johnstevenmullaly

[johnstevenmullaly]

Uphill Skinning Tips

Skinning uphill on skis or a splitboard offers a different way to navigate the slopes. It also presents challenges, especially when struggling for grip. Using the correct techniques improves efficiency and stability.

Lifting skis with each step wastes energy, even by an inch. Gliding skis along the snow allows for smoother movement. Avoid marching as if wearing snowshoes or hiking boots. Instead, drag your toes lightly across the surface to keep skis in contact with the snow. This technique works best on groomed trails or well-established skin tracks.

Pressing the heel down on the ski as it moves forward helps the skin grip the snow, improving traction and allowing for a longer glide. Keeping as much of the ski base in contact with the snow reduces slipping, especially when moving straight uphill.

On steeper terrain, avoid digging in edges for stability. While necessary on icy or firm snow, relying too much on edges can reduce efficiency. Instead, rolling ankles outward and downward keeps ski bases fully engaged with the snow, improving traction and control.

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Understanding Lower Back Pain in Runners

Lower back pain is a common issue for many people, including runners. One common cause is muscle strain, which leads to temporary discomfort that usually resolves with rest, gentle stretching, and the use of ice or heat. Poor running habits, such as improper footwear, inappropriate intensity, or sudden increases in mileage, can contribute to muscle strains and related injuries. Another cause is muscle imbalance, where certain muscles are weak or tight. Muscle weakness can result from inactivity or inadequate engagement of the muscles during workouts. Tight muscles are excessively contracted or stiff with limited flexibility.

Core weakness and instability can lead to lower back pain. Physical therapists can evaluate muscle imbalances and core weaknesses to provide customized exercises that target the problem muscles. For a more detailed assessment, video gait analysis can help identify abnormalities in running form that cause discomfort.

Muscle balance and core strength can enhance running form and reduce back pain. Runners may need to improve flexibility in hamstrings, calves, and hip flexors. These muscles may become less flexible and more resistant to stretching. Stretching and basic core strengthening exercises can help runners reduce lower back pain.

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Different Types of Mountain Biking

Given the popularity of mountain biking, it should come as little surprise that today’s mountain bikers practice many styles of the sport. Equipment manufacturers have both accommodated and driven this diversification by offering bikes and gear to accommodate various mountain biking styles.

Most recreational mountain bikers initially gravitate toward trail riding. Trail mountain bikes place equal focus on uphill and downhill travel and are designed to balance performance with comfort.

Other types of mountain biking require more specialized bikes. Cross-country (XC) bikers who want to trade manicured trails for backcountry terrain will benefit from an XC bike with full-suspension and a more efficient gear system. If you want to ride on sand or snow, you will want a fat bike with oversize tires that can travel over soft and slick terrain.

Primarily practiced with the help of mechanical lifts, downhill mountain biking resembles downhill skiing in many ways. In fact, many ski resorts offer this thrilling and very fast activity during the summer months, taking the bikes to the top of the mountain on adapted ski lifts.

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Different Ski Disciplines to Consider

According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), more than 60.4 million American skiers visited ski resorts during the 2023/2024 season. The data marks a slight decrease from the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 winter seasons, the two biggest ski seasons in American history. Skiing is a popular outdoor activity in several regions of the United States, from the Pacific Southwest to the Northeast. Individuals interested in participating in skiing for the first time should know that there are several different skiing styles to choose from.

American skiers have excelled internationally, trailing only Austria and Switzerland at the Winter Olympics with 47 medals, including 17 gold medals. As one of the oldest recorded athletic activities, the first instruments used to ski stem from Northern China more than 8,000 years before the Common Era. Research suggests humans were using skis during the most recent Ice Age. Alpine skiing, or downhill skiing, is a much more modern concept, originating in the Norwegian army during the 18th Century. The following centuries saw an expansion of skiing styles for various purposes, including athletic competition and recreation.

Alpine skiing remains the most popular discipline. Most facilities and trails at ski resorts and mountains cater to the needs of alpine skiers and snowboarders. Individuals participate in alpine skiing by riding a chairlift to the top of a run and skiing to the bottom of the mountain. Gaining momentum while traveling downhill gives skiers a rush of adrenaline while also providing considerable cardiovascular exercise. The highest summit for alpine skiing in the US is at Silverton Mountain in Colorado, at 13,487 feet.

Individuals can also participate in backcountry skiing, which some view as the opposite of alpine skiing. Backcountry skiing generally occurs in remote regions beyond the boundaries marked by mainstream resorts and mountains. Backcountry skiers do not ski down well-maintained trails and may need to engage in hiking and snowshoeing at times.

