Üsküdar family was always with the earthquake victims…
Üsküdar University has continued its support and work for the region since the first day after the disaster of the century which was centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6 and caused devastating results in 11 provinces. The academic personnel, administrative personnel and students of the Üsküdar family that have started an aid campaign since the first say of the earthquake, have delivered and continued to deliver the aid they have collected in cash and in kind to the region. Moreover, academicians continue their research and studies in the region. Aid mobilization started from the first day Üsküdar University also sent relief materials consisting of 5 buses to the region in the first two days of the earth quake in the coordination of the Istanbul Provincial Representative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Department Özcan Demir’s management and the Turkish University Sports Federation. The members of Üsküdar University, which was immediately organized as of the first hours of the earthquake and started a full mobilization with its academic personnel, administrative personnel and students, delivered the materials they collected from the Main Campus to the transfer points to be delivered to the earthquake regions every day. Prof. Tayfun Uzbay worked to supply medicines to earthquake victims… Üsküdar University Advisor to the Rector, Head of the Department of Medical Sciences and Member of the Central Delegation of the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association. Prof. Tayfun Uzbay, who continued his work in Ankara as a member of the Central Delegation of the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association after the earthquake, said that 25 field pharmacies were established for the victims affected by the earthquake and needed medicines, and medicines were provided free of charge. Selman Utku carried out various activities in the debris zone day and night Selman Utku, an expert at Üsküdar University Health, Culture and Sports Department, voluntarily carried out activities in the earthquake zone with the “Camp Fire Türkiye Search and Rescue Association” after two earthquakes of 7.68 magnitude in Kahramanmaraş and 7.6 magnitude in Gaziantep on February 6. In the search and rescue efforts, the team consisting of 8 people, including Utku, played a major role in the rescue of 14 of our citizens from under the debris. Utku, who participated in search and rescue operations in various regions in the disaster area through the Camp Fire Türkiye Search and Rescue Association, carried out relief efforts in Reyhanlı, Samandağ, Altınözü, Kırıkhan, Terzihöyük Village, Odabaşı Neighborhood, Akevler Neighborhood and Rönesans Residence locations of Hatay. In the following days, Utku took part as a team leader in organizing the aid coming from various regions of Türkiye and distributing it to the villages in need. At night, search and rescue operations continued in the debris of the collapsed buildings within the scope of verified information later in the day. OHS academics went to the earthquake region and made investigations Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Health and Safety and Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) academicians went to the earthquake area and made investigations. Academicians have proposed the creation of earthquake museums in cities destroyed by the earthquake, examples of which have been found in Japan. Dr. Rüştü Uçan: “Earthquake museums can keep social memory alive” OHS Specialist Dr. Rüştü Uçan said that the museums where the items recovered from the debris will be exhibited can be turned into a symbol so that earthquakes are not forgotten. Psychological Support Service is provided Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital specialists provide ‘Free Earthquake Trauma Psychology Support Line’ service for students and employees affected by the earthquake disaster. Prof. Nevzat Tarhan said that “When the damages of the earthquake begin to be eliminated, the mental damages begin.” President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, who stated that the mental damages occur when the debris of the earthquake begins to be eliminated, said that “There was also a very quick reaction to the psychological support. We have established psychological support lines. Psychiatric problems are just beginning to emerge. When the damages of the earthquake begin to be eliminated, the mental damages begin. We are stronger and more resilient than many societies. Let’s learn lessons. Let us be strong within us. You will spread the feelings of brotherhood and friendship to the society so that you can make the world brotherhood. We cannot achieve regional unity outside without unity at home. This is one of the most important lessons of fate.”