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Grey’s Anatomy’s Caterina Scorsone Splits from Husband Rob Giles After 10 Years of Marriage – PEOPLE

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Grey's Anatomy's Caterina Scorsone Splits from Husband Rob Giles After 10 Years of Marriage

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Grey's Anatomy's Caterina Scorsone Splits from Husband Rob Giles After 10 Years of Marriage - PEOPLE

The Anatomy of an Essay: Why Every Element Counts – http://www.newsgram.com/

Canada has a highly diverse population and features a wide range of industries, world-class metropolitan cities, and most importantly internationally accredited business schools. Students can pursue a masters in business administration with a specialized degree in finance, consulting or marketing. There are a lot of career opportunities in Canada, students can find work anywhere from the countrys financial services to any other sector. Many international students who study in the country receive their work visa just after completing their studies and can even expect to get a permanent residency after completing their studies. There are numerous benefits of doing MBA in Canada such as:

Quality education:Canada has a globally recognized world-class education system and is considered one of the best places to pursue MBA. Each year Canada attracts thousands of students from abroad. Its high academic standards and rigorous quality controls reflect the high-quality education provided which helps in successful and long term career plans.

Low tuition cost: Canada is often preferred choice for students because of the low tuition costs. Many organizations provide benefits to the students to pursue their studies successfully. The tuition fee that you pay may vary depending on where you choose to study. It is a developed country with a high-income economy and a successful government which makes it a fantastic place to live and study.

Multicultural experience: Universities come up with different events so that the students canmingle with multicultural people on and off the campus. Even though it is a mixed society but the universities and the government as well are trying to make sure that there wont be any problems of race and color. They encourage multi-cultural integration and Canada has a national policy for multiculturalism and works to ensure that peoples customs and traditions are preserved and respected.

Research:The study programs delivered by Canadian universities are more focused on research where students get to engage in interesting experiments and projects which are meant to provide students with an innovative study experience.

Internship programs: There are plentiful opportunities for business students who can combine academics with an internship or work experience in the field of your study which in turn can diversify and develop your professional skills.

Multilingual:English and Frenchare the official languages of Canada and it has become a multilingual country with the arrival of so many people from different nationalities with so many languages, religions, and cultures. It is a great opportunity for the students to learn different languages. Students can enrich their linguistic and communicative skills while being enrolled in a Canadian university.

Immigration: According to the national statistics office, the number of migrants entering Canada has grown from 250,000 last year to around 300,000 this year.On account of the open door policy of Canada, immigrants and their descendants have made immeasurable contributions to Canadas economy. After completing their studies, students with Canadian credentials and Canadian work experience can apply for permanent residency.

Beautiful landscape: Canada has spectacular scenery, landscapes that can be explored throughout the year. The cold season provides a great opportunity for dedicated skiers and ice skaters to practice their sport in majestic surroundings.

Canada has a highly diverse population and features a wide range of industries, world-class metropolitan cities, and most importantly internationally accredited business schools. Students can pursue a masters in business administration with a specialized degree in finance, consulting or marketing. There are a lot of career opportunities in Canada, students can find work anywhere from the countrys financial services to any other sector. Many international students who study in the country receive their work visa just after completing their studies and can even expect to get a permanent residency after completing their studies. There are numerous benefits of doing MBA in Canada such as:

Quality education:Canada has a globally recognized world-class education system and is considered one of the best places to pursue MBA. Each year Canada attracts thousands of students from abroad. Its high academic standards and rigorous quality controls reflect the high-quality education provided which helps in successful and long term career plans.

Low tuition cost: Canada is often preferred choice for students because of the low tuition costs. Many organizations provide benefits to the students to pursue their studies successfully. The tuition fee that you pay may vary depending on where you choose to study. It is a developed country with a high-income economy and a successful government which makes it a fantastic place to live and study.

Multicultural experience: Universities come up with different events so that the students canmingle with multicultural people on and off the campus. Even though it is a mixed society but the universities and the government as well are trying to make sure that there wont be any problems of race and color. They encourage multi-cultural integration and Canada has a national policy for multiculturalism and works to ensure that peoples customs and traditions are preserved and respected.

Research:The study programs delivered by Canadian universities are more focused on research where students get to engage in interesting experiments and projects which are meant to provide students with an innovative study experience.

