Technology

Cancer Research in Space for Life on Earth: Five Projects Selected Through ISS National Lab Solicitation in Partnership With NASA

Published

5 months ago

July 30, 2024

Inaugural Igniting Innovation research announcement is providing more than $7 million in funding to advance cancer research through space-based R&D

BOSTON, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory, in partnership with NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) division, jointly announced the selection of five projects through the inaugural Igniting Innovation solicitation for cancer and other disease-related research and technology development on the ISS. The projects, which were announced at the annual ISS Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC) in Boston, will harness the unique microgravity environment to advance cancer research to benefit patients on Earth.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 2 million cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, and more than 600,000 people will die from the disease. Cancer and other disease-related research on the space station is critical not only to the ISS National Lab and NASA but also to the Biden-Harris administration and its Cancer Moonshot initiative. Through the inaugural Igniting Innovating solicitation, more than $7 million in total funding is being awarded to the selected research teams. Each team intends to fly multiple projects to the orbiting laboratory through this research announcement.

“Over the years, the space station has been a catalyst for biomedical research that has profound impacts on patient care on Earth,” said Ray Lugo, chief executive officer for the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™, manager of the ISS National Lab. “Through this inaugural Igniting Innovation research announcement, the ISS National Lab and NASA focused funding efforts to specifically target cancer through space-based research, and we look forward to working with the selected projects as they push the boundaries of research and innovation to develop more effective therapeutics for those impacted by this devastating disease.”

The selected projects are listed below:

Mari Anne Snow, Eascra Biotech: This project seeks to produce cancer therapeutics in space using Janus base nanomaterials (JBNs) designed to target drug delivery to solid tumors, improving cancer treatment and reducing side effects. JBNs are formed by DNA-inspired building blocks that self-assemble. Producing JBNs in microgravity could make them more uniform, increasing both safety and efficacy. This would allow JBNs to carry larger amounts of drugs for more effective treatment. This project builds on prior space station research that Eascra and the University of Connecticut conducted with support from Axiom Space to examine the use of JBNs to treat arthritis.Arun Sharma, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: This project aims to grow cardiac spheroids with blood vessels from induced pluripotent stem cells in space for cardiovascular disease modeling and to test how cancer drugs affect the heart. In space, cells grow into 3D structures that are more like cell growth in the body. Blood vessels may also grow better within the spheroids in microgravity. Space-grown cardiac spheroids could provide a better disease model to study cardiovascular disease and test cancer drug toxicity. Additionally, on Northrop Grumman’s 21st Commercial Resupply Services mission (NG-21) to the ISS, slated for early August, the Cedars-Sinai team intends to launch a regenerative medicine investigation supporting the in-space manufacturing of stem cells, building on prior space studies. Catriona Jamieson, University of California, San Diego: This project seeks to use patient-derived tumor organoids to study accelerated cancer development in microgravity and identify new cancer therapeutic targets. After cancer treatment, cancer stem cells can remain in the body. These cancer cells self-renew, evade the immune system, and develop resistance, resulting in their ability to spread throughout the body. The research team will observe the rate of cancer stem cell growth in space, where cancer cells can grow more quickly, to test whether blocking a specific enzyme prevents cancer stem cell growth. Results could lead to new treatments that target evasive cancer stem cells to prevent cancer recurrence. The UCSD team has launched multiple investigations to the ISS through private astronaut missions and NASA-sponsored missions.Cassian Yee, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center: This project aims to use microgravity to better understand how T cells work in order to develop new immunotherapy treatments for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. T cells are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the immune system. Previous research has shown that microgravity induces changes in the structure and function of these cells. The team will study T cells in space to better understand what controls them, and results could lead to improved immunotherapy drugs that use the immune system to fight cancer.Shay Soker, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM): This project seeks to use organoids created from cells recovered from colorectal cancer patients to see if chemotherapy works better in space, offering insight into improved chemotherapies. Microgravity causes changes in cancer cells that may make them more sensitive to chemotherapy. The team will study how spaceflight changes gene expression in the organoids to identify targets for new, more effective chemotherapy drugs. Results from this project could also lead to personalized cancer treatment. WFIRM is actively involved in research on the space station and will launch an investigation on NG-21 analyzing the behavior of engineered liver constructs, which could lead to in-space production of tissues for organ transplants on Earth.

All five research teams intend to work with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Axiom Space, together with BioServe Space Technologies, who will provide engineering and logistical support to prepare the projects for spaceflight and successful operations on station.

