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

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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 studiesCatriona 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

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RED Digital Announces Z-Mount Versions of the V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO [X]; Price, Preorder and More Info at B&H

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Video News: RED Digital Cinema is bringing the Nikon Z-Mount to their V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO [X] cinema cameras, alongside Z-to-PL adapters with drop-in ND filters.

NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — B&H is pleased to announce new iteration of RED’s popular V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO [X] cinema cameras, now with locking Nikon Z-mounts. Releasing alongside these models are new Z-to-PL mount adapters, some with electronic ND filters, as well as conversion kits for shooters who want to add a Z-mount to existing V-RAPTOR [X] or KOMODO bodies.

RED DIGITAL CINEMA KOMODO-X Z Mount 6K Digital Cinema Camera (Nikon Z)
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1878415-REG/red_digital_cinema_710_0420_komodo_x_nikon_z.html  

KOMODO-X Z Mount 6K Digital Cinema Camera:19.9MP Super 35 Global Shutter CMOSReinforced, Locking Nikon Z Lens MountAdjustable AF, Smooth Iris ControlCompact KOMODO Line DesignUp to 6K80p & 4K120p Video12G-SDI, USB-C, 5-Pin Audio Ports6K Streaming via RED Connect LicenseWireless Control, File Offload via Wi-FiIntegrated 2.9″ TouchscreenIncludes AC Adapter

The V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV pairs a global shutter with a full-frame VistaVision-sized sensor. The camera originally came with a locking RF-mount, but will now be available with a locking Z-mount. This new version can be purchased by itself, in a Production Pack with Gold Mount or V-Mount batteries, or in a Starter Pack with a 7″ touchscreen and V-Mount batteries. Alternatively, you can purchase a Z-Mount Conversion Kit for existing V-RAPTOR [X] bodies, or a Z-Mount Upgrade Kit if you have older V-RAPTOR iterations like the V-RAPTOR 8K S35 or 6K S35.

RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV Camera (Nikon Z)
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1878414-REG/red_digital_cinema_710_0419_v_raptor_x_z_mount.html 

V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV Camera:Global Shutter Full-Frame VV SensorReinforced, Locking Nikon Z Lens MountAdjustable AF, Smooth Iris ControlGlobal Vision with Extended HighlightsPhantom Track for Ghost Frame, RemappingSupports up to 8K120, 800 MB/s Video17+ Stops of Dynamic RangeRight-Side Assistant’s User InterfaceREDCODE Raw HQ, MQ, LQ | ProRes OptionsDSMC3 Design, USB-C & Dual 12G-SDI Ports

The KOMODO-X 6K sports a global shutter as well, alongside a Super 35-sized sensor and a compact body. Like the V-RAPTOR [X], the KOMODO-X originally shipped with a locking RF-mount, but will now be available in a new Z-mount variation. The Z-mount body is available by itself, in a Production Pack with Gold Mount or V-Mount batteries, or in a Power Zoom Pack with the versatile Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens. This full-frame power zoom lens is custom-built for video work. There is also a Z-Mount Conversion Kit available for existing KOMODO-X owners.

Complementing these new cameras are four Z-to-PL adapters that support Cookie /i lens communication and record triggering. These V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X adapters are available in standard configurations or with a dial-in 2-7 stop electronic neutral density filter. You can adjust the ND by ¼, 1/3, or full stop increments via integrated buttons on the adapter or through existing RED control protocols on monitors and apps.

Learn More about the newest RED Z Mount Cinema Cameras                   
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/video/news/red-announces-z-mount-versions-of-the-v-raptor-x-and-komodo-x

Red Digital Cinema
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/red/ci/36678/N/3509699958 

Red V- Raptor X Cameras                                                 
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/raptor-x-cameras/ci/59049 

RED KOMODO Cameras
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/red-komodo-cameras/ci/59048 

RED V-RAPTOR Cameras
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/red-dsmc3-cameras/ci/53954 

Tripods – Camera Tripods
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Tripods-Support/ci/8159/N/4075788743

Camera Bags
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Bags-Cases-Carrying-Equipment/ci/167/N/4075788798

More Categories

USB C Headphones
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/usb-c-headphones/ci/59912

Curved Gaming Monitors
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/curved-gaming-monitors/ci/59914

External Hard Drives
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/external-drives/ci/30538

4K Monitors
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/4k-monitors/ci/59915

About B&H Photo Video

As the world’s largest source of photography, video, and audio equipment, as well as computers, drones, and home and portable entertainment, B&H is known worldwide for its attentive, knowledgeable sales force and excellent customer service, including fast, reliable shipping. B&H has been satisfying customers worldwide for more than 50 years. 

