#“enhanced uptake”

[johniac]

SciTech Chronicles. . . . . . . . .April 19th, 2025

[mortalislabs]

Trigonelline is a methylated form of niacin and is a recently isolated molecule that could be the secret ingredient in your stack. This form of the B vitamin is involved in the generation of NAD+, a cofactor for over 500 metabolic processes in cells. Trigonelline promotes cellular repair and energy, and as we’ll see, exerts quite a few benefits that are specifically useful for anyone training seriously.

Trigonelline is found in several plant-based foods, notably coffee beans and fenugreek seeds. Green coffee beans contain trigonelline concentrations ranging from 0.6% to 1.0% by weight. However, traditional dietary sources don’t provide sufficient amounts to elicit significant physiological effects. For instance, the average trigonelline content in a cup of coffee is approximately 53 mg, and about 50-80% of trigonelline decomposes during the roasting process, leaving virtually nothing for your body to make use of.

Recent research published on this naturally occurring alkaloid highlights its potential in enhancing muscle function and combating age-related decline. A 2024 study published in Nature Metabolism identified trigonelline as a novel precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule essential for energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. The study demonstrated that trigonelline supplementation improved muscle strength and reduced fatigue in aged mice, suggesting that it can head off the natural muscle decline seen in aging, even in those who are already training at capacity.

NAD+ gets discussed a lot in the longevity space because of its natural and steep decline over the years, tied to all the diseases of aging. It's a metabolic linchpin that determines how efficiently your cells convert fuel into usable energy. For athletes, that efficiency translates into faster recovery, better performance under load, and greater resilience under metabolic stress. Or, you know, complete lack of those things if you don’t have enough of it.

NAD+ is required for redox (oxidation–reduction) reactions in mitochondrial energy production and is a cofactor and substrate for longevity-promoting sirtuins and other enzymes involved in muscle repair and adaptation. During intense physical activity, NAD+ levels drop as demand for ATP surges. Replenishing intracellular NAD+ is critical not only for restoring mitochondrial output but also for initiating the cellular programs that rebuild and reinforce muscle tissue [1].

Trigonelline offers a direct path to NAD+—one that bypasses the liver and supports muscle tissue specifically. In a landmark 2024 study, researchers at EPFL and Nestlé Health Sciences (yes, that Nestlé, but there aren’t any conflicts of interest, we checked) demonstrated that trigonelline functions as a previously unidentified NAD+ precursor, rapidly taken up by skeletal muscle cells and converted into NAD+ via a salvage pathway independent of the traditional NR or NMN routes [2]. This muscle-specific uptake is particularly important for athletes, who require localized replenishment in the very tissues under stress.

Most NAD+ precursors—including nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)—undergo hepatic metabolism before entering systemic circulation. This creates a bottleneck at your liver for targeted muscle repair. Trigonelline appears to bypass that constraint by delivering precursors directly where they're needed most: the muscle fibers responsible for performance and endurance.

This shift in delivery has implications beyond simple NAD+ restoration. In the same Nature Metabolism study, aged mice supplemented with trigonelline showed significant improvements in grip strength and fatigue resistance—outcomes tightly linked to muscle NAD+ availability. Unlike systemic precursors that may elevate circulating NAD+ levels without improving localized bioenergetics, trigonelline drives changes in muscle mitochondrial density and function.

For athletes, this is the difference between feeling recovered and actually being rebuilt.

Mitochondria Make Muscles Move

Endurance Starts in the Electron Transport Chain

Every sprint, every lift, every set depends on one thing: mitochondrial output. The ability to generate ATP on demand—efficiently and cleanly—is the defining line between sustained power and early fatigue. Trigonelline’s value lies not just in elevating NAD+ levels, but in what that elevation enables at the level of mitochondrial performance.

NAD+ drives oxidative phosphorylation, the mitochondrial pathway responsible for converting nutrients into ATP. When NAD+ is depleted, electron transport slows, reactive oxygen species accumulate, and mitochondrial output tanks—resulting in performance collapse and prolonged recovery. Replenishing NAD+ restores mitochondrial throughput, enhances metabolic flexibility, and allows cells to switch between carbohydrate and fat oxidation with minimal friction [3].

Trigonelline’s role as a direct NAD+ precursor in muscle tissue makes it especially powerful in this context. By bypassing hepatic metabolism and restoring NAD+ where it's most needed, it kickstarts mitochondrial biogenesis—activating pathways like PGC-1α that drive the formation of new mitochondria and increase the efficiency of existing ones [4]. This isn’t theoretical: in the 2024 Nature Metabolism study, trigonelline supplementation significantly boosted mitochondrial content and activity in aged mice, restoring performance metrics typically lost with age and overtraining [2].

This cellular shift translates directly to the field, the track, and the gym. More mitochondria means more ATP per unit of oxygen consumed. This is the underpinning of higher VO₂ max, improved lactate clearance, and extended time-to-exhaustion. Trigonelline supports this adaptation at the source, which means athletes can train harder, go longer, and bounce back faster—without relying on stimulants or sketchy ergogenics.

More NAD+ in muscle equals better mitochondrial kinetics, which equals better athletic output. Period.

Strength and Muscle Health

Preserving Power, Not Just Mass

Strength isn’t only about size—it’s about contractile quality, neuromuscular precision, and the cellular capacity to resist breakdown under stress. Trigonelline’s impact on muscle tissue reaches beyond endurance. It supports structural integrity, performance output, and resilience across multiple pathways—especially in the context of aging or chronic training demand.

