Oryx and Crake and the New Nostalgia for Meat

2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jovian Parry
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Special Significance ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Future Society ◽  
Oryx And Crake ◽  
Do It Yourself ◽  
Near Future

AbstractRecent years have seen the development of a new trend in gastronomic discourse toward acknowledging and even valorizing the role of animal slaughter in meat production. This development problematizes some of the ideas of influential theorists of meat such as Fiddes (1990) and Adams (1991): namely, that the animal in (post)modernity has been rendered invisible in the process of meat production and consumption (Adams, 1991), and that meat itself is a commodity with a declining reputation (Fiddes, 1990). This paper analyzes the role of nostalgia in this trend toward do-it-yourself (or at least witness-it-yourself) slaughter, and takes these developments in cultural tastes and feelings as a context within which to analyze the special significance of meat in Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake. In identifying this burgeoning nostalgia for meat and contextualizing it within a risk-reflexive, consumer-driven, dystopian near-future society of the author's own devising, Oryx and Crake foregrounds and illuminates these real-world developments in the meanings of meat.

scholarly journals Eating ourselves out of industrial excess? Degrowth, multi-species conviviality and the micro-politics of cultured meat

2021 ◽  
pp. 146349962098154
Author(s):  
Lars Gertenbach ◽  
Jörn Lamla ◽  
Stefan Laser
Keyword(s):  
Science And Technology Studies ◽  
Environmental Crisis ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Cultured Meat ◽  
The People ◽  
Political Implications ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Environmental Transformation

To address the relationship between the crises of capitalist growth and democratic politics, this paper discusses the notions of degrowth and conviviality. Both concepts are often interpreted as making similar proposals in response to questions of environmental transformation. However, they bear on different strands of critique. While degrowth criticizes the momentum of capitalist accumulation, conviviality originates in the search for alternatives to the instrumental use of technologies in industrial societies. Although these two rationalities predominantly go hand in hand in the development of modern societies, they are sometimes in conflict and different strategies are required to deal with their consequences. Therefore, the differences between degrowth and conviviality should not be obscured. Instead of using the concepts in an ethical or moral fashion as normative claims directed at some diffuse agency of states, companies and the people, the paper argues for a thorough examination of issues and propositions to overcome the environmental crisis from the perspective of materialist science and technology studies. Since one key factor here is the level of global production and consumption of meat, this paper turns toward a controversial attempt to break new ground in meat production: the vision of artificially producing meat in the laboratory. Lab-grown, cultured meat provides a powerful case study for exploring political and democratic challenges of post-growth societies, all the more so as questions of animal welfare and interspecies conviviality are addressed as well. By taking a closer look at the role of animals in proposed solutions for degrowth and conviviality in meat production and consumption, the complementarity of such claims can be questioned, and a light can be shed on the inherent political implications of such technological innovations.

On visions and promises — ethical aspects of in vitro meat

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 753-758
Author(s):  
Silvia Woll
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Ethical Aspects ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
In Vitro Meat ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Production Conditions

Innovators of in vitro meat (IVM) are convinced that this approach is the solution for problems related to current meat production and consumption, especially regarding animal welfare and environmental issues. However, the production conditions have yet to be fully clarified and there is still a lack of ethical discourses and critical debates on IVM. In consequence, discussion about the ethical justifiability and desirability of IVM remains hypothetical and we have to question those promises. This paper addresses the complex ethical aspects associated with IVM and the questions of whether, and under what conditions, the production of IVM represents an ethically justifiable solution for existing problems, especially in view of animal welfare, the environment, and society. There are particular hopes regarding the benefits that IVM could bring to animal welfare and the environment, but there are also strong doubts about their ethical benefits.

