Extremely Active Rats Become Lazy when They Artificially Receive “Runners’ High”
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Past research has shown that the pleasure and reward centers of the brain are activated similarly by dangerous drugs as well as by exercise, which is why therapies have been developed for drug addicts that include lots of exercise. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found that activating these pleasure and reward receptors in the brain could provide the “reward” of dangerous drugs without having to consume those drugs.
For the study, a team of scientists led by Frank Booth, a professor at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, selectively bred rats that exhibited traits of either extreme activity or extreme laziness. The researchers then gave chemicals to the rats to either activate or shut off their mu-opioid receptors, which are the genes in the brains of rats and humans which release dopamine, a pleasure-inducing chemical. Greg Ruegsegger, a doctoral student in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine and lead author of the study, says that when the receptors of the extremely energetic rats were activated, those rats were much less inclined to exercise.
“These highly active rats would run on their wheels constantly,” Ruegsegger said. “However, when we chemically activated their mu-opioid receptors, those rats drastically reduced their amounts of activity. Since exercise and addiction to substances follow this same chemical process in the brain, it stands to reason that activating these receptors in people with dangerous addictions could provide the same rewards they are craving without the use of dangerous drugs or alcohol.”
When MU researchers studied the brains of the rats, they found 400 percent more of the reward receptors in the extremely active rats than the extremely lazy rats. They believe this indicates that the extremely active rats were active to receive “rewards” from their mu-opioid receptors, which may explain why they voluntarily run such extreme amounts.
The researchers also used chemicals to shut off the mu-opioid receptors in the active rats, but found that it similarly reduced activity in the rats, though not as drastically as turning on those receptors in the active rats. Researchers found that activating and shutting off the receptors in the lazy rats seemed to have no significant effect on those rats’ overall activity levels.
This study was published in the journal Neuropharmacology.
Highly Innovative Pipeline Could Transform Obesity Treatment Landscape, says GBI Research
NEW YORK (GBI Research), 8 October 2015
While the current obesity treatment market has a high level of unmet need, the therapeutic landscape could be transformed by a highly innovative and diverse pipeline that includes 248 products in active development, according to business intelligence provider GBI Research.
The company’s latest report* states that despite the current market’s clinical and regulatory challenges, the obesity pipeline is robust and contains a high level of diversity in both molecule types and molecular targets, with 39% of the pipeline products with disclosed molecular targets classified as first-in-class.
Angel Wong, Senior Analyst for GBI Research, says that while most pipeline products target gut hormone receptors, the remainder target a wide range of processes thought to be dysregulated in obesity, such as angiogenesis, insulin signaling, inflammation, fat absorption, lipid synthesis, and metabolism.
Wong comments: “The high level of innovation and diversity in molecular target in development is encouraging, with a number of these not only showing close alignment to the disease pathophysiology but also addressing multiple mechanisms underpinning the development of obesity.
“As obesity is a multifactorial disease, targeting multiple systems may potentially avoid compensatory mechanisms that lead to weight regain and achieve sustainable weight loss over the long term.”
The analyst adds that small molecules, accounting for 66% of the overall pipeline, are the dominant molecule type in all stages of development for obesity treatment. Biologic therapeutics, consisting largely of peptides, proteins, antibodies and vaccines, also feature prominently.
GBI Research’s report also states that the long-term treatment options for obesity remain sparse, including the dietary fat absorption inhibitor Xenical (orlistat), and appetite suppressants such as Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended release), Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride), and the two new market entrants Contrave (naltrexone and bupropion) and Saxenda (liraglutide rDNA origin).
Wong continues: “Prescription of these treatments is generally limited, primarily due to concerns over their long-term safety, with the past decade seeing a number of drug withdrawals in the market as a result of serious cardiovascular risks and psychiatric adverse reactions.
“The uptake of anti-obesity drugs has also been hindered by their modest efficacy in inducing sustained body weight reduction. All of these factors are driving efforts to address the significant unmet need for effective obesity therapeutics with favorable safety profiles,” the analyst concludes.
TOMSand National Geographic Big Cats Collection launches Toronto, ON – The One for One company, TOMS, today announced its partnership with National Geographic in support of its critical non-profit work through the TOMSand National Geographic Big Cats Collection. The special edition collection will be available for Canadians at TOMS.ca starting Tuesday, September 15.
“When I learned that wild lions are at risk of being extinct, it inspired me to start the TOMS Animal Initiative,” said Heather Mycoskie, TOMS Chief Animal Lover. “Big cats in the wild are disappearing at an alarming rate, and this collection draws attention to the critical need to protect these majestic creatures for generations to come.”
