Latest news with #Graca
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Wildlife biotech researcher leaves cutting-edge legacy
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is saddened by the sudden passing of a former colleague and a leader in the use of assisted reproductive technology for wildlife conservation, Dr Paul Bartels. Bartels was born on February 22 in 1956, and passed away on July 9. Bartels' research work was considered of strategic importance, resulting in the Wildlife Biological Research Centre moving from the EWT to the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria under the National Research Foundation. It later became the National Wildlife Biobank under the South African National Biodiversity Institute in Pretoria. Based at the National Zoological Gardens campus in Pretoria, SANBI Biobank is an international institution with samples from over 40 countries. He initiated the Save Magaliesberg Species Project in partnership with the Wildlife and Environment Society of SA, and volunteers and students of the Tshwane University of Technology's Department of Nature Conservation. Eleanor Momberg, spokesperson for the Trust, said that Bartels was a pioneer in this cutting-edge field, that merges science and conservation by aiming to futureproof the genetic composition of captive and wild gene pools when wildlife populations may not be able to do this naturally. 'His vision led to the establishment of the first wildlife biobank in Africa. The Wildlife Biological Resource Centre was established in 1996 as a working group within the trust. The centre was dedicated to the collection, processing, banking, use, and distribution of wildlife biomaterials for biodiversity conservation and biotechnology development.' Starting from humble beginnings as a small research project based out of the Tompi Seleka Agricultural College in the former Lebowa (Limpopo), where he worked as a wildlife veterinarian and lecturer in animal health, the project quickly grew. The project provided a learning platform for students from across the globe and spearheaded the development of biotech to safely and effectively collect, store and potentially reuse the reproductive materials of wildlife species such as lions, buffalo, eland, bontebok, blesbok, elephant and rhino. In 1998, the centre made global history with the birth of the world's first artificially inseminated wildlife baby, an eland female called Graca, after South Africa's then first lady. Graca was conceived via artificial insemination using the sperm that had been collected post-mortem from an eland bull that had died four hours before semen collection. The semen was then frozen and used over a year later to inseminate an eland cow at the Johannesburg Zoo. Graca made history by showing the world that the genetics from wild species can still play a role in maintaining genetic diversity, even after the donor animal has died before collection. He also used his 25 years' experience in wildlife tissue banking to found a company to produce meat in a laboratory that would contribute to food security. As an avid entrepreneur, he founded WildBio Co, which uses cutting-edge scientific research and innovation to produce cell lines for wildlife conservation, food security and novel product development; and later CryoWild, a non-profit organisation. WildBio developed the world's largest African species biobank for accelerating the development of the biomedical, food tech and biotech industries. He was recently appointed as a research fellow at Stellenbosch University's Department of Animal Science, where he led cutting-edge work in cellular agriculture biobanking, as well as serving as a lecturer in wildlife management at the Tshwane University of Technology. 'Paul worked for the EWT for more than a decade, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of this visionary leader in biotech and wildlife conservation. 'We are, however, eternally grateful for the legacy he leaves in the form of cutting-edge science, dozens of empowered and highly trained scientists, an African wildlife biobank and leading science. 'All of this can be used to save wildlife, support ethically and sustainably food security and secure the genetic diversity and future of dozens of threatened African wildlife species,' closed Momberg. ALSO READ: WATCH: Raw sewage continues to pollute Moreleta Spruit, no action from metro Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘I'm a Nutritionist, and I Tell Everyone to Avoid These 4 Foods If They Want to Lose Belly Fat'
As anyone who has ever lost weight (or attempted to) can attest, losing belly fat isn't easy. Accumulating belly fat is common with age, particularly for women, due to a perfect storm of slower metabolism, a decline in muscle mass, hormonal shifts and a change in fat distribution. That said, it's certainly not impossible to get rid of it. 'The key to losing belly fat is creating a consistent calorie deficit while prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods,' says , a fitness and nutrition expert at Strong With Sarah. Graca recommends prioritizing lean proteins, fiber-rich veggies and healthy fats at every meal while minimizing processed foods and added sugars. 'Hydration, exercise and mindful eating habits also play a huge role,' she says. 