DNA methylation in satellite repeats disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 757-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Francastel ◽  
Frédérique Magdinier
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Human Genome ◽  
Repetitive Dna ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Satellite Repeats ◽  
Tremendous Progress ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Dna Elements ◽  
Near Future

Abstract Despite the tremendous progress made in recent years in assembling the human genome, tandemly repeated DNA elements remain poorly characterized. These sequences account for the vast majority of methylated sites in the human genome and their methylated state is necessary for this repetitive DNA to function properly and to maintain genome integrity. Furthermore, recent advances highlight the emerging role of these sequences in regulating the functions of the human genome and its variability during evolution, among individuals, or in disease susceptibility. In addition, a number of inherited rare diseases are directly linked to the alteration of some of these repetitive DNA sequences, either through changes in the organization or size of the tandem repeat arrays or through mutations in genes encoding chromatin modifiers involved in the epigenetic regulation of these elements. Although largely overlooked so far in the functional annotation of the human genome, satellite elements play key roles in its architectural and topological organization. This includes functions as boundary elements delimitating functional domains or assembly of repressive nuclear compartments, with local or distal impact on gene expression. Thus, the consideration of satellite repeats organization and their associated epigenetic landmarks, including DNA methylation (DNAme), will become unavoidable in the near future to fully decipher human phenotypes and associated diseases.

Overview of Biological Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis: Current and Future Directions

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Furfaro ◽  
Cristina Bezzio ◽  
Sandro Ardizzone ◽  
Alessandro Massari ◽  
Roberto De Franchis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Immunosuppressive Agents ◽  
Mucosal Healing ◽  
Aminosalicylic Acid ◽  
Proinflammatory Mediators ◽  
Experimental Drugs ◽  
New Treatments ◽  
Aggressive Clinical Course ◽  
Near Future

The treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) has changed over the last decade. It is extremely important to optimize the therapies which are available nowadays and commonly used in daily clinical practice, as well as to stimulate the search for more powerful drugs for the induction and maintenance of sustained and durable remission, thus preventing further complications. Therefore, it is mandatory to identify the patients' prognostic variables associated with an aggressive clinical course and to test the most potent therapies accordingly.To date, the conventional therapeutic approach based on corticosteroids, salicylates (sulfasalazine, 5-aminosalicylic acid) or immunosuppressive agents is commonly used as a first step to induce and to maintain remission. However, in recent years, knowledge of new pathogenetic mechanisms of ulcerative colitis have allowed us to find new therapeutic targets leading to the development of new treatments that directly target proinflammatory mediators, such as TNF-alpha, cytokines, membrane migration agents, cellular therapies.The aim of this review is to provide the most significant data regarding the therapeutic role of drugs in UC and to give an overview of biological and experimental drugs that will become available in the near future. In particular, we will analyse the role of these drugs in the treatment of acute flare and maintenance of UC, as well as its importance in mucosal healing and in treating patients at a high risk of relapse.

Potential Role of Cytokines in Children with Acute Appendicitis and Acute Mesenteric Lymphadenitis

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-133
Author(s):  
Astra Zviedre ◽  
Arnis Engelis ◽  
Mohit Kakar ◽  
Aigars Pētersons
Keyword(s):  
Early Detection ◽  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Inflammatory Mediators ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mesenteric Lymphadenitis ◽  
Proper Diagnosis ◽  
Near Future

Potential Role of Cytokines in Children with Acute Appendicitis and Acute Mesenteric Lymphadenitis Although, AAP and AML have different etiological factors, clinical symptoms are very much similar but treatment tactics in both the disease differ a lot. In case of AML, treatment is more conservative and does not require hospitalization while in case of AAP immediate hospitalization and maybe further surgery can be mandatory. With the identification of group of cytokines serum inflammatory mediators IL-8, IL-10, IL-12[p70], IL-17, TNF-a and MCP-1, it is believed early and proper diagnosis of AAP in the near future. Research of cytokines-serum inflammatory mediators has opened new opportunities for an early detection and differentiation of these two diseases in children.

A Review on Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Traditional Aspects of Indigenous Indian Herb Trachyspermum ammi (L)

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikita Saraswat ◽  
Neetu Sachan ◽  
Phool Chandra
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Collective Data ◽  
Trachyspermum Ammi ◽  
Present Information ◽  
Gastrointestinal Problems ◽  
Vedic Literature ◽  
Key Terms ◽  
Phytochemical Studies ◽  
Near Future