Internship programs: There are plentiful opportunities for business students who can combine academics with an internship or work experience in the field of your study which in turn can diversify and develop your professional skills.

Multilingual:English and Frenchare the official languages of Canada and it has become a multilingual country with the arrival of so many people from different nationalities with so many languages, religions, and cultures. It is a great opportunity for the students to learn different languages. Students can enrich their linguistic and communicative skills while being enrolled in a Canadian university.

Immigration: According to the national statistics office, the number of migrants entering Canada has grown from 250,000 last year to around 300,000 this year.On account of the open door policy of Canada, immigrants and their descendants have made immeasurable contributions to Canadas economy. After completing their studies, students with Canadian credentials and Canadian work experience can apply for permanent residency.

ALSO READ:Credihealth Launches Dedicated Tele/Video Consultation Service

Beautiful landscape: Canada has spectacular scenery, landscapes that can be explored throughout the year. The cold season provides a great opportunity for dedicated skiers and ice skaters to practice their sport in majestic surroundings.

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The Anatomy of an Essay: Why Every Element Counts - http://www.newsgram.com/

Grey’s Anatomy: 10 People Meredith Should Have Been With (Other Than Derek) – Screen Rant

Meredith Grey is the leading lady of the long-running popular medical drama, Grey's Anatomy. Considering the series has been on television now for 16 seasons and counting, Meredith has had quite a small number of suitors during that period. This is mainly because she dated Derek Shepherd for almost 11 seasons.

RELATED: Grey's Anatomy: The 10 Weirdest Operations Ever Seen In The Show

However, in Season 11, Derek tragically passed away after being involved in a car crash. It was a while before Mer was ready to start dating again, but she had to move on eventually. Although she and McDreamy were "meant to be," there were othercharacters within the showwho could have been good for Meredith.

Honestly, after he got passed his womanizing ways, Mark could have been with anyone. He seemed to have chemistry with all of the main cast, and was just fun to watch. Most of the time, Markbrought out the silly side of people, which Mer definitely needed.

In the old days, Meredith was quite dark and twisty, and Mark could have helped her enjoy her life. After all, Mark wasn't just a goofball; he had a surprisingly sensitive side, which Meredith would have appreciated.

Nathan Riggs was one of Grey's Anatomy's short-running characters as he appeared for just over two seasons. However, during his short stint on the show, he made quite a big impact. He was one of the first people who Mer took an interest in after Derek died.

Riggs was Owen Hunt's ex-best friend, so initially Meredith tried to avoid him. However, he pursued her and their flirtation was just utterly hilarious and adorable. It was no surprise that they finally got together, but if only they had stayed that way...

This might be quite a controversial entry as these two werephenomenal as friends. When Cristina Yang left in Season 10 to go to Switzerland, Meredith was in need of a new person. Perhaps not surprisingly, Alex Karev stepped up to the plate.

RELATED: Which Grey's Anatomy Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac Type

Alex was there for Meredith as her person for over five years, and the two became incredibly close. There were some fans who wondered what Alex and Mer would be like as a couple and really, it would have been kind of awesome.

Jackson Avery first appeared in Season 6, after Seattle Grace Hospital merged with Mercy West. Initially, he rubbed the original residents the wrong way, but he soon settled down and became arespectable surgeon and a fairly decent guy.

Meredith and Jackson actually have quite a lot in common as they'rerelated totwo world-renowned genius surgeons. Slightly more unfortunately is that they both know what having work-obsessed families is like, but at least they could bond over that.

Nick Marsh is quite a fantastic character as fans were desperate for him to return to the show as Meredith's love interest after appearing in only one episode. Nick was a transplant surgeon who collapsed after a surgery, requiring Meredith to perform it.

Before the operation, he and Meredith bonded by his bedside, and they had such a lovely chat. They had buckets of chemistry, and Nick was a key factor in Meredith realizing that she was ready to date again. The show should really bring Nick back and gethim and Meredith together properly.

Although Tom Koracick has gotten a whole lot more unlikable during Season 16 of Grey's Anatomy, when he first arrived back in the show's fourteenth season, he was quite a fun character to be around. He didn't mind being unpopular, and he was never afraid to say what he thought.