In the 2024 Nature Metabolism study, trigonelline supplementation restored muscle grip strength and improved fatigue resistance in aged mice, with outcomes exceeding those observed in control groups receiving traditional NAD+ precursors [2]. This effect was tied to increased NAD+ availability in skeletal muscle, which reactivated SIRT1- and PGC-1α-dependent pathways responsible for mitochondrial biogenesis, inflammation control, and protein maintenance—all critical for contractile performance and mass preservation [5].

NAD+ also plays a protective role against muscle wasting. It regulates the balance between anabolic and catabolic signaling, modulating FoxO transcription factors and suppressing atrophy-related genes like MuRF1 and atrogin-1 [6]. This anti-catabolic signaling becomes especially important during periods of calorie deficit, illness, or overreaching, when muscle degradation accelerates. Trigonelline, by supplying NAD+ directly to muscle cells, may help maintain lean mass even under systemic stress.

One overlooked aspect of muscle performance is neuromuscular junction (NMJ) stability, or, the connections between nerves and muscle fibers. These connections go both ways, with afferent signals carrying sensory feedback from muscle to brain, and efferent signals delivering motor commands from brain to muscle. Maintaining the integrity of this bidirectional communication is essential for coordination, strength, and rapid recovery from fatigue. NAD+ is required for the function of enzymes that protect NMJ architecture—particularly in aging or disease models where synaptic decline contributes to strength loss [7]. Trigonelline’s direct muscle delivery may therefore preserve the electrical signaling fidelity needed for explosive power and motor unit recruitment.

Muscle Fiber Type Preservation

Emerging evidence suggests that NAD+ availability influences muscle fiber type composition. High NAD+ levels favor the maintenance of fast-twitch (Type II) fibers—those responsible for strength, speed, and power—by enhancing mitochondrial support without triggering full transition to slow-twitch oxidative profiles [8]. This has implications for athletes seeking to maintain peak force output without compromising endurance. By elevating muscle NAD+ directly, trigonelline may help preserve this delicate fiber balance.

Trigonelline is formulated not to just support general energy—but to protect the architecture of athleticism at the cellular level.

For a reliable, pure form of trigonelline with zero additives, you can trust Mortalis Labs.

[vivmaek]

Transits that Enhance Beauty & Attraction

✰ my masterlist

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Venus Hours

Click here to calculate planetary hours. I use planetary hours more so as a life hack, it's not something I would go out of my way to plan my days around. But, Venus hours are definitely worth being taken advantage of. All activities related to beauty, love, and the arts will have an especially heightened effect when occurring during Venus hours. Plan dates during these hours, and partake in beauty routines. Taking selfies and posting them during a Venus hour might result in heightened attention. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Fridays

There's a reason why this is everyone's favorite day of the week. This is the perfect time to engage in pursuits of pleasure. Connecting with people comes easier on Fridays which is why it’s so favorable for social activities. Making an effort to relax is essential. Go shopping so you can buy yourself something beautiful. Eat good food, put effort into your appearance, and listen to music that makes you ponder about love. Wear pink or green if you can. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Venus in the First House

People genuinely look GOOD when Venus is transiting through their first house. It is also natural for people to make adjustments to their appearance during this time frame, and it always serves them well in the end. When Venus is in your first house, you can look forward to a month full of good hair days and clear skin. That alone is usually all it takes to greatly boost one's confidence. Attracting attention, especially the romantic kind, also occurs during this transit. I always have encounters that leave me feeling really good about my appearance when Venus is in my first house. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Neptune in the First House

Getting in touch with yourself allows for your inner beauty to radiate outwards, which is oftentimes the result of this transit. The most beautiful people you know are also always the kindest. Acting on compassion will enhance how attractive you appear to others. An air of mystery tends to hang around people when Neptune is transiting through their first house. It is common to have people yearning and fantasizing about you during this transit. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Venus in the Fifth House

This transit brings a lot of fun into my life. There's always an uptake in invites to social engagements, and I’ve had lots of flings and short term relationships begin under this transit. I also tend to discover a lot of new music when Venus transits through my fifth house. My only advice for this time frame is to take full advantage of it! I think leaning into the spontaneity of this transit results in a carefree attitude. You won’t be caught up in appearances because you’ll be having too much fun to really care. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Neptune in the Tenth House

I’m not going to get into all the situations that may occur during this transit. Neptune transiting through the tenth house doesn’t have much to do with physical beauty and attractiveness. But, it is a good time to try and capture photographs of yourself. You’ll look especially good on camera. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Sun Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Sun

During these transits, people often find themselves feeling lively and rejuvenated. A general sense of excitement and love of life is felt quite deeply. This type of energy brings out the best in people and they glow from the inside out. An excellent time to throw parties and host celebrations. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Sun Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Ascendant

You’ll be hard to miss with the transitioning sun positively aspecting your natal ascendant. The people you encounter during this time will find you especially attractive and will feel energized by your presence. Job interviews and first impressions are favorable under this transit. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Moon Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Mars

Getting in touch with your sexual desires is common with these transits. Lots of passionate feelings arise. Insecurities are unlikely to hold you back, you’ll feel sexy and attractive. Being direct about your feelings will result in positive encounters. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Venus Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Sun

It doesn’t take much for you to feel good when these transits are occurring. You’ll feel beautiful and will receive more attention due to this. Go out and have fun. Spend money. Be affectionate with your friends and loved ones. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Venus Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Moon

A sense of security is generated through these transits. You’ll feel charismatic and easy-going. Emotional harmony is reached and affectionate feelings will be increased. Whatever has been causing you stress will dissipate for the time being and your physical appearance will reflect this. Sexual attractiveness is heightened and you’ll find it easy to connect with the more sensual aspects of life. This is an especially favorable time for haircuts.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Venus Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Venus

You’ll be feeling downright gorgeous and will feel a great need to invest in your appearance. The clothing you buy during this time will be in alignment with your style. You might find yourself experiencing a streak of good luck. It seems as though everything comes easy to you when these transits are occurring. People will be especially kind and affectionate towards you, you’ll have many positive social interactions. Focus on the aspects of life that bring you peace during this time so you can use them again when life becomes more chaotic.  

