BIOZONE’s High School Biology for TEXAS Receives Prestigious ‘High Quality’ Approval From the Texas School Board Association
PARKER, Colo., December 7, 2023 (Newswire.com) - BIOZONE, a leader in science education resources, is thrilled to announce that its groundbreaking High School Biology for Texas has achieved the esteemed status of "High-Quality Instruction Materials (HQIM)" from the Texas School Board Association after scoring an impressive 100% on both the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) during an extensive review by the Texas Education Agency’s State Review Panel.
The Texas School Board Association aims to recommend that all Texas students have access to rigorous, high-quality educational materials (HQIM) that align with the TEKS. The comprehensive review process ensures that instructional materials are independent, objective, comprehensive, and Texas-focused, empowering school districts to make informed choices for delivering a robust educational program that includes implementation support for teachers.
Tala'Shandira Allen from the Young Women’s College Prep Academy expressed about BIOZONE, "I think you guys nailed it with your resources. I absolutely love BIOZONE and I have been reviewing your products for the past eight years or more possibly, and I am yet to be disappointed. Keep up the awesome work."
BIOZONE's Biology for Texas has been specifically tailored to align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Science (High School Biology). The program features high-quality infographics, an inquiry-driven pedagogical approach, and a unique, interactive worktext format that encourages direct interaction with the content. The integration of English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) throughout the material enhances critical thinking and language skills within the science classroom.
- Beautifully Illustrated with "infographic" style diagrams
- Rated and Reviewed 100% TEKS and 100% ELPS
- Chapter introductions with clear learning outcomes
- Key questions providing focus for each activity
- Content anchors for context in each chapter
- Practical investigations with provided equipment lists
- QR codes linking to interactive 3D models
- Summative Assessments concluding each chapter
- Dedicated science skills chapter
- Glossary (English/Spanish)
About BIOZONE:
With over 30 years of experience, BIOZONE is a pioneer in developing engaging and effective science teaching and learning resources. The "worktext" approach combines the best features of a traditional textbook with the utility of an interactive workbook, resulting in well-designed, compact lessons that engage and challenge students. BIOZONE's suite of resources meets the challenges of teaching in various settings, be it a traditional classroom, informal teaching environment, or remote learning.
BIOZONE is committed to continually revising and improving resources to stay current and relevant. The company values teacher feedback and remains easily accessible through phone or email.
For more information:
Additional products in BIOZONE’s Range:
Contact Information:Kimberly Stilwell
Director of Sales & Marketing (North America)
kimberly.stilwell@biozone.com
855-935-4555
Original Source: BIOZONE’s High School Biology for TEXAS Receives Prestigious 'High Quality' Approval From the Texas School Board Association
Pursuit Church Announces ‘United for Israel’ Rally at the University of Washington
SEATTLE, May 8, 2024 (Newswire.com) - The Pursuit NW, under the leadership of Pastor Russell Johnson, is proud to announce its continued commitment to advocating for Israel with the upcoming "United for Israel" rally at the University of Washington on Sunday, May 12th, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. The rally will start at Red Square, with a march through the campus and will conclude at the Pursuit Seattle campus located on UW’s frat row.
Pastor Russell spearheaded the impactful University of Washington march, which convened shortly after the October 7th attacks on Israel. The Seattle event, in collaboration with StandWithUs and Oregon for Israel, featured distinguished guest speaker Mosab Hassan Yousef, renowned for his courageous stance as the "Son of Hamas."
He went on to direct the recent Pro-Israel rallies at Columbia University and the University of Southern California in collaboration with Sean Feucht, Let Us Worship, Hold the Line, StandWithUs, and various Jewish and Christian groups. The resoundingly successful events drew thousands of attendees representing various faiths. Since the events, the organization has been inundated with requests for similar initiatives to counter the alarming rise of antisemitism on college campuses across America.
Pastor Russell brings a wealth of experience and passion to Pro-Israel initiatives and is excited to return to his home base in Seattle, where the initiative first came to fruition. The Pursuit aims to provide a platform for the majority voice in America amidst media portrayals influenced by minority extremist perspectives. Pastor Johnson emphasizes the rally's focus on essential issues, including Israel's right to self-defense, the immediate release of all remaining hostages, and the restoration of lasting peace in the region.
