Limonene

A research team has uncovered a previously undetected mechanism in mice -- starring the genetic molecule RNA -- that could explain how each sensory cell, or neuron, in mammalian noses becomes tailored to detect a specific odor chemical. The mammalian nose is a work of evolutionary art. Its millions of nerve cells, each tailored with just one of thousands of specific odor-chemical receptors encoded in the genome, can collectively distinguish a trillion distinct scents. Those sensations, in turn, inform many behaviors, from assessing food options to discerning friends from foes to sparking memories. Today, in the journal Nature, a research team led by scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute describes a previously undetected mechanism in mice -- starring the genetic molecule RNA -- that could explain how each sensory cell, or neuron, in mammalian noses becomes tailored to detect a specific odor chemical. For example, there are sensory neurons in our noses that bear receptors uniquely tuned to detect ethyl vanillin, the main odorant in vanilla, and other cells with receptors for limonene, lemon's signature odorant. "How sensory cells in the nose make their receptor choices has been one of the most vexing mysteries about olfaction," said Stavros Lomvardas, PhD, a Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor and Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Herbert and Florence Irving Professor of Neuroscience at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute and the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and corresponding author on the paper. "Now, the story behind our sense of smell, or olfaction, is becoming clearer, and also more dramatic." The sense-refining drama he is referring to unfolds entirely within the minuscule confines of each olfactory neuron's nucleus, where the cell's chromosomes and genes reside. There, in a Squid Games-style, winner-takes-all competition, a developing cell's myriad olfactory receptor genes vie with each other in a process that winnow them down, in stages, first to handful of finalists and then to a single winner. The prevailing gene is the one that determines the cell's odorant sensitivity. In their study, Dr. Lomvardas and his team uncover details of the final stage of this process when the winner emerges from the finalist genes. "It's basically a battle between a 1000 contenders," said Ariel Pourmorady, the paper's first author and an M.D.-Ph.D. candidate at the Zuckerman Institute in the Lomvardas lab. The action is exceedingly complex and involves a dizzying cast of molecular characters. Playing roles that either dial up or down each gene's ability to produce olfactory receptors are a variety of gene-regulating molecules. By gathering into various alliances within the genome, these molecular players help turn specific genes on or off. Also in the fray is another set of molecular hubs that reshape portions of the genome in ways that favor specific receptor genes. When his team first observed these in the genome in 2014, Dr. Lomvardas dubbed them "Greek Islands" because they reminded him of islands in the Aegean Sea. "It turns out that the genome has a certain spatial organization in the nucleus and changes in this structure are pivotal when it comes to which genes are expressed into proteins, like olfactory receptors," said Pourmorady. "We are learning just how important this process is within maturing olfactory cells." In their new Nature paper, the researchers summon a trove of data from mouse studies pointing toward RNA as the linchpin molecule in the olfactory system's gene-choosing mechanism. RNA is most known as the go-between molecule that translates the genetic code embodied in DNA into protein molecules with specific cellular jobs, like detecting odorants. Using sophisticated techniques for analyzing changes in genome structure as cells mature, however, the researchers say their evidence points to a pivotal second role for the RNA. "It looks like the RNA the cell makes during gene expression also is altering the genome's architecture in ways that bolster the expression of one olfactory receptor gene while also shutting down all the others," Pourmorady said. Big gaps in this genome-controlling story remain, but the researchers say the outline is becoming more defined. It starts with maturing olfactory cells, which initially express many receptor genes at those genomic hubs where gene-regulating molecules and complexes, including Greek Islands, converge. Then the RNA winnows the contending olfactory-receptor genes down to one. The particular hub in each cell where the molecular stars align to produce the highest amount of RNA wins the competition. At this hub, receptor-gene expression soars. But, like a slinky saboteur, RNA from that same hub may wind its way to all the other hubs. In those locations, the RNA causes shape changes in the genome that shut down gene expression. The result is a nose's worth of mature olfactory neurons, each of which bears on its surface only one odorant receptor. "We are reaching the edge of science fiction when it comes to the molecular and genomic details we now can observe inside a single cell's nucleus," said Dr. Lomvardas. "We need to keep going back in to figure out the rest of this olfaction puzzle."

