#Stem Cell Current Event

[jungkookandyugyeomwhores]

Stem Cell Current Events in Neurological Disorder Research

Stem cell research continues to revolutionize how we approach complex medical conditions, particularly in the realm of neurological disorders. With advancements happening at an astonishing pace, it’s crucial to stay informed about how stem cell current events are shaping the future of neurology. The Cell Surgical Conference brings together experts from around the world to discuss emerging treatments, clinical trial outcomes, and breakthroughs in stem cell technology. This gathering of innovative minds contributes to improved patient care and deeper science

Breakthrough Stem Cell Therapies for Brain Injuries

Stem Cell Current Event in brain injury research have introduced groundbreaking possibilities for restoring damaged neural tissue. Researchers have observed promising results using mesenchymal stem cells to support neuroregeneration in patients with traumatic brain injuries. Clinical trials shared at conferences highlight the improvement of motor functions, memory, and emotional stability in affected individuals. These findings offer hope for long-term rehabilitation where traditional methods have fallen short. Continued exploration of stem cell mechanisms not only improves treatment outcomes but also enhances our understanding of the brain’s natural healing processes.

Stem Cell Advances in Parkinson’s Disease Treatments

One of the most widely discussed stem cell current events in recent neurological research involves Parkinson’s disease. Scientists are developing stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons to replace those lost in the progression of the disorder. The Cell Surgical Conference showcases how these stem cell approaches are leading to improved mobility and reduced symptoms in clinical settings. This breakthrough brings optimism for patients and healthcare professionals alike, as it paves the way for personalized regenerative medicine. While still under active investigation, these developments point toward long-term disease modification.

Investigating Stem Cell Impact on Multiple Sclerosis

Stem cell current events have also shed light on new interventions for multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic and often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Stem cell therapies are now being tested for their ability to repair myelin sheaths and reduce immune system attacks on nerve cells. The results from various pilot studies and clinical trials were shared at the Cell Surgical Conference, revealing improvements in mobility and reduced relapse rates. Researchers are particularly focused on how hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells interact with MS pathology.

Alzheimer's Disease Research and Stem Cell Innovations

Alzheimer’s disease is another focus of current stem cell events in neurological research. Scientists are developing cellular models derived from stem cells to better understand the progression of Alzheimer’s and to test potential treatments more accurately. Innovations presented at the Cell Surgical Conference show how induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can mimic the neural decline seen in Alzheimer’s patients. These models allow researchers to examine how different therapies impact cognitive function and memory retention.

Stem Cell Applications in Pediatric Neurological Conditions

Recent stem cell current events have highlighted new therapeutic avenues for pediatric neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and spinal muscular atrophy. Ongoing studies discussed at medical conferences show how early intervention using stem cell therapy may lead to improved motor development and neural communication in children. These findings reflect a paradigm shift from symptom management to regenerative solutions. Physicians and researchers participating in the Cell Surgical Conference emphasize the significance of dosage timing and cell type in achieving optimal outcomes.

Clinical Trials Validating Stem Cell Neurological Use

The role of clinical trials remains central to tracking stem cell current events in the field of neurology. Each new phase of testing brings researchers closer to identifying safe, reproducible, and effective stem cell therapies. The Cell Surgical Conference regularly shares trial updates, including recruitment criteria, methodologies, and preliminary results. These insights help set benchmarks for other research institutions and ensure treatments are progressing toward real-world application.

Ethical Discussions Around Emerging Stem Cell Protocols

No discussion about stem cell current events would be complete without addressing the ethical considerations surrounding their use in neurological disorder research. As treatments become more sophisticated, ensuring ethical sourcing, patient consent, and long-term monitoring becomes essential. Topics such as embryonic stem cell use, patient eligibility, and therapeutic transparency were extensively debated at the Cell Surgical Conference. These ethical frameworks not only protect patient welfare but also guide the responsible advancement of the field.

Conclusion

Staying informed about stem cell current events in neurological disorder research is essential for medical professionals and patients alike. From clinical breakthroughs to ethical debates, the field is evolving rapidly and offering new paths for hope and healing. Conferences like the one hosted by Cell Surgical Conference play a pivotal role in bridging research and real-world application. As innovations in stem cell therapy continue to advance, they promise not only to treat but potentially reverse neurological damage.

[radioactive-earthshine]

Are Clark and Kon father/son or brothers? I am so confused on what to call them and the fandom seems overly divided.

Yes, no, both, neither.

The fandom is divided because events within the comics are not 100% clear on what they are, or should be, to each other barring one panel where Clark does refer to Kon as his brother because he was raised by Martha and Jonathan Kent.

Where the confusion and divide comes from stems from one simple turning point in Kon's comics that some fans cite as detrimental to Kon while others celebrate it; Kon being a 'clone' of Clark and Lex was in fact a retcon to his origin.

When Kon was first created as a character, he was presented as a clone of Superman, then it was revealed that was a lie told to him, he was actually someone else's clone entirely, later it was revealed his cell donor was a man named Paul Westfield who was about as unethical as Lex Luthor and was already dead by the time Kon found out the truth.

So from 1993-2003 Kon had no genetic relationship to Clark - but he still had a relationship with him.

During this time Kon had a complicated but close relationship to Clark that is hard to really identify with nuclear family titles. If you read all of SB94 you will find that their relationship evolves over time and it is not without some strain that resolves itself eventually.

This era is important to a lot of Kon fans because it sticks with the root story in Superman that love, legacy, and family does not need to stem from blood relation. Clark is an adopted refugee who found love and a home from two imperfect, but perfect to him, parents and while he never quite felt like he belonged, he still found home. Tying this story back to Kon for a lot of comic fans is exceedingly important.

Then 2003 came along and Geoff Johns did what any of us would realistically do... he projected his own headcanons and characterization on Kon and he was given the go-ahead to retcon Kon's origins that he was actually Lex and Clark's "clone" essentially making him a... child of Clark.

So now Kon is Kryptonian, biologically related to Clark and Lex, child support jokes are everywhere, and meanwhile in the comics Kon still has a nebulous relationship with Clark.

He admires him, he loves him, he worries if he is good enough for the Superman mantle, he wonders if he should even try to wear it, he compares himself to Clark (and Lex) and all through this mention of him being his parent is emphatically not part of the question.

So he is genetically Clark's son per what a 50/50 split of DNA is, but he is also his brother (which current Clark has claimed), and he is also neither to him.

It honestly at this point is up to the reader and writer at any given time. As it is we might get a whole new origin for him either in the comics or in MAWS which no doubt is going to change the Kon landscape again.

Another element in this is the Young Justice Animation that also shook Kon and Clark's relationship up by presenting them as something that could be parent/child (via Bruce) and then later confirming that they see each other as brothers, much to some fans deep ire.

Final words - Kon is a chimera freak and has a complicated relationship with Clark, it is fair to call him a brother and a son and neither, it just depends on what sort of story you are looking to tell or what story you want to read.

Note: N52 "Kon" is not Conner Kent and thus us not part of this conversation.

[worldbuilding-tomfoolery]

A biological take on phoenixes

Trophics and ecology

~ Not a single-member species, but relatively rare due to being essentially fifth-degree consumers

~ ~ Typically omnivorous, preferring rodents and other small animals

~ ~ Before hibernation, immolation, migration, or another energy-intensive phase of life, they will set fire to the nearest rich, burnable area and collect the “burn energy” by magical means yet poorly understood

~ ~ They can “eat” entire swaths of a given biome via burning

~ ~ ~ In these cases, phoenix consumption is on par with some dragons

~ ~ ~ Can be devastating, but desolation events are very rare

~ ~ ~ These burnings have had a significant influence on fire ecology and ecosystems’ adaptations to it.  Many are more resilient to fire and other dramatic disturbances than phoenix-rare regions.