. During Ramadan, we went to the earthquake region… After the earthquakes that were effective in 11 provinces and called the disaster of the century, the earthquake victims in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay were visited under the leadership of Üsküdar University Health, Culture and Sports (HCS) Department and Hold My Hand Association. During the visit where food and clothing aid was provided, the people of Üsküdar, who brought gifts to the children who felt the pain of the earthquake most deeply, relieved their pain to a certain extent with the colorful and entertaining activities they organized. Students affected by the earthquake were met… A team of 30 people who visited Dedeler Elementary-Secondary School in Türkoğlu district of Kahramanmaraş carried out activities with children and provided clothes and supplies. The pain was tried to be relieved with activities… Entertaining activities such as magic and clown shows were held. Face paint was applied to children, and also candy and balloons were given. Reyhanlı Education Campus was visited… On the other hand, the team, which stopped by Hatay after Kahramanmaraş, visited Reyhanlı Education Campus which is an international educational institution. Refreshments were offered to earthquake victims in tent cities… The Üsküdar delegation visited the tent cities in the center of Antakya in the earthquake region and offered treats to the children there. Üsküdar University’s “Earthquake Manifesto” This year, the 5th International Congress of Positive Psychology by Üsküdar University with the theme of “The Science of Kindness / What does Kindness Yields? & Growth after Earthquake and Trauma” lasted for three days. In the “Manifesto for Post-Traumatic Growth as a Result
The earthquake devastating for Turkish Nation was highlighted at the SBMT Meeting in the USA
In the 20th congress held by the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics – SBMT where distinguished scientists around the world attend, attention was called to the earthquake deeply effecting Türkiye. Congress organizers presented the special video prepared for the earthquake and Prof. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized destructive effect of earthquake in terms of both physical and psychological aspects. In the meeting where only Üsküdar University and NPİSTANBUL Hospital researchers attended from Türkiye, the research team led by President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, represented our country in two sessions titled “TMS in Neuropsychiatric Disorders – Novel Protocols and Applications” and “Neuromodulations Applications and Neurotechnology”. At the congress, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan made a presentation titled “Theta Burst Stimulation as a Neuromodulation Tool”. In his presentation, Tarhan shared using TMU in psychiatry, neuromodulation techniques, ECT-TMU comparison and examples on the current theta burst studies in brain stimulation with TMU in future treatment algorithms. Tarhan conveyed his remarks on earthquakes of 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude which took place in Pazarcık and Elbistan districts of Kahramanmaraş in the congress. It is the biggest earthquake that planet has ever seen in Türkiye… Katılım sağladığı kongrede 10 ili etkilen ve tüm Türkiye’yi yasa boğan deprem afetine dikkat çeken Üsküdar Üniversitesi Kurucu Rektörü Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan; “Sizlerin de bildiği üzere gelmiş geçmiş en büyük, en şiddetli ve çok uzun süren, uzun fay hattı olan bir deprem felaketi yaşadık. Türkiye’de yerküre üzerinde görünmüş en büyük depremdi. Çok büyük bir felaketti. Neredeyse küçük bir kıyamet gibiydi. Ne yazık ki can kaybımız on binleri aştı. Gördüğümüz bu alanda 200 metre genişliğinde bir yarık oluştu. Dünyanın dört bir yanından gelen kurtarma ekibiyle olağanüstü bir destek sağlandı. Amerika, Singapur ve Japonya gibi daha birçok ülkeden destek sağlandı. Sadece maddi değil, aynı zamanda manevi bir yardım da gördük. Biz Türkiye’de yaşadığımız bu zorlukların üstesinden geleceğiz. Sizin iyi niyet göstergeleriniz bizim için çok önemlidir. Manevi değerleriniz ve Türk insanına gösterdiğiniz müthiş desteğiniz ve psikolojik desteğiniz de bizler için önemli. Bildiğiniz üzere krizlerin bir de fırsat boyutu ve aynı zamanda da tehdit boyutu vardır. Bir psikiyatrist olarak şu an ben de bunu gözlemlemekteyim. Bu felaketten sonra dünyanın geleceğine dair daha ümitliyim çünkü dünyamızda iyi insanlar da var ve gerektiğinde dünyanın her yerinden