Visitors to the website can access a variety of educational videos and enlightening articles. The B&H YouTube Channel has an unmatched wealth of educational content. Our entertaining and informative videos feature product overviews from our in-house specialists. You can view the B&H Event Space presentations from many of the world’s foremost experts and interviews with some of technology’s most dynamic personalities. Tap into this exciting resource by subscribing to the B&H YouTube Channel here. In addition to videos, the B&H Explora blog presents new product announcements, gear reviews, helpful guides, and tech news written by product experts and industry professionals, as well as our award-winning podcasts.

When you’re in Manhattan, take a tour of the B&H Photo SuperStore, located at 420 Ninth Avenue. The techno-carousel spins all year round at the counters and kiosks at B&H. With hundreds of products on display, the B&H Photo SuperStore is the place to test-drive and compare all the latest gear.

The B&H Payboo Credit Card offers the industry’s best instant savings and special financing, subject to credit approval. Visit B&H’s Payboo Page to learn more and apply.

Contact Information
Geoffrey Ngai

B&H Photo Video

212-615-8820
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/ 

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SOURCE B&H Photo

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ION partners with Avalara to tackle tax compliance risks in energy trading

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LONDON, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ION Commodities, a global leader in energy and commodity management solutions, announces its strategic partnership with Avalara, a leading provider of cloud-based tax compliance automation for businesses of all sizes. As a technology partner in Avalara’s Partner Program, ION Commodities’ solutions will standardize integration with Avalara’s AvaTax for Energy tax engine solution to address the complexities of tax compliance in energy trading and logistics.

Tax compliance in energy markets requires navigating complex and dynamic tax rates and rules across multiple jurisdictions. This partnership between ION and Avalara will reduce the risk of incorrect or delayed tax calculations, thus helping firms to avoid financial penalties, audit risks, and increasing operational efficiency. 

The forthcoming integration will offer energy companies an automated, more accurate, and scalable tax compliance solution, enabling real-time tax calculation, reducing reliance on manual processes, and minimizing errors. Customers will also benefit from streamlined operations, enhanced decision-making, and reduced administrative overhead, allowing greater focus on core trading and operational objectives.

The combination of Avalara’s industry-standard expertise in compliance automation and ION Commodities’ industry-leading commodity management platforms will deliver an end-to-end solution for trading, risk, logistics, and tax management tailored to the evolving needs of the energy sector.

“Tax compliance is one of the most onerous factors impacting energy and commodities enterprises, and their ability to scale and operate efficiently,” said Steve Lacoff, Vice President and General Manager at Avalara. “Our partnership with ION gives mutual customers in these sectors a greatly simplified path to compliance automation, with reduced compliance risk, and greater operational efficiency.”

“Collaborating with Avalara aligns with our mission to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions for the energy and commodities industry,” said Sunil Biswas, Chief Executive Officer at ION Corporates. “This partnership enhances our offering with advanced tax compliance capabilities, empowering our community to navigate the complexities of tax regulations with confidence.”

About ION
ION provides mission-critical trading and workflow automation software, high-value analytics and insights, and strategic consulting to financial institutions, central banks, governments, and corporate organizations. Our solutions and services simplify complex processes, boost efficiency, and enable better decision-making. We build long-term partnerships with our clients, helping transform their businesses for sustained success through continuous innovation. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/.

About ION Commodities
ION Commodities delivers data-driven energy and commodities trading and risk management solutions across the supply chain. Our scalable ETRM and CTRM solutions equip clients with real-time risk analytics and reporting, minimize supply chain risks, automate critical business processes, and make faster, more informed decisions. We provide full support and transparency for procurement, supply, and trading to a global community of over 1,200 clients. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/commodities/

About Avalara
Avalara makes tax compliance faster, easier, and more accurate, reliable, and valuable for 41,000+ business and government customers in over 75 countries. Tax compliance automation software solutions from Avalara leverage 1,200+ signed partner integrations across leading ecommerce, ERP, and other billing systems to power tax calculations, document management, tax return filing, and tax content access. Visit avalara.com to improve your compliance journey. https://www.avalara.com/us/en/index.html

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ion-partners-with-avalara-to-tackle-tax-compliance-risks-in-energy-trading-302373836.html

SOURCE ION

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Newronika Closes €13.6 Million Series B Financing to Accelerate Development of Adaptive DBS Platform

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MILAN, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Newronika, a global leader in advanced deep brain stimulation, is pleased to announce the successful closing of its €13.6 million Series B funding round. The financing was led by a new investor, Fondazione ENEA Tech e Biomedical, with additional participation from existing investors Indaco Venture Partners SGR, Innogest SGR, Wille Finance, TNBT Capital, and F3F.

