SciTech Lecture Series: January 26th, 2011

Forsyth Tech Community College and the National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce present in celebration of Forsyth Tech's 50th Anniversary, the SciTech Lecture Series.

Dr. Anthony Atala of Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine will speak on: "Regenerative Medicine: New Approaches to Healthcare".
This lecture is free and open to the public and will be held on Forsyth Tech's Main Campus in the Ardmore Auditorium at 4 P.M., January 26th, 2011.

Hear scientists, researchers and industry thought leaders explore how science and technology are combining to change our world.

For further information please contact Mona Cofer or call her at 336.734.7205.

From Bladders to Bowels... Newsweek Notes the Potential of Regenerative Medicine

In "The Race to Grow New Organs" Newsweek magazine talks about recent progress in the field growing new organs and mentions Anthony Atala and Wake Forest's Insitute of Regenerative Medicine.
http://www.newsweek.com/2010/12/07/future-of-medicine-growing-new-organs.html

Wake Forest gets $2.2 million DOD grant

Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have received a four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Defense worth $2.24 million to study the use of keratin gel in the regeneration of damaged nerves in the hands, arms and feet.

The gel was invented at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at WFUBMC, and has been shown to promote the growth of severed nerves. The gel is a biomaterial derived from human hair.

Read more here.

Targacept CEO to ring NASDAQ bell

Targacept CEO Don deBethizy will ring the closing bell for the NASDAQ stock exchange on Thursday.

DeBethizy will be in New York to visit the NASDAQ MarketSite in Times Square, where the stock exchange has its well-known 7-story electronic display and broadcast studio.

Read more here.

$16 Million Ways To Become Unemployed... For A Day!

Frameworks! A Monthly Seminar and Networking Series

Tuesday, November 30th @7:30am

Who: Anyone interested in entrepreneurship, considering commercializing new ideas, planning a new venture, working in a startup, developing new initiatives at larger companies, interested in exploring the potential of ideas with others, or improving their entrepreneurial and commercialization skills.

What: A monthly educational and networking series organized by the Wake Forest University New Venture Incubator. There is no charge to attend Frameworks! seminars. Refreshments will be served. This month, we welcome:

$16 Million Ways To Become Unemployed... For A Day!

Garald Cottrell, President and General Manager
Wellons Energy Solutions LLC

When: Tuesday, November 30th at 7:30am (note the AM)

Where: Auditorium, Piedmont Triad Community Research Center, 115 S. Chestnut St., Winston-Salem NC Google Map Directions

Parking: Metered, street parking is available along Chestnut Street. For free parking, go to the end of Chestnut Street. Turn left on Technology Way. Travel about a block down and take the last entrance into the parking lot on the right. Park to the left, in a gravel area at the far end of the large parking lot.

If you plan to attend, please email Betsy Kraft at bkraft@triad.rr.com and let her know that you will be coming so the correct amount of food can be ordered.

Winston-Salem Ranks in Top 10 Digital Communities

For the ninth year in a row, Winston-Salem has made the top ten rankings of local governments that successfully incorporate information technology into operations to better serve constituents and businesses. Winston-Salem ranked 5th in 2010, behind Richmond,VA, Salt Lake City, UT, Norfolk, VA, and Irving, TX.

"This year's winners continue to demonstrate the transformative power of information technology," said Digital Communities Director Todd Sander. "Economic conditions are bringing about a fundamental rethinking of local government structures and support strategies. It is clear from the results that digital technology is a critical factor in helping organizations not only maintain, but actually improve service delivery when faced with fewer employees and smaller budgets

http://www.digitalcommunities.com/survey/cities/?year=2010

Targacept CEO: Clinical trials offer promising Alzheimer's treatments

Targacept a Winston-Salem biopharmaceutical company is in clinical trials of several drugs to combat Alzheimer’s disease, and hopes to have one or more market-ready in three to four years, according to its president and CEO.

Read the full article in the Winston-Salem Journal

Toyota System Measures Head Trauma for WFU

Identifying and diagnosing sports concussions quicker is at the heart of a collaborative effort between local biomedical researchers and Toyota Motor Corp.

The Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University Center for Injury Biomechanics has licensed the Total Human Model for Safety software from Toyota as a new strategy for studying head injuries involving football players.

