Study examined how to better detect lung cancer that spreads to the brain

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Dec. 2, 2009 – A team of scientists at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) won a $1,000 prize for best scientific paper presented at BIBM09, a premier bioinformatics and biomedicine conference.

The paper, Identifying MiRNA and Imaging Features Associated with Metastasis of Lung Cancer to the Brain, was selected as the best from among 233 scientific submissions at the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) International Conference on Bioinformatics & Biomedicine, held Nov. 1-4 in Washington, D.C.

The paper was selected because of the amount of work done for the study, including laboratory work, and the novelty of the research approach, conference judges said: “We (computational people) often focus too much on the elegance of computational modeling. This is a good paper to reach out to the computational community with a work by a large, collaborative team with a new idea.”

The study – funded in part by the IBIS Foundation of Arizona, Science Foundation Arizona, and the National Institutes of Health – focused on using microRNAs, small molecules that regulate gene expression in cells, to help understand and predict how malignant lung cancer often spreads to the brain.

MicroRNAs and imaging characteristics on scanning devices – CT (computerized axial tomography), and PET (positron emission tomography) – were used as biomarkers that could indicate the presence of metastatic brain tumors, also known as brain metastases.

In addition, investigators used an in-silico conditioning algorithm, based on a mathematical model for contextual genomic regulation, to further identify biomarkers and validate their findings.

“If such markers could be detected by non-invasive means, such as with PET/CT, it could potentially revolutionize personalized healthcare in this country,’’ the paper said.

Nearly 25 percent of lung cancer patients will develop brain metastases, but there are no good measures to identify those at high risk. In certain situations, radiation treatment can reduce this risk, but this treatment can also have negative side effects. In general, clinicians treat brain metastases when these cause symptoms and are visible on scanning devices. Researchers posited that such treatment and its side effects could be avoided among some cancer patients if clinicians were better able to identify those patients who will develop brain metastasis.

Dr. Seungchan Kim, the paper’s senior author who developed the in-silico conditioning algorithm, said the study could have “high impact’’ in predicting lung cancer spreading to the brain. “The results are promising and warrant further evaluation and additional validation,” said Dr. Kim, an Investigator and Head of the Biocomputing Unit in TGen’s Computational Biology Division and an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University’s School of Computing, Informatics and Decision Systems Engineering.

Other members of the team included: Dr. Sara Nasser, the paper’s lead author and also a member of TGen’s Biocomputing Unit; Dr. Aarati Ranade of TGen’s Cancer and Cell Biology Division; and Dr. Glen Weiss, an Associate Investigator in TGen’s Cancer and Cell Biology Division and the Director of Thoracic Oncology at TGen Clinical Research Services at Scottsdale Healthcare (TCRS).

TCRS is a partnership of TGen and Scottsdale Healthcare. The partnership allows molecular and genomic discoveries made by TGen and others around the world to reach the patient bedside in the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare as quickly as possible through clinical trials with agents directed at specific cancer targets.

“Results of this research once again demonstrate the value of the collaboration between Scottsdale Healthcare, TGen and our community physicians. Advances in medicine are happening right here in Scottsdale that will help clinicians provide more personalized treatment for their patients,” said Tom Sadvary, President & CEO of Scottsdale Healthcare.

Dr. Nasser praised the teamwork of the many researchers involved in the project: “This is truly a multidisciplinary project involving cancer biology, bioinformatics, radiology, nuclear medicine and medical oncology.”

Dr. Weiss said this unique study could eventually benefit patients: “This work will hopefully lead to new treatment paradigms for lung cancer patients, and we are grateful to the vision of the IBIS Foundation to fund such a novel project.”

TGen’s partners in the study also included Scottsdale Medical Imaging.

The annual IEEE International Conference on Bioinformatics & Biomedicine is a multidisciplinary meeting that brings together academic and industrial scientists from computer science, biology, chemistry, medicine, mathematics and statistics. IEEE, which is celebrating 125 years of engineering, is the world’s leading professional association for the advancement of technology.

