, reduce production errors in industry with microchips, contribute to the rehabilitation of children with specific learning disabilities, benefit from an evolving work environment, help merchants to grasp the entry into the world of Blockchain and Web3, or reduce the vulnerability of companies via cybersecurity?
For four days, they will be taking turns on booth C48 to present their products and/or services. As a must-attend event, VivaTech will represent a significant opportunity for them, accelerating their contact and business prospects and it will allow IP Paris to present both its start-ups acceleration and incubation programmes.
Representatives of the Drahi-X Novation Center and the Télécom Paris Novation Center will also be present on the booth to introduce their incubators, accelerators, prototyping spaces, investors’ clubs and VCs, as well as their international support.
On Friday, June 17 from 10:30 to 11:45 am (French time), IP Paris will present a unique workshop in English, “Tech the challenge for society”, also live on Linkedin, highlighting the innovative research projects carried out by Institut Polytechnique de Paris, within its interdisciplinary centres, on Satellites for Solar Energy Consumption, Next Generation of Machine Learning for BioMedical Imaging, Preserving the World Heritage in the Metaverseand Creative AI: Combining Knowledge, Learning and Control.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego officially named one of their Little Blue Penguins. After receiving nearly 2,500 votes, this charismatic penguin will be named Azulito, which translates to “little blue” in Spanish. The name reveal took place Friday morning in the aquarium’s Giant Kelp Forest. Divers unfurled a banner underwater with the winning name surrounded by Leopard Sharks, Moray Eels and swaying kelp fronds while some of the Little Blues looked on.
“This is the first time we have invited the public to help name one of our animals. So, it was a special moment for aquarium fans as well as our staff. We hope this is the beginning of a long tradition of naming our penguins,” said Kayla Strate, lead penguin aquarist. “We want to thank everyone who submitted a name online. Azulito is the perfect fit for this tiny penguin and we love that it’s a nod to our binational region.”
Voters were asked to choose between five names — each option with unique ties to San Diego, Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego — during a naming campaign that launched on World Penguin Day (April 25). Azulito won by a landslide with 924 votes. Diego trailed behind with 588 votes and Flip came in third with 438, followed by Triton and Torrey with 234 and 281 votes, respectively.
Later this month, Azulito — along with Magic, Nero, Persimmon, Reka, Cornelius and Katie — will move into their new home. Guests can meet Azulito and the rest of the colony starting July 12 when Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins opens.
The 2,900 square foot exhibit follows the world’s smallest penguins on their journey from hatchlings to adults, highlighting the challenges they face in a changing climate while celebrating the features that make Little Blues so unique (and adorable).
Penguin lovers will now be able to spend more time with the aquarium’s newest residents when the aquarium’s summer hours kick off on July 1. The aquarium will stay open until 7 p.m. daily, from July 1 to September 5, 2022.
Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins is included in the cost of general admission to Birch Aquarium which is $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3-17. Tickets for July are now available online. Advanced reservations are required for all guests, including members. Visit HERE for more information or to make a reservation.
About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs, and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which the aquarium achieves by engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for nearly 500,000 guests as well as more than 50,000 pre-K-12 students each year. Visit HERE for more information.
Although still commonly referred to as a “woman’s issue,” nearly half of all fertility problems are attributed to men. Statistics show that the rate of infertility is increasing and men and women are in this together. Nearly 9% of men and 10% of women under the age of 44 report infertility problems in America (CDC, 2013 and Office on Women’s Health, 2019). However, fixing the fertility problems tend to fall primarily on women while men are often sidelined. This is not a good situation for anyone, as not being part of the fertility journey can cause feelings of anxiety, helplessness, shame and guilt that can ultimately cause problems in relationships, performance at work and overall mental wellbeing.
Men Have A Biological Clock Too
Traditionally, we focus on the woman’s age as being a major factor in fertility success. Often referred to as a woman’s biological clock, which is a metaphor used to describe the sense of pressure many women feel to get pregnant while they are at the peak of their reproductive years, a man’s age makes a difference too. And just because a man marries a younger woman, it does not necessarily solve the fertility hurdles. A retrospective cohort study found that increased paternal age had negative effects on offspring and their mothers. Specifically, offspring born to fathers aged 45 years or older had higher odds of premature birth and seizures compared to fathers aged 25 to 34, and mothers had an increased risk of premature birth and gestational diabetes.
While it is true that fertility begins to decline for most people in their mid-30s, it is still possible to become pregnant later in life when you are ready to have a family, with targeted diet and lifestyle strategies being hugely supportive at this point. Being aware of the challenges going into the fertility journey and knowing all your options is the first step to having positive outcomes that do not put unnecessary stress on the relationship.
