台灣第二屆唐獎頒給開發基因剪接的張鋒等三人

唐獎第二屆生技醫藥獎得主　啓動基因編輯革命

唐獎今公布生技醫藥獎得主，由法國的伊曼紐．夏彭提耶（Emmanuelle Charpentier）、美國的珍妮佛．道納（Jennifer A. Doudna）與華裔美籍的張鋒（Feng Zhang）三人共同獲得，表彰其在CRISPR/Cas9基因編輯技術上的貢獻，將大幅改革生醫研究與疾病治療的策略，極具潛力治療人類各種疾病。

理解各別基因的功能與他們之間互動的模式，是解開生命謎團的關鍵，使人類得以發展疾病治療策略。長久以來，科學家夢想有朝一日可以精準有效率地修正特定基因，並且「編輯」剔除有缺陷的基因。感謝今年唐獎生技醫藥獎得主們，「有朝一日」便是「今日」。過去曾發展數種方式可以進行基因體編輯，但是由這三位得獎者所開發的CRISPR/Cas9平台，在效率、精準度和敏銳度上，大勝以往。

夏彭提耶博士和道納博士將原本細菌中的CRISPR/Cas9系統，簡化成易於操作、可以程式化的雙分子系統，使基因體編輯更有效率。同一時間，張鋒博士對Cas9系統進行自己獨立的改良實驗，率先在哺乳類和人類細胞進行成功的基因體編輯。而後更進一步改良「同時編輯多個基因」、以及「同源性基因修復」的實驗方法。這三位傑出科學家的成就，大幅改革了基因體編輯平台，使其程式化、普及化、並且得以量化。自從2012和2013年刊出以來，全球上百乃至上千間實驗室皆利用此平台進行人類及各種生物細胞的遺傳工程，包括：斑馬魚、植物、猴子、豬和小鼠。許多人相信這是繼基因選殖技術（cloning）和聚合酶連鎖反應（PCR）以來，基因體研究史上最偉大的科技發展之一。因此，這三位科學家獲選本屆生技醫藥獎項的共同得獎人，他們將一起平分4千萬獎金和1千萬的指定研究推廣經費。

唐獎評選委員會表示， CRISPR/Cas9系統已改變人們做遺傳實驗的方法，更是將研發的閘門大開，造福人類的疾病新療法，將如滔滔江水，連綿不絕，將來甚至有機會用在新生物能源的開發或作物的改良。無庸置疑，此三人的成就與貢獻，將造福全體人類健康與社會福址。（駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處經濟組提供）

  

伊曼紐．夏彭提耶博士，一位法國籍之微生物學家，在病原細菌的感染與免疫調控機制研究上，被公認為世界首屈一指的專家。現職為德國馬克斯‧普朗克傳染病生物學研究所（Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology），傳染病生物學調控部門的部長。在CRISPR的發展中，其主要的貢獻在於發現Cas9蛋白的活性仰賴tracrRNA。

珍妮佛．道納博士目前在美國加州大學柏克萊分校（University of California, Berkeley），擔任化學及分子暨細胞生物學系教授，是霍華德‧休斯醫學研究所（HHMI）的研究員，同時也是美國國家科學院院士。身為著名的RNA結構生物學家，他曾研究核酶、內轉譯子（IRES）、和較後來的Cas9/RNA交互作用。crRNA與tracrRNA可以融合成單鏈引導RNA（sgRNA）辨識目標序列，被認為是他和夏彭提耶博士的共同功勞。

張鋒博士目前任職麻省理工學院（MIT），是麥戈文腦科學研究所（McGovern Institute for Brain Research）的研究員、博德研究所（Broad Institute）的核心成員，且在MIT擔任腦與認知科學及生物工程副教授。他是一位華裔美籍之生物工程學家，致力於開發工具來研究神經科學與人類疾病。他先前的研究造就了「光遺傳學」科技，應用在神經細胞的再生。在CRISPR技術的發展中，其主要的貢獻在於率先使其適用於人體細胞。

Epson Introduces World's First 3LCD Projectors with 4K UHD Signal Input and HDR for Under $3,000

Home Cinema 5040UBe Offers World's First WirelessHD Projector with 4K Enhancement Technology

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NEW YORK, June 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- (CE Week, Booth #116) – Epson, the number-one projector manufacturer in the world, today announced two new Home Cinema projectors, including the world's first WirelessHD projector with 4K content support. The Home Cinema 5040UB and wireless Home Cinema 5040UBe feature 4K Enhancement Technology¹and are the first 3LCD projectors with 4K UHD signal input and high dynamic range (HDR) support. These newly designed Home Cinema projectors deliver 2,500 lumens of color brightness and 2,500 lumens of white brightness² and an expansive color gamut to display the entire sRGB and DCI color spaces³. The projectors are engineered with up to 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and display high dynamic range content, with eye-popping bright colors and deep, dramatic Ultra Blacks for a fully immersive large-screen experience.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Malden Kicks off Malden’s July 4th Celebrations

Monday, June 20, 2016

Please join Mayor Gary Christenson and Library Director Dora St. Martin as Malden gets into the spirit of Independence Day with a series of exciting events at the Malden Public Library, 36 Salem Street on Friday, July 1st.

