The Babak Lab

#TheBabakLabLive We are proud to share that Prof. Maria (Masha) Babak, PhD, a board member of The Institute of Cancer and Crisis (ICC), joined the Emergencies and Crisis session at the European Cancer Summit 2024, hosted by European Cancer Organisation. Prof. Maria (Masha) Babak, PhD presented a powerful manifesto on improving cancer care for those affected by conflict. #CancerCare #ECO2024 #Healthcare #ConflictImpact

#TheBabakLabLive Today marks the first day of the European Cancer Summit 2024 organized by European Cancer Organisation! We're thrilled to kick off this important gathering that unites the cancer community in our shared mission to combat this relentless disease. Over the next few days, experts, patients, and policymakers will come together to explore innovative solutions to the pressing challenges faced by healthcare systems across Europe. Key discussions will focus on advancing cancer research and identifying new opportunities to improve patient care. We’re honored to hear from esteemed speakers, including: - Stella Karavazaki, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety - Antonio Parenti, Director of Public Health, Cancer and Health Security - Andras Kulja MD, MEP & MD, Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety - Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, MEP, Member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Let’s come together to accelerate our efforts against cancer and pave the way for a healthier future. Here’s to a productive and inspiring summit! 💪💙 #EuropeanCancerSummit2024 #CancerResearch #PublicHealth #Innovation #Healthcare #TogetherAgainstCancer

#TheBabakLabLive 🌏✨ Today, our Belt and Road Office, HKSAR Government Scholars, along with Prof. Wen Jung Li, had the privilege of attending the Belt and Road Office Talk. This event provided a valuable opportunity to dive deep into the needs and experiences of international students studying in Hong Kong and beyond. We heard insightful presentations from 8 UGC-funded universities, each sharing their strategies and experiences in attracting scholars from the Belt and Road region. The discussions highlighted the importance of creating supportive environments for international students, ensuring they thrive during their studies and beyond. A big thank you to everyone involved for fostering these critical conversations and for your commitment to enhancing the academic journey for scholars from around the world! #BeltAndRoad #InternationalStudents #HigherEducation #HongKong #UGC #GlobalScholarship #Collaboration

#ClinicalMonday 🎉 FDA Approval Alert: New Hope for Mantle Cell Lymphoma Patients On May 30, 2024, the FDA approved lisocabtagene maraleucel (Breyanzi), a CAR T-cell therapy, for adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two prior treatments, including a BTK inhibitor. 💡 Key Highlights: 💯 Effectiveness 85.3% overall response rate (ORR). 67.6% complete response rate (CRR). Median response duration: 13.3 months. 🔬Trial Insights: Patients with PET-positive disease were treated after lymphodepleting chemotherapy. Demonstrated benefits for heavily pretreated patients. ⚠️ Safety Considerations: Risks include cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurologic toxicities, requiring close monitoring. This milestone is a testament to advances in CAR T-cell therapy, providing new options for those with limited alternatives. 🧪 Let's continue the conversation about how innovative treatments are shaping the future of oncology. Share your thoughts below! 🖇 More insights on the FDA website: https://lnkd.in/gRU3_7X3 #Oncology #CAR_T #FDAApproval #MantleCellLymphoma #CancerResearch Image source: xtalks.com

🎥 Next Up Valensia Nadya Anthony iGEM Competition Reflections! 🎥 This week, we’re excited to feature team member Valensia Nadya Anthony as she shares her impressions of the iGEM competition. From the collaborative atmosphere to the inspiring ideas exchanged, Valensia Nadya Anthony offers a unique perspective on what makes iGEM such a transformative experience. Stay tuned as our team continues to share their stories and insights—because every voice adds to the journey! 🌍✨ #iGEM #Vlog #CityU #SyntheticBiology #TeamInsights #STEM #Innovation

🎓 The importance of transparency and mentorship in a PhD program cannot be overstated; they often make the difference between a thriving research career and burnout. These red flags are real and well-defined signals of potential issues, from micromanagement and a lack of support to unsafe lab conditions. A PhD is an immense commitment, and, as you’ve emphasized, it’s crucial to invest time in finding an advisor and lab where students are genuinely valued and mentored. Waiting for the right fit, even if it means turning down an offer, is often a much better long-term decision than rushing into a potentially toxic environment. This guide should be required reading for anyone considering a PhD! Thank you Andrew Akbashev for sharing this; it's an essential reminder for students to prioritize their well-being and career sustainability. #BeyondScience