harekete geçiyorlar. Böyle bir durumda biz bunu gözlemledik. Bu dünyayı daha yaşanabilir hale getirecek şey nezaket, iyilik ve iş birliği olacaktır. Fırsat boyutunun bu yönde olduğunu düşünüyorum.” şeklinde konuştu. President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan pointed out the earthquake that affected 10 provinces and devastating all of Türkiye at the congress he participated and Prof. Tarhan said: “As you know, we experienced the largest, the most severe, long-lasting and long Faultline earthquake disaster that our planet has ever seen in Türkiye. It was a big disaster. It was like a little doomsday. The death toll is estimated that it exceeded tens of thousands. Unfortunately, there were a rift in the earth with 200-meter width in this area you saw. Rescue teams all over the word gave extraordinary support from all over the world such as America, Singapore and Japan, from many countries. And, not only financial but also moral assistance was received. We will overcome these difficulties in Türkiye but your assistance your good vicious is really important for us. There are world-wide moral values. There is big support, psychological support to Turkish people. As you know, crisis have an opportunity dimension as well as threat dimension. As a psychiatrist, I have also observed this now. I am more hopeful for the future of the world now after this disaster. And, because there are good people in our world too and they take action when it is necessary from all over the world. We have observed this during these events. The thing that make the world more livable will be kindness, goodness and cooperation. This is the opportunity dimension I think. A video on the Kahramanmaraş earthquake was prepared… In the program held in the shadow of the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, the organizers showed that they are sharing the sorrow of Türkiye by presenting the video they prepared. President of the SBMT Dr. Vicky Yamamoto and President of Administrative Board Dr. Babak Kateb showed all the participants watch the video in the gala night. Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA) Play Play
Aid Campaign to the earthquake zone from Üsküdar University…
Üsküdar University also has started a campaign to be a cure for the wounds even to some extend while we are experiencing profound sorrow of the two Kahramanmaraş centered earthquakes in Türkiye. Academic personnel, administrative personnel and students of the Üsküdar family sends the in kind and in cash aid collected to the region since the first day of the earthquake. 1000 packages were delivered to the region on the third day of the earthquake, which include basic needs such as food, cloths, hygiene products, blankets, medical products, baby products… Türkiye tries to heal the wounds of the two Kahramanmaraş centered earthquake affection 10 provinces. The Üsküdar University family also have started an aid campaign for the earthquake where thousands of people lost their lives or have injured. In the aid coordinated by Istanbul Provincial Representative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the head of the Üsküdar University Health, Culture and Sports Department Özcan Demir and the Turkish University Sports Federation, Üsküdar University sent aid supplies by 5 buses to the region in the first two days of the earthquake. As of the first hours of the earthquake, the members of Üsküdar University immediately organized and started a full mobilization with academic, administrative and students and they continue to deliver the materials they collect from the Central Campus to the transfer points to be delivered to the earthquake regions every day. Üsküdar University sent 1000 packages to the region within the scope of in kind and in chase aid in this context. Packages included; – Blanket, pillow, sheet, sleeping bag – Diaper, feeding bottle – Baby food – Female hygiene set – Outwear (coat, hat, boots, raincoat, scarf, neckerchief, beanie, gloves) – Cloths (top and bottom clothing, underclothes) – Cleaning and hygiene products (Napkin, wet wipes, tooth brush, towel, soap, etc.) – Beverage (Water, juice, milk) – Basic Food (Canned food, pasta, dry legumes, biscuits, etc.) – Shoes (Boots, sneakers) – Socks, booties – Other materials (Book, toys, batteries, food for animals, etc.) – Medical materials, drugs Psychological Support Service… Moreover, Psychological Counsel unit within the HCS Department provides psychological support service for students and personnel who were affected by the disaster. Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)
