Join Us: February 21st for our next monthly Community Conversation!

Topic: “Are Direct to Consumer Genetic Tests Helpful, Hurtful, or Somewhere in Between?”
A discussion facilitated by Lara Mangravite, PhD from Sage Bionetworks.

Direct to Consumer (DTC) genetic tests are DNA tests ordered by the consumer without a doctor’s order or medical counselor to help interpret the results.  The public can learn about their genetic ancestry and genetic health risks, but is it harmful to order and receive this kind of information without the guidance of a medical counselor? During this discussion, we will explore facts to consider when ordering a DTC genetic test and the role of the medical community to aid and protect consumers in this emerging technology.

click here to register

When:   February 21, 2012
Time:     Beginning at 5:30 pm, until 7:00 pm
Cost:      $5 at time of Registration
Where:  415 Westlake, Seattle, WA at Kakao Coffee and Chocolate in the South Lake Union neighborhood
Eats:      NWABR-hosted with appetizers and beverages

Learn more about our Community Conversations at our web site, or contact Jen Wroblewski at jenniferw@nwabr.org.  See you there!

Congratulations Jeanne Chowning on 10 wonderful years!

Our own Jeanne Chowning has been with us now ten, wonderful years. The words in this graphic are those Jeanne’s peers and coworkers have used to describe her, and her work in their notes and letters of appreciation!

Biology in the Age of Computing: Online Resources for Teachers and Students

As part of NWABR’s ongoing commitment to inspiring students in science, we are excited to announce an upcoming webinar featuring NWABR program staff and partner scientists. The webinar is geared towards teachers and students, as well as formal and informal educators and will be archived for future viewing. We hope to see you online!

Wednesday, February 8th from 11:00am to 12:00pm PST
If you’d like to register for the event, click here.

Join us as we share curricula, online resources, teacher experiences and research findings from Bio-ITEST: New Frontiers in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, a program funded by the National Science Foundation that brings the exciting field of bioinformatics to high school teachers and students. Bioinformatics is the application of computer science and information technology to the field of biology and medicine. With a strong emphasis on increasing student awareness of STEM careers, each Bio-ITEST lesson features an individual who uses bioinformatics in their work, or whose work is made possible by bioinformatics. The presentation will include an overview of curricular units, including introductory lessons on genetic testing and advanced lessons on genetic research, as well as an exploration of the online resources. Presenters will share lessons learned about increasing student STEM career awareness and engagement in the context of the Bio-ITEST project.

Biology in the Age of Computing: Online Resources for High School Teachers and Students is presented in partnership with the National Girls Collaborative Project and EdLab Group.

The National Girls Collaborative Project is partially funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, GSE/EXT: National Girls Collaborative Project: Building the Capacity of STEM Practitioners to Develop a Diverse Workforce, Grant No.HRD-1103073. The Bio-ITEST program is made possible by an Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers grant award from the National Science Foundation, DRL-0833779.

REGISTER NOW for NWABR’s IACUC Conference

Join researchers, veterinarians, animal technicians, and IACUC members and administrators from around the Northwest for NWABR’s 13th annual Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Regional Education Conference.

WHAT:                           IACUC Regional Education Conference
WHEN:                          Friday – Feb. 24th – 7:00 am-4:30 pm
WHERE:                        Seattle
REGISTRATION:          Online link at http://www.nwabr.org/members/iacuc

Timely topics and engaging speakers make this one day conference a valuable training and networking event for new and experienced IACUC members and researchers.  View highlights and agenda at http://www.nwabr.org/members/iacuc.

The keynote speaker:  Dr. Alicia Karas, Tufts University
-  Assessing pain and the IACUCs role in evaluating protocols

Other program highlights include:
-  Update on compliance with the Guide – Dr. Helen Diggs, Oregon State Univ. , AAALAC Internat’l Counselor
-  Motivation to speak up for research – Dr. Cindy Buckmaster, Baylor College of Medicine
-  Training for new IACUC members and review for experienced members
-  Updates and Q&A with representatives from USDA and AAALAC International

This conference combines regional convenience with national caliber training. Encourage your institution to send a team!
Registration Fees: 
$285.00      NWABR member
$235.00      NWABR member, Group (10 or more)
$415.00      Non-NWABR member

We wish to thank our sponsors to date:  Purina LabDiet, Rees Scientific, Huron Education|Click.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Reitha Weeks at rweeks@nwabr.org.

Invitation to Essay Contest Participants and Judges!

If you know 7th or 8th grade students, encourage them to enter NWABR’s essay contest, “Biomedical Breakthroughs and My Life”!  Classes of students or individuals are encouraged to sign up by Jan. 10th but later registration is permitted.  The link to registration is at http://www.nwabr.org/students/essay-contest.