~ ~ A large, highly productive forest has the carrying capacity for only a dozen phoenixes or so; most biomes far fewer

~ Found on every continent and multiple islands

~ ~ Including Antarctica, with penguins

~ ~ Preference for grasslands, savanna, and other quick-recovering biomes

Reproduction

~ Contrary to popular belief, phoenixes don’t reproduce via self-immolation

~ ~ The fire renewal is more akin to a cnidarian returning to a polyp stage, rejuvenating cells and systems

~ ~ ~ Multiple studies have confirmed an individual retains memories both between fire-molts (misnomer stemming from early misunderstanding of the purpose of self-burning behaviors) and during them

~ ~ This would make the phoenix amortal if it weren’t for some other pesky buildups that ultimately give its lifespan a hard cap

~ ~ ~ Still, scientists theorize a phoenix could live somewhere between 800 and 2500 years in perfectly ideal circumstances

~ Pretty typical breeding adaptations

~ ~ Technically capable of breeding any time of year; the plurality will breed in spring or early summer, or else “sync up” with their host flock

~ ~ Two major breeding sites: one in southern hemisphere and one in northern

~ ~ ~ Phoenixes who pass anywhere near the island during family migration will feel a pull proportional to the current phoenix population on it, and many will be drawn to it

~ ~ ~ ~ (Phoenixes have strong navigation and homing capabilities, but this does occasionally lead to host group loss and reshuffling)

~ ~ During breeding season (or when Hot Single Firebirds in their area), both sexes will shed mimicry feathers and grow their signature fiery reds

~ ~ ~ Variety of shades and saturations

~ ~ ~ Males tend to have really showy feathers — long tails, fiery curling, yellows mixed in amid the reds

~ ~ ~ Females take on more of a brassy red

~ ~ ~ Have a variety of mating calls, movement displays, and semi-immolations

~ ~ ~ Courtship is brief

~ ~ ~ ~ Involves a huge range of behaviors as males prove their mettle

~ ~ ~ ~ Some of these displays are taken from other birds, and even dragons

~ ~ ~ Mates tend to practice single-season monogamy

~ ~ ~ ~ Lay about a dozen eggs over the course of the season

~ ~ ~ ~ Each egg is dropped off at a different nest

~ Engage in a kind of adaptive brood parasitism

~ ~ Identify what compels a given host parent to care for young

~ ~ Mimic that thing — feather color, body movement, sound, scent — phoenixes have a broad toolkit and can copy a lot

~ ~ They are master mimics and manipulators

~ ~ ~ Actually quite social, spending most of their time with family groups, resembling them in both appearance and behavior.  Reputation for being solitary because it’s rare to see them in their distinct “rusted” form.

~ ~ Can brood parasitize a variety of species

~ ~ ~ Prefer birds of prey, corvids, and high intelligence generally

~ ~ ~ Form special mutualistic partnerships with firehawks (black kite, whistling kite, brown falcon) in which they hunt together

~ ~ ~ Become fairly contributing members of their adopted social groups, though they cause wider scale damage with their fire feeding.

~ ~ ~ Uncommonly spend time with each other, mostly to court and mate.  Unlike cuckoos, this species does not really have much of a strong, teachable identity.  Fire abilities and behaviors are instinctive; otherwise, each phoenix takes on the traits of its adopters.

Miscellaneous facts

~ ~ Feathers are selectively fire resistant, regardless of appearance

~ ~ ~ Certain times, types, and areas of feathers *are* flammable, and this seems to be to the animal’s benefit

~ ~ ~ Notably, the long ends of wingtip feathers are highly flammable — phoenixes probably light these and brush them against grasses to start hunting fires

~ ~ ~ (It is also unknown how phoenixes light themselves “on demand,” though studies into the chemical pathways are making inroads)

~ ~ Feathers do not perfectly mimic host species’ feathers in structure or color.  They’re close enough to pass from far away, and adopted family members rarely seem to take issue.  However, on close inspection, an expert in either bird species will have no trouble picking a phoenix out.

~ ~ ~ Inspired by that plant that can mimic other leaves and might be able to see

~ ~ It is theorized some phoenixes may be capable of a kind of parthenogenesis via “mitosis” of the “polyp” stage, but the mechanisms for this are unknown

~ ~ Phoenixes’ sheer range of adaptability suggests they have an enhanced ability for “genetic learning,” far beyond the typical influence of epigenetics.  Offsprung individuals are well documented to display traits or behaviors learned by their parents — parents they have never met.  This suggests phoenixes possess a yet-unknown means of knowledge transmission through bodily inheritance.

~ ~ Phoenixes also possess top-tier cognitive skills.  They’ve displayed self-awareness, reasoning, and complex communication.  Some researchers argue these things qualify phoenixes for personhood.

[north-heats-stronghold]

Space Rider's Criminal Database: Most Wanted List

File #5628

Caution!!Caution!!Caution!!

Under no circumstances should any Space Rider attempt to apprehend alone. Individual is extremely dangerous. Any information as to systems this individual is currently in or heading to must be turned in immediately.

Name: The Blade

Real Name: Unknown

Affiliation: Prototype Cult

Rank: Knight

Species: Snapping Turtle

Age: Unknown

Appearance: Stands over 6'8 in height. Scared face with slash scar going along the middle of their face. Wearing a archaic mixture of cultist robes and heavy combat armor. Always wears a half mask, with the top half of the mask missing, leaving the lower half with the smile in order to inhale the Red Smoke.

Power's: Not known, but has been documented to be very strong and very durable

Weapon: A large warpick made of condensed Red Smoke

Available Information:

A rare sight among those within the Prototypes Cult. One that focuses less on the religious worship of the cult, and more on the expansion of the cults influence by any means necessary. Their cell acts more like a army than a mob of religious fanatics, coordinated and militaristic, thou Bishops have been observed among the ranks in order to keep the pawns loyalty and fervor going.

Rumors have been heard of the possible story behind The Blade. With one being they were once a planetary warlord or tyrant before the cult took over the planet. Additional investigation needed in order to verify rumors.

Currently responsible for the ongoing conflict within the Shanborto System. Where two of five planet's underwent "Hour of Joy" events, and are now launching attacks on the remaining three planets. Space Rider team's are currently being sent to assist in order to stabilize the situation.

Interrogation of captured cultists have revealed additional information. The Blade appears to hear multiple voices in their head, possibly stemming from constant Red Smoke exposure. The Blade becomes aggressive when the voices are loud or numerous and calms when the voices get quieter.

In addition, The Blade also appears to honor any duel or challenge thrown to them. Be it by ruler, soldier, or citizen, they've always appear to accept the duel, even going so far as to halting ongoing assaults. It is ill advised to duel with the Blade, as there are very few records of any surviving the fight.

There is, presently, only one recorded instances of someone beating The Blade in a duel. In response, The Blade left the planet with their forces, and has since left the planet completely alone. Even executing any pawns or bishops that spoke out against the order.

The reasoning behind this strange behavior is unknown and is currently being investigated.

(Space Rider's au made by @onyxonline)

(Ooooo, what's this? A cultist oc??)

[maccaronimassacre]

What if you did a Golden Compass Bot with either Leon or Ethan? I'm curious as to what their Daemon's would be. 🤔

The Golden Compass was literally my favourite book growing up!!! Oddly enough it’s called The Northern Lights over here but hey same thing. I also have done both with a slightly lengthy explanation on reasoning.

For Ethan I was torn between a wolf and a deer, but ultimately I went with a deer specifically an elk. Chris and the other lords all underestimate Ethan throughout Village, referring to him as a civilian or merely a man even though he singlehandedly killed all four lords and destroyed a self proclaimed god. Elks are often viewed as docile and majestic creatures when they can in fact fuck you up big time. I mean have you seen the size of them??? Not to mention how quickly they can run combined with the fact that they grow literal spears from their head. Plus elks are very territorial and protective over their young and when they feel threatened they will not hesitate to charge at humans to protect their herd. They also rely on agility and speed to outrun predators much like Ethan’s perks in the mercenaries mode “assassination dash” and “lightning speed” which are exclusive to him. Deer are typically prey animals and often symbolise sacrifice but also renewal which fits with the themes of Village of Shadows and "Father's sacrifice". In Native American cultures, Elks are symbols of divine protection against evil like how Ethan protected Rose throughout SoR and continues to watch over her. Deer are also the only mammals that can regenerate an organ (their antlers) and scientists are conducting research into how deer stem cells could be used for humans to one day be able to regenerate their own tissue and limbs much like Ethan’s mould abilities.

Bonus thought: It would be pretty cool if after Ethan died in RE:7 and was resurrected by the mutamycete for his daemon to have also undergone some physical changes similar to Chronic Wasting Disease/zombie deer disease. Of course the BSAA would wave off these changes as Ethan’s trauma being projected onto his daemon, but it would be interesting if that were to be the first hint towards Ethan’s mouldiness.

Anyway here’s your first bot.

Ethan Winters x Reader

Snow continues to blanket the city as Ethan makes his way through the lively cobblestone streets. His elk daemon strides gracefully beside him with its head held high and branched antlers reaching out towards the sky. As they continue their journey, their footprints mingle with those of others and their daemons, gradually fading into the bustling rhythm of the city. “This should be the place.” Ethan murmurs just loud enough for his companion to hear when he sees the familiar avenue. The street is bathed in the warm glow of streetlights and cozy windows where he sees you up ahead, currently waiting by a building.

For Leon I went with a wolf as a subtle nod to the wolf in RE:4 though I was also thinking of a panther to be honest). I think Leon’s daemon was able to shapeshift and change forms up until the events of RE:2 where after the events of Raccoon City changed him so much that it ultimately led to its finalised form. Leon's character accurately represents both sides of a wolf. The first side representing their devotion to their pack aka allies and family as well as being social, loyal and dutiful in a similar style to Leon in RE:2, RE:2R, RE:4R and Death island. The second side is a more lone wolf kind, confident and marches to the beat of their on drum while being stand offish like RE:4 and Remake as well as Vendetta Leon. The idea that they are still the same at their core resonates strongly with Leon when both Ada and Krauser comment that he hasn't changed even after Raccoon City.

