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Aston University develops novel bone cancer therapy which has 99% success rate
Bioactive glasses, doped with gallium developed to create a potential treatment for bone cancer Lab tests have a 99 percent success rate of killing cancerous cells Method could also regenerate diseased bones. Bioactive glasses, a filling material which can bond to tissue and improve the strength of bones and teeth, has been combined with gallium to create a potential treatment for bone cancer. Tests in labs have found that bioactive glasses doped with the metal have a 99 percent success rate of eliminating cancerous cells and can even regenerate diseased bones. The research was conducted by a team of Aston University scientists led by Professor Richard Martin who is based in its College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. In laboratory tests 99% of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) cells were killed off without destroying non-cancerous normal human bone cells. The researchers also incubated the bioactive glasses in a simulated body fluid and after seven days they detected the early stages of bone formation. Gallium is highly toxic, and the researchers found that the ‘greedy’ cancer cells soak it up and self-kill, which prevented the healthy cells from being affected. Their research paper Multifunctional Gallium doped bioactive glasses: a targeted delivery for antineoplastic agents and tissue repair against osteosarcoma has been published in the journal Biomedical Materials. Osteosarcoma is the mostly commonly occurring primary bone cancer and despite the use of chemotherapy and surgery to remove tumours survival rates have not improved much since the 1970s. Survival rates are dramatically reduced for patients who have a recurrence and primary bone cancer patients are more susceptible to bone fractures. Despite extensive research on different types of bioactive glass or ceramics for bone tissue engineering, there is limited research on targeted and controlled release of anti-cancer agents to treat bone cancers. Professor Martin said: “There is an urgent need for improved treatment options and our experiments show significant potential for use in bone cancer applications as part of a multimodal treatment. “We believe that our findings could lead to a treatment that is more effective and localised, reducing side effects, and can even regenerate diseased bones. “When we observed the glasses, we could see the formation of a layer of amorphous calcium phosphate/ hydroxy apatite layer on the surface of the bioactive glass particulates, which indicates bone growth.” The glasses were created in the Aston University labs by rapidly cooling very high temperature molten liquids (1450o C) to form glass. The glasses were then ground and sieved into tiny particles which can then be used for treatment. In previous research the team achieved a 50 percent success rate but although impressive this was not enough to be a potential treatment. The team are now hoping to attract more research funding to conduct trials using gallium. Dr Lucas Souza, research laboratory manager for the Dubrowsky Regenerative Medicine Laboratory at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham worked on the research with Professor Martin. He added: “The safety and effectiveness of these biomaterials will need to be tested further, but the initial results are really promising. “Treatments for a bone cancer diagnosis remain very limited and there’s still much we don’t understand. Research like this is vital to support in the development of new drugs and new methodologies for treatment options.” Notes to Editors Multifunctional Gallium doped bioactive glasses: a targeted delivery for antineoplastic agents and tissue repair against osteosarcoma Shirin B. Hanaei1, Raghavan C. Murugesan1, Lucas Souza1, Juan I.C. Miranda1, Lee Jeys2,3, Ivan B. Wall3, and Richard A. Martin1 1. College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK 2. Oncology Department, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK 3. College of Health and Life Sciences. Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK DOI 10.1088/1748-605X/ad76f1 About Aston University For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally. Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020. Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world. For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
ExpertSpotlight: The History of American Football
American football holds a special place in the cultural fabric of the United States, evolving into one of the most popular and celebrated sports in the country. Its history, marked by innovation, athleticism, and deep-rooted rivalries, reflects broader societal changes such as commercialization, media influence, and evolving notions of teamwork and competition. As one of the most-watched sports globally, its impact on American culture, from college football Saturdays to Super Bowl Sundays, goes beyond the field. This story matters because it highlights the connection between sports, community identity, and the evolution of American pastimes. Key story angles of interest include: The origins and early development of American football The impact of college football rivalries on American sports culture The rise of the NFL and its influence on modern sports entertainment The role of football in fostering a sense of community and national identity The effects of media and technology on the commercialization of football Health concerns and how they’ve shaped the future of the sport, particularly in relation to player safety and concussions Connect with an expert about the The History of American Football: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com
