#pharmaceutical product testing

[itclabs]

Drug & Pharmaceutical Product Testing & Analysis Services in India

Looking for reliable pharmaceutical product testing and drugs testing services in India? ITC Labs offers comprehensive pharmaceutical testing services to ensure the quality, safety, and compliance of your products. As a leading pharmaceutical testing lab, we provide advanced solutions for pharmaceutical analysis testing and pharma testing services. Whether you need testing for drugs or quality assurance for pharmaceutical products, our NABL-accredited pharmaceutical analysis lab delivers accurate, timely results to meet all regulatory standards.

[nickala]

"To our knowledge, no previous studies have measured metals in tampons."

This is the sticking point for me, and this is absolutely what we should be talking about. No previous studies? Really??? This isn't the standard for whatever QA/QC department that measures this stuff before releasing manufacture batches to the public?

Demand better standards for menstrual products.

This should not be a first-of-its-kind study with a tiny sample size! This should be what the manufacturers are required by law to test for before their product can go on shelves! Public health organizations need to set a maximum PPB level!

this post is fearmongering. the results of this study are concerning and should definitely be a matter of public discussion, but this is certainly not the conclusion the researchers came to.

the point of the study was to assess the risks of exposure to toxic metals- something one of the co-authors notes are “ubiquitous” fwiw- via menstrual products. Their research confirmed that these metals are indeed present in tampons, but no further conclusions are drawn. it is possible the metal entered into the cotton from the soil, which is a well-known phenomenon; cotton is so good at lifting heavy metals that it has actually been suggested as a part of the solution for revitalizing polluted ground.

the authors conclude with an acknowledgement that the study should be repeated- their sample size was 60 tampons- and a suggestion that further testing ought to be done to indicate whether or not these metals can even leech out of the tampon in the first place, let alone whether or not such leeching could occur at levels deleterious to human health.

there is, in fact, a body of research- too small, for sure, but much larger than this single study- indicating that long-term proper tampon use has no observable negative impact on health. i am grateful and thrilled that more research is being done and i hope that this study is the first of many on this line of questioning, but i am really frustrated at this post and the response it got.

obviously, if this study alters your approach to menstrual health, more power to you. consumers should be informed-risk-takers, and menstrual health is double-obviously a very personal choice. but it definitely wasn't the researchers concluding that you ought to “avoid using tampons at all cost," only this tumblr user did. the lead author of the paper, in fact, specifically says that she hopes people do NOT panic about the results.

(the notes of the post were disappointing. people affirming that they knew they were right to be suspicious of tampons all along, or even recommending alternatives that actually have very little to no research regarding the safety of long-term use, etc. it’s a different conversation, but categorical distrust of tampons is old-school misogyny. you certainly shouldn't wear them if you don’t want to, but there is nothing inherently scary or wrong about them, and people who prefer them are not being reckless or crass.)

((if you're really worried about exposure to heavy metals, you may want to turn a critical eye to fast fashion, as an aside))

[thoughtportal]

Opinion Here’s how to get free Paxlovid as many times as you need it

When the public health emergency around covid-19 ended, vaccines and treatments became commercial products, meaning companies could charge for them as they do other pharmaceuticals. Paxlovid, the highly effective antiviral pill that can prevent covid from becoming severe, now has a list price of nearly $1,400 for a five-day treatment course.

Thanks to an innovative agreement between the Biden administration and the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer, Americans can still access the medication free or at very low cost through a program called Paxcess. The problem is that too few people — including pharmacists — are aware of it.

I learned of Paxcess only after readers wrote that pharmacies were charging them hundreds of dollars — or even the full list price — to fill their Paxlovid prescription. This shouldn’t be happening. A representative from Pfizer, which runs the program, explained to me that patients on Medicare and Medicaid or who are uninsured should get free Paxlovid. They need to sign up by going to paxlovid.iassist.com or by calling 877-219-7225. “We wanted to make enrollment as easy and as quick as possible,” the representative said.

Indeed, the process is straightforward. I clicked through the web form myself, and there are only three sets of information required. Patients first enter their name, date of birth and address. They then input their prescriber’s name and address and select their insurance type.

All this should take less than five minutes and can be done at home or at the pharmacy. A physician or pharmacist can fill it out on behalf of the patient, too. Importantly, this form does not ask for medical history, proof of a positive coronavirus test, income verification, citizenship status or other potentially sensitive and time-consuming information.

But there is one key requirement people need to be aware of: Patients must have a prescription for Paxlovid to start the enrollment process. It is not possible to pre-enroll. (Though, in a sense, people on Medicare or Medicaid are already pre-enrolled.)

Once the questionnaire is complete, the website generates a voucher within seconds. People can print it or email it themselves, and then they can exchange it for a free course of Paxlovid at most pharmacies.

Pfizer’s representative tells me that more than 57,000 pharmacies are contracted to participate in this program, including major chain drugstores such as CVS and Walgreens and large retail chains such as Walmart, Kroger and Costco. For those unable to go in person, a mail-order option is available, too.

The program works a little differently for patients with commercial insurance. Some insurance plans already cover Paxlovid without a co-pay. Anyone who is told there will be a charge should sign up for Paxcess, which would further bring down their co-pay and might even cover the entire cost.

Several readers have attested that Paxcess’s process was fast and seamless. I was also glad to learn that there is basically no limit to the number of times someone could use it. A person who contracts the coronavirus three times in a year could access Paxlovid free or at low cost each time.

Unfortunately, readers informed me of one major glitch: Though the Paxcess voucher is honored when presented, some pharmacies are not offering the program proactively. As a result, many patients are still being charged high co-pays even if they could have gotten the medication at no cost.

