Latest news with #Worcester-based
Axios
20-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
How a Mass. startup is using space to transform drug delivery
A Worcester-based biotech startup is testing the limits of its space-grown particles in hopes of delivering better, more consistent treatments for osteoarthritis, cancer and other conditions. Why it matters: The research conducted by Eascra in recent flights could help lay the groundwork for an advanced manufacturing industry in space, Mari Anne Snow, the company's cofounder and CEO, tells Axios. Catch up quick: Eascra has conducted experiments on five flights in space since 2023 to determine how developing Janus Base Nanoparticles (JBNs) — tiny particles that can deliver drugs to the human body — in microgravity changes their function. The space-grown JBNs were more uniform in shape and size than their Earth-made counterparts, making for more consistent drug delivery, Snow says. Eascra used the nanoparticles to apply drugs to a tumor and other medicines. Researchers found the particles could maintain mRNA at room temperature for extended periods of time. (It usually requires cold storage). The latest: Astronauts have spent the past five weeks on the International Space Station expanding Eascra's JBN production in space. When they return to Earth later this week, they will bring the space-grown samples and evaluate their quality, including in animal testing. "At that point, we'll have comparison data that will tell us specifically what is the verified improvement from Earth to space production," Snow says. Those experiments will likely be done by late summer, followed by a third-party evaluation of Eascra's findings. Zoom out: The goal is to start discussions with the Food and Drug Administration about seeking approval for space-made medicine, Snow says. Getting drugs and gene editing that rely on space-grown nanoparticles to market could take close to a decade, Snow predicts. Yes, but: The research has relied on both private space exploration and public grants, including several from the Department of Defense. In the meantime, Eascra is continuing as normal.
Boston Globe
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Immigrant advocates call on Healey to ban local ICE collaboration
The groups released a list of demands that includes both rhetorical and legal action from the governor. Advocates are calling on Healey to declare ICE a 'rogue federal agency' and sign legislation prohibiting local law enforcement agencies from signing agreements to hold ICE detainees or enforce federal immigration law. That would include terminating ICE's deal to hold detainees at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility — the last jail in Massachusetts to do so. The coalition is also calling for the creation of a 'reparations fund' to support communities affected by the sweeps and detention of immigrants and for the court system to allow fully remote court access, which would allow immigrants to attend hearings without risking encounters with ICE agents. Advertisement Healey said she is 'deeply concerned' by ICE actions and the fear they are creating in local communities. She did not directly address whether she would support any of LUCE's demands. Advertisement 'As Governor, I'm going to continue to speak out against those who think due process and the rule of law are things they don't have to abide by,' Healey said in a statement. 'The Constitution is not a suggestion.' ICE has said that its operations protect public safety, highlighting arrests of undocumented immigrants previously convicted of serious crimes. Advocates dispute that characterization, saying that many of the people being detained have no criminal history or record of violence. In 2017, the state Supreme Judicial Court ruled that state and local law enforcement do not have the authority to hold people solely to carry out a civil immigration detainer. But local sheriffs can still work with ICE through agreements under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, in which local law enforcement agencies allow their officers to be trained and deputized by ICE. LUCE has placed itself on the front lines of local opposition to ICE, training volunteers to monitor, report and document ongoing ICE actions. Some recent detentions have sparked contentious protests, with demonstrators 'This conduct poses significant public and officer safety risks. It is conduct that should be vilified rather than glorified,' Foley said in a statement. 'I will not stand idly by if any public official, public safety officer, organization or private citizen acts in a manner that criminally obstructs or impedes ICE operations.' But Danny Timpona, organizing director for the Worcester-based advocacy group Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts, said that all of LUCE's activities are constitutionally protected, and do not violate federal laws against obstructing immigration agents. Rather, he said, it is a necessary response to ICE agents 'kidnapping' immigrants without identifying themselves or providing warrants. Advertisement 'This fear and chaos is purposeful and is a public safety crisis for everyone,' he said. Dan Glaun can be reached at
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
