Thursday, December 25, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Teaching Brain Cancer Research to HS Students: Is it Possible??
Over the last 4 months I have spent about 1 hour per week, working with a high school senior student from Atlanta Georgia. The objective of this mentorship has been to help her develop critical thinking skills in the biological sciences. By examining complex biological and chemical concepts and processes in a specific disease, she has been exposed to some of the core skills, need to understand research in the biological sciences.
The strategy was quite simple, requiring her to select a disease with which she was most interested and then, using a peer reviewed journal, systematically apply web-based bioinformatics tools to gain a hands on understanding of how to,
1. Identify and describe scientific hypothesis under investigation.
2. Identify and analyze genes and proteins in peer reviewed biological research and
3. Compile and present the information obtained by the above processes in the form a short paper and a presentation.
The paper we have been studying together appeared in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in August 2008 and was authored by Alexander H. Stegh and co-workers (1). This paper explored the mechanisms by which the Bcl2L12 (short for B-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma 2- Like 12) gene regulates apoptotic and necrotic events in cell models (in vitro) and mouse models (in vivo) of an aggressive brain cancer called Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Although, much of the research conducted in this paper is well beyond the scope of the student (and myself for that matter!), there are a few simple identifiers that we can use to build student confidence in a complex scientific area.
By pointing this student in the direction of the information, through a guided reading approach, the student has built her scientific vocabulary, learnt a few simple ways to read complex scientific material, and applied web-based bioinformatics tools to increase her understanding of the particular research area.
I’m looking forward to her final report and presentation. Hopefully, she will gain a better sense of what’s possible in the world of biological research!
To be continued.....
Dr. Gregory I. Simpson
References
1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Aug 5;105(31):10703-8. Epub 2008 Jul 31.
The strategy was quite simple, requiring her to select a disease with which she was most interested and then, using a peer reviewed journal, systematically apply web-based bioinformatics tools to gain a hands on understanding of how to,
1. Identify and describe scientific hypothesis under investigation.
2. Identify and analyze genes and proteins in peer reviewed biological research and
3. Compile and present the information obtained by the above processes in the form a short paper and a presentation.
The paper we have been studying together appeared in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in August 2008 and was authored by Alexander H. Stegh and co-workers (1). This paper explored the mechanisms by which the Bcl2L12 (short for B-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma 2- Like 12) gene regulates apoptotic and necrotic events in cell models (in vitro) and mouse models (in vivo) of an aggressive brain cancer called Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Although, much of the research conducted in this paper is well beyond the scope of the student (and myself for that matter!), there are a few simple identifiers that we can use to build student confidence in a complex scientific area.
By pointing this student in the direction of the information, through a guided reading approach, the student has built her scientific vocabulary, learnt a few simple ways to read complex scientific material, and applied web-based bioinformatics tools to increase her understanding of the particular research area.
I’m looking forward to her final report and presentation. Hopefully, she will gain a better sense of what’s possible in the world of biological research!
To be continued.....
Dr. Gregory I. Simpson
References
1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Aug 5;105(31):10703-8. Epub 2008 Jul 31.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
In the Face of Adversity, Opportunities Abound!!
U.K. agency: Credit Crunch Jeopardizes Drug-Research Funding
"Biotech firms may fail to launch medicines as funding from major drug-makers and other sources dwindles because of the financial crisis, according to the U.K. Economic and Social Research Council. To cut costs, big pharmaceutical companies are reducing their work force and research efforts instead of teaming up with biotech startups for drug discovery, the agency said"
This was the heading of a Top story published in The Times (London) on 10-27-2008, an indication of how significant the global financial crisis has become. Jobs in the biotechnology field are generally higher paying and safer than most. This statement is based primarily on the fact that the technical skills required are so unique and difficult to obtain to begin with, that loss of these skills within the industry are a deterrent.
That said there are two critical issues to consider when choosing a profession. First is whether or not that profession has long term growth potential and that there are few barriers to progressing in the field. Second, how will adding other skills increase your potential to excel and grow in the profession economically and intellectually.
In the case of biotechnology, the field itself is divided into many, many subspecialties, ranging from agricultural biotechnology-both plant and animal for food as well as the floral/horticultural and pet industries (we'll explore those at another time)- therapeutic protein manufacture, stem cell and gene therapy strategies and the application of engineered microorganisms in waste management, biofuel and ethanol (alternative fuels) production and probably most important and most accessible, the application of computers and computing in managing biological data (bioinformatics).
The diversity and complexity of the discipline however, is premised on the new employee having a thorough understanding of
1. What genes and proteins are from a biological and chemical perspective
2. How these genes and proteins can be manipulated/engineered for a specific purpose and
3. How large scale manufacturing is controlled (Quality Control/Quality Assurance field) to ensure safe delivery of products to the consumer.
