Category Archives: Molecular Genetics

NEWARK, Del., Oct. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is pleased to announce that Jeffery Baker, Ph.D., Tim Charlebois, Ph.D., Roger Hart, Ph.D., and Stefanie Pluschkell, Ph.D. have recently joined the Institute as NIIMBL Senior Fellows enhancing that expertise of the organization with an additional 100 years of industry experience.

"I am excited to announce our new Senior Fellows whom all bring unique insight and expertise to NIIMBL," shares Kelvin Lee, Institute Director. Lee adds, "As we continue to grow, only 5 years since our launch, the importance of having broad-based perspectives from industry thought-leaders is critical to our community and mission."

NIIMBL is catalyzing advanced manufacturing innovations and workforce development with a membership composed of academic, industry, and non-profit stakeholders working with relevant government agencies. The NIIMBL Senior Fellows play key roles in leading various Institute initiatives such as our Process Intensification Program, Big Data Program, and Regulatory Considerations Committee, among others.

Meet the Senior Fellows:Dr. Jeff Baker is a cellular physiologist and biochemist by training. He spent over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry supporting the development and manufacture both legacy and first in class biological products and 10 years at the United States FDA as Deputy Director of the Office of Biotechnology Products in CDER. In the latter role he received several CDER awards for his role in renewing and rebalancing OBP review, inspection, and research programs and in 2018 received an FDA Honors Award for contributions to "modernizing the U.S. regulatory system for biotechnology products through sustained creative leadership and collaboration." He was the CDER liaison to NIIMBL and the Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office at NIST. He retired from the FDA in 2021 but remains active in the biotech community and is a frequent speaker at professional conferences and a number of university programs.

Dr. Tim Charlebois retired from Pfizer after a 30-year career with the company including legacy companies Wyeth and Genetics Institute. His technical expertise and experience included molecular biology, cell line development, characterization, cGMP cell banking and testing, cell culture and drug substance process development. He was deeply involved in the development and registration of a number of early biopharmaceutical products including Recombinate (rhFVIII), BeneFIX (rhFIX), Neumega (rhIL-11), Infuse (rhBMP-2), ReFacto AF (BDDFVIII), and Enbrel (etanercept). As VP of Technology & Innovation Strategy for Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, he was responsible for building new business processes and a network of leaders across the organization in the areas of technology strategy and platforms, external collaborations and alliances, in- and out-licensing due diligence and business development as well as external disclosure and intellectual property. He provided leadership to Pfizer's transition into cutting-edge modalities, first with the CAR-T venture that eventually became Allogene and later with the company's major investment into AAV-based gene therapy.

Dr. Roger Hart joins NIIMBL with 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical field having focused on process development spanning pre-clinical molecule selection through commercial process implementation and support for protein therapeutics. Prior to joining NIIMBL, Dr. Hart was Scientific Director Process Development at Amgen responsible for external scientific collaborations within the Academic Interface and external outreach programs to universities and technology incubators. Earlier, he advanced numerous products (mAb, pepti-body, protein, small molecule) and technologies as part of the management and scientific staff at Amgen and Genentech.

Dr. Stefanie Pluschkell has over 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. She is the Founder and CEO of InScope Coaching & Consulting LLC, providing executive leadership and career coaching as well as consulting services to corporations, academic institutions, non-profit scientific organizations, and individuals. In her most recent biopharmaceutical industry role, she was the Executive Director and Head of Business Strategy and Operations for Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences at Pfizer Inc. In this role, she led the execution of strategic and annual business plans via matrix leadership across pharmaceutical sciences, worldwide research & development, commercial business units and manufacturing. She supported a highly diverse product portfolio, including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, other therapeutic proteins, and advanced therapies such as gene therapy. Stefanie's team managed all laboratory and GMP facilities across the biotherapeutics pharmaceutical sciences network globally and provided the digital transformation strategy.

To learn more about NIIMBL, visitniimbl.org.

About NIIMBLThe National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is a public-private partnership whose mission is to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, fundamentally advancing U.S. competitiveness in this industry. NIIMBL is part of Manufacturing USA, a diverse network of federally-sponsored manufacturing innovation institutes, and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. Department of Commerce with significant additional support from its members.

Contact:News MediaMaria X. ChaconDirector of Marketing and Communications302-831-2337mchacon@udel.edu

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SOURCE National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL)

Originally posted here:
NIIMBL Welcomes 4 Industry Leaders and Adds 100 Years of Experience to the Institute - BioSpace

The Government Chemists vision is to provide world class measurement science to support an innovative and growing UK agrifood sector that trades sustainably on a global basis. This is achieved through the provision of impartial and unbiased technical advice and scientific measurement functions not just as a route of technical appeal for the UK Government and industry but also as a valued expert resource.

To support this vision the Government Chemist seeks to engage stakeholders through diverse events, including its webinar series.

The ultimate consequences of COVID-19 on communities, countries and the world has yet to be realised and may take years to understand fully. However, the revolution in technological innovation instigated by the research community for SARS-CoV-2 testing and in the development of a vaccine has catapulted novel approaches of use for wider human diagnostics. The pandemic has also highlighted the chasm that exists for food security in the least-developed countries, a situation which can be seen as an analogy for the agricultural sustainability challenges currently facing more developed countries.

Improvements in pathogen detection, soil analysis, genetic diversity and the utilisation of gene editing tools (such as CRISPR) for rapid modifications to plant varieties have a role to play in facilitating solutions for the future. However, there remains a disconnect between these high-level solutions and their realistic application on the ground. Accessibility to, and timeliness of delivery of, cost-effective technological advancements requires immediate action by the global agricultural community and is critical to enabling the breeders to respond to the changing demographics of their challenged communities.

This presentation will investigate how genomics, and in particular the application of novel technologies such as ultrahigh throughput (uHTP) workflows developed for diagnostic solutions to the pandemic, can play its part in providing resilience and future-proofing against climate change, population increases and possible further pandemics.

Darshna is a Senior Scientist at LGC specialising in plant genetics. She has been involved in a wide range of projects in the area of agricultural sustainability. She was the project manager for Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - Generation Challenge Program which ensured the successful application of KASP assay genotyping as an advanced molecular marker tool for breeding programs in developing countries.

Darshna began her career at the James Hutton institute developing molecular markers for disease resistance in raspberries. Her crop development experience continued at Biogemma UK Ltd working primarily on cereal crops developing SSR methodology and SNP discovery for starch biosynthetic enzymes.

Darshna participated in the Artemisia Project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at York University, an important step towards understanding breeders requirements for varietal development using molecular markers in MAS. Field trial management in Kenya, Uganda, China, India and Madagascar saw the development of successful commercial varieties of Artemisia for the sustainable supply of artemisinin for Artemisinin Combination Therapy (for the treatment of malaria) production.

Darshna will be introduced by the Government Chemist, Dr Julian Braybrook.

Originally posted here:
Government Chemist webinar: Covid and agricultural sustainability - GOV.UK

Nominees for the 2022 Western Australia Australian of the Year Awards include the founder of blue trees, a Noongar culture conservationist, a man helping migrants settle, artists shining a light disability and diversity and a man giving haircuts to the homeless.

