Articles tagged with Biotechnology
A study found that south-south collaborations between biotech firms in developing countries are increasing, enabling the production of affordable health products. These collaborations have already led to successful vaccine development and distribution, such as the Brazil-Cuba collaboration during Africa's meningitis outbreak.
Singapore's A*STAR is collaborating with Italy's Siena Biotech to develop targeted therapies for gastric cancer, leukemia, and osteoporosis. The partnership aims to leverage advanced molecular biology and antibody engineering techniques to create novel treatments.
Smadar Cohen's groundbreaking research led to the development of an innovative cardiac scaffold that enhances mechanical strength and prevents enlargement of the left ventricle. The award recognizes her pioneering work in creating a resorbable liquid polymer, BL-1040, that promotes heart muscle recovery and repair.
Scientists have successfully grown and loaded empty nano containers with useful chemicals from a plant virus, opening up new areas of research in targeted drug delivery. The technology has potential applications in cancer treatment, delivering drugs directly to diseased cells while sparing healthy ones.
Maynard V. Olson receives the Promega Biotechnology Research Award for his development of orthogonal-field-alternation gel electrophoresis, yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) system, and sequence-tagged site (STS) mapping techniques. His work significantly contributed to the completion of the human genome map.
A Phase 2 trial showed that daclizumab combined with interferon beta reduced MS lesion formation by 72 percent compared to interferon beta alone. The treatment also increased a subset of natural killer cells, associated with a decrease in disease activity.
Epigenetics is recognized as a key factor in understanding complex biological variations. The February 1 GEN issue provides coverage of the latest research on histone modification, DNA methylation, and imprinting.
The Spanish biotechnology industry should focus on the food and plant sectors to remain competitive. However, a study found that these sectors have less clout than English-speaking countries due to limited research and development investment. The sector's growth is hindered by high costs of developing new medicines.
Advances in qPCR technology are expanding its applications in basic research and diagnostics, enabling more efficient detection and quantification of specific DNA sequences. Companies like Qiagen and Bio-Rad Laboratories are developing new methods to improve multiplex PCR and sample preparation.
Researchers have uncovered a complex heteromeric structure of the essential enzyme PPCDC in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, composed of non-identical proteins. The discovery sheds new light on CoA biosynthesis and presents potential targets for antifungal therapy.
The BU School of Medicine's CityLab program has received a five-year, $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to enhance its clinical research curriculum with hands-on laboratory experiments and computer-generated simulations.
Kyoto University Professor Sakayu Shimizu received the 2009 Enzyme Engineering Award for his pioneering contributions to biotechnological tools and novel microbial reactions. His research has led to the commercialization of many biotechnological processes on a large scale.
The 2009 Lasker Awards honor pioneering work in cancer and stem cell research, promising new therapies and a $700 million global market. Renowned scientists receive awards for their discoveries in nuclear reprogramming techniques and regenerative medicine.
A new study found that Canadian health biotech firms collaborating with developing countries have a strong interest in building partnerships, driven by access to emerging markets and cost savings. Joint R&D activities are nearly as common as distribution arrangements, reflecting bi-directional knowledge-intensive collaboration.
NGS technologies offer streamlined workflows, massive parallelism, and cost reduction through targeted sequencing of specific genes or regions. Researchers are applying NGS to various fields, including hereditary cancer research and bacterial gene expression studies.
The use of Twitter for healthcare communication offers numerous benefits, including fast and easy dissemination of time-critical information such as disaster alerts and drug safety warnings. However, caution is needed to preserve confidentiality and patient privacy in the clinical care setting.
Professor Gregory Stephanopoulos has been awarded the 2009 Amgen Biochemical Engineering Award for his outstanding contributions to metabolic engineering. He has made significant contributions to the field of biochemical engineering, including the development of microbial cells for the production of fuels and chemicals.
Kelvin Lee, a prominent researcher in biochemical engineering, has been awarded the Biochemical Engineering Journal Young Investigator Award. He will receive a cash prize of $2,500 and present a lecture at the upcoming conference.
A team of experts emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to science reporting, citing diminishing public trust in biomedicine and biotech research. The study proposes eight recommendations to enhance public understanding and confidence in scientific information.
Several companies, including Replikins and Novavax, are working on H1N1 vaccines with varying approaches. The need for a vaccine was prompted by the World Health Organization's Phase 5 pandemic alert.
