Zambia win the 2019 Cosafa men's Under-17 championship on Sunday after a 2-0 win over Mozambique in the final in Blantyre.
from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/31t4QK0
via
Intro Video
Sunday, October 20, 2019
South Africa end Japan's Rugby World Cup run
So Long, Supply Drops: *Call of Duty* Ditches Loot Boxes
Cars Aren't Going Anywhere, and More Transportation News This Week
Trump's Pelosi Tweet Tops This Week's Internet News Roundup
Nigeria shocked by Togo in CHAN qualifiers as holders Morocco go through
Thirty mummies in wooden coffins found in Egypt
How to Pick the Best Roku: A Guide to Each Model (2019)
6 Best Camera Accessories for Android and iPhone (2019)
Computers Are Learning to Read—But They're *Still* Not So Smart
How to Control the Privacy of Your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat Posts
The Beats Powerbeats Pro Are $50 Off Right Now
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Biological engineer Paul Blainey creates new tools to advance biomedical research
Microfluidics — the science of manipulating tiny amounts of fluid through channels — has been widely used in fields such as genomics, where it has helped to enable high-speed sequencing. Several years ago, Paul Blainey started to wonder why microfluidics was not used for drug screening, another application that requires analyzing huge amounts of samples quickly.
That question led him and his students to develop a new type of microfluidics platform in which droplets are sealed within tiny wells, overcoming the problem of drug leakage that had stymied previous efforts. This system worked well for screening drugs, but it also ended up being useful for many other applications, far beyond what Blainey had originally envisioned.
“That’s one of the things I love about science — you can have a thought about why doesn’t microfluidics do more for chemistry, and then you develop something that turns out to have all these really exciting uses and applications that no one imagined,” says Blainey, a member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and a newly tenured associate professor in the Department of Biological Engineering.
Blainey’s lab takes a wide-ranging approach to solving technological problems, resulting in the development of many cutting-edge tools over the past several years, with applications in fields from genomics to diagnostics and drug development. He credits his students with helping to come up with ideas for novel technologies, and pursuing alternative directions until they find something that works.
“The major research directions and technology platforms that the lab is known for today came out of this process where the students or I had a crazy idea, and then the lab executed on it, with all the twists and turns along the way,” he says.
Drawn to engineering
Growing up in Seattle, the son of a phone company technician and a nursing professor, Blainey had a natural affinity for engineering. “I was always that kid who was into building models,” he recalls. However, he began his academic career in the sciences, majoring in chemistry and mathematics at the University of Washington. He went on to earn a PhD in physical chemistry at Harvard University, but while pursuing his degrees, he was drawn to the aspects of science most closely related to engineering.
“I really liked analytical chemistry, which is very much like an engineering discipline because it’s focused on instrumentation, measurement, and the quantitative aspects of chemistry,” he says.
After finishing his PhD, he went to Stanford University to work as a postdoc in the lab of Stephen Quake, a professor of bioengineering. There, he worked with one of the first high-speed, next-generation genome sequencing machines installed in an academic lab, in 2007.
“The result was that I learned sequencing technology and genomics, I learned a little bit of bacterial genetics, I learned microfluidic technology, and I really started to appreciate how these things could play together,” Blainey says.
At Stanford, he performed single-cell genome sequencing of environmental microbes, but he wanted to turn his research focus toward biomedicine and studying human cells, so he applied for a faculty position at the Broad Institute. Before coming for his interview, he thought he would prefer living on the West Coast, but his visit to MIT changed his mind.
“Despite having been at Harvard for graduate school, I knew very little about the Broad and very little about MIT,” he says. “I took the trip to Boston, which exceeded my expectations. The scientific and collaborative potential at the Broad Institute and surrounding institutions jumped out so clearly.”
When Blainey became a member of the Broad Institute, he also joined MIT’s Department of Biological Engineering, renewing his longstanding interest in engineering. He launched his lab with the goal of developing biotechnologies that could strongly impact biomedical research and be broadly disseminated.
“We were interested in identifying opportunities to develop technology that would fill crucial gaps in the life science research portfolio,” he says. “We had the opportunity to talk with people, see what the needs were, see where biological research was being well-served by technology, and try to find gaps that might overlap with our toolkit or new things we could invent.”
Filling the gaps
One area where Blainey saw a need for new technology was in screening potential drug compounds. One of the big challenges in screening drugs is making sure there is enough of each compound to test it against a huge number of single cells. Researchers weren’t using microfluidics to help with these screens because drug molecules tend to leak out of the tiny droplets used in microfluidic devices.
One of Blainey’s graduate students, Tony Kulesa, came up with an idea for a new way to solve the problem, which was to seal nanoliter droplets into an array of tiny wells on a microfluidic chip. This prevented the drugs from leaking out, and enabled large-scale screens.