Curbing toxic metals in baby food
Rice is a staple food for babies and young children. But heavy metals and metalloids such as cadmium and arsenic found in rice could hinder their brain development. University of Delaware researchers grew rice on 18 small fields, exposing the rice paddies to different flooding and wet conditions. Once they harvested the grain, they analyzed how much arsenic and cadmium — two toxic elements — remained in it. They found flooded rice fields tend to have higher amounts of arsenic and lower amounts of cadmium while drier rice fields have lower amounts of arsenic and higher amounts of cadmium. Angelia Seyfferth, a UD soil biogeochemist and professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, says the findings present a bit of a puzzle. “There’s a challenge,” Seyfferth said. “It basically resides in what is this magic number or magic water status in the soil to try to minimize both of them. There really isn’t one that is universal across all soils.” The findings could help shape policy as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration could release new regulations for arsenic and cadmium in infant food by the end of the year, part of its Closer to Zero Action Plan to reduce infants’ and children’s exposure to contaminants in food. To contact Seyfferth to learn more about this research, visit her ExpertFile profile or click the contact button.
NarrA.I.tive empowers storytellers by merging AI and traditional artistic crafts
Irvine, Calif., Aug. 26, 2024 — Beall Applied Innovation at the University of California, Irvine has announced the launch of NarrA.I.tive, a groundbreaking initiative that blends the university’s academic strengths with the global entertainment industry and the innovative spirit of Orange County to harness artificial intelligence as a force for good across creative industries. “As AI’s influence expands, the opportunity and responsibility to steer it in positive directions is crucial,” said Errol Arkilic, UC Irvine’s chief innovation officer. “Through NarrA.I.tive, we redirect doom-and-gloom scripts to scripts of inspiration, education and enthusiastic support for creators as artificial intelligence increasingly influences the industry.” NarrA.I.tive’s action plan includes establishing UC Irvine and Orange County as global leaders in reshaping the artistic and technological ecosystem surrounding storytelling, attracting partners and collaborators to support the state-of-the-art initiative, creating revenue-generating content and tools, unifying academic excellence with emerging content production methods, and developing a structure for efficient project execution and student involvement. Supporting NarrA.I.tive’s impact, Beall Applied Innovation has established a strategic collaboration with Apples and Oranges Arts, an Orange County-based nonprofit entertainment and education studio co-founded by UC Irvine alumnus Tim Kashani ’86, MBA ’88, and his wife, actress Pamela Winslow Kashani. Started in 2008, Apples and Oranges Arts empowers storytellers to become creative entrepreneurs by combining educational platforms, technological integration, and a thriving community of new and existing voices. “Through NarrA.I.tive, we blend the magic of storytelling with the power of technologies such as artificial intelligence and extended reality, creating narratives that touch hearts and minds in ways previously unimaginable,” Tim Kashani said. “This collaboration marks a new era of creativity and technology alignment that requires ethical stewardship placing the human front and center.” In July, Apples and Oranges Arts and Beall Applied Innovation finalized plans for the NarrA.I.tive Story Studio, to be located at the Cove@UCI in the campus’s Research Park. Apples and Oranges Arts will lead the studio’s charge through training in new technologies that drive the entertainment industry’s future and through collaboration with UC Irvine schools, involving students and faculty in tool development and content production. “We invite storytellers, technologists, philanthropists, investors and the global community to join us in reshaping the future of storytelling,” said Stuart Mathews, director of industry alliances at Beall Applied Innovation. “Together, we will explore the expanding possibilities that AI and technology bring to the narrative arts, redefining how stories inspire, entertain and elevate the human experience.” About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu. Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus studio with a Comrex IP audio codec to interview UC Irvine faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UC Irvine news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at https://news.uci.edu/media-resources.