They are among 16 WA residents in the running to be named the Western Australia Local Hero, Young Australian, Senior Australian or Australian of the Year.

The 2022 Western Australia award nominees are:

Western Australia Australian of the Year

Western Australia Young Australian of the Year

Western Australia Senior Australian of the Year

Western Australia Local Hero

The nominees are among 129 people being recognised across all states and territories as part of the program, which began in 1960.

The four award recipients from Western Australia will be announced on the evening of Thursday 4 November in a ceremony at the Westin Hotel in Perth which will also be available to watch online via livestream.

They will then join the other state and territory recipients as national finalists for the national awards announcement on January 25, 2022.

National Australia Day Council chief executive Karlie Brand congratulated the Western Australia nominees on being selected for consideration in this year's awards.

"The Western Australia nominees are achieving and contributing in many different ways," said Ms Brand.

"From grassroots community to global impact, they are making an impact."

ACM, publisher of this newspaper, is Media Partner of the 2022 Australian of the Year Awards.

The following profiles and pictures of the 16 nominees have been supplied by the National Australia Day Council, as organisers of the Australian of the Year Awards.

For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards visit australianoftheyear.org.au.

WA AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR - NOMINEE BIOS

Kirstin Butcher

Founder and CEO of genvis

Kirstin Butcher has led vital innovations to drive Australia's successful response to COVID-19. Through genvis - the Western Australia-based technology company she founded to drive the effectiveness of public safety teams - she has had an incredible impact on the safety of the nation.

Her innovations have powered solutions that underpin Western Australia's police and health department led COVID-19 response. From protecting borders through G2G Pass, enabling at-home quarantine for more than 100,000 individuals through G2G Now, and reducing the impact and duration of lockdowns through the SafeWA venue check-in and contact-tracing platform, Kirstin delivers high-impact public safety software.

She works tirelessly with government agencies in high-pressure, mission-critical contexts. Her success in Western Australia has set the stage for a national contribution with genvis solutions adopted in Tasmania, the Northern Territory and trialling in Victoria.

In significant ways, the lives Australians enjoy today, particularly in Western Australia, is at least in part attributable to 45 year old Kirstin's vision, tenacity and practical leadership of tangible public safety outcomes.

Julia Hales

Performance artist and disability advocate

Julia Hales is a theatre-maker and performance artist who has dedicated her career to sharing the experiences of people living with disability, in particular Down syndrome.

In 2018, Julia presented the world-premiere of You Know We Belong Together - an autobiographical play on love, relationships, acceptance and belonging experienced by a woman who also happens to have Down syndrome.

Since 2019, she's been mentored by Black Swan Theatre Company's artistic director Clare Watson. This has opened up opportunities to contribute to the theatre company and further develop her skills as a leader in the arts and disability space.

Now focused on creating artistic opportunities for other artists with disability,42 year old Julia is collaborating with My Place WA on the development of a new arts bureau called My Studio.

A passionate advocate within her community, Julia demonstrates through her art what she and others with Down syndrome are capable of. She's dispelling prejudice and creating opportunities for people like her.

Dr Scott Hollier

Co-founder and CEO of the Centre For Accessibility Australia

As the co-founder and CEO of the Centre For Accessibility Australia (CFA), Dr Scott Hollier is improving digital accessibility for people with disabilities - giving them equal access to technology and the internet.

The CFA drives impact through advocacy, research, training, auditing services and celebrations such as the Australian Access Awards. It's been instrumental in growing the accessibility movement in Australia, highlighting the people and organisations leading the way.

During COVID-19, the CFA has played a critical role in strengthening the need for digital access. Scott and his teams have worked hard to ensure no one is left behind.

Scott is also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Edith Cowan University. The 46 year old has been teaching the Professional Certificate in Web Accessibility course through the University of South Australia since its inception in 2011.

A great storyteller, Scott, who is also legally blind, helps people better understand accessibility issues - putting them in the shoes of those who struggle to access technology and the internet.

Paul Litherland

Cyber safety educator and campaigner

In the last five years of his career as a police officer in Western Australia, Paul Litherland worked in the force's Technology Crime Unit. While there, he became acutely aware of just how vulnerable kids were on the internet. He also felt frustration at the lack of legislation available to help fight internet crime.

In response, Paul began conducting cyber safety presentations at schools. By 2014, he'd turned his passion into a business - founding Surf Online Safe to educate teachers, students and parents about internet awareness and safety.

Today he's one of Australia's leading experts in the field. A highly sought-after speaker, 49 year old Paul has spoken at more than 550 schools and organisations across the country, sharing his cyber safety educational presentations with upwards of 250,000 people.

Paul experienced a terrible motorbike accident in 2004 where he was initially told he'd never walk or work again. Despite this, he defied the odds and has gone on to be an inspiration to many.

WA YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR - NOMINEE BIOS

Sukhjit Khalsa

Spoken word artist, writer and performer

Spoken word artist, writer and performer Sukhjit Khalsa is passionate about diversity and visibility in the performing arts. Her extraordinary work provokes conversations around identity, feminism, cultural confusions, and the power of uncomfortable conversations.

Sukhjit has performed at the Sydney Opera House for the Australian Poetry Slam Competition. Her performance on Australia's Got Talent in 2016, an abridged version of her poem To Advance Australia Fair, made national headlines. One judge described the piece as "nation building" for confronting racism.

Sukhjit has toured Australia, Canada, South East Asia, the UK and the USA. The 27 year old also wrote and performed the poetry show Fully Sikh about growing up in the Perth suburbs.

Her sold-out project, Saga Sisterhood, brought together emerging female storytellers who identify as South Asian and come from non-performer backgrounds.

Sukhjit is currently working as a producer/screenwriter on projects with Screenwest and the ABC. Sukhjit and her partner were one of 10 teams to be selected for Imagine Impact Australia 2020 to develop their own rom-com series.

Tom Oliver

Activist for people with autism in the justice system

As a 20 year old with autism, Tom Oliver is dedicated to helping the vulnerable, the incarcerated and people in the autistic community.

A passionate advocate for people with autism caught up in the justice system, in March 2021, Tom presented a TEDx talk on the topic. He then worked with lawyers across Australia and globally, sharing his presentation and inspiring them to care about this very important issue.

In a recent case, Tom's involvement helped ensure a person with autism received a non-custodial sentence and therapy rather than 15 years imprisonment - not only helping the individual but other autistic and neurodiverse people.

Tom has been the recipient of scholarships and awards, including a David Goldstone Scholarship in 2021, and the Dean's Letter of Commendation in 2019. On top of that, Tom lectures at Curtin University, volunteers as a mentor, speaker, and ambassador for CoderDojo WA, a not-for-profit reaching thousands of autistic young people, and plans to open a law firm dedicated to helping people with autism in the justice system.

Dr Hayley Passmore

Child health researcher in neurodisability

Leading child health researcher, Dr Hayley Passmore is a fearless advocate for some of Western Australia's most vulnerable young people.