These three key elements are the backbone of the biotech industry and provide strong long term growth potential.
On the second point that of skills training, knowledge of biology and chemistry, regardless of the profession you eventually end up in or are in now, are significant skills necessary in today's modern society. Understanding the core concepts in chemistry and biology provides an entry point into not only the scientific and engineering professions, but also creates a greater depth of understanding, in the broader and more familiar areas of investment, management, law, the movie industry and so on.
There is yet one more key area that you need to be aware of as you proceed in the direction of a biotech career. At least in the USA, the gradually increasing understanding and application of genetic information in medicine, medical diagnostics, patient management and treatment, makes having this knowledge critical in personal healthcare decisions. Fortunately or unfortunately, this knowledge is shaping the way in which healthcare insurance will change in the future. The concept of personalized medicine being the corner stone of this change.
Turning our attention back to the article in the London Times, we notice that workforce reduction and cut backs in R&D investment are strategies to manage operating overhead, stabilize cash flow and optimize profitability. The fact is that every industry is now faced with the same set of decisions, where to cut back spending and consolidate, and if you are an investor, where to invest or not to invest to maximize gains.
As this global credit scenario begins to normalize over time, the market for biotech skills will continue to grow. Properly positioning yourself for your next career step is what it's all about and the field of biotechnology still will remain fertile ground for the forward thinking!!!
You can read the full article at http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/health/article5019212.ece
Yours in success,
Dr. Gregory I. Simpson
"Biotech firms may fail to launch medicines as funding from major drug-makers and other sources dwindles because of the financial crisis, according to the U.K. Economic and Social Research Council. To cut costs, big pharmaceutical companies are reducing their work force and research efforts instead of teaming up with biotech startups for drug discovery, the agency said"
This was the heading of a Top story published in The Times (London) on 10-27-2008, an indication of how significant the global financial crisis has become. Jobs in the biotechnology field are generally higher paying and safer than most. This statement is based primarily on the fact that the technical skills required are so unique and difficult to obtain to begin with, that loss of these skills within the industry are a deterrent.
That said there are two critical issues to consider when choosing a profession. First is whether or not that profession has long term growth potential and that there are few barriers to progressing in the field. Second, how will adding other skills increase your potential to excel and grow in the profession economically and intellectually.
In the case of biotechnology, the field itself is divided into many, many subspecialties, ranging from agricultural biotechnology-both plant and animal for food as well as the floral/horticultural and pet industries (we'll explore those at another time)- therapeutic protein manufacture, stem cell and gene therapy strategies and the application of engineered microorganisms in waste management, biofuel and ethanol (alternative fuels) production and probably most important and most accessible, the application of computers and computing in managing biological data (bioinformatics).
The diversity and complexity of the discipline however, is premised on the new employee having a thorough understanding of
1. What genes and proteins are from a biological and chemical perspective
2. How these genes and proteins can be manipulated/engineered for a specific purpose and
3. How large scale manufacturing is controlled (Quality Control/Quality Assurance field) to ensure safe delivery of products to the consumer.
These three key elements are the backbone of the biotech industry and provide strong long term growth potential.
On the second point that of skills training, knowledge of biology and chemistry, regardless of the profession you eventually end up in or are in now, are significant skills necessary in today's modern society. Understanding the core concepts in chemistry and biology provides an entry point into not only the scientific and engineering professions, but also creates a greater depth of understanding, in the broader and more familiar areas of investment, management, law, the movie industry and so on.
There is yet one more key area that you need to be aware of as you proceed in the direction of a biotech career. At least in the USA, the gradually increasing understanding and application of genetic information in medicine, medical diagnostics, patient management and treatment, makes having this knowledge critical in personal healthcare decisions. Fortunately or unfortunately, this knowledge is shaping the way in which healthcare insurance will change in the future. The concept of personalized medicine being the corner stone of this change.
Turning our attention back to the article in the London Times, we notice that workforce reduction and cut backs in R&D investment are strategies to manage operating overhead, stabilize cash flow and optimize profitability. The fact is that every industry is now faced with the same set of decisions, where to cut back spending and consolidate, and if you are an investor, where to invest or not to invest to maximize gains.
As this global credit scenario begins to normalize over time, the market for biotech skills will continue to grow. Properly positioning yourself for your next career step is what it's all about and the field of biotechnology still will remain fertile ground for the forward thinking!!!
You can read the full article at http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/health/article5019212.ece
Yours in success,
Dr. Gregory I. Simpson
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Stem Cell Biology for HS Teachers
I recently attended a 1 day Stem Cell Biology workshop for High School teacher's held at the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The event held on Tuesday November 11th 2008, was sponsored by the Broad Institute, the Whitehead Institute, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the Biotechnology Institute. Lots of heavy wait scientists, science and discussion.
