Embryology

Simply Fertility Hornchurch IVF clinic ‘thrilled’ to be ranked in top three clinics in the UK | Health – Romford Recorder

PUBLISHED: 12:00 31 January 2020

April Roach

Simply Fertility's clinic in Westland Avenue, Hornchurch. Picture: Sarah Glew

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A Hornchurch IVF clinic has been named as the number one performing clinic across the south of England.

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The Simply Fertility clinic has a satellite branch in Westland Avenue, Hornchurch, has achieved a 40 per cent live birth success rate putting it in the top three clinics in the UK.

The UK's fertility watchdog, The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) recently published its first set of independent figures for Simply Fertility.

According to the fertility watchdog, Simply Fertility's 40pc success in live birth rate per embryo transferred for people under 30, is higher than the national average of 29pc.

Since opening its first clinic in 2017, Simply Fertility has been reporting each patient's outcome to the HFEA.

Sarah Walt, embryologist and centre manager at Simply Fertility, said: "The wait to independently confirm our success rates was tense - but the results have been worth it.

"We're thrilled to hear that our results rank us so highly.

"There is no greater joy or privilege for us than helping people to fulfil their dreams."

Simply Fertility aims to bring together an experienced team to use world-class techniques to give its patients the best possible chance of success.

All clinics must have a licence to operate and the HFEA inspectors visit the clinic to check the laboratory and equipment, the clinic's procedures and they ask patients for their views.

Following an inspection at Simply Fertility, the HFEA gave the clinic a five star rating in its report.

Inspectors stated in the report: "Fifty-two patients have provided feedback in the last 12 months, giving an average of a five star rating to the clinic.

"Several patients provided individual comments to the HFEA complimenting staff for being supportive, understanding and compassionate and praising the quality of the premises and treatment facilities at the centre."

The HFEA also regulates all fertility clinics in the UK and records all treatments and births.

It particularly looks at the number of births per embryo transferred.

This is important as part of its promotion of practices that minimise the chances of multiple births, which carry health risks for mothers and babies.

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Simply Fertility Hornchurch IVF clinic 'thrilled' to be ranked in top three clinics in the UK | Health - Romford Recorder

Immunology

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Immunology job with EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY | 195270 – Times Higher Education (THE)

Application closing date:10/02/2020Salary:33,797 (Grade 5)Package:Excellent benefits package

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Immunology - Full time, 18 month FTC

We have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow contributing to the project Cationic Host Defence Peptides (HDP) as Novel Therapeutic Antiviral Agents in Dengue Virus Infection.

The role

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on a project thatis funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education (RISTEKDIKTI) focused on HDP as novel therapeutic antiviral agents in Dengue virus infection.The project will focus on roles of HDP in Dengue infection in the context of the inflammatory response, together with assessing the therapeutic effects of these peptides, and their capacity for regulating autophagy and apoptosis in Dengue infection.

The project is led by Professor Peter Barlow at Edinburgh Napier University, and is a collaboration with the University of Indonesia and the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology in Jakarta. You will join a dynamic research group at Edinburgh Napier that has a broad interest in the mechanisms of pathogen-mediated inflammation. As part of the project the Fellow will also be expected to make 3-4 short visits to Jakarta performing experimental work and analysis. Additional costs for accommodation and living expenses for this portion of the project will be provided.

Your main responsibilities will be to design and perform the experimental work as outlined in the project award, utilising a variety of immunological and molecular techniques. You will be expected to contribute to the effective communication and publication of the findings in the scientific literature and at national and international scientific meetings and conferences.You will also be involved in the training of postgraduate research students.

Who we are looking for

You will have a PhD in Immunology, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Biomedical Sciences or other related discipline. You must also have a track record in immunological/infectious disease research, preferably viral infections, as evidenced by practical experience. Ideally, you will also have expertise in working with HDP, as well as epithelial models and murine models of infection. You must be highly motivated with excellent numerical skills together with excellent oral and written communication skills, and excellent project and time management skills.

For a detailed list of requirements, you can reach the full role profilehere

Please note that the successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK by the start of their employment. We are unable to sponsor any candidate for this role.