In many ways, Meredith is very similar to Tom. She always does what she thinks is right, damned be the consequences. If she can help someone, she will, but she doesn't always think about how her actions affect others. Together, Tom and Mer could help reineach other in.

George O'Malley had an unrequited crush on Meredith for the first two seasons of the medical drama, which endedwhen Meredithcried after they had sex together. However, this isn't the George that would be a good fit for Mer.

RELATED: Grey's Anatomy: The 5 Best (& 5 Worst) Doctors On Call

In Season 5, Owen Hunt remarked that George was becoming a fine trauma surgeon. He was able to stay calm and think rationally, and make tough choices in a split second. George became more confident and knew what he wanted, and this version would bequite compatible with Meredith.

Derek Shepherdwas a brilliant surgeon and an adoring husband and father. It's no wonder that Meredith struggled to move on after he died. However, Derek was by no means perfect. He could be petty, moody and boy, could he hold a grudge.

He did care about Meredith deeply, but not always enough to consider her needs above his own. Andrew DeLuca may be many things, but he has always cared about Meredith. He even went to jail for her after she committed fraud, which Derek would have never done.

Link was only introduced in Season 15, and at first, he seemed to only exist as competition for Mer's affections. Both he and DeLuca asked Meredith out, which formed a weird sort of love trianglethat noone quite bought into.

However, Link did start to become more three-dimensional after he started dating Amelia. If that version had gone after Meredith, maybe he would have stood a better chance. Link was an absolute sweetheart, but he also knew how to handle a little bit of crazy, which Mer sometimes needs.

If there is one person in the entire Grey's Anatomy universe that Meredith should have been with more than Derek, it's Cristina Yang. They were only ever friends in the show, but imagine what they would have been like together if they had developed feelings for each other.

They would have made for a veryshipworthy couple. Not to mention the fact that they would always be there for each other while remaining sensible enough to offer up a few home truths every now and then.

NEXT: Grey's Anatomy: 10 People Richard Should Have Ended Up With (Other Than Catherine)

NextThor: Ragnarok - 10 Hilarious "Is He Though?" Memes

Ben Pettitt is a recent English graduate of the University of Nottingham. He loves to write, read and watch Netflix. This is one of the reasons why he decided to come and display his knowledge of pop culture as a writer for Screen Rant.

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Grey's Anatomy: 10 People Meredith Should Have Been With (Other Than Derek) - Screen Rant

Anatomy of a Hat-Trick: Lucas Moura Nets Stunning Treble to Send Tottenham to Champions League Final – 90min

After knocking out Real Madrid and Juventus in hugely impressive fashion, a youthful Ajax side were drawn against Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2018/19.

The Dutch side's fairytale run looked set to continue as well, as they showed their maturity and class to pick up a 1-0 first leg win away from home. And they extended their lead when Matthijs de Ligt climbed highest after just five minutes in the second leg to power home and put Ajax in control.

Spurs weren't going down without a fight, however, and Son Heung-min rattled the woodwork. But it was Ajax who grabbed the next goal through Hakim Ziyech, the Moroccan firing in a stunning finish with his left foot to put his side very much in the driving seat and on course for a place in the final of the Champions League.

As the goal went in, Tottenham looked deflated, whereas Ajax were thriving and only growing into the contest. Normally, a 3-0 lead with 55 minutes left to play would be too high a mountain to climb for a team in the Champions League semi-finals, but this wasn't any ordinary contest.

Having witnessed one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent history the night prior as Liverpool overturned a 3-0 first leg deficit to beat Barcelona, Tottenham - and the footballing world - knew that anything was still possible.

On the biggest stage, with so much at stake, Spurs required their star players - or a star player - to take matters into their own hands and defy the odds.

Lucas Moura was this man on 8 May 2019.

His stunning hat-track sparked wild celebrations in the away end of Johan Cruijff Arena, but left those in the other parts of the stadium shellshocked and heartbroken.

For the second time in two nights, the footballing world had been treated to an unthinkable comeback. So let's do Lucas' hat-trick justice by breaking it down and looking at each of his strikes on the night individually....

The timing of the first goal was crucial, coming just ten minutes after the restart. While Lucas was the one to receive all the credit for pulling a goal back, it was actually a pulsating and devastating counter-attack.

