#Defense Acquisition

[jcmarchi]

Bacteria in the human gut rarely update their CRISPR defense systems

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/bacteria-in-the-human-gut-rarely-update-their-crispr-defense-systems/

Bacteria in the human gut rarely update their CRISPR defense systems

Within the human digestive tract are trillions of bacteria from thousands of different species. These bacteria form communities that help digest food, fend off harmful microbes, and play many other roles in maintaining human health.

These bacteria can be vulnerable to infection from viruses called bacteriophages. One of bacterial cells’ most well-known defenses against these viruses is the CRISPR system, which evolved in bacteria to help them recognize and chop up viral DNA.

A study from MIT biological engineers has yielded new insight into how bacteria in the gut microbiome adapt their CRISPR defenses as they encounter new threats. The researchers found that while bacteria grown in the lab can incorporate new viral recognition sequences as quickly as once a day, bacteria living in human gut add new sequences at a much slower rate — on average, one every three years.

The findings suggest that the environment within the digestive tract offers many fewer opportunities for bacteria and bacteriophages to interact than in the lab, so bacteria don’t need to update their CRISPR defenses very often. It also raises the question of whether bacteria have more important defense systems than CRISPR.

“This finding is significant because we use microbiome-based therapies like fecal microbiota transplant to help treat some diseases, but efficacy is inconsistent because new microbes do not always survive in patients. Learning about microbial defenses against viruses helps us to understand what makes a strong, healthy microbial community,” says An-Ni Zhang, a former MIT postdoc who is now an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University.

Zhang is the lead author of the study, which appears today in the journal Cell Genomics. Eric Alm, director of MIT’s Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, a professor of biological engineering and of civil and environmental engineering at MIT, and a member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, is the paper’s senior author.

Infrequent exposure

In bacteria, CRISPR serves as a memory immune response. When bacteria encounter viral DNA, they can incorporate part of the sequence into their own DNA. Then, if the virus is encountered again, that sequence produces a guide RNA that directs an enzyme called Cas9 to snip the viral DNA, preventing infection.

These virus-specific sequences are called spacers, and a single bacterial cell may carry more than 200 spacers. These sequences can be passed onto offspring, and they can also be shared with other bacterial cells through a process called horizontal gene transfer.

Previous studies have found that spacer acquisition occurs very rapidly in the lab, but the process appears to be slower in natural environments. In the new study, the MIT team wanted to explore how often this process happens in bacteria in the human gut.

“We were interested in how fast this CRISPR system changes its spacers, specifically in the gut microbiome, to better understand the bacteria-virus interactions inside our body,” Zhang says. “We wanted to identify the key parameters that impact the timescale of this immunity update.”

To do that, the researchers looked at how CRISPR sequences changed over time in two different datasets obtained by sequencing microbes from the human digestive tract. One of these datasets contained 6,275 genomic sequences representing 52 bacterial species, and the other contained 388 longitudinal “metagenomes,” that is, sequences from many microbes found in a sample, taken from four healthy people.

“By analyzing those two datasets, we found out that spacer acquisition is really slow in human gut microbiome: On average, it would take 2.7 to 2.9 years for a bacterial species to acquire a single spacer in our gut, which is super surprising because our gut is challenged with viruses almost every day from the microbiome itself and in our food,” Zhang says.

The researchers then built a computational model to help them figure out why the acquisition rate was so slow. This analysis showed that spacers are acquired more rapidly when bacteria live in high-density populations. However, the human digestive tract is diluted several times a day, whenever a meal is consumed. This flushes out some bacteria and viruses and keeps the overall density low, making it less likely that the microbes will encounter a virus that can infect them.

Another factor may be the spatial distribution of microbes, which the researchers believe prevents some bacteria from encountering viruses very frequently.

“Sometimes one population of bacteria may never or rarely encounter a phage because the bacteria are closer to the epithelium in the mucus layer and farther away from a potential exposure to viruses,” Zhang says.