If You Hate University Rankings Here’s One You Might Like
If your university cares about fostering research and innovation and you haven’t heard of the PitchBook Startup Index, you might want to pay closer attention to this data. While it doesn't look like the PitchBook folks are aiming to be a big player in the world of academic rankings, their detailed tracking activity of startup investments, which includes deal size, school affiliation, and employees, gives us a window into how each institution is performing on startup activity. Why This Is a University Ranking We Can Trust It's Objective: These rankings are based on detailed startup data that PitchBook dutifully tracks as part of many paid services it provides for clients that include VC's, Private Equity Funds and government agencies. The investors who pay for access to the underlying data expect accuracy and there is a considerable amount of meta information available for tracking as startups raise money and hire employees. It's Simple: The PitchBook rankings are free of the typical complexity found in other rankings such as the US News & World Report. They simply use a few key metrics including the number of startup founders affiliated with new ventures created at each institution and how much investment capital they have raised. It's Revealing: Ranking this data as a Top 100 Index gives us a good comparative view of which Universities are doing a good job of creating an entrepreneurial environment that stimulates learning and research while attracting investment capital and creating high-value jobs. Universities Need to Tell the Story Behind this Data to Build Support for Their Research & Startups This data is followed closely by University Research and Tech Transfer Offices. However, it should also be actively used by other departments, such as University Marketing and Communications, Government Affairs, Enrolment and Fundraising/Development which need to build support with legislators, policymakers, funding agencies, donors, and corporate partners - and yes, new student prospects. The relevance and accuracy of these rankings make this an important opportunity for you to tell your story and engage these audiences. "Promoting stories about your startups provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the relevance of your programs and narrow the gap between "town and gown." It's an opportunity to show how your faculty experts and researchers are nurturing innovation through startups to improve the lives of people in your local community and beyond." Did Your University Make the List? If the answer is yes, congrats! We would be remiss if I didn't recognize our clients who made the Top 100. Take a bow University of Florida, Vanderbilt University, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of California, Irvine and Rensselaer Polytechnic. Now it's time to get to work. As someone who has worked closely with startups and Universities over the past two decades, I see the immense value they create. That's why I'm surprised whenever I see university marketing teams missing valuable opportunities for promoting their faculty and research through the lens of startup activities. The Benefits of Celebrating Startups Research on startups (Shenkoya, 2023) shows that key factors such as access to research funds, dedicated faculty, size of dedicated staff (academic and non-academic), access to practical entrepreneurship courses, and non-regular curriculum startup activities are key factors responsible for success of University startups. However, proper funding for these programs in a challenging environment requires that Universities more effectively communicate the value they are delivering. Here's where you can shine: Media: This is an obvious opportunity, especially with local outlets. It provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the relevance of your programs and narrow the gap between "town and gown." Show how these startups are looking to improve the lives of people in the community. Corporate Partners: Startups are a natural focal point for conversations with industry partners, especially when you can speak to key market sectors and breakthrough research that faculty are focused on. Speak to how you are giving them more direct access to a pool of talented graduates. Also, don't forget to speak to programs you may be running in the areas of internships, mentorship programs, sponsored research, and curriculum development. Don't forget that engaging in educational partnerships helps companies improve their CSR profile, which can enhance their public