Leading Brain Mapping Scientists, Senator Chris Murphy, Sandy Hook Promise Foundation, and Doctors from Ukraine amongst award recipients of the 20th Annual Gathering for Cure (GFC) Gala of the World Brain Mapping Foundation
The 20th Annual “Gathering for Cure (GFC)” Gala of WBMF, which is a black tie fundraiser that resembles the Oscars but for neuroscientists, will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Downtown LA on Friday, Feb. 17th, 2023, 6-8 PM Red Carpet and 8-11 PM GFC Award presentation and Banquet. The renowned actor and TV personality Mr. Montel Williams will co-host the GFC award show. Major General Paul A. Friedrichs, Joint Staff Surgeon at the Pentagon, will be the Honorary guest. 300+ celebrities and scientists will attend this fundraiser, and the tickets are available on the WBMF website. Like the Oscars, the GFC awards are in different categories; Pioneer in Medicine recipients are Dr. Paul M. Thompson and Lawrence Steinman for their groundbreaking work in Brain Mapping and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). NICO Corporation founder and CEO, Mr. Jim Pearson, will be the recipient of the 2023 Pioneer in Technology Development for inventing life-saving neuro-technologies. Honorable Senator Christopher Murphy is the recipient of the 2023 Pioneer in Healthcare Policy award for his active legislation on mental health and neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s Disease. “It is important to highlight and recognize the work done by these pioneering colleagues because the public need to celebrate scientists and their discoveries at the same level as artists and musicians,” said Dr. Babak Kateb, President of WBMF and Chairman of the Board of SBMT. The 2023 WBMF Humanitarian award and the Sunder Foundation Rukmini Rajagopal Medal will be presented to two Ukrainian Doctors, Oleksandra Kashurina and Kateryna Potapova, and an Italian Neurosurgeon, Dr. Giuseppe Umana. They have saved many injured Ukrainians and a NATO soldier as part of the WBMF-SBMT Global Physicians and Scientists (GPS) humanitarian prog, which aims to bring the best science, technology, and medicine to the war zones and regions in need. “Last year, we established a humanitarian mission for Ukraine, and one year later, we are pleased to recognize our colleagues and encourage the public to support the ‘GPS program,” said Dr. Vicky Yamamoto, 20th President of SBMT. The 2023 Golden Axon award for leadership in the field will be presented to Doctors Keerthy Sunder, Christopher Wheeler, and NBC reporter and anchorman Mr. John Klemack for leading SBMT subcommittees on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Psychiatry, and Opioid Addiction as well as highlighting our programs in brain cancer in the news, respectively. Sandy Hook Promise Foundation co-founders Ms. Nicole Hockley and Mr. Mark Barden will be recipients of the Beacon of Courage and Dedication award at the GFC Gala this year due to their incredible work at saving children’s lives through their programs. Drs. Jothsna Bodhanapati, James Okereke, Nataliia Fedorchenko, Kateryna Potapova, and Ms. Lila Kendall are recipients of the Student Service and Leadership award as part of the WBMF Fellows and Interns program. The GFC gala will be in parallel with the 20th Annual World Congress of SBMT, which includes 900+ presenters, 15 keynotes, Bioskills Labs, and an Exhibition Hall covering all neurological disorders. This event is also open to the public; patients and their families can register online. Both the gala and convention are made possible by generous contributions of the public and the following organizations: ARAMIS Group, Infinity Arc Radiotherapy (iART), World Brain Mapping Foundation (WBMF), Karma Docs & Associates, Sunder Foundation, Mind-Eye Institute, The Massoudi Foundation, Celularity, Applied Neuroscience Inc., Dr. Laura Purdy, Datar Cancer Genetics, Fulgent Genetics, NOVARAD, The Bill and Lee Stein-Wood Foundation, Mitaka, BrainScope, NuCalm, MagVentures, Globus Medical, Medeia/BrainView, Loma Linda University, Neuro-Optometric and Rehabilitation Association (NORA), and Surrey Capital. For More Information about SBMT, visit: www.WorldBrainMapping.Org Media Contact: Dr. Kevin Morris, MD Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Alliance at SBMT Cell: 951-441-4331 Kevin.Morris@WorldBrainMapping.Org View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-brain-mapping-scientists-senator-chris-murphy-sandy-hook-promise-foundation-and-doctors-from-ukraine-amongst-award-recipients-of-the-20th-annual-gathering-for-cure-gfc-gala-of-the-world-brain-mapping-foundation-301741328.html SOURCE Brain Mapping Foundation
Ukrainian physicians on the frontline amongst 900 presenters at the 20th Annual World Congress of Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT) in LA
