Neuroscience

Micron-thick NET probes help record neuronal activity in different parts of the brain – News-Medical.Net

Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc.Sep 15 2020

Rice University engineers will gain a better understanding of brain activity over time with the support of the National Institutes of Health.

The agency has awarded a four-year grant of $4.15 million to Chong Xie of the Brown School of Engineering's Neuroengineering Initiative to maximize the use of devices based on the flexible nanoelectronic thread (NET) he has developed. The information they gather could be critical to the future treatment of neurological disease.

The biocompatible probes have the unique ability to stably record electrical information from individual neurons.

They will be designed to record neuronal activity in different parts of the brain to help researchers understand complex, three-dimensional patterns that occur on a millisecond time scale but evolve over days, months and years.

Xie said current probes are often rigid electrodes that lack the necessary lifetimes to collect dynamic information over the long term and are ill-suited to use with imaging techniques.

Micron-thick NET probes, each with 128 contacts, can be implanted in various regions of the brain by attaching them to more rigid tungsten wires of the same size with a water-soluble adhesive. When the glue melts, the wires are withdrawn, leaving the probes in place.

"In order to do this at a large scale so we can analyze neural dynamics, we do need to get closer to the scale, to a certain extent, of the nervous system, which we know is huge," said Xie, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and of bioengineering who joined Rice this year.

"This project is designed to extend the current spatiotemporal scales we have in neuroscience studies by making smaller and more flexible electrodes and with longer-lasting recording capabilities," he said. "We've also engaged a neuroscientist in this project -- co-principal investigator Loren Frank of the University of California, San Francisco -- so we have direct knowledge of what these scientists need."

The probes enabled a study published earlier this year by his collaborator, Lan Luan, who used the technology to discover that blood flow recovers faster than the brain in microscopic strokes. In that study, NET probes were combined with optical lines that measured blood flow by laser speckle patterns for as long as eight weeks.

Our electrodes in that study were really limited to just a few dozen. But with the new technology development, we're hoping to be able to test these bi-model types of measurements with larger-scale recordings in different regions of the brain."

Lan Luan, Study Co-Investigator and Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University

The researchers plan to optimize NET probes to gather high-density information in animal models for various brain regions and species.

The current technology is just a start, according to Xie. "We have parallel efforts to design electrodes that may eventually be used in humans," he said.

Alex Huk of the University of Texas at Austin and Mattias Karlsson at SpikeGadgets Inc. are also co-investigators on the project. The grant is being administered by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Source:

Journal reference:

He, F., et al. (2020) Multimodal mapping of neural activity and cerebral blood flow reveals long-lasting neurovascular dissociations after small-scale strokes. Science Advances. doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aba1933.

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Micron-thick NET probes help record neuronal activity in different parts of the brain - News-Medical.Net

Neuroscience

Restraint and seclusion regulations are finalized. Now it’s time to prohibit their use. – Virginia Mercury

By Beth Tolley

On Aug. 22, regulations on the use of seclusion and restraint in public elementary and secondary schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia were finalized, with an implementation date of Jan. 1. Virginia now has regulations that legitimize practices that are ineffective, cruel and harmful.

For those unfamiliar with restraint and seclusion, here are the definitions:

Restraint is a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move his or her torso, arms, legs, or head freely. Seclusion is the involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room or area from which the student is physically prevented from leaving.

These regulations make it perfectly acceptable to restrain or seclude students if the requirements set forth in the regulations are met. Five years in the making, advocates were sharply divided about making comments during the 30-day public comment period prior to finalization. Those who had worked so hard to get regulations in place feared that they would be delayed or derailed by comments. Other advocates felt that the regulations didnt provide enough protection to make a substantial impact.

In the end there were no comments submitted. Many advocates recognized the futility of comments that would be addressed by the same agency (Virginia Department of Education) that ignored 123 public comments last year. Both groups of advocates agreed that there were serious flaws in the regulations which would likely not be fixed through additional revisions; legislation with the force of law rather than regulations is necessary.

During the past 20 years, studies have been done by federal agencies, professional organizations and national research institutions. The research indicates that use of these procedures does not keep students and teachers safer, it in fact makes them less safe. Physical injuries up to and including death have occurred. Restraint and seclusion have no therapeutic or educational value. They are traumatizing for the students subjected to these procedures, to the adults administering them and to the children and adults observing their use.