Hayley was part of the Telethon Kids Institute's ground-breaking Banksia Hill Detention Centre Project, which identified the prevalence of neurodisability among young people in our justice system. In response, she pioneered and delivered Reframe Training - an evidence-based intervention that helps the justice workforce better understand neurodisability and work with those affected by it.

More than 400 justice employees have completed the training course. It's also led to fundamental changes across Western Australia's youth justice system - and sparked interest from local, national and international government departments.

After overcoming her own significant health challenges, 29 year old Hayley secured funding to deliver the project to regional areas. As well as regularly training and presenting to state community organisations and service-providers, she plans to travel to South Australia and Queensland in 2022 upon request from their youth justice agencies.

Hayley was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2020 in recognition of her extraordinary work.

Kendall Whyte

Founder and CEO of the Blue Tree project

Kendall Whyte is the founder and CEO of Blue Tree Project, a grass-roots charity making an impact acrossAustralia. Its mission is to help spark difficult conversations and break down the stigma of mental health, by giving dead trees 'a blue lease on life'.

The Blue Tree Project is inspired by the tragic loss of Kendall's brother, Jayden, after taking his own life in 2018. The blue tree that was once painted as a practical joke now acts as a beacon of hope for those struggling, with over 700 trees now painted across Australia and the world.

Within just two years, the Blue Tree Project has helped facilitate better understanding of mental health, while providing free education seminars and creating engaging community events within regional Western Australia.

Kendall's work is helping spread the message that "it's ok to not be ok". By speaking openly and authentically, the 28 year old is helping break down the fear of judgement that stops people seeking help for mental illness.

WA SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR - NOMINEE BIOS

Professor Nigel Laing AO

Winthrop Research Professor at the UWA

Professor Nigel Laing is an exceptional advocate for health, research and teaching. He has made major contributions to the field of rare genetic disorders, identifying the genetic cause for more than 30 diseases.

Nigel has also driven national initiatives such as the pre-conception screening program.

Nigel began his career as a PhD and developmental neurobiologist, researching how motor neurons and muscles interact in the developing embryo. He then re-trained in molecular genetics.

Nigel developed molecular neurogenetic research at the Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute and molecular neurogenetic diagnostics at Royal Perth Hospital. His investigations into Australian families with dominantly inherited diseases saw him identify many genetic causes - including mutations in the SOD1 gene causing familial motor neuron disease.

In 2015, Nigel was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). A wonderful teacher and mentor, 67 year old Nigel'sunwavering desire is to improve the lives of people with genetic disorders.

Dante Maribbay

Community leader

Since arriving in Western Australia from the Philippines in 1988 with his wife and family, Dante Maribbay has been a powerhouse in Australia's Filipino community.

From assisting newly arrived migrants as they settle, to helping set up and lead associations, chairing committees, volunteering and raising funds for worthy causes, 73 year old Dante has worked ceaselessly for migrants, refugees and overseas students.

As a Grant-in-Aid Welfare Officer, Dante has advocated with other welfare officers to ensure Centrelink gives equal benefits to husbands and wives. He's also helped exploited skilled workers approach the Fair Work Ombudsman to receive unpaid salaries from ruthless employers.

Dante was a foundation member of the Western Australian Multicultural Association Inc, and a board member of the Australian Asian Association and the Ethnic Communities Council of Western Australia. As president of the Filipino Communities Council of Australia from 2016 to 2018, he represented 300,000 Filipino migrants.

Always caring of others, Dante has even opened his home to those in need.

Emeritus Professor Cheryl Praeger AC

Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at UWA

Emeritus Professor Cheryl Praeger's 40-plus year career in mathematics at the University of Western Australia (UWA) has involved everything from modern computer cryptography and secure banking, to getting images captured in outer space back to earth.

She's only the second and youngest woman in Australian history to become a professor of mathematics - doing so at age 35 and with two young children in tow. In 2019, she won Australia's most prestigious science accolade, the Prime Minister's Prize for Science.

Cheryl's work as an international academic focuses on sophisticated theoretical research in group theory - making impossibly difficult problems manageable. Its far-reaching applications include helping search engines retrieve information efficiently from the internet.

Cheryl has received honorary doctorates from universities in six countries and published more than 410 journal articles. She also ranks among the world's top 200 most highly cited mathematicians.

Now 73, Cheryl is passionate about mentoring young scientists, especially women. She has also transformed school education, encouraging more girls to study maths.

Janice Standen

President of Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren WA

Janice (Jan) Standen is president of the volunteer-run charity organisation, Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren WA (GRGWA). In this role, she advocates passionately for grandparent carers - a crucial but often ignored community in Australia.

Jan joined GRGWA in 2013 when her three grandchildren came to live with her. She knows the day-to-day battles that grandparents experience as primary carers, having lived them herself.

Against significant obstacles, Jan has driven the rapid expansion of GRGWA. She created a structure for the organisation and secured a fit-for-purpose premise, raising GRGWA's profile and increasing membership and outreach by more than 40%.

More than two-thirds of grandparent carers live in poverty. So under Jan's stewardship, GRGWA offers free legal and counselling support, a food bank pick-up centre, a donations distribution service and an op shop providing free clothing and toys. GRGWA also connects new grandparent carers to services and community.

Authentic, passionate and egalitarian, 73 year old Jan has made an outstanding contribution to the Western Australian community.

WA LOCAL HERO - NOMINEE BIOS

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Western Australia's nominees for the 2022 Australian of the Year Awards - Mandurah Mail

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --Sunscreen that includes zinc oxide, a common ingredient, has been found to lose much of its effectiveness and becomes toxic after two hours of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, according to a study that included Oregon State University scientists.

The OSU study was meant to question how stable, safe, and effective are sunscreen ingredients in combination rather than as individual compounds.

It also looked into the safety of any chemical products that result from reactions caused by exposure to sunlight.

Diana Stevens, a Bend resident, said Thursday she has never liked applying sunscreen on herself or her children. Shes always questioned its ingredients and how safe it is to wear.

Ive tried really hard to find sunscreen that is not toxic, mainly for the health of my children and myself, and its hard to find one, Stevens said.

Instead, she chooses to find shady areas and wear protective clothing when going outdoors.

It actually feels safer not to have the chemicals around my face and mouth, Stevens said.

What the public thinks about sunscreen safety has caused manufacturers who often have on limited data to use lots of some ingredients while limiting others. For example, oxybenzone has effectively been discontinued because of concerns that it harms coral reefs.

The study of measuring toxicity in sunscreen involved using zebrafish, which share a similarity to humans at the molecular genetics and cellular levels, meaning many zebrafish studies are relevant to people.

Chris Martindale, who was out enjoying the Bend Whitewater Park Thursday afternoon, has become conscious of the sunscreen products, and suggests others do the same.

When it comes to the sunscreen products that we use, I would probably just take a second look at what youre putting on your body -- how it affects you, how it affects the environment around you," Martindale said. "If it's worth paying the extra $3 or $4 for a sunscreen that is going to do good in the long term, thats probably the best route to take.

The researchers exposed a number of sunscreen mixtures to ultraviolet radiation for two hours to look into what sunlight did to the compounds in the mixtures and their UV-protective capabilities.

