Abstract: A skin measuring apparatus measures skin characteristics. The apparatus comprises: a mover attached to a housing to allow the mover to move in a first direction and a second direction relative to the housing; a position sensor attached to the housing for measuring a position of the mover as the mover moves relative the housing between first and second positions; a force sensor for measuring a force applied to the mover; a latch fixed to the mover; a releasable catch attached to the housing, the releasable catch engageable with the latch to prevent movement of the mover in the second direction from the second position until the releasable catch is released. The first direction is opposite the second direction; a first end of the mover is releasably attachable to a skin sample.

Abstract: A method for harvesting mushrooms which grow in clusters, by determining a picking schedule that maximises the yield while minimising damage to the mushroom or surrounding mushrooms to thereby increase shelf-life.

Abstract: A helminth protein immunogen is described. Included as the immunogen is an isolated protein comprising an immunogenic, extracellular fragment of a schistosome tegument protein selected from the group consisting of a TSP-1 protein; a TSP-2 protein; and a 7TM protein. An antibody which binds the isolated protein is also described. Additionally, an immunotherapeutic composition comprising the immunogenic protein and an immunologically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient is described. Furthermore, a vaccine comprising the immunogenic protein is described. Also described are an isolated nucleic acid that encodes the immunogenic protein and a genetic construct comprising that isolated nucleic acid. Further, a host cell comprising the genetic construct is described. A method of immunizing against schistosomiasis including the step of administering the immunotherapeutic composition to an animal is also described.