With that knowledge, officials hope to learn how to help prevent and treat head injuries, and perhaps help create safer helmets for all level of players.

Read more here.

Facebook to build data center in N.C.

Yesterday Facebook announced they will be building a $450 million data center in Rutherford County.

They join the likes of IBM, Apple and Google in bringing advance data center facilities to the Tar Heel State.


Read the full story here

2010 Cook Medical Innovation Award

Cook Medical has awarded the Center for Injury Biomechanics, a collaboration between Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Virginia Tech College of Engineering, the 2010 Cook Medical Innovation Award. The Center for Injury Biomechanics was one of five finalists considered for developing a product, procedure or concept that represents an elegantly simple solution to a complex problem, benefits society, positively affects the marketplace and demonstrates a high degree of creativity.

“We are pleased to honor the Center for Injury Biomechanics for its contributions to pediatric surgery,” says William S. Gibbons, Ph.D., president of Cook Medical’s Endoscopy division. “As all of the applicants and finalists demonstrated, there is significant work being done in our local community each day, and the Cook Medical Innovation Award is an opportunity to recognize these contributions.”

The Center for Injury Biomechanics has developed the innovative use of patient-specific, three-dimensional models for advanced planning and performance of complex pediatric surgical cases. The use of this rapid prototype technology has reduced procedure times, patient complications and has also reduced the time infants are under anesthesia. For patients who undergo surgery for complex pediatric spinal deformities, 3-D modeling allows surgeons to thoroughly plan the procedure and understand the complex anatomy ahead of time.

The award was presented at the chamber’s Annual Meeting on October 19, 2010, and the finalists were evaluated by a judging panel comprised of leaders in the community. The judges selected five finalists, who presented their innovations to the panel at Cook Medical in person. The other finalists were Arctic, Bekaert Textiles, BioBotz and Spevco. Nominees were not required to be members of the chamber to participate.

Cooler Light Source Saves Money, Saves the Planet

A spin-off company from Wake Forest, PureLux Inc uses nanotechnology to produce visible light directly without heating a filament or gas. Unlike other new lighting solutions such as compact fluorescents, PureLux technology requires no warm-up period – it’s bright as soon as you turn it on. “If you have a lighting source that does not create heat as a byproduct and can illuminate a space as well as or better than any other solution, think about how much it can lower costs – and environmental impact – in every office building,” David Carroll, the lead researcher for Purelux and Director of the Center of Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials said.

Lunch and Learn Series Will be Eye Opening

Ocular Systems, Inc, will present "Stick it in Your Eye" as part of Piedmont Triad Research Park's lunch and learn series.

When: November 17, 2010
Where: PTRC Auditorium at Piedmont Triad Research Park
Contact: Jill Peters for more information:
336 713 7154
jpeters@wfubmc.edu

SciTech Lecture Series: November 15th, 2010

Forsyth Tech Community College and the National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce present in celebration of Forsyth Tech's 50th Anniversary, the SciTech Lecture Series.

Steven Burke, CEO of the Biofuels Center of North Carolina will speak on: "Biofuels Across the Landscape: Vision, Challenge, and Change".

This lecture is free and open to the public and will be held on Forsyth Tech's Main Campus in the Ardmore Auditorium at 4 P.M., November 15th, 2010.

Hear scientists, researchers and industry thought leaders explore how science and technology are combining to change our world.

For further information please contact Mona Cofer or call her at 336.734.7205.

Pediatric Medical Device Conference

The first PMDI Consortium Conference is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, November 18-19. PMDI Consortium members, Brenner Children's Hospital and the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will be hosting the conference at the Hawthorne Inn and Conference Center in Winston-Salem. Download a flyer and conference schedule here, and register for the conference here.

Dr. McConnell Shared WFUBMC Goals at Chamber Annual Meeting

From the Winston-Salem Journal:
Dr. John McConnell, the chief executive of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, spread his message to a larger audience yesterday that the system is at a crossroads.

McConnell spoke at the 125th annual meeting of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce. He gave a similar presentation in February.

Wake Forest Baptist is playing an increasingly large role in the local economic transition. It is Forsyth County’s largest employer, with about 11,800 employees overall, and is the driving force behind the build-out of Piedmont Triad Research Park.