If you are a researcher and would like to judge these wonderful essays, sign up at http://nwabr.org/nwabr.org/community/volunteer-opportunities/essay-judge-registration.

Students will strengthen their writing, research and interviewing skills while discovering the role of scientists in biomedical research and the relevance of biomedical research to themselves, their family or their pets.  They may choose topics that allow them to investigate the development of medications that they are taking, the medical device implants received by relatives or the shots given to their pets.  They must include evidence of how the use of animals or humans in clinical trials have advanced research and medical treatments.

Every student will receive comments about their essay from the researchers serving as judges.  Judges receive scoring criteria and will participate in one or two rounds of judging between March 14 and April 2.  The process takes place electronically – essays are sent by email and scoring is done online – so there is no geographic limit to who can be a judge.

Winning students in the general category and English Language Learner category will receive a cash prize and be invited to an Awards Day at a research facility.  Teachers and parents of winning students are also invited to the Awards Day to meet scientists and engage in tours and hands-on activities.

Contest Timeline:
Jan. 10        “Intent to participate” registration encouraged
March 9      Essay submission date
April 13       Winners announced
May             Awards Day event

For more information, visit NWABR’s website, http://nwabr.org/students/essay-contest, or contact Reitha Weeks at rweeks@nwabr.org or 206-957-3337 x305.

2012 Annual Members’ Meeting

Please join us on Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 for our Annual Members’ Meeting with a special recognition program celebrating Jeanne Ting Chowning, Director of Education, on her tenth anniversary with NWABR.  Come, congratulate Jeanne, and share a few words about her remarkable impact on teachers and students across this country.

                                                                                                                              

Register now!

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.- Annual Members’ Meeting
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.- Reception
Seattle BioMed- Discovery Room
307 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 500

                                                                                                                             

As a NWABR member and supporter, you will be the first to see and hear highlights from our 2011 Annual Report and to meet the newest members of NWABR’s Board of Directors:

• William Dale, Ph.D., Research Integrity Officer, Oregon Health and Science University
• Anson Fatland, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Economic Development and External Affairs, Washington State University
• Dana Riley Black, M.Ed., Ph.D., Center for Inquiry Science Director, Institute for Systems Biology
• Lee Schoentrup, Director of Communications, Seattle BioMed

You’re Invited to the 2011 Annual Holiday Party

Please join us for our Holiday Party at our NWABR office Thursday, December 15, from 4-7 p.m.

We extend a standing ovation to everyone who helped shape the success of our programs this past year! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet NWABR Board Members and connect with researchers, clinicians, veterinarians, bioethicists and patients  involved in our education outreach programs.

Food and drinks will be provided.

We ask that you bring along a bottle of your favorite moderately priced wine as an in-kind donation to be used at our Annual Fundraiser set for June 12, 2012 at 415 Westlake.

Please RSVP at http://nwabr.org/about-nwabr/about-nwabr/holiday

Got Stress? Time to Quit- a Seattle CityClub public lunch forum

Just in time for the stressful holidays….Join NWABR and Seattle CityClub for our Wednesday November 30th public forum with lunch! This will be a timely discussion with local and national experts on STRESS–what causes it, what it does to us and how to reduce it.

Details

What: Got Stress? Time to Quit. Public forum and lunch.
When: Wednesday November 30th. Doors open at 11:30. Program 12:00-1:30pm.
Where: Town Hall– 1119 8th Ave
Cost:
Buffet Luncheon: $20/CityClub Members | $25/Guests and co-presenters | $30/General public

Coffee & Dessert: $12/CityClub Members | $15/Guests and co-presenters | $18/General public
Register: http://www.SeattleCityClub.org to register or call 206-682-7395!

NWABR Middle School Essay Contest is back!

NWABR is pleased to continue our popular middle school essay contest, “Biomedical Breakthroughs and My Life” through funding from the Knossos Foundation.  This contest is open to 7th and 8th grade students (individuals or entire classes) in Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho.

Students have the opportunity to explore the process of biomedical research and its relevance to themselves, their family or their pets.  They may choose topics that allow them to investigate the development of medications that they are taking, the medical device implants received by relatives, or the shots given to their pets.  They must include evidence of how the use of animals or humans in clinical trials have advanced research and medical treatments.

Students will strengthen their writing, research and interviewing skills while discovering the role of scientists in biomedical research that really does impact their lives.  In addition to the essay, students must include a reflective paragraph about what they have learned.

Every student will receive comments about their essay from the researchers serving as judges.  Winning students in the general category and English as a Second Language category will receive a cash prize and be invited to an Awards Day at a research facility.  Teachers and parents of winning students are also invited to the Awards Day to meet scientists and engage in tours and hands-on activities.