The event was fantastic, presenting a broad range of issues including;
1. How to include Stem cell biology in the high school teaching curricula (the most difficult issue to address),
2. Cutting edge research being conducted now and the rapidly evolving clinical applications, presented by Rick Young (Whitehead Institute), Debra Auguste (Harvard) and Harvey Lodish (Whitehead Institute) and
3. The ethical and legal ramifications of the science now and in the future.
It was clear that participant's, although excited about the field and willing to introduce the concepts to their students, were mindful of the glaring obstacles to delivery easily in the near term. Challenges in imparting the science as well as overcoming social and ethical barriers to the science were all raised as significant issues.
Foremost on the teacher’s minds however, seemed to be the strategies that would be needed to teach the concepts within the scope of the MCAS framework. The second appeared to be ensuring that the teacher's were able to gain access to the type of knowledge needed to teach the subject in an age appropriate way. And third, the identification of suitable experiments and access to relevant literature that could excite and provide unique learning opportunities for both students and teachers.
We were given tours of both the Broad and the Whitehead and were provided with a unique opportunity to see some of the automated technologies driving biological research. What also crossed my mind was the critical need for CRITICAL THINKERS at these levels. The high through technologies now used in research, both in industry and academia, are driving the need for creative thinkers and the point was continuously stressed that the middle and high school level is were this process starts!
I'm looking forward to further engagements and activities with these groups of teachers, researchers and communications experts over the up coming months.
The event was fantastic, presenting a broad range of issues including;
1. How to include Stem cell biology in the high school teaching curricula (the most difficult issue to address),
2. Cutting edge research being conducted now and the rapidly evolving clinical applications, presented by Rick Young (Whitehead Institute), Debra Auguste (Harvard) and Harvey Lodish (Whitehead Institute) and
3. The ethical and legal ramifications of the science now and in the future.
It was clear that participant's, although excited about the field and willing to introduce the concepts to their students, were mindful of the glaring obstacles to delivery easily in the near term. Challenges in imparting the science as well as overcoming social and ethical barriers to the science were all raised as significant issues.
Foremost on the teacher’s minds however, seemed to be the strategies that would be needed to teach the concepts within the scope of the MCAS framework. The second appeared to be ensuring that the teacher's were able to gain access to the type of knowledge needed to teach the subject in an age appropriate way. And third, the identification of suitable experiments and access to relevant literature that could excite and provide unique learning opportunities for both students and teachers.
We were given tours of both the Broad and the Whitehead and were provided with a unique opportunity to see some of the automated technologies driving biological research. What also crossed my mind was the critical need for CRITICAL THINKERS at these levels. The high through technologies now used in research, both in industry and academia, are driving the need for creative thinkers and the point was continuously stressed that the middle and high school level is were this process starts!
I'm looking forward to further engagements and activities with these groups of teachers, researchers and communications experts over the up coming months.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A New President, A New Time, A New Nation
The chance to make a change has been granted to all of us, nationally and internationally. With this mandate given to President Elect, Barack Obama, the only goal we must all share is to steadfastly recreate, rebuild and expand opportunities for the larger collective. Using every individual talent and every ounce of energy we must each dedicate ourselves to improving the lot of our fellow citizens, across countries and continents. As has been said so many times, by so many people and led by one single voice - YES WE CAN!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Information Technology in the Biotech Space
The most significant advances in biotechnology possibly have been overshadowed by the overwhelming developments taking place in computing. Or has it?
On May 22, 2007 a story written by Dawn Kawamoto and reported in CNET News, headlined "Google invests $3.9 million in biotech start-up". The question is why has Google Inc, so heavily invested in information technology turned to the biotech industry as another possibly lucrative business opportunity?
To answer that question we need look no further than the types of information technologies needed to unravel, analyze, process and present data from the genomes of numerous plant and animal species. Google's mission "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful" fits perfectly with the scientific needs of the biotech industry i.e Genomic data.
Let us look at the human genome to understand a little more about what this actually means. The human genome consists of 3164.7 million (~3.2 billion) chemical nucleotide bases. Without all the bells and whistles, this means that to interpret and understand this information, you need
* computer processing power,
* database management capability,
* database security technology and
* expertise in web-based platforms and lots of it!
The use of this collective computing power in the analysis of genomic or more broadly described, biological information is called Bioinformatics. This rapidly growing field of biotechnology has opened an avenue for web-based information technology companies and individuals willing to learn and use on-line and stand alone software platforms to process the huge amounts of biological data being generated, globally.
The truth is that the business of biotechnology as it evolves is inextricably linked to the business of information technology, with more and more players entering the sub discipline of bioinformatics annually.