Restraint and seclusion are used in general education and special education schools and settings. They are used in schools where students behaviors are framed as choices, where school cultures emphasize compliance, but school leaders and staff do not differentiate between voluntary and involuntary stress (fight, flight, freeze) behaviors. Failing to differentiate between voluntary and involuntary behaviors results in punishment of students when they need support and compassion.

One of the most important findings from brain, trauma, neuroscience and attachment research during the past 30 years is the recognition of the role unconscious detection of danger, stress and fear play in disruptive behaviors. Unconscious detection of real or perceived danger by the brains regulatory systems shift the brain state to survival mode, setting off a flight, fight or freeze response.

These stress responses are neither voluntary or responsive to a system of rewards and consequences, features all too common in school behavior management systems. The brains of children with trauma histories, mental health concerns, neurodiversity and/or developmental delays are highly sensitized to cues of danger. The lack of differentiation between voluntary behaviors and stress responses may be the biggest factor in the huge disproportionality of students with disabilities who are restrained and secluded.

Use of restraint and seclusion reflect a culture that has not moved into the 21st century, a culture and mindset that holds students accountable for fear-based non-volitional behaviors. Furthermore, schools that use these procedures most likely do not recognize the role of the adults in creating or escalating students fear and subsequent stress responses. As Ron Garrison, former special education teacher and legal expert states, we have to remember that restraint and seclusion are not legitimate interventions; they are forms of torture. They specifically destroy what you need to be building up: safety, trusting relationships and autonomy.

It is incumbent upon teacher and administrator organizations, as well as state departments of education to prioritize education of all educational personnel in the areas of brain development including the impact of toxic stress and trauma; trauma and resilience; state dependent functioning; regulation; emotional contagion; power differentials; and true preventative activities (co-regulation; rhythmic repetitive regulatory activities throughout each day, student/teacher collaborative and proactive solutions).

Educational leaders must advocate for school cultures that embrace and support all children, no matter their race, culture, ability or disability. Schools that have changed their culture and practices to reflect an understanding of the current neuroscience, brain development, child development and trauma science have eliminated the use of restraint and seclusion. And not only has this led to environments that are safer for students and teachers, it has resulted in positive academic results.

It is past time to adopt the Civil Rights Principles for Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive School Climates endorsed by 60 organizations and the 2020 American Bar Association resolution prohibiting the use of restraint and seclusion on students in preschool, primary school, and secondary school.We can and must do better for all our students, teachers and families.

Beth Tolley is the director of educational strategy for theAlliance Against Seclusion and Restraint.She retired from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health two years ago, where she was the team leader for monitoring and supervision for the Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia. She lives in Henrico.

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Restraint and seclusion regulations are finalized. Now it's time to prohibit their use. - Virginia Mercury

Genetics

Unraveling the Impact of Lifestyle, Genetics on MS – AJMC.com Managed Markets Network

Obesity and metabolic syndrome

Adiposity obesity, particularly when it begins in childhood and late adolescence, was identified as leading to a 2-fold risk of developing MS in one study, according to Ruth Ann Marrie, MD, PhD, FRCPC, director of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at the University of Manitoba. Central obesity, or visceral adipose fatty deposits in the abdominal area, is a key component of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of abnormalities that includes hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance and is linked to a higher risk of cardiac disease and diabetes.

In the Nurses Health Study, which examined risk factors for chronic disease, women with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more had a 2-fold increased risk of subsequently developing MS. And a study using data from the Copenhagen School Health Records Register found that children aged 7 to 13 years with a BMI equivalent to 30 in adults had an increased risk of developing MS later in life.

Obesity is more common even before MS diagnosis, Marrie said. In an effort to look at other aspects of metabolic syndrome, researchers used Canadian claims data of about 20,000 individuals with newly diagnosed MS and found that by the time of diagnosis, more than 15% had hypertension and nearly 10% had dyslipidemia.

There is also evidence that obesity and components of metabolic syndrome are associated with longer diagnostic delays, greater disability at diagnosis, as well as an increased relapse rate and accelerated disability progression. One key question she said, is whether treating metabolic syndrome might improve MS outcomes and multiple sclerosis.

In one small, nonrandomized cohort study of 50 individuals with MS, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, they were treated either with metformin or pioglitazone, or they declined treatment.