🩺 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 💊 New Jersey-based registered dietitian and Belly Fat Diet for Dummies author Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, says that insulin resistance also plays a big role in contributing to belly fat accumulation. This means that improving one's overall diet to enhance insulin sensitivity is a key way to get rid of this stubborn type of fat. 'To do this, you want to focus on reducing added sugars and refined carbs in the diet and replacing them with higher fiber alternatives,' she says. As part of changing your diet to encourage belly fat loss, there are four foods and drinks the nutrition experts recommend avoiding. Related: If you want to lose belly fat, both nutrition experts say cutting out sugary drinks will help big time. Scientific research shows that these drinks (such as soda, sweetened iced tea, fruit drinks, energy drinks and flavored coffee drinks) are linked to weight gain and increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. 'Sugary drinks spike blood sugar and lead to fat storage, especially around the belly. Plus, they don't provide satiety, making it easy to overconsume calories,' Graca says. Palinksi-Wade adds to this, saying that sugar-sweetened drinks provide one of the biggest sources of added sugar in the diet with little to no nutritional value. 'These can cause a spike in blood sugar and insulin levels while providing little satiety, meaning that you'll feel just as hungry as you did before drinking the beverage, even though it may contain more calories than a meal itself,' she concurs. Related: Graca says that something else to consume minimally if at all if you want to lose belly fat is refined carbs, which includes foods like white bread, pastries and chips. 'Refined carbs digest quickly, causing energy crashes and increasing hunger soon after eating. They also contribute to inflammation, which can be linked to excess belly fat,' she says. Scientific research backs up this connection, showing that a diet high in refined carbohydrates is linked to weight gain. Another type of food Graca says can sabotage weight loss is fried food. 'Fried foods are often high in unhealthy fats and calories, making it easier to consume more than your body needs while increasing the risk of metabolic issues,' she says. Instead of having a diet that includes refined carbohydrates and fried food, Graca recommends prioritizing protein, fiber and healthy fats, which support weight loss while keeping the body energized and satiated. Related: Regularly consuming alcohol can make losing belly fat harder. 'Alcohol can provide a source of empty calories and added sugar. In addition, it can disrupt sleep, which can accelerate gains in belly fat,' Palinski-Wade warns. She adds that consuming alcohol in excess can increase inflammation while draining energy, resulting in less overall physical activity the next day, which makes it harder to lose belly fat. The fact that alcohol can disrupt sleep is especially noteworthy. 'A lack of quality rest can increase insulin resistance and stress hormones, both of which can increase belly fat,' Palinksi-Wade says. To this point, scientific research shows a connection between not getting enough sleep and weight gain. While it's helpful to know what to avoid when you're trying to lose weight, it can be more helpful to focus on the many nutrient-rich foods and drinks that support weight loss. Consider working with a nutritionist or registered dietitian who can help you create a meal plan full of foods and drinks you love that will support your weight loss goals. By consistently making healthy food and drink choices while exercising regularly, you will meet your goal. Don't give up! Up Next:Sarah Pelc Graca, CPT, PN-L1, fitness and nutrition expert at Strong With Sarah Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, New Jersey-based registered dietitian and author of Belly Fat for Dummies
Forbes
27-03-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Travel Tips For Exercising On The Plane
Exercising and staying fit while traveling, especially during long flights, can be challenging. However, with a little creativity and determination, it's possible to maintain your fitness routine even while confined to an airplane. Staying active during a flight offers more than just the physical benefits; it can also help alleviate the common discomforts of air travel, such as fatigue, stiff muscles, and swelling. Whether you're embarking on a cross-country flight or a long-haul international journey, incorporating simple exercises into your travel routine can help you arrive at your destination feeling energized and refreshed. Airplanes, with their limited space and constraints, might not seem like the ideal environment for physical activity, but there are several techniques that can help you stay active and promote circulation during the flight. 'Exercising on an airplane can help prevent stiffness, improve circulation, and reduce discomfort during long flights,' says Sarah Pelc Graca, a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). Here are some tricks and simple movements Graca recommends for the plane. By making fitness a priority during your flight, you're not only boosting your physical health but also ensuring that you're in the best possible condition when you arrive at your destination. Whether you're heading to a business meeting, vacation, or family event, staying fit on the plane can help you start your trip off on the right foot. So next time you're in the air, don't forget to squeeze in a few stretches and moves—your body (and mind) will thank you for it!
