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2007 News Releases 11.15.07 10.30.07 9.13.07 6.27.07 5.7.07 3.7.07 2.6.07 1.11.07 |
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Media Inquiries: Linda Cook |
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The High Containment Integrated Research Facility is currently under construction and will be part of Fort Detrick’s National Interagency Biodefense Campus in Frederick, Maryland. The lab is scheduled to open in the fall of 2008 and will be staffed with 119 scientists, researchers and technicians when fully functional. Work performed at the lab will help develop knowledge that is crucial to the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies that lead to improved medical outcomes in patient care and public health. In its scope of work, MRI will provide the High Containment Coordinator, the highest technical level position in the M&O contract, in addition to 13 other professional staff including: bacteriologists, virologists, molecular biologists and clinical lab technicians. MRI’s portion of the award is valued at approximately $15 million over the 10-year span of the contract that also includes options for additional biosafety-related work. Jerry Jennings, Principal Advisor for Science at MRI, has been appointed the High Containment Coordinator. He has more than 25 years of experience and has distinguished himself through senior level assignments involving federal policy issues related to biodefense, infectious disease research, the development of medical countermeasures against threat agents, program management and laboratory facility operations. In addition to MRI, other subcontractors on the Battelle team include: Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Charles River Laboratories, Tunnell Consulting, and the Washington Technology Group (WTG). The Integrated Research Facility is being developed to carry out biodefense research needed to understand the clinical disease processes that correlate with the severity of microbial-induced disease. The core mission is to use hospital tools such as endoscopy, cardiac telemetry monitors and CT, MRI, SPECT, and PET imaging to systematically evaluate pathogenic processes. Midwest Research Institute Conducting Highway Improvement Survey and Study for Missouri Department of Transportation MoDOT contracted with MRI’s Transportation Research Center to evaluate the roadway improvements for increased highway safety and to assess public satisfaction with the improvements that include: brighter striping and enhanced rumble strips for improved visibility, reflective markers added to medians and guard rails, and roadside emergency reference markers. MRI is collecting feedback through an electronic survey that drivers may access by going to the MoDOT web site www.modot.org and clicking on the “Give Us Your Opinion” button. The survey takes approximately ten minutes to complete. MRI and MoDOT are encouraging drivers to take the survey in the next few weeks. The survey, developed by MRI to measure the level of satisfaction and perceived safety benefits of the striping and delineation treatments, is part of a larger study on the effectiveness of the improvements in reducing the number of highway crashes. The Institute will collect and analyze the survey data, examine crash data and provide a summary of findings in a report to MoDOT. “MRI has a long history of conducting transportation research at the national level and has extensive experience in evaluating transportation-related improvements for effectiveness in highway safety,” said Ingrid Potts, MRI’s Principal Investigator for the project. “It is rewarding for MRI to be able to work with MoDOT on a safety project that directly affects this region.” “MoDOT is continuously working to improve the safety of Missouri’s 32,000 miles of highways and we are pleased to have a nationally recognized organization like MRI working with us to help evaluate our progress,” said Mike Curtit, Assistant State Traffic Engineer. “The information we get from this research will help us make decisions on future roadway improvements.” The Missouri roadways receiving SRI improvements and being evaluated in the web site survey include: MRI and Dycor Technologies Ltd. Align for Growth Opportunities Both MRI and Dycor have research and development expertise in the biological and chemical detection, and energy sectors. MRI has expertise in the sciences required for research and development in these sectors, while Dycor provides expertise in engineering design and development and manufacturing design. “Energy and defense are two global priorities that require solutions to complex problems and offer growth opportunities to organizations with the right technological expertise,” said Michael F. Helmstetter, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of MRI’s Research Operations. “By working together, our organizations will be able to leverage our respective areas of expertise and grow our businesses while developing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing concerns.” MRI’s investment of $1.3 million, combined with funds from a private equity group composed of Dycor’s management team, allowed for the buyout of Dycor’s founding shareholder’s majority interest in the company, and the restructuring of Dycor for significant growth. The Dycor management group holds the majority interest in the company, and the five-member board of directors will be chaired by MRI’s Michael Helmstetter. “The alignment of Dycor’s experience in serving international markets with bio detection technologies, coupled with MRI’s significant experience in energy and biological and chemical detection, creates unique synergies and positioning for long-term strategic growth for both organizations,” said Edgar Semler, President of Dycor. “We look forward to working together to pursue new business opportunities.” “The complementary capabilities of MRI and Dycor will allow our two companies to offer a broader range of products and services to our existing customers, as well as expand our customer bases,” adds Roger Starnes, MRI’s Group Vice President of Strategic and Emerging Programs, who was instrumental in developing the arrangement between the two organizations. With