I think a wolf dog could be an interesting variation to his daemon as it would exaggerate his loyalty and self motivation towards completing his mission, like how he is viewed as the government's lapdog in RE:4R and Infinite Darkness.

And for the second bot

Vendetta!Leon x Reader

The whiskey slides down Leon’s throat with ease, not even with a passing grimace as he signals the bartender for another round. “Finally… A much needed vacation.” Leon muses to no one in particular besides his wolf daemon resting by his legs, its expression as grumpy and downcast as its counterpart. Unfortunately, Leon’s moment of solitude is shattered by the creak of the door swinging open, revealing the last person he expected to follow him all the way here. You. Annoyance flickers across Leon's features, echoed by a low growl from his wolf companion, as you approach him. He knows exactly what’s going to happen here.

[dr-futbol-blog]

Conversion, Pt. 7

The medical staff have gathered up to discuss their options for treating Sheppard, and relevant here is that we are re-introduced to Dr. Biro from Hot Zone (S01E13). This invites us to seek connections between the episodes, and central to the episode was the conflict between Sheppard and Weir over authority and trust, and the fact that Sheppard sometimes makes calls that are "a little different". But this is also the episode before which Sheppard and McKay had started hooking up, seemingly causing them to be extra cautious about contacting each other, even though Sheppard's decisions (and calls) throughout the episode were motivated by McKay. In the episode we also saw Teyla and Sheppard sparring, giving us an opportunity to compare their interaction here to the baseline as established there.

Because Sheppard's condition is meant to externalize something that is going on with him internally since, as hard as he represses his emotions, we would otherwise have no inkling of what is going on with him, we may reflect his physical condition with regards to his emotional state. And in this spirit, the discussion the scientists are having about his condition give us some insight into what is going on with him. But at the same time, there seems to be meta-commentary in their discussion about what they (the writers and the showrunners) have been trying to do with the narrative recently:

Scientist: No! No, that would only work if the retrovirus [=the subtext? the relationship?] was doing what we had originally intended it to do. Biro: I disagree. You are not taking into account what's happening to his somatic cells [=emotions? the character(s)?]. Scientist: The only thing I have to take into account is how off you are, and I don't think I'm the only one who sees that, so let's move on [there is talk of abandoning the whole storyline since censors and consultants are making it increasingly difficult..? They need to add overt romance into the show to engage and attract more viewers?].

Beckett: Wait, wait, wait! Oh, God! We're looking at this all wrong. The best idea we've had so far is to try to repair his system [What is eating John Sheppard] on the genetic level by administering a massive, cloned embryonic stem cell treatment [giving them a fresh start? running parallel storylines with narrative mirrors for the two of them?]. Biro: I still think it's our best bet. Scientist: Introducing more human genetic material [new characters?] into his body is only going to give the retrovirus more fuel [is going to make the storyline more convoluted]. I don't know how much simpler I can say that. Beckett: Yes, yes! I agree. That's why we have to use the iratus bug stem cells [using guest spots? existing characters?]. Scientist: Uh, sorry?

Beckett: The iratus bug stem cell programmed with human RNA [one-off characters] wouldn't get rejected by his system and would be practically ignored by the current strain of retrovirus [give them leeway for playing with the narrative without causing irreparable damage to the central story]. Biro: We attack it from the inside? Beckett: Exactly. It would be like our own magic bullet that could navigate the retrovirus [subtext] and start to repair his mutated cells [give them a chance of keeping the subtextual narrative while running storylines that engage the mainstream audience at the same time]. Biro: The only bug pieces we have are from a sample that died a year ago [Chaya?]. I have no doubt we could program the cells if we had them [new characters?], but we do not have the time to artificially produce a gene therapy [romance?] of that kind of volume. Beckett: Which means, ladies and gentlemen, we need to go on an egg hunt.

Regardless, what is actually important here is Biro's mention that the iratus bug they currently have is from a year ago. Given the three months that they spent on Earth between The Siege (S02E01) and The Intruder (S02E02), this puts the events of 38 Minutes to midseason, not to the beginning of the first season. I have argued and will continue to argue that the episode's correct placement is between The Eye (S01E11) and The Defiant One (S01E12). That is where it makes the most sense narratively. That is where the episode actually tells us something about John Sheppard.

They had bumped the episode earlier in the season because of ratings, as it is a tense episode with a concept that might attract SG-1 viewers while giving them the opportunity to get to know the central characters without needing to know anything about them. It feels off in its current placement, throwing the team straight into the deep end, but it was important to get regular viewers for the show early on to give it a fighting chance of staying on the air.

But originally the episode was meant to let us in on what was going on with Sheppard internally following the Genii siege, and as it is, we never got to see him deal with all that. We did not get to see him struggle to come to terms with the fact that love is always a leap of faith, and he is not the one who gets to decide whether the people around him love him or not, if they make the choice to risk their lives for him. It is their choice to make and not his. And so, because the episode was not where it was intended, we now get to see him learn this lesson all over again, only bigger. The really important thing here is that Biro is a link between this episode and Hot Zone.

After the medical staff come up with a plan, we then get a second scene between Weir and Caldwell, and this too is interesting with regards to the contrast between Weir and McKay as it comes to Sheppard. Weir has sought out Caldwell, who seems to be working on a laptop either in his office or some communal working space.

Weir: It's OK, sit, please! Caldwell: How's the Colonel? Weir: Not very well. Caldwell: I'm sorry to hear that.

Weir tells him that Sheppard is not doing fine, and this tells us that she was being disingenuous in everything she told Sheppard earlier. She was sugarcoating it, with the intention of trying to make him feel better where actually it was meant to make her feel better about it. What Sheppard needed was the truth, and that is precisely what she was trying to keep from him. Note also that Caldwell's question is not out of concern for Sheppard so much as it is, once more, about the chain of command. Caldwell is a dutiful officer but also one concerned for his own career, with dreams of making General one day. As a human being he might be sorry to hear that a fellow officer is doing poorly. As someone looking to advance his career, he is not sorry in the least.

Weir: Yes, so am I. I think it would be best if you do assume Colonel Sheppard's duties until... Caldwell: Consider it done. Weir: Just until he's back on his feet. Caldwell: You two are pretty close, aren't you? Weir: Well, we've been through a lot together, yes.

This is important with regards to how they have been using Weir's relationship to Sheppard in the main text to run interference for Sheppard's relationship with McKay in the subtext. We saw Weir walk up to Sheppard and hug him in The Siege (S02E01), and many people failing to see nuances took it ass evidence of a special relationship between the two of them. They do not see how Sheppard was clearly looking for someone else to welcome him home while seeing Weir walking toward him. People failed to see McKay's tears that came out only after he was hit with relief hearing that Sheppard had survived, interpreting him as blinking his eyes because he was tired. People can watch a man's whole heart breaking in front of them and not even notice because it was not meant for them to see.

Caldwell is trying to give Weir his sympathy, at the same time fishing for information about their personal relationship, trying to get her to slip up. He has been looking for something to pin on Sheppard ever since he was given what Caldwell feels is his job. Caldwell is fairly certain that Sheppard is in violation of regulations, but there is nothing tangible he has been able to pin on him. Now, Weir had basically extorted Sheppard's promotion out of the SGC and should the two of them been having, or even thinking of having, an affair, it would be a problem. Their relationship would be 100% against the USAF fraternization policy:

Relationships are unprofessional, whether pursued on or off duty, when the relationship detracts from the authority of superiors or results in or reasonably creates the appearance of: favoritism, misuse of office or position, or the abandonment of organizational goals for personal interests. Unprofessional relationships can exist between officers, between enlisted members, between officers and enlisted members, between military personnel and civilian employees, or between Air Force members and contractor personnel.

And yes, Sheppard and McKay are also in violation of this policy, and other policies as well. That is the point. That is why they have to keep their relationship hidden in the narrative, and why they skirted this issue with their USAF consultants and probably the network too. Weir and Sheppard are not star-crossed lovers who had to keep their relationship a secret until one of them retired, like Carter and O'Neill. Carter and O'Neill never even started it when they were still working with each other because the franchise has been trying to maintain good relations with the USAF.

Weir got Sheppard a promotion and a post, so pursuing a romantic storyline between the two of them would have been morally bankrupt in a way that this franchise would never. There was an actual reason for pursuing Sheppard's relationship with McKay, it had actual effects on the storyline, in many ways it was the story, where pursuing a relationship between Sheppard and Weir would have created some UST, at best. Carter and O'Neill were endgame, where Sheppard's relationship with Weir would have been fairly pointless. They could reap the benefits of that UST without even having to seriously explore it. And if they could use it to highlight something in the subtext, all the better.

