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BioTechCircle News®
November 2010
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You can now follow our comments and updates on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BioTechCircle
See all previous issues at Archives
In this articles section: links to 91 free Web articles in 15 major categories.
The major categories are in alphabetical order and further subdivided to make it easy for you to locate news and developments in technology, the business and the markets in the life science areas of interest to you.
Here are the major categories. Click on the category title to go directly to that section.
Agri-Biotech (12 articles)
Biobusiness Management (7 articles)
Clinical Trials (2 articles)
Diagnostic Tools (1 article)
Drug Delivery (1 article)
Industry (6 articles)
Investments/Government Support (1 article)
Novel Applications (2 articles)
People Profiles (2 articles)
Personalized Medicine (1 article)
Platform Technologies (14 articles)
Research Advancements (28 articles)
Research Tools (8 articles)
Strategic Relationships (5 articles)
Therapeutic Category (1 article)
For a brief explanation of how we categorize the articles, please see "Express Guide to Monthly Web Articles at: http://www.techmanage.net/expressguide_articles
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Subcategory: Animal
Stephen K. Ritter; Chemimical & Engineering News (15-Nov-10)
White-nose syndrome has killed more than 1 million hibernating bats in caves
and abandoned mines in the U.S. during the past 4 years. Called the worst
die-off of wildlife in North American history. Bats consume lots of insects,
help polinate crops.
Bees Capable of Solving Complex Mathematical Problem
Wellcome Trust (29-Oct-10)
It is known that bees travel between plants in a pre-planned order - known as
'traplining'. Researchers show that bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) learn the
shortest routes between the patches, effectively solve the 'travelling salesman
Subcategory: Biomanufacturing
Antonio Regaldo; Technology Review (20-Oct-10)
Slow-moving US project to manufacture anti-diarrhea medicine from
transgenic goat milk gets started in Brazil, where it is receiving heavy
government funding. US Anti-biotech sentiment may be pushing some
biotechnologies toward the developing world.
Subcategory: Crops
No Seat at the Table: Groups Back Out of Sustainable Agriculture Standards
BIOtechNOW (01-Nov-10)
Several organizations contributing to the Leonardo Academy’s initiative to
establish an American National Standards Institute sustainable agriculture
standard have withdrawn from the effort, will try to establish standard in a
different context.
Melody Voith; Chemical & Engineering News (08-Nov-10)
Improved survival during germination of today's seeds due to specialty seed
treatments that protect the seed in the cold and damp, giving an even higher
stand and yield. Tailored combinations of fungicides, insecticides, and
Sarah Everts; Chemical & Engineering News (29-Oct-10)
An ion channel, called SLAC1, that helps open and close pores in the leaf
epidermis of plants, shows a never-before-seen protein fold; may one day be
useful for breeding or engineering plants that can better survive in arid
Subcategory: Drug Discovery
More than just a Pretty Flower
Anne Trafton; MIT News (04-Nov-10)
The periwinkle plant, Catharanthus roseus, produces several compounds with
medicinal properties, including the anticancer drug vinblastine. Plant
biosynthetic mechanisms can easily make a whole range of different iterations
Subcategory: Energy/ Fuel
Low-cost Thermoacoustic Co-generator for Biomass-burning Cook Stoves
Paul J. Montgomery, Jr. and Dr. Steven L. Garrett; Acoustical Society of America (09-Nov-10)
Describes a low-cost electrical power generation system for fan-enhanced
biomass burning cook stoves in areas of the developing world that
significantly reduces exposure to smoke from traditional cookstoves.
Algae Biofuel Business Won’t Bloom Soon
Steven E.F. Brown; San Francisco Business Times (02-Nov-10)
While some companies have scored successes growing algae in closed labs, the
know-how to grow strains that are stable “under outdoor conditions, while
achieving both high productivities and oil content, is still to be developed,”
Subcategory: Environment
The Lifeblood of Leaves: Vein Networks Control Plant Patterns
Shelley Littin; University of Arizona (16-Nov-10)
Leaf vein patterns correlate with functions such as carbon intake and water
use. Knowledge could help scientists better understand the complex carbon
cycle that is at the heart of global climate warming.