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About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of translational research where investigators are able to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is affiliated with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.

Source: TGen

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Questions often asked by twitter users when they have been on the system for a while and hit the brick wall at  2000 other twitter user that they are following include:

Why can’t I follow more people on twitter?

Why can’t I follow anyone on twitter?

Why is there a limit of 2000 people that I can follow on twitter?

Twitter has restricted my account and I am only following 2000 people. Why is that?

My twitter.com account is broken. Why can’t I follow anyone? Can anyone help?

The answer to all of these questions is simple and straightforward.  When you get to the point that you are following 2000 people, twitter will restrict your account until more than 1818 people are following you.   Once you reach above that number, your account is always restricted to 1.1 times the number of people who are following you …

Read the rest of this article:  –> Twitter Follow Limits

And on Twitter:  Twitter Follow Limits

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Bioscience Companies Needed

Presented by Jobing.com, Experience Your Future Day is a one-day, experiential learning event designed for 8th grade students to be able to experience hands-on what it’s truly like to work in a chosen trade, profession or industry. Bioscience companies in the Greater Phoenix Region are being asked to give back to the community while helping to invest in the future workforce by registering for an exhibit booth free of charge. Exhibitors will answer questions or possibly demonstrate what their company does, discuss how education is a factor, etc.

Please click here for more details.

Bioscience Companies Needed

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Bioscience, Phoenix, Phoenix Arizona, Science, Technology

Invest Southwest Capital Conference
kicks off December 10, 2008 with 12 companies presenting to venture capitalists and qualified investors. 84 submissions in a variety of high-tech fields were reduced to the 12 final presenters that will present at the two day conference. The Invest Southwest Capital Conference will be held in Scottsdale Arizona on December 10 and 11, 2008.

About the Invest Southwest Capital Conference
Invest Southwest has been connecting entrepreneurs and investors in Arizona and the Southwest for over 15 years. Companies that have presented at past Invest Southwest conferences include Ventana Medical, Flypaper, NetPro, Vivid Semiconductor, and AutoXray. Companies submitting to present seek between $250,000 and $5MM in capital. For more information about the conference visit http://www.investsouthwest.org/

Technorati Tags: Conference, Events, Invest Southwest, Invest Southwest Capital Conference, Scottsdale Arizona, Technology, Venture Capital

Twitter Rank from Twitterank.com takes Twitter by storm.

Read all about it here:

Twitter Rank

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If the future of bioscience matters to you, you don’t want to miss this presentation!

On Wednesday, November 12, join us either for breakfast in Tucson (Westin La Paloma) or lunch in Phoenix (Sheraton Phoenix Downtown) and hear what G. Steven Burrill, world-renowned biotech visionary, has to say about what he sees from now until 2020.  Hint – he believes the convergence of genomics, information technology, and nanotechnologies will radically alter every aspect of the healthcare system from the way companies develop and market drugs and devices to the way individuals pay for and receive medical services.  See attachment for more details.

Don’t wait – Register now at www.azbio.org.

Arizona Biotechnology Marketing
Biotechnology News

Technorati Tags: Ariizona Biotech, Arizona, AZ, Biotechnology

Download the Arizona Technology Council 2008 Vote TechSmart Guide

Arizona Legislative District 30

State Senate:
Jonathan Paton (R) is a current Representative in D-30 and is running for the Senate. He scored a 100% on the tech report card by voting for the entire tech agenda in 2008. He is a friend of technology and will continue his support as a Senator.
House of Representatives:
Frank Antenori (R) works in the field of aerospace. If elected he would like to make Arizona a more business friendly state by reducing taxes and investing in R&D.
Sharon Collins (R) works for the Arizona Department of Education. She believes in tax credits to attract business, and understands the need for education in order to compete in a global economy.
Doug Sposito (R) is a small business owner and general contractor. He believes we need a venture capital system in Arizona, and that a highly educated workforce in engineering and science will help attract technology companies to the Valley.