Skipped Steps = Stress
Most couples turn to medical interventions if they do not conceive within the first 3-6 months of trying to have a baby. While this may seem like a logical next step from a medical perspective, the process of using medical interventions can cause an enormous amount of stress and financial strain on the relationship. The average couple will often attempt two in vitro fertilization cycles, bringing the total cost of IVF, including procedures and medications, somewhere between $40,000 and $60,000 (SingleCare, 2020). Add to that an estimated 85% of IVF costs are often paid out of pocket (Fertility and Sterility, 2011). While IVF is costly and stressful, the alternative does not seem any better considering that infertility is one of the primary reasons for divorce among couples (International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine, 2020).
Couples who choose this path are often unaware that they are skipping over a cost-effective and less-stressful option. Like many aspects of our health, male and female fertility can be supported by improving lifestyle choices, such as exercise, sleep, targeted nutritional support and minimizing environmental exposures.
Don’t Underestimate Nutrition
An extensive amount of research shows that if men make positive changes with their nutrition and engage in good lifestyle choices, there is a clear connection to improved male fertility, ultimately resulting in healthier babies. Some immediate lifestyle choices men can make to help improve sperm health include exercising regularly and getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep daily.
While sleep and exercise may be easier to implement, the nutrition component of fertility may be new to men since it is not often talked about. Flooding the body with the right nutrients could really up your fertility game.
To start, a Mediterranean diet is often recommended as it focuses on foods that are high in antioxidants (such as selenium and vitamins E and C) and omega-3 fatty acids, which can be helpful in managing chronic inflammation. Mediterranean diets often include lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seafood, nuts, legumes and olive oil; and lesser amounts of poultry, eggs, cheese and dairy. A man’s diet has a major influence on the health of the baby. Recent findings from an animal model study found that when male mice ate low-protein diets, ATF7 (a protein responsible for fat metabolism and cholesterol production) turned on, and led to metabolic reprogramming in offspring. Another key study showed that sperm and semen from male mice that were fed a poor-quality diet resulted in their offspring becoming overweight with symptoms of Type 2 diabetes and reduced expression of genes that regulate fat metabolism.
What you cannot consistently get enough of through the diet, you should get through dietary supplements. To support male fertility, supplements that are helpful to include daily are choline, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12, magnesium, selenium and folate. Knowing the precise amounts to take of each nutrient can be overwhelming. This is one of the reasons why I started FullWell, a fertility wellness and education brand, to take the guesswork out of knowing which fertility supplements and what amounts were most effective. For men, FullWell’s Vitality + Virility supplement contains familiar antioxidants like vitamin E, C and selenium plus a unique antioxidant blend to offer more support than the typical men’s multivitamin. Beyond antioxidants, the nutrients included in this formula help support the very nutrient-intensive liver detoxification process, which in turn can encourage the healthy formation of sperm and the DNA contained within it.
The role of fertile, healthy sperm goes far beyond conception. Sperm quality, motility (movement) and morphology (shape and size) all contribute to an overall healthy pregnancy and the health of the baby for the long term. Some factors with sperm health are certainly out of a man’s control, but nutrition is not. If men focus on flooding their body with the right levels of these nutrients, through diet and supplementation, they can play a major role in conception, pregnancy health and the baby’s long-term health.
Inventory Your Environment
While women are often told to avoid smoking, alcohol and reduce exposure to chemicals during pregnancy and preconception, men can also make an impact here as well. Consider the evidence:
Findings from a longitudinal study revealed that paternal smoking and welding exposure prior to conception was independently associated with non-allergic asthma in offspring, even if smoking stopped five years prior to conception
Another study looking at sex-specific changes found that parental smoking at an early age also increased the risk of obesity in male adolescent offspring
A meta-analysis looking at paternal occupational exposure to herbicides, such as pentachlorophenol (PCP) used in wood-related industries, demonstrated that exposure increased the risk of lymphoma and leukemia in the father and their offspring
However, obvious environmental factors like smoking and pollution are not the only culprits for conception. Other more common environmental situations men could be exposing themselves to occur right in the home and car. Consider your exposure to unnecessary chemicals that can be found in scented candles, air fresheners, colognes and even heavy metals that could be present in the supplements you are taking. Be sure to check the label of dietary supplements for seals that indicate the company uses third-party independent testing. FullWell uses third-party independent testing to ensure no harmful contaminants, including heavy metals, are present in its fertility supplements for both men and women.
