NASA-Supported Solar Sail Could Take Science to New Heights

NASA-Supported Solar Sail Could Take Science to New Heights: As NASA's exploration continues to push boundaries, a new solar sail concept selected by the agency for development toward a demonstration mission could carry science to new destinations.

Black Lives Matter: Interstate Closed for Protesters

About 3,000 protesters marched down an on ramp to I-70W in the Northern Maryland city of Frederick around sunset on 5 June 2020.The City police had closed the ramp to traffic for the protesters,who carried signs and chanted slogans:
Hands up! Don't shoot!
What's his name? George Floyd!
What's her name? Breonna Taylor!
No justice,no peace!
Hey hey,ho ho, these crazy cops have got to go!
*
A Maryland State Police helicopter monitored the activity from above. About 10 City police officers in regular uniform watched from the ground, but didn't approach the demonstrators.
After the protesters reached the end of the ramp,they marched back up and turned left onto a city street.They paused there and chanted more slogans at the passing motorists.
At this point, about 30-40
police in full riot gear filed toward the ramp and got into a waiting City bus.Momentarily,they got back out and walked down the empty ramp,where they assembled in a formation blocking the ramp.They just stood there about ten minutes,then got back in the bus and drove off.Again,they didn't approach the demonstrators.*
A rainbow had appeared in the sky during the protest march.*
Frederick has about 70,000 people and had hosted a BLM event at Baker Park earlier in the day.*

NASA Volunteer Marks Apollo 11 Anniversary

On 3 August 2019,Erin Gambrill,an official volunteer with NASA,gave a powerpoint presentation on the Apollo program at C.Burr Artz Library in Frederick,Maryland.Ms.Gambrill said she had to pass a background check to become a volunteer for the space agency.She covered the Apollo history from its predecessor Mercury and Gemini programs,through the disaster of the fatal Apollo 1 fire to the first lunar landing,and the near-catastrophe of Apollo 13.So it wasn't just a rah-rah session,but an honest look at NASA's boldest missions to date.*
Her favourite mission was Apollo 8,which achieved the first glimpse humans had ever had of the far side of the Moon and the iconic "earthrise" photo showing the Earth rising over the bleak lunar surface.On that so-called "dark" side of the Moon,there is a communications blackout,so it was pretty tense until the astronauts emerged on the earthward side.Actually,the far side of the Moon gets sunshine just as the earthward side does.*
The talk was aimed at children,but adults found it plenty educational as well.Few realise,for instance,that most of the Apollo 11 photos of astronauts on the Moon were of Buzz Aldrin,since Neil Armstrong had the photographer role.The lunar samples they collected are sealed in nitrogen for their preservation,and you can only touch them using thick gloves in a bio-containment unit.*
If you answered Ms.Gambrill's questions correctly,you got a little NASA prize,such as a small Apollo capsule model or a lapel pin.At one point,Ms.Gambrill helped us make paper models of the solar system by folding a long strip of paper and labeling the creases to mark the position of various celestial objects such as the planets,asteroid belt and the Kuiper Belt.*
It was definitely worthwhile to recall those intriguing days of lunar exploration that captivated the nation and indeed the entire world.