Before treatment, researchers measured the number of newer enlarging T2 lesions in the 24-month period before intervention as well as gadolinium-enhancing lesions; all 3 groups looked similar.

After treatment with either metformin or pioglitazone, the number of newer T2 lesions as well as gadolinium-enhancing lesions dropped over 24 months. Patients who declined treatment did not see a decrease.

I think the growing body of evidence suggests that clinical trials are needed to really test whether treating obesity and metabolic syndrome may improve outcomes in MS and to test whether we need to be using different strategies for managing disease-modifying therapy, including dosing in individuals who are obese or extremely obese with multiple sclerosis, Marrie said.

Smoking and genetics

Another presentation focused on the interactions between modifiable risk factorsnamely smokingand genetics.

People with a genetic susceptibility to the disease may be at a substantially increased risk of developing MS if youre exposed to certain environmental factors, said Anna Hedstrm, MD, PhD, from the Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience.

Smoking and the chemicals from tobacco creates a cascade of problems, including systemic inflammation, local inflammation in the lungs, oxidative stress, damaged neural tissue, and epigenetic changes.

Smoking increases the risk of MS by about 50%, she said, with men more affected than women; in addition, there is also a dose response relationship between the accumulated dose of smoking and the risk of developing the disease.

In 2005, the Karolinska Institute began a study called the Epidemiological Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis, which uses the countrys national MS registry. As an ongoing study, it now includes 9000 cases and 12,000 matched controls.

In 2011, Hedstrm and colleagues published a study that found a significant interaction between 2 genetic risk factors and smoking: HL ADRB1*15, the key genetic risk factor for MS, and HLA A*02, the absence of which carries a reduced risk of MS. The research looked at the interaction of these genes in both smokers and non-smokes.

Smokers with both genes had an odds ratio (OR) of 13.5 (8.1-22.6) for MS, compared with nonsmokers with the same makeup.

Compared with non-smokers with neither of the genetic risk factors, the OR for smokers without genetic risk was 1.4 (0.9-2.1); the OR for non-smokers with both genetic risk factors was 4.9 (3.6-6.6).

Among those with both genetic risk factors, smoking increased the risk by a factor of 2.8 in comparison with a factor of 1.4 among those without the genetic risk factors.

Passive smoking (ie, never smokers exposed to second-hand smoke) also increases MS risk (OR 1.3-1.6) and the risk increases along with the length of exposure, she said.

Similarly, exposure to organic solvents, she said, also raises the rise of MS in people with the same genetic profile.

MS and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection

No virus has been discovered as a cause of MS, but the hypothesis that a virus may be involved in MS has been around for some time, said Kassandra Munger, ScD, of the Department of Nutrition in the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. Current knowledge, she said, points to Epstein-Barr.

From environmental risk factor perspective, MS is likely a rare complication of Epstein-Barr virus infection, with risk further modified by inadequate vitamin D levels, being overweight or obese in early life and cigarette smoking, she said.

Early studies attempting to look at the issue through antibody testing could not determine if EBV infection proceeded MS or if it was a complication.

Using blood samples collected by the Department of Defense of US military members, Munger and colleagues found preliminary evidence that EBV infection does happen before MS. They identified 305 MS cases and 610 matched controls. In cases where serum samples were collected before the onset of MS symptoms and measured EBV titers, they found that 38 were EBV negative at the time they went on active duty. During follow up, up until MS onset, 20 of the 38 became EBV positive. Eighteen remained EBV negative and did not develop MS.

This is a preliminary finding that needs to be replicated in a larger study, she said.

References

Hedstrm AK, Sundqvist E,Brnhielm M,et al. Smoking and two human leukocyte antigen genes interact to increase the risk for multiple sclerosis. Brain.2011;134(3):653-64.doi:10.1093/brain/awq371

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Unraveling the Impact of Lifestyle, Genetics on MS - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network

Genetics

When ‘bones and stones’ are not enough: Genetics fills in the blanks in the story of human evolution – Genetic Literacy Project

In recent years, a field that has traditionally relied on fossil discoveries has acquired helpful new tools: genomics and ancient DNA techniques. Armed with this combination of approaches, researchers have begun to excavate our species early evolution, hinting at a far more complex past than was previously appreciatedone rich in diversity, migration, and possibly even interbreeding with other hominin species in Africa.