Beyond Baby: Do It For Your Health
Beyond fertility, male reproductive factors like low sperm count have been associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome for men. In the largest study to date evaluating semen quality, reproductive function, and metabolic risk, researchers discovered that men with low sperm counts had a higher risk of greater body fat, higher blood pressure, insulin resistance and abnormally elevated cholesterol. This and other recent studies have provided more insight into how fertility status can act as a biomarker for future health whether you are planning to have a baby or not.
Biography
Ayla Barmmer, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner and the founder/CEO, of FullWell, a fertility wellness and education brand. Her entire career focus has been to advance the health and empowerment of practitioners, patients and families through nutritional science, functional medicine and evidence-based holistic solutions. Barmmer launched FullWell to provide all families access to the same evidence-based, effective, high-quality prenatal and fertility supplements that she successfully uses with her own patients. Barmmer earned her undergraduate degree in dietetics and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Connecticut; a Master of Science in Health Communications from Boston University and has additional training in clinical nutrition, functional medicine, women’s health, herbal medicine and holistic and integrative therapies.
Ticks are a year-long issue, but the season for ticks peaks from April to October. Are you ready for tick season? Do not ignore it. Do not freak out.
What was once a regional issue has now become a national problem because of the migration of these bugs and the increasing frequency in which people travel and spend time outdoors. When it comes to ticks, most people are concerned about being infected with Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorferi that is transmitted to humans through the bite of blacklegged or deer ticks. Lyme Disease is an inflammatory disease that if left untreated can lead to possible arthritis and neurological and cardiac disorders. The CDC estimates that there are about 300,000 cases of Lyme Disease per year, with more than 96% concentrated in the Northeast and upper Midwestern United States. However, there are many other tick species across the United States that also spread disease and cause virus-like symptoms including headaches, fever, fatigue, chills and muscle aches. This makes tick testing crucial, so you know the tick that bit you. Tick testing is a proactive measure to take that can help a doctor or veterinarian determine the best course of action to treat a tick-borne pathogen.
Be Aware of the Tick Types
Before learning more about tick testing, it is important to know the kinds of tick you or your pet may come across. The known species of ticks in the United States that bite and transmit diseases include:
Lone Star Tick (turkey tick), which transmits bacteria that cause Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia and STARI; found widely in the eastern half of the United States.
Brown Dog Tick (kennel tick), which transmits Rocky Mountain spotted fever; found worldwide and transmits the fever in Southwestern United States.
Western Black-legged Tick, which transmits Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis; found along the Pacific Coast.
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, which transmits Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever and Tularemia; found in the Rocky Mountain states.
Tick Prevention
You may encounter a tick during everyday activities. Tick populations tend to be in elevated, wooded and grassy areas where creatures they feed on live. However, they can also be found in populated urban areas and coastal locations. Ticks enjoy moist and humid environments, like wood piles, leaf piles and litter, bird feeders, or fallen and low-hanging branches. Some ticks are also found in homes, such as the Brown Dog Tick and Soft ticks. To prevent the at-home ticks from entering your home be sure to keep lawn grasses low, eliminate leaf litter and distribute gravel to create a zone that prevents ticks from coming in. Additionally, here are some tips to prevent tick bites:
Avoid direct contact with ticks by avoiding wooded and grassy areas; and if hiking, stay near the center of trails.
Dress appropriately with long pants and long sleeves, and ensure the clothing has been pretreated with permethrin, or spray 0.5% permethrin on clothing.
Immediately take a shower after coming home from outdoors, and check for ticks on body, gear and pets.
Tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks.
Use monthly flea and tick medications for pets as recommended by your veterinarian.
Tick Testing Peace of Mind
There are specific steps to take if you or your pet get bit by a tick. When removing the tick, you must be cautious because the way the tick is removed can affect whether or not a pathogen-positive tick’s disease will be transmitted to you or your pet’s bloodstream. To safely remove a tick, use plastic tweezers to grasp the tick, pull the tick upward with steady pressure, and thoroughly clean and disinfect the bite area. Do not use metal cosmetic tweezers that could damage the tick or the skin. After the tick is removed, do not burn, freeze or squeeze the tick. Make sure to monitor the affected area for signs of infection. Immediately send the tick into a lab that uses a DNA-based method to test for common tick-borne pathogens, including Lyme disease.
