Month: January 2012
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Prototype Livestock Device Cuts Pollutants, Energy Use
Researchers from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, West Virginia University in Morgantown, and University of Maryland in College Park have developed a new technology that can lower harmful emissions from some chicken and swine barns, and reduce energy use by recovering heat. The authors published their findings in the December 2011 issue of the…
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Standards Proposed for Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Integrity
The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is proposing a set of recommended best practices to help ensure supply chain integrity, and reduce the risks of counterfeit or mishandled medicines. USP released the draft standards for comment in advance of a workshop on supply chain integrity at its headquarters in Rockville, Maryland on 22-23 May 2012. Supply…
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U.S. Patent Granted for Anti-Microbial Polymer Technology
Quick-Med Technologies Inc. in Gainesville, Florida says it has received a patent for its process that combines disinfectant and polymer to apply anti-microbial properties to surfaces, including human skin. Patent number 8,088,400, awarded on 3 January 2012 by the U.S. Patent and Tradmark Office, covers the company’s solution with opposite-charged polymers built into its line…
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Stem Cells to be Produced for Research in Muscle Disorders
BioTime Inc. in Alameda, California says it will market to researchers progenitors of muscle stem cells bearing hereditary diseases. The company says it will produce the cells from five human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines provided by Reproductive Genetics Institute (RGI) in Chicago. The cell lines will display the genes for six hereditary muscle diseases:…
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Cellulosic Biomass Sugars Developer Gains BASF Backing
Renmatix Inc., a developer of biofuel sugars from cellulosic feedstocks in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, has secured a $50 million investment round led by German chemical manufacturer BASF. The BASF subsidiary, BASF Biorenewable Beteiligungs GmbH, contributed $30 million to the investment round, joined by new and existing investors. Renmatix has devised a technology platform called…
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FDA Approves Pneumococcal Disease Vaccine for Older Adults
At the end of December, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine Prevnar 13 for people ages 50 years and older to prevent pneumonia and invasive disease caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae). The drug is manufactured by the Wyeth Pharmaceuticals division of Pfizer Inc. Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused when…
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Fewer Venture-Backed Companies Gain Liquidity, Get More Cash
Dow Jones VentureSource says in 2011 fewer U.S. companies backed by venture capital gained liquidity than in 2010, but those companies that left start-up status raised a good deal more capital in the process. The venture capital industry research service reports the 522 mergers, acquisitions, buyouts, and initial public offerings (IPOs) represent a 14 percent…
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Challenge Seeks Combat Emergency Rescue Device
A new challenge on InnoCentive calls for a concept and design of a device that enables a rescuer to quickly and safely transport an injured person away from a combat site. The contest has a prize of $15,000 and a deadline of 28 February 2012. InnoCentive in Waltham, Massachusetts is a company that conducts open-innovation…