To piece together that story, we need information from multiple different fields of study, remarks Eleanor Scerri, an archaeologist at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in Jena, Germany. No single one is really going to have all the answersnot genetics, not archaeology, not the fossils, because all of these areas have challenges and limitations.

[I]t was the advent of genetic research that showed unequivocally that populations outside of Africa descended from a single population in Africa. But the story had a twist: intwogroundbreakingstudiespublished in 2014, researchers compared ancient DNA extracted from Neanderthal bones and compared it with modern-day people, and found that 2 percent of the average European genome is Neanderthal in origin. Our species originated in Africa, but interbred with hominins outside of it.

These findings, and many since, have highlighted the power of genetics in resolving questions about human ancestry that fossils alone cannot.

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When 'bones and stones' are not enough: Genetics fills in the blanks in the story of human evolution - Genetic Literacy Project

Genetics

Viewpoint: Genetics is revolutionizing baby making and what it means to be a family – Genetic Literacy Project

Humans are reproducing in ways that would have been truly unimaginable just several decades ago: Two men and a surrogate. Two women and a sperm donor. An older woman using genetic material from a much younger egg.

Each turn of the technological screw has been generated by the same profound impulse to allow people to conceive babies they desperately want and to build families with those they love. Each development has, in many ways, been deeply conservative, intended to extend or re-create lifes most basic process of production. But as these technologies have expanded and evolved, their impact has become far more revolutionary; theyve forced us to reconceptualize just what a family means.

If the techniques of [in vitro gametogenesis] prove feasible, therefore, would-be families could theoretically begin by creating their own gametes. A single woman, for example, might mix her egg with sperm fashioned from the genetic material of her two best male friends; the resulting child would have three genetic parents. Or she might mate her egg with a carefully selected donor sperm, using genetic testing to eliminate any risk of the cystic fibrosis that runs in her own family. Stem cells derived from the resulting embryo could then yield a next-generation egg to be paired with her best friends similarly well-conceived sperm, yielding a child with four parents. And so on. The implications are enormous.

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Viewpoint: Genetics is revolutionizing baby making and what it means to be a family - Genetic Literacy Project

Genetics

Fulgent Genetics to Provide COVID-19 Testing Solutions for the State of Utah – GlobeNewswire

TEMPLE CITY, Calif., Sept. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fulgent Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLGT) (Fulgent Genetics or the company), a technology company providing comprehensive testing solutions through its scalable technology platform, today announced a new partnership with the State of Utah for COVID-19 testing.

Through a competitive bidding process, the Utah Department of Health selected Fulgent Genetics to utilize the companys FDA EUA-approved RT-PCR test for its Test Utah COVID-19 testing initiative. This initiative was developed to increase availability of COVID-19 testing solutions for residents across the state of Utah to help stem the spread of COVID-19. Fulgents RT-PCR test is being administered at a number of fixed sites and mobile units in select counties across the state, with the potential to expand as the program grows. Samples are collected on-site and processed at Fulgents lab in Temple City, California and results are delivered to patients within an average of 24 hours of sample receipt.

We are pleased to be selected as a partner by the Utah Department of Health for their Test Utah initiative, which is making COVID-19 testing more readily available for residents of Utah, commented Brandon Perthuis, Chief Commercial Officer of Fulgent Genetics. The State of Utah joins the growing list of municipalities, healthcare providers and organizations that have selected Fulgents RT-PCR test for their COVID-19 testing needs. Our rapid turnaround time, reliable testing solutions combined with our user-friendly platforms and applications continue to be reasons why Fulgent is selected as a testing partner in these competitive situations.

As we look to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives across the state of Utah, we are pleased to be working with Fulgent Genetics as part of our Test Utah initiative to offer our residents a convenient and reliable testing solution for COVID-19, said Utah Governor Gary Herbert. The goal of our Test Utah initiative is to dramatically increase the rate of COVID-19 testing in the state so residents can have better access to testing and help stem the spread of COVID-19, so we can get back to normal as quickly as possible. We are thankful to have Fulgent as a partner to offer reliable and timely COVID-19 testing solutions.

For more information on the State of Utahs Test Utah program, please visit http://www.testutah.com.