Benefits we offer

In return, we offer a great working environment where we support ambition, recognise achievement and offer an attractive benefits package. This includes a minimum of 46 days annual leave (includes bank holidays), a generous pension scheme, professional development opportunities, discounted access to onsite sports facilities and a wide range of other staff discounts.

Further information about our benefits can be foundhere

Salary: GBP 33,797 (Grade 5)

Additional Information

Application closing date: Monday 10 February 2020 (midnight GMT)Interviews will be held on: 19th FebruaryAnticipated start date: 1 April 2020

This role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Therefore, we cannot progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK. For further information on this, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

The University is committed to inclusion, demonstrated through our work in respect of our diversity awards and accreditations (Advance HE's Athena SWAN Charter) and hold Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status. More details can be foundhere

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Immunology job with EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY | 195270 - Times Higher Education (THE)

Immunology

New Study Further Supports the Benefits of SPIRIVA RESPIMAT in the Treatment of Asthma – BioSpace

RIDGEFIELD, Conn., Feb. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Boehringer Ingelheimtoday presented results from a new retrospective analysis of real-world data that showed patients prescribed Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium bromide) Inhalation Spray 1.25 mcg experienced fewer asthma-related exacerbations when Spiriva Respimat was added to a popular class of asthma treatments (combination inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-agonist (ICS+LABA)) vs. patients receiving an increased dose of ICS+LABA. This new retrospective analysis of data from nearly 8,000 adults and adolescents with asthma was presented today at the Western Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (WSAAI) 2020 Annual Scientific Session in Hawaii.

An asthma exacerbation, also known as an asthma attack, is characterized by coughing, wheezing, severe shortness of breath and chest tightness or pain. Symptoms can often be managed with prompt at-home therapy, but severe asthma exacerbations can become life-threatening and require emergency treatment.1

The study found that when adding Spiriva Respimat to ICS+LABA treatment, patients had fewer exacerbations and hospitalizations compared to those receiving an increased dose of ICS+LABA or continuing on high-dose of ICS+LABA, ultimately meeting the study's primary endpoint. Results also met the two secondary endpoints by showing:i

"Exacerbations are a common worry for those living with asthma. Their sudden onset can be alarming to patients and their caregivers, which is why we aim to prevent them with treatment," said Bradley Chipps, MD, Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy and the Cystic Fibrosis Center at the Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, California, who served as an investigator and co-author of the study. "Instead of increasing the dose of the ICS+LABA, healthcare providers should consider Spiriva Respimat as a treatment option that may lower the risk and occurrence of asthma exacerbations."

Approximately 25 million people in the U.S. are living with asthma, and in more than 60% of adults, the condition is uncontrolled. Uncontrolled asthma can impair lung function, increase risk of exacerbations, reduce quality of life, and is associated with higher health care resource utilization (HCRU) and costs.2,3,4

_________________________

iResults from real-world studies are not intended for comparisons with clinical trials. Real-world studies were observational trials. Difference in study designs, patient populations, outcomes definitions, and methods of collecting data make it difficult to make comparisons with clinical trials or with each other. Real-world data should be viewed as complementary information.

Important Safety Information

Do not use SPIRIVA RESPIMAT (tiotropium bromide) Inhalation Spray if you are allergic to tiotropium, ipratropium, atropine or similar drugs, or any ingredient in this medicine.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT is not a rescue medicine and should not be used for treating sudden breathing problems. Your doctor may give you other medicine to use for sudden breathing problems.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms can include raised red patches on your skin (hives), itching, rash and/or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking the medicine and seek emergency medical care.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT can cause your breathing to suddenly get worse (bronchospasm). If this happens, use your rescue inhaler, stop taking SPIRIVA RESPIMAT, and call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical care.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT can increase the pressure in your eyes (acute narrow-angle glaucoma), which can cause the following symptoms: eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos or colored images along with red eyes. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking your medicine and call your doctor right away.

Dizziness and blurred vision may occur with SPIRIVA RESPIMAT. If you experience these symptoms, use caution when engaging in activities such as driving a car, or operating appliances or machinery.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT can cause new or worsened urinary retention. Symptoms of blockage in your bladder and/or enlarged prostate may include difficulty passing urine and/or painful urination. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking your medicine and call your doctor right away.