Through the TOMS Animal Initiative, TOMS partners with nonprofit animal conservation organizations to drive awareness and funding for global animal protection. For 2015, TOMS has partnered with National Geographic to help with its efforts to protect big cats.
Big cats in the wild are disappearing and since 2009, National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative has worked to reverse this decline through on-the-ground conservation and educational projects in Africa, Asia, and North and South America. These projects include instituting patrols to prevent lion snaring and poaching and building livestock enclosures to protect endangered cats from retaliatory killing. National Geographic’s net proceeds support vital exploration, conservation, research and education programs.
The TOMS and National Geographic Big Cats Collection features a special edition line of footwear for women, men and kids, sunglasses for men and women and a unisex backpack inspired by National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative. Ranging in price from $38 to $169 CAD, each item in the collection features design elements representative of a big cat, as well as iconic photography from National Geographic’s image library.
The collection features the women’s Nat Geo Jaguar Classics ($70), the men’s Nat Geo Lion Paseos ($75), the youth and tiny Nat Geo Jaguar Classics ($48, $38), the youth and tiny Nat Geo Lion Classics ($48, $38), the Noah Sunglasses ($169), the Sandela 201 Sunglasses ($169), as well as the Savanna backpack ($98).
Mycoskie visited Botswana this summer to meet with Big Cats experts Dereck and Beverly Joubert to fully immerse herself in the Big Cat Initiative and to learn firsthand about the dangers facing Big Cats in the wild.
Learn more and find out how to get involved at CauseAnUproar.org/TOMS.
TOMS x National Geographic Big Cats Collection
Heather Mycoskie in Botswana, summer 2015
Photo from National Geographic’s image library
TOMS are available at retailers across Canada and at TOMS.ca.
With every TOMS product purchased, TOMS will help a person in need. One for One®.
About TOMS:
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in a village in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One®.
Realizing that One for One could serve other global needs, Blake launched TOMS Eyewear in 2011 to help restore sight to persons in need with every purchase of sunglasses and optical frames. In 2014, TOMS Roasting Co. launched with the mission to provide clean water to developing communities with the purchase of premium coffee.
The most recent TOMS give is tied into the TOMS Bag Collection, which launched in early 2015, and helps provide safe births to mothers and babies in need through skilled birth attendant training and birth kits. Additionally, the TOMS StandUp Backpack Collection helps TOMS Giving Partners provide training for school staff and crisis counselors to help prevent and respond to instances of bullying.
TOMS is in business to improve lives. We identify global needs and create products to help address them. This simple idea is what makes us more than a company – we’re a movement that’s continually evolving.
Consonant Skincare launches deodorant
Dealkalizing Deodorant is 100 per cent natural and guarantees 24 hour odour protection
Toronto ON – After years in development Consonant Skincare today announced the launch of its Dealkalizing Deodorant ($12), created with Bentonite clay and Silk Amino Acids to help absorb moisture and to condition skin. Free of sweat-clogging ingredients often found in off-the-shelf deodorants, Consonant Dealkalizing Deodorant is formulated to bring the pH level of skin to 4.5 - 5.0, inhibiting the growth of odour-causing bacteria.
“Virtually every day customers ask us for a 100 per cent natural deodorant that actually works, that you don't have to use your fingers to apply, and that doesn't cost a fortune. We are very proud that Consonant is the first and only brand to have a deodorant that delivers on all three!" said Bill Baker, owner of Consonant Skincare.
Users don't have to sacrifice effectiveness to kick the chemicals. In panel testing, Consonant Dealkalizing Deodorant was found to be 100 per cent effective, 100 per cent of the time. Additionally, the traditional stick format means users don’t have to sacrifice convenience to stay odour free all day long.
Consonant Skincare’s Dealkalizing Deodorant (75 grams) will be available at www.consonantskincare.com, at both locations (2479 Yonge St. and the PATH at 120 Adelaide St. W., Unit R12) and retailers throughout Canada on Monday, July 20 for $12.
Consonant Dealkalizing Deodorant ($12) About Consonant Skincare:
Consonant Skincare has two locations in Toronto. Its flagship store is located at 2479 Yonge St. and its PATH store is located at 120 Adelaide St. W., Unit R12. All of Consonant Skincare’s 100 per cent natural products are created and produced in Canada, and are made with the highest possible concentration of organic botanical ingredients. They are formulated to work in harmony with the body’s natural chemistry to improve the health of skin over time, rather than just covering up irritating symptoms. Skin appears firmer, healthier and younger without the use of synthetic ingredients such as parabens, sulphates, petroleum ingredients, phthalates and silicone. HydrExtreme, a customer favourite, was recently awarded the Grand Prize at the Canadian Beauty Innovation Awards.
