Abstract: A method for determining the biological age or pace of aging of an adult dog, said method comprising determining the levels of one or more biomarkers selected from the group consisting of (1) blood globulin levels, (2) blood total protein, (3) blood alkaline phosphatase, (4) blood platelet count, (5) blood mean corpuscular volume or (6) urine specific gravity, comparing the results with values obtained from healthy dogs of a known age and of a similar category (toy, small, medium, large or giant). Kits, systems and/or computer media for carrying out the method form further aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A doubts rotated quart/crystal resonator comprises a cantilever-mounted doubts rotated resonating element having a line of geometrical symmetry running from a supported end to a free end which is not perpendicular to the resonating element's crystallographic/axis. A method of manufacturing the crystal resonator comprises cutting a doubly rotated quartz crystal plate with xI and zI axes defining the plate's plane into one or more resonating elements at a non-zero degrees in-plane rotation angle in relation to the plate's xI axis. The resonator has reduced sensitivity to mechanical acceleration.

Abstract: A method of producing metal-rich plants for the production of nutritional supplements. Edible plants are placed in a growth environment containing metal, and are cultivated in a fashion which enhances the uptake of metal into edible portions of the plants. The plants are then harvested, and may be eaten directly or processed into capsule or tablet form, in order to obtain the metallic nutrients so incorporated.

Abstract: A method of producing metal-rich plants for the production of nutritional supplements. Edible plants are placed in a growth environment containing metal, and are cultivated in a fashion which enhances the uptake of metal into edible portions of the plants. The plants are then harvested, and may be eaten directly or processed into capsule or tablet form, in order to obtain the metallic nutrients so incorporated.

Abstract: A method of producing edible Brassica plants capable of accumulating significant concentrations of selenium in edible portions of the plant. Edible Brassica plants were grown in an environment containing selenium, the plants were cultivated under conditions that allow enhanced uptake of the metal into edible portions of the plants, wherein the concentration of selenium accumulated in the edible portions of the plant is higher than the concentration of selenium in the environment. The plants are then harvested for further use.

Abstract: Methods and compositions or enhancing metal uptake of plants, such as members of the family Brassicaceae, comprise treating the roots, plants, seeds, and/or soil in which the plants are grown, with metal-uptake altering microorganisms, preferably of the bacterial genus Pseudomonas and Bacillus.