Articles tagged with Biotechnology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Indian biotech sector is poised to revolutionize the industry with its innovative products, strategies, and manufacturing capabilities. The sector has already made significant impacts on drug prices, reducing costs by up to 90% for some generic biopharmaceuticals.
The US Economic Development Administration has awarded $1.5 million to the Rutgers-Camden Technology Campus to develop wet labs for a new Biotech-Life Science Business Incubator. The grant will create 255 jobs and generate over $17 million in private investment, supporting the growth of New Jersey's biotechnology industry.
Scientists have developed a pair of molecular-scale scissors that can be manipulated by light, allowing for precise control over proteins and biological molecules. The technology has the potential to revolutionize gene manipulation and drug delivery, with practical applications still several years away.
Stuart F. Brown, a Fortune magazine writer, has won the 2007 James T. Grady-James H. Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public. The award recognizes his ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
Cells use a new signaling pathway to alter their adhesive properties, which could lead to a better understanding of tissue development and immune responses. This discovery may also provide new therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer and inflammatory conditions.
The Dartmouth/GlycoFi team successfully completed the full humanization of glycosylation in yeast, eliminating the need for mammalian cells. This breakthrough enables the production of therapeutic proteins with improved biological function and manufacturing efficiency.
Researchers find that inhibition of eNOS or PI3K provides total protection against anaphylactic shock. The study reveals a new mechanism underlying the condition, with eNOS-derived NO playing a crucial role.
A large-scale cross-platform study of research microarrays has uncovered high concordance across platforms, addressing a crucial issue in biomedical research. The study, led by Winston Patrick Kuo, used 10 different microarray platforms and two QRT-PCR approaches to compare gene expression measurements.
The research aims to harness the body's natural regenerative abilities to heal limb wounds, using salamanders as a model. The goal is to develop techniques for restoring damaged or lost digits and limbs.
Genentech's $2.5 million donation will support the formation of a new center at CSHL, focusing on preserving and disseminating the history of molecular biology and biotechnology. The facility will house archival collections from Nobel laureates and leaders in the industry.
Scientists have identified specific DNA fragments in tomatoes that influence their nutritional content and taste. By analyzing these fragments, researchers can develop targeted breeding strategies to create healthier and tastier tomatoes.
The Women's Bioethics Project has received a grant from the Ford Foundation to organize a bioethics seminar for women state legislators. The seminar aims to prepare these leaders to tackle emerging issues in healthcare and biotechnology.
The use of animal serum-free media for growing live cells is being promoted as a more humane and scientifically superior alternative. This approach eliminates the need for fetal calf serum, reducing variables in experiments and ensuring reproducibility across laboratories.
Patent law enables broad adoption of biomedical innovations by reducing transaction costs associated with negotiation and enforcement. Breaking patents can lead to monopolization and hinder competition.
A new study from Cornell University reveals that Americans are divided on the issue of genetically engineered food, with women and non-Caucasians perceiving higher health risks. Over the past three years, support for GE food has declined slightly while risk perception has increased, indicating a growing trend of skepticism.
Scientists are harnessing microbial biotechnology to address global environmental issues by utilizing diverse microbial communities and their functions. By leveraging cutting-edge DNA-based techniques, researchers can identify and utilize beneficial microorganisms to clean up pollutants, generate renewable energy, and detect pathogens.
Scientists at NIST have created polymer nanotubes that are unusually long and stable, with potential applications in biotechnology. The team developed processes to extend the shelf life of these nanotubes, enabling their use as channels for tiny volumes of chemicals or as ultra-small hypodermic needles.
The study provides a nearly complete parts list of all the machines in yeast, including 257 previously unknown machines and new components of existing ones. It also reveals how cells dynamically assemble and disassemble machines to respond to environmental challenges.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has received an NIH grant to establish a center for cheminformatics research, which will utilize computational techniques to predict chemical compound behavior. The RECCR aims to strengthen collaboration between researchers in various disciplines and advance biotechnology and life sciences research.
This book explores the progress of medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology, highlighting its potential to fight major global health concerns like Ebola fever and the human immunodeficiency virus. It also examines regulatory issues, public perceptions, and the social acceptance of this rapidly growing technology.
The 2005 Science survey identified top biopharma employers, based on 1,566 survey responses from readers of Science and other selected respondents. The rankings were determined using a mathematical process that took into account 42 specific characteristics or attributes in seven categories.
A new tool developed by McGown could help answer questions about the role of G-quartets in health and disease, including their connection to diabetes. The study aims to identify new biomarkers and medical therapies.
Rensselaer researchers have developed a predictive modeling approach that can determine protein behavior for use in bioseparation applications. The model uses molecular information obtained from the protein structure to predict adsorption isotherm parameters and chromatographic behavior, replicating experimental results.
The Methuselah Foundation's M Prize has sparked public interest in regenerative biomedicine, with a focus on slowing and reversing aging. Researchers will compete for the most dramatic advances in lifespan extension and aging retardation using interventions initiated in middle age.
The biotech industry is thriving in terms of scientific breakthroughs, but struggling to translate these advances into marketable treatments. Industry experts suggest that investing in new business strategies and measures that support innovation would be more effective than solely focusing on research.
The BIOS Initiative provides a new licensing mechanism that encourages sharing of core tools of innovation, empowering researchers worldwide. The launch of BioForge, an online collaborative research platform, enables scientists to work together to craft new technologies within a protected commons.