Bacterial interactions

Among the populations of bacteria that they studied, the researchers identified one species — Bifidobacteria longum — that had gained spacers much more recently than others. The researchers found that in samples from unrelated people, living on different continents, B. longum had recently acquired up to six different spacers targeting two different Bifidobacteria bacteriophages.

This acquisition was driven by horizontal gene transfer — a process that allows bacteria to gain new genetic material from their neighbors. The findings suggest that there may be evolutionary pressure on B. longum from those two viruses.

“It has been highly overlooked how much horizontal gene transfer contributes to this dynamic. Within communities of bacteria, the bacteria-bacteria interactions can be a main contributor to the development of viral resistance,” Zhang says.

Analyzing microbes’ immune defenses may offer a way for scientists to develop targeted treatments that will be most effective in a particular patient, the researchers say. For example, they could design therapeutic microbes that are able to fend off the types of bacteriophages that are most prevalent in that person’s microbiome, which would increase the chances that the treatment would succeed.

“One thing we can do is to study the viral composition in the patients, and then we can identify which microbiome species or strains are more capable of resisting those local viruses in a person,” Zhang says.

The research was funded, in part, by the Broad Institute and the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation.

[historyofguns]

The article "Dry Fire Training — Misconceptions vs. Reality" by Clayton Walker on The Armory Life explores the benefits and limitations of dry fire training for firearms proficiency. Emphasizing that live fire is not the only method for building competence, it highlights airsoft training as a viable alternative for shooting sports enthusiasts, particularly in countries like Japan where private handgun ownership is restricted. Dry fire training, which simulates live rounds with an empty firearm, is cost-effective, especially with rising ammunition prices, and can significantly enhance skills such as trigger control and target acquisition. However, it stresses that dry fire is not a panacea, as many shooters continue to experience issues like recoil anticipation—often termed as "flinch"—despite mastering dry fire techniques. The article recommends incorporating snap caps, dummy rounds, and dry firing at the range to bridge the cognitive gap and eliminate ingrained bad habits, ensuring effective trigger manipulation across all shooting contexts. Ultimately, it underscores the necessity of integrating dry fire training into broader practice routines for improved marksmanship.

[nationallawreview]

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program – Defense Contractors Must Rapidly Prepare and Implement

The Department of Defense (DoD) has officially launched the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program, which requires federal contractors and subcontractors across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to comply with strict cybersecurity standards. The CMMC program aims to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in DoD contracts from…

[equicorplegal]

[oneworldnewsblog]

India Seals Predator Drone Deal with the US

The drones will improve India's border surveillance, particularly against potential threats from China,The Predator drones can stay airborne for over 35 hours.

India has finalized a long-discussed defense agreement with the United States to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones. The deal, signed on Tuesday, marks a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities, especially in surveillance and combat operations. The purchase includes 15 Sea Guardian drones for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardian drones—eight each for the Indian Army and Air Force.

Read more: Hacked – Bengaluru North University UUCMS Portal !

The Predator drones, manufactured by US defense firm General Atomics, are known for their high-altitude, long-endurance capabilities. They are capable of staying airborne for over 35 hours and carrying heavy weaponry, including four Hellfire missiles. These drones will strengthen India’s ability to monitor its borders, particularly the tense frontier with China. The drones can also be equipped with bombs, adding to their versatility in combat situations.

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[tylerpitlicktruther]

i just hope we have a good run in 2024-2025 at this point man 😔💙

[smalltofedsblog]

GAO Report: Pentagon Contracting Go Lane No Faster Than Regular Slow Lane

For the largest weapons programs still awaiting delivery, it’s taking 10 years for the Pentagon to place an order and then receive the system.

