Great success at the Chemical & Biological Science & Tech Conference

December 1st, 2009 by Robert Walker

I started the Thanksgiving Week thankful that it was a short week. It needed to be short to recover from the action packed agenda at the 2009 Chemical and Biological Science and Technology Conference in Dallas the week prior. The conference was a huge success on many different levels. Although, the conference has been ongoing for the last few years, this was a first time combination of physical science and medicinal disciplines and to the credit of the conference organizers, it was well done! There were over 1400 people in attendance with over 600 poster presentations and countless oral presentations; however, even with the number of people and logistical challenges that existed, this was one of the best events I have attended (and I have attended a few).

I enjoyed the conference from the perspective that I was able to connect with former colleagues and make new friends (accomplices).  However, the most important aspect for me was hearing about some of the great work that is going into making our country safer. The science and technology is cutting edge and driving innovation in so many different disciplines.

As mentioned in a previous post we were honored to present two posters;

Nancy Miller Latimer presented a poster on “Using Data Pipelining to Analyze Biological Threats: A Biomarker Case Study”.

And

Dr. Nick Reynolds presented a poster on “Applications of nanoscale simulations methods for understanding the structure and mechanisms of chemical sensors”.

Both posters were well received and very applicable to the technology challenges that we face; Dr Reynolds and Ms. Miller Latimer directed and managed the traffic expertly (and there were a lot of people at the presentation).

Over the past few conferences that I have been to, data management and integration is becoming an increasing concern to all the Federal Agencies as more and more data intensive programs come into existence. From new drug and vaccine discovery to biometrics, the data produced for use and reuse is overwhelming legacy systems and there is increasing focus on how to address this challenge.

Addressing this challenge and back to Ms. Miller Latimer’s discussion on Data Pipelining;

She demonstrated “data pipelining”, using Pipeline Pilot™, in a biomarker case study for ALI (Acute Lung Injury). As part of this analysis, Pipeline Pilot was used to analyze and integrate mass spec proteomics data with gene expression data and sequences using data pipelining. Additionally, this study also showed how to automatically mine the literature analysis results for differentially expressed genes/proteins and then publish enterprise-wide interactive solutions via web portals.

To underscore the interest in this integrative and flexible capability, Ms. Miller Latimer’s work was recognized as the best poster overall (over 600 poster were presented). I was proud to be there as she received the award from Colonel Michael O’Keefe, Deputy Director, Chemical/Biological Technologies, Defense Threat Reduction Agency.  Accelrys is proud of Ms. Miller Latimer’s contribution. Well Done!!

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

National Security & countering the threat of a chemical or biological threat

November 13th, 2009 by Robert Walker

Accelrys will be attending the 2009 Chemical and Biological Science and Technology Conference in Dallas TX, November 16 -20.

Two Accelrys posters have been selected to be presented during this conference:

Dr. Nick Reynolds will be presenting a poster on “Applications of nanoscale simulations methods for understanding the structure and mechanisms of chemical sensors.” The poster presentation will be on Wednesday, November 18 and will be part of the “Novel Material Science Approaches for CB Defense”

Nancy Latimer will be presenting a poster on “Using Data Pipelining to Analyze Biological Threats: A Biomarker Case Study.” The poster presentation will be on Wednesday, November 18 and will be part of the “Integrative Informatics, Systems, and Synthetic Biology Approaches for CB Defense”.

As is the research and development for new drug and vaccines continues to be important to the general health of our country, we need to be mindful that there is always the possibility of emergent threats that will require rapid response. September 11, 2001 was a painful reminder of this and since, there has been significant progress made in capability to counter these threats.

Accelrys is proud of its contribution to enabling innovative discovery and will continue to work closely with both commercial and federal agencies to ensure that the Unites States continues to be on leading edge.

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Can Automated NMR Analysis Cure Gephyrophobia?

October 8th, 2009 by Max Petersen, Ph.D.

It wasn’t until my career steered towards marketing that I was diagnosed with gephyrophobia – the pathological fear of bridges. Certainly, years of riding motorcycles in Southern California’s backcountry never triggered this anxiety disorder, but the realization that a simple query on istockphoto for “bridge” and “puzzle” returns 56 variations of chasmcrossing stereotypisms. My guess is that if you are gainfully employed and work outside the shelter of academic or government institutions, you have been exposed: The “bridge” as a symbol. To make you work better. With your colleagues. With other departments. In general: To cross a chasm.