Contest Timeline:

December 9, 2011     Register intent to participate with NWABR
March 9, 2012            Submit essays
April 13, 2012             Winners announced
May 2012                     Awards Day events

NWABR can provide resources and speakers from our Speakers Bureau to engage the students in the project.
For more information, visit NWABR’s website, http://nwabr.org/students/essay-contest, or contact Reitha Weeks at rweeks@nwbr.org or 206-957-3337 x305.

Join us for Life Sciences Research Weekend — Nov 4 – 6

Experience science at its finest – hands-on, exploratory, and just plain fun!

NWABR and Pacific Science Center invite you to the 5th annual

Nov. 4-6 – Friday through Sunday at Pacific Science Center

Friday 10am-4pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm.

Life sciences companies and research institutions from around the state will host interactive exhibits that reflect the cutting edge research that is taking place in our state.

If you want to meet scientists that have great passion for the work they do, plan to attend! Life Science Research Weekend events are included with regular Pacific Science Center admission.

For more information, visit http://www.nwabr.org/community/life-sciences-research-weekend

This program is made possible by a SEPA grant to Pacific Science Center from NCRR at National Institutes of Health.

The Body Politic: The Battle Over Science in America

Tuesday, October 25, 2011
3:30-4:45p.m.
Hogness Auditorium, Health Sciences Center, University of Washington

Dr. Jonathan D. Moreno, Ph.D.

David and Lynn Silfen University Professor
University of Pennysylvania

Dr. Moreno offers an engaging history of the intersection between science and democracy in American life, a reasoned analysis of how different political ideologies view scientific controversies, and a vision for how the new biopolitics can help shape the quality of our lives.

More information: http://depts.washington.edu/hserv/cal?3251

Dr. Moreno was interviewed this October 19th on FOX News about our preparedness to sustain another anthrax style bio defense attack.  His recommendation?  Invest more in biotechnology.  http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/happening-now/index.html#/v/1222304472001/anthrax-attacks-10-years-later/?playlist_id=86919

Dr. Moreno also raises key issues in this brief interview in the Atlantic Monthly on globalization and neuroscience:
http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/10/a-conversation-with-jonathan-d-moreno-bioethicist-and-professor/246013/

For more information about the MHA’s Dialogues in Ethics, Health Services, and Science initiative, contact:  Kathryn M. Hinsch, Clinical Faculty, at khinsch@uw.edu or call 206-200-1101.

Call for Public Discussion: Do You Have a Duty to Participate in Medical Research? Series Premiere Tuesday October 18th

Join your neighbors and colleagues in a conversation–where all experience is valid and valued–where the knowledge we create together is greater than anyone’s alone.

In South Lake Union, NWABR and our partners at 415 Westlake (Union and Kákao) are connecting diverse members of the public through monthly Community Conversations. Given the concentration of biomedicine and growing residential culture in this neighborhood, it is natural to create these informal discussions at the interface of medicine, ethics and research.

The first topic is “Do You Have a Duty to Participate in Medical Research?” and the series premieres Tuesday, October 18th. Learn more about our Community Conversations at our web site.

When:   Tuesdays October 18, November 15, December 13
Time:     Beginning at 5:30 pm, until 7 pm
Where:  415 Westlake, Seattle, WA at Kakao Coffee and Chocolate in the South Lake Union neighborhood
Eats:      NWABR-hosted with appetizers and beverages

Contact Jen Wroblewski at jenniferw@nwabr.org for more information.  See you there!

Student Research Fellows East Day 8!

From heath care policy to commercialization to P4 medicine–it was a full day!

Some student quotes:

“I didn’t know how hard it is to start your own business, or patent your inventions. It costs a lot. It was really nice to know that we have foundations to help people get started.”

“If you push yourself to find out, you can find a whole realm of possibilities through the science field.”

“I really enjoyed having Dr. Oliver come talk to us about P4 medicine, and “the cloud” which you can have your medical information looked at by others doctors that you go see.”

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.

Attend Seattle CityClub’s Health by the Numbers Health Screening and Lunch Program October 13th

Our partner Seattle CityClub is presenting this excellent public lunch forum.  NWABR is co-presenting so come visit us at our table!

Thursday, October 13th, 2011
Rainier Square Atrium | 1333 Fifth Avenue, Seattle
 
Brown Bag Lunch: $20/CityClub Members | $25/Guests and co-presenters | $30/General public
Coffee & Dessert: $12/CityClub Members | $15/Guests and co-presenters | $18/General public
Visit http://www.SeattleCityClub.org to register or call 206-682-7395

Know your numbers for a healthier you! Sign up for a free 15min health screening at 206-604-8762

Schedule:
Health Assessment Screening and Information Fair 9-11:30am
Luncheon Registration 11:30am-noon
Brown Bag Lunch and Program Noon-1:30pm

When asked about numbers in health, most people would respond with their weight. Others might respond by talking about the ever increasing cost of healthcare. But what’s the connection between the two? How can knowing your Body Mass Index, blood pressure, blood glucose and more teach you about your current health and how you can improve it? Would becoming a proactive participant in your health impact the bottom line in healthcare costs for you and the nation? Make a free appointment for a 15 minute health assessment to learn your numbers and then join us for discussion over lunch in the afternoon. Bring your opinions and questions for an interactive discussion on how numbers in health impact you and government policies.