The zinc-oxide-induced mixtures caused significant increases in defects to the zebrafish used to test toxicity. OSU faculty suggest zinc oxide particles are leading to degradants whose introduction to aquatic ecosystems is environmentally hazardous.

Excerpt from:
C. Oregonians react to OSU study that says sunscreen with zinc loses effectiveness, becomes toxic - KTVZ

The IAEA is launching a new Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on radiation-induced crop diversity and genetic associations, with a time frame of five years from 2022 to 2026.

Induced genetic diversity and breeding with promising mutations for farmer-preferred traits in agronomically sound genetic backgrounds have paved the way for crop improvement across the globe for over seven decades now. Testament to this is the more than 3300 mutant varieties in over 220 plant species from more than 70 countries represented in the Mutant Variety Database.

Induced mutations fortify plant germplasm pools and enable faster genetic gain, especially where the genetic base is narrow. Mutation breeding thus has the potential to facilitate larger genetic gain than conventional breeding. This advantage, coupled with emerging front end technologies for efficient and precise selection, can both accelerate the pace of crop improvement and increase the rate of genetic gain.

Breeding with induced genetic diversity has remained a highly effective avenue for the improvement of both simple and complex crop traits in developing Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA.

Mutation breeding has so far mainly relied on gamma rays, says Shoba Sivasankar, Head of the IAEAs Plant Breeding and Genetics Section. Most recently the ion beam, electron beam, proton beam and space irradiation cosmic rays are coming into increasing use at least in some countries, though the effect of these different sources on the plant genome remain to be assessed systematically.

Newer genomic technologies that establish genetic associations for marker and candidate gene discovery are also yet to be applied to mutation breeding for increased precision and breeding efficiency. Mutant populations generated from induced genetic variation are traditionally used directly as source germplasm for breeding and variety development. However, they can also render themselves to the establishment of genetic associations for marker-assisted breeding and gene editing. Theoretically, mutant populations can also be used for genomic predictions for increased efficiency of the breeding process.

Technical support of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture has led to capacity building in crop improvement and the development of improved varieties in more than a hundred Member States since 1964. This technical support has centred on mutation induction, phenotypic selection and variety development, advancing very recently to explore molecular markers for increased precision in selection and efficiency in breeding.

The proposed CRP is aimed at addressing three important emerging trends and needs in the field of mutation breeding: (1) newer mutagen sources; (2) establishment of genetic associations for marker-assisted breeding, gene editing, and potentially, genomic selection; and (3) bioinformatic platforms and computational tools for trait analysis.

CRP Overall Objective

To strengthen the ability of the Agency and its Member States to develop and test emerging technologies in mutation induction, genomics and big data to facilitate the accelerated development of crop varieties for food security and climate change adaptation.

Specific Research Objectives

Outputs

How to join this CRP

Up to three research/technical contracts are expected to be awarded on the study of the effect of mutagen sources on crop genome, five to six research/technical contracts on the study of genetic associations in established, structured plant populations built on clear phenotypes for simple traits (one or few genes expected to be involved), and one research/technical contract addressing genomic selection in mutation breeding. Proposals submitted on the study of genetic associations are encouraged to include data on expression of the phenotype and the status of populations amenable for genetic analysis. Up to five no-cost agreement holders from advanced laboratories are also expected to participate. Research institutes with recognized expertise in the targeted technologies will be invited to share their experience with the contract holders and contribute to the development and validation of the planned technical packages. Coordination and technical management will be handled by the scientific secretary in the IAEAs Plant Breeding and Genetics Section with involvement of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory.

Please submit your Proposal for Research Contract or Agreement by email, no later than 15 December 2021, to the IAEAs Research Contracts Administration Section, using the appropriate template on the CRA web portal. Same form can be used for the research contract and the technical contract.

For further information related to this CRP, potential applicants should use the contact form under the CRP page.

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New CRP: Radiation-induced crop diversity and genetic associations for accelerating variety development (D24015) - International Atomic Energy Agency

NEW YORK The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday that its Genetic Testing Reference Materials Program (GeT-RM) has partnered with the Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) to develop a publicly available list of 546 curated clinically important variants in 84 genes for use in next-generation sequencing genetic testing.

By defining variants that are either major contributors to disease or difficult to detect, the list will serve as a resource for the design of comprehensive analytical validation studies, as well as the creation of computer-modulated or simulated reference materials for clinical genomic test development, the partners said.

Genetic testing has grown from the analysis of small sets of known pathogenetic variants in one or a few genes to the analysis of hundreds or thousands of genes simultaneously using NGS, they added. But it's difficult, or even impossible, to obtain DNA reference materials containing the full scope of variants and variant types needed to perform a comprehensive validation study. It can also be challenging for laboratories to maintain the expert knowledge to identify variants that are appropriately representative of the spectrum of disease for inclusion in validation studies.

The new variant list, they said, will help address these complexities.

The CDC and ClinGen first proposed the curated list in a paper published in August in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics. The variant types include 346 SNVs, 104 deletions, 37 copy number variants, 25 duplications, 18 deletion-insertions, five inversions, four insertions, two complex rearrangements, three difficult-to-sequence regions, and two fusions. They were nominated for a variety of reasons, including being major contributors to disease, analytically difficult to detect, or inadvertently filtered out due to high allele frequency.

The authors also noted that the list of 84 genes include 29 of the 73 genes recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics for reporting of incidental or secondary findings.

The ClinGen Allele Registry was used to standardize nomenclature for all nominated variants, and ClinVar Variation IDs and associated disorders were added where available. The Food and Drug Administration has also recognized ClinGen's curation process and its resulting classifications as a regulatory-grade variant database, and the curated variants are available via the National Center for Biotechnology Information's ClinVar database and ClinGen's Evidence Repository.

"This important novel approach will remove a critical bottleneck for test developers and may help harmonize test development and validation across laboratories," co-lead investigator Birgit Funke, VP of genomic health at Sema4, said in a statement.

Co-lead investigator and GeT-RM Director Lisa Kalman also noted that the partners have started a pilot project to demonstrate how the curated variants "could be used to create reference materials by in silico mutagenesis of NGS sequencing files. The pilot will examine whether the added variants can be detected by the clinical laboratories that generated the NGS files and demonstrate a general process that labs can use to develop electronic reference materials to fit their own needs."

GeT-RM and ClinGen will continue to add to the current variant list as needed, and are inviting input from the genetics community about the list and the processes used to generate it.

Originally posted here:
CDC, ClinGen Partner to Develop Curated List of Important Variants for Use in NGS Genetic Testing - GenomeWeb

Peter ODonnell Jr.

DALLAS October 11, 2021 Peter ODonnell Jr., whose vision, legendary generosity, and cherished friendship graced UTSouthwestern Medical Center for many decades, passed away Oct. 10 at the age of 97.

Throughout a lifetime of inspired philanthropy, Mr. ODonnell and his late wife, Edith, along with the ODonnell Foundation they established in 1957, contributed more than $300 million to UTSouthwestern, supporting some of the most innovative and impactful programs at the Medical Center. The ODonnells gifts to UTSouthwestern, almost all made anonymously and without public recognition at the time, transformed the Medical Center into an internationally recognized research leader.