Starting in defence, Danny Rose produced a deft little nutmeg to get past De Ligt, before pinging the ball in the direction of Lucas, who touched it first-time into the path of Dele Alli.

Dele only had one thought in his mind - drive at the defence. Running towards goal, he chopped inside the defender, and Lucas used his pace to ensure he would be the first man to latch onto the loose ball. The Brazilian took just one perfect touch away from the defenders before ruthlessly firing his left-footed strike into the bottom corner.

No celebration, instead the players raced to collect the ball and place it back in the centre circle.

Game on.

It was a stunning counter-attack that often (understandably) gets overlooked due to the overall events on the night.

If the first goal was a thing of beauty, the second was...well, it was more about sheer perseverance more than anything.

Just four minutes later, Rose's cross from the left found its way to Son on the edge of the area. The forward saw Kieran Trippier bursting into the box on the right and played the ball in front of him, allowing the English full-back to burst onto it at full pace. As Fernando Llorente met Trippier's drilled low cross, it appeared as though it was a certain goal.

But Andre Onana had other ideas.

It was a breathtaking save from point-blank range, but as he rushed to pick up the loose ball, he was blocked by his own defender. In came Lucas, racing onto the ball, but with nine (NINE!) Ajax players all stood within 12 yards of the goal as they looked to preserve their lead, it looked as though the 27-year-old would struggle to find any real space to get a shot in.

Twisting, turning and shifting with the ball stuck to his feet, Lucas managed to find less than half a yard of space before unleashing his strike, which found its way into the bottom corner.

While this goal was about perseverance, the footwork from Lucas to find the space he needed is something to be admired.

Two goals in four minutes from Tottenham, but this was an Ajax side that were fearless, and they looked a threat each time they went forward.

Indeed, it was Ziyech again who came closest to extending their lead on aggregate, the player drilling his shot against the post.

It was a lucky escape for the north Londoners. But then it was their turn to be denied by the woodwork, this time Jan Vertonghen saw his header hit the bar before being cleared off the line.

The game was on a knife-edge.

The clock entered into added time, with Spurs still searching for the winner - the goal to take them to the Champions League final. Each minute for them flew by, and with 96 minutes now having been played, Moussa Sissoko realised that the ball had to go long.

Llorente used his body well to stop an Ajax player from getting a head to it and clearing, instead it fell into the path of Dele. The midfielder played the ball first-time through to Lucas, who made a darting run from the right into the centre of pitch.

Instinctively, he fired the ball low and hard into the bottom corner, with Onana stretching but unable to keep it out.

The Ajax players were on the floor, they couldn't believe what had just happened. As for Spurs, it was a moment that will live long in the memory of those involved with the club.

As the full time whistle blew, Mauricio Pochettino was in tears, while Harry Kane had seemingly recovered from an ankle injury for those few moments as he was sprinting around the pitch. Lucas, meanwhile, the hero of the night, was on the floor in shock before teammates circled around him and lifted him up to celebrate.

Lucas' ruthless finish in the dying seconds of the game summed up his overall performance on the night, stepping up and delivering for his team to make it one of the most memorable nights in the club's recent history.

For more fromAdam Aladay, follow him onTwitter!

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Anatomy of a Hat-Trick: Lucas Moura Nets Stunning Treble to Send Tottenham to Champions League Final - 90min

Station 19 fans outraged at *that* twist for Maya – digitalspy.com

Station 19 season 3 episode 15 spoilers follow.

Much like its sister series, Station 19 has irked some of its fans with its latest love triangle twist, after season three's 'Bad Guy' delivered a familiar trope.

The latest episode of Station 19 saw the usual mix of drama, dilemma, and uh, daddy issues, but many viewers have found themselves disappointed with the series' treatment of Carina DeLuca and Maya Bishop's relationship.

Fans watched as Maya (Danielle Savre) and Carina (Stefania Spampinato) got into a fight, only for Maya to seek solace in Grey Damon's Jack Gibson, leading the two to share a kiss before getting into bed.

Related: Grey's Anatomy two more characters confirmed for Station 19 finale crossover in first-look photos

Maya and Jack's hook-up quickly frustrated fans, with some suggesting that having Maya betray girlfriend Carina is an example of the "cheating bisexual trope".