This is incredibly frustrating. However, after interviewing multiple people involved in the process, including representatives of major pharmacy chains and Biden administration officials, I believe everyone is sincere in trying to make things right. As we saw in the early days of the coronavirus vaccine rollout, it’s hard to get a new program off the ground. Policies that look good on paper run into multiple barriers during implementation.

Those involved are actively identifying and addressing these problems. For instance, a Walgreens representative explained to me that in addition to educating pharmacists and pharmacy techs about the program, the company learned it also had to make system changes to account for a different workflow. Normally, when pharmacists process a prescription, they inform patients of the co-pay and dispense the medication. But with Paxlovid, the system needs to stop them if there is a co-pay, so they can prompt patients to sign up for Paxcess.

Here is where patients and consumers must take a proactive role. That might not feel fair; after all, if someone is ill, people expect that the system will work to help them. But that’s not our reality. While pharmacies work to fix their system glitches, patients need to be their own best advocates. That means signing up for Paxcess as soon as they receive a Paxlovid prescription and helping spread the word so that others can get the antiviral at little or no cost, too.

{source}

[chemxpert]

Understanding Drug Master File (DMF) for Corticosteroids

Pharmacovigilance companies play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of corticosteroids, with specialized pharmacovigilance services tracking adverse effects. Pharma software companies support this effort by providing advanced tools for data management and regulatory compliance. Understanding the Drug Master File (DMF) for corticosteroids is essential for maintaining high standards in drug safety and efficacy. These collaborations ensure comprehensive oversight and enhance patient safety.

[animal-care]

Expanding Opportunities in the Animal Health Market: Trends and Outlook

Introduction

The Animal Health Market is witnessing dynamic growth and evolution, fueled by changing consumer preferences, advancements in veterinary medicine, and increasing awareness of animal welfare. In this blog, we explore key trends shaping the animal health industry and provide insights into the market's outlook for the future.

Rise of Pet Ownership

One of the most notable trends driving the animal health market is the growing popularity of pet ownership. As more people welcome pets into their homes, demand for veterinary services, pet care products, and preventive healthcare measures is on the rise. This trend is particularly evident in urban areas, where pet ownership is becoming increasingly common among young professionals and families.

Focus on Preventive Care

Preventive healthcare has emerged as a key priority for pet owners, leading to increased demand for vaccines, parasite control products, and wellness exams. Veterinarians are increasingly emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and preventive treatments to maintain pets' health and detect potential issues early. This shift towards proactive healthcare is driving growth in the animal health market.

E-Commerce Boom

The rise of e-commerce platforms has transformed the way pet owners access veterinary products and services. Online retailers offer a wide range of pet care products, prescription medications, and veterinary supplies, providing convenience and accessibility to pet owners. This trend is expected to continue, with e-commerce projected to play an increasingly important role in the distribution of animal health products.

Focus on Animal Welfare

Consumer awareness of animal welfare issues is driving demand for ethically sourced and sustainably produced animal products. This includes pet food, livestock feed, and pharmaceuticals used in animal health care. Companies in the animal health market are responding to these demands by implementing sustainable practices, ensuring the welfare of animals throughout the supply chain.

Technological Advancements

Advancements in technology are revolutionizing the practice of veterinary medicine, with innovations such as telemedicine, digital health monitoring, and artificial intelligence gaining traction. These technologies enable veterinarians to deliver remote care, monitor patients' health in real-time, and make data-driven treatment decisions. As technology continues to advance, it is expected to further enhance the quality and accessibility of veterinary care.

Regulatory Landscape

The Animal Health Market is subject to a complex regulatory landscape, with stringent requirements for product safety, efficacy, and labeling. Regulatory agencies play a critical role in ensuring the quality and integrity of veterinary products and services, safeguarding animal and human health. Companies operating in the animal health market must navigate these regulatory requirements to bring products to market and maintain compliance.

Global Expansion Opportunities

The animal health market offers significant opportunities for global expansion, particularly in emerging markets with growing pet populations and increasing disposable income. Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East are emerging as key growth regions for the animal health industry, presenting opportunities for investment and market expansion.

Conclusion

The animal health market is experiencing rapid growth and transformation, driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and regulatory developments. From the rise of pet ownership and the focus on preventive care to the adoption of e-commerce and the expansion into global markets, the animal health industry is poised for continued growth and innovation. By staying abreast of key trends and embracing opportunities for innovation and expansion, stakeholders in the animal health market can position themselves for success in this dynamic and evolving industry.

[crop-protection-market]

Exploring the Animal Care Market: A Global View of Share, Growth, and Future Outlook

The Animal Care Market, a domain driven by compassion and dedication, plays a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of our cherished animal companions. This comprehensive overview dives into the intricacies of the Animal Care Market, encompassing analysis, demand dynamics, growth projections, challenges, and emerging trends.

Compassionate Care: Unveiling the Landscape of the Animal Care Market

Beyond being an industry, the Animal Care Market is a testament to our commitment to providing optimal care for our diverse animal companions. Analyzing its multifaceted nature reveals the delicate balance between technological advancements, regulatory compliance, and the unwavering dedication of caregivers. The Global Animal Care Market Size is poised to reach USD 100 billion by 2025, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate of 6%. Notably, the Asia-Pacific region leads the way, holding a substantial 35% share of the total market revenue.

Meeting the Demand: Addressing the Needs of Pets and Livestock

Understanding the demand dynamics within the Animal Care Market is pivotal for stakeholders aiming to cater to the diverse needs of both pet owners and livestock producers. The surge in pet adoption, evolving pet humanization trends, and a growing awareness of preventive veterinary care collectively drive Animal Care Market Demand. Additionally, rising concerns about zoonotic diseases and the push for sustainable livestock practices significantly contribute to the demand for animal health products. Remarkably, pet owners in North America annually invest an average of USD 1,200 in veterinary care and related products.