MedImmune and 3M Partner in Cancer Drug Research

MedImmune,the biotech subsidiary of British pharma titan AstraZeneca,and 3M Drug Delivery Systems announced a research collaboration on 25 September 2015.It is focused on developing nextgen toll-like receptor agonists,which are agents that activate innate immune cells and enhance the visibility of cancer tumours.MedImmune has licensed MEDI9197 from 3M,which the US FDA recently accepted for an investigational drug application,allowing a Phase I study on its safety and tolerability as a potential treatment for solid tumour patients.*
Such TLR agonists activate antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells,enhancing the visibility of a tumour to the immune system.MEDI9197 has been designed to activate a broad range of innate immune cells,leading to a more robust adaptive immune response.
Preclinial studies show MEDI9197 may inhibit tumour growth of both the injected and distant lesions in multiple types of cancer,including melanoma skin cancer.It is designed for intratumoural injection,allowing the compound to be retained in the tumour and provide specific immune activation,enhancing its safety and tolerability.*
MEDI9197 adds a unique mechanism to our growing portfolio,and supports our strategy of maximising anti-tumour immunity through scientifically rational combinations,said MedImmune Sr. Vice President and Head of Research Yong-Jun Liu,PhD.*
Everyone here at 3M's Drug Delivery Systems is very excited to collaborate with MedImmune,a world leader in cancer immunotherapy,according to Cindy Kent,President and General Manager of 3M DDS.We're very pleased with the progression of MEDI9197 to the clinic.*
Under the deal,MedImmune will be responsible for the clinical development and strategy for MEDI9197.3M will continue to develop more TLR agonists in oncology and other therapy areas,with MedImmune holding exclusive rights to conduct research on new molecules resulting from the collaboration,and to determine which to progress to clinical development.
MedImmune will make an upfront payment to 3M and must make developmental milestone payments for MEDI9197,as well as provide research funding to 3M.*
MedImmune is based in Gaithersburg,Maryland and is best known for its Flu-Mist influenza vaccines and its pediatric vaccine Synagis,which prevents the serious respiratory disease RSV.3M is a Saint Paul,Minnesota-based multinational corporation with 11 lines of business.It is famous for products such as the iconic Scotch Tape and Post-It Notes.*
AstraZeneca (AZN),3M (MMM)

MedImmune,Hopkins Sign Research Pact

An R&D company and a research university have joined forces in the quest for new treatments for a number of serious illnesses,such as cancer,rheumatoid arthritis and infectious diseases.MedImmune,the Gaithersburg,Maryland biotech firm that is a subsidiary of pharma titan AstraZeneca,and Baltimore's The Johns Hopkins University signed the five year,6.5 million dollar research agreement on 11 December.*
The broad-scale,long-term partnership calls for both institutions to contribute funding,personnel and materials to the joint efforts and training programs.We believe this significant collaboration with JHU will create a new standard in how academia and inustry can work together,said Dr.Bahija Jallal,executive vice president at MedImmune.Our partnership with this prestigious research university will leverage each organisation's strength;advance research in critical therapeutic areas;and strengthen Maryland's presence as a growing hub in the bioscience industry.*
We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with MedImmune researchers to accelerate the development of new therapies to treat a variety of serious diseases such as multiple sclerosis;rheumatoid arthritis;chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;and certain types of cancer,said Landon King,executive vice dean of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.We believe that by working together to leverage the strength of each organisation,we can make significant advances.*
MedImmune focuses on the discovery,development and commercialisation of small molecule and biologic prescription medicines,pioneering innovative research and exploring novel pathways across its key therapeutic areas.It is best known for its vaccines FluMist and Synagis(R),which helps prevent respiratory syncytial virus infections in infants.*
AstraZeneca(AZN)

AstraZeneca Shops for Blockbuster Drug Replacements

British pharma titan AstraZeneca is attempting to solve its patent dilemma with cash.In late April,the company shelled out 1.26 billion dollars for San Diego biotech firm Ardea Biosciences.Ardea's main prospect is gout treatment Lesinurad.
According to AstraZeneca CEO David Brennan,this attractive Phase 3 program is an excellent opportunity to leverage Astra's global specialty and primary care sales and marketing capabilities.
Ardea is also developing combination treatments for pancreatic and liver cancer with Germany's Bayer AG,plus another gout drug in Phase 1 trials.
Astra is losing patent protection on many of its blockbuster products over the next few years.Billions in revenue will be lost as patents expire and generic competition cuts into sales of hypertension drug Atacand(2013);antipsychotic drug Seroquel and anti-cholesterol pill Crestor(2014);and gastroesophageal reflex disease pill Nexium in 2016.
This strategy was in place several years ago when Astra also acquired Gaithersburg,Maryland biotech firm MedImmune in 2007.
AstraZeneca(AZN),Ardea Biosciences(RDEA),Bayer AG(BAYRY)