Researchers at VIB have discovered a way to prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary tract, potentially leading to a new treatment for chronic urinary tract infections. By targeting the protein Adhesine FimH on the bacteria's pili, a new medication could be developed to combat this widespread problem.
Jeffrey A. Hubbell will receive the Elmer Gaden Award, a $1000 prize, and an acknowledgement in an upcoming journal issue. The award lecture will be held on March 15, 2005, at the American Chemical Society's National Meeting in San Diego.
The study identifies key factors that led to the success of seven developing countries' health biotech industries, including focusing on local health needs, private sector commercialization, widespread collaboration and long-term government support. Successful innovations, such as Cuba's vaccine for Haemophilus influenzae type b infect...
A US team of biomedical engineering students from Johns Hopkins University has won a British biotech business plan competition. The team presented their idea for an automated retina imaging device to a panel of judges in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was selected as one of the top four teams representing North America.
Researchers have developed a mathematical algorithm called TANGO that can predict the likelihood of proteins sticking together incorrectly. This could lead to new diagnostic techniques for diseases caused by misfolded proteins, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and more efficient production of therapeutic proteins.
Scientists capture real-time video-clips of signal transmission in living cells using Quantum Dots, revealing new insights into cellular processes. The breakthrough is expected to speed up the development of new cancer-curing drugs.
A cholesterol-free mouse model was generated, supporting the 'sterol synergism' theory and highlighting the importance of cholesterol in developmental stages. The knock-out pups showed poorer growth characteristics than normal animals.
The study found that patients treated with DOXIL had a median overall survival of 63 weeks, compared to 60 weeks with topotecan. Additionally, DOXIL showed significant advantages in progression-free survival and median PFS for platinum-sensitive patients.
Victoria Hale, Institute for OneWorld Health leader, joins Leadership Foundation Fellows Program to develop skills and share insights with women leaders worldwide. She aims to leverage powerful connections and partnerships to drive institutional change.
The Army has established an Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies (ICB) with funding of up to $50 million. The ICB aims to develop new biotechnologies that improve the effectiveness of the Army's mission by leveraging investments in biotechnology research.
Scientists at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute have cracked the code on bacterial communication, boosting bio-product yields in fermentation vessels. By understanding how bacteria interact and respond to stress signals, researchers can improve production efficiency and increase product outputs.
Scientists at University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute developed a new vaccine using recombinant DNA technology to protect fish against infectious pancreatic necrosis virus. The vaccine, composed of hollow virus-like particles, demonstrates a resistance potential against the disease and has shown promising results in experiments.
A study of over 339 patients found that 77% of those continuing Raptiva therapy had a PASI 50 score and 51% achieved a PASI 75 score. Long-term treatment showed improved response rates, with 22% achieving a 90% or greater improvement in their PSASI score.
Researchers from the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and Duke University discovered the genetic defect in humans and mice linked to LQT4, which affects an important adaptor protein called ankyrin-B. The defect leads to inadequate calcium regulation, causing chaotic heartbeats and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
The top-ranked company, Genentech, is praised for its alignment of work culture and personal values, as well as its commitment to translating scientific discoveries into medicine. Millennium Pharmaceuticals ranks second, with a strong focus on attracting leading scientists and providing them with the tools to practice their science.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $16.25 million in new grants to 43 outstanding biomedical researchers from Canada and five Latin American countries. The recipients are investigating various biomedical topics, including parasitic diseases and cancer.
University of Toronto researchers suggest a five-point strategy to address equity issues in health genomics. The plan includes research on ethical and social issues, training policy makers, and creating an investment fund to improve health in poorer countries.
Researchers have developed a revolutionary material derived from the small intestine of pigs that can heal chronic sores, treat urinary incontinence in women, and repair internal organs. The material, called SIS, functions as a natural framework for repairing tissue and contains growth factors that signal the healing process.
Dr. Lee Hartwell, president of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, will join four biotechnology leaders in discussing the future of biotechnology. They will address topics such as new methods for diagnosing diseases like lupus and leukemia, and the potential impact on drug development.
The Virginia Tech Biotechnology Conference brings together experts to share knowledge on cutting-edge topics like gene therapy, mammalian cloning, and the impact of the Human Genome Project. The conference offers a range of workshops and lectures for high school and community college educators, as well as full-time students.
The symposium brings together experts to discuss whether it's possible to prevent malaria without harming mosquito diversity. The event follows an online debate about finding cures for drug-resistant forms of the disease.
The winners, Christine Jacobs, James E. Brownell, Georg Halder, and Mitsuharu Hattori, have made groundbreaking discoveries in bacterial resistance, genetic function regulation, eye development, and brain development research. They will receive $5,000 each plus a grand prize of $20,000.
The symposium will focus on functional genomics, gene delivery, bioinformatics, and therapeutic strategies for complex diseases. The event features renowned speakers discussing transplantation strategies and improvements in recovery after central nervous system injury.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University aim to extend the lifetime of biotech lab cells by stopping their suicidal impulses. By understanding the genetic path that leads to apoptosis, scientists can apply
Most young molecular biologists (91%) are satisfied with their career choice despite facing challenges in the field. They believe effective gene therapy and a cure for AIDS will be significant breakthroughs in the next decade.