This significant influx of capital will empower Newronika to expand the clinical validation and commercialization of its proprietary adaptive DBS system, its innovative platform designed to deliver precision therapy aimed to improve symptom relief and reduce side effects for Parkinson’s disease patients. The funds will also facilitate the advancement of product pipelines, recruiting top-tier talent, and establishing strategic collaborations that further strengthen the company’s position at the intersection of medical device engineering and neuroscience.

Newronika’s continued momentum – evidenced by recent The Michael J. Fox Foundation grant and IDE approval, and now a substantial funding round – underscores the company’s central mission: to champion a paradigm shift in neuromodulation. Adaptive DBS represents the future of personalized brain stimulation, and Newronika remains dedicated to leading that evolution.

“We are thrilled with the strong support from both new and existing investors,” said Dr. Lorenzo Rossi, Co-Founder and CEO of Newronika. “This Series B round validates our commitment to transform the way deep brain stimulation is delivered. We aim to seamlessly integrate real-time neural data and machine learning into our DBS systems to create truly personalized therapies that surpass the capabilities of existing devices on the market.”

“With Newronika and its adaptive DBS platform, we see extraordinary potential to revolutionize the treatment of movement disorders on a global scale,” said Maria Cristina Porta, ENEA Tech e Biomedical General Manager. “Their innovative approach, capable of real-time, personalized neuromodulation, perfectly aligns with our vision of supporting disruptive medical technologies. We are excited to partner with Newronika to deliver next-generation DBS solutions to patients in need. Investing in technologies like this means caring for people’s health while creating value and driving innovation within our Country’s ecosystem.”

Davide Turco, CEO of Indaco said: “Indaco is proud to continue supporting Newronika, also through its Indaco Venture I – Lombardia Parallel Fund, in the upcoming clinical and commercial phases. We strongly believe that Newronika’s adaptive DBS system will improve the quality of life for many Parkinson’s patients.”

“This successful Series B financing round further solidifies Newronika’s strategic vision and commitment to pushing the boundaries of DBS technology to benefit patients” said Claudio Giuliano, Chairman of Newronika.

About the Investors

ENEA Tech e Biomedical is an Italian foundation supporting high-impact projects in biotechnology, medical devices, and life sciences, focusing on transformative solutions for global healthcare challenges. (https://www.fondazioneneatechbiomedical.it)

Indaco Venture Partners SGR is one of Italy’s largest venture capital firms, investing equally through its Indaco Ventures I fund and Indaco Venture I – Lombardia Parallel Fund to support cutting-edge innovations in healthcare and technology. Indaco Venture I – Lombardia Parallel Fund is an investment fund managed by Indaco Venture SGR S.p.A., selected through a public procedure by Regione Lombardia as part of the regional initiative Lombardia Venture, a fund of funds financed by ERDF PR 21-27 (Action 1.3.2) and managed by Finlombarda, which aims to support access to risk capital by Lombardy companies and to attract risk capital investment in companies through a partnership approach with private investors. Indaco Venture I – Lombardia Parallel Fund systematically co-invests with the Indaco Venture I Fund in companies operating in the region with high potential for technological innovation. (www.indacosgr.com)

Innogest SGR is a venture capital firm specializing in med-tech and digital health, leveraging its extensive experience to foster innovative healthcare startups. (https://www.innogestcapital.com)

Wille Finance is a Swiss-based multi-family office committed to impactful investments in healthcare, technology, and other transformative sectors. (https://www.willefinance.com)

TNBT Capital is a Paris-based investor focused on pioneering technologies in neuromodulation and neurotechnology. (https://www.tnbtcapital.com)

F3F is an Italian venture capital firm investing in innovative med-tech companies that are redefining patient care.

About Newronika

Newronika is transforming deep brain stimulation (DBS) through its adaptive platform that uses real-time patient data to optimize therapy. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, the company is committed to advancing neuromodulation beyond conventional limitations. With ongoing research collaborations, a CE Mark for its technology, and now an Investigational Device Exemption from the FDA, Newronika stands at the forefront of next-generation therapeutic innovation for neurological disorders.

For more information, visit www.newronika.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2612569/5150136/Newronika_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/newronika-closes-13-6-million-series-b-financing-to-accelerate-development-of-adaptive-dbs-platform-302374929.html

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