Leading neuroscientists, neurosurgeons, neurologists and psychiatrists will be gathering at the LA Convention Center on Feb. 16-19th 2023 LOS ANGELES, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Last year, the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT) established a task force to help Ukraine with medical humanitarian missions including engaging physicians and neurosurgeons in combat casualty care and medical supply support. This year, the Ukrainian Medical Team supported by SBMT will present their work at the 20th Annual World Congress of SBMT (Brain, Spine and Mental Health) at the LA Convention Center on Feb. 16-19, 2023. “We are using our convention to not only advance the neurotechnology to treat neuropsychiatric, spine and brain disorders but impact people in war zones through our humanitarian missions.” Said, Dr. Vicky Yamamoto, 20th President, Executive Director of SBMT, and a cancer scientist at Keck School of Medicine of USC. SBMT’s Global Physicians and Scientists (GPS) is supported by the World Brain Mapping Foundation and Sunder Foundation to bring the best science technology and innovation to individuals in rural areas and war zones. This year’s convention scientific program includes nearly 900 presenters in 9 tracks, covering all neurological, spine and mental health disorders with 15 keynotes and two bioskills / cadaver labs covering new neurosurgical techniques for brain and spine therapy and diagnostics. Our Keynote lineup this year include: Dr./Major General Paul Friedrichs (Surgeon General of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Pentagon), Donald Medlin (Infinity Arc Radio-Therapy-iART), Drs. Deepak Chopra (The Chopra Foundation), Jennifer Fogarty (NASA-Translational Research Institute for Space Health-TRISH), Farzad Massoudi (Datar Cancer Genetics), Diana Ramos (Surgeon General of California), Lawrence Steinman (Stanford University), Alex Khalessi (UCSD), Paul M. Thompson (Keck School of Medicine of USC), Minesh Mehta (Baptist Health South Florida), Howard B. Moss (UCR), Nicole Hockley (Sandy Hook Promise), Kathy M. Lee (US DoD, War Fighter Brain Health Initiative) and Montel Williams (Actor, Producer and TV personality). The Convention will have two Keynote panels on “Advanced Cancer Therapy” and “The Psychology of the Brain and Gun Violence.” Convention registration and membership are open to the public and made possible by the generous support of ARAMIS Group, Infinity Arc Radiotherapy (iART), World Brain Mapping Foundation (WBMF), Karma Docs, Sunder Foundation, Mind-Eye Institute, Massoudi Foundation, Celularity, Applied Neuroscience Inc., Dr. Laura Purdy, Datar Cancer Genetics, Fulgent Genetics, NOVARAD, Bill and Lee Stein-Wood Foundation, Mitaka, BrainScope, NuClam, MagVenture, Globus Medical, BrainView, Loma Linda University, Neuro-Optometric and Rehabilitation Association (NORA), Olympus, Stryker, Mizuho, KLS Martin, Beomni, Surrey Capital and A Productions. Industry leaders could exhibit at this world-class convention by completing the form online or contacting us at 310-500-6196. The convention is free for all students including undergraduates, graduates, post graduate, medical students, residents, postdocs and fellows with valid ID. For More Information about SBMT visit: www.WorldBrainMapping.Org Media Contact: Dr. Kevin Morris, MD Vice President of Strategic Partnership and Alliance at SBMT Cell: 951-441-4331 Kevin.Morris@WorldBrainMapping.Org SOURCE Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics
The Sunder Foundation Awards 2023
The Sunder Foundation Awards 2023 The Sunder Foundation & The World Brain Mapping Foundation are collaborating to support SBMT’s Global Physicians and Scientists (GPS) to bring the best science, technology, and innovation to individuals in rural areas and war zones. This year, at the 20th Annual SBMT World Congress, there will be close to 900 presenters covering a wide array of topics including Neuroscience & Psychiatry. At the conference, the 2023 Sunder Foundation Rukmini Rajagopal Medal and the WBMF Humanitarian award will be presented to two Ukrainian Doctors, Oleksandra Kashurina and Kateryna Potapova, and an Italian Neurosurgeon, Dr. Giuseppe Umana. They have saved many injured Ukrainians and a NATO soldier as part of the WBMF-SBMT Global Physicians and Scientists (GPS) humanitarian program. Learn more about these awards and awardees as we appreciate and honor the contributions of these trailblazing colleagues at the 20th Annual “Gathering for Cure” Black Tie Awards Gala on the 17th of February 2023 at the InterContinental Hotel, LA. Read about the event, and join us from February 16th – February 19th for an enriching experience!