Next, backcountry skiing differs from cross-country skiing, though the two disciplines share similarities. The major difference is that cross-country skiers seek out large stretches of clear, flat terrain. Cross-country skiing is more about traveling long distances, while backcountry skiers push their physical limits by switching between downhill, cross-country, and uphill skiing.

Uphill skiing, also called skinning and alpine touring, is a physically challenging activity that involves climbing steep hills using various equipment. In addition to skis and poles, individuals wear special boots and use hiking gear. Uphill skiers usually switch out their gear at the top of a mountain for their alpine skiing equipment and ski to the bottom of the run they just climbed for convenience.

Additional styles of skiing to consider include telemark skiing and ski mountaineering. Telemark skiing is about style and technique. Individuals assume a specific crouched position while skiing, which requires skiers to implement different skills, especially while turning. Ski mountaineering, meanwhile, is comparable to backcountry skiing and alpine touring. The difference is that ski mountaineers often integrate skiing with hiking and camping and may spend several days skiing in the wilderness.

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The Impact of Gene Therapy on Modern Medicine

Gene therapy is a groundbreaking approach in medical science. It offers hope to many patients suffering from genetic disorders and other diseases. The aim of gene therapy is to provide long-lasting and potentially curative treatments by targeting the root cause of these ailments at the genetic level. This approach highlights a significant transformative impact on modern medicine.

Gene therapy involves introducing, altering, or removing genes within an individual's cells to treat or prevent disease. The two primary types are somatic gene therapy, which targets nonreproductive cells, and germline gene therapy, which affects reproductive cells and can be passed on to future generations. Techniques such as viral vectors, which deliver new genes to cells, and CRISPR-Cas9, a precise gene-editing tool, have revolutionized this field, enabling more accurate and efficient genetic modifications.

The journey of gene therapy began in the early 1970s with foundational research that paved the way for its clinical application. However, it was not until 1990 that a significant milestone was achieved. This was when the first successful gene therapy procedure was performed on a young girl with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This landmark event demonstrated the potential of gene therapy to cure genetic disorders. Since then, there have been a number of clinical trials conducted, leading to the development of therapies for various other conditions.

Gene therapy has shown huge potential in treating a range of genetic disorders. For instance, in cystic fibrosis, a condition caused by a defective gene, gene therapy aims to introduce a functional copy of the gene into the patient's lungs. Similarly, in muscular dystrophy, gene therapy seeks to restore the missing or defective dystrophin protein in muscle cells.

Cancer treatment has also seen remarkable advances through gene therapy. Techniques like CAR-T cell therapy, which modifies a patient's T cells to target cancer cells, have shown major success in treating certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. There is also ongoing research exploring gene therapy applications in neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and cardiovascular diseases, expanding its potential reach.

One of the most important advantages of gene therapy is its likelihood to provide targeted and precision medicine. By addressing the underlying genetic cause, gene therapy can offer more effective and personalized treatments compared to traditional methods. This precision lessens the risk of side effects and enhances treatment outcomes.

Additionally, gene therapy holds the promise of curing previously untreatable conditions. For many genetic disorders, traditional treatments only manage symptoms without addressing the root cause. Gene therapy, on the other hand, offers the potential for a permanent cure, improving patients' quality of life and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Some areas need improvement, and most gene therapies are still in clinical trials. This means that there are technical and scientific challenges that researchers are continually working to overcome. This includes effectively delivering therapeutic genes to the right cells, avoiding immune system reactions, and ensuring the long-term stability of the introduced genes.

Ethical concerns also arise, particularly with germline gene therapy, which can alter the genetic makeup of future generations. The implications of such modifications raise questions about consent, the potential for genetic enhancement, and the possibility of creating societal inequalities. Ensuring equitable access to these advanced therapies and navigating the regulatory landscape for approval and safety are crucial considerations for the future of gene therapy.

Regardless, the future of gene therapy is promising, with ongoing research and development opening new avenues for treatment. Advances in delivery methods, such as nanoparticles and improved viral vectors, aim to enhance the precision and efficiency of gene therapy. Researchers are also exploring the possibility of gene therapy to treat more complex conditions.

As technology evolves, gene therapy is expected to play an increasingly significant role in health care. There are expectations of having personalized medicine, where treatment is tailored to an individual's genetic makeup, offering hope for more effective interventions.