About:
The Pursuit, based in Washington state, is a non-denominational church across multiple campuses, including Seattle, Kirkland, Snohomish, and an online presence. The church’s mission centers on glorifying Jesus and bringing people into an encounter with the presence of God. It’s no coincidence that their Seattle Campus is on the University of Washington’s Frat Row.
Contact:
Pursuit NW Church | 9051 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA. 98033
Emma LaMarche | emma.l@thepursuitnw.com
Media Intake Coordinator | 425-205-7428 | www.thepursuitnw.com
Contact Information:Emma LaMarche
Media Intake Coordinator
emma.l@thepursuitnw.com
425-205-7428
Original Source: Pursuit Church Announces 'United for Israel' Rally at the University of Washington
Survey Reveals Key Insights Into Today’s College Admissions Landscape
NEWTON, Mass., January 10, 2024 (Newswire.com) - At a time of significant change in higher education, gaining insight into the mindset, attitudes and perspectives of today’s college applicants is crucial. How are they approaching the admissions process? What matters to them (and their parents)? What are their priorities, concerns and opinions – and how is that shaping their college decisions?
The Parent & Student College Admissions Survey, conducted nationally in December 2023 by AcceptU, a leading college consulting firm, provides insights into these questions – and more. With more than 400 high school parents and students participating, the survey captures a diverse range of viewpoints on key issues, such as affordability, diversity, mental health and college choice.
Our findings reveal a complex and multifaceted picture of the current college admissions playing landscape, offering a glimpse into the trends that may redefine the future of higher education – for both students and universities. We have distilled responses into 10 key takeaways, each offering unique insights and implications for applicants, parents and academic institutions.
- Half of applicants want to ban legacy admission; one-third support affirmative action
- Families are divided on the impact of political and social issues on college choice
- COVID-19 no longer impacts college planning for the majority of families
- Eighty percent of students cite cost as the dominant factor influencing their college decisions
- Students are stressed about the college process and the majority say their parents are the cause
- Parents are deeply involved – and many say it’s because schools are falling short
- College rankings still matter a lot and one-third of applicants will apply to 20+ colleges
- Applicants are taking a pragmatic approach, prioritizing academics, cost and career
- Career prospects drive major choice and indicate a paradox for non-STEM majors
- Twenty-five percent of students are opting for test-optional; many are skeptical of testing efficacy
"Our recent survey illuminates the evolving dynamics in college admissions, offering invaluable insights directly from families navigating this complex journey," said Marc Zawel, CEO of AcceptU. "The diverse responses not only open a window into today's applicant priorities and concerns but also highlight evolving trends."
"The insights from our survey highlight a transformative period in college admissions," said Stephen Friedfeld, COO of AcceptU. "We're seeing a paradigm shift in applicant behavior, priorities and strategies, fundamentally altering the landscape for students, parents and educational institutions alike."
AcceptU is the #1 rated college consulting group. Its team, composed entirely of former college admissions officers, advises families on all aspects of the college planning process, enabling students to stand out and realize their full potential. Since 2010, AcceptU has supported nearly 7,000 applicants in the process; more than 90% are admitted to one, or more, of their top three choices.
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Contact Information:Stephen Friedfeld
COO
stephen@acceptu.com
617-424-0700
Marc Zawel
CEO
marc@acceptu.com
617-424-0700
Related Files
AcceptU Parent and Student College Admissions Survey Winter 2023.pdf
Original Source: Survey Reveals Key Insights Into Today’s College Admissions Landscape
Research for the Treatment of a ‘Black Sheep’ Cancer Moves to Human Clinical Trials
CHICAGO, December 13, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Many cancers caused by the mutation of the BRAF gene respond well to a class of immunotherapies known as BRAF-inhibitors. BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer, however, almost never does. Doctors have known this for years, but they are yet to find a treatment that works well for most patients.
“BRAF-inhibitors provide very different clinical outcomes,” said Dr. Scott Kopetz, a Professor and Associate Vice President for Translational Integration at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “They work amazingly well in melanoma, for example, but are less effective in colorectal cancer.”
“BRAF [in colorectal cancer] is that odd uncle who doesn’t behave like the rest of the family. The black sheep. Is he even related? The usual rules don’t apply.”
Dr. Kopetz and his team’s most recent studies of this black sheep are now moving from research in mice to clinical trials in humans. These trials were approved by the National Cancer Institute in October and will launch in early 2024.