From Premium Chocolate Edibles to Power Packed Drinks, Pre-rolls, and Quality Flower, Find Something Special for the Cannabis Enthusiast on Your ListTORONTO, Dec. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tilray Brands, Inc. ("Tilray" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY), a leading global cannabis and consumer packaged goods company, through its wholly-owned licensed subsidiaries, Aphria Inc, and Hexo Operations Inc., and Truss Beverages Company Limited, unveils its 2023 holiday products spotlighting essentials from its diverse portfolio of brands, offering a wide range of options for consumers to explore and share during this festive time of year. For the Chocolate Edibles Connoisseur Chowie Wowie: Premium Chocolate BarsLicensed producer: Aphria Inc. Crunchy Praline: Another 1:1 of 10mg of THC and 10mg of CBD, this crumbly, nutty crunch of pralines is combined with high-quality Belgian milk chocolate.Soft Caramel: With a balance of 10mg of THC and 10mg of CBD, this new Chowie chocolate features lightly salted caramel goodness paired with our silky-smooth Belgian milk chocolate. For the Cannabis Wellness Enthusiasts Solei: Cozy Seasonal TeasLicensed producer: Aphria Inc. Decaffeinated Jasmine Green Tea: Jasmine Green Tea is a premium whole-leaf tea that elevates classic jasmine flower taste and aromas. Rich, floral, and perfect for any time of day, each pack contains five biodegradable pyramid tea bag sachets, each infused with 20 mg CBD and <1mg of THC. Spiced Starlight: This Spiced Starlight multi-pack features an array of warm spices to keep you cozy this season. Featuring premium whole-leaf tea that’s caffeine-free, with notes of cozy cardamom, and calming clove. This rich, spiced tea is perfect for sipping and settling in for a cozy evening. Each pack contains five biodegradable pyramid tea bag sachets, each infused with 20mg CBD, 10mg CBN, and <1mg THC. Chai Rooibos: Like a warm hug in a cup, Solei’s chai rooibos tea is a classic spice-filled beverage and caffeine-free, providing a sense of ease and comfort in a cup with notes of cardamom, cinnamon and clove flavors. Each tea pack includes five biodegradable pyramid tea bag sachets, each infused with 20mg CBD and 2mg THC. For those who love a Power Packed Cannabis Beverage XMG+: Power up with XMG’s new high-intensity fruit-based carbonated beveragesLicensed producer: Truss Beverages Company Limited Paradise Treat: Bring the tropics to the winter festivities with this nostalgic blast of fruit punch with a balanced 1:1 potency of THC and CBG, along with guarana extract.Tropical Cream Float: A tropical twist on a classic vanilla bubbly with 10mg THC + 10mg CBG & guarana extract.Citrus Peaks: A nostalgic citrus blast with 10mg THC + 10mg CBG & guarana extract Mollo: Mollo out with these non-alcoholic cannabis brewsLicensed producer: Truss Beverages Company Limited Orchard Chill’r: Best served in a chilled glass over ice, this semi-sweet and crisp Mollo essential also contains a balance of THC and CBG with all-natural flavors. Mollo 5 Lime: Crisp and lightly hopped with refreshing lime flavor; best enjoyed in a chilled glass with a lime wedge at 5mg THC and 5mg CBD.Mollo 10: This first-of-its-kind cannabis craft brew was one of the first beverages to hit the ground running for Mollo, with a balanced 10mg THC + 10mg CBG offering best served in a chilled glass. RIFF: Light up your taste buds with these fruit-forward refreshersLicensed producer: Aphria inc. RIFF Blue Raspberry Ice is a refreshing take on the classic, electric blue summertime favorite frozen treat, bringing subtle waves of nostalgia and refreshment with each sip, accompanied by a blast of bold berries and fruity goodness. RIFF Wild Raspberry Lemonade is a bubbly, sweet-tart blend of raspberries, wild berries, and lemon – an ultimate refreshing drink. RIFF Boost Vanilla Frost: Feel the liftoff of this fizzy drink reminiscent of a nostalgic frozen favourite boosted with fast-acting THC and CBG; Its electric focus and elevation provides a kick with zero cannabis aftertaste. For the Pre-roll Enthusiasts Good Supply: Pre-rolls that pack a punch for allLicensed producer: Aphria Inc. Holiday Helpers: Centered around the theme of ’12 Days of Jointmas’, Good Supply launches its new ‘Holiday Helpers’, pre-roll mix pack (36 x 0.35g) featuring 12 pre-rolls each of sativa, hybrid, and indica. Featured strains and aromas include Jean Guy, Lava Fuel, and Wedding Cake.The Grump Monsters: Following its initial ‘MONSTERS’ release earlier this year, Good Supply launches a new limited edition 2.38g infused pre-roll spotlighting 1,000mg THC 1 along with its potent milled flower infused with BHO that’s perfectly rolled, coated in extract, and dipped in kief. Redecan: The Perfect Party AdditionLicensed producer: Hexo Operations Inc. Hemp’d and Hemp’d Stocking Stuffers: Perfect for sharing over the holidays, Redecan launched their new ultra-thin, unbleached hemp paper-based 10 x 0.4g pre-roll multi-pack along with their latest holiday version, which features a festive filter design that offers a slower burn and elevates the flower flavor for the ultimate smoking experience. Solei: Self-Care or Share with New ‘Slims’ Licensed producer: Aphria Inc. Uplift: Perfectly rolled Prayer Pupil sativa flower (Star Pupil x Prayer Tower), these pre-rolls are great for individual use or sharing with 10 x 0.4g slender pre-rolls per pack that are convenient and smooth burning, featuring fruit, spice, and diesel aromas.Free: Set the mood and uncomplicate the everyday with Balance Slims, a gentle and calming experience with balanced THC and CBD. Whether you need self-care or want to share, Slims are perfectly packed pre-rolls that burn smoothly and conveniently.