Read the rest of the article, including the names of the winners for both the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award and the Cook Medical Innovation Award, here.

WinstonNet Gets Second Federal Grant

From the Winston-Salem Journal: WinstonNet Inc. yesterday received its second large federal grant in three months, this time aimed at providing free computer training for some adults in Forsyth County.

WinstonNet is a partnership of local government, academic institutions and the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce. It was started in 2001 to help bridge the technology divide between higher- and lower-income residents by providing free computer labs and tutoring services.

The $1.06 million grant is geared toward the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Connect Your Community program. The program is part of the U.S. Commerce Department’s Broadband Technology Opportunities program.

Read the entire article here.

SciWorks Special Event - Doktor Kaboom!

Tuesday, November 16th at Reynolds Auditorium 7pm
Presented by SciWorks, Doktor Kaboom! is an interactive one-man Science Variety Show for elementary age children through adults!

Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom keeps his audience riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Be amazed by a sidesplitting tour of the modern scientific method with spectacular applications of the physical sciences. Doors Open 6:15 - showtime 7:00 pm.

For more information and tickets click here.

SciTech Lecture Series: October 27th, 2010

Forsyth Tech Community College and the National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce present in celebration of Forsyth Tech's 50th Anniversary, the SciTech Lecture Series.

Dr. Mark Wainberg, of McGill University and Past President of the International AIDS Society will speak about “The Benefits of 25 years of HIV Research on Laboratory Technology and Human Health”.

This lecture is free and open to the public and will be held on Forsyth Tech's Main Campus in the Ardmore Auditorium at 4 P.M., October 27th, 2010.

Hear scientists, researchers and industry thought leaders explore how science and technology are combining to change our world.

For further information please contact Mona Cofer or call her at 336.734.7205.

DATS'10 Symposium Provides Weekend Where Food , Art and Technology Intersect

DATS 2010 explores how food-related designs can help to develop a sustainable culture of healthy lifestyles through good eating. Interdisciplinary teams are creating implements, furnishings and environments to promote thinking and learning about healthy food. This weekend long symposium entitled Food For Thought: Nourish Roots, Cultivate Ideas, Harvest Change will be at The Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts.

For more information : http://2010.datstriad.org/wordpress/about/

Forsyth Tech's Nanotech Program Featured in Small Times

Did you know that Forsyth Tech has one of the most advanced and innovative nanotechnology program's in the country? The program was recently featured in Small Times. Read the article online here.

Tech Council Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The Tech Council of the Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 20th anniversary on Thursday September 23rd at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts. About 200 guests gathered to see two technology heros receive awards---Dr. Douglas Maynard and Ted Kaplan. Dr. Maynard is credited with being the technology council's first chairperson and instrumental in envisioning the Piedmont Triad Research Park. Former Senator Ted Kaplan was responsible for procuring $3.1 million in funding for the research park. Others were credited for having a role in the development of a knowledge based economy for Winston-Salem, including Gayle Anderson, head of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, Jerry Long, then president and chief operating officer of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Tom Hearn, then president of Wake Forest University and Dr. Pete Santago, a professor of biomedical engineering at the medical school.

Read below for more on the history of the Research Park
http://www2.journalnow.com/business/2010/sep/23/fruits-of-20-years-change-in-direction-toward-life-ar-414611/

http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2010/sep/24/the-class-of-1990-ar-416140/

Winston Salem Journal Recaps Speaker Series Event

The Winston-Salem Journal wrote a summary of yesterday's Chamber Tech Council panel discussion on cyber security.

From the article:

The cost of fending off cyber threats to businesses is increasing, a panel of local technology officials and analysts said today.

But compared with repairing cyber damage--whether to business and customer information, trade secrets and lost trust--companies are more willing to absorb the expense.

The panel spoke at the quarterly Tech Council presentation sponsored by the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce.

"It is less costly to be proactive than reactive to cyber threats," said Chris Summers, an Associate Director of Enterprise Architecture for Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

Read the entire article here.