image and brand. Also, explore how partners can financially support needed infrastructure improvements on the campus with funding for new facilities or new equipment. Students: Giving startups an opportunity to tell their stories and celebrate their achievements is one of the best ways to demonstrate how you are aligning your educational and entrepreneurship programs with industry needs. And don't forget to include your corporate partners. As employers, they are in the best position to show how you are preparing students for next-generation jobs. Show students how they will get direct exposure to the industry through programs you may be running, such as co-op terms, internships, and mentorships, and startup events such as boot camps and pitch competitions. Government: The data clearly shows that startups create high-value jobs and contribute to GDP growth. But governments today need constant reassurance that the funds they put into education and research are generating impact. You have to show the relevance of your startups by outlining how they are solving big societal problems that matter to voters. How are your startups leading socio-economic transformation for local communities and competing effectively on a global stage? Tips for Telling Your Startup Stories Focus on People Humanize your story by speaking directly to how founders and their teams are approaching key market and societal challenges. Focus on important "origin story" elements such as their personal challenges or insights that led them to their first discovery. Focus on notable collaborations they formed. How were faculty members or alumni involved in helping with research and market development or industry relationships? Create a story arc. Give your audience an appreciation for how hard startups are and the amount of uncertainty and risk they face in developing new innovations. Startups are not an overnight success. People are even more inspired by non-linear journeys that show the grit and determination that founders need to bring to their startups. Focus on Programs Always be thinking about how founders and their stories can help boost student enrolment by connecting their origin stories to specific experiences they had on the campus. Ask them how specific courses and programs prepared them for their entrepreneurial journey. Also ask them what other experiences such as campus mentorship programs, hackathons or pitch competitions helped them achieve specific breakthroughs and milestones. Focus on Photos & Videos Startups provide a great opportunity to engage your audience visually. Go beyond boring headshots, monolithic campus buildings, and staged stock images. Instead, use imagery that shows people creating new and exciting things together. This is not a time to be shy about asking founders, faculty, and funders to get in the shot and be recognized for their contributions. While you may think photo ops are overly promotional, they often help your partners communicate back to their constituency the importance of supporting your work. Walk the campus to get behind the scenes and show lab facilities, technology prototypes, and in-field work. Partners Profile notable investors, faculty, foundations, government agencies, alumni and corporate partners who may have invested time, money and other resources that help validate the quality of the startups you are helping build. Remember, startups are like a barn-raising, that involves a larger community. Give these partners an opportunity to be visible part of the story and they will celebrate with you and amplify your message to reach a bigger, more engaged audience. Proof Show evidence that the startups you are supporting are making a difference. Use your startups as an opportunity to speak to the bigger picture of why your institution matters. Speak to how they are tackling bigger challenges in areas such as environment, healthcare, social justice, the economy, physical infrastructure, security, election integrity and social innovation. Also make sure to demonstrate measurable impact in key areas such as: Total Addressable Market Job creation Investment activities Industry Awards Partnerships Patents Customer /Revenue Milestones It's Your Time to Shine In an era where impact is increasingly measured by the ability to translate research into real-world applications, universities have a unique opportunity to show the value of their startup ecosystems. But you need to get the stories out beyond the campus. Use your momentum to build a compelling narrative that makes your startups the heroes of your institution's story.