The ACLU is challenging the patentability of two human genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer, alleging that gene patents stifle life science research. The organization claims that the patents are invalid and unconstitutional, with supporters arguing that they would harm patients and limit medical research.
Scientists discover that quinoline compounds inhibit S100A9's pro-inflammatory effects on white blood cells involved in immune regulation. This new mechanism may provide insights into the early stages of autoimmune disease development.
A novel digital gene-expression profiling technique is gaining traction, offering a fully quantitative approach to gene-expression analysis. The method has been shown to provide robust and comparable expression profiling data, making it an attractive alternative to traditional microarray-based platforms.
Dr Crouch, a 2009 Advancing BioBusiness Award winner, seeks to improve scientific discovery in Australia through state-of-the-art assays and automation. He hopes to develop new tests for bio-markers of diseases like cancer, improving the efficiency of research in Australian university laboratories.
The CellThera/WPI team will continue their joint efforts in regenerating mammalian muscle tissue under a one-year $570,000 DARPA contract. They aim to reprogram and engineer cells to replace damaged skeletal muscle and restore normal function.
The Madoff scandal has led to a shift away from risky investments, affecting endowment institutions and university research projects. Academic medical and bio-related research are tightening their belts as a result of the general economic situation.
Researchers at VIB confirm GPR3 protein's role in reducing amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery paves the way for developing a new medicine to combat the disease and preserve brain cells.
Experts discuss new biotechnology techniques to remove fungus, micro-organisms, and insects from artwork, documents, and masonry, promoting natural and non-toxic preservation methods. Curators in developing countries face challenges in assessing vulnerability, improving storage conditions, and controlling environmental fluctuations.
A modeling study reveals that Katrina-flooded homes can harbor hazardous contaminants in the air, posing significant health risks to residents and first responders. The study identifies inhalation exposure routes through volatile and semi-volatile organic pollutants, highlighting the need for better preparation and safety protocols.
Researchers focus on microbes fermenting lignocellulosic biomass to produce bioethanol and biodiesel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuel production requires a major effort in biochemical engineering to scale up and make it cost-effective.
Italian researchers measured particulate matter from natural gas domestic burners and found high concentrations in stove tops, emitting larger amounts of ultrafine particles. The study provides important insights into the environmental health consequences associated with common home appliances.
This year marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his theory. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News is celebrating this milestone by interviewing leading researchers in evolutionary science, including experts on Darwin.
The US Air Force is integrating medical acupuncture into its military healthcare, utilizing a technique developed by Dr. Richard Niemtzow to relieve severe pain lasting several days. This approach reduces reliance on pain medications that may cause adverse reactions or addiction, offering a promising alternative for pain management in ...
A new technique allows for the simultaneous tracking of gene expression and movement in Drosophila flies, enabling researchers to study correlations between behavior, gene expression, and aging. The method uses green fluorescent protein (GFP) and specially modified video cameras to track movement and quantify GFP expression in real-time.
Researchers are exploring the PI3-kinase pathway's role in cancer, with studies showing its inhibition can suppress tumor growth and cell survival. The pathway is also involved in angiogenesis, differentiation, and cell growth, making it a critical target for novel therapies.
Biotech scientists are applying genomics technologies to toxicology research to better understand the effects of novel drug candidates. This trend towards predictive toxicogenomics aims to develop a new compound's mechanism of action and predict toxicity, with several companies and consortia already working on this technology.
Molecular diagnostic products are based on cutting-edge research in genomics and proteomics, enabling early detection of cancer and optimizing drug therapy. Companies like Roche, Myriad Genetics, and Genomic Health are well-positioned for future growth with their genetic tests and companion diagnostics.
A landmark study reports a breakdown in the biotech patent system, citing a fixation on patents and privately-controlled research as a major obstacle to innovation. The authors argue that a more collaborative approach is needed to ensure that new ideas reach those who need them.
The MIBBI initiative brings together grassroots standardisation groups to create a unified framework for high-throughput biology. By sharing minimal information standards, researchers can increase data reproducibility and analysis power.
Researchers are developing novel hit-to-lead drug discovery strategies utilizing a combination of high-throughput screening, miniaturization, and advanced data analysis. This approach enables the identification of promising compounds with increased efficiency, leading to faster and more effective disease treatments.