The most common side effects with SPIRIVA RESPIMAT in adult patients with asthma were sore throat, headache, bronchitis, and sinus infection. The side effect profile for adolescent and pediatric patients was comparable to that observed in adult patients with asthma.

Do not spray SPIRIVA RESPIMAT into your eyes, as this may cause blurring of vision and pupil dilation.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including kidney problems, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, problems passing urine, or blockage in your bladder.

Tell your doctor all the medicines you take, including eye drops. Ask your doctor if you are taking any anticholinergic medicines because taking them together with SPIRIVA RESPIMAT can increase side effects.

Indication

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT, 1.25 mcg, is a long-term, once-daily, prescription maintenance treatment of asthma for people 6 years and older. SPIRIVA RESPIMAT is not a treatment for sudden asthma symptoms.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.FDA.gov/medwatchor call 1-800-FDA-1088.

About Boehringer IngelheimBoehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, Conn., is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation.

Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world's top 20 pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, the company operates globally with approximately 50,000 employees. Since its founding in 1885, the company has remained family-owned, and today our goal is to improve the lives of humans and animals through its three business areas: human pharmaceuticals, animal health and biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing.

Boehringer Ingelheim concentrates on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend patients' lives. As a research-driven pharmaceutical company, it plans in generations for long-term success. Its research efforts are focused on diseases with high, unmet medical need. In animal health, the company stands for advanced prevention.

In 2018, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of around $20.7 billion (17.5 billion euros). R&D expenditure of almost $3.7 billion (3.2 billion euros) corresponded to 18.1 per cent of net sales. Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to improving lives and strengthening our communities. Please visit http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.us/csr to learn more about Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

For more information, please visit http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.us, or follow us on Twitter @BoehringerUS.

Media Contact:

Chris WahlersBoehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.203-798-4375christopher.wahlers@boehringer-ingelheim.com

References

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-further-supports-the-benefits-of-spiriva-respimat-in-the-treatment-of-asthma-300996550.html

SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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New Study Further Supports the Benefits of SPIRIVA RESPIMAT in the Treatment of Asthma - BioSpace

Immunology

Editorial: How frightened should you be about the coronavirus? Just enough to dial up routine health precautio – Chicago Tribune

Were in a phase where a lot is unknown, and that makes it scary, and there might be a tendency to a strong reaction until more is learned, Mark Mulligan, director of NYU Langone Healths division of infectious diseases and immunology, told The Wall Street Journal. Its not a time for panic or overreaction but to follow the playbook.

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Editorial: How frightened should you be about the coronavirus? Just enough to dial up routine health precautio - Chicago Tribune

Immunology

IMIDomics and Gossamer Bio Enter into a Strategic Collaboration to Advance the Development of Novel Treatments for Patients with Immune-Mediated…

DetailsCategory: More NewsPublished on Monday, 03 February 2020 15:21Hits: 200

BARCELONA, Spain I February 03, 2020 I IMIDomics S.L. today announced they have entered into a strategic collaboration with Gossamer Bio, Inc., to advance the discovery and development of novel treatments to address patients with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMIDs). IMIDs affect large populations across the globe, are chronic and costly conditions, and affect patients in the prime of their lives. They constitute a broad class of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, in which dysregulation of the immune response leads to inflammatory pathophysiology and ultimately tissue destruction.

The collaboration will give Gossamers world-class immunology research and development team the ability to benefit from IMIDomics unique clinical and molecular patient database to ultimately inform product discovery and development strategy. The agreement allows Gossamer to select and collaborate with IMIDomics on multiple projects, the first project being in the field of inflammatory bowel disease.

We are thrilled to work with Gossamer towards our shared goal of advancing care for patients suffering from IMIDs, and are confident our platform will accelerate Gossamers efforts to deliver important medicines for patients in need, said Dr. Sara Marsal Barril, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of IMIDomics. Exquisite characterization of IMID patients is critical to the determination of accurate diagnoses and employment of effective treatments, as well as the elucidation of disease mechanisms and discovery of new, effective medicines.

