The Human Genome Operates Like A “Dynamic Computer”
January 2025 The Human Genome Operates Like A “Dynamic Computer” New research shows how the 3D genome operates as a self-assembling, learning computational system
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News
How a Cheek Swab Could Help Fight Lung Cancer
September 2023 Developed at CPGE and designed for use at home or in a primary care office, the novel test is based on a new paradigm for cancer detection that uses artificial intelligence-enhanced optical nanosensing of alterations in the chromatin (genome) structure of cells – changes that are associated with the earliest stages of carcinogenesis and cancer progression.
Designing Surfaces to Improve Bone Grafts
June 2023 The field of bone implants has taken incredible strides thanks to technological innovations that allow for stronger grafts that are easier to install. Yet even with these advances, there are still risks involved in such procedures. Implants can be loosened following operations, for example, which can lead to costly surgical revisions that lengthen the recovery process for patients. New research from an interdisciplinary team from Northwestern Engineering’s Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE) and Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering (CPGE) could reduce the likelihood of these painful, expensive complications.
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New Research Published in ACS Central Science
June 2023 New research from a collaborative project between CPGE and the Ferguson and de Pablo labs at the University of Chicago was published on June 5, 2023 in ACS Central Science. By leveraging convolutional neural networks and molecular dynamics simulations, researchers from CPGE and the University of Chicago developed a denoising autoencoder (DAE) capable of postprocessing experimental ChromSTEM images to provide nucleosome-level resolution. Notably, no evidence for the 30 nm fiber, which has been suggested to serve as the higher-order structure of the chromatin fiber, was found.
2023 Symposium on Physical Genomics Highlights Future of Medicine
April 2023 Held April 21 at Wieboldt Hall on Northwestern’s Chicago campus, the symposium is the flagship event of the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, which explores research in manipulating chromatin structure to treat disease and engineer living systems to overcome health and environmental challenges.
from Northwestern Engineering
CPGE Kicks Off Monthly Seminar on Physical Genomics
March 2023 The first of CPGE's new seminar series, the Monthly Seminar on Physical Genomics, will be held via Zoom Friday, March 31, 2023 from noon to 1pm CT. Dr. Susan Gasser of the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research will give a lecture titled "Chromatin and Nucleosome Density: How DNA Damage Response Alters Chromatin Dynamics". Registration is free at https://tinyurl.com/cpge23
CPGE Awarded Major NIH Grants
February 2022 CPGE was recently awarded multiple major grants from the National Institutes of Health to establish the NU Center for Chromatin NanoImaging in Cancer (U54), and the Physical Genomics Training Program (T32).
from Northwestern Engineering
Tuesday Feb. 8: Inaugural Physical Genomics Training Program Seminar
January 2022 The inaugural Physical Genomics Training Program Seminar will take place Tuesday, February 8 at 1pm CT via Zoom. Dr. Vadim Backman, Sachs Family Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Medicine and Director of the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, and PGTP Administrator Dr. Jayms Peterson will provide an overview of the NIH T32 Physical Genomics Training Program and discuss some exciting developments and the groundbreaking potential of this fascinating new field of convergent science.
NIH Awards U54 Center Grant to Consortium Including MIT, Penn, CPGE
January 2022 A team of researchers from MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center and CPGE has received a $7.8 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to join an inaugural network of centers that NIH has established, called the Metastasis Network (MetNet), to study how metastasizing tumor cells adapt to mechanical stresses. The team includes researchers from multiple institutions, including Vadim Backman of the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering at Northwestern University, who will provide imaging and nanosensing expertise for the projects at the new Center.
from MIT News
CPGE Awarded NIH T32 Training Grant in Physical Genomics
September 2021 The National Institutes of Health have awarded the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering a T32 grant to establish the Physical Genomics Training Program, the first T32 program in the United States to be focused on convergent training in the field of physical genomics.
Imaging Breakthrough Leads to Further Understanding of Genome Structure and Function
January 2021 Using a combination of breakthrough imaging techniques, new research from Northwestern Engineering sheds light on how cells – including cancerous ones – are constructed at the genomic level and how that structure affects their functionality and ability to adapt to external stressors.
from Northwestern Engineering
Jayms Peterson Named Senior Director of Operations and Outreach of the CPGE
February 2020 Vadim Backman, the Director of the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, has named Jayms Peterson as the new Senior Director of Operations and Outreach.
Chromatin organizes itself into 3D ‘forests’ in single cells
January 2020 Knowledge could help scientists understand chromatin’s role in cancer, other diseases.
from Northwestern Now
Disorderly DNA Helps Cancer Cells Evade Treatment
January 2020 Discovery could help researchers design new chromatin-based therapeutics.
from Northwestern Engineering
Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering Launches
June 2019 At symposium celebrating launch, researchers shared vision for burgeoning field
from Northwestern Engineering
Northwestern Awarded NSF Grants for Chromatin and Epigenetic Engineering Research
September 2018 The grants, which total $5.4 million, will provide critical support for fundamental research for professors and their collaborators across Northwestern.
from Northwestern Engineering
Sensing Cancer Before It's Too Late
March 2018 Biomedical engineer Vadim Backman develops more sensitive cancer diagnostics and more effective treatments.
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New Research Targets Cancer’s ‘Achilles’ Heel’
November 2017 For the first time, researchers control cells’ chromatin to prevent cancer from adapting to treatment.
from Northwestern Engineering
Backman and Zhang Paper Wins PNAS Cozzarelli Prize
February 2017 The award-winning paper reports for the first time that DNA blinks; the finding could lead to label-free, super-resolution nanoscopic imaging.
from Northwestern Engineering
Understanding Chromatin’s Cancer Connection
October 2016 New live-cell imaging technique allows researchers to study chromatin’s dynamic processes, including its role in cancer and disease.
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Early Detection to Beat Cancer
September 2016 Vadim Backman’s new screening technologies hold promise for dramatic changes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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Students Crowdsource Funds for Coral Research
September 2016 Students raised funds for an experiment that aims to find if coral skeleton architecture influences bleaching susceptibility.
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Curing Cancer through Prevention
August 2016 Today, medicine is increasingly focused on quality of life. This talk looks at the breakthroughs, innovative practices, and new health care measures that will improve not just how long, but how well, you live.
Researchers Discover that DNA Naturally Fluoresces
August 2016 Discovery opens door for staining-free, super-resolution imaging and expands understanding of biology.
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Enhancing Molecular Imaging with Light
July 2016 New technology platform is able to image molecules at the nanoscale with super-resolution.
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Algorithm Ranks Thermotolerance of Algae
June 2016 New tool could play important role in the race to save coral reefs and in any application that relies on rankings.
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This Changes Everything: How Technology Is Revolutionizing Medicine
May 2016 Leading scientists present the details of exciting technology revolutions that promise earlier diagnoses, better treatments, longer lives, and new cures for age-old diseases.
Using Data to Protect Coral Reefs from Climate Change
April 2016 Northwestern researchers are the first to provide a quantitative “global index” detailing which of the world’s coral species are most susceptible to coral bleaching and most likely to die.
from Northwestern Engineering
Insights Into Coral Bleaching Could Help Preserve Reefs
April 2013 Research reveals surprising result from the study of 1893 World’s Fair corals using modern technology.
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Screening Detects Ovarian Cancer Using Neighboring Cells
April 2013 Study results could translate into a minimally invasive early detection method.
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Shining Light on Pancreatic Cancer
July 2007 Experimental techniques show promise in screening for one of the nation’s deadliest diseases.