Industry and researchers call for action to tackle climate impact of organic, carbon-based chemicals
Call led by members of Supergen Bioenergy Hub, based at Aston University They highlight that carbon-based chemicals cannot be decarbonised but can be defossilised They want a transition to renewable carbon sources such as biomass, recycled carbon, and carbon dioxide. Director of Supergen Bioenergy Hub, Professor Patricia Thornley Industry experts and university researchers have joined together to ask the government to address the climate impact of organic, carbon-based chemicals. While demand for fossil fuels as energy is expected to fall in the coming decades, the petrochemicals sector is set to grow significantly according to experts and is set out in a 2018 report by the International Energy Agency. Members of the Supergen Bioenergy Hub which is based at Aston University and the Biomass Biorefinery Network believe the issue has yet to receive proper attention and is calling for a strategy that addresses this key component of our greenhouse gas emissions. They want a move to a more circular economy, managing supply and demand levels and transitioning away from fossil feedstocks which are raw materials required for some industrial processes. In their paper Carbon for chemicals How can biomass contribute to the defossilisation of the chemicals sector? they highlight that carbon-based chemicals cannot be decarbonised but can be defossilised through a transition to renewable carbon sources such as biomass, recycled carbon and carbon dioxide. Many products in modern society contain carbon such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles, food additives, cosmetics, and cleaning products. These chemicals are derived from fossil feedstocks, so they are classed as petrochemicals. As a result, they contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Carbon is embedded in organic chemical products and released when they break down at end-of-life, for example through incineration. To address the emissions from carbon in chemicals and accelerate the development of bio-based chemicals, the group want a cross-party consensus to support a sustainable chemical system. Director of Supergen Bioenergy Hub, Professor Patricia Thornley, said: “We need to consider the UK’s future feedstock and chemicals production and use, and how it relates to net zero, agriculture, environment, economy, trade, and just transition policy objectives. There are opportunities here for the UK to lead the way on sustainable chemical production, but we need to carefully plan a roadmap for the transition, that delivers opportunities around jobs and the economy as well as sustainable greenhouse gas reductions. “There is a definite role for biomass here. But it is essential that any future use of biomass in the chemicals sector is underpinned by rigorous, trusted, and enforceable sustainability governance to build confidence, deliver sustainability benefits, and minimise negative impacts. That requires improvements in sustainability governance and regulation. “We think there are real economic and trade opportunities by the UK accelerating sustainable chemicals. At the moment bio-based chemicals, and chemicals derived from other renewable carbon sources, are not being expanded in the UK because there are no explicit incentives that prioritise them over fossil-based production.” The group argues that the UK has significant academic and industrial research expertise to underpin the development of sustainable bio-based products and could be a global leader in bio-based products and sustainability governance. They believe that to date little of this has manifested as UK-based scale-up and manufacturing, whilst there are numerous examples of UK-led research being scaled up elsewhere. The paper was delivered at a webinar on 7 August. Notes to Editors Carbon for chemicals How can biomass contribute to the defossilisation of the chemicals sector? https://www.supergen-bioenergy.net/output/carbon-for-chemicals-how-can-biomass-contribute-to-the-defossilisation-of-the-chemicals-sector-policy-briefing/ Author: Joanna Sparks (formerly Aston University) With contributions from: Cristiane Scaldaferri (formerly Aston University), Andrew Welfle (University of Manchester), Patricia Thornley (Aston University), Ashley Victoria (University of Leeds), Caspar Donnison (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory), Jason Hallett (Imperial College London), Nilay Shah (Imperial College London), Mirjam Rӧder (Aston University), Paul Mines (Biome Bioplastics), David Bott (Society of Chemical Industry), Adrian Higson (NNFCC), Neil Bruce (University of York) 2018 International Energy Agency report https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-petrochemicals https://www.supergen-bioenergy.net/ The Supergen Bioenergy Hub works with academia, industry, government, and societal stakeholders to develop sustainable bioenergy systems that support the UK’s transition to an affordable, resilient, low-carbon energy future. The Hub is funded jointly by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) under grant EP/Y016300/1 and is part of the wider Supergen Programme. www.bbnet-nibb.co.uk The Biomass Biorefinery Network (BBNet), a phase II Network in Industrial Biotechnology & Bioenergy funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC-NIBB) under grant BB/S009779/1. The aim of the Biomass Biorefinery Network is to act as a focal point to build and sustain a dynamic community of industrial and academic practitioners who work together to develop new and improved processes for the conversion of non-food biomass into sustainable fuels, chemicals and materials. About Aston University For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally. Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming the Guardian University of the Year in 2020. Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world. For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
