News Archive

Understanding how mechanics complement bio-signaling in defining patterns during morphogenesis is an outstanding challenge. Here, we utilize the multicellular polyp Hydra to investigate the role of the actomyosin cytoskeleton in morphogenesis. We find that the supra-cellular actin fiber organization is inherited from the parent Hydra and determines the body axis in regenerating tissue segments. This form of structural inheritance is non-trivial because of the tissue folding and dynamic actin reorganization involved. We further show that the emergence of multiple body axes can be traced to discrepancies in actin fiber alignment at early stages of the regeneration process. Mechanical constraints induced by anchoring regenerating Hydra on stiff wires suppressed the emergence of multiple body axes, highlighting the importance of mechanical feedbacks in defining and stabilizing the body axis. Together, these results constitute an important step toward the development of an integrated view of morphogenesis that incorporates mechanics.

To the Editor:

We the undersigned, founders and leaders of biotech companies, write to express our deep concern and opposition to the executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 27, 2017, barring the entry of citizens from seven countries into the United States1.

The United States is the world’s greatest developer of medicines and new inventions to ameliorate and cure intractable diseases, a status achieved through massive investment in private and public companies, academia and R&D. Most importantly, our success has been founded on the creativity and dedication of our most precious resource—our people.

Tuesday, March 7th 8:00am—5:00pm

This one-day event will highlight the latest trends in medical devices and technologies and feature resources in the state that help bring products from invention to market. Topics include bioelectronics, cybersecurity for medical devices, convergence of devices and drugs, big data, robotic prosthetics, and additive manufacturing applications. Organizations representing Maryland innovation, entrepreneurial, funding, regulatory, and product scale-up resources will be there to discuss ways that they work with the medical device community.

This event is sponsored by the University of Maryland Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Maryland Department of Commerce, Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC), FLC Mid-Atlantic Region, National Institute for Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership , and TEDCO.

Cuddles, kisses, and caring conversations. These are key ingredients of our close relationships. Scientists are finding that our links to others can have powerful effects on our health. Whether with romantic partners, family, friends, neighbors, or others, social connections can influence our biology and well-being.

You thought the Shark Tank was tough? The second annual BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap is now accepting applications!

Submit your application for a chance to be named the company with the most commercial potential at the BioHealth Capital Region Forum.

Deadline for entries is March 24 – Finalists will be announced by April 6 – Regional Biotech Forum Event: Panel Presentation is on April 20

Nestlé announced last week it is moving its US headquarters from California to Arlington, Virginia. We see similarities to other recent headquarters moves, yielding lessons for communities seeking to attract or retain these high profile activities.

The black sports bra and matching leggings that Under Armour began selling Monday don’t look particularly distinctive from the rest of the workout attire on its website.

But, in fact, the garments are different in a key way: They were made in the United States, marking a key milestone in the company’s ambitious bid to significantly rethink its manufacturing strategy.

Build the MoCo STEM community by attending this free event for educators from pre-K to college, business leaders and employers, County Councilmembers, county government leaders and service providers, industry practitioners, interested parents and students. We are showcasing best practices, laying out a vision and asking for input on an effective STEM engagement strategy for Montgomery County.

12:30pm – 1pm: Networking and STEM Demonstrations

1pm – 4pm: Panels and Discussion

MCPS Superintendent Jack Smith to speak at 1:15pm

The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer congratulates the winners of its 2017 Awards. With over 90 nominations submitted this year’s competition was fierce, which made our judges’ task of selecting winners an unenviable one. We thank our winners, and their competitors, for a great job in realizing the technology transfer potential within their laboratories. 

The awards will be presented on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at the FLC National Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. To register for the meeting and/or awards ceremony, visit meeting.federallabs.org.

The volume of startups says a lot about an area’s viability.

But as that number keeps growing, it’s worth considering which of those companies are “real.” It helps people who track startups (like, say, journalists) keep tabs on the next big companies coming out of Baltimore.