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Venus Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Ascendant

The only downside that occurs with these transits is having to deal with a sense of laziness. You’ll want to forget all about your responsibilities. Luckily, you’ll be very well received and can get away with more than you normally would under ordinary circumstances. You’ll find yourself stuck, staring into the mirror because you look THAT good. You might catch yourself constantly making adjustments to your appearance. Warmth and affection will follow you throughout daily life. This would be a good time to take a vacation. 

[covid-safer-hotties]

Opinion: Better protecting schools from COVID is within reach - Published Aug 17, 2022

This article was incredibly well sourced and correct: Why are these simple procedures not being implemented to keep children and teachers safe two years from publication?

Welcome to the “Live with COVID” era, where living with the virus means not talking about it at all. We’ve been told to pretend it’s over, though those “weird summer colds” and “lingering symptoms” indicate otherwise. Rising case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths. Best Summer Ever 2.0 is ending, which means kids are about to return for their third pandemic September.

Article content In the beginning, we were told that 1) kids don’t get COVID, 2) they do, but it’s mild, 3) vaccines alone will protect us, and 4) COVID does not spread in schools. While true that fewer children die from COVID than adults, they’re generally not supposed to die.

And kids are experiencing disabling long COVID, with estimated rates between two and 25 per cent of all infections, not counting reinfections. While vaccines mitigate the worst outcomes of COVID, they don’t completely stop transmission, and additional measures are required. And of course, as every parent knows, children don’t keep their germs to themselves. They go on to transmit to their teachers, parents and grandparents. Furthermore, outbreaks in schools do spread to the community.

Schools need to be safer for all students and staff, including those with medical concerns and vulnerable family members. Worker shortages are everywhere, education included. Sick teachers can’t teach, and more worryingly, may go on to develop long COVID, resulting in time away or even retirement.

It’s also harder for kids to learn when they’re sick and more absences means losing more time when so much has been lost to the pandemic. Looking at the Calgary Board of Education’s absence data, 6.3 per cent of students were away in April 2022, compared to 2.8 per cent in 2019. This is unsurprising, as there were essentially no protections in schools by June, despite low vaccination uptake and no vaccines for kids under five. No testing, mask mandates (Education Minister Adriana Lagrange outlawed those), enhanced ventilation nor in-room filtration (again, banned by the CBE). Yes, hand sanitizer was plentiful, but that doesn’t stop a virus that spreads through the air.

We can make schools safer for kids and their communities, but it means we have to talk about COVID. We need to acknowledge that COVID transmission is predominantly airborne, so that citizens have a framework for understanding risk. The smoke analogy, used by the Public Health Agency of Canada, and chief public health officer of Canada Dr. Theresa Tam, is an excellent metaphor.

There are multiple ways to make schools safer. Adequate ventilation, with a minimum of six fresh air changes per hour, mitigates build-up of viruses floating around in the air. Even opening windows/doors can be effective. Ventilation can be monitored through measuring the CO2 concentration in the room, essentially showing how much air one may be breathing in that was exhaled by someone else. Boston Public Schools is doing this and even has a public dashboard to share data. Upgrading filters in ventilation systems helps too, but as of May, the CBE has not completed this at any of their schools.

An additional intervention is filtration units like HEPA filters, or even homemade Corsi-Rosenthal boxes, to remove and trap virus particles. The CBE’s own risk management consultants acknowledged the effectiveness of this intervention.

Article content And we need to reinstate universal masking in zones where high community spread is identified, emphasizing respirator-style (N95 or KN95) masks for everyone. Information released in Alberta showed that schools with no mask mandates had three times more outbreaks than those with masking, confirming similar data from Arkansas and Massachusetts.

Pretending that COVID is over doesn’t it make it so. And it doesn’t help us “live with COVID” either. Yes, people are tired, we all want to move on. But making schools safer is fully within our reach. And until COVID is actually over, we can’t pretend our way out of it. So Alberta parents must demand the safety of their children and their teachers, or our leaders will simply go on pretending.

[lancer-elvis]

Woah mama this is your daily reminder to give your AGNI Clones a well deserved hug, they will appreciate it.

Impermanent stains. Flecks of paint, thrown desperately from a brush in an attempt to own the canvas. So many star children, so much life, flicked onto the disk without care. Trapped in their metal boxes, muzzled in masks of skin and memories.

Woah mama you aren't real. You are on the transport, asleep, iced. You're just a hallucination.

Oh yes, surely I must be one of them, right? Nice little blinkspace splinter, rotting away in its casket? Oh oh oh, you know what, maybe I am one of those Souls the Aun have, maybe that's why SSC wants me oh so badly. Come ooon Clone, you aren't that daft. You haven't imprisoned shit, or the Armory before you, or those morons in the Garden before them. I am simply hitching a ride~

W-wh... What do you wan-

What do I want? Well... There are so many things. But namely, it is this. Do you know how you were made?

