<p>And a real basketball team for a change. Now ice hockey. Good job.</p>
<p>Daman & Simon: Congress, protect FRIB
Greater Lansing, state and nation - all will benefit</p>
<p>9:36 PM, Mar. 26, 2011
Written by
Tim Daman and Ronald H. Simon </p>
<p>Just over two years ago, all of Michigan was buoyed by the announcement that Michigan State University had been selected as the site for the more than half-billion dollar Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.</p>
<p>FRIB represents a win for our region, and more than $1 billion dollars in economic activity over the next 20 years. The decision, issued by the U.S. Department of Energy in the final days of President Bushâs administration, reflected 40 years of nuclear science excellence at MSU, exemplified by top scientists managing the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory.</p>
<p>The new lab will bring researchers from around the world to MSU for cutting-edge nuclear physics research. It gives the region an opportunity to build on this research, to entice new industry to Michigan and help our stateâs transformation to a knowledge economy.</p>
<p>But more important, it represents a commitment by our nation to maintaining technological leadership in science that is vital to our national economic security.</p>
<p>Through the ages, nations that have led in discovery and science have been world leaders. The value of science in innovation, technological progress and economic growth is unparalleled. Even in todayâs global economy, the nations that lead in developing the next great idea have a head start in maintaining their prosperity. Those who come in second get to pay the leader, on terms the leader determines.</p>
<p>FRIB represents an important step toward America - and Michigan - retaining its leadership in the area of rare isotope research. NSCL is Americaâs leading lab today, but facilities in Europe and Japan are eclipsing it.</p>
<p>FRIB will enable MSU to leapfrog those labs and keep the lead.</p>
<p>FRIB is having an impact on our region, and construction hasnât even started. Some of the best and brightest in the field are leaving Stanford University, European universities, and laboratories in China, and relocating to mid-Michigan. They are planning FRIB construction, the experiments they will conduct when it is completed in 2020, and the classes they will teach to the next generation of young scientists.</p>
<p>Companies such as Niowave, founded by NSCL alumnus Terry Grimm, are turning MSUâs nuclear research leadership into jobs. Grimm recently received the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Entrepreneurship Award for Applied Superconductivity for the companyâs commercialization of superconducting linear accelerators. The company is growing rapidly, and expects to attract suppliers and others in the field as it expands.</p>
<p>For this bounty of technology to continue and benefit our region - and our nation - we need Congress to follow through on funding commitments for FRIB. We must move toward a balanced federal budget, but we cannot do that by eating our seed corn of technological development.</p>
<p>Fortunately, Michigan has a strong congressional delegation, with members in important seats in the House and Senate. It is vital that they all continue to work together to ensure that FRIB is funded appropriately through the development, and soon, the construction phase.</p>
<p>It is important to mid-Michigan and all of the state. It is even more important for the economic future of our nation.</p>
<h2>Source: <a href=âhttp://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110327/OPINION02/103270511/Daman-Simon-Congress-protect-FRIB?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|OPINION[/url]â>http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110327/OPINION02/103270511/Daman-Simon-Congress-protect-FRIB?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|OPINION</a></h2>
<p>It is said that by the time (2020 to be exact) FRIB completed at MSU, the entire project would cost more than $1 billion⊠(It was $550 million last year, now itâs $600 million, thanks to the inflation!!). Hopefully it would all be worth it!! Go State!!</p>
<p>^ Thanks for posting thatâŠI wasnât aware that MSU was known for nuclear research.</p>
<p>It would be wonderful if this was a boost for Michiganâs economy, though Iâm not sure what impact it would on less skilled workers displaced from manufacturing jobs that no longer exist.</p>
<p>And, of course, the big question is whether the funding continues.</p>
<p>Penn State is especially well known for being an excellent source for recruiting.