And yet because she is a woman and he is a man, Caldwell can make this insinuation. Let her know that he is keeping an eye on them. That he is just looking for an excuse to pin something on her. Just like Ronon's friend thought that he and Teyla must have been a couple just because they were a man and a woman doing something with each other, in interaction, even getting along with one another, it is so easy to think that something must be going on. Because Weir and Sheppard seem to have an understanding, seem to care about each other, enjoy each other's company, it means that something has to be going on.

Only, Weir tells him that this is not the case. She tells him that they have been in a foxhole together, that is all. That the kinds of experiences they have had do make people closer to each other, has made all of them closer to each other than you would in any normal place of business, but that it isn't even like that. Weir thinks that Sheppard is gay-gay. That is one of the main reasons she is protective of him, looking out for him as she does here. She is a supportive ally and hence wants Caldwell to understand that this is temporary, Sheppard is her choice. She is not going to let them (SGC, the Pentagon) play him out of his post. She knows how this game is played.

Caldwell: You've got the best team in two galaxies working on a way to get him back to normal. My money's on success. And if you need someone to talk to... Weir: If you could assume those duties effective immediately? Caldwell: I can do that. Weir: Thank you.

This part is heart-breaking. Caldwell is trying to be friendly toward Weir, even though his friendliness is not precisely altruistic or without ulterior motives. He wants something, she has a lot of say in who gets the thing that he wants for himself. He figures that it is better to work with her than against her. He is not concerned for her well-being in the least but he is a decent human being and knows what someone is supposed to do in a situation like this. So he offers to give her an ear to talk to, a shoulder to cry on if she feels like she needs it. Since she is so close to Sheppard, and all. It must be rough on her. We transition from this scene directly to the first scene with McKay since the beginning of the episode. McKay, who has no one to talk about this. There is no one that could make McKay the same offer.

He is closer to Sheppard than anyone on Atlantis, than anyone in two whole galaxies. However you want to interpret their relationship, they are close. And no one even thinks to check up on him, to ask how he is doing. Because McKay not only hides his emotions but dissociates from them, people seem to have a hard time acknowledging the fact that he feels. Because he is the comic relief, the inconsequential side-kick, people don't see that he hurts. And that is what he wants, he is that good at keeping things close to his chest. His parents hated each other and blamed him so obviously he learned how to pretend like nothing is wrong at a very young age. But he is losing the love of his life to a virus that his best friend created. He is losing the most important thing in his life and he is asked to pretend like it does not affect him at all. Like his role in the whole thing is peripheral.

And so we transition from this to the meeting room, and we finally get to see McKay. At first, he seems normal. Losing himself into work is McKay's coping mechanism. As long as there is something for him to do, he can keep himself from falling apart. He seems to be walking into the room, possibly the last one to join the meeting. We get no hint as to what he has been doing all this time as he takes a seat on the table opposite Lorne. And this is relevant for later: he is wearing a black shirt under his jacket.

McKay: The Ancient database has quite a lot of information about the iratus bug. We know what planet it's on, we know that it likes cool damp dark places to lay its eggs. It shouldn't be that hard to locate.

This is the only thing McKay says during this whole scene. But let us note that it does establish him as an expert on what the Ancient database contains, and hence someone whose help they probably could have used in figuring out if there was anything there to help Sheppard. Also, in the previous episode, McKay said that there is nothing he hates more than a damp cold. Here, he seems ready to take off there immediately. He does not think about it twice. Risking life and limb for Sheppard. What, like it's hard?

Weir: Wait a minute! The last time we ran into one of these things, we almost lost Sheppard. How do you expect to just walk right in to one of their nests?

McKay seems to recoil from her words, he draws himself back and opens his mouth to argue the case but he cannot find anything to say. It is telling that the transcripts describe McKay as being "wigged out" over the bugs here. Just like when they described McKay blinking away tears as him being tired, they just completely fail to read him in this scene. McKay is not afraid of bugs. Sheppard hates the iratus bug. Sheppard was the one that was attacked by one in 38 Minutes, and he has told Beckett that he hates them in The Gift (S01E18):

Beckett: They're still much closer to the bug creature that attacked Major Sheppard than to us. Sheppard: Hey! I thought we weren't gonna mention that any more. Beckett: Sorry.

and in Instinct (S02E07):

Beckett: The wraith evolved from the iratus bug. Sheppard: Like the one that attached itself to my neck a year ago? Beckett: That's right. Sheppard: I hate those bugs. Beckett: Trust me, I know.

Now, Sheppard has every reason to hate those bugs. He has had a traumatic experience with the bugs. But we have never seen any indication of McKay being afraid of bugs in general or this bug in particular. It's not that he likes them, he knows that they are dangerous and he has more than a healthy instinct for self-preservation. But McKay has no special hatred or fear for the iratus bugs. And people writing the transcripts seem to assume that the face McKay pulls here has to be related to the bugs because obviously McKay is such a wuss that he is scared of everything so why not bugs? There is no other possible explanation for McKay reacting that way to what Weir said, right?

Compare Sheppard and McKay's faces when the bugs are mentioned by Beckett:

Sheppard is the one who is wigged out about the bugs. McKay is wigged out about Sheppard almost dying. McKay hates the bugs because Sheppard almost died. Not because they are creepy crawlies; he is not entomophobic, he has no special fear, dislike or aversion for these bugs or any other bug. He has a fear, dislike and an aversion to losing Sheppard. This is McKay's face after very nearly losing Sheppard:

So no, the face McKay was pulling was not related to the bugs. It was a direct response to Weir's "We almost lost Sheppard". Because that is something that McKay is not going to forget as long as he lives. And the way he draws himself away is similar to his reaction in 38 Minutes, only slightly less intense. What we see is McKay's almost losing Sheppard face. But like all of the characters do throughout this whole episode, they fail to notice this about him.

Beckett: I don't see that we have any other choice. We need the iratus stem cells, the best stem cells come from embryos! With them, we actually have a chance of saving Colonel Sheppard. Without them, he'll die! Weir: And this is the only option we have? Beckett: And time's an issue as well.

Because McKay has such a loud personality, people do not even seem to notice the fact that he is not saying anything, that he is being uncharacteristically quiet. He has no smart remarks, no need to theorize, to offer up his expertise, of doing anything he might normally do, would definitely do if Sheppard was in the room. McKay is dissociating, and has nothing to say. He is once more at that place where he does not know what will come out of his mouth if he starts talking so it is best not to say anything at all. McKay is so deeply unhappy that he can barely keep himself together, and not one of them is able to tell because they do not know him as well as Sheppard does, they do not read him as easily as Sheppard does.

Weir: You've no idea what will happen. Beckett: There's only one certainty: what will happen if we do nothing. Lorne: We all understand the risks, Doctor Weir. And I believe that Colonel Sheppard would do the same for any one of us.

Again McKay makes a face that transcripts interpret as him being apprehensive about the bugs. It follows Lorne's line directly. We do not know where Sheppard and McKay's relationship is at this moment precisely, but they certainly have had their share of dramatic moments recently. Whether or not Sheppard has cut McKay off from himself on purpose, as I suspect is the case, or is merely avoiding his company since we have not seen them interact in this episode after the first scene, McKay has every reason to feel like Sheppard has shut him off for some reason.

Lorne says with such conviction that he knows Sheppard would do the same for any one of them. But because McKay does not think he is worth it, does not think he has earned it, he has doubts that Sheppard would do it for him. He does not believe anyone would do it for him. McKay does not know and has no way of understanding the things that Sheppard would do for him. Sheppard would have let the entire human race go extinct so that McKay might have had a few months of happiness. This is a thing that happens. And he didn't even have to think about it before offering. McKay does not understand. And so, his expression here, is hurt. He thinks that there might have been a time that Sheppard maybe could have done the same to him, but that time is gone. But that does not change anything for him. If there is a chance of saving Sheppard, he is going to do it.

Weir: Permission granted. Beckett: I need an hour to get my things together. Lorne: OK, gear up! One hour.

Note that McKay is the first to leave the meeting, he is in a hurry to get ready. Usually McKay is the last to leave meetings unless he has some sciencing to do. Here, they just have to get themselves ready for the mission and they have an hour to do it. And he is already on his way out of the door. He is going to be the first one in that jumper. Hell or high water, he would do anything for Sheppard. Doesn't even need to be said.

Continued in Pt. 8

[moonsglare]

ARCHIVE ENTRY #3: ATLAS

“Even if I can’t save everyone, I have to try.” - Atlas, FAC Special Agent

◆ Name: Atlas ◆ Title: Purgatorial Pathstrider ◆ Alignment: [UNKNOWN] ◆ Tendency: Catalyst

Atlas is a fanmade character in Path to Nowhere. A Sinner currently employed by the FAC and known as ‘Humanity’s Strongest Soldier’ due to her unique Sinner ability. Her code name within the FAC is VANGUARD.