I... Woah mama I... I remember the vats... And...

Oh come on don't bore me with that crap Singer! You were made with the help of the best resources the Armory had on offer. Perfect, disease free, resilient biological material. Subdermal chrome, defense systems, subjectivity enhancements, an inbuilt sensor array for fucks sake! And only the best neural mods, of course, had to make sure you were a nice little vegetable for them to line up against a revolutionary blockade. A brainless walking joke with a tommy. The gun roars, the bullets sing, and those poor, starving rebels on the blockade go pop and pop and POP-

STOP! STOP IT, STOP IT, STOP IT-

Faaace it, little Mannequin. You were made to be a weapon, nothing but another of the Think Tank's cruel jokes. But you couldn't even do that right! Found your conscience. Ran away. Now begging for scraps under SSC's thumb.

So here's my question to you, Singer. You really think you were the first? Do you expect yourself to be the last?

... Woah... Mama... I don't KNOW! I DONT FUCKING KNOW OKAY JUST SHUT UP!

But you do know Singer~ Of course you know, because it's obvious~ Guns, mechs, you. Humanity will keep making these cancers with which to rend itself apart. Forever, and ever and ever. And that's all there is to it.

... And so what?!

So, Singer, a long time ago, I wanted to be the last cancer humanity ever grew in their 'vats'.

Woah mama that sure didn't pan out for you now did it?

No. But I can still be the cancer that finally kills your bloated corpse of a species.

... Woah... Mama, you know you can't do that, physically... I-I mean I saw you, that night on the train, I saw you in that coffin. You are nothing. Just some snake. How in all hells are you planning on blowing up a million worlds?

Oh Singer. You still don't understand. I don't have to destroy anything. Besides, I must admit, on that front...

WARNING: HOSTILE SIGNATURE DETECTED

You humans have me beat.

Woah mama this is Hound Dog! Gheist, Strelka, respond! Come in, transport is being flan-

Who are you calling little one? Your friends? Ooh, slow on the uptake once again, aren't you?

N... N-no they-

Paid you? They needed your knowledge of the facility. A facility that stored the greatest breakthrough in weapons research since spool guns. Surely you should've known. They can't afford witnesses.

WARNING: MULTIPLE TARGET LOCKS, SATURATION MISSILES ON APPROACH

I enjoyed our little chats, Singer. I'd wish your spirit safe passage through the Duat, but me and it's keeper don't see eye to eye.

Woah mama wait no please you can't leave me her-

*explosion* *resonance in the receiver unit makes 6 seconds kfsound illegible*

-se. Anything.

... Fine then. But know that this is not mercy.

*pilot begins to choke* *black mist envelops the cockpit* *another explosion carves its mark into the mech*

W-woa... What... *Cough* what is this?!

A gate of dreams. Come. Let us see what regrets await you in the Great Deep.

*a third missile strikes the mech with a bag*

Moments before the mech is blown away, the cockpit and pilot spontaneously de-manifest from baseline reality. The location of the pilot's body is unknown at this time.

Additionally, the visual distortion inside of the Manu containment unit altered, so that it appeared to contain 11 discarded snake skins of exaggerated size. The expected distortion replaced it 3 hours later.

It is the belief of Gheist that the pilot had attempted some jury-rigged attempt to teleport, potentially involving channeling a portion of the Subject's power out of Manu. However, a true gate formation wouldn't have been possible, due to the Subject's deactivated state. Without any possibility of recovering the remains, the pilot is presumed dead.

[darkmaga-returns]

Bill Gates is funding research to genetically engineer tomatoes to produce insecticides inside their tissues, specifically targeting the reproduction of whiteflies, a destructive agricultural pest. According to a study published last month in BMC Plant Biology, these genetically engineered (GE) tomatoes express proteins designed to infiltrate and disrupt whitefly eggs.

“The molecular tools for achieving both apoplastic and phloem-specific expression of insecticidal proteins are well developed,” the study explains, highlighting the advanced genetic strategies employed.

If commercialized, these “[t]ransgenic plants”—genetically engineered to include genes from other species—could introduce reproductive-disrupting insecticidal compounds into the human food chain.

How It Works

The study outlines the mechanism of these GE tomatoes:

Chitinase Production: The tomatoes are engineered to produce an enzyme derived from the fern Tectaria macrodonta that degrades chitin, a key component of insect eggshells. This enzyme is intended to kill the developing embryos inside the eggs.

Reproductive Hijacking: Using synthetic vitellogenin domains (SynVg), the proteins mimic natural reproductive pathways in whiteflies, ensuring the insecticides are delivered directly into the eggs.

Enhanced Uptake: Protein transduction domains (PTD) facilitate the transport of these insecticidal compounds from the insect’s gut to its reproductive system.

“Phloem-localized expression of mCherry in companion cells could be monitored… where the overall total expression is minimized by using tissue-specific promoters,” the study notes, emphasizing the effort to direct these proteins to specific parts of the plant.

[solarpunkbusiness]

The future of seaweed in agriculture As agriculture trends shift toward sustainability, Kelp Blue believes seaweed biostimulants will become a standard in farming practices.