WBMF: JPL’s Electronic Nose May Provide Neurosurgeons with A New Weapon Against Brain Cancer
The JPL Electronic Nose (ENose) is a full-time, continuously operating event monitor designed to detect air contamination from spills and leaks in the crew habitat in the International Space Station. It fills the long-standing gap between onboard alarms and complex analytical instruments. ENose provides rapid, early identification and quantification of atmospheric changes caused by chemical species to which it has been trained. ENose can also be used to monitor cleanup processes after a leak or a spill. Experiment Description RESEARCH OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION The JPL Electronic Nose (ENose) is an array-based sensing system which contains 32 conductometric sensors. The Second Generation ENose was trained to detect, identify and quantify 21 chemical species, the majority of which are organic solvents or commonly used organic compounds, which might be released through a leak or a spill in a spacecraft crew cabin. It was extensively ground-tested, and includes data analysis software which will identify and quantify the release of a target chemical within 40 minutes of detection. Past ENose investigations have focused on organic compounds such as common solvents and a few selected inorganic compounds, ammonia, water and hydrazine. For the new ENose to be performed on the ISS, two inorganic species have now been added to the analyte set, mercury and sulfur dioxide. To accommodate these inorganic species, the sensor array will incorporate a hybrid sensor approach, including both new sensing materials and new sensing platforms made up of microhotplate sensor substrates. Materials approaches to these analytes have been determined using models of sensor-analyte response developed under this program. Predictive models will also be used to complement array training for additional software analyses including chemical family identification and identification of unknown analytes. Analysis of data taken by the sensor array will be included on the ENose control computer, and event analysis will be available within 40 minutes of event onset. The ENose event monitor, by identifying and quantifying trained-for chemical species, fills the gap between an alarm (which provides no ID or quantification) and high-end analytical instruments. ENose has demonstrated a wide dynamic range, ranging from fractional ppm to 10,000 ppm. Its array based sensing mechanism means that it can be trained to detect new chemical species, and training data can be uplinked to add new species to its on-board data library. ENose runs continuously (30 to 360 data points/hr) and autonomously; it requires only minimal crew interaction and requires no consumables. The ENose is low mass (less than 4 kg), small volume (less than 4 liters) and low power (less than 20 W), in addition to being microgravity-insensitive, robust, and rugged. It is capable of analyzing volatile aerosols as well as vapors. Future applications of the JPL ENose may also include environments other than the spacecraft crew cabin and similar enclosed environments. Such applications may include integration with larger devices such as analytical instruments, and with environmental monitoring and control systems. back to top Applications SPACE APPLICATIONS The JPL ENose is envisioned to be one part of a distributed system for automated monitoring and control of the breathing atmosphere in inhabited spacecraft in microgravity. It is designed as an event or incident monitor, capable of providing rapid, early identification and quantification of changes in the atmosphere caused by leaks or spills of compounds to which the device has been trained. The flexibility of the device includes the ability to be trained to new compounds, the possibility of providing sensor sets for particular analyte suites, and a wide dynamic range (fractional ppm to 10,000 ppm), making it a valuable part of an air quality monitoring and control system that is comprised of several types of instruments. Such a system can be included in an environmental control system which actuates remediation of anomalous events. EARTH APPLICATIONS Many important and diverse Earth-based applications exist for ENose technology. One major driver is the current need for advanced detection devices for security (both civilian and military) and health safety applications, such as the detection of explosives and infection monitoring. back to top Operations OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROTOCOLS Upon arrival on board ISS, ENose will be unpacked from stowage and set up by a crewmember. ENose will be affixed to an EXPRESS Rack for power. ENose will run continuously for minimum of six months; data will be transferred to ground in Health and Status packets and in periodic file transfer. Data will also be archived in ENose until file transfer (up to 30 days). The crewmembers will perform periodic confirmational events to collect air samples in vicinity of ENose for analysis on ground. ISS crewmembers will retrieve the ENose from stowage and install it on an EXPRESS Rack with a bracket assembly and/or Velcro; connect the power cable and the data cable. ENose will be powered on and the crewmember will verify the following: LED illumination; display operation; clear air inlet and outlets. ENose is autonomous with possible occasional crew commanding and periodic status checks (once or twice per month). Crewmembers will have periodic attended events if ENose detects a potential spill or leak. When ENose is relocated, the crewmember will need to reset the IP address. RESULTS PUBLICATIONS Copy citations FLIGHT PREPARATION RESULTS PUBLICATIONS