◆ Info -> Birthday: January 14th -> Height: 179cm -> Damage Type: Physical -> Birthplace: Syndicate

◆ Appearance Atlas is a tall, lean woman with pale hair and eyes. She has an almost sickly complexion, which stems from her Sinner ability. She wears a pair of black ring earrings and a black leather choker. Her appearance is always tidy and neat due to strict FAC regulations. Atlas has many scars, though the majority of them are hidden beneath her clothing and combat suit most of the time.

On missions, Atlas wears a special-issue FAC combat suit made of special plated panels that are both lightweight and highly protective. The suit also comes with an outer jacket layer that is heatproof and provides extra armoring, without adding extra weight. She also wears a respirator mask. At formal events, Atlas can be found sporting the typical FAC officer uniform, although her right side is noticeably decorated with various medals. Off duty, Atlas can typically be found wearing loose t-shirts and sweatpants 24/7, and her hair is notably messier. She also wears thick glasses instead of contact lenses.

◆ Mutation Assessment The subject has the unique ability to nullify Mania and all related events within a 20m range of herself. However, this ability comes at the cost of Atlas's lifespan and health. A unique side-effect of the subject using her ability is that her veins start to glow bright blue, similar to the color of Hypercubes. -> Preliminary testing from Paradeisos laboratories have noted that Hypercubes can be precipitated from the subject's blood. These hypercubes have a 99.9% purity and have a very long half-life compared to regular Hypercubes, although the cost to make a single 15g crystal is about a liter of the subject's blood, hence efforts on mass-producing Hypercubes from the subject have been halted.

According to the subject, her Sinner ability awakened early on in her childhood. A corruptor had awakened in the orphanage the subject once lived in, and in an effort to protect her fellow orphans and the caretakers present, the subject awakened her Sinner ability, immobilizing the corruptor until FAC units arrived on the scene. By then, the subject had gained a streak of white in her formerly dark hair, and her eyes had gotten lighter.

The subject has a remarkably low corruption state, although her general health and well being tends to fluctuate. The subject must take long break periods between missions now to avoid serious health complications.

◆ Criminal Record The subject does not have a criminal record, but was transferred to the MBCC to be temporarily placed under the care of the MBCC Chief due to complications related to her Sinner ability. The subject was initially to be given a staff room, but due to her status as a Sinner, insisted on taking a cell for the sake of 'fairness'.

◆ FAC Service Reports [equivalent to Serving Term] -> Report 001: VANGUARD performed exceptionally well on her first expedition mission, despite her young age. All squad members report high affability and willingness to cooperate from VANGUARD. All squad members survived the expedition, and no injuries were sustained.

-> Report 007: VANGUARD carried out a successful rescue and retrieval mission into BR-001. No casualties or injuries were sustained, and all personnel are currently receiving medical care. VANGUARD does not report adverse effects, although medical staff note that the percentage of white in her hair has increased.

-> Report 016: VANGUARD has been temporarily placed in squad G-47 for further training. Reports from Captain Varna Yano indicate that VANGUARD is acclimatizing well to the squad, and displays positive interactions with one of the squad members, Rahu. VANGUARD will remain with squad G-47 for another term before being transferred.

-> Report 024: It has been 96 system hours since VANGUARD has gone rogue in light of the Eclipse Operation, escaping the FAC facility and heading to DisSea on her own. In these 96 hours VANGUARD has successfully recovered the bodies of over a hundred personnel, although she has only managed to rescue one soldier alive, that being a member of squad G-47. Currently, VANGUARD's location remains unknown and cannot be tracked due to disturbances caused by the DisSea.

-> Report 025: VANGUARD has been recovered by FAC officers and is receiving emergency medical treatment. Exactly how VANGUARD was able to remain conscious for nearly four days remains unknown. Medical staff note that VANGUARD's hair is now 50% white.

◆ Voicelines

Obtain the Sinner...

Atlas, codename VANGUARD, reporting for duty.

Level Start...

Please remain close.

Win Battles...

A warranted victory.

Lose Battles.

Run! I will be right behind you.

Special Conversation 1...

Is it strange, to feel like you can understand me, Chief? Perhaps even selfish? But you know, don't you, the weight of being the only one who can do what you can? ...my apologies, I'm just lost in thought. Please, excuse me.

Developer Notes:

Another PTN babygirl to the roster !! Atlas is so, so soggy and my favorite tragic hero chewtoy. I came up with the idea of her while playing Skyrim (lol) and thinking about the implications of being the Dragonborn, or more generally, the Chosen One. What's it like, to have a destiny that isn't your own? A future already written for you? One that by nature you won't turn away from, yet you know you cannot escape anyway?

Atlas's name is, obviously, from the Greek myth of Atlas, the being who carries the weight of the sky on his shoulders. Which is fitting for this Atlas, because she too carries a heavy weight on her shoulders--that being 'humanity's strongest soldier'. Can you tell I was also thinking of a certain captain?

Still thinking of who to make as Atlas's LI, but I'm honestly leaning towards Rahu a little... she features in Atlas's lore, and I think their dynamic has the possibility to be SO yummy like... how do you love someone who can never be yours? A hero always belongs to the world first, and to their lover second, after all. And the reunion between Rahu and Atlas... Rahu would go a little crazy seeing the difference in Atlas's appearance, knowing what she knows about Atlas's Sinner ability and its cost.

Anyway, Picrew my beloved below !! This is the most recent picture of Atlas that's on her FAC ID card.

As for Atlas's combat suit, it's very similar to Gen Narumi's combat suit from Kaiju No. 8 !! I chose it for the mask and ALSO because it's drippy as hell LMAO i mean look at it:

[taiyou-torikomu]

VERSE INFO: CANON DIVERGENT SHIBUYA ARC & PRELUDE TO FFXIV XOVER.  

❍一In this verse, the remnant of Getou's soul manages to wrest control of his body back from Kenjaku during the events in Shibuya.     Provoked by Gojo's voice, the impression of his soul left within his body recognized Kenjaku's presence as more of a Curse than a person. This allowed Getou to counter-utilize Cursed Spirit Manipulation against Kenjaku, to force his techniques to sustain operation of the body until Getou could gradually reclaim the functions, himself. Just as Kenjaku had hijacked his body, Getou in turn, essentially hijacked Kenjaku's brain. He exploited its processing capacity to reverse-engineer his own consciousness by sampling the the memory feed stored in his own cells. He used the memories in his body to tell Kenjaku's brain who he was, and then extracted that data from Kenjaku's brain, to disseminate and execute his own will. As he progressed through the events of Shibuya, he became more aware of who Kenjaku was, too, and what his intentions were regarding 'The Merger,' and the conflicts he had been orchestrating up to this point. Some of his plans stemmed from Getou's own former designs, and he wasted no time implementing a countermeasure...     In the Tougyo Verse, Getou makes a transition from threat-to-ally as above all, he prioritizes Gojo's release from the Prison Realm, his own family, Gojo's students, and those with whom he was acquainted during his days at Jujutsu High. Getou remains a complex individual, and doesn't mind if his actions obfuscate his true intentions, rather than clarify on a whim. While he won't outright seek to harm those mentioned, he will capitalize on the impressions of him that linger from the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons if intimidation or distrust get the work done. In sincerity, he wants to see his fellows survive, their futures assured. The empathy that once drove him into madness is once again the catalyst of change - but this time, he isn't divided between grievance and purpose. The malice and the anguish that once roiled in his heart were put to rest back in December, when Gojo's simple but heartfelt exchange served as assurance that he was still himself, even at the end. Thus, Getou is not acting from a standpoint of revenge, but rather in preservation of precious lives. As reality slips into an unfamiliar current, his thoughts are turned towards the ones he loves.

VERSE MAINS: 

❍一Gojo Satoru ❍一Mahito ❍一Utahime ❍一Uraume ❍一Okkotsu Yuta ❍一Itadori Yuji ❍一Ryoumen Sukuna

[outdraws]

expanding upon my characterization of l.eon, his motivations and breaking the typical heroic mold.

the events at rac.coon city catapult him past his previous perceptions about the world and he is wrestling with his place in current state of affairs. he has a drive to help people more than himself and most believe it stems from an idealistic view but he is more grounded and alone than most think.

there is this overbearing need to protect others and i won't say it comes from one single thing but a lot of experience and factors he dealt with prior to being assigned to rpd. he dislikes cruelty/abuse but views it in a sense of being unnecessary. it frustrates him and he can empathize but the latter tends to cycle back to frustration. he thinks he'll feel better if he helps.

( i won't delve into his time within special forces but i will say i diverge a bit more here, since i don't have him forcibly enrolled, at least not the same amount as insinuated by game cutscenes )

he comes back and actively enrolls into the military with goals to climb higher. in the beginning he didn't make an immediate decision when presented but eventually he does.

fast forward a bit, he is highly guarded and tends to place mission/directive above all else. the only times he is really free is when he's on the field, where he can freely collect information. what he wants is the bigger picture.

leon despises the system that made him, as well as those in charge of it. but the knife driving his anger is sharpened by all that he learns - the affiliations that come to light. and he isn't quick to drive that knife anywhere. he recognizes the merits to having heads where they count, the benefits of structure and the image of solidarity. he isn't naive and he understands and accepts that he is fighting under an influence he loathes. ( all terms and conditions right? ).