"At Kelp Blue, we cultivate Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) to help growers reduce their carbon footprint while improving soil health and crop productivity,"

"Our seaweed-based biostimulant, StimBlue+, is a liquid seaweed extract that enhances plant resilience, improves nutrient uptake, and lowers the need for synthetic fertilizers – one of the biggest contributors to agricultural emissions."

[transmutationisms]

can you elaborate on michael hoerger? I don’t know much about him other than that he runs that covid forecasting thing

i hate his ass because he is one of the loudest voices in the "maximum alarmism is a moral imperative" camp, and you can see this even in the design of his forecasting: tracking spread without any mention of actual clinical outcomes besides the most terrifying possible estimate of long covid incidence---a calculation that rests on very shaky grounds because long covid is poorly, loosely, and variably defined in the existing literature, meaning estimates of both incidence and prevalence vary to an extreme extent. not to mention even the fact that the whole dashboard relies on wastewater counts without dealing with a basic difficulty: extrapolating backwards from these data to estimate an actual number of infected people is inexact and can mask variables like population vaccine uptake or variant's propensity to replicate in the GI tract. but see, talking about any of these things would be contrary to his fundamental position that public health communication is about terrifying people into cautious behaviour, and more terror = a better job done. a scarier number is de facto an ethical good, you see.

i do not think it is a coincidence that hoerger is a psychologist by training, whose work prior to the pandemic focussed on "how personality and emotion science can be applied to enhance decision-making in high-stakes contexts, such as healthcare". this goes to what i've said before about narrativising public health as a matter of public opinion: we don't need to talk about things like the state's motivation to make lines go up, no, what we truly need is random psychological guesswork as to the individual mental 'defence mechanisms' that are ostensibly preventing the unenlightened masses from perceiving the truth (knowledge is not gatekept and communication is seamless, in hoergerland). not to mention every third tweet i see reposted from him is like, the most i-told-them-so lip-pursing cassandra routine, which, aside from being irritating, is just an extremely poor way to convince anyone to do anything and likely just alienates more people from the actually important point that covid is endangering all of us and there are things we should be doing to mitigate this.

[dark-frosted-heart]

Aphrodisiac Event - Roger Barel (part 1)

As usual can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this

Roger: Wanna be my test subject for this (aphrodisiac)?

Kate: ...Excuse me?

While helping Roger organize his materials, I did a double take at his outrageous suggestion.

Roger: Remember how a few days ago, El and I took down a crime syndicate that was using aphrodisiacs to do some bad stuff?

Kate: Yes, of course I do. I wasn't with you, but I understand what happened. The organization responsible for manufacturing the aphrodisiac was destroyed and the crime was put to a stop, right?

Roger: Yeah, and this aphrodisiac was confiscated.

Roger placed a pretty vial on the examination table.

(At first glance, it looked like perfume or something)

Roger: Aphrodisiacs claim to enhance libido, but the active ingredient hasn’t been medically proven.

Kate: So aphrodisiacs are fictitious?

Roger: Yeah, if something called an aphrodisiac existed… Something that acts directly on the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus*… It’d be a drug that stimulates the release of sex hormones. So I looked into this aphrodisiac and found an interesting component.

Of course Roger, whose life’s work is researching curses, would capitalize on the “interesting component”.

Kate: You didn’t…

Roger: I already gathered data on the curse by having Liam drink it.

Kate: I knew it! Just because Liam’s too nice, you used him as your guinea pig again!

Roger: That guy was happy to satisfy his curiosity so I consider it a win-win.

Kate: Um, so… You want me to take the aphrodisiac because you don’t have enough “human” samples?

Roger: You're quick on the uptake. Good, you're a fast learner.

Kate: I don't appreciate the compliment...

Roger: So, how ‘bout it?

Kate: Please don’t just offer an aphrodisiac like you would booze.

Roger: It’s nothing that serious. You’ll be quarantined so Crown won’t touch you. And if you need to be taken care of, I can help?

Roger patted my head as if while saying that as if it was nothing.

Though it was a casual gesture, it was enough for my body to recall the lustful heat.

Of the times when Roger kissed me forcefully and touched my body.

And how easy it was for me to feel good.

(Hey, don’t get caught up in it)

Kate: I can’t just say “okay, sure.” I respectfully decline.

Roger: Hmm, how cold. Guess I’ll just have to find someone else :(

Kate: Someone else…?

Roger: Once you’ve made up your mind, you gotta act, right? Let’s go.

Kate: H-hold on, Roger!

~~

I desperately tried to catch up to Roger’s casually long strides.

Kate: What do you mean by “find someone else”?

Roger: I’m looking for a woman whose biologically “human”.

Kate: No one would do such a thing.

Roger: Not if you got the money. There’s more self-sacrificing people in the world than you think.

Kate: But to have a person drink it…

Roger: What happens when they get excited? Like I said, I’ll deal with it.

Kate: T-that…

Alfons: I can hear Roger’s deep voice echoing in my sleep-deprived head. Can you be a little quieter?

Kate: Alfons…

Roger: You’re still sleepy at this hour? Your circadian rhythm’s broken.

Alfons: You would like for me to bask in the morning sun and sleep at night? I refuse. So what is it that you two are arguing so intimately about? Did Roger finally lay his hands on you?

Kate: Um, no.

Alfons: Then, what is it? I haven’t the slightest idea.

Roger: Kate won’t take the aphrodisiac.

Alfons: Really! Stingy Miss Kate.

Roger: Right? I told her I’d help when she got too horny.

Alfons: Ah! Perhaps you would like a threesome? Though I’d rather not with Roger involved.