Subcategory: Microorganisms
Denise Brehm; MIT News (02-Nov-10)
Ocean micro-organisms are shown to behave like larger animals in the presence
of sulfur. Some microbes ingest the sulfur, convert it and pass it back into the
ocean in altered form, keeping the chemical moving through Earth’s sulfur
Subcategory: Miscellaneous
Mechanism of Self/Non-self Recognition between Pollen and Pistil in
Teh-hui Kao; Penn State (01-Nov-10)
Self-incompatibility (SI) prevents inbreeding and promotes out-crossing in
plants. Presents a protein-degradation model for testing. Valuable for
understanding many cellular and developmental processes relating to
regulation of protein degradation.
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Subcategory: Bioethics
When All Else Fails, Lower Your Standards
PharmPro (18-Oct-10)
The pharma industry makes a promise to its healthcare professionals and
patients every time it establishes a product specification, writes mystery
blogger. Gives specifics of companies receiving FDA warning letters about
Subcategory: Energy/ Fuel
Methane-powered Laptops may Be Closer than You Think
Caroline Perry; Harvard School of Engineering 16-Nov-10
On the go? As methane begins to take over hydrogen as the fuel of choice for
fuel cells, the advances in temperature, reliability, and affordability should
continue to reinforce each other to power portable electronics in the future.
Subcategory: Government/ Approvals
Obama Signs Drug Disposal Act into Law
PharmPro (16-Oct-10)
New legislation establishes legal structure for drug take-back; president also
signed update to anti-methamphetamine law. Bill called “an important step in
addressing the alarming rise in prescription drug abuse.”
A New Path: FDA Holds Hearing on Biosimilars
Stephanie Fischer; BIOtechNOW (16-Nov-10)
Implementing the right pathway for approval of biosimilars is essential to
expanding access to biologics, among the most powerful cutting-edge
medicines being produced. Need to prioritize patient safety and future biotech
DOJ Charges Former Glaxo Lawyer with Obstruction
Matthew Perrone; PharmPro (09-Nov-10)
Drug companies are prohibited from promoting drugs for uses not approved
by the FDA. Notes that companies will not curb illegal marketing tactics until
executives are threatened with prison; fines are often just a fraction of a
Subcategory: Patent/Intellectual Property Issues
Intellectual Property Law and Employees
Lew Gould, Kristina A. Caggiano and Gretchen Temeles; Business Week (16-Nov-10)
Overly controlling a company's ownership of the intellectual product of its
employees can stifle the creativity of the workforce responsible for
innovation. Employment contracts can provide for royalty payments for
Glenn Hess; Chemical & Engineering News (08-Nov-10)
More than 20% of the genes in the human genome are now patented. In recent
legal brief, US Patent Office now contends that isolating a DNA molecule,
without further alteration or manipulation, does not change its nature.
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Subcategory: Cell Therapy
Clinical Trial To Use Stem Cells To Battle Blindness
Red Orbit (22-Nov-10)
Biotech firm Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) will use stem cells to treat
individuals suffering from Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy, a degenerative
condition affecting the part of the retina where incoming light rays are
Subcategory: Immunology/ Infectious Diseases
NIH Funds Four Clinical Trials to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 19-Oct-10
New clinical trials to evaluate treatment alternatives for diseases for which
antibiotics are prescribed most often, including acute otitis media (middle ear
infections), community-acquired pneumonia, diseases caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
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Subcategory: Immunology/ Infectious Diseases
Rapid, Low-cost Test for Multidrug-resistant TB Gains WHO Endorsement
Wellcome Trust (15-Nov-10)
Microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) test delivers results
within 2 weeks for less than $3/test. Should ensure that people with TB are
identified, treated earlier, reducing both severity of their disease and chances
of infecting others.
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Subcategory: Nanotechnology
What Happens When You Breathe In Nanoparticles
Jennifer Chu; Technology Review (16-Nov-10)
Researchers watch fluorescent nanoparticles move through the respiratory
system,from the lungs to the bloodstream, an advance that could lead to
better drugs, help researchers understand how pollution can cause respiratory
problems.