[digilogic-system]

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[digitalcreationsllc]

BlueVoyant acquires Conquest Cyber to help clients mitigate risks while meeting new requirements - Help Net Security

BlueVoyant announced the acquisition of Conquest Cyber, a cyber defense company renowned for its innovative SaaS technology that streamlines risk management across an organization’s entire cyber program. Conquest Cyber has proven successful within high-security environments, including the U.S. Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and Government organizations. BlueVoyant raised more than $140 million in…

[rhk111sblog]

Japan announces delivery of first Air Surveillance Radar to the Philippines

The Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) of the Ministry of Defense of Japan announced recently that the first Air Surveillance Radar (ASR) System manufactured by the Mitsubishi Electric Company (MELCO) has been delivered to the Philippines.

The Radar was part of a Deal worth Usd 103.5 million for three fixed Radar Systems with Building Facilities and one mobile Radar System. Again typical with our other Defense transactions with Japan, not much Details have been revealed about this acquisition, limiting our ability to fully appreciate such Transactions

SOURCES:

Japan delivers ₱5.5-billion Air Surveillance Radar System to PHL {Archived Link}

Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) Post, 11/02/23 – 1630H {Archived Link}

Check out the Links to my other Social Media Accounts at https://linktr.ee/rhk111

If you like my Work, buy me a Coffee to help support it at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhk111

[jcmarchi]

John Brooks, Founder & CEO of Mass Virtual – Interview Series

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/john-brooks-founder-ceo-of-mass-virtual-interview-series/

John Brooks, Founder & CEO of Mass Virtual – Interview Series

John Brooks is the founder and CEO of Mass Virtual, a visionary technology leader with over 20 years of experience driving product and solution innovation across Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Augmented Reality (AR) for both commercial and defense sectors.

Under John’s leadership, Mass Virtual has developed the MassXR platform, an advanced training ecosystem that integrates a Universal Learning Content Management System (uLCMS) with cutting-edge simulations, gamification, and instructional video support. Designed to enhance real-world skills and student performance, the MassXR platform empowers organizations with a secure, sustainable, and cost-effective XR training solution, complete with instructor management tools to create an immersive, results-driven learning experience.

Could you tell us about your transition from serving as an Air Force aircrew member to founding Mass Virtual? What inspired you to start the company in 2009?

My journey from serving in the Air Force to founding Mass Virtual was deeply personal. After years of traveling the globe and dedicating myself to my military duties, I found myself longing to be more present for my family. I wanted to carve out a career where I could blend my love for technology and the arts with the insights gained from my military experience. The world of digital innovation captivated me, but I noticed that the pace within the military was slower than I envisioned. I realized I had the opportunity to create something meaningful and impactful, so I decided to take the leap and start Mass Virtual. It was my chance to not just keep up with the future but to help shape it, and I couldn’t be more excited about that path.

How has your military background influenced the direction and mission of Mass Virtual, particularly in designing solutions for defense and aviation industries?

My military background has played a pivotal role in shaping both my approach and the mission of Mass Virtual. It instilled in me the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking, especially in high-pressure situations. In the military, we often faced complex and dynamic challenges that required us to think on our feet and consider a wide range of possibilities. This experience has translated seamlessly into how we develop our training solutions. At Mass Virtual, we embrace that same spirit of flexibility and thoroughness, ensuring our products are not just effective but also responsive to the unique needs of the defense and aviation industries. It’s about crafting solutions that empower individuals to excel, and I’m incredibly proud to carry those lessons forward in our work.

Since you founded Mass Virtual over 15 years ago, how has VR/XR technology evolved? What were some of the early challenges you faced in building immersive training solutions, and how have those been overcome as technology matured?

The evolution of VR/XR technology has been nothing short of extraordinary over the past 15 years. When we first set out, the landscape was quite different; there was skepticism about the potential of these technologies, and we often faced hurdles with limited adoption. It was a challenge to convince stakeholders of the immense benefits VR and XR could bring to training and education.