“We are thrilled to support this critical in-space cancer research,” said Lisa Carnell, director of NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) division. “The unique microgravity environment of space offers incredible opportunities for researchers to study the effects of spaceflight stressors on human tissue. This research could be used not only to help protect crew health on long-duration missions but also to contribute to initiatives like the Cancer Moonshot and improved treatment options for patients here on Earth.”

The final award of funding is contingent upon acceptance of legal terms and conditions between the recipients, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™, which manages the ISS National Lab, and NASA’s BPS division.

The ISS National Lab and NASA plan to announce the 2024 Igniting Innovation solicitation in August. This research announcement is focused on leveraging the space environment to address challenges that hinder progress in preventing, diagnosing, and treating the most challenging diseases of our time, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease.

To download a high-resolution image for this release, click here.

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:
The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page.

Media Contact:

Patrick O’Neill

904-806-0035

PONeill@ISSNationalLab.org

International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory

Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS)

6905 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 500, Melbourne, FL 32940 • 321.253.5101 • www.ISSNationalLab.org

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SOURCE International Space Station National Lab

Technology

Virtusa Earns 2024 Great Place to Work® Certification™ for Third Consecutive Year

Published

51 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass., Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Virtusa Corporation, a global leader in digital business strategy, digital engineering, and IT services, is proud to announce its 2024 Great Place to Work® Certification™ for the third consecutive year. This recognition spans seven countries – India, USA, Canada, UK, UAE, Australia, and Singapore – and underscores Virtusa’s dedication to fostering a High-Trust, High-Performance workplace culture globally.

The certification is based on rigorous employee feedback, with Virtusa achieving an impressive Trust Index™ score of 79% and an Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) of 73%. Notably, 81% of employees agreed with the statement, “Taking everything into account, I would say this is a great place to work.”

Key areas of improvement over the past year include professional development, equal treatment, making a difference, and creating a welcoming environment.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Great Place to Work® Certification™ for the third consecutive year,” said Lori Mullane, Chief People Officer at Virtusa. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their best. Investing in a culture of trust, collaboration, and growth enables our teams to deliver exceptional value to our clients and communities.”

Virtusa’s commitment to professional development, diversity, and well-being reflects its efforts to build a supportive and inclusive environment. With industry-leading initiatives like Engineering IQ for career progression, robust upskilling programs, and a focus on belonging and fairness, Virtusa has created a culture where employees can thrive.

The Certification is a testament to Virtusa’s leadership in workplace culture, which supports over 30,000 employees globally. As the company continues to grow, its mission remains steadfast in providing a High-Trust, High-Performance environment that drives innovation, collaboration, and employee satisfaction.

For more information about Virtusa’s workplace culture and career opportunities, visit https://www.virtusa.com/careers.

About Great Place to Work®
Backed by 30 years of data, Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Through its proprietary For All™ Model and Trust Index Survey, it gives organizations the recognition and tools to create a consistently positive employee experience. Its mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all, driving business growth, improving lives, and empowering communities. Through globally recognized and coveted Great Place To Work Certification and highly competitive Best Workplaces™ Lists, Great Place To Work enables employers to attract and retain talent, benchmark company culture, and increase revenue. Its platform enables leaders to truly capture, analyze and understand the experience of every employee, and compare outcomes with data collected from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries worldwide.

About Virtusa
Virtusa Corporation provides digital engineering and technology services and solutions for Forbes Global 2000 companies across industries, including financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, media, manufacturing, and technology. With a foundation in digital engineering, Virtusa empowers enterprises to navigate digital transformation, driving operational efficiency and measurable outcomes. Leveraging its Engineering First approach, Virtusa partners with organizations to tackle complex challenges, delivering solutions that ensure resilience and competitive advantage.

Virtusa is a registered trademark of Virtusa Corporation. All other company and brand names may be trademarks or service marks of their respective holders.

Media Contact:
Paul Lesinski
Edelman
(971) 226-5299
paul.lesinski@edelman.com

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Technology

DogeRide Unleashes a New Era of Pet-Friendly Ridesharing in Denver

Published

51 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

DogeRide, Denver’s newest and most innovative ridesharing service, is proud to announce the official launch of its pet-friendly hailing app in Denver, CO Metro Area.

DENVER, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DogeRide, Denver’s newest and most innovative ridesharing service, is proud to announce the official launch of its pet-friendly hailing app.

“We wanted to create a ridesharing service that embraces that spirit, providing a solution for dog lovers who want their furry companions to be part of their daily lives. DogeRide is more than a rideshare; it’s a celebration of Denver’s dog-friendly culture.”