Excellence was a watchword for Mr. ODonnell in everything he did and touched. He was a giant of our institution and a quiet driving force in advancing medical science, said Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., President of UTSouthwestern.

As Chairman of the ODonnell Foundation, Mr. ODonnell committed himself to developing and funding model programs designed to strengthen education, research, and clinical care.

Peter ODonnell helped foster an environment of innovation and discovery at UTSouthwestern that has enabled transformative progress in biomedical research, said Dr. Podolsky. As we mourn the passing of one of UTSouthwesterns most stalwart supporters, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to publicly recognize Mr. ODonnells magnificent generosity for the first time in 2015 through the naming of the Peter ODonnell Jr. Brain Institute at UTSouthwestern.

Recognizing brain injury in its various forms as one of the greatest challenges of our time, Mr. ODonnell committed $36 million to create a new institute dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the brain from the molecular level of brain function to the root causes of diseases and damage that occur with such conditions as traumatic brain injury and Alzheimers.

Recent and rapid advancements in neuroscience and neurotechnology offer great promise, making this a particularly important time to invest in this critical field, said Mr. ODonnell at the time he made the gift. UTSouthwestern has repeatedly proven its ability to take on some of the most difficult scientific challenges and advance the field of medicine, benefiting patients today and for generations to come.

The establishment of the ODonnell Brain Institute was the capstone of a remarkable 40-year partnership between Mr. ODonnell and UTSouthwestern, which was set in motion in 1981 when he founded the Friends of the Center for Human Nutrition. His investments in the Center for Human Nutrition for more than three decades enabled UTSouthwestern investigators to make key discoveries that have expanded our understanding of the role nutrition plays in the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.

Thanks to Peters ongoing support, the Center was able to conduct some of the first tests on the effectiveness of statin medications to lower cholesterol levels, as well as influence the development of numerous national guidelines, notably the determination of safe and unsafe dietary fats and the importance of weight loss and exercise for reducing cardiovascular risk, said Scott Grundy, M.D., Ph.D., the Centers longtime Director and a close friend of Mr. ODonnell. He helped us apply rigorous science to the field of nutrition.

Peter ODonnell, Jr., center, meets with Nobel Laureates Drs. Alfred Gilman, Joseph Goldstein, Michael Brown, and Johann Hans Deisenhofer.

Mr. ODonnell was passionate in his support for addressing the problem of obesity and, consequently, the myriad economic, societal, and medical complications derived from it. In addition to his support for the Center for Human Nutrition, he made significant contributions to support research in the Department of Molecular Genetics. This support helped propel the work of Nobel Laureates Michael Brown, M.D., and Joseph Goldstein, M.D., whose research served as the foundation for the development of statin drugs now used to control cholesterol in tens of millions of people around the globe.

Peter ODonnell was not only a wise and generous philanthropist he was an inventor. When he saw a need, he invented a program to meet it. He challenged us to make it work, and then he followed it closely to make certain that we were living up to his vision. We would not have a Nutrition Center, an Endowed Scholars Program, or a Brain Institute without Mr. ODonnells vision. He was a true hero of UTSouthwestern, said Dr. Goldstein, Chair of Molecular Genetics, and Dr. Brown, Director of the Erik Jonsson Center for Research in Molecular Genetics and Human Disease.

Mr. ODonnell understood the importance of assembling the best and brightest researchers to tackle medicines most difficult problems and providing them with the resources necessary to take bold risks that often lead to paradigm-shifting discoveries. In addition to the unwavering support he provided to Dr. Brown and Dr. Goldstein, many of Mr. ODonnells gifts helped UTSouthwestern recruit, retain, and support the work of some of the most brilliant minds in biomedical research, including Nobel Laureate Bruce Beutler, M.D., who has advanced medical sciences collective understanding of the genetics of the immune system through his work as Director of the Center for the Genetics of Host Defense.

Mr. ODonnell was committed to supporting early career medical researchers who represent the future of science and medicine. He provided a challenge grant in 1997 to UTSouthwestern that was the impetus for the Endowed Scholars Program in Medical Science. Armed with the knowledge that more than half of all scientists awarded the Nobel Prize began their work under the guidance of current Nobel Laureates, Mr. ODonnell worked to ensure UTSouthwestern would stand apart from other institutions in the nurturing of scientific protgs. To encourage the careers of scientists and engineers more broadly across the state of Texas, he established the annual Edith and Peter ODonnell Awards, presented by The Academy of Medicine, Engineering & Science of Texas (TAMEST) to honor and help fund outstanding early career researchers in science, medicine, and engineering. Continuing his commitment to support the best and brightest researchers, in July 2014 Mr. ODonnell further invested in rising stars with a gift to propel clinical innovation in cancer by establishing the Eugene P. Frenkel, M.D., Clinical Scholars Program.

Although Mr. ODonnells impact on UTSouthwestern was most expansive in advancing its research programs, his efforts extended to all dimensions of UTSouthwesterns mission. It was his challenge and support that led UTSouthwestern to be among the first institutions to implement an electronic medical record for both inpatient and outpatient care. The ODonnell Foundation also provided a lead gift to help launch UTSouthwesterns Clinical Services Initiative.

The school is already known for its excellence in basic science and in recruiting outstanding scientists and clinical physicians, said Mr. ODonnell when he made the gift in 2003. However, the explosion of patient loads and the complexities of managed care make it important to recruit more outstanding clinical faculty, increase their productivity with state-of-the-art technology, provide a quality nursing staff, and support clinical research programs so patients benefit sooner from the great discoveries in basic science.

While Mr. ODonnell has left an especially indelible imprint on UTSouthwestern, he and Edith have also left a legacy at many other educational and civic organizations across our region, our state, and our country.As but one example, his support of Advanced Placement programs in science across this state and the country, particularly in high schools serving students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, has promoted STEM education and opportunity that will undoubtedly have an impact that will be felt for generations to come.

In public education, Mr. ODonnell founded the Advanced Placement Incentive Program and served as Chairman of AP Strategies (APS). This program dramatically increased the number of high school students, especially Hispanic and Black students, who pass college-level exams in math, science, and English. The incentive program served as the model for both the state of Texas and the federal Advanced Placement incentive programs.

In addition, he established Laying the Foundation, a teacher-training organization for grades six through 12 with the goal of better preparing students to enter the Advanced Placement pipeline. Mr. ODonnell also was instrumental in creating the National Math + Science Initiative, which has enhanced math and science education programs nationally through teacher-training programs and other efforts to recruit and prepare more college students to become dedicated teachers.

In higher education outside of UTSouthwestern, the ODonnell Foundation provided a challenge grant of $32 million for the creation of science and engineering chairs at UT Austin and developed a plan that created the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences.

At the state, national, and international levels, Mr. ODonnell was a member of the Presidents' Circle of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, where he served on a committee that produced a report to Congress, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, recommending the priority actions the United States should take to ensure its ability to compete in the 21st century global economy.He served on President Ronald Reagans Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, and as a Trustee of the Cooper Institute, a nonprofit research and education organization dedicated globally to preventive medicine. In Texas, he served as Commissioner of the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission; as a member of the Texas Select Committee on Higher Education; and as a founding member of The Academy of Medicine, Engineering & Science of Texas.

