“Leapfrogging into a Brighter Future: The Pioneering Technologies of 2024”
As we step into the new year of 2025, the world of science and technology is abuzz with excitement. The past year, 2024, has been a groundbreaking one, marked by unprecedented breakthroughs and innovations that are set to revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. In this special edition of the Environmental Factor Newsletter, we take a closer look at the most significant technological advancements of 2024, driven by innovative science and a growing culture of data sharing.
From cutting-edge solutions to pressing environmental challenges to cutting-edge medical breakthroughs, 2024 has been a year of profound progress. As we reflect on the incredible achievements of the past year, we’re reminded that the future is not just a distant horizon – it’s a tangible reality that’s already transforming our world. In this article, we’ll delve into the most remarkable
Lung Disease and Allergies Breakthroughs
NIEHS scientists have made significant progress in understanding lung disease and allergies, leading to potential breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment.
Targeting EMP2 for Lung Disease Treatment
MICHAEL FESSLER, M.D., Clinical Director of NIEHS, received a patent in February 2024 for his technology targeting a specific protein called EMP2 on the lining of airways. This technology is currently being developed in collaboration with Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc. to create antibodies that can treat lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis.
Altered Peanut Allergen for Improved Diagnostics and Treatment
GEoffrey MUELLER, Ph.D., director of the NIEHS Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Research Core Facility, has altered the major peanut allergen, called Ara h 2, to stop its binding to patient antibodies. This technology is being used to develop improved treatments for peanut allergies by inducing a more sustained response and fewer side effects than current therapies. Additionally, the technology forms the basis of a diagnostic that can track patient response to a peanut allergen.
Data Sharing and Acquisition for Health Advancements
The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) has been busy sharing data with various collaborators for projects related to the Personalized Environment and Genes Study (PEGS) and the Virtual Pooled Registry Cancer Linkage System (VPR-CLS).
Personalized Environment and Genes Study (PEGS) Data Sharing
PEGS is a long-term project to collect health, exposure, medical, and genetic data from a diverse group of more than 19,000 people in North Carolina. It integrates genetic and environmental data to understand causes, identify risk factors, and improve prevention of disease. Providing access to PEGS data through data use agreements to various collaborators expands the scientific reach of this dataset, while protecting patient privacy.
Virtual Pooled Registry Cancer Linkage System (VPR-CLS) Data Acquisition
The transfer agreements executed for VPR-CLS ensure researchers can obtain data from cancer registries of several states and analyze data from patients enrolled in the Sister Study and the GuLF Study. Epidemiology Branch Chief Dale Sandler, Ph.D., leads both the Sister Study and the GuLF Study – the former involving sisters of women who have had breast cancer, and the latter involving people participating in oil spill response and cleanup.
Hands-on Education and Technology Transfer
OTT is partnering with RTI International and the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC) to pilot the FLC/RTI Entrepreneurial Education and Technology Exchange Collaborative (FREETEC).
FLC/RTI Entrepreneurial Education and Technology Exchange Collaborative (FREETEC) Initiative
FREETEC provides an incubator for student researchers to conduct critical proof-of-concept experiments to advance federal lab technologies toward commercialization. The pilot study will use technology developed by Stavros Garantziotis, M.D., head of the Matrix Biology Group in the Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory.
Commercializing Lab Technologies through Education and Partnerships
OTT’s collaboration with FREETEC and other partners enables NIEHS researchers to more effectively partner with academia, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector to deliver innovations that will benefit human health.
Conclusion
“In conclusion, the year 2024 has been a transformative period for science and technology, with significant advancements in data sharing and driving technology. The Environmental Factor Newsletter has provided a comprehensive overview of these developments, highlighting the strides made in the field. The impact of these innovations cannot be overstated, promising a future where data drives progress and technology supports the next wave of scientific discoveries. Embracing these changes, we look forward to January 2025 and the continued evolution of science and technology.”