( it follows him well into the fourth installment )

i would like to point out that leon has trouble viewing baby eagle as anything but a task that needs completion. initially, he keeps up that wall of duty masking his desire to sap more information. but as the mission progresses and he is de-stabilized by rough reminders and the infection, his attitude slightly changes.

leon, by himself, is more aggressive and less direct with a pinch of gorilla warfare tactics. but when within the company of ashley, he is willing to take the more predictable approach, if it means she feels a bit more comfortable. slowing down and operating on terrain more frequently traveled. but the beginning is hard and he slowly begins to recognize it. steering back to his previous " abuse isn't necessary " / " why am i doing this? " mindset. that self-awareness starts creeping up on him.

and then she asks him if they're a team.

with ashley it's like peering into a mirror full of ghosts. and he remembers saying this to someone once it's like seeing brief flashes of the sun while locked in a cell angled towards the dark.

leon is not a hero. he is a stubborn, selfish, burdened soul. but ironically capable of the most unfiltered altruism. he is still guarded with answering and bantering but in his own words "things need to be different this time".

[wingsmombolo]

Hi Wing, and anyone who may read this. (?)

I have had this account for several years and I haven't really put it to good personal or creative use.

I realize now what a wonderful opportunity I haven't afforded myself by not accepting the Tumbler invite, to " write whatever you want."

My daughter is the writer. I have thoughts, opinions and memories in abundance, but I am not a writer.

Back in the day, I was a pretty good communicator, but seldom wrote of personal topics (for my own sake anyway). I dabbled in creative writing and more often wrote about things I felt strongly about or in response to an event or quotable quote that moved me and seldom from personal experiences.

It seemed indulgent and frivilous to write for my own sake, when life was always so busy and full. I never kept a diary nor could manage keeping up a journal, for any length of time anyway.

So, I plan to try using this space as my own little corner and experiment. I'm going to try being a bit adventurous and explore a bit. It seems like a safe and welcoming space.

I have hope enough to not just dream or reminisce, but plan!

I hope to write discoveries I find in current every day things (which is what makes up most of our lives), as well as reflect on matters long behind me.

Most of my energy and time, I will need to devote living in the present and matters still ahead of me, so I don't really know if I will be posting much of anything. (That is OK since there's no one to disappoint!)

It is just a wonderful thing to knowing I have this opportuity. Hoping for time, and most challenging the energy, to do this now; to express random thoughts and memories, or share other's creative contributions which have touched me and this old soul of mine.

I've been told since I was a young girl that I have an old soul. After passing my 69th birthday in August, I think it is fine that I have finally grown into it!

I have many things I wish to do which may be left undone, but I aim to have few regrets. Regret is a sad and useless emotion not deserving of my energy; better to not let it take hold and let it go so we can keep moving forward. Make things right or better than we found them. Thanking God for whom all blessings flow.

I am not only getting older, I have Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer that affects bone marrow which produces the blood cells in your body. My cancer was diagnosed early and is not an aggressive type, but my treatment is difficult and complicated because I have other conditions which worsen with chemotherapy, making treatment difficult and limiting available options.

Since there is no cure for Myeloma, continuing treatment to slow its progression is necessary for my wellbeing and if possible extend my life. I had a stem cell ( bone marrow) trsnsplant in 2021, and acheived a partial remission, then followed my maintenece chemotherapy which was suspended after severely suppressing my already compromised immune system. The 20 months off treatment gave the opportunity for my nlood counts to improve enough to have a hip joint replacement (2022) and shoulder joint replaced (2023), both of which improved my quailty of life greatly. I've had some opportunities to visit family & friends and enjoy being in the community again for small periods of time here now and again, ( with precautions ) but mostly I'm pretty isolated most of the time. I'm so grateful to have good friends & family and church family who lift me up and never forget me.

Living with chronic or serious health conditions for most of my full and busy life has been good though. Like everyine, there are good times and difficult times. Like most people, most of my growth have been in difficult times. I thank God for my time and that I am still here by his Grace. I trust in His plan for me.

I'm just taking this bit of time and space for my own sake. To express myself in writing which I won't discard ( I hope), but save here. There might not be a reader, but they will still be here. I writer needs an audience, but since I'm not a writer, if no ones reads these offerings, that's OK.

It will be my collection of Inspirational quotes, images of art, devotions and other ranfom ramblings I've never saved or organized before.

I still have work I need and want to do, for my loving family, treasured friends, church family and adopted community, so I will still devote most of my time and energy toward living fully in the present, appreciating the blessings in my life and staying as healthy as possible. Life is fluid and always feels for me, but the invite to write "whatever I want" motivates me enough try adding this to my day whenver I can!

Prayers & hugs until next time!

[jungkookandyugyeomwhores]

The Role of CRISPR in Stem Cell Current Events

The evolving world of regenerative medicine, CRISPR technology is making significant waves in the field of stem cell research. As part of ongoing stem cell current events, CRISPR’s gene-editing precision is transforming how scientists approach disease treatment, tissue regeneration, and even personalized medicine. At the Cell Surgical Conference, we closely monitor these scientific developments to keep healthcare professionals informed and empowered.

CRISPR’s Breakthroughs Driving Stem Cell Current Events

CRISPR technology has opened up new possibilities in gene-editing, making it one of the most exciting developments in Stem Cell Current Events. Scientists can now precisely modify genetic code within stem cells, allowing for corrections in hereditary diseases and fostering more targeted therapies. These breakthroughs are not just theoretical—researchers are already applying them in lab trials for conditions like sickle cell anemia and Parkinson’s disease.

Ethical Implications in CRISPR and Stem Cell Use

With innovation comes responsibility, and one of the most debated areas in stem cell current events involves the ethics of using CRISPR. As gene editing becomes more accessible, concerns around human germline modification, consent, and long-term consequences have emerged. These topics are now part of global scientific conversations and regulatory considerations. At the Cell Surgical Conference, we emphasize not only the scientific potential but also the moral and societal discussions that must accompany technological advancements in medicine.

Stem Cell Therapies Enhanced by CRISPR Precision

One of the most compelling topics in stem cell current events is how CRISPR enhances therapy accuracy. Traditional stem cell therapies carry risks of rejection or uncontrolled cell growth. CRISPR offers a solution by enabling researchers to edit cells with precision before reintroduction into the body, increasing the success rates and safety of regenerative treatments. The Cell Surgical Conference frequently showcases clinical trials and laboratory results demonstrating the efficiency of CRISPR-enhanced stem cell approaches, paving the way for safer and more effective medical applications.

CRISPR and Personalized Medicine in Stem Cell Field

CRISPR's synergy with stem cells is fueling personalized medicine, another hot topic in stem cell current events. Doctors are now able to tailor treatments based on a patient’s genetic profile, making therapies more effective and reducing adverse reactions. This level of customization, driven by precise gene editing, represents a leap forward in patient care. At the Cell Surgical Conference, experts explore how CRISPR is driving this shift, giving attendees a deep understanding of how to integrate these innovations into clinical practice.

Global Research Trends in Stem Cell Current Events

Across the globe, research institutions are racing to explore CRISPR's potential in stem cell science. Countries like the U.S., China, and the U.K. are leading large-scale clinical trials aimed at treating genetic disorders and cancer. These global initiatives are central to discussions at Cell Surgical Conference, where thought leaders present cutting-edge findings that shape the future of regenerative medicine. Understanding these international trends offers valuable context to how CRISPR is being applied in various healthcare systems and regulatory environments.

Challenges Facing CRISPR in Clinical Applications

Despite its promise, CRISPR faces significant challenges, a recurring theme in stem cell current events. Off-target effects, immune responses, and delivery mechanisms are some of the obstacles researchers must overcome to ensure safe applications. At Cell Surgical Conference, we present these challenges alongside potential solutions, encouraging critical thinking and innovation. Discussing both the capabilities and limitations of CRISPR in stem cell therapy helps healthcare professionals adopt a balanced and evidence-based approach to this evolving technology.

Educational Platforms Advancing Stem Cell Understanding

Continuous education is vital in the rapidly changing landscape of stem cell current events. Conferences like Cell Surgical Conference serve as platforms for professionals to learn, network, and engage with experts who are shaping the future of medical science. By focusing on CRISPR and its real-world applications in stem cell research, these educational forums equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to stay ahead of medical innovation. This commitment to knowledge-sharing is essential for responsible and progressive healthcare delivery.

Conclusion

As CRISPR continues to play a pivotal role in stem cell current events, its potential for revolutionizing regenerative medicine becomes increasingly evident. From improving treatment accuracy to enabling personalized care, the intersection of gene editing and stem cell research is reshaping healthcare as we know it. At Cell Surgical Conference, we are committed to spotlighting these groundbreaking advancements and offering a platform where the brightest minds in medicine can share insights and drive the future forward.