Aside from that, the parties and spirit are somewhat legendary.</p>
<p>@zapfino,</p>
<p>âThanks for posting thatâŠI wasnât aware that MSU was known for nuclear research.â</p>
<p>You are most welcome!! :)</p>
<p>In fact, MSUâs Nuclear Physics Program is ranked #1 in the United States ahead of schools such as MIT, Cal Tech & UCB!! </p>
<p>Source: [Best</a> Nuclear Physics Programs | Top Physics Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools](<a href=âhttp://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/nuclear-science-rankings]Bestâ>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/nuclear-science-rankings)</p>
<p>When you think about it, the state of Michigan does well in this domain; Michigan is #1 in Nuclear Engineering and MSU is #1 in Nuclear Physics.</p>
<p>âWhen you think about it, the state of Michigan does well in this domain; Michigan is #1 in Nuclear Engineering and MSU is #1 in Nuclear Physics.â +1</p>
<p>So True!! :)</p>
<p>^ Too bad future nuke engineers will have to go overseas to see a nuke plant being built.</p>
<p>This country needs a strategic energy policyâŠbut stupid Congress is busy fighting over $30 billion this year (~0.75% of total govt spend).</p>
<p>^^[Is</a> nuclear power the future? Obama calls for more plants - Green House - USATODAY.com](<a href=âIs nuclear power the future? Obama calls for more plantsâ>Is nuclear power the future? Obama calls for more plants)</p>
<p>*US nuclear power reactors under construction, planned and proposed:</p>
<p>[Nuclear</a> Power in the USA](<a href=âhttp://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf41.html#New_build]Nuclearâ>http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf41.html#New_build)</p>
<p>âThis country needs a strategic energy policyâŠbut stupid Congress is busy fighting over $30 billion this year (~0.75% of total govt spend).â</p>
<p>Ageed!! lol</p>
<p>^ Yep, I knowâŠand Representative Markey wants to put a moratorium on new nuke plants until Japan learnings are realized. The Japan disaster, unfortunately, is going to increase the cost of these proposed plants till they are cost prohibitive.</p>
<p>MSU has also perfected the burning of sofas to celebrate sports victories.</p>
<p>Ohio State to add radiation oncology unit to medical center expansion</p>
<p>MEDCITY/NEWS
4.8.11 | Brandon Glenn</p>
<p>Ohio State University officials have formally accepted a $100 million federal grant that would go toward adding a radiation oncology unit to OSUÂs $1.1 billion medical center expansion.</p>
<p>The radiation oncology unit will push the Ohio State University Medical CenterÂs new hospital tower to 20 stories and 293 feet, putting it in the worldÂs top 30 tallest hospitals, Columbus Business First reported. The tower is expected to be completed in 2014.</p>
<p>The grant for the radiation oncology unit came through a provision in last yearÂs federal health reform law. The unit will include seven linear accelerators for treating tumors, Dr. Arnab Chakravarti, chair of the radiation medicine department, told the newspaper.</p>
<p>The medical center has signed a deal for the linear accelerators with Varian Medical Systems, a California-based company that makes medical radiation equipment.</p>
<p>Chakravarti said the new equipment, plus several recently recruited cancer researchers, would boost physicians confidence in referring cancer patients to Ohio State.</p>
<h2>source: [Ohio</a> State to add radiation oncology unit to medical center expansion](<a href=âhttp://www.medcitynews.com/2011/04/ohio-state-to-add-radiation-oncology-unit-to-medical-center-expansion/]Ohioâ>OSU Medical Center expansion to include $100M radiation oncology unit)</h2>
<p>At TOSU, we welcome all Michiganâs cancer patients to our up-and-coming âProton Therapyâ facility in Columbus, OH. Go Bucks!! :)</p>
<p>âOhio State to Fire Head Football Coach, Athletic Director, and President For Coverup Scandalâ </p>
<p>Notice the order of importance? LOL. Just teasing ya Sparkeye. ;-)</p>
<p>âAt TOSU, we welcome all Michiganâs cancer patients to our up-and-coming âProton Therapyâ facility in Columbus, OH. Go Bucks!!â</p>