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Research Indicates Running Long and Hard Requires Mental Toughness

The peripheral fatigue model, a cornerstone of running, posits that runners stop running due to physiological factors, specifically the heightened acidity levels in the muscles associated with muscle burn. While a robust physique helps endure distance races, mental toughness also plays a role. According to some running theorists, the journey through a race or a workout begins with mental toughness.

In an April 2022 article in the MIT Press Reader, a study by researcher Ashley Samson shed light on the practical implications of mental toughness in running. Researchers gave the runners microphones and asked them to share their thoughts while running. Then, the researchers listened to the audio files. After compiling the information, they found some prevalent themes, including pace and distance, pain and discomfort, and environment. The runners employed various mental strategies to overcome the urge to quit, revealing that running requires more than physical fitness.

AV Hill proposed the central governor theory to help explain mental toughness in 1924. Then, Dr. Tim Noakes and his colleagues expanded it. This theory states that the brain shuts down before the body can injure itself during a run, acting like a control room and safety mechanism. It keeps the body from running too far and too fast on too little energy, maintaining homeostasis (balance) within the body.

Runners can circumvent the central governor theory in various ways. For instance, they pace themselves, not running too fast too early, so the brain does not trigger signals for the body to slow down. Some visualize pushing through the more challenging parts of the run by visualizing a scenic location or finishing the run. Finally, some incorporate sprints into their workouts to increase their endurance and the likelihood of mentally getting through a challenging run.

However, some theorists do not agree with the central governor theory. Samual Marcora, professor of exercise physiology at the University of Kent, found that the phenomenon closely relates to mental fatigue and the perception of the amount of work left. Marcora and his team studied the performance of 10 male athletes. They gave them a series of tests and cycling activities. However, researchers found that they exhibited more power in the last activity (bursts of five seconds of fast cycling) than in the endurance (second) test. The results led Professor Marcora and his colleagues to believe that tired muscles and reduced energy did not contribute. Instead, they hypothesized that motivation, or lack thereof, might be one reason participants performed better on the third test compared with the second.

In 2009, the professor and his team discovered that perception of effort could lead to mental fatigue during running or physical activity. The new study involved 16 participants in another cycling test. Researchers broke the 16 participants into control and test groups. Before cycling, the control group watched a documentary while the test group completed a computer assignment lasting almost an hour and a half. The researchers aimed to see how mental tiredness would contribute to the motivation to exercise, highlighting how the perception of work difficulty can impact motivation.

The results showed that those tasked with the computer assignment stopped more quickly on the cycling test than the other group. Moreover, additional tests revealed that their stopping had nothing to do with physiological tiredness. Instead, it related to mental fatigue. Ultimately, the test group viewed the exercise as more difficult than the control group because the computer assignment exhausted them mentally.

Theories abound regarding how mental toughness impacts a runner’s ability to endure long distances. At this point, the research indicates that mental toughness and the brain play a role in whether a runner can get past the most challenging parts of a run.

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Applications of Gene Editing

Gene editing allows scientists to tweak genes in small but meaningful ways. Researchers have long used complex, inefficient, and expensive methods of gene editing, such as stem cell manipulation, to alter some genes. However, CRISPR-Cas9, а gene-editing innovation, has allowed scientists to edit a genetic blueprint with unparalleled precision and affordability.

CRISPR-Cas9 holds the potential to treat genetic disorders by correcting disease-causing mutations or introducing beneficial traits. For instance, in sickle cell disease, scientists have used CRISPR-Cas9 to repair the defective hemoglobin gene and enhance fetal hemoglobin production by deactivating the gene that controls blood cells and nervous system development, reducing the disease's severity. In cystic fibrosis, а disease resulting in thick and sticky mucus that affects the lungs, CRISPR-Cas9 can correct mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CTFR), which regulates salt and water flow in cells, restoring normal lung and digestive functions.

CRISPR-Cas9's precision targeting allows scientists to modify specific DNA sequences across diverse species. Unlike traditional methods, CRISPR-Cas9 allows scientists to edit genes in mice embryos, the predominant animal model, with near-perfect accuracy. These genetic modifications seamlessly pass down to subsequent generations, creating animals with altered genes called transgenic lines. This technique extends to worms, rats, rabbits, pigs, and monkeys.

The increasing global demand for animal-derived food products has spurred the application of genome editing in livestock breeding. Scientists have significantly enhanced meat production by targeting myostatin, which regulates muscle growth. CRISPR-Cas9 engineering has also conferred substantial benefits to pigs, improving disease resistance, growth rates, meat quality, and overall welfare.