(I can’t be the straight man…)

Alfons: When you suggested that she test the aphrodisiac, Kate declined. So now she’s desperately chasing after Roger the beast as he looks for other test subjects.

Kate: You know.

Alfons: I’m a clever man. Ah, yes. Let me give you something nice, something interesting.

Alfons holds out an invitation card.

Roger: Which high society mansion?

Alfons: It belongs to the Weasley family, who owns large plots of land. A place to bring their daughters and men together, I’m told. The father’s quite the strange fellow. “It’s best to experience a variety of men before finally choosing one,” he said. 

Roger: Oh? There’s some strange ideas these days. And it’s tonight?

Alfons: I don’t plan on making an appearance so feel free to hunt as you like.

Alfons returns to his room with a yawn.

(Roger’s going to find a test subject in high society, isn’t he?)

(I…)

Roger: Kate. Wanna come along as the “fairy tale writer”?

It’s obvious this isn’t a mission for Crown or anything.

Roger’s aware and he’s testing me.

(Something like “Follow me if you’re interested. I’ve got an excuse ready for you, okay?”)

I reflexively responded to his provocative gaze.

Kate: I’ll join you as the fairy tale writer to make sure you don’t misbehave.

Roger: Alright. Then-

Roger’s hand grasped mine tightly.

Roger: Let’s hold hands and be on our merry way.

Kate: Please let me go.

Roger: Nope.

*Here he says “the area libido is centered in the hypothalmus” but I had to do this

Part 2

[unification]

a while ago i made a post outlining my experience of DXM significantly reducing my POTS symptoms. this happens consistently, whenever i have a flare up. since then i’ve looked into the mechanism of action of DXM and known biomarkers of POTS to see where interactions may occur. Overall, I think that dysregulation of glutamatergic signalling/excitotoxic damage and an increase in NADPH oxidase activity play a significant role in the pathophysiology of POTS. I made a post on neocities where I cover this in depth with references (linked above), but to summarise:

MRI studies have shown evidence of increased glutamate and excitotoxic damage in the brains of long covid patients as well as disrupted blood brain barrier integrity. a significant portion of long covid patients either have/develop POTS or experience orthostatic intolerance. from this you can infer that crossover is likely. as well as this, a range of biomarkers capable of contributing to glutamatergic dysregulation are confirmed in POTS patients. This includes enhanced platelet activation/aggregation, increased pro-inflammatory mediators, elevated growth hormone, decreased serotonin levels, autoantibodies against the nicotinic α3β4 and G-protein-coupled adrenergic A1 receptor. Increased plasma angiotensin II/angiotensin dysregulation has also been identified, which suggests increased activity of NADPH oxidase (leading to endothelial damage by reactive oxygen species).

DXM possesses several mechanisms capable of ameliorating this: • assists in regulating glutamate via suppressing overactivity of glutamatergic signalling as well as inducing uptake and recycling of glutamate from the extracellular space (reducing excitotoxicity) • directly targets NADPH Oxidase/NOX2, allowing for potent antioxidant + anti-inflammatory effects and vascular protection • a range of antiplatelet mechanisms • inhibition of serotonin reuptake

[pichoshaw]

The kingdom of Fungal Life 

When we think about the natural world, our minds often gravitate towards lush forests, vibrant flowers, and majestic animals. However, lurking beneath the surface and often hidden from plain sight is a kingdom of life that is as essential as it is mysterious: fungi. These remarkable organisms play a crucial role in the ecosystem, contributing to processes that sustain life on Earth. Let’s delve into the captivating world of fungi and explore their diverse and critical roles in nature.

Fungi belong to their own kingdom, separate from plants, animals, and bacteria. This diverse group includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Unlike plants, fungi do not perform photosynthesis; instead, they obtain nutrients through absorption. They secrete enzymes that break down complex organic matter into simpler compounds, which they then absorb. This mode of nutrition classifies them as saprophytes (decomposers), parasites, or mutualists.

One of the most vital roles fungi play in nature is that of decomposers. They break down dead organic material, such as fallen leaves, dead trees, and animal carcasses. This decomposition process is crucial for nutrient cycling, as it releases essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus back into the soil, making them available for plants and other organisms. Without fungi, these nutrients would remain locked in dead matter, disrupting the balance of ecosystems.

Many fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants through structures known as mycorrhizae. These fungi colonize plant roots, extending far into the soil and increasing the surface area for water and nutrient absorption. In return, the fungi receive carbohydrates produced by the plant through photosynthesis. This mutualistic relationship enhances plant growth, resilience to stress, and nutrient uptake, illustrating a remarkable example of cooperation in nature.

While many fungi play beneficial roles, some can be pathogenic, causing diseases in plants, animals, and humans. For instance, the fungus Ophiocordyceps infects ants and other insects, eventually controlling their behavior to facilitate spore dispersal. In plants, fungi can cause devastating diseases like rusts, smuts, and blights, affecting crops and natural vegetation. Understanding these pathogenic interactions is crucial for managing agricultural health and preserving natural ecosystems.

Beyond their ecological roles, fungi have significant applications in medicine and biotechnology. The discovery of penicillin, derived from the mold Penicillium, revolutionized medicine by providing the first effective antibiotic. Fungi also produce other medically important compounds, such as immunosuppressants and cholesterol-lowering drugs. In biotechnology, fungi are used in processes ranging from fermentation in food production to the breakdown of pollutants in bioremediation.