However, as advancements in hardware and software emerged, along with significant cost reductions, we witnessed a shift in perception. The door began to open, allowing us to showcase the true capabilities of immersive training. Our team remained steadfast in our vision, believing from the outset that this technology was destined to go mainstream. We dedicated ourselves to refining our products, pushing the boundaries of what was possible, and today, that commitment has truly paid off for us and our customers.

As the market matured, so did our understanding of how to tailor our solutions to meet the evolving needs of our users. The journey has been filled with learning and growth. I’m proud to say that today we are helping companies implement their own XR strategies and road maps to achieve workforce proficiency.

Mass Virtual’s technology is deployed across 135+ locations and supports over 31,000 USAF members annually. How did you scale the platform to such a wide reach, and what role did technological advancements play in achieving that?

Scaling Mass Virtual has been a thrilling journey, driven by our customers’ needs and their belief in the value we bring to their training programs. We recognized early on that our platform had to be adaptable, so we designed it with specific use cases in mind, allowing us to respond quickly to varying requirements across different locations.

The success of our expansion is also a testament to our incredible team, whose passion and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in our growth. They share a vision that goes beyond just delivering a great product; it’s about creating meaningful training experiences that genuinely enhance outcomes for our users.

Technological advancements have played a significant role in this journey. As VR/XR technology has matured, we’ve been able to leverage new tools and methodologies to refine our offerings. This has allowed us to reach a wider audience and meet the needs of the diverse organizations we serve. It’s immensely rewarding to see our solutions making a difference in the lives of thousands of service members, and it motivates us to keep pushing forward together.

You’ve seen firsthand how VR has transformed training in the military. Can you walk us through how immersive simulations can accelerate mission readiness and address skills gaps in industries like manufacturing and aviation?

Immersive simulations have truly revolutionized training, and I’ve witnessed this transformation firsthand. The beauty of VR lies in its ability to create realistic scenarios that allow learners to engage deeply with the subject matter. This accelerates learning and skills acquisition, making training not just effective but also motivating.

Take aviation maintenance training, for example. With VR, maintainers can practice complex tasks in a controlled environment without the need for a real aircraft. This not only enhances their skills but also builds confidence, allowing them to focus on mastering their craft. The result? Better prepared maintainers who can respond swiftly and effectively to real-world challenges.

Moreover, this approach isn’t limited to aviation. Industries like manufacturing are also reaping the benefits. VR can simulate intricate machinery operations, enabling workers to gain hands-on experience without the risk of costly mistakes. By addressing skills gaps and improving knowledge retention, immersive simulations pave the way for a more competent workforce.

Overall, VR training not only enhances mission readiness but also cultivates a culture of continuous learning and improvement. It’s an exciting time to be part of this evolution, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to shape various industries.

The MassXR platform features a Universal Learning Content Management System (uLCMS). Can you explain how this system enhances training experiences, and how it integrates with third-party content and devices to create a seamless training environment?

The uLCMS is truly the backbone of our MassXR platform, designed to simplify the management of complex training infrastructures. Think of it as a central hub that brings together various XR content, making it incredibly easy for organizations to curate and access a vast catalog of simulations and training materials.

What excites me about the uLCMS is how it empowers users. It allows for real-time tracking of progress and performance, ensuring that learners have the right materials at their fingertips. This is crucial for fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members, whether they’re in the same room or across the globe.

Moreover, our system seamlessly integrates with third-party content and devices, which means that organizations are limitless in the vendors they may want to utilize because our uLCMS manages any XR content they own within a turnkey system. It provides companies with insights as well as accessible ROI to better understand trends — whether in weeks, months or years, giving them better visibility in decision-making for next steps when it comes to their XR strategy.

This flexibility enhances the learning experience and encourages a culture of continuous improvement and creates a training environment that is both efficient and engaging. I’m proud to say that our uLCMS plays a vital role in achieving that.

With the rise of remote work and distributed teams, how has Mass Virtual adapted to provide flexible learning solutions that are accessible anytime, anywhere?