headquarters in Kansas City, MRI also has facilities in Palm Bay, Fla., Frederick, Md., and Rockville, Md. MRI has managed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colo., for the U.S. Department of Energy since 1977. The Institute’s mission is to benefit society by providing solutions to national problems through scientific research, technology development, and technical services. MRI also promotes science education for youth by supporting Science Pioneers, which holds one of the largest science fairs in the country, and the FIRST Robotics Competition. For more information, visit www.mriresearch.org On the data acquisition front, Dycor specializes in providing wireless data communication solutions for remote, hostile, limited infrastructure environments. Dycor provides users with the tools to transmit data quickly, reliably, and at minimal cost. Whether extending customer networks between office buildings or collecting data from several gas well sites for transmission to the control center, Dycor’s technical staff provides end-to-end support and implements a total solution to address customer needs quickly and cost effectively. On the biological detection front, Dycor has furnished biological detection, collection, chamber technology and test & evaluation capability in more than 15 countries. The company is involved in defense applications, fielded on naval and reconnaissance vehicle platforms and referee systems, and has expanded into public health and animal pandemic monitoring and analysis. Dycor conducts background data collection studies on a continuous basis, in a widening range of geographic and climactic conditions, validating and maximizing alarm parameters for detection equipment, and providing key background data for local operations. Dycor has headquarters in Edmonton, Canada, with offices in Cyprus and the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.dycor.com.Brazilian Environmental Mission Visit to Florida The Brazilian delegation, focused on the areas of petroleum and gas, will include business representatives from Brazil and representatives of the environmental sector of the federal government of Brazil and the governments of the States of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo. They will meet with representatives from CEPEMAR Environmental Services and MRI. The meeting at MRI will also include representatives from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory that MRI manages for the U.S. Department of Energy. The main objective of the Mission is to learn more about the most advanced approaches in environment control and permitting. CEPEMAR and MRI, who have worked jointly on projects in Brazil for more than ten years, will share information on environmental monitoring and controls for protection of air and water resources. In addition to the meetings in Florida, the Brazilian delegation will conduct meetings in Houston, Texas, and Washington D.C. CEPEMAR Environmental Services (www.cepemares.com) began in Florida in 2004 and provides environmental consulting services in Florida and internationally. CEPEMAR is affiliated with the CEPEMAR Group headquartered in Vitoria, ES, Brazil and through that group provides services to the Brazilian market. MRI, headquartered in Kansas City, MO, since 1944, acquired its Palm Bay laboratory in 1999 and is one of the nation’s leading independent scientific research institutes conducting research in the areas of national security and defense, energy, environment, life sciences, food and agriculture, and transportation safety. MRI has managed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colo., for the U.S. Department of Energy since 1977. The Institute’s mission is to benefit society by providing solutions to national problems through scientific research, technology development, and technical services.MRI Launches Center for Biological Safety and Security (CBS2) An increased national and international demand for high level biosafety laboratories needed for research in a variety of industries, including biodefense, agriculture, food safety, and vaccine development, has created the need for highly trained and experienced biological safety personnel who are able to provide diverse technical support capabilities. MRI’s CBS2, strategically located in Frederick, MD, near the hub of the nation’s biological defense research, addresses the demand and provides laboratory consulting services to government, private industry and academic clients. “Through this Center, MRI is providing an industry unique approach in meeting the complex needs of global clients. Our strategy integrates two technical disciplines, biosafety and security of biological facilities, tailored to help clients improve overall laboratory performance and efficiency,” said Michael Helmstetter, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of MRI’s Research Operations. “Safety and security are core values at MRI,” Helmstetter added. “The opportunity exists for us to provide others with services to ensure safe and secure practices when conducting leading edge biological research.” With more than 60 years of experience in scientific research, including 15 years managing Biosafety Level-3 and Animal Biosafety Level-3 laboratories, MRI has earned a reputation for delivering services with excellence in quality, integrity and safety. MRI’s highly credentialed CBS2 Team provides comprehensive technical support in areas such as:
In conjunction with the creation of CBS2, MRI is moving from its existing office space in Frederick to larger offices also located in Frederick. The CBS2 can reach back to over 250 MRI biological scientists to provide added capacity to meet expanding customer needs. Midwest Research Institute and Battelle to Jointly Pursue NREL M&O Contract “MRI and Battelle have forged a strong working relationship while co-managing NREL over the past decade,” said James L. Spigarelli, President and CEO of MRI. “Our leadership experience in managing national laboratories and other government installations specializing in advanced scientific research is significant, spanning over 40 years, and has contributed to our success in evolving NREL to the state-of-the-art institution that it is today. “Through our collaborative efforts and support, NREL scientists and engineers have established an impressive track record for research and developing new technologies that are advancing the applications of energy efficiency and renewable energy, such as biofuels, solar, and wind, to address the nation’s energy challenges and President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative.” William J. Madia, Executive Vice President, added, “Our thorough understanding of the global energy issues, our clarity of focus, agility and sound management practices have enabled NREL to earn numerous prestigious national and international awards for outstanding performance over the past decade. We are confident in the capability of the MRI-Battelle team to not only continue the progress at NREL but also to accelerate it in the years ahead. Our goal is to make NREL the world leader in clean energy technology and R&D. We welcome the competition and look forward to providing DOE with the most innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective contract proposal possible.” Midwest Research Institute, a not-for-profit scientific research institute headquartered in Kansas City, has managed NREL since its inception in 1977 and brought Battelle, an independent not-for-profit R&D and laboratory management organization based in Columbus, OH, to the NREL M&O management team nearly ten years ago. Combined, Battelle and MRI have over 70 years of experience in managing or co-managing six leading-edge national laboratories for DOE. In a June 6 news release, DOE officials announced that they will compete the M&O contract for NREL, located in Golden, CO, when the contract expires. The release noted that the competition reflects DOE’s commitment to regularly compete its M&O contracts for national laboratories to ensure the greatest possible benefit to DOE, its mission and the Nation. About MRI About Battelle Contact: Linda Cook MRI Deploys Scientific and Technology Capabilities to Grow Business Opportunities in Israel Ami Rudich, based in Tel Aviv, has been appointed as a representative to pursue MRI’s Israeli initiatives. Mr. Rudich brings more than 30 years of technical and business development experience in the technology and homeland security industries and has developed diverse high-technology collaborative efforts with companies in Israel, the United States and Europe. "MRI has carefully studied the Israeli business environment and we see many opportunities to team MRI’s expertise in scientific research and technology development with the work of Israeli-based organizations in defense, life sciences, and alternative energy industries,” said Michael Helmstetter, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of MRI’s Research Operations. MRI’s capabilities include the development of technology and the expertise to support the commercialization of technologies, as well as providing comprehensive services to test, evaluate and validate existing technologies. MRI’s defense-related areas of interest and expertise include but are not limited to the development of technologies for remote explosives detection; chemical and biological detection, including air analyzers; terrorist detection systems for mass transportation, sea containers and tunnels; and innovative technologies for personal identification through biometrics and for detecting hazardous items on individuals. In the life sciences area, MRI is pursuing business development interests focused on human health including protein expression and toxicology services for vaccine and other drug development; the development and validation of molecular and biological assays through growth, isolation and characterization of microorganisms; new drug delivery technologies; biological materials development and production; and biological applications and toxicology of nanoparticles. MRI will also pursue interests in the energy field. With 30 years of experience in operating the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, MRI is well poised to leverage its expertise in alternate and renewable energy to pursue opportunities in support of Israel’s alternative energy development needs. “MRI looks forward to developing new business relationships in Israel that will foster innovations in defense, homeland security, medical care, and energy that will benefit all of society,” Helmstetter added. NREL Scientists’ Pioneering Work On Solar Cells Earns International Honor NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. MRI has operated NREL for the DOE since the lab's inception in 1977. Olson and Kurtz were selected for their "exceptional and profound contributions to the field of photovoltaic energy," the prize committee said. Solar cells based on the scientists' work "have the potential to alleviate the world's impending energy crisis," the committee wrote. “We are extremely proud of Sarah Kurtz and Jerry Olson for receiving this prestigious, international recognition from the Dan David Foundation," said James L. Spigarelli, Ph.D., MRI President and CEO. "Their work in advancing the development of solar technology exemplifies the progress of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in addressing the enormous global energy challenges ahead. I also applaud the Dan David Prize for recognizing the achievements being made in energy technology at a time when energy concerns are paramount throughout the world.” The scientists pioneered the multi-junction solar cell, which uses layers of semiconductor material to gain extremely high efficiencies in converting sunlight to electricity. A cell based on Olson's and Kurtz's design and manufactured by Spectrolab recently set a world-record conversion efficiency of 40 percent. "I knew we had a winner," Olson said, when he thought of the design of the solar cell, but it took years of research by a dedicated team at NREL to reach the point of manufacturable devices. "My greatest reward has been the people I've worked with," he said. The scientists hope the multi-junction devices will help meet electrical needs on Earth through the use of lenses and mirrors that concentrate sunlight on the highly efficient solar cells. "I am honored to receive this prize, especially because it reflects the promise of the technology as a partial