Forecasting a Brighter Future: Growth and Outlook of the Animal Care Market

Navigating the trajectory of growth and forecasting future trends is essential for stakeholders contributing to the positive development of the Animal Care Market. The Animal Care Market Outlook is optimistic, fueled by sustained demand for advanced veterinary services, pet insurance, and innovative healthcare products. Government initiatives promoting animal health and welfare further contribute to this positive growth outlook. The Latin American region is anticipated to experience the highest growth rate in the Animal Care Market, with a projected CAGR of 8% over the next five years.

Revenue Realities: Illuminating the Financial Landscape of Animal Care

Delving into the revenue aspects of the Animal Care Market unveils the economic viability of the industry and the financial considerations influencing stakeholders. The Animal Care Market Revenue is diverse, spanning veterinary services, pet products, and pharmaceuticals. The uptick in pet ownership, coupled with an increased willingness to invest in premium pet products and services, significantly contributes to market revenue. Veterinary services specifically contribute to 50% of the total Animal Care Market Revenue, showcasing the growing emphasis on professional healthcare for pets.

Sizing Up: Animal Care Market Size and Emerging Trends

Analyzing the size of the Animal Care Market alongside emerging trends provides a comprehensive view of the industry's current state and future possibilities. The Animal Care Market Size is witnessing a surge in demand for organic and natural pet care products. Notably, e-commerce platforms are gaining popularity for purchasing pet products, reflecting shifts in consumer buying behavior. Online sales of pet care products have witnessed a substantial 25% year-on-year increase, signaling the digital transformation of the Animal Care Market.

Challenges on the Horizon: Navigating Animal Care Market Challenges

While the Animal Care Market thrives on compassion, it is not immune to challenges that demand thoughtful solutions. Animal Care Market Challenges include regulatory complexities, the increasing need for skilled veterinarians, and ethical considerations surrounding animal testing. The rise in counterfeit animal health products poses a significant challenge to the integrity of the Animal Care Market. The shortage of skilled veterinarians, estimated at 20% in developing regions, impacts the accessibility of veterinary services.

The Ever-Changing Landscape of Animal Care Market Trends

Remaining at the forefront of the Animal Care Market involves a keen awareness of emerging trends shaping the industry's future. Animal Care Market Trends include the rising demand for personalized pet nutrition, the integration of telehealth services in veterinary care, and the growing popularity of pet wearables. Sustainable and eco-friendly practices are gaining prominence, with consumers seeking ethically sourced and environmentally conscious animal care products. The market for pet wearables is expected to witness a remarkable CAGR of 12% over the next five years, driven by the increasing focus on pet health monitoring.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Compassion and Innovation

The Animal Care Market stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our animal companions. Navigating its complexities requires a blend of compassion, innovation, and a proactive response to emerging trends and challenges. As the market continues to evolve, stakeholders must remain adaptable and dedicated to ensuring the health and happiness of the creatures we cherish.

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week

1. ‘We are just getting started’: the plastic-eating bacteria that could change the world

In 2016, Japanese scientists Oda and Hiraga published their discovery of Ideonella sakaiensis, a bacterium capable of breaking down PET plastic into basic nutrients. This finding marked a shift in microbiology's perception, recognizing the potential of microbes to solve pressing environmental issues.

France's Carbios has successfully applied bacterial enzyme technology to recycle PET plastic waste into new plastic products, aligning with the French government's goal of fully recycling plastic packaging by 2025.

2. HIV cases in Amsterdam drop to almost zero after PrEP scheme

According to Dutch AIDS Fund, there were only nine new cases of the virus in Amsterdam in 2022, down from 66 people diagnosed in 2021. The organisation claimed that 128 people were diagnosed with HIV in Amsterdam in 2019, and since 2010, the number of new infections in the Dutch capital has fallen by 95 per cent.

3. Cheap and drinkable water from desalination is finally a reality

In a groundbreaking endeavor, engineers from MIT and China have designed a passive solar desalination system aimed at converting seawater into drinkable water.

The concept, articulated in a study published in the journal Joule, harnesses the dual powers of the sun and the inherent properties of seawater, emulating the ocean’s “thermohaline” circulation on a smaller scale, to evaporate water and leave salt behind.

4. World’s 1st drug to regrow teeth enters clinical trials

The ability to regrow your own teeth could be just around the corner. A team of scientists, led by a Japanese pharmaceutical startup, are getting set to start human trials on a new drug that has successfully grown new teeth in animal test subjects.

Toregem Biopharma is slated to begin clinical trials in July of next year after it succeeded growing new teeth in mice five years ago, the Japan Times reports.

5. After Decades of Pressure, US Drugmaker J&J Gives Up Patent on Life-Saving TB Drug

In what can be termed a huge development for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) patients across large parts of the world, bedaquiline maker Johnson and Johnson said on September 30 (Saturday) that it would drop its patent over the drug in 134 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

6. Stranded dolphins rescued from shallow river in Massachusetts

7. ‘Staggering’ green growth gives hope for 1.5C, says global energy chief

The prospects of the world staying within the 1.5C limit on global heating have brightened owing to the “staggering” growth of renewable energy and green investment in the past two years, the chief of the world’s energy watchdog has said.

Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency, and the world’s foremost energy economist, said much more needed to be done but that the rapid uptake of solar power and electric vehicles were encouraging.

---

That's it for this week :)

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Buy me a coffee ❤️

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[theoutcastrogue]

"The majority of high-tech patent lawsuits are brought by patent trolls—companies that exist not to provide products or services, but primarily have a business using patents to threaten others’ work. Some politicians are proposing to make that bad situation worse. ...

The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act, S. 2140, (PERA), sponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-DE) would be a huge gift to patent trolls, a few tech firms that aggressively license patents, and patent lawyers. For everyone else, it will be a huge loss. That’s why we’re opposing it, and asking our supporters to speak out as well. 