We are very excited to collaborate with IMIDomics, who have assembled a unique and world-class platform for clinical and molecular profiling of IMID patients, biobanking and analytics, said Luisa Salter-Cid, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Gossamer. Their platform will drive a deeper understanding of IMID patients and disease biology, which we hope will inform our strategy for drug discovery and development. Together we have the opportunity to deliver on our common mission of improving patient lives.

About IMIDomics

IMIDomics provides critical insights for treating patients with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMIDs). IMIDomics comprehensive platform integrates access to a dynamic and high quality IMID patient biobank, corresponding curated clinical data, associated proprietary multiomics molecular data and world-class clinical expertise. The companys analytics platform extracts unique insights into disease biology and patient conditions through our proprietary interactive portal. IMIDomics unique capabilities result in novel insights that drive drug discovery and development, and guide precision treatment of patients. For more information, please visit http://www.imidomics.com.

SOURCE: IMIDomics

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IMIDomics and Gossamer Bio Enter into a Strategic Collaboration to Advance the Development of Novel Treatments for Patients with Immune-Mediated...

Immunology

Coronavirus or common cold? How to tell the difference – CIProud.com

Posted: Feb 3, 2020 / 11:02 AM CST / Updated: Feb 3, 2020 / 11:02 AM CST

DALLAS, Texas (NEXSTAR) With the coronavirus causing concerns across the globe, many people may be wondering if their seasonal symptoms are the common cold, flu or something more.

Symptoms for the viral infection include runny nose, headache, cough and fever. And yes, those are also the common symptoms of the flu.

According to a report in Canadas Global News, that creates difficulty for medical professionals. It may be challenging to weed out mild cases of coronavirus due to its similarities with the flu, said Allison McGeer, an infectious disease specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.

Every respiratory virus is the same you get a runny nose, a stuffy nose, a cough, sometimes a sore throat, all because the lining of your nose and throat are damaged. The symptoms are caused by that virus or bacteria damaging the cells of your respiratory tract. It doesnt matter what virus is causing it, McGreer told Global News.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shortness of breath, body aches and chills could be associated with more dangerous types of the coronavirus. In more extreme cases, the virus may cause pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney failure and death.

Symptoms of milder coronavirus cases can be somewhat indistinguishable from the flu, Eleanor Fish, an immunology professor at the University of Toronto, told Global News.

While there isnt a vaccine to prevent coronavirus, there is a diagnostic test that quickly detects the bug. There are research teams already hard at work to create a vaccine.

At this point, the experts say travel history plays the biggest role in determining whether you have flu or cold-like symptoms versus the coronavirus. If you havent traveled to Wuhan, China, youre likely in the clear.

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Coronavirus or common cold? How to tell the difference - CIProud.com

Immunology

Mechanism Cells May Use To Protect Themselves From Oxidative Damage Uncovered – Technology Networks

A Montana State University biotechnology researcher was part of an international team that recently discovered an internal mechanism which may protect human cells from oxidative damage. The discovery could lead to strides in understanding many problems associated with aging and some chronic illnesses.Ed Schmidt, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in MSU's colleges of Agriculture and Letters and Science, worked with research teams from Hungary, Sweden and Japan on the project. The mechanism, Schmidt said, is a previously unknown tool that cells can use to protect their proteins from being irreversibly damaged by cellular processes called redox reactions, which are common and necessary but which, in excess, can cause extensive damage.

"Redox reactions are any reaction where you're moving electrons from one molecule to another," said Schmidt. "Almost everything that goes on in our cells, chemically and energetically, involves the transfer of electrons. But it's critical that these be kept in balance. Our cells invest an enormous amount of effort and machinery into maintaining the right redox balance."

The discovery made by Schmidt's team focuses on sulfur atoms as part of protein molecules inside cells. When cells are exposed to external stressors from things humans eat, chemicals the cells are exposed to or any number of other sources that oxidative stress can damage parts of the proteins. It was previously thought that cells had no way to reverse that oxidation, instead relying upon making new proteins to replace the damaged ones. However, said Schmidt, it appears that our cells are sometimes able to protect themselves by adding an extra sulfur atom onto existing sulfurs in certain protein molecules. Then when the cell is exposed to stress, only that extra sulfur is damaged and can then be cleaved off by the cell, leaving behind a whole and undamaged protein.