Speaker Series Event on Cyber Security

The Tech Council held a Speaker Series event today on cyber security, with advice and wisdom from a panel of experts: Steve Scott, Vice President and Group Technology Manager of Information Security Technology at Wachovia Bank, A Wells Fargo Company; John Pueschel, Attorney at Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice; Chris Summers, Associate Director of Information Security at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center; and Special Agent Christopher Avery, Federal Bureau of Investigation. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Errin Fulp, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Wake Forest University.

For more on upcoming Chamber technology events, visit the Chamber website at http://www.winstonsalem.com/.

OTAM Provides a Full Menu of Technology Commercialization

At the recent PTRP Lunch and Learn series, Michael Batalia, the Director of the Office of Technology and Asset Management, shared the mission and vision of his department and the role they play in commercializing the research efforts from Wake Forest University. The Office of Technology and Asset Managaement has worked with 298 inventions, 36 issued patents, 47 options and license agreements and 6 start up companies in the last five years. In 2009 alone, Wake Forest University realized about $90 million in licensing revenue.

Audience members were able to enjoy a light lunch, chat with colleagues from the Research Park and ask questions about the future of new ventures and the overcrowding of the patent marketplace.

For more information about the Office of Technology and Asset Management go to http://www.wfubmc.edu/OTAM/About-Us.htm

National Manufacturing Institute and National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce join forces to create a future pipeline

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The Washington-based Manufacturing Institute (the Institute) and the National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce (NCBW) at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, announced a formal alliance today to jointly develop a highly-skilled and educated 21st century biotechnology and pharmaceutical production workforce.

Read more...

Tengion Inc. reports on kidney treatment

A study of treatment techniques for kidney disease by scientists at Tengion Inc. shows positive signs in rodents. The preclinical data on treatment techniques for kidney disease comes as Tengion works to attract new investors to help pay for continued operations of its headquarters in Pennsylvania and its laboratory in Winston-Salem.

Read full article.

20 Years of Community Success Deserves a Party! Tech Council Gala Sept 23rd

Registration is now open for the Chamber Tech Council 20th Anniversary Gala, September 23, 2010 at the Milton Rhodes Downtown Center for the Arts. Join us for cocktails and appetizers at 5:30 p.m., followed by insightful highlights of Winston-Salem’s and the Triad’s transition to a technology and knowledge-based economy. Meet the leaders of this effort, and celebrate the people who are working tirelessly toward vision, innovation, and growth. Cook Medical is our title sponsor. For more information, contact Andrea Howell at 336-728-9228 or ahowell@winstonsalem.com.

Click here to get your tickets for this event.

Art Meets Science in Cyberspace

Open Dream Ensemble, a professional multi-disciplinary children's theater group sponsored by the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts, brings science to life on stage and in cyberspace . The group will be on tour with Peril on the Red Planet in North Carolina and California through November but for those who miss the live performances, the first episode of The Adventures of the Open Dream Ensemble airs on their website www.opendreamensemble.com on October 25th. "We think this is a new and exciting way to teach science to children that will engage them in learning in creative ways," said Margaret Mertz, executive director of the Kenan Institute for the Arts. "We hope that this multimedia, online production will set the high standard for web series geared toward youth."

Read more at
http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2010/sep/12/to-the-web-group-expands-educational-message/entertainment/

Lunch and Learn at The Piedmont Triad Research Park

"Technology Development and Technology Transfer at WFUBMC"
Presented by Michael Batalia, Director of Technology Assest Management

Lunch and Learn is a free, educational program hosted by the Piedmont Triad Research Park to help tenants in the Park get to know each other. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for business owners and departments to share and discuss their services, products or skills with others in the park.

PTRP Lunch & Learn (light lunch provided, bag lunches encouraged)
PTCRC Building, 115 S. Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC
PTCRC Auditorium
12:00 - 1:00
September 15, 2010

Contact Jill Peters to REGISTER
jpeters@wfubmc.edu 713-7154

SciTech Lecture Series - Ideas in Action

Forsyth Tech Community College and the National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce present in celebration of Forsyth Tech's 50th Anniversary, the SciTech Lecture Series.

Dr. Frank Torti from Wake Forest University Health Sciences Comprehensive Cancer Center kicks off the series with "Advancing Cancer Treatment through Technology Innovation".

This lecture is free and open to the public and will be held on Forsyth Tech's Main Campus in the Ardmore Auditorium at 4 P.M., September 29th, 2010.