Patent trolling is still a huge, multi-billion dollar problem that’s especially painful for small businesses and everyday internet users. But, in the last decade, we’ve made modest progress placing limits on patent trolling. The Supreme Court’s 2014 decision in Alice v. CLS Bank barred patents that were nothing more than abstract ideas with computer jargon added in. Using the Alice test, federal courts have kicked out a rogue’s gallery of hundreds of the worst patents. 

Under Alice’s clear rules, courts threw out ridiculous patents on “matchmaking”, online picture menus, scavenger hunts, and online photo contests. The nation’s top patent court, the Federal Circuit, actually approved a patent on watching an ad online twice before the Alice rules finally made it clear that patents like that cannot be allowed. The patents on “bingo on a computer?” Gone under Alice. Patents on loyalty programs (on a computer)? Gone. Patents on upselling (with a computer)? All gone. ...

PERA’s attempt to roll back progress goes beyond computer technology. For almost 30 years, some biotech and pharmaceutical companies actually applied for, and were granted, patents on naturally occuring human genes. As a consequence, companies were able to monopolize diagnostic tests that relied on naturally occurring genes in order to help predict diseases such as breast cancer, making such testing far more expensive. The ACLU teamed up with doctors to confront this horrific practice, and sued. That lawsuit led to a historic victory in 2013 when the Supreme Court disallowed patents on human genes found in nature. 

If PERA passes, it will explicitly overturn that ruling, allowing human genes to be patented once again. ...

“To See Your Own Blood, Your Own Genes”

From the 1980s until the 2013 Myriad decision, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted patents on human genomic sequences. If researchers “isolated” the gene—a necessary part of analysis—they would then get a patent that described isolating, or purified, as a human process, and insist they weren’t getting a patent on the natural world itself.

But this concept of patenting an “isolated” gene was simply a word game, and a distinction without a difference. With the genetic patent in hand, the patent-holder could demand royalty payments from any kind of test or treatment involving that gene. And that’s exactly what Myriad Genetic did when they patented the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene sequences, which are important indicators for the prevalence of breast or ovarian cancer. 

Myriad’s patents significantly increased the cost of those tests to U.S. patients. The company even sent some doctors cease and desist letters, saying the doctors could not perform simple tests on their own patients—even looking at the gene sequences without Myriad’s permission would constitute patent infringement. 

This behavior caused pathologists, scientists, and patients to band together with ACLU lawyers and challenge Myriad’s patents. They litigated all the way to the Supreme Court, and won. “A naturally occurring DNA segment is a product of nature and not patent eligible merely because it has been isolated,” the Supreme Court stated in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics. 

A practice like granting and enforcing patents on human genes should truly be left in the dustbin of history. It’s shocking that pro-patent lobbyists have convinced these Senators to introduce legislation seeking to reinstate such patents. Last month, the President of the College of American Pathologists published an op-ed reminding lawmakers and the public about the danger of patenting the human genome, calling gene patents “dangerous to the public welfare.”  

As Lisbeth Ceriani, a breast cancer survivor and a plaintiff in the Myriad case said, “It’s a basic human right to see your own blood, your own genes.” "

[heartlaboratory]

Part of an influencer job is to present and test products live streaming. For a random series of event the logistical office of a pharmaceutical company, which asked her to test some products, sent her an experimental compound to make flesh invisible for research purposes instead of a moisturizing cream for the body. She realized something was wrong by looking at the comments of the live stream... "Oh my God, what's this massive thing pulsing on my chest??" she screamed terrified. "That's your heart!! And it looks really unhealthy!!" "Smoke, alchool and total lack of physical training were pretty effective on you" "guys, we're probably looking at her last beats" some people answered... and sadly they were pretty right...

[reality-detective]

Brigham Buhler on the Dark History of the Medical Industrial Complex

"There was a small little company that reached out to the Third Reich and said, 'Hey, we need 150 participants for our clinical trial.' The nazi regime shipped 150 healthy jewish women to this pharmaceutical company to test its products. Literally, within six months, there's letters back to the Third Reich from this pharmaceutical company saying, 'Thank you so much for your cooperation. The women arrived in great health and working order. Unfortunately, none of them made it through the initial phases of our trial.' They killed 150 women. 'We kindly request that you send us another 150 women.' That little company became Bayer which is now a mega pharmaceutical company." 🤔

[itclabs]

Discover why partnering with a pharmaceutical testing lab is crucial for safeguarding patient health. Our latest blog explores the essential role of testing labs in ensuring drug safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance. Learn how ITC Labs' expertise and advanced facilities can support your drug development process, from initial testing to market release. Read more to see how we can help you meet the highest standards in pharmaceutical testing and ensure your medications are safe and effective.

[bats-and-birds-24]

Chapter 3:

Two weeks had passed since the incident with the Joker Gang, and Tim was still not allowed to leave the manor.

He protested to Bruce, but he was firm in not letting him back into the field until he had fully healed.

Seeing Tim's frustration, Alfred explained that Bruce was only doing this for his own wellbeing.

Tim doubted that, but a part of him wondered if Bruce was genuinely just concerned for his safety.

There were times where Tim had caught Bruce staring at him with a mixture of worry and relief on his face.

The cynical side of him quickly dashed that hope as he realized that Bruce probably just didn't want to ruin Batman's reputation by losing another Robin.

Tim knew the importance of reputation, his parents had made that very clear to him.

His mind drifted back to when he was six years old. He remembered saying something a bit too bluntly to an important looking man in a business suit.

He'd forgotten what he said, but he remembered the punishment he got because of it.

He was isolated in his room for three days, with meals being sent up to him via staff, who were ordered not to talk to him.