"We suspect that once exposure begins, it's too late for the cell to do this," said Schmidt. "We think that cells have a subset of proteins already in this state with extra sulfur atoms, which makes them probably inactive, but kind of on reserve. These proteins on reserve get damaged but can be repaired and allow the cell to begin recovery to make new proteins."

Extreme oxidative damage can cause DNA mutations, said Schmidt. When those mutations accumulate, there is some evidence that points to an increased risk for cancers, inflammatory diseases and illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. This new discovery may help lead to future strides in medicine by helping to predict or even mitigate those health problems, if human cells can utilize this mechanism more efficiently, Schmidt said, adding that there are even potential applications for medical procedures such as organ transplants.

"During transplants, the organ goes through a period where it doesn't have any oxygen or blood flow, but once it is transplanted, it gets a rush of oxygenated blood that causes a burst of oxidative stress," said Schmidt. "Now that we're starting to understand these mechanisms, maybe we can do something more sophisticated to allow the cells in a transplanted organ to prepare and protect themselves."

Schmidt's research team, which is also a part of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, worked with four other teams that brought expertise in biological sulfur chemistry, redox biology, cell biology and cell signaling from around the world. Next steps in this research, Schmidt said, include investigating exactly how cells manage to add those extra sulfur molecules and how that process is regulated.

"It's possible that by understanding this system more, we could make progress," said Schmidt.

"Understanding some of these mechanisms allows us to come up with new ideas."ReferenceDka et al. (2020) Control of protein function through oxidation and reduction of persulfidated states. Science Advances. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax8358

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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Mechanism Cells May Use To Protect Themselves From Oxidative Damage Uncovered - Technology Networks

Biochemistry

Bahamas and iguanas | News – The Bulletin

Every other December, a handful of students visit the home of the San Salvador Rock Iguana with David McKenzie, biology professor, to experience field ecology. During the last trip, one of the iguanas was killed.

There are about five hundred left in the world, said Scott Romeiser, senior biochemistry major. They are endemic to San Salvador island, however none of them really live there; they live on caysThe feral dogs and cats have essentially killed them off. One of the feral dogs got into a breeding enclosure that was on campus, which is essentially two lives lost for what is a critically endangered species.

Romeiser was one of 13 students who participated in the ten-day course over winter break alongside McKenzie and Marshall Sundberg, biology professor.

I didnt think about it too much just seeing them straight out, said Calder Klink, senior biology major. It may seem a bit insensitive, but they were just another animal.

According to Klink and Romesier, the students were all instructed not to tamper with native wildlife, given how fragile some of the ecosystems are.

I really learned to appreciate and embrace the diversity of nature and that you dont have to go to the Bahamas to appreciate biodiversity, Romesier said. We saw this squid, and it inked so that was coolThe class really enriched that experience because we had to pay attention to what we were looking at, the ecology of the living things and how they all work together.

While it was Romesier and Klinks first trip to the Bahamas, it is a routine expedition for McKenzie.

The guy I took it over from, Dr. Dwight Moore, said that he had been teaching the course for over 20 years, McKenzie said. The class is called Tropical Field EcologyI love it. Its probably my favorite class to teach because you get to go out there and see the biology rather than just reading about it.

McKenzie said the class has existed for over 35 years and is something he is excited to continue given the diversity the islands have to offer.

The iguana is a subspecies of the green iguana, so that main island and a few of the cays are the only places on Earth youll find them, McKenzie said. There is a pupfish which is just a little fish that seems to be going through rapid evolution on the islandIts found nowhere else on Earth.

According to McKenzie, there are plenty of benefits to field work that students cant get at home.

I love not having the class be research-focused but instead focusing on the field learning and having them ask why they see what they do, McKenzie said. Its so different than any of the other classes we offerEach trip is different but there are so many unique chances for immersion that students of all backgrounds can prosper from that exposure.

The class is open to all students who can afford the approximately $2,000 it costs to attend. Interested students should contact McKenzie ahead of time to get their spots for the 2021 trip at dmckenz1@emporia.edu.