Taking place from 4 to 6 PM in the Converse Memorial Building, the Library will display the original and the newly digitized version of Malden’s town records from the Revolutionary war period. Featured will be the May 27, 1776 document entitled “Instructions of the Inhabitants of Malden, Massachusetts to their Representatives in Congress” unanimously voted on by the townspeople of Malden to be delivered to the Second Continental Congress via their representative Ezra Sargeant. In the 1776 communication, the voting citizens of Malden renounce the Colony’s ties to the Kingdom of Great Britain and set forth their wish to become an independent “American” republic. The document is credited as a precursor to the Declaration of Independence written in July of 1776 when the Continental Congress formally declared their independence from England. The original historical document will remain on display for viewing. At 6 PMattendees will proceed to the front lawn where Local Historian and period actor Tom Coots will perform the Second Annual Reading of the town “Instructions.”  

2015 Reading of the the May 27, 1776 document entitled “Instructions of the Inhabitants of Malden, Massachusetts to their Representatives in Congress”

MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH AND BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCE GRAND REOPENING DATE FOR CENTRAL LIBRARY RENOVATION

MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH AND BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCE GRAND REOPENING DATE FOR CENTRAL LIBRARY RENOVATION

Mayor Walsh to attend celebration; all are welcome

BOSTON – June 20, 2016 –  Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Public Library announced today that the grand reopening of the Central Library Renovation will take place Saturday, July 9, and will be commemorated with a 10:30 a.m. ribbon cutting. The grand reopening will celebrate the completion of the second and final phase of the renovation of the Central Library in Copley Square, which has been managed by the City of Boston’s Public Facilities Department. This second phase of work includes updates to the lower level, first floor, mezzanine, and the building exterior of the Johnson building, which opened in 1972. The Central Library Renovation puts the Boston Public Library on the cutting edge of library services – reshaping and redefining the patron experience at a 21st century urban public library.

The Central Library in Copley Square will be closed on Thursday, July 7, and Friday, July 8, to prepare and train staff in the updated spaces, and will reopen on Saturday, July 9, following the ribbon cutting.

“The reopening of the Central Library’s Johnson building ensures a bright future for all who seek educational opportunities through utilizing the services of this grand civic space,” said Mayor Walsh. “I am grateful to all who contributed to this project and I am confident library patrons and visitors will love the enhancements.”

Highlights of the second phase of the renovation include removal of the granite plinths that covered the Johnson building windows - reconnecting the building to the street, a revamped lecture hall for author talks and programming, a new innovation center, new Mac and Windows computers for the public computing area, a hi-tech community learning center, an enlarged Fiction section and new ways of book browsing, digital stacks to explore the BPL’s digitized collections, a state-of-the art Welcome Center, a digital imaging suite, and major landscape components along Boylston Street, including a civic table and new trees. The enterprise retail space at the corner of Boylston and Exeter Streets will feature The Newsfeed Café, opening mid-summer and operated by The Catered Affair, and a WGBH News satellite bureau and studio. Patrons will move seamlessly between the enterprise retail space and the Library.

The public can learn more about the Johnson building’s new features at www.bpl.org/bplreno and by following the BPL on Twitter (@bplboston), Facebook, and Instagram (@bplboston).

“This is one of the most significant milestones in Boston Public Library history; the Central Library Renovation has greatly expanded the offerings for people of all ages, as this library has truly been transformed,” said Chair of the Board of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library Robert E. Gallery.

“The goal of the renovation was to reinvent both our building and our library services as inviting, dynamic, and modern, to be responsive to twenty first century urban civic life and to strengthen the Central Library and its connection to the City,” said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library. “We are proud to welcome everyone, from near and far, to celebrate a new era of library service in Copley Square.”

The first phase of the renovation, which opened in February 2015, included a colorful Children’s Library with books and media, early literacy and story time space, a tween corner, and flexible program space; Teen Central, a distinctive and media-friendly space with books, digital lab, media lounge, a dedicated quiet zone, and homework and hangout booths; refreshed and reorganized nonfiction collections and reference services; and an adult reading area and workspace for individuals and groups.

The Central Library Renovation is a City of Boston capital project totaling $78 million. In addition to the City of Boston’s Public Facilities Department, the project team includes  PMA Consultants as the Owner’s Project Manager, Consigli Construction Co., Inc. is the contractor, and the project architect is William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc.