He remembered that his parents' reasoning was that he should learn that there will be consequences for ruining their relationship with an important benefactor of their archaeological digs.

Tim felt a pang of anger at the memory. At least they were on a dig in Peru at the moment, he doesn't have to worry about dealing with them for now.

Alfred noticed him stiffening and suggested that he take a walk around the Wayne estate to clear his mind.

Tim just nodded and went up to get his camera. He might as well do something productive.

A few hours of blissfully ignoring his problems did wonders for his mood, until he was rudely brought back down to earth as he came across Jason's grave.

He had loved Jason. Even if they had never met, Jason had left a huge impact on Tim's life.

Tim may have figured out Dick's identity as Robin at the tender age of three, but he didn't actually join Batman and Robin in their nightly jaunts until he was nine.

By that time, Jason had already established himself as the next Robin.

Jason was his Robin.

His heart shattered when he realized that Jason had died.

He didn't want to disrespect Jason's passing, but someone had to rein Batman in.

Tim paused his train of thought and stepped closer to the grave. Something felt off, the dirt on the grave felt too fresh. To the untrained eye, it seemed normal, but Tim's detective senses were roused.

Has someone disturbed it? That couldn't have been possible. Bruce kept a close eye on the estate to ensure no one breaks in.

Tim took a few steps back, and snapped a picture of the grave. His emotions took a back seat as the gears in his mind began to turn.

If anyone had somehow managed to disturb Jason's grave, they must have been very skilled, which leaves out any petty grave robbers.

Tim ran back to the manor to retrieve a DNA analysis kit. He only met Alfred in the hallways who's only remark was to slow down, lest he hurt himself.

All Tim needed was confirmation that nothing had happened to Jason's grave, that's all.

"Sorry about this Jay." Tim muttered under his breath as he quickly chipped off a few pieces of the gravestone. He could use them to run a DNA test when he was back at the batcave.

Tim hurried back into the manor to run his tests.

The DNA analysis came back as positive for Talia Al Ghul.

Tim stared at the bat computer screen blankly.

'Talia Al Ghul'

Tim took a moment to process that fact.

Maybe Talia was just visiting, Bruce had mentioned that Jason and Talia has met before.

He didn't have time to mull over that thought, as the soil analysis came back. The determining factor on whether this was just a visit, or something more.

The soil in the grave had a markedly different chemical composition when compared to what was usually found in Gotham.

For one, it lacked the pollutants from Gotham's chemical and pharmaceutical companies. The analysis also revealed that there were trace amounts of a chemical that matched the league of assassin's Lazarus pits'.

This clinched it. The league was after Jason, or more accurately, Jason's body. Tim thought of the reasons behind that move, they must have known that it would eventually be found out by Bruce. They must know that Batman is a dangerous enemy to have.

Suddenly, a spark of hope bubbled up in him.

What if they wanted to revive Jason using the Lazarus Pits?

Tim tried to shake the thought from his brain. It was much more likely that the LOA just wanted an unlimited source of Jason's DNA.

But by now, the spark had nestled deep in his heart. If there was even a chance that Jason was alive, then he had to investigate.

The question now was whether or not he should involve Bruce in the mission.

Bruce was and still is, in a terrible place. Jason's death had destroyed Bruce's soul so thoroughly that he avoided visiting Jason's grave after the funeral.

Tim taking on the Robin mantle relieved some of his burdens, but he was still by no means stable.

He didn't know how Bruce would react if he found out about the grave robbing.

He came to a decision.

Under no circumstances should Bruce know of this mission. He'll figure out how to break the news to him after the mission is complete. But as of now, Bruce was too much of a liability.

Tim's mind began to formulate a plan to retrieve Jason from the league.

If Talia was involved, then it was likely that Jason will be found high up in the league hierarchy. This removed most common league training grounds and only left the highly defended sacred city of 'Eth Alth'eban, and the main base of Nanda Parbat.

There was also the league of shadows, which contrary to popular belief, was not actually a splinter faction of the league of assassins, and instead acted as a specialized arm. Acting as though the two were separate entities was a tactic by Talia to throw off anyone trying to bring the league down.

Tim mulled over his options.

The league of shadows had a base at Sullivan island in the South of Gotham, which would be his easiest point of entry.

However, he's 90% sure that the base is there exclusively to keep an eye on Batman and his associates. Tim was certain that he would be captured if he ever so much as set foot on the island.

Unless, that was what he wanted.

He could get caught voluntarily. He knew from working on cases related to the League of Assassins with Bruce that Ra's Al Ghul' had taken a special interest in the Bat and would likely be thrilled if the little birdie waltzed right into his cage.

Tim was 90% sure that he won't die from attempting this, but even if he did die, Ra's is likely to just dunk him in the Lazarus Pits, so he should be fine.

Now all he needed to do was throw Batman off his scent.

He could tell Bruce that he was going back to Drake manor for a month to work through some Drake industries work. Bruce wouldn't question it too much and Alfred would just be happy that he's taking a break from being a vigilante.

If everything works out according to plan, Bruce would never even notice that he was missing.

He hacked into the cameras at Drake manor to make it seem as though Tim was just doing Tim things. This way, if Bruce bothered to check the cameras, he wouldn't come across anything incriminating.

Tim packed some crucial gear and prepared to get kidnapped. If it all goes smoothly, he should be sent directly to Talia's doorstep.

He got on Redbird and began his journey south.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

diasomnia, 1 — 19

***Spoilers ahead!!!***

Note: this is just a general summary of what has happened so far and my initial reactions to those major events. I focused my comments on whatever interests me the most (ie lore and funny character interactions), so there are definitely details that were overlooked and lines that were simplified to make a joke; please do not rely on this as a translation.