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Bahamas and iguanas | News - The Bulletin

Biochemistry

Registration Opens For NSPC Health Science Competition – Long Island Weekly News

Registration for the second Neurological Surgery P.C. Health Science Competition (NSPC HSC), a program of the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL), is now open at http://www.cstl.org/nspc. Last year the competition drew teams from 38 Long Island high schools, and 50 prize winners shared $80,000 in score-based awards.

Created to foster interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, applications for the 2020 competition must be received by no later than 12 p.m. on April 30. A $25 non-refundable registration fee per team applies to all entries. The NSPC HSC is available exclusively to high school teams in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The competitions finals will be held on Wednesday, May 27.

Health and science careers are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that health care-related occupations are expected to generate 2.3 million new jobs through 2024, representing faster employment growth than any other industry.

As leaders in the medical profession, we must focus on inspiring and motivating young people to take interest in STEM education and pursue careers in health and science, Michael H. Brisman, an attending neurosurgeon and CEO of Neurological Surgery, P.C., said. This is especially important with the high demand for health care and medical science positions, locally and nationally.

Student teams will be judged in one of five categories, including behavioral sciences; biology, medicine/health; biology, microbiology/genetics; health-related biochemistry/biophysics; as well as bioengineering, computational biology.

The five first-place winners in last years competition were Feyi Rufai, of Roslyn High School, in the behavioral sciences category; Alessi Demir, of Manhasset High School, in the biology: medicine/health category; Michael Lawes, of Elmont Memorial High School, in the biology: microbiology/genetics category; Jason Sitt, of Lynbrook Senior High School, in the health-related biochemistry and biophysics category and Christopher Lu, of Great Neck North High School, in the bioengineering and computational biology category.

Each winner received a $5,500 prize. The exact breakdown of prizes can be found at http://www.cstl.org/nspc/hsc-prizes.

The young people who were part of the first competition were brilliant and inspiring, Brisman said. Their understanding of medicine and health-related subjects was impressive. These students are exactly what we need to address the high demand of STEM, health science and health care-related jobs here on Long Island and across the nation. I believe the 2020 competition will further motivate both those who participate and others.

For more information about the NSPC Health Science Competition (NSPC HSC), competition rules and deadlines, visit http://www.cstl.org/nspc or call 516-764-0045.

Submitted by the Center for Science Teaching and Learning

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Registration Opens For NSPC Health Science Competition - Long Island Weekly News

Biochemistry

Artist Creates Series of Paintings Inspired By Her Chronic Migraines – My Modern Met

Boston-based artist Bethany Nol Murray has found a way to channel her migraines into painting. The series, entitled Migraines in Nature, explores the sensory overload that accompanies the condition, including the ocular disturbances called auras. By viewing these kaleidoscopic landscapesdistorted by migrainesthe artist hopes people will find unexpected joy in the natural world around them.

Before pursuing art, Murray studied biochemistry at Reed College for two years. Afterward, she transferred to the Rhode Island School of Design and graduated with a BFA in Painting. It was there that the artist began to merge her interest in her own headache disorder with her creative work. I have had chronic migraines for over twenty years of my life, Murray says. I began making paintings to show the incredible beauty that accompanies this strange neurological condition, as I have always been fascinated at the neurobiology behind the imagery I see. Most of the paintings in the series are based in heavily wooded forests, which the artist explains is often a refuge for her to avoid strong light. To illustrate her visual symptoms of auras, macroscopia, and microscopia, Murray distorts the landscapes with expressive waves, large areas of fractured color, and bursts of white light.

The artist describes the series of paintings as having an Alice in Wonderland feeling to them. Each forest scene shows a world of magnified color, which borders on fantasy. To achieve this, Murray works with white and black gessousing the black of the canvas to be the shadow, and adding the light in a swirling, patterning effect that mimics the aura I see all the time. This heavy contrast makes each piece from the series stand out as a unique visual encounter.My paintings have been proof to myself of what I experience during an attack, and despite the pain, Ive made the choice to see the good, weird, and beautiful, says Murray.

To keep up to date with the artists latest creations, including upcoming exhibitions, you can follow her on Instagram.

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Artist Creates Series of Paintings Inspired By Her Chronic Migraines - My Modern Met