CONGRESSMAN TED LIEU INTRODUCES WORLD REFUGEE DAY RESOLUTION

CONGRESSMAN TED LIEU INTRODUCES WORLD REFUGEE DAY RESOLUTION

Washington - Today, on World Refugee Day 2016, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) introduced a House Resolution reaffirming the United States commitment to the protection of refugees and displaced persons.  Reps. Eliot Engel, David Cicilline, Earl Blumenauer, Alcee Hastings, Juan Vargas, Joe Crowley, Ruben Gallego, Adam Schiff, Zoe Lofgren and Betty McCollum joined Mr. Lieu to co-sponsor this resolution. 

“Today, on World Refugee Day, we must recognize the incredible fortitude of the world’s millions of refugees and displaced persons in the face of unthinkable hardships.  Unfortunately, this year’s commemoration comes amidst the highest levels of worldwide displacement of people ever recorded. Fueled by ongoing conflict, violence and persecution, the number of people forcibly displaced had risen to a staggering 65 million by the end of 2015, compared to 51 million only two years earlier. This significant increase is a poignant reminder of how much work there still is to do.

“Today, Congress should send a strong message that the U.S.—a country whose story has been written by those fleeing oppression and hardship – will not abandon the world’s most vulnerable populations.  That’s why I am honored to introduce a House Resolution today along with my House colleagues Eliot Engel, David Cicilline, Earl Blumenauer, Alcee Hastings, Juan Vargas, Joe Crowley, Ruben Gallego, Adam Schiff, Zoe Lofgren and Betty McCollum to reaffirm our nation’s commitment to the protection of refugees and displaced persons.”

羅德島州參議會通過友好決議讚揚臺灣民主成就

羅德島州參議會通過友好決議讚揚臺灣民主成就

                                                                          

105年6月20日羅德島州參議會日前通過友好決議案，重申該州與中華民國的友好關係，讚揚中華民國選出首位女性總統之民主成就，支持加強美國及羅州與臺灣之雙邊關係，並支持臺灣積極參與國際社會。

駐波士頓辦事處指出，該決議案重申中華民國與美國基於自由、民主、法治與市場經濟等共同價值之重要關係；另強調中華民國與美國及羅州悠久密切之雙邊經貿、教育、文化及觀光交流，臺灣與美國互免簽證。臺灣且為全球第19大貿易國，為羅州在亞洲之第二大貿易出口市場，經濟實力強大。

該決議案也支持臺灣加入「聯合國氣候變遷綱要公約」（UNFCCC）、國際民航組織(ICAO)等其他國際組織、並支持我參與跨太平洋夥伴協定(TPP)、協議臺美雙邊投資協定(BIA)及自由貿易協定( FTA)等。

駐波士頓辦事處表示，根據統計去（2015）年全美計32個州議會通過各類友好決議案，今年新英格蘭地區迄已有麻州、羅德島州、佛蒙特州及緬因州議會通過類似決議案。羅德島州眾議會業於日前通過該決議案外，聯邦眾議員David Cicilline、州長Gina Raimando、副州長Daniel McKee、參議長Teresa Paviva-Weed及眾議長Nicholas Mattillo亦曾分別函賀蔡英文女士當選中華民國第14任總統，祝賀當選。（駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處提供）

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY AT OLD NORTH CHURCH

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY AT OLD NORTH CHURCH

Dig to search for artifacts under the historic structure

BOSTON - Monday, June 20, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today launched an archaeological survey that will begin within the Washington Garden at Boston's Old North Church. The dig will be led by the City of Boston's Archaeology Program, and City Archaeologist Joseph Bagley. The survey is organized by the City of Boston, with the cooperation of the Old North Church Foundation. The survey is located at 193 Salem Street, and will run Monday, June 20 - Friday, July 1. The two-week survey will explore the buildings' backyards and privies, or outhouses, which are often a hotbed for historical artifacts. Visitors are welcome at the dig site and will be able to observe work on the site from the nearby Washington Court. Live updates will be posted on the City of Boston Archaeology Program's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate and explore the daily lives of the many immigrant peoples that lived in these apartments," said City Archaeologist Joseph Bagley. "Until the 1930s, the garden was the location of three brick apartment buildings built in the 1830s, so this survey will give us a glimpse into over a hundred years of Boston's history." "Old North looks forward to working closely with City Archaeologist Joe Bagley as we plan for a major restoration of the church and campus in time for our 300th birthday in 2023," said Rev. Stephen Ayres, Executive Director and Vicar of Old North Church. The Old North Foundation and the Beacon Hill Garden Club will reconfigure the garden into an outdoor classroom featuring 18th century plantings and a large glass-and-water feature etched with Longfellow's poem: "Paul Revere's Ride." Future work on the Longfellow Garden is supported by the Old North Church Foundation, the Beacon Hill Garden Club and the Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund of the City of Boston. Bagley and his team conducted an archaeological survey in 2013 behind the 1715 Clough House at 21 Unity Street, also owned by Old North Church. On this previous Old North Church survey, they found more than 40,000 artifacts dating back 300 years. To learn about the City Archaeology Program visit:www.boston.gov/archaeology