Having a tick test and sample collection kit can make this process easier, especially if you are on vacation or outdoors. For peace of mind, and to be sure about the tick that bit you, I recommend including a Tick SURE kit to your first-aid kit. The Tick SURE kit includes simple directions on how to remove a tick along with plastic tweezers and safe packaging for the tick to be sent in a pre-paid, first-class envelope that is delivered to the FDA and DEA inspection lab for full identification and testing. Once the tick arrives at the lab, the tick’s DNA is extracted to identify the species, then tested for the different pathogens it may carry. Having a tick test and sample collection kit on hand will alleviate unnecessary stress if you come in contact with a tick because you will know what to do with it. At the same time, you send the tick in for testing, make an appointment with your doctor or veterinarian if you or your pet are not experiencing any symptoms. Sometimes symptoms do not show up until later, but the sooner you can get checked out the quicker you can be treated. Having the lab results of the tick in hand will help the doctor determine the best course of action.
What Does A Positive Test Mean?
If the tick test results from the lab come back positive, don’t panic. A positive tick test does not mean that you or your pet have the disease; a positive tick test just means the pathogen in the tick has been detected. If you are diagnosed with Lyme disease early, doctors can use antibiotics to get rid of the disease within the first 14 days after transmission. However, if left untreated, Lyme disease may stay with you for the rest of your life. Another reason why testing is so important.
Don’t Freak Out
Being aware of tick season and taking preventive measures are the first steps toward protecting you and your pet’s health. A tick test and sample collection kit is an important addition to your first aid kit so you can enjoy your time outdoors. You can view videos and pictures HERE so you can be sure about the types of ticks you encounter and be prepared with the next steps. Most importantly, do not freak out when you encounter a tick. Mistakes can be made with tick removal if you are in a panic. We cannot avoid the outdoors, but we can be aware of the critters that live there, and the hitchhikers that come along with them, so we know what to do if a tick bites you.
Biography
Sandra Lee is the CEO of NJ Labs, a nationally recognized provider and advocate for quality in chemistry and microbiology testing that serves the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, dietary supplement, cosmetic and cannabis/CBD industries. As a scientist and one of the few female CEOs in the analytical testing industry, she has a passion for chemistry and how it influences multiple aspects of our daily lives. At NJ Labs she leads the privately-owned FDA and DEA inspected facility that has been a mainstay in the testing industry for 85 years with a certified full-service contract analytical testing laboratory that follows strict Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations and holds ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation. She also hosts the “Going Beyond Testing” podcast series to help companies and consumers get an insider’s look at testing practices and what should be tested to keep products safe and effective. Lee is a graduate of the University of Michigan where she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.
A private collection of space photographs and memorabilia from the late space correspondent, writer and space aficionado Tim Furniss, who witnessed pioneering space moments first-hand, is among a vast selection of unique photographs of man’s very first moments in space. This exciting auction of Space Exploration Photography & Ephemera will take place at Dreweatts on February 22, 2022.
Tim Furniss’ interest in space started at age 12, when, during an outing with his grandmother in 1961, they passed a television shop and saw Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, on the news. This instigated a lifelong fascination with space, which would later lead him into the role of ‘spaceflight correspondent’ for Flight International magazine from 1984-2006, reporting on the very subject that he loved. Tim was also a broadcaster, lecturer and author of over 35 published books on space history. His role and lifelong enthusiasm for space, combined with sheer tenacity, gained him access to some astounding historical moments in space history and the opportunity to build a rapport with some of the most celebrated astronauts of our time.
Offering the collection is Tim Furniss’ son, Thomas Furniss, who has been tasked, alongside his sister, with curating his father’s lifetime project of scrapbooks, photographs and space ephemera gathered over decades. On recalling one of many anecdotes about his father Thomas Furniss, he tells us, “When he travelled to the US to cover the launch of Apollo 13 at age 22, he crawled through the legs of a hoard of journalists to take a series of pictures of the crew before transferring to the launch pad. Upon leaving, my dad was given an ‘Apollo Operations Manual’ for a space suit, to help with his reporting—something he no doubt asked for—and this very item will be available at auction as Lot 166.”
He also recounts that on the same trip a few days later, brandishing his journalist credentials, he managed to talk his way into a sub-branch of NASA, where he given a tour of the building, and asked if he could try a suit on! His wish was granted and he was given the suit and gloves closest to his size, which turned out to be those of the astronauts Bill Pogue and Frank Borman.
Among the highlights of his collection is a vintage gelatin silver print titled Lift Off showing the launch of Apollo 13, on April 11, 1970, which is estimated to fetch £300-£500 (lot 289, pictured left).
Not surprisingly amongst Tim’s collection is a photographic portrait of the man that inspired him, Yuri Gagarin, dated April 12, 1961. The vintage gelatin silver print shows Yuri smiling as he attains the title of the first man to ever go to space. It has a conservative estimate of £200-£300 (lot 18).