In agriculture, gene editing brings hope for more resilient, healthier crops. Modifying specific genomic regions helps scientists impart desirable traits, such as pest resistance and drought tolerance, without introducing foreign DNA. CRISPR-Cas9 also enables the accurate introgression of disease-resistant genes from wild relatives without transferring unwanted traits. This approach has yielded crop variations that exhibit enhanced resistance against bacterial and viral pathogens. Modifying genes such as ethylene-responsive factor and lateral organ boundaries-1, crucial in plant stress responses and defense against pathogens, has increased resistance to blast disease in rice.

CRISPR-Cas9 allows precise artificial regulation of gene expression through a modified version of the Cas9 protein called dCas9 (dead Cas9). The Cas-9 protein enables precise gene editing. Unlike the Cas-9 protein, dCas9 cannot cut/cleave DNA. Under certain circumstances, dCas9 forms а CRISPR-dCas9 complex, a combination that can activate (CRISPRa) or silence (CRISPRi) specific genes. Scientists can use this system to view genes by attaching dCas9 proteins with fluorescent markers such as green fluorescent protein, which enables labeling, tracking, and monitoring gene activity in cells.

While CRISPR-Cas9 holds promise for gene editing, scientists must overcome several hurdles before widespread clinical adoption. One limitation is its focus on disabling certain genes, which restricts the scope of potential improvements. Although some researchers have found combining CRISPR-Cas9 with other techniques can enhance plant and animal performance, further studies are necessary. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 faces potential immune responses to bacterial components and the risk of various other effects if scientists do not precisely edit the intended location.

[johnstevenmullaly]

Top Spots for Mountain Biking in Massachusetts

Mountain biking has become a popular recreational sport in Massachusetts as expanding trail networks accommodate more enthusiasts. The New England Mountain Biking Association caters to 10,000 members in the New England area, including Massachusetts.

Massachusetts offers diverse trail systems, ranging from technical to easy, that are free or inexpensive to access. Some of the most popular areas for mountain biking in the state include Middlesex Fells Reservation, Wompatuck State Park, Abram’s Rock/Village Park, Vietnam Trails, Leominster State Forest, and Thunder Mountain Bike Park.

Middlesex Fells Reservation, or The Fells, remains a favored intermediate-level mountain biking destination north of Boston. Riders can explore trails offering single tracks, challenging climbs, and technical features located near several towns, including Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, and Winchester. The Reservoir Trail Route spans 5.2 miles of predominantly single-track terrain.

South of Boston, Wompatuck State Park offers diverse single-track trails for mountain biking. From new, fast-paced routes to older trails featuring technical turns, log-overs, and rocky terrain, all riders can hit their strides. Accessing the park is convenient even without a car, with the Cohasset Commuter Rail Station nearby and the Whitney Spur Rail Trail only a short ride from the park.

Abram’s Rock/Village Park in Swansea offers terrain near the South Coast for beginning to intermediate riders. The trails boast smooth paths punctuated by unique rock formations such as Wildcat Rock and Lion Rock. Bikers can reach some of these formations, which offer scenic views from their peaks. The trail system also incorporates technical features such as rock drops, log-overs, and teeter-totters. Heavily used trails in the park include Bridges and Rusty Cars, which offer the opportunity to complete 10- to 12-mile journeys. For advanced riders seeking a challenge, trails such as Thing 2 and Superman, the system’s only Double Black Diamond-rated trail (the most advanced trail rating for mountain biking routes), provide thrilling experiences.

Vietnam Trails in Milford are for bikers seeking a technical challenge. The New England Mountain Biking Association maintains these trails. Farther south, the trails become increasingly technical and offer riders obstacles such as big drops and rocky features. This 47-acre trail system comprises routes ranging from easy to advanced. Four parking areas provide direct access to the Conservation Land surrounding Vietnam Trails. The Adams Street parking area is the most popular trailhead because it grants easy entry to the technical southern section.

Leominster State Forest spans 4,246 acres across several Massachusetts towns and boasts an extensive trail network popular among mountain bikers. Nestled in the forest is the Crow Hills, an isolated rock hill with dual summits. This trail system comprises 10 miles of advanced single-track trails covering diverse terrain.

Thunder Mountain Bike Park in Charlemont offers a range of trails, from beginner-friendly greens to pro-line jumps. The well-maintained trails cater to all skill levels. For beginners, riders can experience the Sugar Line or tackle intermediate challenges such as The Gronk. Advanced riders can push their limits on advanced trails such as Juggernaut and Hawleywood. Thunder Mountain Bike Park offers rentals and lessons for those without gear or experience.