Hear scientists, researchers and industry thought leaders explore how science and technology are combining to change our world.

For further information please contact Mona Cofer or call 336.734.7205.

Triad Celebrates N.C. Science Festival Sept. 11- 26

From wiggly worms to advances in biotechnology, an assortment of fun-filled, hands-on workshops and activities are planned in Winston-Salem and surrounding communities from Sept. 11 through Sept. 26, coinciding with the first annual North Carolina Science Festival, a statewide celebration of science and technology.

The Science Festival offers the public an opportunity to experience science in fun and welcoming settings. The aim is to create an environment that encourages children to pursue science-related careers. Throughout the state, events will take place in a variety of venues, including science museums, businesses, college and university campuses, parks, theaters and more.

A special local feature, "STEMulating the Mind," is a free event that will be presented by the Atkins School of Biotechnology at Atkins Academic and Technology High School on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Event participants will be able to rotate through a series of hands-on demonstrations, accompanied by speakers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Click on the link below to view an events calendar, compiled by local organizations such as Targacept, SciWorks, Atkins Biotech High School and the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, that lists some of the events planned in the Triad.

Click here to see the complete schedule!

Winston + Salem = Arts and Innovation

Read this in-depth article in Winston-Salem Monthly magazine about the history of the city's efforts to grow its technology sector. From the article:

The Twin City's wealth of higher education gives us a competitive edge in the 21st century and is part of what makes its Piedmont Triad Research Park, an innovation community for life sciences and information technology, so dynamic and flush with collaborative opportunities. "Life outside the lab makes all the difference," the park's website states. "The city of Winston-Salem nurtures intellectual and business opportunities, stimulating its residents' creativity and their visions for the future."

Read the entire article here.

Targacept Celebrates 10th Anniversary

There is a comprehensive article in today's Winston-Salem Journal about Targacept and the work they are doing to find treatments for Alzheimer's. From the article:

As research extends into higher-level clinical trials involving patients, Targacept is adding to its work force. After spinning out with 24 employees, it expects to hire at least 35 this year to get to 150.

Read more here.

Nanoscience School Begins Classes

The new Nanoscience and Nanoengineering School in Greensboro, NC opens its doors this week to its first class of students. The school is a partnership between NC A&T and UNC- Greensboro. 18 students will work towards a Masters or Ph. D in Nanoscience or Nanoengineering plus the school will be a incubator for startup companies.

Read More

WinstonNet Secures Nearly a Million Dollars in Federal Funding

WinstonNet Inc., a partnership of local government and academic institutions and the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce to provide free computer services to city and county residents, has received a $926,537 federal broadband recovery grant to provide new equipment for existing labs, better serve the Hispanic population, open new labs in low-income areas, and expand computer training, job training, and educational resources.
The federal grant will be matched with $532,711 in cash and $163,500 in in-kind contributions from WinstonNet and its member agencies, said John Boehme, the president of WinstonNet and the director of technical resources for education- and research-administrative systems at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

Read the rest of the announcement here.

Why Are We So Far Behind

This video from Time Warner Cable and their Connect a Million Minds Campaign talks about the U.S. ranking 35th in Math and 29th in Science world-wide. Although the video doesn't answer the fundamental question Why Are We So Far Behind? (in science and math) there is further information to learn more
http://www.connectamillionminds.com/campaigns/cammww/

Triad Forensics Laboratory Featured on News 14

Triad Forensics Laboratory is growing and receiving great press for their testing on the oil spill clean up products for the Gulf.

See Clip

Celebrate 20 Years of Winston-Salem's Economic Transformation

Registration is now open for the Chamber Tech Council 20th Anniversary Gala, September 23, 2010 at the Milton Rhodes Downtown Center for the Arts. Join us for cocktails and appetizers at 5:30 p.m., followed by insightful highlights of Winston-Salem’s and the Triad’s transition to a technology and knowledge-based economy. Meet the leaders of this effort, and celebrate the people who are working tirelessly toward vision, innovation, and growth. Cook Medical is our title sponsor. For more information, contact Andrea Howell at 336-728-9228 or ahowell@winstonsalem.com.

Click here to get your tickets for this event.