MedImmune and Progenics Combat Deadly Bacteria

MedImmune,the biotech division of British pharma titan AstraZeneca,has signed an in-licensing agreement with Progenics Pharmaceuticals,Inc for Progenics' Clostridium difficile late stage preclinical program.Clostridium infections are the leading cause of hospital acquired infections in the US,resulting in 20,000 deaths and 1 billion dollars in health care costs annually.
Clostridium causes severe diarrhea and significantly lengthens hospital stays,leading to poorer outcomes.MedImmune will assess the efficacy and treatment of the disease with monoclonal antibodies that target toxins which mediate it.
MedImmune Senior Vice President and Infectious Disease iMed Head Steve Projan said the program fits strategically within our infectious disease portfolio and adds to our existing programs that aim to prevent and treat serious bacterial infections,particularly among high risk patients.Progenics CEO Mark R. Baker added that Progenics is pleased to have this potential candidate in MedImmune's hands,where it has the potential to improve human health.
About 500,000 cases of Clostridium are diagnosed in the US annually,mostly affecting hospital patients.Up to 28% of cases are community-acquired through contaminated soil,water,pets,cattle and foods.The bacteria not only damage the gut lining;but prevent the regrowth of normal,healthy bacteria in the gut as well. Progenics' antibodies are highly potent against most strains found in the US and Asia,and potent against hypervirulent strains,which are largely responsible for the disease's growth rate,preliminary findings suggest.
MedImmune,based in Gaithersburg,Maryland,employs about 3500 people worldwide.Progenics is a biotech firm located in Tarrytown,New York.
AstraZeneca(AZN),Progenics(PGNX)

Anne Arundel Community College Jobs

Anne Arundel Community College is hiring faculty for the fall 2013 semester,which begins August 16.The Arnold,Maryland  two year institution,named a Great College to Work For by the Chronicle of Higher Education for the past three years, is seeking renewable term contract faculty with the possibility of tenure in several fields,including
Communications
English(multiple positions)
Graphic Design
Music
Physics
Reading
Sociology
Computer Technologies
Homeland Security
For full details and to apply,please visit their website and click on Career Opportunities at www.aacc.edu/employment
AACC:Bring your expertise and passion for teaching.

APL Science and Engineering Jobs

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab has 160 openings in the DC Metro Region.The Lab needs professionals for positions at its Laurel,Maryland headquarters such as Photonics Engineer;Software Engineer;Combat Systems Engineer/Analyst;Experimental Biomechanics and Injury Science;Junior Information Systems Analyst/Software;and Communications Security(COMSEC) Alternate.
The Lab is a non-profit research and development organization that enhances national security through science and technology.A major government contractor,it serves agencies such as the Department of Defense,NASA and others at its advanced facilities.
APL projects range from the Air and Missile Defense;National Security Space;Civil Space; and Undersea Warfare,to the Cyber Operations fields.For more information,visit http://www.jhuapl.edu/

MedImmune Joins Forces With Cancer Vaccine Collaborative

The structure of cancer research can be complex,even as the disease itself is.As a case in point,consider that MedImmune,the biotech division of British pharmaceutical titan AstraZeneca,has agreed to contribute three of its monoclonal antibodies to a research effort of the Cancer Vaccine Collaborative,or CVC.The CVC is in turn a project sponsored by a philanthropic organisation called the Cancer Research Institute and also by the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.The CVC is a network of clinical immunologists and oncologists with expertise in immunotherapy programs.
MedImmune's three antibodies will be incorporated into the CVC's portfolio of cutting edge clinical research and development,which utilises the expertise of its global network of clinicians and scientists to identify new immunotherapy combinations and launch clinical trials that help to bring the new treatments to cancer patients faster.
MedImmune's antibodies will be combined with other primary agents available to the CVC or accessed through additional partnerships to develop a more powerful generation of smarter immunotherapy drugs to better manage cancer patients' disease over the long term.Such combinations enable scientists to attack a particular cancer on multiple fronts,increasing the effectiveness of immune system response to cancer.
A monoclonal antibody is a protein produced from a single cell clone that can bind to substances such as tumor cells or other proteins,thus stimulating a person's immune system,modifying its regulatory checkpoints to make it more effective in responding to cancer.MedImmune intends to continue its research on these antibodies on an individual basis while the CVC combination studies proceed.
No financial terms of the joint effort with the CVC were revealed.
MedImmune employs about 3500 people worldwide.Its headquarters are in Gaithersburg,Maryland.
AstraZeneca(AZN)