solution to the world's need for renewable energy," Kurtz said. "In the past few years, the investment in concentrator systems using high-efficiency, multi-junction solar cells has mushroomed. Although this investment is not yet reflected by large installations, the Dan David prize recognizes this technology in the "future" category, predicting that it will be a huge success. I look forward to the day when this and other renewable technologies will provide the world with sustainable energy." The Dan David Prize, now in its sixth year, is organized around three time dimensions, past, present and future. Each year, new fields of focus are chosen within the time dimensions. This year the future dimension was dedicated to the Quest for Energy. "Two of our scientists winning this prize is a great testament to the progress and promise of renewable energy technologies," NREL Director Dan Arvizu, Ph.D., said. "I know I speak for the entire NREL family in saying we are tremendously proud of Jerry and Sarah." Natural Gas: New Automotive Tank Holds Promise for Future - Current natural gas vehicles are equipped with bulky, high-pressure tanks that take up premium cargo space, such as the trunk of a car. This new technology, however, enables natural gas to be stored in a smaller, low-pressure tank that can be shaped into a rectangular form and mounted under the floor of a car. What makes this possible is an MU discovery that fractal pore spaces (spaces created by repetition of similar patterns at different levels of magnificent) are remarkably efficient at storing natural gas. The scientists found a way to “bake” corncobs into carbon briquettes that contain fractal pore spaces and then use the briquettes to store natural gas in a low-pressure tank. MU and MRI researchers are now testing a prototype of this tank in the Kansas City pickup. They hope this will lead to the design of low-pressure tanks that solve the cargo space problem posed by high-pressure tanks. “This technology could make natural gas an attractive alternative fuel for smaller vehicles,” said MU Chancellor Brady Deaton. “The research partnership here exemplifies how scientists from very different fields can work together to conduct truly fundamental research in new materials with the explicit goal of having the results of the research solve problems for people.” The test pickup has been on the road since mid-October. Researchers are monitoring the technology’s performance by collecting data to evaluate the mileage range per fill-up; pressure and temperature of the tank during charging/discharging; charging/discharging rates under various fueling/driving conditions; and longevity of the carbon briquettes. “Having a prototype of this technology operating in the day-to-day work environment is significant,” said James L. Spigarelli, president and CEO of Midwest Research Institute. “It symbolizes the power of collaboration and the ability of MU and MRI researchers, working together, to make a scientific discovery; to transfer that discovery to a technology, in this case a fuel tank technology; and then move that technology closer to commercialization. Although the team’s work is not yet complete, this technology development comes at a fortuitous time as many researchers strive to find multiple alternatives to address the nation’s energy challenges.” Kansas City has been a leader in natural-gas-powered vehicles, ranging from utility trucks to shuttles at the Kansas City Airport. The city operates more than 200 natural-gas vehicles under the supervision of Central Fleet Manager Sam Swearngin, who has been instrumental in forging this venture between Kansas City and the MU-MRI team. “The City of Kansas City is the undisputed champion of alternative fuel vehicles in this region, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to be on the ground floor of this developing new technology,” said Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes. This project was funded by a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s program Partnerships for Innovation, which has the goal of stimulating the transformation of knowledge created by universities into innovations that create new wealth, build strong local, regional and national economies and improve the national well-being. Additional funds totaling more than $400,000 came from MU, MRI, the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Education. A secondary goal of the Partnership for Innovation is to meet the broad workforce needs of the national innovation enterprise. The collaborative effort between MU and MRI has afforded a number of university students the opportunity to receive hands-on training for a career in research and development. As a result of the exchange, MRI recently hired an MU graduate and a Lincoln University graduate associated with the project team. The MU-MRI collaborative is part of a larger cooperative effort called the Alliance for Collaborative Research in Alternative Fuel Technology (ALL-CRAFT), which includes as partners Lincoln University; DBHORNE, LLC; Renewable Alternatives, LLC; the Missouri Biotechnology Association; the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation; the Missouri Department of Natural Resources; and the City of Columbia, Mo. ALL-CRAFT also worked in cooperation with the Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition (KCRCCC). Please see the fact sheets below for details about natural gas technology and the MU-MRI breakthrough. Natural Gas Vehicle Facts Natural gas is one of the cleanest burning alternative fuels available.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Alternative Fuel Vehicles, http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/altfuel/gas_benefits.html Most natural gas used in the U.S. is domestically produced.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Alternative Fuel Vehicles, http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/afv/gas_vehicles.html Natural gas is cheaper than gasoline and diesel on an energy-equivalent basis.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy report, http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/resources/pricereport/price_report.html Natural gas can be produced from renewable sources such as landfills.