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Subcategory: Clinical Trials
Report: Asia Pacific Pharma Companies Turning to High-Risk, High-Reward
PharmPro (03-Nov-10)
Global figures for clinical trial recruitment show a dramatic shift away from
the US, toward Asia Pacific. The number of new molecules in development
by generic companies, particularly in India, reflects a strong inclination to
Subcategory: Databases
AT&T Setting Up Health Care Division
Peter Svensson; Drug Discovery & Development (04-Nov-10)
When industry adopts electronic medical records, doctor's visits by
video-conferencing and wireless gadgets like remote glucose monitors, AT&T
(the largest telecommunications company in the U.S.) wants to have a
Subcategory: Educational Issues
Sarah Everts; Chemical & Engineering News (08-Nov-10)
A group of chemists has established a degree branding system: Eurobachelor,
Euromaster, Eurodoctorate. Sets standards for chemistry education that
students, teachers, and employers around the world can easily understand.
Subcategory: Genotyping
SNP Chip Tests Can Mislead Customers About Cancer Risks
Jocelyn Kaiser; Science (05-Nov-10)
Researchers agree that family history is still the gold standard for assessing a
person's cancer risk: It remains to be seen whether current SNP tests actually
add any value," according to medical cancer geneticists.
Subcategory: Miscellaneous
'Dance Your Ph.D. 2010' Winner Announced
John Bohannon; Science (19-Oct-10)
Researcher on designer molecules beat out the best Ph.D. dances from
physics, biology, and the social sciences. See the the dance of amino acid
homocysteine (an indicator of cardiovascular disease in blood samples).
Selection of a DNA Aptamer for Homocysteine Using SELEX
Maureen McKeague; Vimeo (29-Oct-10)
Winning video of the 2010 "Dance Your PhD" contest. See announcement at
Gonzo Labs: http://gonzolabs.org/dance/
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Subcategory: Oncology
Cancer GWAS and Data Analysis Grant Program
Drug Discovery & Development (09-Nov-10)
Cancer GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Study) and Data Analysis Grant
program supports cutting-edge projects that show promise in identifying
genetic elements important to cancer research and treatment. Eligibility for
participants worldwide.
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Subcategory: Environment
Mammal's Urine May Help Solve Past Climate Secrets
Andrea Leontiou; Live Science (25-Oct-10)
Once expelled from the body of a rock hyrax, the urine crystallizes and builds
up in stratified accumulations known as middens, which scientists can then
examine. Hyrax urine preserves organic matter over timescales of tens of
Subcategory: Prescription
Technology Review (01-Nov-10)
Smart plastic cap helps patients take medication when they are supposed to.
Can be fitted to standard prescription bottles, flashes and plays a ringtone
when it's time to take a dose. Ability to send reports to family, physicians.
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Subcategory: Educational Issues
Jyllian N. Kemsley; Chemical & Engineering News (08-Nov-10)
MacArthur Fellow makes high school physics education (engineering,
computer science, and robotics, as well as physics) more creative and
accessible. Students (50% are girls) order parts as well as machine them.
Wants to broaden perception of engineering.
Subcategory: Genomics
Lander’s Lessons Ten Years after the Human Genome Project:
Kevin Davies; Bio-IT World (03-Nov-10)
Describes "startling comparisons" of geneticists’ knowledge around the time
of the HGP (Human Genome Project) in 2000 and today. Challenges ahead:
clinical interventions, clinical testing, regulatory approval and widespread
adoption.
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Subcategory: Miscellaneous
Personal Genomics Tests Prompt Lifestyle Changes
Peter Aldhous; New Scientist (05-Nov-10)
Could a small dose of genetic information cure complacency about weight loss
and exercise? 34% of respondents say they're more careful about their diet,
14% say they're doing more exercise, and 16%changed their medications or
dietary supplements.
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Subcategory: Cell Lines
Sarah Everts; Chemical & Engineering News (22-Nov-10)
Stem cells grew best on the monolayers that present two particular peptides:
one called RGD for arginine-glycine-aspartic acid and a novel sequence from
the protein heparin. The new bed supports 8 different pluripotent stem cell
lines for 203 months.
Subcategory: Cell Therapy
Specialized Blood Vessels Jumpstart and Sustain Organ Regeneration
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (10-Nov-10)
The endothelium is the innermost layer of blood vessels. They have been
found to release growth factors that direct bone marrow stem cells to multiply
and differentiate into different types of blood cells.