"The Station 19 writers really thought they were doing something by having a bisexual woman cheat on her girlfriend with a man," one viewer wrote on Twitter. "Wow...never seen that before...groundbreaking".

Another user added: "Station 19 really had to go and follow the cheating bisexual trope?? F**k y'all".

Others were confused about Maya's arc, criticising Station 19 for following in the footsteps of Grey's Anatomy. "Shondaland shows are incapable of depicting a relationship that doesn't involve some form of cheating," another commented.

Will Station 19 redeem itself by reuniting Marina, or will next week's season finale leave fans heartbroken?

Station 19 airs on Thursdays on ABC in the US. It airs on Sky Witness in the UK with selected episodes also available on NOW TV.

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Station 19 fans outraged at *that* twist for Maya - digitalspy.com

U Of U Scientists Using Years Of HIV Research In Search For Coronavirus Drug Development – ksltv.com

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah As the novel coronavirus emerged late last year, many research scientists in Utah and around the world recognized that their work could be critical in attacking the pandemic. For a couple of biochemists at the University of Utah, the strategies they developed in their work on HIV are now turning out to be potent in the search for new drugs to combat the novel coronavirus.

So many of the scientists in our community working on the worlds biggest problem right now have quietly worked away in their labs for years. For two decades, a pair of biochemists at the University of Utah worked on strategies for attacking HIV that should now help them attack the novel coronavirus.

HIV and the virus that causes COVID-19 have a lot of similarities in the way they attack a cell, said Dr. Michael Kay, a professor of biochemistry at the university.

Thats the key to their work as he and Dr. Debbie Eckert, a research assistant professor of biochemistry at the U., shift focus from HIV to the coronavirus.

For nearly 20 years, Kays lab explored how HIV gets into human cells to start an infection. They developed a drug called CPT-31 to block that process. It is now ready for clinical trials, but no longer their primary focus in the lab.

When COVID-19 came along, we were eager to see if we could help in the fight by adapting what weve learned from our HIV experience and applying it to COVID-19, said Kay.

In the now-familiar red image of the coronavirus, the red proteins coating the outside of the virus are called spike proteins.

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causes COVID-19

That is what coronavirus uses to get into host cells. HIV has a very similar protein on the outside that it uses as well, Eckert said.

In their lab, they learned how to target that protein as HIV was getting into the cells and block that process.

Since coronavirus uses something very similar, were hoping that we can use the same type of strategies to block the coronavirus spike protein from doing what it needs to do in order to get into a cell, said Eckert.

Those tools and techniques can greatly accelerate the drug discovery process so that we can take those lessons and apply them much more rapidly to emerging infectious diseases, said Kay.

Investments made in their lab work for HIV, SARS and Ebola were paying off now because they do not need to start from scratch. That, along with the urgency brought on by the pandemic, speeds up the process, said Kay. But, none of their work and none of the drugs that may be developed can be rushed.

It really does feel like my whole career has been leading up to working on this project, said Eckert.

Kay said that in this global search, no individual idea is likely to work alone. So the collaboration they are part of locally and globally makes a difference.

This is really unprecedented, said Kay. People are sharing their data, and resources at an incredibly fast rate.

Research scientists are sharing and posting data online without waiting for publication, said Kay.So that people can use that information immediately and see what ideas are out there, he said.

In their lab, the biochemists are thankful for the hard work of graduate students, post-doctoral trainees, and staff scientists: essential workers responding to the pandemic.

Photo courtesy of Michael Kay

I think its pretty exciting as a scientist to see a problem, to know that you are trained to address it and to be able to have an impact, said Eckert.

The current pandemic is testing the limits of how quickly scientists can develop safe and effective drugs, said Kay. While they work as rapidly as they can for potential solutions, there are no shortcuts in science. The development and testing of any new drug would take a couple of years, he said.

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U Of U Scientists Using Years Of HIV Research In Search For Coronavirus Drug Development - ksltv.com

Soil conservation workshop to be offered in free webinar – Tahlequah Daily Press

MIAMI, Oklahoma - "High Tunnel Systems, Biochemistry of Healthy Soil, and Managing Your Grazing to Promote Healthy Soil" will be featured topics of the Natural Resources Conservation Service's free webinar on May 21.

