A panel discussion about the work underway at the Prince William Science Accelerator was held Wednesday.
The county’s economic development office invited the public for an open house. Food and beverage were served, and panelists served up perspective on partnerships between the private firms who have offices in the Accelerator and nearby George Mason University.
At its core, scientists working in the Accelerator aim to advance medical technology. New tests for Lyme disease are being developed, and a pill is in the works that, when taken, would seek out and eradicate pre-cancerous cells to prevent cancer from developing in the human body.
An improvement on detecting breast cancer is also in development at the center. Doctors said traditional biopsys often not needed.
“Seventy-five percent of biopsies performed reveal no cancer. This causes uncessesary worries and treatment,” said Dr. Lance A. Liotta, Co-Director George Mason University Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine . “This new technique would allow doctors to determine whether to perform a biopsy or not.”
Thousands of people a day are treated for Lyme disease. About half are misdiagnosed, said Liota.
A new test allows patients to have their urine tested for Lyme.
“This is something that we could not have done before,” said Ross Dunlap, President & CEO of Ceres Nanosciences. “We’re a technology company. but when we apply our technology to healthcare and Lyme disease, now we’re getting orders from all over the country to test for Lyme.”
The test kits are sent by mail in dry ice, and the samples are sent back to the company the same way. NanoScience has been able to innovate more quickly at the Science Accelerator because of access to the facility’s wet lab space, and because of scientists from George Mason Univeristy.
Liota said the Science Accelerator must continue to develop cutting-edge medicines.
“If we can show that we’re helping patients, that’s what is going to drive investment here,” said Liota.
Prince William’s Science Accelerator is managed by the county’s Economic Development office. It’s been a key focus of the agency as it looks to diversify the region’s economy and bring top-notch research and development to the region.
“Maryland has about a 40-year head start on Virginia but we are catching up quickly,” said Prince William County Economic Development Director Jeffery Kaczmarek.
Dunlap said many top tech and pharmaceutical companies chiefs often travel to Washington, D.C. for conferences and visit the Science Accelerator during their visit to the region.
“It’s an easy drive for them to come out, and when they get here they’re impressed,” said Dunlap.
Recent Stories
Once on the edge of selling to a private owner, a beloved community pool has a new board working to rejuvenate the facility and keep the neighborhood pool tradition alive.
In “They’re Playing Our Song,” Carson Eubank and Ashlee Waldbauer command the stage with a dynamic energy that transports the audience into the heart of the comedic journey.
Police were called to a fatal hit-and-run incident on April 24 at 10:19 p.m., near Route 1 Pine Bluff Drive near Dumfries.
Potomac Mills mall is set to welcome Vineyard Vines this fall.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