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Funeral Announcement

Patricia Susan (Deery) Mullaly, 89 of West Roxbury, formally of Concord, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, December 15th, 2023.

Patricia was born to the late Hugh and Elizabeth Deery and raised in Jamacia Plain, MA. She attended the Blessed Sacrament School and earned a college degree from Bentley College. She had a long career in corporate account collections and most recently worked for the BASF corporation.

Beloved mother of two children: daughter Susan Mullaly (deceased); son John Mullaly and wife Beth of Cohasset. She was also the loving grandmother “Bubba” to Hannah and Jack. She was also the sister of Joseph Deery and the late Caroll Farren, John Deery, Paul Deery and Nancy Magee.

Patricia is survived by her ex-spouse Robert Mullaly of Hingham.

Patricia was a devoted friend to many and was always a source of comfort and strength. She raised her son in Concord and later moved to West Roxbury to be closer to immediate family. Patricia never stopped learning and had many interests. She enjoyed her significant rock collection, cherished time with friends and family, watching Columbo, and being with her son and grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at the Miriam Boyd Parlin Hospice Residence in Wayland for their care and thoughtfulness. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Medical Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in The Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre St. West Roxbury on Wednesday December 20, at 11:30 am. Visiting hours in The Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery

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The Potential Benefits of Gene Editing

As technology advances, so does humanity's ability to manipulate the fundamental building blocks of human life. One such area of innovation is gene editing, a practice that allows for targeted modifications to the DNA sequence within cells.

Simply put, gene editing is a process that allows the cutting, adding, or modifying of sections of DNA sequences within cells. Different genome editing techniques, including zinc finger nuclease, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), are available. CRISPR has emerged as a game-changer in this field. CRISPR allows researchers to modify genes with previously impossible precision, paving the way for advanced treatments of genetic disorders. The technique has allowed researchers to edit the genome of cells in vitro, aiming to target and cure genetic defects that cause a range of diseases.

The benefits of gene editing are vast. Gene editing technology has the potential to prevent genetic conditions from being passed down from generation to generation, eliminating inherited disorders like hemophilia or Huntington's disease. Also, gene editing could prevent the transmission of genetic mutations, reducing the risk of illnesses predisposed to family history. This could help families avoid genetic testing, anxiety, and stress, making them less likely to inherit severe conditions.

Gene editing can help people live longer. By addressing genetic variables, scientists could prevent or minimize age-related diseases like cancer and heart disease. Gene therapy treatments could also boost the body's immune system, making it better able to fight diseases that come with aging and improving health, longevity, and quality of life.

Gene editing enables scientists to develop precision medicine tailored to an individual's genetic makeup. By modifying genes, gene therapy treatments could cure genetic diseases such as muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia, to name a few. Gene editing can also help treat conditions where current treatments are suboptimal, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and HIV. Gene therapy can introduce healthy genes, or remove or repair faulty genes that cause diseases, offering hope to patients who previously had none.

It can also speed up the development and administration of therapies and help reduce their costs. It lets scientists make more accurate models of diseases in the lab. This makes screening potential drugs faster and easier. Scientists can use data to fine-tune treatments in real time instead of trying things out and seeing what works. This helps bring cutting-edge medicines to market more quickly.

Besides its usefulness in healthcare, genome editing may also find use in other fields. Gene editing can boost crop and livestock yields and reduce global famine. Producing crops that can withstand drought, for example, can also be a big step forward in agriculture.

However, with such great power comes significant responsibility. Ethical considerations surrounding gene editing are huge, requiring scrutiny and regulation. One primary concern is the potential for “designer babies,” where parents may seek to edit their offspring's DNA for non-medical purposes such as intelligence or physical traits. Another concern is the possibility of “off-target effects,” where unintended and potentially harmful effects occur due to the inaccurate targeting of DNA sequences.

Additionally, gene editing raises important moral questions related to the sanctity of life and humans’ ability to “play God.” It is vital for society to carefully consider these ethical concerns and develop appropriate regulations to govern the use of gene editing technology.

Gene editing represents a significant medical breakthrough, providing a promising avenue for developing groundbreaking treatments that can revolutionize healthcare. While the field is still relatively new, its immense potential has scientists and medical professionals excited about its possibilities. Gene editing may not be a silver bullet for all illnesses, but it is a powerful medical tool that promises to provide relief and hope for those who have previously struggled to find it.