The free event, hosted by the Oklahoma Tribal Conservation Advisory Council, the Quapaw Nation and the Ottawa Conservation District, will be held at 11 a.m., on May 21, by connecting to a Zoom Meeting (Please see registration information below).

This workshop, originally scheduled for March 26 was postponed.

During this webinar, agencies will provide updates on available assistance and programs and participants will receive information regarding USDA Farm Bill updates. Also, information will be provided by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

Michael Ramming, NRCS, will speak on the topic of "What You Need to Know about High Tunnel Systems."

"A high tunnel system is an excellent practice to extend your growing season and expand the amount of potentially adapted crops that can be grown," said Ramming.

Colin Walden, NRCS rangeland specialist, will talk about "Adaptive grazing management for soil health." Steve Alspach, NRCS state soil scientist, and Greg Scott, soil scientist with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, will address "The Biochemistry of Healthy Soil."

The webinar is open to the public. To attend, participants will need to register in advance at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9wl5K7ekRxqoWNPIaYq6aw and follow the link in the email generated after registration to attend. If reasonable accommodation is needed, notify Dr. Carol Crouch, NRCS, at Carol.Crouch@ok.usda.gov.

To learn more about USDA programs and the Department's response to the coronavirus, visit farmers.gov/coronavirus. To locate a local Service Center, visit farmers.gov/service-locator.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

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Soil conservation workshop to be offered in free webinar - Tahlequah Daily Press

Researchers develop new technology to advance surveillance and treatment of infectious diseases – UCalgary News

Researchers at the University of Calgarys Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) are developing technology to improve genome data analysis, with the ultimate goal of improving surveillance and treatment of infectious diseases like M. tuberculosis, E.coli and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Academic scientists in the province currently use high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to gather vast amounts of genomic data from people, animals and plants. For public health, the data can be used to enhance bacteria and virus outbreak surveillance, patient treatment plans and infection prevention programs in hospitals.

With support from Genome Alberta and partners, Dr. Tarah Lynch, PhD, and her team are developing a platform to better organize, analyze and share HTS data across the province. The project also aims to improve the integration of clinical and research data to provide more informative results that are easier to interpret.

Tarah Lynch and her team received funding from Genome Alberta and partners to develop a platform to better organize, analyze and share HTS data across the province.

Courtesy Tarah Lynch

There is a lot of positive momentum within genome and bioinformatic research in Alberta right now, says Lynch.

This important investment will help advance the use of HTS technologies in the province by developing much-needed infrastructure to organize, analyze and access HTS results in a meaningful way. We hope this foundational work will also be useful to other genomic applications, she adds.

The technology will be built and tested on servers hosted by UCalgary and is expected to be eventually used by microbiologists and clinicians at Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL).

Genome Alberta partnered with Genome Canada, Alberta Innovates, and the Government of Alberta for the Enabling Bioinformatic Solutions (EBS) program, funding five projects for more than $1 million.

The other UCalgary projects receiving funding include:

Dr.Jason de Koning, PhD to develop customizable software designed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic diseases.

Dr. Quan Long, PhD to develop tools to enhance genome sequencing, particularly to better understand HIV. The new tools will also be used to study other viral evolution, epidemiology and pathogenesis questions.

Dr. Tarah Lynch, PhD, is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the CSM and Ecosystems and Public Health in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She is a bioinformatician with Alberta Precision Laboratories and member of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases.

Dr. Jason de Koning, PhD, is an assistant professor in the departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Medical Genetics, and a member of the Alberta Childrens Hospital Research Institute at the CSM.

Dr. Quan Long, PhD, is an assistant professor in the departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Medical Genetics and a member of the Alberta Childrens Hospital Research Institute and OBrien Institute for Public Health at the CSM.

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Researchers develop new technology to advance surveillance and treatment of infectious diseases - UCalgary News

Exploring the pet-tential benefits of being stuck at home with furry friends – Daily Bruin

We all want these stay-at-home orders to be lifted as soon as possible all of us except our dogs, that is.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans are staying home to stop the spread of the virus. As we attend virtual Zoom lectures at home and watch old Snapchat memories of college friends and happier times, it can be hard to stay positive.

For dogs, cats and other pets, though, more time at home means more quality time with their owners and it turns out the interaction is just as good for us as it is for them.