Gene Therapy for Metastatic Melanoma in Mice Produces Complete Remission,
Indiana University (18-Nov-10)
A modified lentivirus is used to introduce a potent anti-melanoma T cell
receptor gene into the hematopoietic stem cells of mice. Results in a new host
immune system and the complete elimination of tumor.
Subcategory: Drug Discovery
Scripps Research Scientists Devise Broad New Technique for Screening Protein
Mika Ono; Scripps Research Institute (15-Nov-10)
Method enables scientists to take a sample of cells, locate the sites on their
proteins that have a certain kind of biochemical reactivity, and measure the
degree of that reactivity. May have broad applications in basic research and
Subcategory: Epigenetics
Fly Stem Cells on a Diet: Salk Scientists Discovered how Stem Cells Respond to
Maja Gawronska; Salk Institute (04-Nov-10)
Stem cells can sense a decrease in available nutrients, retain small pool of
active stem cells for tissue maintenance. When, or if, favorable conditions
return, stem cell numbers multiply to accommodate increased demands on the
Subcategory: Forensics
Study Details Technique that Helps Seal Convictions for HIV Infection
Ben Wermund; Statesman.com (15-Nov-10)
When someone is infected with HIV, a single virus becomes an ancestor to a
population of viruses that evolves quickly within the person over time.
Technique traces changes in a virus, draws a "family tree" that could be traced
Subcategory: Genomics
Difference in Gene Numbers Responsible for Wide Variations in the Human
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (29-Oct-10)
Research shows that the human genome changes constantly; duplicate
sequences are among the fastest evolving regions. Variability affects many
genes that play a critical role in brain development, may help undertand
evolution, disease development.
1000 Genomes Project Publishes most Comprehensive Map to Date of Human
Wellcome Trust (28-Oct-10)
Researchers produce map using next-generation DNA sequencing technologies
to systematically characterize human genetic variation (approximately 95%
of all human variation) in 180 people during 3 pilot studies. Descriptive video.
Subcategory: Materials
Radically Simple Technique Developed to Grow Conducting Polymer Thin Films
Mike Rodewald; UCLA (01-Nov-10)
Method for coating large surfaces with nanofiber thin films that are both
transparent and electrically conductive uses vigorous agitation of water, dense
oil and polymer nanofibers. Agitation causes it to create a film over virtually
Subcategory: Proteomics
Celia Arnaud; Chemical & Engineering News (29-Nov-10)
Understanding protein properties requires understanding them in cell-like
dense conditions, because crowding affects a number of protein
characteristics, including structure, function, and activity. Arnaud reviews
Elusive Enzyme Species Trapped
Stu Borman and Jyllian Kemsley; Chemical & Engineering News (15-Nov-10)
P450 monooxygenase study: workings of enzymes that play a critical role in
nutrient, drug metabolism. DNA-repair dioxygenase study: a process playing
a major role in epigenetic gene programming, conditions such as obesity &
Researchers Could Use Plant's Light Switch to Control Cells
Duke University (31-Oct-10)
Light-responsive plant proteins inserted into mammal cells give scientists a
switch to control how cells function. Potential to control cell growth or death,
grow new tissue, deliver doses of medication directly to diseased cells.
Structure of a Protein Related to Heart and Nervous System Health Revealed
e! Science News (16-Nov-10)
Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) uses vitamin B6 to make hydrogen sulfide
(H2S), a gaseous signaling molecule that helps maintain a healthy heart and
nervous system. New information provides greater understanding of
homocystinuria-causing mutations.
Scripps Research Scientists Identify First Synthetic Activator of Two Critical
Scripps Research Institute (19-Nov-10)
Novel synthetic activator identified of 2 proteins belonging to a protein family
playing key roles in human metabolism and immune function. Could provide
new, more effective therapeutic approaches to diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis.