Lunch and Learn Series Returns to PTRP

The Lunch and Learn Series at the Piedmont Triad Research Park have returned! If you are interested in meeting the research park's tenants and learning more about the exciting new science being created in Winston Salem please join us on August 18, 2010 from 12:00-1:00 in the PTCRC Building, 115 S. Chestnut St.

Triad Forensics CEO, Lauren Stainback, will present examples of real CSI cases and the role their laboratory plays in helping to solve crimes and mysteries.

Don't have a science background? NO PROBLEM! These lunches are meant for all levels. A healthy, light snack will be provided but you are encouraged to bring your own lunch.

To Register Contact: Jill Peters jpeters@wfubmc.edu or 336.7154

Future Dates:
September 15th- Office of Technology Asset Management
October 20th- Carolina Liquid Chemistries
November 17th- Ocular Systems
December 15th- Cathtek

Mount Airy Firm Wins NASA Award

Mount Airy firm NCFI Polyurethanes was honored today by NASA and Lockheed Martin Space Systems for their external tank work on the U.S. space shuttle program.

Read More

Internet Summit 10 - November 17-18, 2010 Raleigh, NC

TechJournal South will be hosting its 3rd annual Internet Summit this November. If you are interested in learning about the latest technology trends, from Social Media to Cloud Computing, this is a great event.

FYI: The event has sold out the last two years. Get your tickets while they last.

Click Here To Learn More

NC Offers New Digital Media Tax Credit

The State of North Carolina has introduced a 15 to 20 percent tax credit on compensation for employees working on digital media production. Learn more here.

Wake Forest Cancer Researchers Discover New Treatment

(from the Triad Business Journal)

Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have made a “major breakthrough” in how to target and destroy the most malignant and aggressive brain cancer cells.

An announcement from the medical center said scientists have identified a way to target and destroy Glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM, cells without harming healthy cells.

“Over the last 30 to 40 years, with all the cancer research efforts out there, we have only been able to extend the survival rate in these patients by about one month per decade of research,” said Dr. Waldemar Debinski, director of the Brain Tumor Center of Excellence at Wake Forest Baptist.

Read more: WFU researchers make cancer discovery - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area

Motion Capture Film Techniques Have Practical Applications

What is "motion capture"?
If you've been to the movies lately, to see films like Avatar and Beowolf, you've probably heard about "motion capture." You may know that it's a set of computer techniques that enable cartoon characters to move the way real people do, like the dancing penguins in Happy Feet.
What you might not realize is that these same techniques can be useful in health care, as when physical therapists study the movements of elderly folks trying to reach or to maintain balance as they walk. Occupational therapists, too, can make better diagnoses and recommendations – for example, in drivers' rehabilitation. The same techniques can also inform designs for prosthetic and orthotic devices.
Captured motion data can give choreographers new ways to create dances, and athletic coaches new methods for planning sports moves. Athletes can get new views of their own movements, to better learn how to make the best jump shot or golf swing.
"Motion capture" refers to photographic and electronic means of tracking and digitally recording information about how things move. Example methods involve thermal imaging and high-speed videography.
Often the process involves markers that reflect light or transmit electronic signals. "MoCap" experts place these markers on the articulated joints of dancers or other moving forms, and cameras or other receivers register the changes in location as the form moves. Specialized software tools then enable showing these captured data visually, via computer displays.
Collaborators at the Center for Design Innovation are steadily developing MoCap capabilities. In time, Winston-Salem and the North Carolina's Piedmont area will become known for innovations stemming from these skills and techniques. You can follow their progress and the work of Carol Strohecker, their Director at:
http://www.CenterforDesignInnovation.org/Research/MotionCapture.php/

Nanotechnology Holds Hope for Targeting of Cancer Cells

Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center are using carbon nanotubes -- threads of hollow carbon that are 10,000 times thinner than a human hair -- to target tumors.

Click here to view W-S Journal story.

New Technology Helps City With Trash & Recycling

Winston-Salem has another new technology tool to help our city become more sustainable- The Big Belly!