​ For the Flower Fans Broken Coast: Bring top-notch flower home for the holidays Licensed producer: Aphria Inc. Holy Grail Kush: A legendary hybrid treasure, Holy Grail Kush is renowned for its large, resinous flower that overflows with earthy, pine, and citrus aromas. Her buds are beautifully vibrant, with colors ranging from deep shades of green to dark purple and silver. Sour OG: A cross of the famous OG Kush and Sour Diesel strains, Sour OG is a legend to be remembered. A superb sativa cultivar known for its bright green buds with extensive trichome coverage and copious lime and diesel aromas. CANACA: Meticulously produced flower to express the genetics at their bestLicensed producer: Aphria Inc. Purple Pie: Bold fruit, wood, and spicy aromas make up the profile of this must-try flower; a cross of the classics, Purple Punch x Black Cherry Pie, the dark green buds with purple flecks and golden trichomes are a sight to behold along the exotic scents with from the dominant farnesene, limonene and caryophyllene terpenes.Ghost Gelato: A Ghost Train Haze x Gelato #9 cross; The result of two legendary icons combining to create gorgeous buds that are extremely dense with subtle purple marbling, featuring bold citrus, sour, and fruity aromas, making this a go-to strain. _______________1 “The most THC allowed in one package” – Health Canada, proposed regulations for additional cannabis products available at: Proposed regulations for additional cannabis products - Canada.ca "To boost holiday festivities for consumers, we are highlighting our latest product offerings including newly formulated chocolates from Chowie Wowie, ready-to-drink THC and CBD beverages from brands including Solei, XMG, Mollo, and RIFF, along with popular flower and new pre-rolls from Redecan, Good Supply, Broken Coast, and CANACA,” said Blair MacNeil, President, Canada, Tilray Brands. “I’m proud of our diverse and talented team – their dedication to delivering quality products and innovation allows us to share great reliable products that consumers can enjoy this holiday season, and beyond.” Tilray’s adult-use cannabis brands are only available in Canada through legal adult-use recreational cannabis e-commerce channels in select regions and retailers nationwide. For more about each brand, please visit our brand socials including @SoleiCanada, @GoodSupplyCannabis, @ChowieWowie, @WhatisRIFF, @BrokenCoast.ca, @CANACAyourBud, @Mollo_Out, @FindYourXMG. About Tilray Brands Tilray Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: TLRY and TSX: TLRY) is a leading global cannabis-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company with operations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and Latin America that is changing people’s lives for the better – one person at a time – by inspiring and empowering the worldwide community to live their very best life by providing them with products that meet the needs of their mind, body, and soul and invoke a sense of wellbeing. Tilray’s mission is to be the trusted partner for its patients and consumers by providing them with a cultivated experience and health and well-being through high-quality, differentiated brands and innovative products. A pioneer in cannabis research, cultivation, and distribution, Tilray’s unprecedented production platform supports over 20 brands in over 20 countries, including comprehensive cannabis offerings, hemp-based foods, and alcoholic beverages. For more information on Tilray, visit Tilray Brands, Inc. and follow @tilray on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this communication that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (together, “forward-looking statements”) under U.S. and Canadian securities laws and within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections and other applicable laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “forecast,” “future,” “should,” “could,” “enable,” “potential,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “project,” “will,” “would” and the negative of these terms or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Certain material factors, estimates, goals, projections, or assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this communication. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses, or current expectations concerning, among other things, the Company’s ability to commercialize new and innovative products worldwide. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievement to be materially different from any forward-looking statements, and other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company deems immaterial could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained herein. For a more detailed discussion of these risks and other factors, see the most recently filed annual information form of Tilray and the Annual Report on Form 10-K (and other periodic reports filed with the SEC) of Tilray made with the SEC and available on EDGAR. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made as of the date of this communication and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events, or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws. Contacts: Media:Kaitlin Macapagalnews@tilray.com InvestorsRaphael Gross203-682-8253Raphael.Gross@icrinc.com