Store hours:
PATH store (120 Adelaide St. W., Unit R12)
Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Flagship store (2479 Yonge St.)
Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
LOLË WHITE TOURTM MAKES HISTORY WITH CENTRAL PARK EVENT UNITING CLOSE TO 10,000 YOGIS
New York Stop Comes After Memorable Kick-Off at Paris’s Eiffel Tower and Sessions in Montreal and Toronto
September 3, 2015, NEW YORK – Yesterday, the 2015 Lolë White TourTM reaches the apex of its lineup with a spectacular outdoor class uniting close to 10,000 yoga-lovers in the heart of New York City. This once in a lifetime session in beautiful and historic Central Park is the penultimate stop in this year’s series of unforgettable events around the world organized by women’s activewear and lifestyle brand Lolë and presented by FIJI Water.
This inspiring group of thousands of participants, dressed all in white as a symbol of peace, gathered to experience a unique evening of pure serenity against the backdrop of one of the world’s most recognized locales. From 4:30pm to 10pm, Central Park’s breathtaking Great Lawn was home to this singular yoga event led by three of the world’s most influential and beloved instructors – Elena Brower, Colleen Saidman Yee and Rodney Yee – and set to the strains of live music from artists Ingrid Michaelson and special guest Donna De Lory.
“This unprecedented gathering of yoga lovers here in one of the world’s greatest parks, all practicing together in nature, created a flow of communal energy that was breathtaking and magical,” said Bernard Mariette, President and CEO of Coalision, which owns Lolë. “I had the feeling of being a part of a family of 10,000 people all sharing the same sense of peace and gratitude.”
This New York session is a highlight of the brand’s 2015 season, representing the Tour’s largest event and coming on the heels of the opening of the Lolë Atelier New York in the famous SoHo shopping district. Each of the five events on this year’s Tour is a transformative and invigorating experience for body and soul, guided by world-class yoga instructors and set to live music performed by international artists. Having begun with an extraordinary kick-off session under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, continuing onto the brand’s hometown of Montreal and then Toronto, and now landing in New York, the Tour will culminate with a more intimate yet equally momentous session on the iconic Santa Monica Pier later this fall.
“From Paris to New York and beyond, the global scope of the Tour – which this year brings together over 25,000 yoga enthusiasts in cities worldwide – reflects the energy of Lolë’s exhilarating international expansion,” added Bernard Mariette. “Next year’s event in Cambodia will bring our message to a truly universal stage, affirming our dedication to the boundary-erasing power of yoga, meditation, and inner peace.”
The annual Lolë White Tour was launched in 2012 with the goal of building a global wellness movement. Since then, Lolë has united over 50,000 yoga lovers around the world, bringing top yoga talent together with local communities to practice in inspiring, emotionally uplifting locations. The Tour has become renowned in the wellness space for promoting personal connections, community involvement, and the opportunity to experience the exceptional – and will continue doing so with an highly anticipated Cambodia event in 2016, the Tour’s first ever visit to Asia.
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About Lolë:
Lolë nurtures the body and mind with fun, feminine, and beautifully designed activewear that’s stylish enough to transition instantly from the studio to the street. Designed for today’s active urban woman, Lolë collections truly reflect a modern lifestyle, and turns consumption into investment by offering long-lasting, versatile clothing with real value. Lolë stands for Live Out Loud Everyday.
THOUSANDS OF YOGIS UNITE AT TORONTO’S FORT YORK FOR THE LOLË WHITE TOUR
Tour’s Spectacular 3rd Stop After Two Incredible Events at the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Montreal’s Old PortTo download the BRoll and photos from the event, click here
August 22, 2015—Today the Lolë White Tour visited Toronto’s stunning Fort York for a spectacular outdoor yoga session, one in a series of unforgettable events around the world organized by women’s activewear and lifestyle brand Lolë.
A group of nearly 2,000 yoga-lovers, dressed all in white as a symbol of peace, united to experience a morning of pure serenity against the backdrop of historic Fort York in downtown Toronto. From 8 am to 2 pm, this breathtaking location hosted a special yoga class led by world-renowned instructors Grace Dubery & Lisa Messina, set to the strains of live music from artists Dan Mangan and AroarA. Participants basked in the sunshine, empowered by nature and invigorated by the company of like-minded wellness enthusiasts.