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Subcategory: Genomics
Rare Genetic Disorder Highlights Importance of Selenium
Wellcome Trust (16-Nov-10)
Study individuals were found to have a particular variant of the gene
SECISBP2 which meant that their bodies were unable to produce most of the
25 known human selenoproteins. Developed disorders such as male infertility
Subcategory: Geriatrics
Aging Commonly Leads to Brain Bleeding
Laboratory Equipment 09-Nov-10
Cerebral microbleeds are highly prevalent in the aging brain, and not primarily
products of stroke-related injury, hypertension or neurodegenerative diseases
such as Alzheimer’s. How they might affect intellectual and neurological
Omega-3 Pills Fail to Work in Alzheimer's Patients
Lindsey Tanner; PharmPro (03-Nov-10)
"There is no basis for recommending DHA supplementation for patients with
Alzheimer disease," study authors conclude. Starting treatment after
symptoms appear may be too late, as underlying causes begins years or
Chemical Biologists Discover New Characteristic of Progeria Protein Linked to
Stevens Institute of Technology (15-Nov-10)
Describes discovery of Werner Helicase Interacting Protein 1 (WHIP)
interacting within the NPC (nuclear pore complexes) autonomous of Werner
protein. This unexpected relationship suggests WHIP's potential for detecting
genetic damage.
Scientists Identify One Cause Of Damage In Alzheimer's Disease And Find A
Susan Brown; University of California San Diego (10-Nov-10)
Study shows that a protein superstructure called amyloid beta disrupts one of
the brain’s anti-oxidant proteins and demonstrates a way to protect that
protein, and perhaps others, from amyloid’s harmful effects.
Subcategory: Immunology/ Infectious Diseases
Immunovaccine Signs Agreement With National Research Council to Evaluate
PharmPro (18-Oct-10)
Carbohydrate antigens are generally poorly immunogenic when used in
vaccines. Collaboration's objective is to design a carbohydrate-based vaccine
that can produce significant antibody levels and capable of neutralizing
Wild Scottish Sheep could Help Explain Differences in Immunity
Kitta MacPherson; Princeton University (28-Oct-10)
Sheep's susceptibility to infection may give new insight into why some
people get sicker than others when exposed to the same illness. Answer may
lie in deep-rooted differences in how animals survive and reproduce in the
New Sensor Derived from Frogs May Fight Bacteria and Save Wildlife
Chris Emery; Princeton University (19-Oct-10)
In the wild, the African clawed frog produces antibacterial peptides on its skin
to protect it from infection. Researchers attach these peptides to a small
electronic chip that emits an electrical signal when exposed to harmful
Antibody Locks up West Nile's Infection Mechanism
Emil Venere; Purdue News (02-Nov-10)
Describes crosslinking structure that results when an antibody binds to the
West Nile virus. It neutralizes the virus by locking up its infection
mechanism.Could help scientists develop a vaccine against the
Scripps Research Team "Watches" Formation of Cells' Protein Factories For
Mika Ono; Scripps Research Institute (29-Oct-10)
Pictures of formation of cells’ “protein factories” could open help
development of antibiotics, treatments for diseases tied to errors in ribosome
formation. Can also be applied to other complex challenges in understanding
X-Ray Research Paves the Way for Lassa Fever Vaccine
University of St Andrews 18-Nov-10
Structure uncovered of a key protein from the Lassa virus, endemic to West
Africa and can cause deadly hemorrhagic fever. Reveals how virus evades its
host's immune system, hijacks infected cells' vital machinery in a process
called "cap-stealing".
Subcategory: Metabolism: Obesity, Diabetes
Study Confirms Gene Link to Obesity
Wellcome Trust (16-Nov-10)
Over-activity of a gene called FTO leads to over-eating and obesity in mice.
The findings suggest that the gene could be a promising target for developing
anti-obesity drugs that decrease the gene’s activity.
Subcategory: Musculoskeletal
Tufts University (05-Oct-10)
Older tadpoles can regenerate a severed tail, including spinal cord; key
component to the regenerative response are sodium ions in a drug "cocktail."