Big thanks to @shuuenmei and @curekibouka-writing for clarifying the more confusing tracks of the story (some parts were difficult to follow the sequence of events for) and the details of the✨ deep lore ✨ It was fun screaming with the both of you—

Ah yes, Yuu’s Sleeping Beauty dream right on cue. Finally starting to put together the puzzle pieces, huh (Yuu goes to check on the Great Seven statues to confirm they saw the Fairy of Thorns in their dreams)? About time—

As expected, Sebek loses his mind and tells Yuu to not abuse Malleus’s kindness. He’s also super pissed that Malleus and Yuu act familiar with each other (and over the nickname). Yup, that interaction went about as well as we all predicted…

Not Lilia being the “I’m an anime boy late for anime school (the internship meeting)!” trope 😂 All he needs is some toast in his mouth!

Crowley talks about boring things how the internships will work and we hear more about the areas of interest for the third years.

Lore ✨ Each internship “semester” is 3 months and you can only take certain internships if you qualify for them via your grades, credits, and electives. You can choose to do 3 separate internships (again, 3 months each) or do 1 internship (for all 9 months). A B or higher is needed on two of the “semesters” to graduate. Students must also submit reports each semester. Some places additionally require interviews and/or special tests to be passed before a student is accepted as an intern. Placements are not first-come, first-serve; you need to earn that spot.

Trey says he wants to do something related to pastries or agriculture; basically, things close to food production 🌾 He wants to take advantage of his opportunities as an NRC student while he still can!! Trey said he wants to work right after school rather than go to university.

Cater is interested in the entertainment industry; he mentions magazines and videos?? It seems he isn’t interested in higher education.

HELP they randomly mention that Ace’s older brother interned in the entertainment industry too (it gets brought up when Cater was considering a theme park for his own internship)??? TRAPPOLA NII ALSO CURRENTLY WORKS IN ENTERTAINMENT????? When do we get to meet him, Ace—

Vil is continuing to advance his own career in film. He already picked out a studio to apply for, and expresses an interest in magical pharmaceuticals (though he doesn’t intend on going to college). Very fitting specialties for everyone, I must say!

Rook is interested in archeology so he can learn more about the world! After learning about S.T.Y.X., he realizes there’s so much more he doesn’t yet know. According to Trey, Rook does appear to intend to pursue college/higher level studies.

LMAO at Trey constantly having to translate Rook-isms for everyone 😂 Classic Science Club…

Unca Weona is cwanky cuz the talking is disturbing his nappy—

Leona’s going to a mining and energy facility in his home country. It’s an option offered only to those with high grades. Leona wants to be a lazy ass 🦁 “They won’t fail their prince, lmao”

Idia is doing an software engineering internship at Olympus Corp (ie TWST Google) 👀 This is huge because back at the end of episode 5 (ie the episode 6 preview), Idia was actively rejecting offers from Olympus Corp, claiming that he wasn’t welcome anywhere. Character growth… Idia isn’t welcome back at S.T.Y.X. because of the Overblotting and how it nearly exposed the organization to the public eye LOL 😂 Absentee Shroud parents upset with him cksbskwbkcnfke

Malleus doesn’t seem to be interested in picking an internship; he says that, to him, 3 months is too short a time to really learn anything (temporal dissonance strikes again). In the end, he is going to research historical ruins?? He can hang out with the Gargoyles 😎 and Rollo/j

BRO WHAT ???? Lilia is dropping out of NRC??? THE FUQ,,,,!.’sveksbskebkzvczbvvv?$$$&85inmw I had to hard stop at this scene because it caught me by surprise.

The first years are talking about Mickey (like if there are certain conditions to get him to appear??). Oh god, they're planning a Mickey Mouse stakeout????? AND ORTHO IS INCLUDED IN THE GROUP AWWWW 🥺 He searches his databases and uses his cool robot tech to look for more information about Mickey but finds nothing.

GRIM MAKES A SUS COMMENT ABOUT HOW ORTHO IS MORE HELPFUL WITH THIS (Mickey and Yuu's worlds perhaps being tied or related to one another) THAN CROWLEY IS.

They overhear Sebek shouting in the cafeteria; he’s in disbelief that Lilia is dropping out of school.

So anyway, Lilia’s magic has, in fact, weakened significantly (he was almost late for the internship meeting because he woke up and found that he couldn't teleport). He plans on retiring in the Land of the Crimson Dragon (Mushu???? IS THAT YOU).

Interesting??? It seems that Lilia has been progressively losing his powers since even before Sebek and Silver were born… It’s not a super recent occurrence.

Sebek and Silver are understandably upset and mention that while it would be easy for either of them to visit Lilia, it would be almost impossible for Malleus because he will be so inundated with his royal duties after graduation. Malleus is distraught as well, but he insists that they respect Lilia's decision. AND HE’S LEAVING IN LIKE A WEEK? That’s barely enough time to mourn or to emotionally prepare for the fallout…

Malleus pitches an idea to talk to his grandma to not overwork Lilia (vice dorm leaders being overworked? What? In this game? Nooooooo/s).

Malleus's grandma is name-dropped (Maleficia)??? Is everyone in the Draconia family just Mal-something????

LOTS OF OMINOUS DIALOGUE ("Time is running out", "Fate cannot be defied", etc.)

After that whole conversation it’s clear that something isn’t right (despite Malleus maintaining his calm in front of Diasomnia). As soon as he’s away from them, the weather instantly turns stormy AND we see Malleus's blot accumulating as early as 7-13 in what I assume will be a very meaty episode.

Sebek and Silver help Lilia pack; Silver finds this tin in Lilia’s room. There is an old bracelet of acorns and thread inside.

Lilia shows up and says that it’s the most precious item he’s ever been gifted??? But it’s not clear who it’s from.