Federal Rules Impel SAIC To Split Itself Up

Federal conflict of interest rules are forcing SAIC,the former Science Applications International Corporation,to divide into two separate companies.The rules make it harder for a company that combines services and solutions functions as SAIC does to compete for contracts.Under the leadership of new CEO General John P. Jumper,US Air Force retired,the IT-oriented research group will spin off its 4 billion dollar a year services business from the larger 7 billion a year solutions business.
The services business will provide systems engineering and technical assistance,plus financial analysis and program office support.The solutions business will offer science and technology for national security,engineering and health projects such as communications,intelligence,logistics and electronic warfare initiatives.
SAIC was founded by a small group of scientists led by physicist J. Robert Beyster,PhD in 1969.The FORTUNE 500 company addresses complex and critical technology-related needs such as cancer research at its SAIC-Frederick subsidiary in Maryland.SAIC-Frederick develops and applies advanced technologies to translational research,accelerating the delivery of new cancer and AIDS treatments.The activity supports the National Institutes of Health's Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research,employing nanotechnology,genomics and biomedical imagery in both basic and applied research.
SAIC employs about 40,000 people at locations from Virginia to Saudi Arabia,Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
SAIC,Inc(SAI)

Biotech Firm Dismisses GlaxoSmithKline Offer

Rockville,Maryland biotech firm Human Genome Sciences has rejected a 13 dollar a share bid by British pharma titan GlaxoSmithKline,with whom it has a partnership in the promotion of lupus drug Benlysta.The offer is inadequate,the company says in a letter to shareholders,because it doesn't capture HGS' inherent value and growth opportunities.HGS listed one of these opportunities as Benlysta,which is not only a treatment for lupus;but shows promise for treating other autoimmune diseases as well.The initial market opportunity for Benlysta is approximately 7 billion dollars in the U.S. alone,the company says.HGS goes on to cite its robust pipeline of new products as underpinning its future prospects,including cardiovascular drug darapladib and diabetes treatment albiglutide.Its early stage pipeline includes potential cancer,autoimmune and Alzheimer's disease medications as well.Glaxo was opportunistically trying to purchase HGS at a low point of the company's share price,HGS said.The Board has authorized management to seek strategic alternatives such as sale to another party to increase HGS' shareholder value.Human Genome's financial advisors,Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs,both recommended against accepting the GSK offer as being inadequate. Human Genome Sciences(HGSI),GlaxoSmithKline(GSK)

Update:Two of Three Deceased Family Members Had Post-Flu MRSA Infections

Two of the three recently deceased family members who had contracted H3N2 influenza in Lusby,Maryland were found to also be infected with post-flu MRSA bacterial infection of the lungs,the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene indicated.Those who died were Lou Ruth Blake,81,and her children Lowell,58,and Vanessa,56.Another daughter,Elaine,51,who lived at home and was her mother's main caregiver,also fell ill and was hospitalized,as was Ruth Blake's sister.Elaine has since been released from hospital and her aunt is improving.
It is possible that the deceased children contracted both the flu and post-flu MRSA infections from their mother while visiting with her.Ruth Blake had been vaccinated with a flu shot;the children had not.Although generally effective,vaccination is not foolproof-especially among the elderly.MRSA,a variety of staphylococcus aureus,is called the flesh-eating bacterium because of its extreme toxicity.Amputations and even death are not uncommon from this dangerous,antibiotic-resistant organism.When lungs have been inflamed by the flu,they are more susceptible to infection by the MRSA bacteria.MRSA bacteria can live harmlessly on the skin for extended periods,apparently waiting for an opening.There have been many previous cases of post-flu infection with this antibiotic-resistant MRSA pneumonia.