Perhaps the most important aspect of any community is the health of its citizens, said William T. Solomon, a current Trustee and former Chairman of the Board of Southwestern Medical Foundation. The citizens of Dallas have benefited enormously from the vision and generosity of Peter ODonnell and the indelible mark he has left on research, education, and health care in our city.

Edith and Peter ODonnell Jr.

Along with Edith, Mr. ODonnell was a major supporter of many arts organizations in Dallas, the state, and the nation. The ODonnells developed the plan to endow the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Principal Musician Chairs, and provided significant support to the Dallas Opera, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the AP Arts & Music Theory incentive program. They launched Met: Live at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts free live viewings of New Yorks Metropolitan Opera performances for Dallas public school students, their immediate families, and their teachers.

In 2008, Mr. ODonnell was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences for his outstanding philanthropic leadership. That same year, Edith and Peter ODonnell together received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from Southern Methodist University for their pivotal roles in advancing the arts and education, and they were presented the College Boards Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in education. In 2013, Mr. ODonnell was awarded UT Austin Presidential Citation and the Cooper Institute Legacy Award, both in honor of his visionary leadership and extraordinary contributions to transforming lives.

A Dallas native who pursued careers in investments and philanthropy, Mr. ODonnell received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from The University of the South and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

The contributions cited are just some of the many ways in which Peter ODonnell, together with Edith, supported UTSouthwestern.

With his determination to stay out of the spotlight, the full extent of Mr. ODonnells impact on society is likely not known by many of those who have benefited from his vision and generosity, Dr. Podolsky said. He touched legions with compassion, an uncommon generosity, and an earnest love of mankind. The scope and depth of ways in which he advanced the work of the Medical Center is truly remarkable. He will be deeply missed.

Dr. Beutler holds the Raymond and Ellen Willie Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research, in Honor of Laverne and Raymond Willie, Sr.

Dr. Brown holds The W. A. (Monty) Moncrief Distinguished Chair in Cholesterol and Arteriosclerosis Research and the Paul J. Thomas Chair in Medicine.

Dr. Goldstein holds the Julie and Louis A. Beecherl, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Research and the Paul J. Thomas Chair in Medicine.

Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O'Bryan Montgomery, Jr., M.D., Distinguished Presidential Chair in Academic Administration and the Doris and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished Chair in Medical Science.

About UTSouthwestern Medical Center

UTSouthwestern, one of the nations premier academic medical centers, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institutions faculty has received six Nobel Prizes, and includes 25 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 16 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 14 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. The full-time faculty of more than 2,800 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UTSouthwestern physicians provide care in about 80 specialties to more than 117,000 hospitalized patients, more than 360,000 emergency room cases, and oversee nearly 3 million outpatient visits a year.

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UT Southwestern joins Dallas, the state, and the nation in mourning the loss of Peter O'Donnell Jr., a visionary philanthropist and catalyst for...

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bionano Genomics, Inc. (BNGO) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire BioDiscovery, Inc., a leading software company with best-in-class solutions for analysis, interpretation and reporting of genomics data. The transaction is expected to accelerate and broaden Bionano’s market leadership in digital cytogenetics and comprehensive genome analysis. As a result of the transaction, Soheil Shams, PhD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BioDiscovery, will join Bionano’s leadership team as Chief Informatics Officer.

Over the last twenty years, BioDiscovery’s talented team has developed best-in-class software solutions to enable broader adoption of genomics technologies. NxClinical is one of the most promising tools that integrates NGS and microarray data across the genome in one consolidated view, and we are thrilled to welcome Soheil and his team to Bionano as we work to transform the way the world sees the genome," said Erik Holmlin, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Bionano Genomics. This acquisition accelerates our efforts to make OGM ubiquitous by enabling us to simplify the assessment of clinically-relevant variants in cytogenomics applications, potentially reducing interpretation time per sample and expanding our reach into the discovery and translational research markets where the combination of NGS and OGM can reveal more answers in genetic disease and cancer research.”

Dr. Shams added, I believe Bionano Genomics is a natural fit for BioDiscovery, with a shared passion for delivering an exceptional customer experience and revealing all answers across the genome. Bionano’s Saphyr system, which delivers OGM data today, enables Bionano to offer the most comprehensive genome analysis by combining NGS with OGM data in one integrated workflow so all variants across the genome, from single base to full chromosomes, can be assessed for better insights towards elevating human health.”

Strategic Benefits of the Transaction

BioDiscovery specializes in delivering superior data analysis, visualization, interpretation and reporting solutions with an emphasis on structural variation. BioDiscovery has been delivering platform-agnostic data interpretation solutions tailored for cytogenomics and molecular pathology labs in genetic disease and cancer research markets globally for over 20 years.

Transaction Details Bionano’s transaction consideration will be up to $100 million, consisting of a combination of cash and equity. A portion of the equity is subject to vesting based on continued service of key employees and a portion of the cash is contingent on achieving full integration of OGM data into BioDiscovery’s software platform. The acquisition is expected to close before October 22, 2021.

Conference Call and Webcast The Company will host a conference call and live webcast today, Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss this announcement. To participate in the conference call, please dial one of the following numbers 15 minutes before the scheduled start time: United States: +1 (855) 940-5312 international: +1 (929) 517-0416 Conference ID: 5945674 Webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/hac9d53x

About Bionano Genomics Bionano is a genome analysis company providing tools and services based on its Saphyr® system to scientists and clinicians conducting genetic research and patient testing; it also provides diagnostic testing for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities through its Lineagen business. Bionano’s Saphyr system is a research use only platform for ultra-sensitive and ultra-specific structural variation detection that enables scientists and clinicians to accelerate the search for new diagnostics and therapeutic targets and to streamline the study of changes in chromosomes, which is known as cytogenetics. The Saphyr system is comprised of an instrument, chip consumables, reagents and a suite of data analysis tools. Bionano offers genome analysis services to provide access to data generated by the Saphyr system for researchers who prefer not to adopt the Saphyr system in their labs. Lineagen has been providing genetic testing services to families and their healthcare providers for more than nine years and has performed more than 65,000 tests for those with neurodevelopmental concerns. For more information, visit http://www.bionanogenomics.com or http://www.lineagen.com.

About BioDiscovery BioDiscovery provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date solution for cytogenetics and molecular genetics in one solution for analysis and interpretation of genomic variants from microarray and NGS data. BioDiscovery has been an established leader in genomic bioinformatics for more than 20 years with a mission of improving patient care through effective use of genomic data. BioDiscovery offers an agnostic cross-platform data interpretation and clinical reporting software that integrates NGS and microarray data and provides visualization of CNVs, SNVs, and absence of heterozygosity (AOH) across the genome for a fully integrated analysis in one view. For more information, visit http://www.biodiscovery.com

Forward-Looking Statements of Bionano Genomics This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as may,” will,” expect,” plan,” anticipate,” estimate,” intend” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes and are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things: the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of BioDiscovery; our growth and product development strategy, including increased adoption of OGM; the anticipated timing of the closing of the acquisition; expanded capabilities of software solutions developed by the combined companies; and market perception of our products. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include the risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and the global economy; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape and the introduction of competitive products; integration of BioDiscovery; changes in our strategic and commercial plans; our ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund our strategic plans and commercialization efforts; the ability of medical and research institutions to obtain funding to support adoption or continued use of our technologies; the loss of key members of management and our commercial team; and the risks and uncertainties associated with our business and financial condition in general, including the risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in other filings subsequently made by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise.