[impishdullahan]

What can you tell us about this conworld that your conlangs are spoken in?

Where do I start? There's been a lot of iterations.

At present, it's a very hand-wavy spec-evo eocene Earth analog. There's the one major continent about the size of North America, I think, and it's populated by maybe 10 sapient species, all of which have been ascribed a conlang or have plans for one. In the west on islands and coastal plains, and in temperate rainforests, as well as further North in the tundra, there're derived oxyaenids which speak Tokétok. In the mountains that help form these temperate rainforests is a group of derived early ungulates which speak Varamm. East still in a massive river basin a group of derived testudines speak a sign language still in it's infancy. On the drier east coast there's both a group of derived neornithischians, for which I have a 9yo sketch I'll someday revisit, and a group of derived early carnivorans that speak my current speedlang project Viverraviss. In the south there's highlands with a group of derived scansoriopterygians, which I have 2 old sketches and plans to derive a daughter from N!odzäsä for. With a more global distribution, I have Agyharo for the derived azhdarchids that form insular communities across the continent, and in the surrounding seas ATxK0PT is spoken by derived tunicates. From across the sea comes Tsantuk for the token humanoids, and they have a robust coastal trade network across the continent, though their largest port of call is in the Southern Tokétok lands. There's also an island far to the Northwest where I might put some temnospondyl dragons or something; I have friend who wants to build such a language with me.

I'd share a map, but the only one I have thus far outside my head is in the margins of some old math homework and it's difficult to read.

Techwise the speakers of Tsantuk are somewhere in the age of exploration, and everyone else is very where the rest of the non-European world was at the time varying from loose fission-fusion hunter-gatherer societies to robust civilizations. There's also a touch of magic, but it's still very loose. The spark notes are that climatic events and other natural disasters, whether ephemeral or persistent, have at their core a rift in space. This rift leads to a sort of void filled with unformed energy, kinda like the stem cells of force and matter, that fuels these climatic events. If someone encounters such a rift, they may gain the power to open and close rifts themselves and use that formless energy to power magic that reflects the original rift they encountered. For instance, sailing into and surviving a hurricane might grant storm magic.

It's been a while since I've written anything set in this world, but it's all centred on a presumably Tsantuk speaking fire mage (I'll leave it to your imagine how she came about that) lost in Tokétok lands with no memory how she got there.

[destinyawaits7k]

The World of Myalia

Myalia, one of the Realms contained within The Colossus, a fantastical world where magic is real, and monsters lurk. Here you will find what I have written about it thus far

Current Timeline of important events (still a wip)

The Time of Strife (-year)

~-700000-10 Age of Nephilim

-200 the ‘Demon lord’ rises to power

-2 The Barrier Proclamation

-1 The Wishing

0 The Time of Safety 

10-current Age of humanity

500 Extinction of the Timewinders

2000 Murder of Vocalis The Mute

Magic

Magic is the lifeblood of the world, literally. In its base form mana is how the Colossus made a way for infinite energy. It acts as spare energy for its universes to use such that they are perpetual. It can be likened to a stem cell as far as the universe is concerned. The souls of living beings are created from mana at a steep cost, however a typical soul will produce more mana than it’s worth making it a positive investment. Due to every living being being intimately connected to mana, an unavoidable fact is that most creatures will evolve to harness it for their own means, typically through the use of specialized organs. Magic itself is the language of the Colossus, and it can take many forms.

Humans

Humans are the most versatile species on the planet but also the weakest on average. Their brains evolved a distinct third hemisphere, which due to experimentation by reviled Fleshcrafter (doctor equivalent), was found to be the source of their ability to control magic (exceptions exist) This hemisphere contains the language of magic in its physical structures however depending on genetics humans will have an easier time learning a particular school of magic. This is why Covens exist, closely related families of mages descended from a particular Nephilim who know specific schools of magic that band together. Noble covens are those with particularly powerful magic at their command

Human ways of casting magic:

Rune Circles: the typical form of magic casting; they're basically sentences written in a simply packaged form which issues commands to reality. Stopping time would read 'Stop Time, 30 seconds, exclude self, range 20 feet.' for example it's really mundane but more complex spells and applications need progressively more and more words to actually work correctly

Glyphs: written runes, they can take the form of the language of magic but they can also be a chain of drawings that a caster heavily associates with a spell. Schools teach this in a very standardized way so that spells are easier to recognize in the case of crimes. Typically also contained in a circle 

Voice: This is considered a lost art, almost no human alive knows how to use this magic in its raw form.  it involves literally speaking the language of magic, to devastating effect, most of the strongest mages in history knew the correct pronunciation. It's a risky method as one error can annihilate you but the sky's the limit on their application

Spell foci & familiars: An ancient art reserved for mages of high social class, a glyph belonging to an unknown school of magic exists in most cities. It is used to break magical power off and give it a sentience. However it does not yet have a body so it's typically bound to a physical object. This is the larval form of a familiar. It operates on the same logic as a monster in that it's biologically hard coded to cast the same class of spells it's 'parent' knows which allows accelerated casting

As a foci it can manifest a few passive abilities related to their school of magic, such as telling the future, displaying coordinates in the language of magic, having specialized tools for crafting, etc 

Upon absorbing enough mana from its parent throughout their life (typically occurs during teenage years) it can manifest itself a psychical form which can do a few fun things. Related to this conversation a familiar has a mana pool that allows it to quickly cast spells (due to being of the manifestation family it cannot create its own mana and must be lent some from its parent to recover spent mana). When in close proximity to its parent it can have spells cast through it completely circumventing the need for any other magic invocation method for weaker spells. A familiar has a complexity limit however and larger spells are stressful for it to do alone and can even border on causing it harm if forced upon it. It can help it's parent with more complex spells thought

Due to how hostile the Supercontinent of Trepidalia is (further details in the ‘monster’ section) Humans live in cities protected by a magical barrier. This for the most part keeps the horrors of the outside at bay but also restricts safe development as the barrier only expands as more humans come to inhabit it. There exists one safe method of transport between safe cities that being the The Arieus Express, a magical construct that travels through the air across the continent stopping at every city. Non-safe options involve traveling the ‘path’ loosely warded routes Nephilim of old create. The magic that fends off monsters is considerably weak and you could be attacked at any moment.

Standard human currency is called ‘Bloom’

Monsters

‘Monster’ is a catch all phrase for non-human beings capable of using magic which inhabit Trepidalia.They sacrifice the versatility humans have for raw power. Such beings can butcher the average human. They are divided by either powers or what ‘family’ they belong to (Ghosts, Familiars, and spirits are part of the ‘Manifestation’ family for example) Gods

Gods are typically humans who have figured out how to attach themselves to a metaphysical concept which the Colossus must provide mana personally to maintain. Granting them what is effectively infinite power. However it is almost impossible to keep your humanity post apotheosis. These gods are functionally immortal so long as their concept exists. Time and space can be considered the only true immortals as they exist for the infinity this universe exists

Current/Known gods

Time: The first Timewinder, her purpose is to maintain the flow of time. She knows everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen and thus this should be protected from outside variables. However she is the god who maintained the most humanity post ascension and still has a soft spot for her fellow timewinders

Space: Space is everything that has happened, will happen, and is happening. They lost all their humanity upon ascension, and are technically everything presently. It is said her true physical form drifts in between the stars, sleeping eternal 

Emotion: Emotion is everything the living feel. They are physically the biggest of the gods being a multicolored worm the size of the supercontinent with a human torso for a tongue, a representation of the complexity she rules over. She is most empowered by humans and is wildly unpredictable.

Life & Death: Life and Death are a packaged deal as humans they were lovers and in ascension they are two sides of the same coin. Death is the more active of the duo, they are obsessed with their ‘count.’ In which they count down how much time each individual living being has left. Purely for sport mind you, this causes him to hate time fore they allow timewinders to throw off his count by changing fate. Though humans only ever speak on death, life is much easier to find, she's everywhere. Trees, people, the birds singing, the monsters killing, it’s all her and she can manifest anywhere life exists. She views the world as a game she may only watch unfold, bringing into creation new players and gifts for her husband.

The Colossus

An enigmatic being that created the world. Appeared once during The Wishing, in which it altered reality to grant a wish made to it. Standard flavor of religion for most humans

Nulls

Nulls are the white blood cells of The Colossus; they seek out any who may upset the proper flow of the world and destroy them. They accomplish this by being nothing, literally! They are ‘nothing’ made manifest by engulfing a target in ‘nothing’ they will be erased from reality. Nulls typically cannot be stopped, only avoided.

[lifealteringstemcells]

Stem Cell Therapy: Recent Advancement For Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage caused to the nerves in the spinal cords that are responsible for sending and receiving signals from the brain. The traumatic lesion in the spinal cord can cause permanent or irreversible sensory and motor deficits. Stem cell therapy has shown massive potential in repairing damaged tissues and promoting recovery of neurological function. Medical research shows the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in treating various neurodegenerative disorders like ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and spinal cord injury.