Dr. Gregory I. Simpson
References
http://news.cnet.com/Google-invests-3.9-million-in-biotech-start-up/2100-1014_3-6185860.html?tag=mncol
http://www.google.com/corporate/
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/project/info.shtml
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/About/primer/bioinformatics.html
On May 22, 2007 a story written by Dawn Kawamoto and reported in CNET News, headlined "Google invests $3.9 million in biotech start-up". The question is why has Google Inc, so heavily invested in information technology turned to the biotech industry as another possibly lucrative business opportunity?
To answer that question we need look no further than the types of information technologies needed to unravel, analyze, process and present data from the genomes of numerous plant and animal species. Google's mission "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful" fits perfectly with the scientific needs of the biotech industry i.e Genomic data.
Let us look at the human genome to understand a little more about what this actually means. The human genome consists of 3164.7 million (~3.2 billion) chemical nucleotide bases. Without all the bells and whistles, this means that to interpret and understand this information, you need
* computer processing power,
* database management capability,
* database security technology and
* expertise in web-based platforms and lots of it!
The use of this collective computing power in the analysis of genomic or more broadly described, biological information is called Bioinformatics. This rapidly growing field of biotechnology has opened an avenue for web-based information technology companies and individuals willing to learn and use on-line and stand alone software platforms to process the huge amounts of biological data being generated, globally.
The truth is that the business of biotechnology as it evolves is inextricably linked to the business of information technology, with more and more players entering the sub discipline of bioinformatics annually.
Dr. Gregory I. Simpson
References
http://news.cnet.com/Google-invests-3.9-million-in-biotech-start-up/2100-1014_3-6185860.html?tag=mncol
http://www.google.com/corporate/
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/project/info.shtml
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/About/primer/bioinformatics.html
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Obama-McCain Debate
What a debate!! Can't figure out who was better, but I am sure that if you were not convinced of the competence and knowledge of both candidates you are missing it.
Dr. Gregory I. Simpson
Looking forward to seeing what the polls look like in a few days. I'm looking forward to hearing about their plans for science education.
Dr. Gregory I. Simpson
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Massachusetts Life Science Laws and Homeschooling
Within the last month, Governor Deval Patrick signed into law a new legislation to "implement a comprehensive life sciences program for Massachusetts". The legislation was signed into law on June 16, 2008 and was the result of numerous stake holder meetings, discussions, and bi-partisan con-census. This bill focuses on several key areas to stimulate the life science industry within the Commonwealth, including and most significantly to educators, workforce training. The idea is to simply grow jobs in the life sciences sector in Massachusetts, by improving standards of teaching, scholarship and training.
Coupled to this has been the Governor's resent introduction of an Education Action Agenda which will seek to reform the States education system by 2020. The really great news about the new life science legislation, is the benefit it will create for students interested in entering the life sciences arena. In fact, we have already seen an incredible explosion in the expansion of science, particularly biology and biotechnology programs in community, state and private colleges and universities across Massachusetts. But how will this legislation benefit home schooled students?
Many of these students have limited access to laboratories, but an incredible wealth of knowledge in using internet search tools to research topics in wide ranging areas. This is a gold mine waiting to happen for home schooled students and parents wishing to maximize the learning environment for the college bound. Why you ask? Simple. With the incredible pace at which biology and chemistry data are being churned out by scientists, huge biological and chemical databases are being generated. The result has been an exponential growth of information to be mined, probed, analyzed, categorized and used to generate useable products from healthcare to bio-fuels and everything in between!
Dr. Gregory I. Simpson
Any student skilled in web-based search and retrieval tools for genes, proteins and chemicals, will have a place in this new bio-economy. This area will be a key strength of the home schooled student, if guided correctly. In my next commentary, I'll talk about the 10 key skills home schooled students need to have in their arsenal as they move toward careers in the life or medical sciences.
Dr. Gregory I. Simpson
Friday, June 13, 2008
I want to go to Harvard.com
It crossed my mind today while I was marking some science papers, that many students wish they could go to Harvard to study. Funny thing is that for a long time, I've wanted to go to Harvard, even with all my education and training, I still wasn't satisfied. Maybe that's the problem!!
Then I thought, maybe I'm not to go to Harvard, maybe I can make a contribution in my own way to science and in the process help many, many people achieve there goals, and dreams, by just being me!
Now isn't that a great idea. Just being me! One of my mentor's used to tell me that "he was yet to meet a student who didn't have a gift or a talent". That holds true in almost every case. The challenge is to find that gift or talent in you and use it in the best way possible, even if the search appears pain staking!
I've given up on the Harvard dream and started another. Today I want to be the best me there is and be happy being me! Sounds like a plan to me, maybe you should try it!
Dr. Gregory I. Simpson
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