About Fulgent Genetics

Fulgent Genetics proprietary technology platform has created a broad, flexible test menu and the ability to continually expand and improve its proprietary genetic reference library while maintaining accessible pricing, high accuracy and competitive turnaround times. Combining next generation sequencing (NGS) with its technology platform, the company performs full-gene sequencing with deletion/duplication analysis in an array of panels that can be tailored to meet specific customer needs. In 2019, the company launched its first patient-initiated product, Picture Genetics, a new line of at-home screening tests that combines the companys advanced NGS solutions with actionable results and genetic counseling options for individuals. Since March 2020, the company has commercially launched several tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including NGS and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) - based tests. The company has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the RT-PCR-based tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using upper respiratory specimens (nasal, nasopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal swabs) and for the at-home testing service through Picture Genetics. A cornerstone of the companys business is its ability to provide expansive options and flexibility for all clients unique testing needs through a comprehensive technology offering including cloud computing, pipeline services, record management, web portal services, clinical workflow, sequencing as a service and automated lab services.

About Picture Genetics

Through its Picture Genetics platform launched in 2019, Fulgent Genetics offers consumers direct access to its advanced genetic testing and analytics capabilities from the ease and comfort of home, at an affordable price point. The Picture Genetics platform provides a holistic approach to at-home genetic screening by including oversight from independent physicians as well as genetic counseling options to complement Fulgent Genetics comprehensive genetic testing analysis. The Picture Genetics platform currently offers multiple tests, providing medically actionable, clinical-level results with professional medical follow-up in one easy process. Visit http://www.picturegenetics.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about, among other things: managements beliefs, judgments and estimates regarding Fulgents testing solutions, including its technology platforms and RT-PCR testing solution; the companys identification and evaluation of opportunities and its ability to capitalize on opportunities to grow its business; and its expected lab capacity and results turnaround times.

Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and relate to future events or circumstances or the companys future performance, and they are based on managements current assumptions, expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on the companys business. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause the forward-looking events and circumstances described in this press release to not occur, and actual results to differ materially and adversely from those described in or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the preventive public health measures that may continue to impact demand for its tests and the pandemics effects on the global supply chain; the market potential for, and the rate and degree of market adoption of, the companys tests, including its newly-developed tests for COVID-19 and genetic testing generally; the companys ability to capture a sizable share of the developing market for genetic and COVID-19 testing and to compete successfully in these markets, including its ability to continue to develop new tests that are attractive to its various customer markets, its ability to maintain turnaround times and otherwise keep pace with rapidly changing technology; the companys ability to maintain the low internal costs of its business model, particularly as the company makes investments across its business; the companys ability to maintain an acceptable margin on sales of its tests, particularly in light of increasing competitive pressures and other factors that may continue to reduce the companys sale prices for and margins on its tests; risks related to volatility in the companys results, which can fluctuate significantly from period to period; risks associated with the composition of the companys customer base, which can fluctuate from period to period and can be comprised of a small number of customers that account for a significant portion of the companys revenue; the companys ability to grow and diversify its customer base and increase demand from existing and new customers; the companys investments in its infrastructure, including its sales organization and operational capabilities, and the extent to which these investments impact the companys business and performance and enable it to manage any growth it may experience in future periods; the companys level of success in obtaining coverage and adequate reimbursement and collectability levels from third-party payors for its tests; the companys level of success in establishing and obtaining the intended benefits from partnerships, joint ventures or other relationships; the companys compliance with the various evolving and complex laws and regulations applicable to its business and its industry; risks associated with the companys international operations; the companys ability to protect its proprietary technology platform; and general industry, economic, political and market conditions. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, forward-looking statements should not be relied on or viewed as predictions of future events.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and the company assumes no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or to changes in expectations, except as otherwise required by law.

The companys reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on March 13, 2020 and the other reports it files from time to time, including subsequently filed quarterly and current reports, are made available on the companys website upon their filing with the SEC. These reports contain more information about the company, its business and the risks affecting its business.

Investor Relations Contact:The Blueshirt GroupNicole Borsje, 415-217-2633; nborsje@blueshirtgroup.com

Media Contact:The Blueshirt GroupJeff Fox, 415-828-8298, jeff@blueshirtgroup.com

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Genetics

Craving the Sun? Twin Study Finds It May Be Genetic – MedicalResearch.com

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr Mario FalchiHead of Bioinformatics for the School of Life Course SciencesDepartment of Twin Research & Genetic EpidemiologyKings College London

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: The relationship between sun exposure and health is a double-edged sword, on one side there is the beneficial effect of vitamin D production and on the other the increased risk of skin cancer, depending on length and frequency of exposure, and on the individual skin type.