Introduction and Ethnopharmacological relevance: In the Indian Vedic literature, Charakasamhita and Sushritasamhita, the Ajwain is known as Bhootika and in the charaksamhita commentaries, it is termed as Yavanika. The medicinal role of Ajwain fruit is claimed to be very important in the treatment of many ailments in humans. The plant Trachyspermum ammi Linn. is a grassy, aromatic annual plant, which falls in the family Umbelliferae. This plant is grown in India, Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, etc. for its medicinal benefits. Tribals of India use it for the treatment of diarrhea, arthritis, colic and gastrointestinal problems. In the traditional preparations, Indian Vaidya guru’s (Ayurveda Guru’s), the ajwain extract is used as “Admoda Arka”. The Ayurveda doctors, hakims and Vaidya gurus recommend ajwain for treating headaches, cold, flu and even during painful menstrual periods. Aim of the Study: The review paper has compiled the researches conducted on Trachyspermum ammi, which will help in presenting a collective data of the authentic researches conducted on the plant worldwide. It will also present information about the phytoconstituents which can be useful for building up new researches in near future. Materials and Methods: This paper has been prepared by collecting all the information available on the following platforms and the papers were searched from 1975 to 2019. The databases and electronic journals were well searched including Wiley, Springer link, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pubmed. The key terms used for the search were Ajwain, C. copticum, Trachyspermum ammi and other synonyms of the plant. The search was also done by the names of chemical constituents present in the plant and the pharmacological effect of the plant. Results: The multiple uses of T. ammi are due to the active constituents present in it. As per the phytochemical studies on the fruits of T. ammi, the presence of various phytoconstituents has been found such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, fixed oils, thymenes, cumenes, tannins, amino acids, p-cymene, c-terpinene, steroids, etc. Conclusions: This paper is focused on presenting a detailed review on the literature, pharmacological properties, physicochemical studies and the newest researches on the plant. In this paper, we have also compiled the traditional uses of the herb used by Indian peopleon recommendations from their Hakims, Vaidya and use of the herbs by many tribes all across India and Pakistan.

Intertheatricality and Propaganda

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Publicover
Keyword(s):  
Early Modern ◽  
Real World ◽  
The Political ◽  
Merchant Of Venice ◽  
The Merchant Of Venice ◽  
Political Background ◽  
Controversial Nature

This chapter analyses the ways in which the collaborative drama The Travels of the Three English Brothers defends the Sherley brothers’ real-world political endeavours across Europe and Persia through its intertheatrical negotiations. Explaining the political background of those endeavours and their controversial nature, it illustrates how the playwrights liken the Sherleys to the heroes of dramas that had been popular on the early modern stage over the preceding twenty years, in particular Tamburlaine and The Merchant of Venice. It also examines the significance of Francis Beaumont’s specific parody, in The Knight of the Burning Pestle, of an episode in Travels in which the Persian Sophy acts as godfather to the child of Robert Sherley. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the role of playing companies in shaping dramatic output.

The Energy Politics of the United States

2020 ◽  
pp. 371-405
Author(s):  
Juliann Emmons Allison ◽  
Srinivas Parinandi
Keyword(s):  
Energy Policy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Political Polarization ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Energy Politics ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
Subnational Governance

This chapter examines the development and politics of US energy policy, with an emphasis on three themes: the distribution of authority to regulate energy between national (or federal) and subnational governments, the relationship between energy and environmental policy and regulation, and the role of climate action in energy politics. It reviews patterns of energy production and consumption; provides an overview of national energy politics; and reviews literatures on federalism and energy politics and policy, the increasing integration of energy and environmental policies, and the politics of energy and climate action. The chapter concludes with a discussion of a future research agenda that underscores the significance of political polarization, subnational governance, and technological innovation for understanding US energy policy.

scholarly journals Simultaneity and Precise Time in Rotation

Universe ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Don Koks
Keyword(s):  
Time Coordinate ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Precise Time ◽  
Made In

I analyse the role of simultaneity in relativistic rotation by building incrementally on its role in simpler scenarios. Historically, rotation has been analysed in 1 + 1 dimensions; but my stance is that a 2 + 1 -dimensional treatment is necessary. This treatment requires a discussion of what constitutes a frame, how coordinate choices differ from frame choices, and how poor coordinates can be misleading. I determine how precisely we are able to define a meaningful time coordinate on a gravity-free rotating Earth, and discuss complications due to gravity on our real Earth. I end with a critique of several statements made in relativistic precision-timing literature, that I maintain contradict the tenets of relativity. Those statements tend to be made in the context of satellite-based navigation; but they are independent of that technology, and hence are not validated by its success. I suggest that if relativistic precision-timing adheres to such analyses, our civilian timing is likely to suffer in the near future as clocks become ever more precise.

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