This technology turned out to be very useful for screening individual drugs and also combinations of drugs. In a paper published in 2018, the researchers showed that this system could be used to identify compounds that help existing antibiotics to work better. The Broad Institute is now launching a new center funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, where this platform will be used to search for additional compounds with antimicrobial activity.
It later turned out that this system could be useful for a variety of experiments that involve testing the interactions of many different combinations of cells or molecules.
In one project, Blainey worked with Jeff Gore, an MIT associate professor of physics, to combine different strains of bacteria in droplets and study how they interact with each other. He also used it to create a new version of a CRISPR-based diagnostic technology called Sherlock, previously developed by several other labs at the Broad Institute. The droplet array platform allows the test to be carried out on many samples at a time, and to simultaneously test for many different diseases.
Another technique Blainey recently developed, known as optical pooled screening, allows researchers to examine how genes affect complex cellular processes, with spatial and temporal resolution. This technique, described in Cell on Oct. 17, combines large-scale pooled genetic screens with image-based analysis of cell behavior.
Blainey’s lab continues to seek out new areas that could benefit from technological innovation, while also pursuing potential applications for the tools they have already developed.
“Our antennae are sensitive to these general types of technical barriers where if you can come up with robust and general solutions, it really unlocks a lot of stuff. But we’re also excited to dig further into the biology using tools we’ve already developed,” he says. “It’s a bit like grassroots politicking — you really have to get out there and pound the pavement and show how it can be used in different ways.”
from MIT News https://ift.tt/35T12VU
via
South Africa set to meet Japan
Pica: Pregnancy cravings that make women eat rocks
Meet the student who has created African emojis
Haringey Borough v Yeovil Town: FA Cup tie abandoned after reports of racial abuse
Daniel Kaluuya bringing beloved purple dinosaur ‘Barney’ to the big screen
Daniel Kaluuya is better known for his groundbreaking role in Jordan Peele’s Get Out and also in Black Panther, but he’s taking a moment for the kids by collaborating with Mattel Films to produce a live-action movie based on ‘Barney the Dinosaur’, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The British star will produce the movie about the tyrannosaurus rex through “his newly formed 59% banner” with Rowan Riley and Amandla Crichlow, David Carrico, Adam Paulsen and Bobby Hoppey. Kevin McKeon will represent for Mattel.
Barney & Friends aired between 1992 to 2009. The legendary children’s television series holds a special place in many people’s hearts since the dinosaur taught viewers many life lessons about friendship, love and caring for others, through fun and games.
“Barney was a ubiquitous figure in many of our childhoods, then he disappeared into the shadows, left misunderstood,” said Kaluuya, 30. “We’re excited to explore this compelling modern-day hero and see if his message of ‘I love you, you love me’ can stand the test of time.”
READ MORE: Ryan Coogler to produce Fred Hampton biopic starring Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield
Mattel is excited about working with Kaluuya and they believe his insight will provide a refreshing freshing and new imagined outlook about the purple dinosaur.
“Working with Daniel Kaluuya will enable us to take a completely new approach to Barney that will surprise audiences and subvert expectations,” added Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner. “The project will speak to the nostalgia of the brand in a way that will resonate with adults while entertaining today’s kids.”
Barney joins the list of other properties under the toy company that will have features including Hot Wheels and Barbie.
A studio for the film has not been decided, but those involved are looking forward to its production.
“Barney is a dinosaur from our imagination, and we can’t wait to get ‘I love you, you love me’ stuck in heads everywhere, yet again,” Carrico said.
Kaluuya’s next role will be in the upcoming Lena Waithe thriller Queen & Slim, due out Nov. 27.
WATCH: Daniel Kaluuya is on the run in ‘Queen & Slim’ trailer
The post Daniel Kaluuya bringing beloved purple dinosaur ‘Barney’ to the big screen appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/32w4aov
via
Video shows missing girl, Kamille ‘Cupcake’ McKinney, just before disappearance
The disappearance of a toddler in Avondale, Ala., has a community scrambling to find her, while police are questioning two persons of interest seen in a security cam video.
Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney was reported missing on Oct. 12, according to Birmingham station WIAT. Police issued an AMBER alert after she was picked up at a birthday party by an unknown person in an SUV.
ALEA has issued an AMBER alert. If you know the whereabouts of or have recently seen the person or vehicle described here, immediately call 911. If you have other information about this missing person, contact the Birmingham Police Dept (205) 254-0841. pic.twitter.com/Js97w9FbgG
— AL Missing Person Alerts (@AMBERAlert_AL) October 13, 2019
READ MORE: New $25K reward offered in search for abducted 3-year-old girl
Surveillance obtained by police shows two individuals walking past two small children around the time the abduction took place. The video reportedly shows the two kids following one of the individuals, according to the news site.
The girl was reportedly with her mother at the party, but children at the event say they saw a man drive up and put her in the car, then leave.