Finding could lead to new treatments for older humans suffering from wounds
Subcategory: Nanotechnology
Study Tracks Benefit, Risk of Nanoinvaders
Carolyn Y. Johnson; Boston.com (08-Nov-10)
Scientists deposit a wide variety of nanoparticles in rat lungs, use imaging
techniques to track their movement into the tissue, bloodstream. Aim: basic
criteria for understanding which particles rapidly make their way into the
Subcategory: Neurology
Front-Brain Activity Tied to Genetics, Autism
Nadia Ramlagan; American Association for the Advancement of Science (04-Nov-10)
The language and cognitive difficulties often seen in autism may be caused in
part by an overly connected frontal lobe within the brain. A gene called
CNTNAP2 is responsible for wiring neurons in the front of the brain, may
Research Reveals Key Molecular Players in the Erasure of Fear Memories
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (28-Oct-20)
New research in mice suggests that manipulating a single molecule, a specific
receptor called calcium permeable AMPA, might help eliminate fears that
Natural Compound Shows Promise against Huntington's Disease
Salk Institute (15-Nov-10)
Fisetin, a naturally occurring compound found in strawberries and other fruits
and vegetables, slows the onset of motor problems and delays death in three
models of Huntington's disease. For those in early stages or are
presymptomatic, fisetin might help.
Rett Syndrome Mobilizes Jumping Genes in the Brain
Salk Institute (17-Nov-10)
A mutation in the MeCP2 gene mobilizes so-called L1 retrotransposons in
brain cells, reshuffling their genomes. Sheds new light on the complexity of
molecular events that underlie psychiatric disorders such as autism and
Decoding the Disease that Perplexes: Salk Scientists Discover New Target for
Salk Institute (25-Oct-10)
Connection discovered between 2 ion channels, which, when misaligned, can
cause multiple sclerosis symptoms. Ratio of densities between the sodium
channel and voltage-insensitive potassium current determines whether neurons
Scripps Research Scientists Find Nerve Cell Activity Drains Stem Cell Pool in
Scripps Research Institute (05-Nov-10)
As the newly formed nerve cells in babies start firing electrical signals, slowing
down stem cell division, emptyies out the stem cell pool in favor of nerve cell
formation.Implications for replacing brain cells that are damaged or lost.
The Pericyte Becomes a Player in Alzheimer’s, Other Neurodegenerative
University of Rochester (17-Nov-10)
Pericytes ensheath the smallest blood vessels in the brain, wrapping around
capillaries like ivy wrapping around a pipe and helping to maintain the
structural integrity of the vessels. Help maintain barrier that stops toxic
substances from reaching brain.
Electric Brain Stimulation Improves Maths Performance
Wellcome Trust (05-Nov-10)
Applying electrical stimulation to the brain can enhance a person’s
mathematical abilities for up to 6 months. Those who received stimulation
from the right to the left parietal lobe reached a high level of performance,
other direction decreased ability.
Origin of Cells Associated with Nerve Repair Discovered
Wellcome Trust (22-Nov-10)
Scientists have discovered the origin of a unique type of cell, olfactory
ensheathing cells (OECs), that can help the central nervous system regenerate.
This may allow more of these cells to be produced, used to repair spinal cord injuries.
Subcategory: Oncology
Prostate Cancer's Multiple Personalities Revealed
Cornell University (03-Nov-10)
Researchers identify secondary mutations that cause some types of prostate
cancer cells to be lethal. Should lead to better tests for prostate cancer, more
specific and individualized therapy for prostate cancers that are likely to
Cambridge Scientists Find Cause of Immune Failure
Drug Discovery & Development (03-Nov-10)
A type of stromal cell, found in many cancers which express fibroblast
activation protein alpha (FAP), suppresses the immune response in cancerous
tumors. If destroyed, immune system can work to control
previously-uncontrolled tumor.
Anne Trafton; MIT News (09-Nov-10)
Slowing down a specific system for tolerating DNA damage in cancer cells
prolongs the lives of the mice and prevents relapsed tumors from becoming
resistant to chemotherapy, making tumors much less likely to spread to other
Bioelectrical Signals Turn Stem Cells' Progeny Cancerous
Tufts University (19-Oct-10)
A change in membrane voltage in newly identified "instructor cells" can cause
stem cells' descendants to trigger melanoma-like growth in pigment cells.
Discovery could aid in prevention, treatment of cancer, vitiligo, birth defects.
Study Shows Great Genetic Variation in Pancreatic Cancer
Wellcome Trust (09-Nov-10)
Pancreatic cancer kills 97%-98% of people within 5 years of diagnosis; it
often exhibits no symptoms, and thus is only diagnosed when at an advanced
stage. Ability to identify, understand early mutations may lead to discovery
of new drug targets.