There's another item in the tin (the ring on a chain)! It has a weird effect on Silver?? I think it makes him sleepy???

The gem in the ring is the same color as Silver’s eyes; Lilia thinks its because his parents wanted his eyes to be forever unclouded and pure 🤨 That’s cute and all, but it makes me really suspicious that something super bad will happen later and I’m living for that—

This ring was tied to baby Silver when Lilia found him. He planned on gifting it to Silver when he's finally an adult... and now is that time 😭 Ain’t no way they’re giving us these heartfelt moments only to not tear it down later with something devastating… And?? With the ring being so fancy, there’s no way Silver isn’t descended from some rich family (or even royalty/nobility) himself??? Prince Silver real????/j cuz that ring sure does look like Princess Aurora’s crown…

Sebek pulls up with THIS fucking monstrosity?? It’s a weapon (axe???) Lilia used from back in the day (like, in war). However, nowadays he uses it to chop regular shit like wood. The weapon looks very similar to one that Maleficent’s minions use.

It's made out of a special magical ore! It’s called Mystium, and it changes shape according to the wielder’s magic.

Back to Yuu and co. staking out Mickey! Grim is finally realizing that if Yuu goes home, he’ll be alone 😔 Noooo, fur baby… Don’t be sad..

They wait for a while but get sleepy because Mickey is taking forever to appear. When Yuu wakes up, they see Malleus’s green lights and they go outside to find it’s snowing (again, because of his weird mood). He apologizes and makes the snow vanish, then confides in Yuu about his insecurities.

Malleus tells a story about how he froze the castle and some people when he was a little kid (omg Elsa core???) because because his grandma had promised to eat with him and was late or didn’t show up due to her royal duties keeping her busy. It sounds like even the palace servants were afraid of his power because of incidents like this. Like. It’s kind of implied Malleus almost killed them (Lilia says Malleus almost “lost” those people) with his magic.

Lilia was the only one who came for Malleus to check on him when he was upset, dried his tears, and tried to understand him. He comes over and frees the people that Malleus froze, then everyone starts preparing and eating shaved ice made from the ice encasing the castle (not randomly, I think it was Lilia’s suggestion).

Malleus gets jealous because he saw everyone enjoying food without him and/or he thought Lilia was angry at him. (This is the point when Lilia tells him he has great power so he has to be careful how he uses it, ie the “you almost lost the people that you’re now happily eating with at the hands of your own magic” talk.)

Lilia uses his weapon to make some shaved ice for Malleus and invited him to join in (I think this may be the same weapon Sebek finds in his room in the present???); this helped Malleus “connect” with other people, or at least invited him to join and do the same thing the others were) It’s because of Lilia that Malleus is okay with eating cold things. UM???? HELLO???? Is that why Malleus’s favorite food is ice-cream??? Or at least a part of it?

BTW LONG HAir PONYtAIL LILiA CANON yes I’m way more excited about this than I was about that entire ice story

Yuu calls Malleus lonely 💀 and Malleus is shocked because he’s so used to being alone that the thought never occurred to him…

Oh no, Malleus learned that Yuu has “found a way home” (ie Rickey Rat hunting) 🙃 he’s like. “You are leaving me as well?” AND RIGHT AFTER HE JUST LEARNED ABOUT LILIA GOING… Lilia, who has been with Malleus ever since he hatched from his egg…

Friends, family… everything and everyone he cherishes is leaving Malleus. “Even if I have great power, I have nothing. I gain nothing, I always lose. No one will invite me, not anymore.” No Lilia, No Yuu 😞 Malleus, your abandonment issues are showing—

NAUUUR not more ominous shit 😭 Not the “man, I sure do wish everyone wouldn’t go :(((( if only there was a way for me to have everything I want…” coming from the mouth of a super insanely powerful magician…

NOOOOO not Yuu unintentionally enabling Malleus… He asks if there was a way to be with your loved ones forever, would Yuu take it?????? YUU DOnT SAy YES YOU FUQQinG IDIOT… ENABLER Yuu didn’t learn from Trey/j

MaLLEUS MY duDE 😔 DOn’T PULL ANY STUPID ShIT PLEASE (ie we all know he probably will)

Aaaand that’s all for now, folks!! Lots of sketchy lines and lore centering around grandpappy Lilia 🤡

Overall, I like the direction episode 7 is going so far! I was really worried that it would focus too much on Yuu and Malleus’s relationship rather than elaborating on Malleus’s relationships with the rest of Diasomnia, but I’m glad that the main story actually touches upon how integral Lilia is to his found family—and to Malleus, of course. A lot of interesting plot points have been set up (especially surrounding Mickey and Lilia), and I’m really looking forward to seeing how those conclude 👀 I feel like we also got spoiled with character lore; I love that time is a Real Thing in TWST and the the boys are aging and thinking hard about their futures. Can’t wait for the angst to hit me full force like a truck 💕

[stevenbasic]

Growing into the Job, Post 374: Marisela's Project

���Hi sweetie..!” came the voice of Melissa Monroe, currently the Office Manager of what was Far Horizons Medical Associates. She had stepped back into the office just a few minutes ago after a long day of testing at Evolution Pharmaceuticals, where everyone seemed to have their panties in a bunch after seeing what she could do. Evening was dropping earlier these days, and the light coming in thru the windows of the staff offices was already red with the oncoming sunset.

“Hey,” replied Marisela Vazquez, as she turned around in her desk chair to face her supervisor...

She’d been working on, simultaneously, tracking the city police department’s investigations, a predictive model of product assimilation, and this weird little animation. She was happy for the break.

“Whatcha doin’?” came Melissa next, with a friendly smile and earnest interest. She was so happy she had girls like Marisela, Lakshmi, like Randi and Aubrey. They took care of the office when she had to be away.