Featuring:

Paula Lozano, MD, MPH, Assistant Medical Director, Group Health Department of Preventive Care

Oscar Lucas, VP & GM Health Care Informatics, Premera Blue Cross

Greg Vigdor, President & CEO, Washington Health Foundation

Moderator: Andrew Shorr; Author, The Web-Savvy Patient and Host, PatientPower.info

Thanks to our: 

Health Care Series Presenting Sponsor- UW Medicine
Forum Sponsors- Group Health and Swedish
Contributing Sponsor- Bastyr University Center for Health Policy and Leadership

Co-presenting organizations- Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Association for Biomedical Research, Public Health – Seattle King County, Puget Sound Health Alliance, Washington Health Foundation, and Washington State Hospital Association. 

 

 

Student Research Fellows East Day 7!

Today we were hosted by the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program at Sacred Heart Hospital, then toured PAML, a diagnostics lab.

Some student quotes:

“Today we learned about how there is a lot to learn when putting someone to sleep for surgery. You have to measure your oxygen levels and blood pressure. It was very interesting especially when we made students’ muscles twitch without them doing it.”

“Today I learned how scientists test for STDs and that machines now do most of the testing.”

“There is more to nursing than meets the eye!”

 

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.

Share this:

We are hoping that our students will come away with a better understanding of how drugs and treatments are developed, an appreciation of the value of research for health, and with opportunity to learn about the broad range of career possibilities in biomedical research-related fields. It is very important to us that our students learn how ethics intersects with biomedical research, especially in how research is conducted. They learn about ethical guidelines for research and how those guidelines have been developed. By meeting and interacting with individuals who care for animals needed for research, or who conduct clinical trials of new vaccines, they not only put a human face on research, but they perhaps take one step closer to imagining themselves conducting research.

– Jeanne Ting Chowning, NWABR Director of Education

Student Research Fellows East Day 6!

Human Clinical Trials–the good, the bad, and what it takes to conduct your own.

Some student quotes:

“Today we learned that there are 3 phases to a clinical trial for humans, starting at Phase I with twenty people to Phase III with thousands of people.”

“I learned about how difficult is can be to get into human trials. Consenting is a huge part, that has been abused over the years.”

After determining if we were doing Human Subjects Research with an IRB checklist, we looked at a consent form to participate in a lung capacity study.

“Did you know you can actually measure your lung capacity? How cool is that?”

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.

Student Research Fellows East Day 5!

Genetic testing, the genetic basis of disease such as sickle-cell anemia, being Dr. Detectives with Dr. Oliver, AND new lab coats.

Some student quotes:

“I learned so much more about sickle-cell anemia. We also dressed as sophisticated researchers with our spiffy lab coats.”

“I learned about genetic testing. It can be used to determine which diseases you are most susceptible to.”

“We got to work with a sheep’s heart, and I gained a new respect for heart surgeons (some of the blood vessels are TINY!).”

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.

Student Research Fellows in the Media

News media, NWABR members, and social media have taken note of our Summer Student Research Fellows in recent days. Below are a series of Twitter updates linking to blog posts and articles — read all about it!

cool! RT @nwabr: Students meet researchers and tour labs at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center with NWABR pnw.cc/5vWsH—
Miller Lab (@millerlab) July 05, 2011

Great program for future researchers @WSUSpokane – Students learn about biomedical research bit.ly/lMiOpy #wsu #gocougs—
WSU News (@WSUNews) July 05, 2011

We've blogged our Student Research Fellows East bit.ly/pprwQe & for more see bit.ly/lMiOpy thanks! @WSUNews—
NWABR tweets (@nwabr) July 05, 2011

+1 RT @millerlab: cool! RT @nwabr: Students meet researchers and tour labs at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Ctr pnw.cc/5vWsH—
Adrienne Roehrich (@fiainros) July 05, 2011

Thanks everyone! Connect with us on Twitter @NWABR and click here for much more information about NWABR Student Research Fellows.

Student Research Fellows East Day 4!

Today we took a road trip to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in Pullman.

Some student quotes:

“I learned how to prepare for surgery”

“I learned about all the different things a veterinarian does. I also learned about how much blood a horse’s heart pumps when it runs.”

“I learned that a horse’s maximum heart rate is 220-250 beats per minute. We actually got to see a horse on a treadmill.”

“We also learned about the WSU dairy farm and got to see new calves.

“Miguel was really cool.”

Thank you Mr. Inzunza and WSU!

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.