Toronto is the third stop in this year’s Tour, which kicked off in June with an extraordinary Paris session joining together 1,500 yogis under the Eiffel Tower, before stopping in Montreal for a mesmerizing 6,500-person event at the city’s Old Port. Next, the Tour will continue on to its largest event, a 10,000-person class in New York’s Central Park, before concluding in Los Angeles. Each event is a transformative and invigorating experience for body and soul, guided by world-class yoga instructors and set to live music performed by international artists. In addition to Dan Mangan & AroarA in Toronto, the Tour’s live soundtrack will feature Ingrid Michaelson & special guest Donna De Lory in New York and Odd Us in Los Angeles.
“From Paris and Montreal to Toronto and beyond, the global scope of the Tour – which this year brings together over 25,000 yoga enthusiasts in cities worldwide – is an exciting reflection of our brand’s international expansion,” said Bernard Mariette, President and CEO of Coalision, which owns Lolë. “It all sets the stage for next year’s event in Cambodia – our first major session in Asia – which will convey the Lolë message of the benefits of yoga, meditation, and inner peace on a truly universal stage.”
“When so many yoga lovers gather together to practice with live musical accompaniment, the flow of communal energy is just incredible,” said Isabelle Mille, VP Entertainment of Lolë. “This year, our Tour really celebrates this boundary-erasing power of yoga and embodies Lolë’s mission to get people moving, connecting and feeling good inside out.”
The annual Lolë White Tour was launched in 2012 with the goal of building a global wellness movement. By the end of this year’s edition, the Tour will have united close to 50,000 yoga lovers around the world, bringing top yoga talent together with local communities to practice in inspiring, emotionally uplifting locations. The Tour has become renowned in the wellness space for promoting personal connections, community involvement, and the opportunity to experience the exceptional.
To download the BRoll and photos from the event, click here.
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About Lolë:
Lolë nurtures the body and mind with fun, feminine, and beautifully designed activewear that’s stylish enough to transition instantly from the studio to the street. Designed for today’s active urban woman, Lolë collections truly reflect a modern lifestyle, and turns consumption into investment by offering long-lasting, versatile clothing with real value. Lolë stands for Live Out Loud Everyday.
Loop 2 Activity Tracker helps you find the time to be active, giving smart guidance and cheering you on every step of the way.
What’s new in Loop 2?
It’s upgraded with a super soft silicone wristband, smart notifications* and vibrating inactivity alerts for extra motivation. Like swimming? So does Loop 2. And of course, it’s heart rate ready. Just sync it with the Polar H7 Bluetooth Smart heart rate sensor to track your workout intensity.
Fitmark is a proud sponsor of the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA). Through our 1 for 100 Program, we donate a bag for every $100 we net through our web sales. This summer we have donated more than 1,000 bags to multiple locations across the country, and in August, another 3,000+ junior backpacks will be donated directly to BGCA in Oakland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, and other cities across America.
The BGCA is an amazing organization that helps children living in economically challenged neighborhoods throughout the United States. By giving these kids a safe community environment in which to learn and grow, the BGCA helps them to develop confidence and self-esteem, offering hope and opportunity for the future. Its many life-enhancing programs include:
Education and career programs
Character and leadership programs
Health and life skills
The arts program
Sports, fitness and recreation
Specialized programs
“From the beginning, we made it a commitment to work hard and grow our company so that we not only achieved our growth projections, but that we also gave back to the community as much as we could,” Fitmark Founder and CEO, Mark Samuel.
In addition to the donations we’re making to BGCA, this year we’ll also be donating more than 500 backpacks to Together We Rise (TWR). This is a unique not-for-profit founded by a brave college student by the name of Danny Mendoza. After he found out that his 9-year-old cousin was living in a car and later placed into foster care, Mendoza knew he wanted to make a substantial difference to the lives of more than 500,000 children in America living in foster care.
“The foster care system can be a confusing and sometimes disheartening place, but through our fundraising and network of passionate volunteers, we strive to give foster children a brighter future, a sense of normalcy and belonging. Events like the National Build-a-Bike Tour, Sports Camps, and Sweet Cases allow foster youth to get out, play, and learn new skills just like any other kid. Our Aging Out program also provides resources to older youth who are leaving the foster care system. We strive to be the helping hand that foster youth need so that they may go confidently onto their futures.”
During the middle of August, just in time for back-to-school, Fitmark’s Founder and CEO Mark Samuel will be donating these bags in person to these two worthy organizations. To celebrate the good work that these organizations do, Mark will also join some special events hosted by BGCA and TWR.
Watch this space for more on Fitmark’s 1 for 100 Program and how we’re helping others create a bright future for deserving kids in need.