Despite public health campaigns, changing sun-seeking behaviour seems to be challenging for some people, even for those with a familial or personal history of skin cancer. Previous investigations have suggested that exposure to UV could be addictive.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: We investigated the sun seeking behaviour of 2,500 twins from the TwinsUK cohort, finding that identical twins tend to share a more similar attitude towards sun exposure compared to fraternal twins. Sun seeking seems to be heritable and significantly influenced by genetics. To identify the genes involved, we performed a genome-wide association study of sun seeking behaviour in 260,000 volunteers from the UK Biobank and the US Nurses Health Studies and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, which highlighted five significantly-associated genetic loci. These loci are enriched for genes expressed in the central nervous system, and that have been previously associated with behavioural traits, cognitive function, and addiction. Interestingly, one of these genes has also recently been associated with vitamin D levels

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Sun seeking behaviour is influenced by genes involved in neuropsychological traits and addiction. This should be taken into account to improve the efficiency of public health campaigns aimed at reducing sun exposure and incidence of skin cancer.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Further investigations aimed at understanding the mechanisms of addiction more generally, and the biological pathways involved will help in identifying potential drug targets to tackle and help controlling a number of risky behaviours that have a negative impact on public health.

Citation:

Sanna Marianna, Li Xin, Visconti Alessia, Freidin Maxim B, Sacco Chiara, Ribero Simone, Hysi Pirro, Bataille Veronique, Han Jiali, Falchi Mario.Looking for Sunshine: Genetic Predisposition to Sun-Seeking in 265,000 Individuals of European Ancestry.Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2020; DOI:10.1016/j.jid.2020.08.014

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Last Modified: Sep 14, 2020 @ 11:12 am

The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website.

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Embryology

Last post: long-lost letter returned to recipient after 23 years in university library – The First News

Jagienka Apolinarska and the letter she found. Uniwersytet Wrocawski/Facebook

A letter from a grandfather to his granddaughter, tucked away in an embryology textbook 23 years ago, has been returned to its owner after it was discovered by a Wrocaw University student.

Jagienka Apolinarska, a third-year student of biology, discovered the long-lost letter as she worked on her degree.

The book where the letter remained hidden for decades.Uniwersytet Wrocawski/Facebook

I found the letter in The Fundamentals of Animal Embryology textbook, which I was using to prepare for my bachelor thesis defence, she said. Among the pages I found a folded paper which, due to my female curiosity, I decided to open. It turned out to be a very moving letter from a grandfather to a beloved granddaughter.

The diligent student informed her university hoping to find the letters owner. It took only 11 hours after posting information about it on social media for Magdalena Nowosielska from Elblg to claim it.

It turned out to be a very moving letter from a grandfather to a beloved granddaughter, says Jagienka.Uniwersytet Wrocawski/Facebook

In 1997, I was a first-year student of the Veterinary Department at the Agricultural Academy in Wrocaw, today part of Wrocaw University, Nowosielska wrote on Facebook. It seems I had to put more effort into embryology than the younger generations in the following years, since the letter was found only after 23 years.

The letter was written by Magdalenas grandfather Zdzisaw, who has sadly passed away. The dotting grandparent was sending his love, some sweets, and vitamins since Nowosielska wouldnt be able to make it home for Christmas that year.

The sender of the letter is now dead.Uniwersytet Wrocawski/Facebook

I took my exam in histology and embryology with Professor Kuryszka at the beginning of September of that memorable year when Wrocaw experienced the great flood. Back, then most of the city was underwater. It reached even the second or third floors, she reminisced.

The trip along memory lane will be reinforced by receiving the precious souvenir.

Magdalena Nowosielska: reunited with the letter after 23 years.Magdalena Nowosielska/Facebook

I was already in touch with Ms. Magdalena. She was very touched by the news that her letter was discovered. She had used it as a bookmark while she was studying for an exam, added Jagienka. She will be sending, or re-sending, the letter to its proper recipient in the coming days. To add to the good news, the helpful student managed to defend her thesis in the meantime, earning top marks.