#ScientificWednesday Reimagining Data Storage Through DNA Epigenetics 🧬 Imagine a world where data storage isn’t limited to silicon but uses DNA molecules—taking advantage of nature’s most efficient information storage system. In a recent study, scientists unveiled a cutting-edge DNA data storage approach using epigenetic modifications. Here’s a closer look at how this innovative framework could impact data storage: 🔹 1. Breaking Free from Traditional Synthesis Unlike previous methods that rely on synthesizing new DNA strands, this approach is synthesis-free. By printing data onto pre-existing DNA templates using methylation patterns, the researchers achieved data encoding at a faster rate and lower cost. This “printing” method treats the DNA as a reusable, customizable canvas, a significant shift from traditional synthesis-based methods. 🔹 2. High-Density, Durable Data Storage In one experiment, 275,000 bits were stored on DNA with accuracy rates over 97% during retrieval. The epigenetic modifications are stable and resilient, making this method both scalable and robust. It opens up possibilities for high-capacity data storage that can endure environmental stresses far better than silicon-based options. 🔹 3. Data Storage for Everyone—Distributed & Do-It-Yourself Opportunities This approach allows for distributed data storage: data can be encoded by individuals outside of specialized labs. In trials, 60 volunteers with no lab experience successfully encoded their data using a basic kit, underscoring the potential for personal, secure storage where data remains private until sequenced. 🔹 4. Advanced Data Retrieval with Minimal Errors To read the data back, high-throughput nanopore sequencing was used, supported by algorithms that refined data retrieval with impressive accuracy. This development minimizes retrieval errors and paves the way for reliable, high-fidelity data recovery, critical for practical use. 💬 Discussion Points for You 🌐 How do you envision DNA-based data storage impacting areas beyond traditional storage, like personalized medicine or archival records? 🔍 What might be some challenges we’ll face in making DNA data storage accessible and secure for widespread use? 💡 In what ways could distributed, at-home DNA data encoding change our approach to privacy and data ownership? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇 Your insights on the potential applications, future challenges, or ethical implications could shed light on the directions this technology might take. Read more in Nature Portfolio: https://lnkd.in/gFK2S-Nr #DNATechnology #DataStorage #Epigenetics #MolecularComputing #Innovation #DataPrivacy #SustainableTech #FutureOfData

#ClinicalMonday Exploring New Avenues in Breast Cancer Treatment 🔍 A recent study, led by @Hoffmann-La Roche, is investigating the combination of inavolisib with palbociclib and fulvestrant for treating PIK3CA-mutant, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04191499) primarily aims to assess progression-free survival (PFS), providing insights into whether adding inavolisib extends the time before disease progression compared to a standard treatment combination. 🔑 Key primary and secondary measures: Primary Outcome PFS, defined by the time to progression or death. Secondary Outcomes Include overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), and health-related quality of life indicators like pain and physical function. The study is ongoing, with interim results anticipated in 2024. The findings could add a valuable option for those whose cancer progressed despite prior therapies, potentially extending quality life and survival time. 💬 What are your thoughts on emerging combination therapies in oncology? Drop a comment, like, or share to help spread the conversation around innovative approaches in cancer care. #ClinicalResearch #BreastCancerAwareness #OncologyResearch #TargetedTherapies #CancerTreatment #PharmaceuticalResearch #PrecisionMedicine #HealthcareInnovation #BreastCancerTreatmen #MedicalAdvancements #CancerClinicalTrials #OncologyCommunity #HealthcareResearch #PharmaIndustry #PatientOutcomes

#iGEMstories Hear from CityU iGEM Team: Maryana Yarshova’s iGEM Experience! 🎥 Curious about what it’s like to compete at iGEM? This week, team member Maryana Yarshova is sharing her impressions of the iGEM Competition in our latest vlog! And stay tuned—next week, we’ll have another team member sharing their thoughts and experiences! Catch the vlog now and join us in reliving these unforgettable moments! 🌍💡 #iGEM #Vlog #CityU #SyntheticBiology #STEM #Innovation #TeamInsights

#BeyondScience Current Challenges in the Academic & Medical Community – Let’s Discuss! 🧐 In the fast-evolving fields of academia and medicine, remarkable advances are often accompanied by unique challenges. From navigating complex funding requirements to grappling with ethical concerns in research, these sectors face issues that impact their development and effectiveness. 💬 Your Thoughts Matter! We believe that discussing these challenges openly is the first step towards improvement. Let’s hear from you: ▪️ What challenges do you believe are the most pressing in academia and healthcare? ▪️ Have you observed any innovative solutions to these issues within your field? ▪️ How do you think institutions can better support researchers and medical professionals in overcoming these obstacles? Your insights are valuable—let’s open the floor for a thoughtful discussion on how we can work together toward a stronger, more resilient academic and medical community. #AcademicChallenges #MedicalCommunity #ResearchFunding #EthicsInScience #ScienceForAll #MentalHealthInAcademia #OpenAccess #ResearchIntegrity #ScienceCommunication #AcademicSupport #HealthcareInnovation #FutureOfResearch #ScientificCommunity #HigherEducation