JABRA INTRODUCES WORLD'S FIRST WIRELESS HEADSET WITH CROSS TRAINING
COACHING AND MUSIC
Jabra Sport Coach Wireless Earbuds and Sport Life App (CNW Group/Jabra)
Jabra Sport Coach™ Wireless offers an integrated motion sensor and companion Sport Life app to provide real-time in-ear audio coaching
Toronto, ON - For fans of burpees, lunges, squats and planks who want the added motivation of individual coaching while listening to music, the world's first wireless cross-training audio solution has arrived! The Jabra Sport Coach™ Wireless earbuds combine personalized in-ear coaching with premium Dolby sound to get the most out of cross training workouts. The launch of the Sport Coach extends Jabra's sport audio product line, and follows the award-winning Jabra Sport Pulse™ Wireless earbuds that introduced in-ear heart rate monitoring for the very first time.
Key features of the new Jabra Sport Coach™ Wireless headset optimized for cross training include:
Best music experience with premium Dolby® sound quality
Integrated motion sensor and advanced Sport Life app provide real-time in-ear audio coaching
Secure fit, lightweight and compact design
Extends Jabra's sports audio product range, pioneered by the award-winning Sport Pulse™ wireless earbuds for runners
Developed to meet the needs of cross training enthusiasts, the Jabra Sport Coach™ Wireless creates customized workouts based on over 40 different exercises - either time or repetition-based training - via the Sport Life companion app. The app lets users plan, track, and analyze cross training workouts, choosing exercises from beginner to advanced, with in-the-moment, personalized in-ear audio coaching. To ensure you achieve optimal performance and your overall fitness goals, the integrated TrackFitTMmotion sensor provides advanced tracking of pace, distance, step count, cadence and calories to make every workout count.
"For sports, we are committed to delivering innovative audio solutions designed to enhance the training experience for fitness enthusiasts," says Jabra CEO René Svendsen-Tune. "We started by specifically targeting runners, and now we are taking the next step by delivering a solution optimized for cross trainers. We see clear possibilities for in-ear audio solutions combined with biometrics."
Jabra Sport Coach™ Wireless will be available in July for $169.99 at select Best Buy Canada stores, www.bestbuy.ca and www.jabra.ca.
Download photos of Jabra Sport Coach™ Wireless here
Watch the video for Jabra Sport Coach™ Wireless here
Jabra is the brand of GN Netcom, a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S (GN) - listed on NASDAQ OMX. Jabra employs approximately 900 people worldwide and in 2012 produced an annual revenue which amounted to DKK 2,355 million. Jabra is a world leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of a broad range of hands-free communications solutions. With a reputation for innovation, reliability, and ease of use that goes back more than two decades, Jabra's consumer and business divisions produce corded and wireless headsets, plus mobile and in-office speakerphones that empower individuals and businesses through increased freedom of movement, comfort, and functionality.
OPUS launches colourful new line of Classico city bikes for Spring 2015 season
Toronto, ON — Canadian bicycle company OPUS celebrates the arrival of spring with an update on its successful Classico city bikes, available in a range of sunny colours that will please every discerning taste. With its modern technology, retro inspiration and vibrant colors, the “his and hers” collection meets the urban cyclist’s demand for both style and functionality. The Classico collection is simply this season’s “must have.”
“We chose the new colours for the Classico collection to appeal to the wide range of urban cyclists, from neophyte to the experienced urban travelers who are keen to be informed on the latest trends,” said David Bowman, president of Outdoor Gear Canada, the country’s largest distributor of bicycles and accessories, and the company behind OPUS.
With seven vivid colors and two builds to choose from, Canadians will be instant Classico fans. To celebrate spring and make urban outings more fun, people can choose from poppy red, opaline green, imperial green, cerulean blue, night blue, tangerine orange, garnet red, deep turquoise, raven black, gloss white, or platinum gray — each a standout on road or bike paths.
In addition to the head-turning retro styling and colors, the supremely practical Classico 1.0 and 2.0 models are the simplest way to get around town. Made from 6061 aluminum, they are designed for quick and efficient urban jaunts. The Classico 1.0 is equipped with a kickstand, fenders and rack, and sells for $699.99, while the Classico 2.0 also comes well-equipped for $559.99.
OPUS’ latest urban bike collection showcases the bright, deep colors that best respond to urban cyclists’ growing demand, while also hitting the right sunny notes for the season.
About OPUS
Founded in 1979, Outdoor Gear Canada, the country’s leading distributor of premium cycling products, designs and assembles OPUS bicycles in its LEED-certified office and warehouse in Montreal, Quebec. OGC also operates a warehouse and service center in Vancouver, British Columbia for western Canadian dealers. Opus’ 2015 Program includes a full range of urban, road, mountain and kids’ models sold throughout Canada and the United States. The company is also exploring expansion into other international markets.
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