CONTACTS Company Contact: Erik Holmlin, CEO Bionano Genomics, Inc. +1 (858) 888-7610 eholmlin@bionanogenomics.com

Investor Relations: Amy Conrad Juniper Point +1 (858) 366-3243 amy@juniper-point.com

Media Relations: Michael Sullivan Seismic +1 (503) 799-7520 michael@teamseismic.com

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Bionano Genomics to Acquire BioDiscovery, Furthering Bionano's Vision of Creating the Most Comprehensive Variant Analysis Platform in Genomics -...

Jason Cato/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review via APA monument to victims of the 1918 influenza pandemic stands at the Springdale Cemetery in Springdale, Pa.

PITTSBURGH Karen Baldridge rolled up her sleeve to get her COVID-19 booster vaccine.

Im trying to baby myself and (am) doing everything that I can to keep healthy, she said this past week while at Excela Square at Norwin. I feel theres about a 90% chance I wouldnt get (COVID), but if I get it, I dont feel that Ill get it as bad and I dont feel that it will last as long.

Baldridge, a North Huntingdon resident in her 70s, is among the 56% of people in the U.S. who are fully vaccinated against COVID. In Pennsylvania, she is among nearly 58% of the total population and nearly 69% of those 18 or older who are fully vaccinated, as tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vaccines have been hailed by the medical community as societys quickest, safest path to emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Their availability is arguably the biggest difference between todays pandemic and the 1918 influenza pandemic.

That historical event, some medical experts say, can help frame the current one and offer clues about where COVID-19 might lead.

Self-

inflicted

The United States recently surpassed the death toll from what became known as the Spanish flu pandemic a mark unthinkable 18 months ago. On Friday, the U.S. eclipsed 700,000 deaths, and there have been about 4.8 million COVID deaths worldwide, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

The 1918 pandemic killed at least 675,000 lives nationwide and 50 million worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The United States, however, has tripled its population in the last century.

Were 100 years more advanced than we were then, said Dr. Nate Shively, an infectious disease expert with Allegheny Health Network. I think many would find that somewhat dispiriting, just that the pandemic continues to burn despite having really all the tools at our hands now to bring it close to an end. And were just not using all those tools effectively.

Medical experts cite the vaccine as the most effective tool. The Pfizer booster shot recently was approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to extend protection for Americans who are older or have underlying medical conditions.

Yet many remain skeptical.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, a Pittsburgh-based infectious disease expert and senior scholar at the John Hopkins Center for Health Security, called it inexcusable that the COVID-19 death total in the U.S. eclipsed that of the 1918 pandemic.

When people died of the flu in 1918, they didnt have access to vaccines and todays modern science. With the significant medical advancements made over the past 100 years, Adalja said, America should be handling this pandemic much better.

What were doing in the United States is self-inflicted, he said. We can account for it by people not being receptive to science and openly defying it.

Rates matter more

Dr. Donald Burke, a distinguished professor and former dean at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, is an expert at using computer modeling and simulation to guide public health decision-making.

He said its important to consider the death rate and not simply the death total.

In Pennsylvania, COVID-19 has killed more than 29,000 people, according to the state Department of Health. The Keystone State was among the hardest hit in the 1918 pandemic, which claimed more than 60,000 lives here, according to the University of Pennsylvania.

The 1918 flu is believed to have caused about 4,500 deaths in Pittsburgh and another 2,000 in Westmoreland County. COVID-19 deaths so far have reached 2,100 in Allegheny County and 840 in Westmoreland.

Even though the death totals are similar, the death rates that is the rate per 100,000 people, or per-unit population are lower now from COVID than it was for influenza by about three-fold, Burke said. Total numbers are important, but the rates matter more in understanding the impact.

The 1918 flu pandemic largely impacted younger populations, with a large proportion of the deaths in individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. That was unusual for influenza and particularly straining for society, Burke said, as the day-to-day functions of society are more dependent on that age group.

Never went away

There is no straightforward definition for when a pandemic ends, said Seema Lakdawala, an associate professor who researches flu viruses in Pitt School of Medicines Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics.

The first U.S. cases of the 1918 pandemic were reported in March of that year, when more than 100 soldiers in Fort Riley, Kansas, became ill, according to the CDC. That was nearly a year after the United States entered World War I, with troop movements cited as a factor in spreading the disease.

Influenza remained rampant in Paris in early 1919, when the treaty to end the war was negotiated.

Lakdawala noted the H1N1 virus that was responsible for the 1918 pandemic never went away and continued to kill many people each year.

It wasnt until the 1930s that the virus was recognized as the cause. A vaccine to combat it was first recommended in 1960.

Even with vaccines, tens of thousands of Americans die each year from the flu, Lakdawala pointed out. In 2017-18, 80,000 people died from seasonal influenza, she said.

Still, Lakdawala, who also is a member of Pitts Center for Vaccine Research, said vaccines are the safest way to bring the spread of viruses under control rather than trying to reach herd immunity through natural infection.

Beyond the risk of death, she said, There are obviously long-term consequences of getting the virus. Weve had it now for over a year, and we have long-term COVID symptoms, including adverse effects on breathing and pulmonary function.

As viruses replicate and spread through the population, they will evolve, she said. If we had a higher level of vaccination, wed have less transmission and less diversity in the COVID virus. Its not that it would go away, but it would definitely get slower.

Pandemic is going to ease

Burke said he anticipates that the COVID-19 pandemic will end much like the 1918 flu epidemic did by morphing into a seasonal virus that never really leaves.

The 1918 flu blew through the worlds population, he said, infecting huge swaths, which gained natural immunity the only answer at the time because vaccines were not yet a reality.

But COVID-19 vaccines are available and highly effective, Burke said. Once enough people have immunity either from contracting the disease or from being inoculated the pandemic will lessen, he said.

Even if vaccine uptake doesnt improve, Adalja said, the pandemic will still taper down. But it will do so because people contract the virus and gain natural immunity rather than from being vaccinated. With infection, however, comes the risk of death, Adalja said.

No matter what, the pandemic is going to ease because people get infected. Vaccines dampen the impact of the pandemic, but the final common pathway is going to be the same, Adalja said.

Thats what happened with the 1918 flu, Burke said.

It didnt cause a major new pandemic again, but it caused seasonal flu, and it continues to mutate and evolve and cause significant disease but never pandemic proportions, Burke said. I wouldnt be surprised if COVID does pretty much the same thing. Its unlikely to go away after a year or two because there are huge parts of the world that are not immune and are not vaccinated.

As long as there are any populations on the planet that are susceptible, the virus will transmit.