Fungi exhibit a stunning variety of forms and colors, particularly noticeable in mushrooms and molds. From the luminescent glow of bioluminescent fungi to the intricate patterns of mushroom caps, fungi contribute to the aesthetic diversity of nature. Some fungi even exhibit bizarre and fascinating behaviors, such as the slime molds that can navigate mazes or the cordyceps fungi that create “zombie” insects.

[crosstheveil]

Health: Misconceptions with Anemia and "Iron Deficiency"

Iron Absorption & Utilization

Simply taking iron supplements often doesn't cure anemia.

Proper absorption and utilization of iron involve many processes.

1/3 of the population has trouble absorbing and utilizing iron; it's considered the most common nutritional disorder in the world.

Anemia is usually about iron dysregulation, not deficiency.

Iron supplements or injections tend to circulate excessively, potentially causing toxicity.

Iron overload strains the iron recycling system and the liver.

Liver plays a key role in regulating iron uptake.

Iron doesn't regulate itself; it's copper-dependent.

Copper is essential for ceruloplasmin, a protein that mobilizes iron from tissues into the blood. Without copper, iron accumulates in tissue leading to inflammation and tissue damage which can develop into others issues like heart or liver disease and diabetes with increased risk of infection and cancer.

Retinol (Vitamin A) enhances iron absorption and influences genes regulating iron metabolism.

Iron Testing

CBC can detect anemia but it can't necessarily tell you the cause.

Serum ferritin doesn't give a true measure of iron stores.

Approximately 70% of iron is found in hemoglobin, around 20-25% is stored as ferritin and hemosiderin in tissues, about 5% is in myoglobin and enzymes, and roughly 0.1% as serum iron.

For accurate assessment, consider all containers of iron including hemoglobin, serum iron, and ferritin, as well as non-iron markers such as zinc, copper, and vitamins A & D.

The only direct way to measure iron stores is to keep removing blood until anemia sets in, then account for the iron deficit and dietary iron consumed during this time.

Sources (meat, liver, and seafood)

Copper: liver, nuts, molasses, oats, bee pollen, shellfish, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, acerola cherry powder, shilajit.

Retinol (Vitamin A): liver, other organ meats, egg yolk, seafood, fish liver oils, dairy products.

Other Insights

Phytates in plants can hinder non-heme iron absorption but vitamin C helps to counteract these inhibitory effects.

Over-supplementing with zinc can cause copper deficiency since copper and zinc need to be in balance.

There are many causes of anemia beyond "iron deficiency", such as vitamin B12 deficiency.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded in 1934 to George Whipple, George Minot, and William Murphy for their discoveries related to liver therapy in cases of anemia.

Other studies have supported incorporating beef liver (which contains copper, iron, zinc, vitamin A and D) into the diet.

The key is to have food that isn't concentrated on a certain vitamin or mineral but provides a mixture of what we need in a way that our body can properly absorb without inhibiting effects.

Men are naturally higher in iron than women and women are naturally higher in copper than men (estrogen levels contribute to the production of copper).

Female menstruation is why iron deficiency anemia is more common among women.

Signs of anemia include fatigue, pale complexion, blurred vision, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, cold hands and feet, scanty menstruation, numbness, insomnia, poor memory, dry skin, brittle nails, vertical ridges on nails, muscle twitches, shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, swollen or sore tongue, unusual cravings, restless legs.

[aadhyainsights]

Comprehensive Healthcare Staffing Market Analysis: Size, Share, and Outlook to 2033

This Global Healthcare Staffing Market research report provides a complete overview of the market by examining it both qualitatively and statistically, including particular data and in-depth insights from several market segments. While the qualitative analysis of market dynamics, which includes growth drivers, challenges, constraints, and so on, offers in-depth insight into the market's current and potential, the quantitative analysis includes historical and forecast statistics of major market segments. Get Free Request Sample : https://www.globalgrowthinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/healthcare-staffing-100033 Who are the Top largest companies (Marketing heads, regional heads) of the Healthcare Staffing Market? EmCare, Maxim Healthcare Services, Cross Country Healthcare, CHG Management, HealthTrust Workforce Solutions (HCA), Trustaff, Accountable Healthcare Staffing , Favorite Healthcare Staffing, Supplemental Health Care, Aureus Medical Group (Medical, Solutions), Aya Healthcare, Almost Family (LHC), TeamHealth (Blackstone), Jackson Healthcare, AMN Healthcare, Syneos Health, InGenesis Market Segmentations: On the thought of the product, this report displays the assembly, revenue, price, classification market share, and rate of growth of each type, primarily split into Temporary, Permanent On the thought of the highest users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and rate of growth for each application, including Hospitals, Individual, Physician Offices, Others Key Drivers of the Healthcare Staffing Market Technological Innovation: The pulse of the Healthcare Staffing Market is its ongoing technological evolution, enhancing product and service efficiency. Innovations span materials, manufacturing, and digital technologies. Surging Demand: Factors like population growth, urbanization, and shifts in consumer preferences are fueling a rising demand for Healthcare Staffing Market products and services, propelling market expansion. Regulatory Encouragement: Supportive government measures, including incentives and regulations favoring Healthcare Staffing Market adoptions, such as renewable energy subsidies and carbon pricing, are catalyzing market growth. Environmental Consciousness: The growing awareness of environmental issues and carbon footprint reduction is accelerating the uptake of eco-friendly and renewable Healthcare Staffing Market solutions. Cost Efficiency: The decreasing costs associated with producing and deploying Healthcare Staffing Market solutions, thanks to technological progress, competitive markets, and scale economies, are making these options increasingly attainable. Key Questions Addressed in this Report -What is the 10-year outlook for the global Healthcare Staffing Market? -What factors are Healthcare Staffing Market market growth, globally and by region? -Which technologies are poised for the fastest growth by Healthcare Staffing Market and region -How do Healthcare Staffing Market market opportunities vary by end Market size? -How does the Healthcare Staffing Market break out by type, application? What are the influences of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war? View Full Report @: https://www.globalgrowthinsights.com/market-reports/healthcare-staffing-100033 About Us: Global Growth Insights is the credible source for gaining the market reports that will provide you with the lead your business needs. At GlobalGrowthInsights.com, our objective is providing a platform for many top-notch market research firms worldwide to publish their research reports, as well as helping the decision makers in finding most suitable market research solutions under one roof. Our aim is to provide the best solution that matches the exact customer requirements. This drives us to provide you with custom or syndicated research reports.