A car about to cross a chasm. Or is it?

A car about to cross a chasm. Or is it?

Working as a product manager for Pipeline Pilot, I had no choice but to face my fears. There are no two ways to put it: Pipeline Pilot is a “bridge,” it helps scientists and departments work together – better.  Now, don’t get me wrong – I have nothing against teamwork, I think it makes it worthwhile commuting 60 miles to work every day and wondering what frequent flyer status comes after “Platinum.”  My fears are empty marketing promises that create customer reactions ranging anywhere from confusion to disappointment.

Customers I mainly interact with work in analytical labs. Last time I checked, they are concerned with analyzing boatloads of data in the shortest time possible. Sure, they could use a bridge when it comes time to toss the results over the fence to the chemists that originally requested the work. And after quite a bit of effort from my colleagues in  Cambridge R&D, we can now process NMR data in Pipeline Pilot. And although I have no delusions of grandeur that Accelrys would invest in this project simply to address my exotic condition, I still hope that the next time I drive over the Bay Bridge to see my favorite customer, my heart will be beating at its customary 120 bmp.

I would also like to thank all the great people at Modgraph helping us integrate their first rate NMR prediction engine, NMRPredict, into Pipeline Pilot. Not only would our NMR release have been significantly less complete, but it makes Accelrys’ vision come alive that Pipeline Pilot is an open integration platform for scientific applications.

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Stimulating Scientific Innovation

August 28th, 2009 by Robert Walker

You are probably wondering why a scientific informatics software company is addressing the issue of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). I will respond to that question with two answers; first Accelrys has a group devoted to government programs and second, we believe in and have a long history of promoting innovation that drives the discovery process in science and engineering application.

ARRA, also known as the stimulus bill or spending package, is the most historically significant infusion of government funding since the Great Depression with the key objectives of investing in American infrastructure and stimulating the economy by encouraging innovation and boosting employment.

As summarized from www.recovery.gov, the key goals of stimulus spending is to:

  • Create jobs with 90% of the estimated three to four million jobs going to the private sector
  • Implement technology toward computerizing health records with the goal of reducing errors and health care costs
  • Increase capacity by reviving the renewable energy industry
  • Reward energy efficiency through numerous weatherization incentives
  • Increase college affordability by funding shortfalls in student aid programs
  • Invest in American infrastructure concentrating on major transportation projects
  • Provide tax credits for those that need them

The entire stimulus package is estimated to cost $787B over seven years with a large portion of the outlay to occur in government FY 2010 (48%). Approximately $280B will be administered by the state and local governments over the seven year period with the focus in 2009 on healthcare, education and labor. Spending will be phased in FY 2010 and 2011 to shift to longer term economic growth opportunities to include energy, science and technology.

Having supported a government acquisition program office for five years, I know two things. First, it takes a lot of effort to spend this kind of money. Requirements have to be prioritized, sourced and resourced. Next, funding documents have to be prepared, reviewed and ultimately approved. Finally, the ARRA has imposed some significant reporting requirements that make the funding process pale in comparison. The level of effort alone WILL RESULT in creating jobs. I have heard that some agencies have had to bring some financial analysts out of retirement to accommodate this additional workload!

Second, those that currently hold contracts with the agencies that are on the receiving end of the spending are going to do well. It is a lot easier to put money on an existing contract vehicle then it is to let a new contract. To let a new contract takes time because of the solicitation process and rules for competitive procurement. This is time the agencies do not have as they are required to meet spending benchmarks. I view this as being an unfortunate consequence and goes against the intent of the ARRA to promote innovation.

With that said there are truths that are self evident. America is still a country of opportunity and never, ever bet against the American people when it comes to innovation and the advancement of technology.  Regardless of your views on the ARRA, this unprecedented event in American history presents a significant opportunity to really do some good with all the great technology that we know is out there. The key is knowing where to look and who to partner with.

  • Share/Save/Bookmark