Articles tagged with Biotechnology
A team of international researchers has created an instruction manual for the human genome, providing a framework to understand the relationship between genetic makeup and lifestyle. The model explains how individual biological parts operate differently within each person, paving the way for tailored treatments in personalized medicine.
Researchers John Wong, Ronald Berger, and Hien Nguyen receive awards and funding to develop life-saving technologies. The Life Prizes aim to accelerate the translation of promising research into commercial applications, speeding up the delivery of innovative medical solutions.
The hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) represses microRNA-148a, leading to increased levels of the oncogenic protein HPIP and subsequent oncogenic transformation in liver cancer. This study demonstrates a cancer-associated virus promoting carcinogenesis through direct manipulation of a microRNA.
Researchers have discovered that the penicillin-producing fungus Penicillium chrysogenum reproduces sexually through a two-gender cycle. This leads to strains with new properties, including high penicillin production without contaminating genes.
Douglas Kell, a University of Manchester professor, was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work in quantitative and systems biology and analytical biotechnology. He is one of fewer than 50 UK scientists to hold this honor, and will receive an official certificate and pin at the AA...
Researchers successfully engineered Arabidopsis plants to reduce xylan content and improve breakdown of carbohydrate into simple sugars. The resulting plants exhibit improved saccharification properties, allowing for better production of biofuels from plant biomass.
Researchers discovered a gene called Taqpep that helps establish periodic patterns like stripes or spots in felines. Variations in the Edn3 gene are responsible for dark hair color, suggesting a link between genetic mechanisms and animal coat patterns.
The agreement aims to disseminate scientific knowledge from Asian research communities globally, promoting international cooperation in biotechnology and engineering. Representatives from the AFOB will join the editorial board, contributing special issues and news to Wiley's journals.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and Sea Lane Biotechnologies discovered an unusual antibody, C05, that can neutralize various flu viruses by targeting the receptor binding site. The unique antibody uses only a single loop to grab this site, making it potentially useful for developing universal flu vaccines and therapies.
Research on Alzheimer's disease is gaining momentum, with over 150 companies working on innovative approaches to tackle the debilitating disease. New therapies, such as Antisenilin and Gammagard, are in Phase III trials and show promise in addressing the underlying biology of the disease.
Biotech Boulevard features companies making a mark on the global bioindustry through novel therapeutics and technologies. The microsite provides a platform for discovery, investment, and collaboration among these promising young companies.
A study published in Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management found that therapeutic hypothermia can limit the devastating consequences of brain injury after cardiac arrest. The survey results show a wide variation in patient selection criteria for therapeutic hypothermia across New Jersey hospitals.
Researchers have developed a new experimental drug that reduces brain damage and improves motor skills in stroke-afflicted rodents. The drug, 3K3A-APC, extends the therapeutic window of tPA, allowing for more effective treatment beyond the three-hour time frame.
The tissue engineering and stem cell industries have experienced significant growth, with over half of companies generating revenue, up from 21% four years ago. Commercial products and services are driving the increase, with $3.5 billion in sales revenues and industry spending approaching $3.6 billion.
Researchers developed two somatostatin vaccinations that reduce body weight and increase energy expenditure in diet-induced obese male mice. The vaccines induce antibodies to somatostatin, effectively removing inhibition on growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1.
The inaugural issue of Disruptive Science and Technology explores new paradigms in scientific publishing, treatments for sepsis, and temperature regulation, among other topics. The journal provides a custom-designed forum for world-class papers that challenge the status quo and bring about new innovations.
Mixing herbal supplements with medications can lead to increased risk of bleeding, decreased blood sugar, hormonal effects, and elevated blood pressure. Clinicians must educate their patients about these risks and interactio ns.
A high level of skill and knowledge is necessary to optimize patient outcomes in bariatric surgical patients. The journal Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care emphasizes the need for consistent care with current evidence and best practices.
A national evidence-based paradigm for faith-based advocacy to prevent childhood obesity has been developed. The link between advocacy and policy is crucial in promoting healthy lifestyles and routine physical activity among children. The article highlights the importance of faith-based organizations in this campaign.
A new wireless sensor device can detect high concentrations of E. coli bacteria in under 1 hour and lower concentrations in less than 8 hours. This rapid detection system has the potential to serve as an early warning tool for beach safety, providing a more timely response to fecal contamination.
A team of four early-career researchers from the University of Oxford emerged as winners of this year's Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) competition. They impressed investors with their idea for using yeast to produce high-value fragrance components. The competition aims to raise awareness of commercialization amongst bio...
FlexGen's DNA-sequencing technology helps identify genetic causes of diseases and adapts treatment. The company is now working on new technologies to introduce to the market, aiming to understand diseases at their core.
Researchers found that fragrant essential oils can produce small, ultrafine byproducts called secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), causing eye and airway irritation. The study also revealed that spa layout and ventilation significantly affect indoor air pollutant levels during aromatherapy
Digna Biotech receives FDA approval for cardiotrophin-1 as an acute liver failure treatment. The medicine is expected to work by acting as a messenger to damaged liver cells, helping them recover and restoring function. Cardiotrophin-1 has been shown to stimulate hepatic regeneration and protect hepatocytes during acute hepatic damage.