Source: Energy Information Administration, http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/landfillgas/landfillgas.html
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Landfill Methane Outreach Program, http://www.epa.gov/lmop/benefits.htm
Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Landfill Methane Outreach Program, http://www.epa.gov/lmop/res/calc.htm and http://www.epa.gov/lmop/gp/gp.htm; Additional calculations by Peter Pfeifer, MU professor of physics. Natural-gas fueled vehicles are functionally comparable to conventionally fueled vehicles.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Alternative Fuel Vehicles, http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/afv/gas_vehicles.html MU-MRI Low-Pressure Tank Fact Sheet
Source: Calculations by Peter Pfeifer, MU professor of physics, using data from the Corn Refiners Association, http://www.corn.org/web/uscprod.htm Contact: MRI Presents Papers at Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting (Kansas City, MO) February 6, 2007—MRI will present four papers at the 46th annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology meeting, which will be held March 25-29 in Charlotte, N.C. The following papers will be presented: Abstract Title: In situ Breast Cancer Metastasis Characterization by MALDI Mass Spectrometry Presenting Author: Sarah Schwartz Session Title: Biomarkers of Effect Presentation Date/Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday, March 26 Presentation Location: Exhibit Hall (Charlotte Convention Center) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract Title: Physical Characterization and Dermal Irritation in Rabbits of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Nanofibers Presenting Author: Claire Croutch Session Title: Nanoparticles: Ecological and Health Effects Presentation Date/Time: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 28 Presentation Location: Exhibit Hall (Charlotte Convention Center) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract Title: Analytical Method Development and Method Validation for the Quantitation of Beta-Myrcene in Fischer 344N Rat Plasma Presenting Author: Peter Schebler Session Title: Natural Products Presentation Date/Time: 1-4:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 28 Presentation Location: Exhibit Hall (Charlotte Convention Center) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract Title: Preliminary Biological Sample Analysis of (R)-(+)-Pulegone in Female and Male F344N Rat Plasma Samples From a PTK Study Using IV Dosing
Presenting Author: Joseph Algaier Session Title: Disposition/Pharmacokinetics Presentation Date/Time: 8:30 a.m. – Noon, Thursday, March 29 Presentation Location: Ballroom A and B (Charlotte Convention Center) Roger Brent, Ph.D., Headlines MRI 2007 Salute to Science Speaker Series Brent's seminar, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 4-5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30, in the Arthur Mag Conference Center, 4920 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Mo., with a reception following the presentation. Please RSVP by Friday, Jan. 26, to Shanna Love, 816-360-5381. The Molecular Sciences Institute is an independent, non-profit research laboratory that combines genomic experimentation and computer modeling. The mission of the MSI is to predict the behavior of cells and organisms in response to defined genetic and environmental changes. The MSI is the core of the National Human Genome Research Institute's Center for Quantitative Genome Function. Brent joined the institute in 1998 as Associate Director. He was named Director in 2000 and President and CEO in 2001. He joined the faculty of the University of California-San Francisco Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences as an Adjunct Professor in 2000 and was named a Senior Scholar of the Ellison Medical Foundation in 2001. In 2003, he received the Jacob Heskel Gabbay Award in Biotechnology and Medicine with Stanley Fields for their work on protein interaction methods. The flagship activity at the Molecular Sciences Institute is the "Alpha project." The goal of the project is to gain the ability to predict the behavior of a well-studied biological regulatory system at the level of individual cells. The MRI Salute to Science speaker series was launched in 2004 to mark the Institute's 60th Anniversary and has featured MRI Chief Biological Scientist David Franz, Ph.D.; former Soviet weapons expert Ken Alibek, bioterrorism expert Jerry Jaax, pandemics expert Alan Zelicoff, and others. |