Amongst many photographs of historic moments is the first frame from a photographic sequence documenting the first American spacewalk, depicting Ed White floating in zero gravity over Hawaii. Taken by fellow astronaut James McDivitt on June 3rd, 1965, this vintage chromogenic print is the first ever photograph taken by another human being in space, as up to this point all released images of astronauts were taken by television or monitoring cameras.
Ed White floated out of the spacecraft wearing a specially designed suit and gold-plated helmet to protect him against unfiltered rays of the sun, as well as emergency oxygen tank. A 25-foot long umbilical line and a tether line connect him to the spacecraft. He used a Hand-Held Manoeuvring Unit (HHMU) to manoeuvre around the spacecraft at more than 100 miles (160 kilometres) above the Pacific Ocean, while James McDivitt took photographs. Aside from being a milestone experiment, this was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for White and he returned to the spacecraft reluctantly commenting: ‘It’s the saddest moment in my life’. The photograph is one of the most iconic and well-recognised images and carries an estimate of £1,000-£2,000.
Elsewhere in the sale are some very important photographs from key moments in the history of space. Commenting on the sale, Ania Hanrahan, Dreweatts specialist in charge of the Sale, tells us: “In over 430 lots the sale unravels the story of human endeavours to discover what lies beyond our home planet, from early rocketry engineering by the forefathers of space exploration to complex interplanetary missions. Although today space photography and video footage appear to be a part of our daily news feeds, it was only few decades ago that we had the chance to see what our planet looks like from space for the very first time. In those days space photography was a source of awe, wonder and amazement and had the power to change the way we see Earth and our place in space.”
Among the highlights is the most celebrated image of the earth rising above the Moon’s horizon. It is the first Earthrise witnessed by humans and captured in colour on camera. Taken from Apollo 8 on December 24th, 1968, by the astronaut William Anders, this iconic picture shows earth peeking out from beyond the lunar surface as the first staffed spacecraft circumnavigated the moon with astronauts William Anders, Frank Borman, and Jim Lovell aboard. It is estimated to fetch £4,000-£6,000 (lot 145). One of the most symbolic images of the Apollo program, which featured on the cover of Life Magazine on the 11 August 1969, was taken on the Apollo 11 mission by Neil Armstrong on July 20th, 1969. It features Buzz Aldrin standing on the surface of the Moon, casting a shadow on the ground, with his gold-plated visor reflecting the Lunar Module and the photographer. This is very rare in such a large format, making it highly sought-after and it remains one of the most well-known images of space around the globe. Its’ popularity and importance are reflected in its’ estimate of £8,000-£12,000.
If you’re an active person that’s ever wanted to increase your performance, you should check out Fitbiomics. They’re a small company helping athletes and health-driven people into a better lifestyle by improving gut health with a small, daily capsule. 360 was able to interview their CEO Jonathan Scheiman. Scheiman is a St. John’s and NYU graduate, who did his postdoctoral fellowship at the George Church’s lab at Harvard University.
Can you tell me about your mission?
Our mission is to empower, educate, and elevate. We’re working to inspire and build a world where greatness is possible for everyone by driving transformation from the inside out to maximize human potential. FitBiomics is simultaneously bridging the gap between sports and science, bringing communities together, and inspiring the next generation of scientists. The new frontier of human health & wellness is Nella–a daily capsule of next-gen performance probiotics designed to help anyone pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle to a new frontier of personal best, from the inside out. Nella gives you the guts to defy your limits.
Can you tell me about your probiotic?
With a new subscription price of $59, our daily capsule, Nella, is now easier than ever to add into a daily routine and positively impact health and wellness resolutions for 2022. The one-time purchase price remains at the current price of $75.
The product is manufactured using probiotics sourced from the microbiome of elite endurance athletes. FitBiomics supports that the source of the probiotic strains matters when it comes to athletic performance. The American-made, gluten-free, vegan probiotic is certified by Informed Sport, a service which identifies banned substances.
The Nella probiotic supplement is trusted by elite competitors across the country, including Olympic medalists, professional athletes, and USA record holders. Additionally, FitBiomics is in partnership with and serves as the official probiotic of Fordham University Athletics and St. John’s University Athletics.
What can we expect from your company in the next 6 months? What are your plans?
We have a lot planned as far as partnerships as well as new products in the pipeline. I can sum up the latter in one word: Veillonella. Yes, the lactic acid-eating probiotic that improves endurance and was published in NatureMedicine is in the commercial queue…so stay tuned.
What’s something about your company that people might not know about?
At our heart, we are a biotechnology company focused on continued microbiome R&D. We’re expanding our discovery platform for continued decoding of elite phenotypes to develop additional next-generation probiotics. Our mission is to improve human health and performance, holistically, across multiple functional applications.