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Last post: long-lost letter returned to recipient after 23 years in university library - The First News

Embryology

The Sperm Bank market to Undergo positive Transformation between 2015 and 2021 – The Daily Chronicle

Sperm bank is a specialized organization, that collects and stores the sperms collected from human sperm donors for the provision to women who need such sperm to have a pregnancy. Sperm bank also known as cryobank or semen bank, and sperms donated in the bank are known as donor sperm, whereas the process of sperm insertion is known as artificial insemination. It is notable that the pregnancy achieved by using sperms in the sperm bank is similar to natural pregnancy, achieved by sexual intercourse.

The major mechanism involved in the operation of sperm bank underlies the provision of sperms, donated by sperm donors, to the needy women, who, due to various reasons, such as, physiological problems, widow, age and others, are not able to achieve pregnancy. Sperm bank forms the formal contract with sperm donors, usually for the period of 6-24 months, during which he has to produce sperms and donate to the bank. Usually, monetary compensation will be offered to sperm donors. Although, a donor can donate his sperms for more than two years, but, due to laws and regulations of various countries and a potential threat of consanguinity, a contract is made for maximum two years only. A donor produces his sperms in a specialized room, called mens production room. From this, the semen fluid is washed, in order to extract the sperms from other materials present in the semen. In case of frozen storage, a cryoprotectant semen extender is added in the sample. Usually, around 20 vials can be extracted from one sample of semen, collected from a sperm donor. These vials are stored in cryogenically preserved condition, in the liquid nitrogen (N2) tanks. Usually, sperms are stored for the period of around 6 months. However, it can be stored for a longer period of time.

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The services offered by sperm bank includes provision of sperms, donors selection, guiding recipient for selection of donor, sex selection of baby, and sales of sperms. Although, sperm banks play a major role in the women who are not able to achieve pregnancy, due to some controversial issues, such as, use of sperms by lesbian couples and others, government healthcare bodies of various countries imposed strict regulations on the sperm bank. In the U.S., sperm banks are regulated by FDA, and treated as Human Cell or Human Tissue or Human Cell and Tissue (HCT/Ps), in the European Union, it is been regulated by EU Tissue Directive, whereas, in the U.K., it is regulated by Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority.

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The global market for sperm banks is expected to increase in steady manner in the forecast period, due to market growth propellers, such as, increased prevalence of women miscarriage, technological innovations in the sperm storage industry, and growing awareness towards this type of pregnancy. Increased miscarriage rate is one of the major drivers that fuels market growth. According to the study report published by HopeXchange, out of 4.4 million pregnancies carried every year in the U.S., around 1 million pregnancies result into miscarriage. Similarly, due to growing concerns towards such pregnancy that achieved without sexual intercourse is also an important market growth propeller. On the other hand, various governmental regulations, negative mindset towards sperm banks and donor, high cost associated with the operating of sperm bank and limited spread across the various regions of the world are some of the major hurdles in the market growth.

Major players operating in the market includes Cryos International Sperm Bank, FairFax Cryobank, Androcryos, New England Cryogenic Center, Inc. and others.

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The Sperm Bank market to Undergo positive Transformation between 2015 and 2021 - The Daily Chronicle

Biochemistry

Biochemistry and Biophysics Faculty at The University of Chicago | – Nature.com

Biochemistry and Biophysics Faculty at The University of Chicago

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago invites applications for a faculty position, preferably at the assistant professor rank. We seek scientists studying macromolecular dynamics and structure,mechanisms ofmolecularfunction and related areas. Appropriate topics include proteins, nucleic acids and their assemblies; membrane proteins; cellular processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (for example, proteostasis, condensates and immunology); biomolecular design; chemical biology, and computational analysis, among others. Resources include cryoEM and cryoET capabilities(Titan Krios/K3). The University is affiliated with Argonne National Laboratory and the Marine Biological Laboratory.Rank and tenure status will be commensurate with qualifications.

Prior to the start of employment, qualified applicants must have a doctoral degree or equivalent. To be considered, those interested must apply through the University of Chicagos Academic Recruitment job board, which uses Interfolio to accept applications: http://apply.interfolio.com/78680. This web page includes a different link for applying for a tenured position.Qualifications, required materials, and procedures for applying, which differ for the two postings, are described at these links. Review of applications will begin 15 Oct 2020 (we encourage application as soon as possible thereafter) and end when the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.The Universitys Statements on Diversity are athttps://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the UniversitysNotice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-1032 or emailequalopportunity@uchicago.eduwith their request.

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Biochemistry and Biophysics Faculty at The University of Chicago | - Nature.com