In today’s rapidly changing landscape, we recognized that flexibility is essential for effective learning. Our system was intentionally designed to support team-based learning experiences, facilitating collaboration in dynamic environments, regardless of where team members are located.

One of the features I’m particularly proud of is how our platform allows users to engage in simulation together, closely emulating real-world scenarios. This virtual environment enables users to learn and practice tasks collaboratively, as they would in real world settings – whether they’re in different buildings, states or even continents.

By learning to work ‘together’ – performing different, simultaneous tasks as a cohesive team – users not only enhance their own performance but also build stronger relationships among colleagues, fostering a supportive and connected culture.

As a technology leader with over 20 years of experience, how do you foster innovation within your team, especially when leading cross-functional and globally distributed teams?

Fostering innovation starts with assembling a team of passionate individuals who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. I believe that hiring for passion, rather than just qualifications, sets the stage for creativity and collaboration. Creating a culture where everyone feels valued and heard is crucial.

I strive to cultivate an environment where team members feel empowered to share their ideas and take risks. Drawing inspiration from trailblazing companies, I encourage my team to embrace the mindset of exploration and experimentation. It’s all about nurturing a shared vision and aligning our goals so that we’re all moving in the same direction.

Ultimately, innovation isn’t just about internal processes; it’s also about understanding and supporting the needs of our clients. By staying attuned to their challenges and aspirations, we can tailor our solutions to meet their evolving demands. When we prioritize our clients’ success, we create a collaborative atmosphere that drives innovation and leads to impactful outcomes. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness how this approach helps us build lasting partnerships while continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Looking back on your journey with Mass Virtual, what are you most proud of, and what excites you about the future of immersive technologies?

Reflecting on my journey with Mass Virtual, I find that my greatest pride lies in the incredible people I get to work with every day. We’ve built a compassionate and inclusive environment that fosters collaboration and creativity. There’s nothing quite like seeing our team members grow and flourish and knowing that we’re all contributing to something meaningful makes every challenge worthwhile.

I am equally thrilled about the future of immersive technologies. The possibilities are endless, and it’s exciting to think about how we can continue to innovate and make a positive impact across various industries. We’re on the cusp of a technological revolution, and I genuinely believe that our work will play a significant role in shaping how people learn and interact with technology. The journey ahead is filled with potential, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together!

Thank you for the great interview, readers who wish to learn more should visit Mass Virtual.

[historyofguns]

In the article "How to Shoot on the Move" by Hunt Fish Shoot on The Armory Life, the author emphasizes the importance of incorporating movement into firearm training as real-world self-defense situations are often dynamic. The article covers the essential techniques for shooting effectively while moving in various directions—forward, backward, and laterally. Key advice includes adopting a relaxed shooting posture similar to top shooters like Rob Leatham, using a heel-to-toe walking motion to maintain stability, and practicing with semi-automatic pistols like the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.5F fitted with a Lead & Steel PB-3 red dot. The author underscores the necessity of consistent practice, tracking target hits, and utilizing live-fire drills to master shooting on the move.

[fencesandfrogs]

i'm a simple man with simple tastes (<- writing yet another variation on "they meet as teenagers")

[sarkaaribharti]

Indian Air Force : में 25 सितम्बर को Aircrafts की Handing over Ceremony

Indian Air Force को अपना पहला C-295 Transport Aircraft मिल गया है। Spain के Sailway शहर में हुई Handing over Ceremony में Airbus ने Air Force Chief को पहला C-295 AIRCRAFT सौंपा। Air Force को ऐसे 56 विमान मिलने हैं। इसमें से 16 Spain में बनकर भारत आएंगे और 40 ऐसे विमान भारत में ही बनेंगे। ये विमान Air Force की नाशु Avro फ्लीट की जगह लेंगे। Avro को Replace करने के लिए का नए Aircraft लेने का यह…