Genomic Data Commons 2.0: A Valuable Tool for Cancer Researchers

In retrospect, it’s not surprising that Smruti Hariprakasha, the daughter of two scientists, ended up at the National Cancer Institute as a Werner H. Kirsten intern. She says that the family profession spurred her interest in science from an early age, and her experiences on the NCI at Frederick campus, such as attending Take Your Child to Work Day with her parents when she was young, helped her feel at home when she began her internship.

Every Monday morning, Ulrich Baxa, Ph.D., and his colleagues enter their Gaithersburg, Md., laboratory and begin calibrating their Titan Krios, a massive, $7-million transmission electron microscope that can capture high-definition images at near-atomic magnification. They load several flash-frozen biological samples into the Krios and, by 5 p.m., program the instrument to collect data. As the team leaves for the evening, the Krios begins shooting beams of energy into the samples and taking photos.

Sitting at a computer in an NCI at Frederick laboratory, Todd Hartley writes an automated method for an experiment. With a final swipe of the mouse, he clicks an on-screen button that says “Run.” The large device sitting to his left, a Biomek FXP Laboratory Automation Workstation, whirrs to life. A robotic arm hovers over a deck containing various microplates then lowers a group of pipette tips to draw liquid from a reservoir, raises and moves again, and deposits the fluid in a nearby microplate with superhuman accuracy.

The holiday season is finally here, bringing joy, spirit, and an exciting 2019 New Year. During these fun (and perhaps stressful) times, it’s important to remember some simple habits that can keep you and your family healthy.

It’s the first day of winter, which (usually) means colder weather, holiday lights, a blazing fire, and cookies baking in the oven. Unfortunately, it can also mean an increase in fire hazards. As you bake, decorate, and prepare for the holiday season, keep these safety tips in mind to ensure a safe celebration.