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Subcategory: Computing Systems
Lauren Wolf; Chemical & Engineering News (01-Nov-10)
Designed for video games, Graphics Processing Units bring once-impossible
simulations within reach for chemists.Hardware responsible for 3-D images in
games now used to carry out classical molecular dynamics simulations.
Asking Any Question Of All Your Data
Tom White; Forbes.com (08-Nov-10)
A new style of data management is emerging, where all the data available is
stored without enforcing a pre-defined data structure, and kept online for any
question to be asked. Called schema on read, it uses the open source Apache
Why China's New Supercomputer Is Only Technically the World's Fastest
Christopher Mims; Technology Review (08-Nov-10)
Compting speed is the number of petaflops (as in floating point operations
per second) that the "world's fastest" supercomputer can chew through at its
peak performance. But peak performance doesn't equal sustained
Subcategory: Forensics
Sniffing out Shoe Bombs: A New and Simple Sensor for Explosive Chemicals
Liz Ahlberg; University of Illinois (19-Oct-10)
Triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is a high-powered explosive that in recent
years has been used in several bombing attempts. Describes a colorimetric
sensor array that can quantitatively detect even very low levels of TATP
vapor, down to 2 parts/billion.
Subcategory: Imaging
Yeast Ribosome Structure Solved
Jyllian N. Kemsley; Chemical & Engineering News (29-Nov-10)
Scientists are now getting a new, more detailed look at the machinery that
translates the genetic code into proteins in all living cells. Could help develop
drugs to treat eukaryotic pathogens such as parasites and other human
How Brain Imaging Could Help Predict Alzheimer's
Emily Singer; Technology Review (19-Nov-10)
Brain imaging identified changes in the brains of people with mild dementia
who would go on to develop Alzheimer's: significant thinning in 3 connected
areas of the cortex involved in memory, attention, integration of sensor and
Subcategory: Immunology/ Infectious Diseases
New Way of Predicting Dominant Seasonal Flu Strain
Rice University (15-Nov-10)
Mathematical method requires no animal tests, better predicts flu-vaccine
targets, can predict whether strains will become dominant as little as 2 weeks
after the sequence first appears in the GenBank database.
Subcategory: Neurology
Sensor Detects Emotions through the Skin
Kristina Grifantini; Technology Review (26-Oct-10)
When autistic children get stressed, they often don't show it. Instead their
tension might build until they have a meltdown, which can result in aggression
toward others, self-injury. Worn on a wristband, sensor could help caregivers
anticipate problems.
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Subcategory: Collaboration
Miles O'Brien; Science Nation (18-Oct-10)
Scientist turns to prisons for people to help research on prairie plants. It's a
win-win situation: scientists get a reliable staff of long-term research
collaborators and inmates get a job that beats stamping out license plates.
Call for Sector to Unite behind Open Access
Wellcome Trust (20-Oct-10)
Ten leading organisations from the higher education and research sectors have
joined forces to drive forward the implementation of open access in the UK.
Substantial gains for both researchers and research institutions anticipated.
Subcategory: Databases
Allison Proffitt Bio-IT World
Researchers at Translational Research Excellence, held in Brisbane, encouraged
one another to share raw data, analyses, and clinical findings to further
research and enable advances in medicine. Describes BioGrid project.
Subcategory: Public/ Private Partnerships
Lisa M. Jarvis; Chemical & Engineering News (08-Nov-10)
Pfizer's 5-year, $22.5 million agreement with Washington University in St.
Louis allows faculty to access data on hundreds of Pfizer compounds that had
either failed in the clinic or were in ongoing studies. Hope is to generate new
Pfizer Launches Academic Network
Lisa M. Jarvis; Chemical & Engineering News (16-Nov-20)
Pfizer is forming a broad network of academic collaborators to accelerate the
translation of basic science into biologics-based therapeutics. 7 or 8 partners
expected from US, Europe, Asia in Global Centers for Therapeutic
Innovation (CTI).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subcategory: Oncology
Cancer Stem Cells Can’t Stand the Heat
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (02-Nov-10)
5,000-year old Egyptian papyrus depicts the use of heat against breast cancer.
Extraordinary radiation-resistance among tumor stem cells can be dramatically
lowered by hyperthermia, which makes tumor cells more susceptible to
radiation therapy.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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