Showing papers by "Ron Weiss published in 2009"

The second wave of synthetic biology: from modules to systems

Abstract: Synthetic biology is a research field that combines the investigative nature of biology with the constructive nature of engineering. Efforts in synthetic biology have largely focused on the creation and perfection of genetic devices and small modules that are constructed from these devices. But to view cells as true 'programmable' entities, it is now essential to develop effective strategies for assembling devices and modules into intricate, customizable larger scale systems. The ability to create such systems will result in innovative approaches to a wide range of applications, such as bioremediation, sustainable energy production and biomedical therapies.

Underdetermined source separation using speaker subspace models

Abstract: Underdetermined Source Separation Using Speaker Subspace Models

A variational EM algorithm for learning eigenvoice parameters in mixed signals

Abstract: We derive an efficient learning algorithm for model-based source separation for use on single channel speech mixtures where the precise source characteristics are not known a priori. The sources are modeled using factor-analyzed hidden Markov models (HMM) where source specific characteristics are captured by an “eigenvoice” speaker subspace model. The proposed algorithm is able to learn adaptation parameters for two speech sources when only a mixture of signals is observed. We evaluate the algorithm on the 2006 Speech Separation Challenge data set and show that it is significantly faster than our earlier system at a small cost in terms of performance.

Detection and destruction of cancer cells using programmed genetic vectors

Abstract: In its various embodiments, the invention provides, first, a composition comprising a vector for transfecting a cell The vector comprises a first nucleic acid encoding an antisense agent having thereon an RNA interference target for a transcript of a gene endogenous to the cell The vector further comprises a second nucleic acid that encodes a cell-killing agent The second nucleic acid further comprises a sequence of nucleotides transcribable into a non-coding region of a transcript of the second nucleic acid, such that the non-coding region becomes an RNA interference target for the antisense agent In the transfected cell, the vector operates to interfere with the expression of the cell-killing agent unless and until the vector senses certain endogenous gene signals, whereupon it releases the cell-killing agent Second, the invention provides a method of treating a disease in a patient by killing cells responsible for the disease, the method comprising administering the vector to the patient until the disease, or a symptom thereof, is ameliorated