Researchers discovered that cardiotrophin 1 accelerates fat elimination from adipose tissue, increases muscle fat burning, and improves glucose uptake in cells. Treatment of obese mice with cardiotrophin 1 also reduces food intake and corrects obesity and diabetes.
Scientists have made significant progress in developing effective delivery systems and efficient biomanufacturing strategies for DNA vaccines. Novel methodologies have emerged, including transdermal patches, electroporation, and plasmid purification techniques.
Advances in nanotechnology are driving innovation in mass spectrometry instrumentation, enabling faster and more precise biomarker validation. Researchers have developed novel nanoflow separation methodologies that ramp up the speed and precision of validating biomarkers.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have successfully removed a molecular switch in cyanobacteria that prevents premature breakdown of energy reserves. This allows for the use of excess energy for biotechnological purposes, such as hydrogen production.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University developed a new test that distinguishes between bacterial and viral infections by measuring chemiluminescence. This timesaving method has predictive diagnostic value and could reduce antibiotic misuse and healthcare costs, as well as provide more accurate treatment.
A study found that broken compact fluorescent light bulbs continuously release mercury vapor for weeks to months, posing a risk of exceeding safe human exposure levels. The authors recommend rapid removal and suitable packaging to minimize the risk of breakage and retain Hg vapor.
Recent developments in protein kinase inhibitors include innovative drug development paradigms, improved inhibitor profiling, and expanded disease targets such as Alzheimer's disease. Researchers are focusing on inactive kinase states and using selectivity strategies to overcome obstacles in the field.
Researchers from top institutions receive awards for their work on ligand-binding assays, biotechnology innovations, and cancer treatment delivery. The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists recognizes excellence in these areas.
Dr. Arthur D. Levinson is recognized for his leadership and extraordinary achievements in cancer research, leading to targeted drugs and personalized healthcare. He was a key figure in developing cancer therapeutics, including Herceptin, Avastin, and Rituxan.
Researchers found that blue-green algae may produce an estrogen-like compound, disrupting reproductive hormones and affecting fish, plants, and human health. Exposure to the algal cells induced a response consistent with estrogen exposure in larval fish.
A computer model predicts the environmental fate and impact of oil and chemical dispersant in deepwater spills like the Gulf of Mexico incident. The tool will aid risk assessment and decision-making for scientists managing such disasters.
The University of Manchester is leading a €3.7m European Union-funded project to train the next generation of scientists in green manufacturing methods for the chemical industry. The 'BIOTRAINS' programme brings together experts from academia and industry to develop safer and less-environmentally damaging industrial processes.
Ingmar Riedel-Kruse's lab group developed video games where players influence the behavior of living microorganisms in real-time. These biotic games aim to educate people about basic biological processes and promote interest in biology, with potential applications in crowd-sourced research.
The top biotech acquisitions in 2010 that exceeded $1 billion included a $41 billion purchase of Alcon by Novartis, followed by a $18.5 billion bid for Genzyme from sanofi-aventis. Merck's $5.2 billion acquisition of Millipore and Teva's €3.625 billion purchase of ratiopharm also made the list.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that iota-carrageenan directly binds to influenza viruses, blocking attachment and spread. In animal experiments, it demonstrated equivalent efficacy to Tamiflu, offering a potential alternative for treating H1N1 influenza.
A recent roundtable discussion sponsored by GEN explored biological methods for improving marine environment understanding, assessing oil spill impact, and monitoring remediation. The event brought together scientists from academia and industry to discuss the effectiveness of these approaches.
Researchers at NYU's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences developed an algebraic model to predict DNA hybridization, enabling the monitoring of cell gene expression and genome characterization. The study provides a new tool for understanding biological systems and enhancing cancer and genetics research.
Climbers of Mount Kilimanjaro are at risk for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) due to rapid ascent rates. Prior acclimatization to increased altitude offers a significant protective effect against AMS, whereas prophylactic drug use or mid-climb rest days do not significantly reduce the risk.
A team of researchers has found a way to increase the number of blood-forming stem cells by using a unique stretchy surface. This breakthrough could revolutionize stem cell transplants by generating up to three times more stem cells than current methods.
Simon Cocklin, Ph.D., wins the ProteOn XPR36 Giveaway Program for his novel research applications for surface plasmon resonance technology. He plans to use the system in his lab and make it available to other researchers at Drexel University.
Experts warn that biotech companies in emerging economies are making innovative contributions to address health problems. They have brought affordable products to prevent, diagnose and remedy illnesses of local concern, but risk diverting focus from diseases of poverty as they grow in financial strength.
The biopharmaceutical industry is shifting towards more sustainable operations, with companies adopting environmentally friendly practices that also offer economic benefits. Key findings include the potential for waste reduction through process intensification and purification bottlenecks.
Researchers are leveraging decades-old ultrahigh pressure discoveries to advance proteomics, mass spectrometry, and protein extraction techniques. Pressure-cycling technology (PCT) accelerates glycan release, membrane protein extraction, and other complex processes.
Oil rig workers increasingly rely on telemedicine to receive medical attention due to limited access to healthcare. The use of technology enables real-time communication between nurses and emergency physicians, reducing response times and improving patient care.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) honored outstanding researchers with awards for their contributions to biotechnology. The Excellence in Ligand-Binding Assay Award and Innovation in Biotechnology Awards recognized achievements in fields such as drug detection, vaccine development, and cancer treatment.
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.