Americans Lax About Flu Shots-the cost to business

Influenza takes quite an annual toll on American business,a survey reveals.In 2010,for example,Americans missed 100 million work days because of having the flu.This cost their employers almost 7 billion dollars.Only 41% of Americans got vaccinated that year.
The flu may lazily be seen as just a bad cold that not enough people get to worry about,but such an attitude can have fatal consequences-even for those in middle age,as illustrated by the recent deaths of a brother and sister in their fifties,who apparently died of influenza and its complications,along with their elderly mother,in Lusby,Maryland.
There was plenty of vaccine made for this flu season.Since the season got off to a late start,it could well last into May,so it isn't too late to be vaccinated even now in March.

A Successful Partnership:GlaxoSmithKline and Human Genome Sciences

British pharma titan GlaxoSmithKline is building on research carried out by Rockville,Maryland biotech firm Human Genome Sciences.Two of GSK's pipeline projects are based on HGS technology.
Darapladib is an inhibitor of the Lp-PLA2 enzyme,which is believed to be a risk factor for coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke.It is a potentially important new treatment for prevention of cardiovascular events.The candidate drug discovered by GSK using an HGS technology is in a Phase 3 trial for efficacy and safety of treatment.
Albiglutide is a biological product created by HGS and licensed by GSK IN 2004.It is designed to act throughout the body to help maintain blood glucose levels and control appetite.This potential long term treatment for type 2 diabetes is also in a Phase 3 trial.
HGS has a substantial financial interest in both of these GSK products which its research has had a formative influence on.
GlaxoSmithKline and Human Genome Sciences are also co-owners and developers of Benlysta,the first new lupus treatment approved in the U.S. in 50 years.
GlaxoSmithKline(GSK),Human Genome Sciences(HGSI)

Microsoft Jobs and Culture

Microsoft is currently hiring in Chevy Chase,Maryland.They need Software Development Engineers;Software Development Engineers in Test;Development Leads and Test Leads.For details and to apply for these positions visit http://bit.ly/MSjobs-SDE
They also need Solutions Specialists.For this one,visit www.jobs-microsoft.com/job/go/1497946/
There are multiple openings for each category at all levels,e.g.,Principal,Senior and Lead.
Microsoft Mid Atlantic District:Washington,DC
5400 Wisconsin Avenue,Suite 700
Chevy Chase,MD 20815
Microsoft has been designated a Great Place To Work in the World's Best Multinational Workplaces 2011.They are committed long term to the mission of helping their customers realize their full potential.They continually evolve the company to be in the best position to accelerate new technologies as they emerge and to better serve their customers,who use the software to find creative solutions
to business problems,develop breakthrough ideas,and stay connected to what's important to them-and Microsoft strives to do the same.
A globally diverse and inclusive workplace is integral to Microsoft's vision,strategy and business success.
Microsoft(MSFT)

MedImmune Licenses Pfizer Cancer Care Candidate

MedImmune has licensed a Pfizer CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody,tremelimumab,for exploration in a number of potential cancer treatments.Under the agreement,Pfizer will retain the rights to use tremelimumab with specified types of combination therapies while MedImmune assumes global development rights of the antibody.
The acquisition for MedImmune's oncology pipeline exemplifies MedImmune's continued commitment to embracing this new era of cancer care,according to Dr.Bahija
Jallal,PhD,Executive Vice President of Research and Development.
CTLA-4 is a protein that has an important role in regulating the immune system.There is growing interest in potential therapeutic benefits of blocking this protein with antibodies such as Pfizer's tremelimumab,as a means of inhibiting immune system tolerance of carcinogenic tumors,thus providing a potential new immunotherapy for cancer patients.
MedImmune is a division of London-based pharma titan AstraZeneca.The Gaithersburg,Maryland biotech firm has a staff of around 3500 workers worldwide.MedImmune is the inventor of the iconic FluMist vaccine,as well as pediatric respiratory therapy Synagis.
AstraZeneca(AZN),Pfizer(PFE)