Also, click here to see how else the city is utilizing other technologies in an effort to become a more "green city"

Technology Not Just for Gen X or Gen Y

How often have you heard someone talk about facebook, twitter and blogging as a young person's habit, past-time or avocation? To the surprise of some but not those at AARP, seniors are tech savvy and baby boomers are beating the odds when it comes to keeping up with technology.

http://www.aarp.org/technology/social-media/info-06-2010/socmedia.html

Cleaning up the Gulf? WS based Triad Forensics to the rescue!

Local company Triad Forensics is testing a new healing treatment for the oil saturated Gulf, that is all natural with no chemical after-effects. Because most current treatments for the Gulf involve toxins that may also harm the environment and wildlife, this treatment invented by an Orlando based company, is innovative and timely. Timely is the reason Triad Forensics got the job. No company in Florida could deliver the testing in less than two months.
http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2010/07/12/story10.html?b=1278907200%5E3629391

WFIRM Mentioned in Today's WS Journal

There is a nice article about Dr. Atala and the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in today's Winston-Salem Journal. An excerpt from the article:
"The 2010-11 state budget passed last weekend includes $10 million for the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine, which involves several partners around the country, including the Wake Forest institute. The armed-forces effort focuses on creating new tissue and organs for wounded soldiers."
Click here to read the story.

WFU Baptist Performs New Robotic Surgery

Doctors at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have performed the first transoral robotic surgery, or TORS, in western North Carolina.

TORS, a minimally invasive endoscopic technique, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December for removal of early stage tumors of the tongue base, throat, larynx and skull base.

Read more: WFU Baptist performs new robotic surgery - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area

How Arts and Innovation Turn STEM to STEAM

There has been much information published about STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and how the students in the U.S. are not prepared to take on the challenges of the 21st century. Consider this: Eighty percent of jobs created in the next decade will require math and science skills. However, today’s students show declining interest in these subjects, with eighty-four percent of middle school students saying they would rather clean their room, take out the garbage, go to the dentist and eat their vegetables than study science and math.

Many initiatives , from incorporating more science, math, technology and engineering in the K-12 public education system to the America Competes Act which aims to maintain and strengthen the United States' global economic competitiveness by: improving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education have been undertaken.

Here in Winston-Salem, the city of arts and innovation, do we possibly also have a solution to the STEM deficiency by promoting the benefits of both an arts based and innovation economy? The following link demonstrates how the arts deserves a place right along side science, technology, engineering and math.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/mar/11/arts-and-the-innovation-gap/

Cook Innovation Award: Nominate Your Business

Do you or someone you know have an innovative product, service, concept or procedure? The second annual Cook Innovation Award, presented by Cook Medical in partnership with the Chamber, will recognize outstanding locally-developed and novel technologies that positively affect society. The winner will be presented a unique award designed by a local artist at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting luncheon. Click here to read more information about the award and to download the nomination form. Ideas must be submitted by July 23.

About the Award
Cook Medical, the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber’s Technology Council are looking to the future by inspiring and supporting the next generation of innovators in our community. On October 19, 2010, the second annual Cook Medical Innovation Award will be presented. So, let us hear about your product, procedure or concept that represents an elegantly simple solution to a complex problem; benefits society; positively affects the marketplace; and demonstrates a high degree of creativity.

For additional information, contact Peggy Low at peggylow@winstonsalem.com.

June NC Tech Job Trends Report Now Available at NCTA's Website

Did you know that the North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) publishes a monthly IT Job Trends Report, which provides a snapshot of North Carolina's IT workforce and highlights the top skills currently in demand? Click here to visit NCTA's website and read the report.

$500,000 Grant Available for Biology Researchers/Engineers

There's a $500,000 grant out there for the taking, if you're an academic scientist or engineer seeking answers to biological questions.

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund is inviting pre-proposals from people who would like to nominate themselves for the annual Career Award at the Scientific Interface, designed "to bridge advanced postdoctoral training and the first three years of faculty service."

Read more at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center's website.

Biomedical Imaging Expert to Give Free Lecture at Baptist on July 8

Roderic I. Pettigrew, Ph.D., M.D., director of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) at the National Institutes of Health, will present a free lecture at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

The talk, “Interdisciplinary Science and Horizons in Health Care,” will be held in Babcock Auditorium, which is accessible from Hawthorne Road. Free parking will be available in the Hawthorne Road Employee Deck.

Click here for more details and directions to the event.