<p>Itâs OK Sparkeye. If Cancer patients in Michigan decide to go to Ohio for treatment, it will be to the Cleveland Clinic. Much, much better. LOL. ;-)</p>
<p>âThe radiation oncology unit will push the Ohio State University Medical Centerâs new hospital tower to 20 stories and 293 feet, putting it in the worldâs top 30 tallest hospitals, Columbus Business First reported. The tower is expected to be completed in 2014.â</p>
<p>Wow. I want to go to one of the top 30 tallest hospitals in the world! Where do I sign up? LOL</p>
<p>^^Gotcha!! ;-)</p>
<p>Believe or not, I am actually pulling for Urban Meyer to return to TOSU!! lol</p>
<p>Btw Michigan has had a radiation oncology unit for almost 30 years:</p>
<p>[Radiation</a> Oncology at University of Michigan Health System](<a href=âhttp://www.med.umich.edu/radonc/]Radiationâ>http://www.med.umich.edu/radonc/)</p>
<p>Once again TUOS playing catch up. LOL</p>
<p>Here ya go Sparkeye:</p>
<p>Radiation Oncology at Michigan receives more research funding from the National Institutes of Health than any radiation oncology department in the nation.</p>
<p>The University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers is listed among the best hospitals in the nation and once again is the only hospital in Michigan to make the honor roll of âAmericaâs Best Hospitalsâ in the annual U.S.News & World Report rankings.
Innovation of our work has been recognized by the fact that we are one of the top National Cancer Institute-funded departments in the country, and receive more funding than all other radiation oncology programs in the state combined.
By working collaboratively with the U-Mâs renowned Comprehensive Cancer Center as well as our statewide Radiation Oncology Network, we provide accessible, appropriate patient care throughout Michigan and across multiple disciplines. All patients are seen within 72 hours of the time they call for a consultation if they choose.
We bring fundamental discoveries in cancer biology and medical physics directly to the clinic to help patients. </p>
<p>The department has developed breakthrough radiotherapy and expertise in combining radiation with chemotherapy to deliver a new generation of molecularly targeted treatments such as:
External beam radiation, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
Prostate seed implants
Stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy for lesions anywhere in the body
High dose-rate (HDR) and low dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy</p>
<p>We produce competent clinical and scientific leaders with a training program that integrates biology laboratory, medical physics, clinic experience and symptom management. </p>
<p>Faculty are actively involved in developing the latest clinical trials, departmentally and through cooperative group studies (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, Southwest Oncology Group, Childrenâs Cancer Study Group and others).
State-of-the-art telemedicine and videoconferencing make it possible to evaluate a patient at one partner site and perform radiation treatment planning at a different site. Every case within the Radiation Oncology Network is reviewed by U-M faculty physicians assuring the highest level of care.</p>
<p>âBtw Michigan has had a radiation oncology unit for almost 30 yearsâ</p>
<p>There, you said it. Itâs time for upgrade in terms facility. âProton Therapy facilityâ in particular would cost ~$175 million just to build and perhaps another $20 million for the personnel training. TOSU got lucky with the $100 million federal grant + Wexnerâs $100 million recent donation to make it possible.</p>
<p>Weâre working on it Sparkeye. When you have to start from scratch like OSU did, you can go for the upgrade right away. LOL</p>
<p>Looks like Beaumont Hospital in nearby suburban Detroit will have the first one in Michigan Sparkeye. Unlike Columbus, which is a city unto itself, Ann Arbor is close enough to a huge metropolitan area that offers dupicate services. No need to spend that kind of money while there are new/existing/planned facilities so nearby.</p>
<p><a href=âhttp://royaloak.patch.com/articles/michigans-first-proton-therapy-center-still-on-its-way[/url]â>Michigan's First Proton Therapy Center Still on its Way | Royal Oak, MI Patch;