“From what we’ve been able to determine so far, this is the last known location that we could determine where she was,” Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith said during a press conference this week.
READ MORE: Stepfather arrested in connection to kidnapping of 4-year-old stepdaughter
They are two people of interest police believe are tied to the little girl’s abduction. One person of interest is Patrick Devone Stallworth, 39, and the other is Derick Irisha Brown, 29.
Both men were reportedly arrested for charges not tied to the child’s kidnapping. CBS 42 reports that Stallworth was released on Thursday after posting bond, but Brown still remains in jail.
Although there are currently two persons of interest, Smith believes that other individuals are tied to the case.
“Everyone is a person of interest at this point in the investigation,” Smith said.
Fortunately, the second child in the surveillance video has been identified, but police have decided not to release the child or family’s identity.
Smith revealed that a motive behind the abduction has not been determined, but he did reveal that he believes that the incident was organized in advance. He thinks that it was planned 20 minutes before the girl disappeared, according to WIAT.
“We’re hoping that someone will see this video and recognize the individual on there or he himself will say ‘Hey, that’s me,’ and whatever information they can provide will be greatly appreciated,” Smith said.
At $25,000 reward has been offered for information leading to finding Kamille. Meanwhile, a community search has been organized for Sunday to get neighbors in the area where she disappeared involved in finding her.
The post Video shows missing girl, Kamille ‘Cupcake’ McKinney, just before disappearance appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/32uPrdx
via
The Best Way for Black Professionals to Explore Berlin
Is “Explore Berlin” an item on your travel bucket list?
Boasting a population of more than 3 million people, Berlin is the capital of Germany and is the largest city in the country.
German is the official language of Berlin. But there’s a fair amount of people in tourist areas who speak English. If you want to learn the basics, download a foreign language app before your trip to help you better interact with the locals.
Whether you are going to Berlin to explore the city’s top attractions, gain new entrepreneurial inspiration, or take advantage of a career opportunity, here’s how you can make the most of 48 hours.
Get a Berlin Welcome Card
There’s so much to do in Berlin and so many ways to do it in this big city. If you’re looking to explore some of the city’s historic sites and most visited attractions, don’t forget to check out the Berlin Welcome Card!
With the Berlin Welcome Card, you’ll get free access to public transportation. That’s a bonus in any major city! Then, you’re free to roam around the city and use your Berlin Welcome Card to get discounts at local restaurants, premium bars, galleries, and museums.
Plan ahead to find out what attractions qualify for discounted rates.
Hop on the City Circle sightseeing bus
When you’re in a city for a short period of time, it’s important to create an efficient schedule. The best way to maximize your time as you explore Berlin is on the City Circle hop-on/hop-off sightseeing tour buses. You can see the best of Berlin in less than 4 hours!
The City Circle sightseeing bus takes you around the city on a narrated tour. You will get to see historic buildings, museums, and shopping centers all from one ride. Just hop off at one stop and hop back on when you’re ready to see another part of the city.
The bus leads you to more than 10 stops of attractions including Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, Charlottenburg Palace, and Potsdamer Platz. Buses run every 10 minutes so you’ll be able to make the most of your time in between landmarks.
Tour Museum Island
Museums are filled with artifacts that tell the story of the past. Some of Berlin’s most remarkable moments are captured in exhibits found on Museum Island.
Take the City Circle sightseeing bus to Museum Island and you’ll be in the middle of some of the biggest exhibits that the capital has to offer. You can check out some of the top museums including the German Historical Museum and Museum of Natural History.
If you’re a lifelong student of art and history, Museum Island will be food for your soul.
Stay in the center of the city
If you’re only going to be in Berlin for a couple of days, you want to stay as close to the action as possible. Grimm’s Postdamer Platz Hotel is a cozy, fairy-tale themed hotel that gives you the type of enchantment that you see on television. Throughout the hotel, you’ll catch glimpses of the popular story of the Brothers Grimm through the vibrant colors and wall decor.
Within a few minutes of walking, you’ll find areas filled with shopping, attractions, and restaurants. There’s never a dull moment around Grimm’s Hotel. But you’re far enough away from it all so that you’ll be able to easily unwind after a day of exploring.
Cool off at the Berlin Icebar
Have you ever wanted to drink from a real ice glass? You’ll have the best stories to tell your clients and co-workers after having a drink at the Angiyok – ICEBAR BERLIN.
You’ll be given a coat and gloves as you head down under to a bar where everything is made of ice! Immerse yourself in temperatures around -10 degrees Celsius as you sit on ice sculptures and take pictures before your fingers start to freeze. This is probably the coolest experience you’ll find in Berlin (literally!).
Are you planning a trip to explore Berlin soon? If so, make sure you check out some of these places to make the most of your trip.
Black Enterprise Contributors Network
from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2o4uJlG
via
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)