The GI Research Foundation helped support the work with mice models, along with several other aspects of the team’s BRAF-related research. The $3.5 million grant is part of the foundation’s massive CA CURE initiative.
“Last year, we were able to deliver more than $18 million to researchers across the country to improve diagnostics and develop immunotherapies and personalized vaccines in gastrointestinal cancers through CA CURE,” said Katie Chudnovsky, chair of the GI Research Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Patients need treatments like those being developed by Dr. Kopetz – so very urgently – and we are thrilled to see this team’s work moving to clinical trials so quickly.”
BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer comes with a “dismal prognosis,” according to research in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and the median patient survives less than a year.
This new form of treatment for BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer relies on what Kopetz called a “two-hit hypothesis.” That is, these cancers are caused by the combination of mutations in the BRAF gene and epigenetic dysregulation. Epigenetic dysregulation refers to the fact that behaviors and environment can impact how a person’s genes behave.
Here, researchers have found that a mutation to the BRAF gene changes the production of proteins that cause healthy cells to grow into cancerous tumors. Other forms of BRAF-mutated cancer respond well to BRAF-inhibitor immunotherapy that can halt the production of those proteins.
In BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer, however, another piece of DNA is unable to express itself entirely. Those genes typically create natural tumor suppressors that fight early cancer growth. Carbon molecules called methyl groups attach themselves to the DNA and prevent the DNA from building cancer-suppressing proteins. That “methylation” is the epigenetic dysregulation in this case, likely caused by inflammation, diet, or external environmental factors.
If doctors can stop the proteins that cause cancer and stop the bromodomains, they might be able to produce a one-two punch to combat their double hit hypothesis. The treatment would slow BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer growth and encourage natural cancer suppressors.
That idea will be tested in the human trials that were recently approved by the National Cancer Institute. A BRAF-inhibitor, an EGFR-inhibitor, and a bromodomain-inhibitor will be administered to patients. This combined treatment was developed by Kopetz and his colleague Dr. Kunal Rai, an Associate Professor of Genomic Medicine at MD Anderson.
The research moved from the GI Research Foundation-funded mouse models to human trials exceptionally quickly, according to Kopetz.
“It’s rare for the pieces to come together like this,” he said. “Lots of times, this would be two years of work to get the human trials up and running. But we were able to show how clearly this approach worked in multiple mouse models and that really sped things up.”
Other funding from the GI Research Foundation will help speed things up even further. “The new technologies and techniques that Dr. Kopetz and his team are exploring will give them the ability to innovate that much faster. It provides the entire community with the means to gather high-quality data more quickly and get it into trials and ultimately into the clinic,” said Dr. David Rubin. Rubin is the Joseph B. Kirsner Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at University of Chicago Medicine. He is also GI Research Foundation’s Senior Scientific Advisor.
“The GI Research Foundation has a legacy of funding high risk-high reward and innovative science, and doing so efficiently and extraordinarily effectively. Kopetz and his colleagues were recipients of a dedicated campaign that we launched in 2022 to tackle the most difficult challenges of colorectal cancer.”
“Support from the GI Research Foundation allows us to accelerate our work and try some out of the box stuff,” Kopetz said. “We have amazing animal models, but there’s no substitute for understanding cancer and treatments with the patients themselves. We want to develop the tools we need so we can learn as much as possible from them and help them as much and as quickly as we can.”
About the GI Research Foundation
The GI Research Foundation was founded in 1961 by grateful patients and friends of the late Dr. Joseph B. Kirsner, a pioneer in gastroenterology who devoted his life to medicine, teaching, and patient care. Today, the University of Chicago Medicine’s Digestive Diseases Center, which is supported by the foundation, is internationally recognized for research-driven medicine and its team of highly specialized physicians. For more information, see: https://giresearchfoundation.org/
About the University of Chicago Digestive Diseases Center
The Digestive Diseases Center at the University of Chicago Medicine is a collaborative, multidisciplinary network of physicians, researchers and affiliated health professionals who share a legacy of innovation and a common purpose: to improve the lives of patients who suffer from digestive diseases. For more information, see: https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/conditions-services/digestive-diseases
Contact Information:Jackie Casey
Executive Director
jcasey@girf.org
312-332-1350
Original Source: Research for the Treatment of a 'Black Sheep' Cancer Moves to Human Clinical Trials