On the surface, there are many obvious reasons to love our pets. Whether your pal is a bird, puppy or bearded dragon, these creatures can be fun to play with and observe, provide us with company and become our best friends.

However, the advantages of having a pet go beyond just having a companion to hang out with. Scientific research shows that owning a pet has numerous physical and emotional health benefits, too. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, our pets company can help us counteract feelings of loneliness and depression.

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(David Rimer/Daily Bruin)

Garrett Kukier, a second-year chemistry student, said his dog Rasko has recently been a grounding force for him while he remains at home for the majority of the day.

An escape I have in the confines of those walls is taking Rasko out on a walk everyday, Kukier said. And it has become a family venture (for) the three of us who are on a walk.

Kukier also said he finds comfort in knowing his dog is right there with him while he is separated from friends.

Similarly, Shaddy Zbib, a third-year biochemistry student, said that just seeing his pet there has made him feel happier.

(Animals) make the time pass by faster, and Im just an animal person in general, Zbib said. So I just tend to get very happy when I see an animal.

Zbib procrastinates by playing with his pet bird Kiwi, a sun conure, and sometimes the five minutes budgeted for playtime stretches into an hour. Kiwi also attends classes with Zbib, his favorite class being physical chemistry.

Its no wonder that pet owners like Kukier and Zbib enjoy spending time with their pets, especially during a period when many of us feel stressed by coronavirus or by the routine pressures of school and work. In fact, simply having a routine playtime or walk with your pet can decrease your triglyceride levels, cholesterol and even blood pressure, according to the CDC.

For dogs in particular, it has been found that just looking into your dogs eyes can make you feel happier. This happens as a result of an increase of a hormone called oxytocin, commonly known as the love hormone, which may help with anxiety, depression and even gut health.

If thats not enough, one of the proven long-term effects of dog ownership is a reduced risk of death, according to an article published by Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a journal of the American Heart Association. When taking into account all causes of death, dog owners showed a 24% decrease in risk compared to those without dogs. That number becomes 31% for decreased risk of cardiovascular death in particular.

Much to the benefit of our well-being and the animals that need homes, there has been an increase in adopting and fostering pets during this tumultuous time.

Compared to 2019, the Los Angeles and New York City programs of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have seen a 70% rise in foster care support, according to the president and CEO of the organization Matt Bershadker. In addition, many shelters across the nation reported an surge of community members stepping up to adopt and foster furry friends in need.

Likewise, Ben Lehrer, president of Kitten Rescue, and Jack Hagerman, vice president of communications at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, told the Los Angeles Times that their organizations were receiving large spikes of interest.

Lacey Cappos, a fourth-year psychology student, and her roommates recently decided to foster a dog, citing the stay-at-home measures as the perfect opportunity to give the pet a home.

We had always wanted a dog, Cappos said. But, we knew we wouldnt have the time to give it the attention that it deserves.

However, because of these new circumstances, Cappos said she now has another friend to play and get out of the house with, while her dog Ciaro gets a happy home and plenty of attention.

Whether its a dog like Ciaro or a bird like Kiwi, animal companions do so much to bring joy to their owners and some great health benefits to boot.

So, the next time youre feeling low, go give your pooch a smooch for both his happiness and yours and remember to appreciate the animals that help make staying at home a little less lonely.

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Exploring the pet-tential benefits of being stuck at home with furry friends - Daily Bruin

SARS, H1N1 survivor on coronavirus: "If it wants to take me, so be it" – WYFF4 Greenville