WBMF: X Marks the Spot
Some maps can guide you home. Others point to buried treasure. Researchers hope one in particular could help prolong our lives. This map precisely pinpoints brain tumors and is part of a current research study jointly conducted by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California and Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Image to right: A map of tumors inside the brain created using the JPL’s infrared camera and software originally developed for exploring martian terrain. Credit: NASA Using an infrared camera and software NASA developed to analyze rocks on Mars, doctors at Keck are testing the duo to see how accurately they can detect and outline brain tumors. At the moment, neurosurgeons use microscopes to find the boundaries of tumors and remove them. As good as the technique is, it can be hard to tell healthy tissue from tumor cells. “Brain tumor tissue looks the same as healthy tissue on the edges,” said Dr. Babak Kateb, lead scientist for the project. That means there’s still a chance of cutting out healthy brain tissue or leaving cancerous cells behind. However, if the new system proves to be as good as researchers hope it is, doctors could have a powerful tool for navigating the brain’s delicate terrain. The secret to the new technology is the infrared camera’s ability to see slight differences in heat. “The camera’s precision allows it to map temperature differences of one-hundredth of a degree,” said Dr. Sarath Gunapala, JPL lead engineer for the camera. Tumor cells emit more heat than healthy brain cells. With the infrared camera’s extraordinary ability to detect small temperature changes, it may be able to distinguish healthy cells from tumor cells. The computer software would then process the images to create a map of the brain that precisely plots the tumor locations. Image to left: JPL’s new ultra-sensitive infrared camera can sense extremely slight differences in temperatures. Researchers suspect the camera may be able to do the same in brain cells. Credit: NASA Using this map as a guide, researchers believe surgeons could see exactly where to make their incisions and have better success in cleanly removing the entire tumor without damaging the patient’s healthy brain tissue. If the software-camera mapping combination is successful, the incredible tool will not only be a giant leap for brain neurosurgery, but it may help patients survive longer and live better.Charlie PlainNASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center
WBMF: JPL Nanotubes Help Advance Brain Tumor Research
PASADENA, Calif.- The potential of carbon nanotubes to diagnose and treat brain tumors is being explored through a partnership between NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., and City of Hope, a leading cancer research and treatment center in Duarte, Calif. PASADENA, Calif.- The potential of carbon nanotubes to diagnose and treat brain tumors is being explored through a partnership between NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., and City of Hope, a leading cancer research and treatment center in Duarte, Calif. Nanotechnology may help revolutionize medicine in the future with its promise to play a role in selective cancer therapy. City of Hope researchers hope to boost the brain’s own immune response against tumors by delivering cancer-fighting agents via nanotubes. A nanotube is about 50,000 times narrower than a human hair, but it length can extend up to several centimeters. If nanotube technology can be effectively applied to brain tumors, it might also be used to treat stroke, trauma, neurodegenerative disorders and other disease processes in the brain, said Dr. Behnam Badie, City of Hope’s director of neurosurgery and of its brain tumor program. “I’m very optimistic of how this nanotechnology will work out,” he said. “We are hoping to begin testing in humans in about five years, and we have ideas about where to go next.” The Nano and Micro Systems Group at JPL, which has been researching nanotubes since about 2000, creates these tiny, cylindrical multi-walled carbon tubes for City of Hope. City of Hope researchers, who began their quest in 2006, found good results: The nanotubes, which they used on mice, were non-toxic in brain cells, did not change cell reproduction and were capable of carrying DNA and siRNA, two types of molecules that encode genetic information. JPL’s Nano and Micro Systems Group grows the nanotubes on silicon strips a few square millimeters in area. The growth process forms them into hollow tubes as if by rolling sheets of graphite-like carbon. Carbon nanotubes are extremely strong, flexible, heat-resistant, and have very sharp tips. Consequently, JPL uses nanotubes as field-emission cathodes — vehicles that help produce electrons — for various space applications such as x-ray and mass spectroscopy instruments, vacuum microelectronics and high-frequency communications. “Nanotubes are important for miniaturizing spectroscopic instruments for space applications, developing extreme environment electronics, as well as for remote sensing,” said Harish Manohara, the technical group supervisor for JPL’s Nano and Micro Systems Group. Nanotubes are a fairly new innovation, so they are not