Arizona Technology Council

2008 VOTE TECHSMART – If you care about the Technology Related Voting Record of the Arizona State Senators and Legislators in your Legislative District, Download the Guide and read these endorsements.

Vote TechSmart is a resource produced by the Arizona Technology Council to give our members a better understanding of the Arizona legislative candidates who are running for political office in the 2008 Arizona election.
The report includes incumbents’ past voting records on technology issues and the results of both a survey and/or interviews of both incumbent and non-incumbent candidates. We hope this information is useful as you make your choices on Election Day.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, smart, tech, tech smart, Technology, techsmart, vote, vote smart, vote techsmart, voting

Download the Arizona Technology Council 2008 Vote TechSmart Guide

Arizona Legislative District 29

State Senate:
Linda Lopez (D) is a current Representative in D-29 and is running unopposed for the Senate. She has been supportive of R&D tax credits, Science Foundation Arizona and e-learning initiatives.
House of Representatives:
Pat Kilburn (R) works in the arena of defense. He believes we need more math and science requirements and that broadband is essential to a technology state.
Daniel Patterson (D) is an ecologist. He wants to diversify the Arizona economy, improve public education and invest in solar energy.

Arizona Technology Council

2008 VOTE TECHSMART – If you care about the Technology Related Voting Record of the Arizona State Senators and Legislators in your Legislative District, Download the Guide and read these endorsements.

Vote TechSmart is a resource produced by the Arizona Technology Council to give our members a better understanding of the Arizona legislative candidates who are running for political office in the 2008 Arizona election.
The report includes incumbents’ past voting records on technology issues and the results of both a survey and/or interviews of both incumbent and non-incumbent candidates. We hope this information is useful as you make your choices on Election Day.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, smart, tech, tech smart, Technology, techsmart, vote, vote smart, vote techsmart, voting

Download the Arizona Technology Council 2008 Vote TechSmart Guide

Arizona Legislative District 28

State Senate:
Paula Aboud (D) is the current Senator in D-28. She supported e-learning and the job training program in the 2007-08 legislative sessions.
House of Representatives:
David Bradley (D) is a current Representative in D-28. He supported the majority of our agenda by voting for R&D, job training, Science Foundation Arizona and e-learning.
Steve Farley (D) is a current Representative in D-28. He supported e-learning, Science Foundation Arizona and the job training program.

Arizona Technology Council

2008 VOTE TECHSMART – If you care about the Technology Related Voting Record of the Arizona State Senators and Legislators in your Legislative District, Download the Guide and read these endorsements.

Vote TechSmart is a resource produced by the Arizona Technology Council to give our members a better understanding of the Arizona legislative candidates who are running for political office in the 2008 Arizona election.
The report includes incumbents’ past voting records on technology issues and the results of both a survey and/or interviews of both incumbent and non-incumbent candidates. We hope this information is useful as you make your choices on Election Day.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, smart, tech, tech smart, Technology, techsmart, vote, vote smart, vote techsmart, voting

Download the Arizona Technology Council 2008 Vote TechSmart Guide

Arizona Legislative District 27

State Senate:
No endorsement made.
House of Representatives:
Olivia Cajero Bedford (D) is a current Representative in D-27. She supported the entire 2007 legislative agenda: supporting R&D tax credits, Science Foundation Arizona and e-learning.
Phil Lopes (D) is a current Representative in D-27. He supported Science Foundation Arizona, e-learning and the job training program. He received a “B” on our report card.

Arizona Technology Council

2008 VOTE TECHSMART – If you care about the Technology Related Voting Record of the Arizona State Senators and Legislators in your Legislative District, Download the Guide and read these endorsements.

Vote TechSmart is a resource produced by the Arizona Technology Council to give our members a better understanding of the Arizona legislative candidates who are running for political office in the 2008 Arizona election.
The report includes incumbents’ past voting records on technology issues and the results of both a survey and/or interviews of both incumbent and non-incumbent candidates. We hope this information is useful as you make your choices on Election Day.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, smart, tech, tech smart, Technology, techsmart, vote, vote smart, vote techsmart, voting