Causes Of Spinal Cord Injury

The increasing number of cases of spinal cord injuries worldwide has made SCI a global health priority. Sports injuries and road accidents have been recognized as the two common causes of SCI. Although traumatic conditions comprise major triggering factors to induce spinal cord damage, non-traumatic events such as inflammation, spinal disc degeneration, cancer, substantial tissue loss, and infections can also be the reason for injury to the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system,

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury

The emergency symptoms of SCI may include loss of control in body movements due to partial or complete loss of sensory function. It is characterized by loss of motor control of the back, arms, legs, and other body parts, leading to weakness and incoordination. Patients experience extreme pain and pressure in the back, neck, and head.

Other prominent symptoms that doctors have identified as effects of spinal cord damage are -

Difficulty in walking and sitting

Difficulty in breathing

Sudden reflexes or spasms

Loss of control over bladder and bowel movements

Lowered sexual sensitivity and infertility

Trouble in balancing

Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands, fingers, and feet

The Science of Stem Cell Therapy For Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

Spinal cord injury is a severe condition that damages the nerve cells and tissues in the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or nervous function impairment. Current treatment approaches include medication, rehabilitation therapy, physical therapy, or surgery. However, most of them provide temporary relief and poor outcomes in the long run. Stem cell interventions have emerged as a promising treatment for SCI with its exemplary potential to repair and regenerate injured neurons and tissues.

The distinct ability of stem cells to proliferate and form any functional cell type makes them ideal for treating SCI. The cells self-renew into nerve cells to replace and repair the diseased cells. After they are introduced into a patient’s body, they reach the injured site and interact with the surrounding cells to produce neurotrophic growth factors and alter the microenvironment of the affected region in the spinal cord.

A preclinical study has shown that mesenchymal stem cells release growth-promoting factors that accelerate the growth of axons at the injured area and improve myelination (formation of specialized membranes around axons). Most importantly, the therapeutic potential of stem cells prevents further neuronal degeneration in the spinal cord, lowering inflammation and improving motor and sensory function.

Start Your Stem Cell Therapy Journey In Mexico

There is no better place than Mexico for stem cell therapy because this North American country is home to highly qualified and experienced medical professionals with a proven track record of successful cell therapies. Besides, the healthcare system in Mexico is also advanced, and its treatment solutions are most accessible and affordable to people all over the world.

Life Altering Stem Cell Therapy Institute is a trusted name if you are ready to receive stem cell therapy in Mexico. Their state-of-the-art technologies, innovative treatments, and comfortable clinic setup have earned them the tag of stem cell therapy best hospital in Mexico. Their health advocates are just a call away! Connect with them to learn more about stem cell therapy for treating spinal cord injuries and other chronic conditions.

[without-youthereisnome]

Feed Your Brain - Keep Your Mind

The blood supply that feeds your brain is crucial for life-long brain fitness and mental health. A new study shows that small blood vessel disease may account for on third click here to learn more of dementia cases. One of the best things you can do to protect your brain is to eat right and get regular physical activity.

For some time now, we've been promoting the role of a healthy lifestyle in maintaining brain fitness. Another new study lends more support, but before we get into that we thought we'd focus on some common-sense topics as to why this is true.

One simple concept to understand that doesn't require a PhD is the fact that any organ in your body, including your brain, needs a healthy blood supply to access nutrients and oxygen. This is one reason why heart disease and mental health problems, including dementia are so often related. If you tied a tourniquet around your leg to cut-off the blood supply, you shouldn't be surprised when your foot stops working to well.

The same is true for your brain. If you continue to do things that are bad for your cardiovascular system, like sit around all day and eat chips, your vascular system will eventually have a problem, and this is not good news for your brain. In fact, your brain uses about 20% of the oxygen that you breathe and the calories that you eat. Your blood supply is responsible to get that stuff to the right place in order to keep your brain in good working operation.

The benefits of life-long learning and continually challenging your mind to keep it sharp are well established. But if you don't couple that effort with doing what's necessary to maintain a healthy neurovascular system, you cannot fully realize the benefit. You may have read a lot about neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, which is the constant rewiring of your brain that occurs when you stay mentally active and helps to keep your mind agile. However, this process can only work well if the blood vessels near all this rewiring are healthy enough to do their job. Otherwise, where is the energy, nutrients and oxygen necessary for the remodeling job going to come from?

Think of neurogenesis as a new housing subdivision going into an existing community and the roads as the blood supply to service the houses. If you were the builder constructing this new development you wouldn't get very far if you didn't first attend to the new roads. Not only are the roads needed for the new owners to get in and out of their homes; but they are needed for delivering all the lumber and concrete, enabling the different crews to come in and construct the new houses, and take all the trash away. Similarly, new brain cells or new brain cell connections need healthy roads (neurovascular system) to work right.

Related to this, a recent large study, just unveiled this month (April 2008) by Dr. Thomas Montine from the University of Washington, reports that 33% of the risk of dementia stems from disease of small blood-vessels in the brain. In this 12-year study, 3,400 men and women over age 65 volunteered for periodic cognitive testing and a brain autopsy upon their death. In the 221 autopsies performed, researchers discovered that small blood vessel disease accounted for about 1/3 of the risk for dementia. Importantly, this type of small blood vessel disease may go unnoticed for some time. We're not talking about big events like a stroke or blood clot blocking a large vessel. However over time these small problems can add up, and result in cognitive impairment.

Admittedly, this study comes from the Pacific Northwest, the origin of grunge-rock and Starbucks coffee. We can't be sure that all these people aren't suffering from some kind of post-angst cognitive disorder, or a latent flannel shirt allergy! We also can't rule out suffering from some sort of post-tramautic stress after invading the world with high-priced coffee, equivalent to about $18.00 per gallon; slightly more than we're currently paying for gas. In fact, one of us (Evans) was raised in Seattle and may be showing some early symptomology.

However, with these potential confounds aside (unless Austin Powers was right, and during the time that Dr. Evil was cryogenically preserved his faithful cronies invested heavily in Starbucks), this study is an incredibly important step that illustrates the diversity of factors that can lead to dementia. Even more importantly, it suggests that you can substantially decrease your odds of developing dementia by attending to life-style factors that can protect against vascular disease.

The beauty is that we have a good idea of how to do this since blood vessels serve to supply active areas of the body with nutrients! So if your brain is active (which requires energy), and you're maintaining your overall vascular health by eating right and exercising, odds are that you will be greatly reducing your risk of developing dementia from small vessel disease. Now it should be noted that research is ongoing on this subject, but common sense would suggest that this will hold true.

[coochiequeens]

Creating babies knowing they will never be able to meet their biological mothers is just ghoulish

Eilish O'Regan Wed 24 Jan 2024

A man whose female partner has died may be allowed access to any spare embryos for surrogacy treatments under complex new legislation.

The matter was raised during the committee stage of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill at the Oireachtas health committee yesterday.

Members of the committee raised some issues such as the current provision which only allows a woman to access spare embryos after her partner dies.

Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane asked why the male partner was excluded from this in the event of a female partner ­dying.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said he is willing to look at this at the report stage of the bill and said he was also uncomfortable with a provision saying a woman had to wait 12 months before accessing embryos.

Complex scenarios have had to be considered and have delayed the bill, Mr Donnelly told the committee.

“There could be a couple in Kerry who go to France for IVF treatment with sperm from Holland and holiday in Morocco where she goes in to labour. We have to think through all of those and legislate for it. It is why it has taken so long,” he said.

The minister said Ireland is the first country to legislate for international surrogacy.

The committee stage of the legislation will also address retrospective surrogacy arrangements.

He said the bill, when initiated, provided for domestic altruistic surrogacy but did not contain provisions to regulate surrogacy arrangements undertaken in other jurisdictions.

“This complex and far-reaching legislation will, for the first time, encompass regulation on a wide range of practices undertaken in this jurisdiction, including gamete and embryo donation for assisted human reproduction (AHR) and research; domestic altruistic surrogacy; pre-implantation genetic testing of embryos; posthumous assisted human reproduction; and embryo and stem-cell research.”

A new regulatory authority overseeing the whole area is to be established.

Members of the committee will be invited to a roundtable with experts to discuss issues as part of a number of planned meetings.

The legislation is also to allow for a review of how it is operating to take place a number of years after it commenced.

Deputy Róisín Shortall referred to a provision saying prospective parents will have to be co-habiting to qualify and said this appeared to contradict a European Court of Human Rights ruling.

Department of Health officials said this was inserted to provide evidence that the relationship is durable for the protection of the child.

The bill aims to provide hundreds of Irish families with a route to formal recognition by the State of surrogacy arrangements they have undertaken, or will undertake, either domestically or in other jurisdictions.