Designed to bring convenience and joy to pet lovers, DogeRide allows drivers to ride with their dogs as companions while welcoming riders to travel with their furry friends. With Denver being one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country, this service is set to revolutionize how residents and their dogs move around town.

DogeRide aims to address a growing demand for pet-friendly transportation. Riders no longer have to worry about leaving their four-legged friends behind or struggling to find a rideshare that accommodates their pets. The DogeRide app allows seamless booking and ensures all participating drivers are comfortable with canine passengers.

To ensure a safe and pleasant ride, dogs must weigh under 80 pounds and be on a leash or in a crate during the journey.

“Denver is a city that thrives on community and outdoor adventures, and dogs are a huge part of that lifestyle,” said Phil Warfield and Divine Tumenta, both Co-founders of DogeRide. “We wanted to create a ridesharing service that embraces that spirit, providing a solution for dog lovers who want their furry companions to be part of their daily lives. DogeRide is more than a rideshare; it’s a celebration of Denver’s dog-friendly culture.”

The app’s user-friendly interface allows riders to indicate when they’re bringing a dog along, ensuring that drivers are prepared for their canine co-pilots. Additionally, all DogeRide drivers are trained to prioritize safety and comfort for both human and canine passengers. From trips to the vet or park to daily commutes, DogeRide is committed to making every journey tail-waggingly fun and hassle-free.

DogeRide also offers unique features tailored to the needs of dog owners and pet-loving drivers. Drivers are encouraged to bring their dogs along for companionship while working, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for riders. This innovative approach not only enhances the drivers’ experience but also provides riders and their dogs with a sense of familiarity and connection.

“DogeRide is the ultimate ridesharing service for dog lovers because we’ve designed it with the needs of Denver’s vibrant pet-owning community in mind,” said Chad Harris, Co-founder of DogeRide. “Whether you’re heading to the dog park, running errands, or going on an adventure, DogeRide ensures your furry friend can come along for the ride. We’re thrilled to be part of Denver’s pet-friendly ecosystem.”

DogeRide’s mission is to create a safe, reliable, and dog-inclusive transportation option that reflects the unique lifestyle of Denver residents. As part of its commitment to the community, DogeRide plans to partner with local animal shelters and pet organizations to support adoption events and promote responsible pet ownership.

DogeRide is now available for download on iOS and Android devices. For more information, visit www.dogeride.com.

Media Contact

Nick Dell, DogeRide Technologies Inc, 1 7207817533, support@dogeride.com, https://www.dogeride.com/

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SOURCE DogeRide Technologies Inc

Technology

Omnis Investments Limited Extends Relationship with SS&C

Published

51 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

WINDSOR, Conn., Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSNC) today announced that Omnis Investments Limited has extended its transfer agency relationship with SS&C. The contract services Omnis’s range of mutual funds, which invest across several asset classes and regions.

With more than GBP10 billion of assets under management, Omnis is one of U.K.’s largest asset managers and works closely with clients of The Openwork Partnership, a network of 4,200 financial advisers across the country. Omnis also collaborates with 2plan wealth management, a leading wealth management firm in the U.K.

“SS&C is a long-term valued partner to Omnis, and we are looking forward to continuing our work together on ways to enhance the experience of our clients and achieve our goals,” said Simon Harris, Chief Operating Officer at Omnis. “Together with SS&C, we are committed to providing a high standard of service to all of our clients and evolving our digital service offering.”

“We are pleased to extend our valued long-term relationship with Omnis,” said Spencer Baum, Managing Director Head of Client Management, SS&C GIDS. “SS&C is committed to delivering exceptional omnichannel servicing and support to all customer types.”

Learn more about SS&C’s Global Investor and Distribution Solutions here.

About Omnis Investments Limited

Omnis Investments manages over GBP10 billion in assets, working as part of The Openwork Partnership, a network of 4,200 financial advisers across the country helping people look forward with confidence and optimism. Omnis has a range of funds and strategies across the full risk/return spectrum, managed by leading investment managers. The Omnis funds are only available through advisers of The Openwork Partnership and 2plan wealth management.

About SS&C Technologies

SS&C is a global provider of services and software for the financial services and healthcare industries. Founded in 1986, SS&C is headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, and has offices around the world. Some 20,000 financial services and healthcare organizations, from the world’s largest companies to small and mid-market firms, rely on SS&C for expertise, scale and technology.

Additional information about
SS&C (Nasdaq: SSNC) is available at www.ssctech.com.

Follow SS&C on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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SOURCE SS&C