The awards, recognition and prominence have racked up for Steffi Kong. The Converse College senior is set to graduate with a double major in psychology and biochemistry. Kong earned an athletic-academic scholarship to Converse, where she played tennis. She earned the Rookie of the Year Award, Valkyrie Award and she was named to the Conference Carolinas Presidential Honor Roll while a member of the Converse Tennis Team. Kong also made the Dean's List and is a member of a number of on-campus organizations. The tennis star is set to have a virtual commencement next Saturday, as Converse's in-person ceremony was postponed until August. "Its definitely disappointing, but I guess big picture, its better to be safe than sorry," Kong said. I feel the pain for everyone as a senior. Were missing out on our last seasons and graduation. There is so much more to it, the time we spent with teammates and faculty. Theres more to college than just walking across the stage.Kong will have to celebrate graduation without her family, who lives in Singapore. Kong first started coming to the United States when she was 10 to train for tennis. She looked up to multiple major winner and Hall of Famer Pete Sampras and Martina Hingis. Getting back home to Singapore is challenging for Kong, considering the restrictions put in place due to coronavirus. We have no idea whats going on with flights going out," Kong said. "We are currently trying to find me a flight to get back home from the U.S. to Singapore. The challenges mounted for Kong over the years. She has recovered from SARS, which she contracted when she was seven years old. Three years later, H1N1 landed her in the hospital.I remember I was coughing. I was coughing a lot," Kong said. "It was kind of weird that I got it, but my family members around me did not. I was in the hospital and I was just dead basically. Anything I ate just came right back out. I had no energy to do anything. Kong said the diseases compromised her immune system, but in dealing with coronavirus, she relies on resilience and good luck to pull her through.If it wants to take me, so be it," Kong said. "Most of the time, we just treat things based on what we see on the outside. We dont see whats really on the inside, or at least theres not much emphasis on that. In the meantime, Kong's advisor Dr. Marie LePage has taken in the star pupil during the coronavirus outbreak. I was a bit worried about isolation, students being on their own in the dorm and not having people to connect with because other students were going to go home," LePage said. "I was concerned about how that was going to affect her. LePage praised Kong for her passion, persistence and hard work. The two have spent quarantine going on hikes, walking LePage's dogs and watching shows like Tiger King. Kong plans to go to medical school after graduating and pursue psychiatry, having done research and presented her findings in Atlanta and other places. She said she will appreciate her degree and problem-solving the most from her college experience.

The awards, recognition and prominence have racked up for Steffi Kong. The Converse College senior is set to graduate with a double major in psychology and biochemistry.

Kong earned an athletic-academic scholarship to Converse, where she played tennis. She earned the Rookie of the Year Award, Valkyrie Award and she was named to the Conference Carolinas Presidential Honor Roll while a member of the Converse Tennis Team. Kong also made the Dean's List and is a member of a number of on-campus organizations.

The tennis star is set to have a virtual commencement next Saturday, as Converse's in-person ceremony was postponed until August.

"Its definitely disappointing, but I guess big picture, its better to be safe than sorry," Kong said. I feel the pain for everyone as a senior. Were missing out on our last seasons and graduation. There is so much more to it, the time we spent with teammates and faculty. Theres more to college than just walking across the stage.

Kong will have to celebrate graduation without her family, who lives in Singapore. Kong first started coming to the United States when she was 10 to train for tennis. She looked up to multiple major winner and Hall of Famer Pete Sampras and Martina Hingis.

Getting back home to Singapore is challenging for Kong, considering the restrictions put in place due to coronavirus.

We have no idea whats going on with flights going out," Kong said. "We are currently trying to find me a flight to get back home from the U.S. to Singapore.

The challenges mounted for Kong over the years. She has recovered from SARS, which she contracted when she was seven years old. Three years later, H1N1 landed her in the hospital.

I remember I was coughing. I was coughing a lot," Kong said. "It was kind of weird that I got it, but my family members around me did not. I was in the hospital and I was just dead basically. Anything I ate just came right back out. I had no energy to do anything.

Kong said the diseases compromised her immune system, but in dealing with coronavirus, she relies on resilience and good luck to pull her through.

If it wants to take me, so be it," Kong said. "Most of the time, we just treat things based on what we see on the outside. We dont see whats really on the inside, or at least theres not much emphasis on that.

In the meantime, Kong's advisor Dr. Marie LePage has taken in the star pupil during the coronavirus outbreak.

I was a bit worried about isolation, students being on their own in the dorm and not having people to connect with because other students were going to go home," LePage said. "I was concerned about how that was going to affect her.

LePage praised Kong for her passion, persistence and hard work. The two have spent quarantine going on hikes, walking LePage's dogs and watching shows like Tiger King.

Kong plans to go to medical school after graduating and pursue psychiatry, having done research and presented her findings in Atlanta and other places. She said she will appreciate her degree and problem-solving the most from her college experience.

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SARS, H1N1 survivor on coronavirus: "If it wants to take me, so be it" - WYFF4 Greenville