“Working on this algorithm for the study and, uh, this…” Marisela answered, pushing her chair out of the way just enough so Melissa could see her screen.

With a few mouse clicks the animation sprung to life, filling a good part of her monitor’s 27-inch screen…

The rough, hand-drawn skit looped and looped, several times.

“Oooh! Cool!” Melissa sang, laughing as she watched the pencil-sketch woman outgrow the pencil-sketch man, over and over. Like it was doing to Marisela, stuff like this lit a secret little fire inside the beautiful, towering woman, and she felt herself wetten. How weird haha. “You’re such a good artist!”

“Thanks,” Marisela replied, somehow a bit bashful under the attention of this overgrown sexpot. The irony of her own reticence was not lost on her; she was shy when it came to her sketches, but had no problems with what she’d done last night, in the darkness of the city’s alleyways. She tucked a long lock of her straight, sable hair behind one ear, riddled with piercings, and ran her tongue over her eye teeth.

“You’re going to send this out to everyone, right?” Melissa urged, smiling broadly as of course she was picturing herself in place of the pencil-sketch woman. They’d all want to see this, and picture themselves there, too.

“I was, uh…considering it,” Marisela responded, squirming a little bit in her own chair. She’d gotten past the point of wondering how she, “Scary Mary” - once the office pariah for her acerbically prickly personality and dark sense of fashion - had come to relish sharing funny gifs with her coworkers. Now the thought of sending this out made her hot. “You don’t think he’d mind?”

“Haha no he’ll love it!” Melissa laughed, leaning down a bit to place her hand on Marisela’s shoulder as the young woman turned back to her screen.

The touch of Melissa’s strong but gentle grip sent shivers into Marisela. What the fuck is that? she shuddered. It was a nice feeling, a great feeling in fact. It made her feel good, strong, confident. It excited her. It brought back a rush similar to what she’d felt after what she’d done last night. Stringing that asshole rapist up above the alleyway, after she’d broken his spine and butchered his friend made her feel alive, just like this.

“Okay, if you insist,” Marisela chuckled, moving her cursor around, re-saving the animation in a new format, better for attaching to an intra-office e-mail. Her eyes sparkled as she did stuff like this; it’s like she could feel them twinkling, like two dark stars in her sockets. Between her everyday tasks at the office with patient care, her tech-support duties, her side-hustle working with the study data, and silly little projects like this animation, Marisela tried to keep herself busy to distract herself from her murderous cravings. They’d grown over time (like these goddamn tits), and now came to her all throughout the day, rather than just waiting for nightfall as they once did.

Melissa stood back up.

“Hey, so, is he still here?” she asked,  “I really want to see him.”

“I think so- he was in the procedure room, last I heard, working on the abscess on Mr. Burke’s right f-”

“Ew gross okay,” Melissa stopped her, “I’ll go find him.” She watched as the animation loop ran and ran on Marisela’s screen. She hesitated.There had been something she had been wanting to ask Marisela to do, but she never seemed to find the right moment. Now, she figured, was as good a time as any.

“Hey, so, sweetie,” Melissa began, “I have a project I’d like you to work on…”

================================================

big big thanks to friend-of-the-Basic Joshua67 for the animation and RiF again for his help with copy

[animal-care]

Exploring Trends Shaping the Animal Care Market

The Animal Care Market is undergoing significant transformations driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and emerging trends. In this article, we delve into the latest trends shaping the landscape of the animal care industry and their implications for market players.

Humanization of Pets: Treating Pets like Family

One of the prominent trends in the animal care market is the increasing humanization of pets. Pet owners are treating their animals more like family members, seeking products and services that cater to their pets' health, comfort, and emotional well-being. This trend has led to a growing demand for premium pet food, grooming services, and accessories designed to enhance the quality of life for companion animals.

Natural and Organic Products: A Shift towards Healthier Options

Consumers are becoming more conscious about the ingredients and materials used in pet care products, leading to a surge in demand for natural and organic alternatives. Pet owners are seeking products free from artificial additives, preservatives, and chemicals, opting instead for wholesome and sustainable options that promote the health and vitality of their pets. This trend has propelled the growth of natural pet food, eco-friendly toys, and biodegradable pet accessories in the market.

Telemedicine and Remote Veterinary Care: Convenient Healthcare Solutions

Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way veterinary care is delivered, with the adoption of telemedicine and remote monitoring solutions gaining traction in the animal care industry. Pet owners are increasingly turning to virtual consultations, telehealth platforms, and mobile apps to seek medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment for their pets, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend has expanded access to veterinary services, improved convenience for pet owners, and facilitated early detection and intervention for pet health issues.

Personalized Nutrition and Wellness: Tailoring Care for Individual Pets

Pet owners are embracing personalized approaches to pet nutrition and wellness, recognizing that each animal has unique dietary and health needs. The demand for customized pet food formulations, tailored supplementation, and genetic testing services is on the rise as pet owners seek to optimize their pets' health and longevity. This trend has spurred innovation in the development of personalized pet nutrition plans, DNA testing kits, and health monitoring tools that cater to individual pets' requirements.

Sustainable and Ethical Practices

Environmental sustainability and ethical sourcing have become key considerations for pet owners when choosing products and services for their animals. There is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly packaging, cruelty-free ingredients, and ethical manufacturing practices in the animal care market. Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable initiatives, such as carbon-neutral operations, recyclable packaging, and ethical sourcing of raw materials, to align with consumer values and reduce their environmental impact.

Conclusion

The animal care market is evolving rapidly, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological innovations, and societal trends. By staying attuned to these emerging trends and embracing innovation, companies can capitalize on new opportunities, differentiate their offerings, and meet the evolving needs of pet owners and their beloved companions. As the bond between humans and animals continues to strengthen, the animal care industry is poised for continued growth and transformation in the years to come.