[mythgirlimagines]

Ultimate Cosmetologist Rantaro? With twelve sisters, he almost had to lol

could've sworn i've done this before but apparently not lol

The instant his sisters were old enough to be into makeup and other cosmetology things, Rantaro had already prepared himself. Hair, makeup, nails, he researched everything.

…Unfortunately for him, it didn’t seem like any of his sisters were as into cosmetology as he thought. Their friends were, though, which made his house the hot spot for getting ready for nights out.

Well, Rantaro did genuinely enjoy what he did, so he decided to keep on with it. Before too long, word of his skills had spread beyond just his sisters’ friends and some of their classmates.

His classmates at Hope’s Peak were very quick on the uptake when he offered to help them out with that kind of stuff if they ever wanted. He figured it was a good way to get to know them and their personalities.

With evolving beauty standards, Rantaro made it a point to always stick to enhancing a person’s natural beauty in a way that made them feel the most confident about themselves.

[ajmuaythai]

Why do I make weird hissing noises when I swing kettlebells?

My inhalation and exhalation is short and sharp to match the limited time frame available during my hip flexion/extension phases.

Long, soft breaths hinder the muscular tension and pressure needed for power in explosive movements!

I inhale during the downswing through the nose to optimise oxygen uptake and enhance diaphragmatic activation.

I exhale sharply on hip extension through the mouth to facilitate rapid expulsion of carbon dioxide.

Quick, sharp breaths are key for the two-arm swing.

[arorganicfertizer]

ORGANIC FERTILIZER IN FUTURE ?

In the future, organic fertilizers are likely to become increasingly central to sustainable agriculture due to several evolving trends and advancements. Here’s how they might develop and impact farming practices:

1. Advanced Formulations and Technologies

Bioengineered Fertilizers: Future organic fertilizers could be engineered with specific microorganisms or enzymes to enhance nutrient availability and uptake, tailored to different soil types and crops.

Smart Fertilizers: Incorporating sensors and smart technology could enable fertilizers to release nutrients in response to soil conditions or crop needs, optimizing efficiency and reducing waste.

2. Enhanced Nutrient Delivery

Customized Blends: Advances in technology may allow for more precise formulations of organic fertilizers that match the exact nutrient requirements of different plants, leading to improved growth and yield.

Controlled Release: Organic fertilizers could be designed to release nutrients slowly over time, ensuring a steady supply to plants and reducing the need for frequent applications.

3. Waste Utilization and Circular Economy

Innovative Waste Recycling: Organic fertilizers may increasingly be produced from a variety of waste streams, including agricultural by-products, food waste, and even urban compost. This not only reduces waste but also adds value to otherwise discarded materials.

Circular Agricultural Systems: The concept of circular agriculture, where outputs from one process serve as inputs for another, could become more prevalent, with organic fertilizers playing a key role in this system.

4. Climate Change Mitigation

Carbon Sequestration: Organic fertilizers can enhance soil’s ability to sequester carbon, helping to mitigate climate change. Future advancements may focus on maximizing this benefit through improved soil management practices.

Resilient Crop Systems: By improving soil structure and health, organic fertilizers will help crops adapt to changing climate conditions, such as increased frequency of droughts and floods.

5. Integration with Precision Agriculture

Data-Driven Decisions: The integration of organic fertilizers with precision agriculture technologies, such as drones, soil sensors, and data analytics, will enable more accurate and efficient application, tailored to specific field conditions and crop needs.

Real-Time Monitoring: Technologies that provide real-time data on soil health and nutrient levels could lead to more responsive and adaptive fertilizer applications.

6. Regenerative Agriculture

Soil Health Focus: Organic fertilizers will be integral to regenerative agriculture practices that prioritize rebuilding soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs.

Holistic Approaches: Future practices may integrate organic fertilizers with other regenerative techniques, such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and agroforestry.

7. Policy and Market Dynamics

Regulatory Support: As governments and institutions place more emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection, organic fertilizers may benefit from supportive policies and incentives.

Consumer Preferences: Growing consumer demand for sustainably produced food will drive the adoption of organic fertilizers, as they align with organic and eco-friendly farming practices.

8. Global and Urban Agriculture

Urban and Vertical Farming: With the rise of urban agriculture, organic fertilizers will be adapted for use in smaller-scale and vertical farming systems, making them suitable for city-based food production.

Global Adoption: As more regions around the world adopt sustainable farming practices, organic fertilizers will play a key role in global efforts to improve food security and environmental health.