yet routinely used in current NASA missions, he added. However, they may be used in gas-analysis or mineralogical instruments for future missions to Mars, Venus and the Jupiter system. JPL’s collaboration with City of Hope began last year, after Manohara, Badie and Dr. Babak Kateb, City of Hope’s former director of research and development in the brain tumor program, discussed using nanostructures to better diagnose and treat brain cancer. Badie said his team’s nanomedical research continues, and the next goal will be to functionalize and attach inhibitory RNA to the nanotubes and deliver it to specific areas of the brain. The JPL and City of Hope teams published the results of the study earlier this year in the journal NeuroImage. Badie says that JPL’s contribution to City of Hope’s nanomedicine research has been invaluable. “The fact that we can get pristine and really clean nanotubes from Manohara’s department is unique,” he said. “The fact that we are both collaborating for biological purposes is also really unique.” The collaboration between JPL and City of Hope is conducted under NASA’s Innovative Partnership Program, designed to bring benefits of the space program to the public. For more information about NASA’s Innovative Partnership Programs, visit: http://www.ipp.nasa.gov . For more information about City of Hope, visit: http://www.cityofhope.org . News Media Contact Rhea Borja 1-818-354-0850 Rhea.R.Borja@jpl.nasa.gov Shawn Le (800) 888-5323 Sle@coh.org 2008-006
WBMF: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Studies Galaxy-Exploring Camera in the Operating Room
Newswise — LOS ANGELES (July 11, 2012) – Neurosurgeons and researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute are adapting an ultraviolet camera to possibly bring planet-exploring technology into the operating room. If the system works when focused on brain tissue, it could give surgeons a real-time view of changes invisible to the naked eye and unapparent even with magnification of current medical imaging technologies. The pilot study seeks to determine if the camera provides visual detail that might help surgeons distinguish areas of healthy brain from deadly tumors called gliomas, which have irregular borders as they spread into normal tissue. “Our goal is to revolutionize the way neurological disorders are treated. Ultraviolet imaging is one of several intraoperative technologies we are pursuing,” commented Keith L. Black, MD, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery. The tumors’ far-reaching tentacles pose big challenges for neurosurgeons: Taking out too much normal brain tissue can have catastrophic consequences, but stopping short of total removal gives remaining cancer cells a head start on growing back. Delineating the margin where tumor cells end and healthy cells begin never has been easy, even with recent advances in medical imaging systems, said Black, director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute and the Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Brain Tumor Center and the Ruth and Lawrence Harvey Chair in Neuroscience But the ultraviolet camera might be able to see below the surface, he said. Because tumor cells are more active and require more energy than normal cells, a specific chemical (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogenase or NADH) accumulates in tumor cells but not in healthy cells. NADH emits ultraviolet light that may be captured by the camera and displayed in a high-resolution image. The camera, on loan from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, employs the ultraviolet technology used in space to study planets and distant galaxies. “The ultraviolet imaging technique may provide a ‘metabolic map’ of tumors that could help us differentiate them from normal surrounding brain tissue, providing useful, real-time, intraoperative information,” said Ray Chu, MD, a neurosurgeon leading the study with co-principal investigator Babak Kateb, MD, research scientist at Cedars-Sinai’s Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute and chairman of the board of the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics. Kateb observed: “This study and equipment-sharing arrangement represents the leading edge of an effort by Cedars-Sinai to develop the next generation of solutions for brain tumors, injuries and other neurological disorders right here at Cedars-Sinai’s Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute by introducing paradigm-shifting technologies into the field.” In the clinical trial, the highly sensitive camera is placed near the surgical field, recording images as the neurosurgeon exposes and removes the tumor. Images are not used in decision-making or surgical technique but later are correlated with tumor appearance, laboratory findings, and MRI and CT scans to assess the ultraviolet technology’s value in the operating room. John S. Yu, MD, vice chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, and Adam N. Mamelak, MD, neurosurgeon and co-director of Cedars-Sinai’s Pituitary Center, also are participating in the study. The ultraviolet imaging study, which will include 20 patients, is open to adults undergoing open-skull surgery for any brain tumor that is within range of the camera lens. Enrollment information is available by contacting Suzane Brian, study research assistant, in the Department of Neurosurgery (310-423-7900), or by calling 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771)