The project is a collaboration between Aston University, the University of Sheffield and The Resolution Foundation The project aims to leverage new, big data to help understand regional economic disparities It is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Aston University, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield and The Resolution Foundation, has launched a significant research project to understand regional productivity and wage disparities in the UK. The project has received £300,000 in funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to uncover the factors driving economic imbalances using recent, big data. The research will analyse how various factors such as workers' education, location choices, business types and sizes and regional infrastructure contribute to wage and productivity differences over the past 20 years. The aim is to understand these differences and suggest practical solutions for national and local governments. Researchers will explore potential drivers of regional productivity gaps, including the clustering of highly skilled workers, regional industrial structures, and local endowments like transport links and housing availability. The findings will help identify effective policy measures to reduce these imbalances. This project also aims to demonstrate how data analysis can help understand regional economic disparities. By reducing start-up costs for future research, it will build a community focused on tackling spatial economic imbalances. Dr Anastasios Kitsos, a senior lecturer in economics at Aston Business School and principal investigator (PI) on the project, said: “This project will analyse the relative importance of productivity drivers using novel, granular data from linked administrative datasets covering workers, firms and localities in England since the 2000s. “This analysis will shed light into how much spatial productivity gaps can be explained by the characteristics of people, firms and places over time, and identify intrinsically more productive locations. “Understanding and addressing the root causes of the UK's severe spatial disparities in economic performance is crucial for fostering inclusive, regionally balanced growth and enhancing national productivity. This project aims to provide actionable insights and build a foundation for future research and policy development in this critical area. “The results will be shared in a comprehensive report detailing these influences over the past 20 years and offering policy recommendations for governments on skills, innovation, infrastructure, and local development strategies.”
National Institutes of Health award $1.827 million for research on collective cell migration
Priscilla Hwang, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, has received a National Institutes of Health grant for $1.827 million over five years. The award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences will support Hwang’s innovative research project “Dissecting mechanisms of collective migration” and provide mentorship for student researchers from the high school to graduate level. Collective migration, where groups of cells move together in a coordinated manner, is critical for the successful development of tissues and plays a vital role in wound healing, metastasis, and other biological processes. Dysregulation in collective migration is often linked to developmental abnormalities and disease progression. Despite its importance, the mechanics and mechanisms driving collective migration remain poorly understood. The project is organized around three primary goals: Investigate the effect of biomechanical cues to activate leader cells and directional collective migration: Understand how biomechanical signals activate leader cells to guide the migration of cell groups. Elucidate which and how leader cell mechanics are responsible for leader cell development: Identify the specific mechanical properties and behaviors that enable leader cells to emerge and lead the collective migration process. Examine the role of cell junctional forces in collective migration: Explore how the forces at cell contacts contribute to the overall migration and coordination among cells. Hwang will leverage her expertise in 3D microphysiological systems to study collective migration in dynamic, physiologically relevant environments. Her work aims to uncover the mechanisms by which leader cells sense and respond to mechanical forces in their environment, driving the collective migration of cells. “Our understanding of collective migration, especially the mechanics and mechanisms driving this phenomenon, is very limited,” Hwang said. “Our proposal will significantly accelerate our progress toward a comprehensive understanding of collective migration and lay the foundation for advancing treatment for developmental abnormalities or diseases.” The NIH grant will also expand student research and mentoring opportunities. “This Maximizing Investigators Research Award (MIRA) only goes to the most highly talented and promising investigators, and Dr. Hwang is most deserving,” said Rebecca L. Heise, Ph.D., Inez A. Caudill, Jr. Distinguished Professor and chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering . “The award will provide support for undergraduate and predoctoral research opportunities in this important area of fundamental research that has an impact on neonatal development, cancer, and fibrotic disease.” To ensure diverse perspectives are considered throughout the project, Hwang said students from diverse populations will be recruited, including underrepresented minorities, women, and first-generation college students. “Further, we will continue to share our passion for science with the community through developing hands-on outreach activities based on our research findings,” she added.