One positive outcome of the 1918 pandemic, though it was long in coming, was creation of the World Health Organization. Excela Latrobe pediatrics physician Dr. David Wyszomierski, who has studied the earlier pandemic, noted WHO in 1952 developed a global surveillance system to track different strains of influenza.

He said the COVID virus, like the flu, can switch some of its genetic material to become more contagious or more pathologic. That is what has occurred with the emergence of the delta variant, which has been cited in the recent increase in hospitalizations and deaths.

With another flu season approaching, Wyszomierski stressed the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine and an influenza vaccine for those who are eligible.

Absolutely not spared

It may take over 90% of the population gaining some form of immunity before the pandemic tapers off, Shively said. Once it becomes controlled, it will likely become another of the endemic coronaviruses.

Four other coronaviruses circulate in the human population as common colds, Burke said. COVID-19 will likely join their ranks.

If you look at the molecular evolutionary pattern, it looks like (coronaviruses) entered humans at least hundreds of years ago, he said. Maybe this happens every century or so, that a virus jumps and makes it into humans and then settles into this equilibrium.

Still, theres always a risk of another serious pandemic, experts warn.

We are absolutely not spared from a new pandemic happening be it 100 years in the future or later this year before this one is gone, Shively said.

The risk of pandemics spreading is higher now than ever, Burke said. As the world becomes more interconnected, viruses have an easier time traveling globally whereas many epidemics in the past died off on one continent or a lone corner of the world.

Several viruses in recent years, like Ebola and H1N1, had the potential to cause a devastating worldwide pandemic, Shively said. They just didnt.

Preparation for the next pandemic and learning lessons from this one is something that we as a country and an international community can gain, he said. When another pandemic will happen is hard to say, but another pandemic will happen. We need to take steps to make sure that were prepared for when it does.

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When it comes to fashion, professional designers need a rare blend of personal drive, creative sparks, educational direction, and entrepreneurial opportunity. Students who enroll in the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University bring their unique vision and talent to cultivate under leading faculty who are also artists and creatives in their own right. The result is a stand-out curriculum designed for hands-on learning that prepares students for specific industries and professions.

Fashion designer and Academy of Art University graduate Eden Slezin experienced this firsthand. As a student in the Academys School of Fashion, Slezin benefited from numerous opportunities to develop his skills in an environment that encouraged learning by doing. From practical classes in design to a full-scale fashion show put on by the School of Fashion, Slezin developed a firm foundation for a successful career ripe with creativity and celebrity collaborations.

No matter where Eden Slezin finds himself in his journey, he brings with him the passion and desire to achieve his goals. He is also quick to follow his changing interests, which allows him to pivot careers as his interests evolve.

Starting out in plant molecular genetics, Slezin found his undergraduate experience was just one of many career adventures. After a stint with the U.S. Marines, he returned to civilian life in outdoor guiding and retail management roles before deciding on fashion design as the next step.

At 39 years old, Slezin was hesitant to return to school. I didnt have a design background, said Slezin. I think I have always loved fashion, but I didnt think it was a career possibility. But with the right mentors and supports, his drive found the opportunity he needed with Academy of Art University.

Slezin earned his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Fashion with the Academy and got to work growing his own mens clothing line. He also worked with his sister, a budding designer in her own right, on her Etsy shop offerings ranging from loungewear to home dcor. Before the duo knew it, Nicole Ritchies House of Harlow 1960 came calling and invited the D and E Discovered brand to collaborate on a limited Etsy line.

How did Slezin go from a creative with zero fashion experience to designing a collection with House of Harlow? He credits his time at Academy of Art University with giving him the foundation he needed to operate a business and learn to make his ideas a reality.

Since most masters programs limit who can apply based on past experience in the field they desire, entrance is restricted to the few who already fit the mold. Academy of Art University, however, operates with an open admission policy and encourages applicants to share their personal goals as part of the admission process. The acknowledgment that life experience, passion, and hard work are important factors in pursuing a higher education enables students like Slezin to chase their academic and professional dreams at Academy of Art University.

Specifically in the Academys School of Fashion, faculty guide students through the development of their own, personal vision. Coursework is structured to create awareness of industry standards and the ins and outs of market operations while creating room for students to establish their own design philosophy.

Slezin shared, I went back to school and started really digging into the craft of it all. The MFA in Fashion establishes a clear foundation with courses in construction, design, editing, and presenting ready-to-wear collections. Courses place these topics within the framework of historical, global, and current industry influences to help students contextualize their own aesthetic.

Technology also plays a role in design at Academy of Art University. Fashion design students learn how to use 3D design platforms to draft fabrics, garments, and storyboards that have a practical purpose in the businesses they hope to run one day. Everything I feel like I need to be a successful designer, Ive gotten from the Academy of Art University, said Slezin.

Academy of Art University also gave Slezin the opportunity to show at New York Fashion Week, one of the biggest platforms for designers to present their work. That is the grand showcase, and its where you make your mark, said Slezin. The show was a culmination of six semesters of hard work including directed study with hands-on instruction from faculty and an internship to practice skills in real-world settings.

The flexible curriculum at Academy of Art University encourages every creative to pursue what makes them unique, acting as a catalyst rather than a conformist for success. Coursework is also comprehensive. To graduate, students are required to demonstrate fundamentals in design, technical specifications, and business practice in the context of their personal goals and their chosen field.

Ever committed to following his dreams and going where his passions take him, Slezins work reflects his understanding of the global marketplace, design trends, and designer personas. During the Etsy collaboration with House of Harlow 1960, he demonstrated his design and business acumen in spades. I essentially took over as lead designer for the collection, explained Slezin.

Armed with a mood board, he set to work to create a design presentation by drawing from his MFA experience. This training helped me understand the assignment. I couldnt have done any of that without the Academys training, said Slezin. The result was a collection of soft textures and flowing garments that matched the vibe House of Harlow desired.

Slezin hasnt left his roots behind, either. He incorporates inspiration from his six years in the military in many of his designs for his own line. Sustainability is also important to him, and he reuses textiles as well as uses organic fabrics and natural dyes. Academy of Art University has allowed me to transition from a career which I was not that excited about to my dream career of being a fashion designer, said Slezin.

Academy of Art University instructors encourage students like Eden Slezin to pursue their passion with a solid foundation of translatable skills. Rather than requiring students to commit to a single aesthetic or brand persona, instructors help creatives learn to channel their talents in meaningful ways that can be practically applied.

For Academy students and graduates like Slezin, there is no limit to where their creativity can take them. The next big thing can always be around the corner, and it can be completely different than their last pursuit or have a completely different look, feel, or objective. Academy of Art University students can start out with a dream and no experience, only to soar to new creative heights.

Established in 1929, Academy of Art University has a storied history of providing industry-based curriculum learning to artists, designers and creatives. Students can choose from more than 120 accredited degree options, all taught by instructors who are experienced professionals in a course of study. Academy coursework is a hands-on experience that combines a solid foundation of core skills with the freedom for students to express themselves creatively. To learn more about the bachelors, masters, certificate and continuing education programs available, visit http://www.academyart.edu.

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