Tropical Storm Lee Costs Mount

Already cash-strapped and tired states now find themselves dealing with further multiple costs as the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee beleaguered the Mid-Atlantic region.Hurricane Irene had tested the area severely,which now must battle record flooding from Lee's five days of nearly continuous rainfall.
At least two people were swept away to their deaths by high water in Virginia,one of them a twelve year-old boy.Pennsylvania's death toll rose to five by Friday as the Susquehanna River closed at least 178 roads in the worst flooding since Hurricane Agnes in 1972.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett described a clear public health emergency in his state as sewage plants were swamped and rendered inoperable.The flood waters could contain all sorts of dangers,from the raw sewage to manifold debris and diesel fuel.
The Susquehanna River drains lands from New York state to Maryland,flowing eventually into the Chesapeake Bay.It is estimated that T.S. Lee has dropped some 2.4 trillion gallons of rain water on the Susquehanna basin.
Other states have also recorded various difficulties on account of the endless rain.Pompton Lakes,New Jersey had to condemn 22 homes that have been inundated repeatedly by Hurricane Irene and T.S. Lee.A car dealer in Upper Marlboro,Maryland counted a loss of five million dollars of inventory ruined by chaotic waters.
The sun has not been seen for so long,the region's residents may not recognize it when it finally does return.
Update:As of Saturday,September 10,the long-gone sun had indeed returned to the Mid-Atlantic skies.All the same,it should be noted that some of T.S. Lee's energy is still present in the atmosphere.This may result in isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms for the next several days.In consequence,flash flooding could result,even though the region's waterways have begun the receding process.Setbacks may occur,given the historic drenching that has been sustained.
Towards the middle and end of the new week,the jet stream is expected to dip dramatically,bringing the possibility of a record-breaking cold front to the lower 48.Colorado already has seen the first snow of the season,a dusting that fell on the Arapahoe basin.

Who Owns St.Joseph Aspirin

St.Joseph Aspirin is a brand owned by Ilex Consumer Products Group,a subsidiary of private equity firm Ilex Capital Group.The longtime children's aspirin product received a new lease on life when research showed that a low dose aspirin regimen has numerous benefits for cardiovascular health,reducing stroke and heart attack risk,and even lessening the damage from a heart attack in progress.
More recently,it has been ascertained that an 81 mg aspirin regimen may help prevent colon cancer as well.Some people are allergic to aspirin.Others with sensitive stomachs may develop bleeding ulcers from taking aspirin.These are rare complications,however.The low dose aspirin regimen,with its minimal cost and multiple benefits,has become one of the most widely recommended in family medicine.
Ilex Consumer Products also owns the Calgon and Gourmet Dining brands.
Based in Annapolis,Maryland,Ilex Capital Group has client service offices in Baltimore and London.Private equity firms such as Ilex normally seek to optimize a brand until it is ready to sell or list for a substantial profit.

Public Health:A Region Faces Cancer Together

An innovative medical/media partnership has formed in central Pennsylvania.Its goal is to educate the public about cancer,bringing in-depth information and resources to bear on this chronic disease.
Facing Cancer Together launched this month.It is an interactive,community education partnership of WellSpan Health,PinnacleHealth,Lancaster General Health and WITF Public Media,Harrisburg.Research-based,the project aims to improve knowledge and change behaviors about cancer.
Through original productions for television,radio and print,as well as interactive web resources,the project will inspire and guide honest conversations about the many aspects of the illness for patients,caregivers and survivors.
Facing Cancer Together will also invite other regional cancer care organizations to participate.It is designed to evolve over the nine months of the initiative based on audience needs and feedback.
Dr.Ronald Hempling,M.D.,director of oncology services for WellSpan Health,said they are excited to be a partner in this project which will highlight the depth of services available in the region.
WellSpan Health is an integrated health care system for the people of southcentral Pennsylvania and northern Maryland.Anchored by York and Gettysburg Hospitals,it includes many physician practices and outpatient facilities.Pinnacle Health and Lancaster General Health are similar organizations in greater Harrisburg and Lancaster,respectively.
The project's comprehensive website is at facingcancertogether.witf.org/ It takes a few minutes to load.There is also a Facebook page for it.