University of Delaware experts share insights and strategies for navigating the upcoming school year
The College of Education and Human Development in the University of Delaware has a number of stories and experts for the upcoming school year. Stories Bridging the language gap: How AWE software fosters inclusivity for English Language Learners and Non-English Language Learners alike Creating a mindful classroom: Tips for teachers on how to have a peaceful transition into the 2024-2025 school year Empowering Black and Latinx Boys in Their Postsecondary Journeys: The Role of School Communities UD assistant professor Eric Layland shares new research on LGBTQ+ developmental milestones and supporting LGBTQ+ youth University of Delaware assistant professor explores the tensions between hopes and expectations in vocational planning for autistic young adults Experts Allison Karpyn – an associate professor who can speak to topics related to hunger, obesity, school food, supermarket access, and food insecurity. She has spoken extensively about food in schools and can offer context to those subjects. Roderick Carey – an assistant professor whose current interdisciplinary research serves to make sense of the school experiences of black and Latino adolescent boys and young men in urban contexts. He can also talk about teacher education as it relates to men in the field/the impact of male teachers. To contact Karpyn or Carey, click their profiles. More experts... If you would like to pursue any of these stories or speak to any of the following experts, they are all willing and excited to chat. Contact mediarelations@udel.edu to speak to them. Eric Layland – an assistant professor who can speak about LGBTQ+ student experiences from a research perspective. His work bridges LGBTQ+ developmental research to community impact through developmentally-informed, affirmative interventions. Sarah Mallory – an assistant professor who specializes in special education with a special focus on autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also works within the Center for Disabilities Studies. Sarah Curtiss – an assistant professor who specializes in special education with a special focus on autistic youth. Brittany Zakszeski – an assistant professor and nationally certified school psychologist, licensed psychologist and behavior analyst. She focuses on student and teacher mental health and can comment on what concealed weapons carried by teachers can do for the mental wellbeing of both students and teachers. Lauren Bailes – an associate professor who focuses on the ways in which organizational, social-cognitive, and leadership theory unite to promote the success of school leaders and K-12 students. Bryan VanGronigen – an assistant professor who specializes in organizational resilience and change management in K-12 schools with specific interest areas in efforts to improve schools, the preparation and professional development of educational leaders and educational policy analyses. Lynsey Gibbons – an associate professor specializing in mathematics education, in teacher professional learning and school partnerships across content areas. Contact mediarelations@udel.edu to speak to these experts or for more information on the stories above.
With tremors in Japan - are we ready if an earthquake hits?
In an era where natural disasters are increasingly becoming a focal point of global concern, earthquake preparedness stands as a critical topic for public safety and resilience. With millions of lives and billions of dollars in infrastructure at risk, the importance of readiness cannot be overstated. This topic is not only timely due to recent seismic activities around the world but also due to its broader implications for disaster response, urban planning, and community resilience. Understanding and implementing effective earthquake preparedness measures can mitigate the devastating impact of these natural disasters, making it an essential subject for public discourse. Key story angles include: Advances in early warning systems: Explore how technology is improving early detection of earthquakes, potentially saving lives by giving communities crucial time to take protective actions. Urban planning and infrastructure resilience: Investigate how cities are adapting their infrastructure to withstand earthquakes, including the retrofitting of buildings and the development of earthquake-resistant structures. Community education and public awareness: Discuss the importance of community-based education programs in promoting earthquake preparedness, including drills, emergency kits, and public information campaigns. Government policies and disaster response: Analyze the role of government policies in disaster preparedness, focusing on how local, state, and federal agencies coordinate to prepare for and respond to earthquakes. The economic impact of earthquake preparedness: Examine the cost-benefit analysis of investing in earthquake preparedness, including the potential savings in terms of reduced damage and faster recovery. Global lessons and best practices: Compare earthquake preparedness strategies from different parts of the world, highlighting best practices that could be implemented in earthquake-prone regions globally. By delving into these angles, journalists can provide comprehensive coverage of earthquake preparedness, offering valuable insights that can help communities better protect themselves against the inevitable threat of seismic events. Connect with an expert about earthquake preparedness: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Chandler Cruttenden