State police academy revises training plan in wake of Worcester recruit's death
The Massachusetts State Police announced changes in its training curriculum in response to the death last September of a Worcester-based recruit. Enrique Delgado-Garcia, 25, collapsed and later died of injuries he suffered while participating in a boxing match, part of the Massachusetts State Police Academy training curriculum. An independent attorney, David Meier, a partner at the Boston firm of Todd & Weld LLC., was assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatality. The Telegram & Gazette reached out to Meier for comment on the changes by the law enforcement organization. However, the calls were not immediately returned. In a release that outlines the changes, which include the continued suspension of the boxing program, State Police Superintendent Geoffrey D. Noble expressed his condolences regarding Delgado-Garcia's death. 'We continue to mourn the loss of Trooper Delgado-Garcia,' Noble said in the statement, adding that the agency remains 'dedicated to ensuring our Academy's program and training practices uphold the highest standards of safety while preparing our recruits to serve with excellence and distinction.' Noble said he believes the new measures will enhance the agency's training model, help reduce attrition and prepare troopers to meet the demands of modern policing. Changes include contracting with an independent agency to assess the entirety of the agency's training program to ensure it meets modern policing standards. One of the most basic changes announced by the agency will ensure recruits are monitored on a more personal, one-to-one basis by the academy administration and staff. To achieve this more personal relationship between recruits and staff, the department will break the incoming class into two cohorts — one starting this month, the second cohort scheduled to start during the summer. This separation into cohorts is expected to enhance the review process of each individual recruit and their experiences to better meet their needs, strengthen mentorship and promote their overall readiness to join the ranks of the state police. The staff will ensure that the curriculum fosters a supportive environment with the appropriate balance of high-intensity activities counterbalanced by the appropriate rest and recovery time. 'We are committed to ensuring our training environment fosters professionalism and excellence while prioritizing the health and well-being of our recruits,' Noble said. The superintendent assigned Capt. David Pinkham, a 20-year veteran of the agency, to the command of the academy. The new commander will be in charge of overseeing the selection of the teaching staff. The agency has contracted with the International Association of Chiefs of Police to conduct a formal, independent assessment of the academy and to provide recommendations that will enhance the training curriculum: Review of the existing training will include an assessment of the academy's physical fitness demands and the overall preparation of recruits, classroom instruction and scenario-based training methods. The International Association of Chiefs of Police is tasked with determining whether the current paramilitary training model used by the agency is relevant, efficient and safe; and how the curriculum relates to modern policing roles and responsibilities. The group will assess whether the curriculum aligns with modern policing methods and societal demands. Included in the review process is an investigation into the last 10 recruit classes to determine the suitability and preparation of the applicants. It will also delve into dropout rates and their causes, taking into account gender, race and other demographic factors to determine what drives them. The independent agency will assess its physical fitness standards and review whether the physical demands placed on recruits are pertinent with the demands placed on troopers on a day-to-day basis. The International Association of Chiefs of Police will assess the costs and benefits of communal living arrangements on recruits' mental and physical health, and their overall performance in the academy. The assessment process will follow the recruits past graduation into their service as troopers. The group is also tasked to determine whether academy staff is creating a safe and professional training environment, review instructor oversight and accountability and what recourses are available to recruits in cases of instructor misconduct and unsafe practices. Finally, the International Association of Chiefs of Police will compare the working of the academy against national and international models used by other agencies. This independent review, Noble is confident, will provide actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing the safety of the program, improve recruit retention and ensure 'sustained excellence.' The agency, Noble said in the release, will 'share the findings publicly when it becomes available.' This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Massachusetts state police revises training after Delgado-Garcia's death
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Worcester childhood cancer charity announces 2026 London marathon spot