Dr. Neal Garrett has been recognized for his research focus on restoring oral function and quality of life following tooth loss or other oral impairment in the elderly. He established the functional efficacy of various denture parameters and types utilizing dental implants, improving mastication and patient perceptions.
Brazil is transitioning from imitator to innovator in health-related products, with several small and medium-sized enterprises succeeding in developing innovative products. Despite facing challenges such as regulatory barriers and limited access to private equity, Brazil's biotech industry has the scientific capacity to become a major ...
Researchers at the University of Helsinki solved the structure of archaeal virus SH1 to one nanometre resolution, revealing details about its biological membrane, genomic matter, and protein coat. The study suggests a possible common viral structural protein ancestor found in adenoviruses.
The home telehealth and remote patient monitoring market is projected to grow at a rate of 70% over the next three to five years, driven by increasing demand for convenient and accessible healthcare services. The combined average annual revenue growth of consumer companies in this market is even more explosive, reaching up to 193.5%.
Researchers have identified a key human aging gene in fruit flies, revealing its role in DNA instability and genome rearrangement. This breakthrough enables the use of fruit flies as a powerful model system to study the effects of aging on human health.
Companies like UCB Pharma and CeeTox are using cell-based assays to assess the toxic characteristics of small molecule compounds. This early identification can improve clinical trial results and reduce the time to market.
A team of researchers led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Robert J. Linhardt uncovered the source of deadly heparin contamination, a complex carbohydrate named oversulfated chondroitin sulfate. They are now developing stronger monitoring systems and exploring synthetic alternatives to ensure patient safety.
The University of Alabama team of Drs. Guy and Kim Caldwell has been awarded the first HudsonAlpha Prize for Outstanding Innovation in Life Sciences for their research on diseases of the nervous system, specifically Parkinson's disease. The $20,000 prize recognizes exceptional talent and research of superior merit.
The use of cell-based assays is increasing in early drug discovery work to test toxic effects, according to Genetic Engineering News. The technique offers a faster and lower-cost alternative, with market estimates projecting over $230 million by 2015.
A new journal, Biotechnology for Biofuels, has published a report describing the efficient production of bioethanol through hot water pretreatment on wheat straw. Researchers found that this process helps remove wax and hemicellulose, enhancing enzymatic digestibility and producing better quality bioethanol.
Biotech companies are developing novel biomarkers to improve cancer diagnostic tests, potentially reducing treatment costs. Researchers at various institutions, including the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Wayne State University School of Medicine, are working on early detection tools for malignancies.
Developing nations offer a ready supply of patients, large potential markets, and reduced competition for clinical trial sites. Companies conduct trials primarily in cities due to the presence of doctors, staff, and equipment similar to those found in Western conditions.
A new study reveals that black tea can effectively inhibit the activity of Bacillus anthracis, a deadly bacterium causing anthrax. Adding whole milk to tea completely inhibits its antibacterial activity.
Researchers are studying the effects of over- or underexpression of specific miRNAs on disease development and inhibition. For instance, scientists identified miR-373 and miR-520c, which promote tumor metastasis.
China's health biotech industry boasts daring medical science innovation and stunning breakthroughs, including the world's first commercialized gene therapy product. However, firms face an uphill battle in attracting high-risk venture capital needed for innovative projects due to uncertain financial systems and export restrictions.
A study published in Clinical Cancer Research examines the antitumor efficacy and safety of various combinations of reovirus and cyclophosphamide. The findings support investigation in human clinical trials to modulate, but not ablate, the immune system before systemic reovirus administration.
Researchers have identified the swimming and attack patterns of two tiny but deadly microbes linked to fish kills in the Chesapeake Bay. The team used digital holographic microscopy to capture three-dimensional images of the troublesome microbes, revealing distinct differences in their hunting tactics.
Researchers find that bdelloid rotifers, an asexual organism, have evolved different gene functions to protect themselves during dehydration. This discovery provides insight into the benefits of asexuality and challenges the assumption that sexual reproduction is always necessary for survival.
The Science survey ranks top biopharma employers based on driving characteristics, with Boehringer Ingelheim leading the list. Genentech comes in second, followed by Amgen. The rankings are determined by an independent research firm commissioned by AAAS.
A Cardiff University study found that removing indoor mold improved asthma symptoms, with a significant decrease in inhaler use and improvement of other respiratory issues. The study suggests keeping homes dry and well-ventilated can reduce exposure to mold spores.