A CHILDHOOD cancer charity has announced its has one available spot for the 2026 TCS London Marathon. The Worcester-based Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust is inviting applications for a place in the world-renowned marathon event, which will take place in April next year. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to make an impact in the fight against childhood cancer by raising money for the charity. Abbie Bissell-Blazier, a charity fundraiser, said: "Our charity spot in the London Marathon provides a fantastic opportunity for an individual to not only achieve a personal milestone but also to contribute significantly to our cause. "The funds raised will go towards our annual running costs of £700,000. "Every pound raised brings us closer to a world where no child dies of cancer and no family fights childhood cancer alone." The race is one of the world's most celebrated marathons, attracting more than 40,000 runners each year. It serves as a platform for raising millions of pounds for various charitable causes. The trust is looking for someone passionate who is committed to contributing to a cause that matters deeply. Applicants must commit to raising a minimum of £3,000. The application process is straightforward, and anyone interested can access the application form on the charity website. Applications will close on Saturday, May 31, and the selected runner will be notified by Tuesday, July 1. Potential candidates are encouraged to distinguish themselves by adding a personal touch to their application, such as submitting a video that showcases their enthusiasm and commitment. Nick Francis, who is on the charity's board of trustees and who is also running the marathon this year in memory of his daughter Sophie, said: "I am taking on the challenge of the London Marathon in memory of our beautiful daughter, Sophie, and to support the important work that the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust does. "It's my first marathon so I'm feeling the nerves, but each time I have a niggle of pain or doubt I am focusing on memories of Sophie." For further enquiries or assistance with the application process, email fundraising@
Boston Globe
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Mass. House passes language barring students from playing on teams of the opposite sex, but requires state analysis
The provision, nonetheless, drew swift condemnation from gay and transgender advocates, who feared it gives credibility to Advertisement State Representative John Gaskey, a Carver Republican, State Representative Ken Gordon, a Bedford Democrat, then offered a so-called further amendment, which the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with having 'analyzed the policy,' including reviewing 'any safeguards that may alleviate safety concerns.' Under the bill, state officials would also issue a report, and lawmakers would have to pass other legislation to 'carry out any recommendations' before the ban would take effect. Advertisement Gordon framed the new language as giving state policymakers time to 'better understand these issues.' 'The topic of the amendment is complex, involving issues of federal and state law,' Gordon said from the House floor. 'It is a matter of concern to residents of the Commonwealth who have expressed concern from both sides of the issue, and the matter deserves a public hearing before' a legislative committee. Gaskey, the amendment's Republican author, criticized the change as a Democratic attempt to effectively kill his measure, calling it 'a way to bury this and make sure that nobody ever gets this on the record.' 'We already know how this is going to affect people. We already know how many students are going to be affected: Every student is going to be affected,' he said. 'Every student athlete will play on the team that they were born to play on. ... That's what this amendment is for. We don't need a study. The polls support this. The federal government supports this. It's time that we recognize science.' President Trump issued an executive order in February barring transgender athletes from sports. Maine officials have since Joshua Croke cq , president of Worcester-based LGTBQ advocacy group Love Your Labels, said they often hear people say 'thankfully we're in Massachusetts , ' when it comes to protections for the transgender community. But that the amendment passed Wednesday is 'one of many warnings' that these types of actions are happening here, too, they said. Advertisement 'We are not in a time where it's alarmist to say people need to get involved and know what is going on at the local and state level,' Croke said. 'The attacks on trans students over sports is a tactic that is continuing to be used to distract from the other work that is being done to create less safety in our communities. Trans folks are being acutely impacted.' Tanya Neslusan, executive director of MassEquality, said she was 'appalled' to learn the amendment passed Wednesday. 'Right now the trans community is under attack from the federal government and the executive branch. The last thing our community needs is for legislators in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts making transgender kids a target,' Neslusan said. 'I am extremely dismayed that they are treating this issue as if it's even a credible thing to say or to even look into.' Matt Stout can be reached at
