Bioinformatics News: bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, microarray, etc.

Strand Seeks Beta Testers for Version 1.0 of its Next-Gen Sequencing Software
When it comes to recruiting beta testers for Strand Life Science’s upcoming next-generation sequence analysis software, Thon de Boer, director of software product management for Strand, says, “the more, the merrier.” (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:09:53 -0700)

Precision Therapeutics, Inc. Named to Pittsburgh Business Times 2010 Top 100
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Precision Therapeutics ranked first place as an industry leader in the health care division and third place across all industries on the Pittsburgh Business Times Top 100 list, which identifies the area's fastest-growing, privately held companies. With a growth rate of 847% since 2007, Precision has become an industry leader in personalized cancer therapy by ... (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:15:54 -0700)

Organic Strawberries Have More Antioxidants And Vitamin C But Less Potassium And Phosphorus
Organic strawberries were found to have more vitamin C and antioxidants than non-organic ones, and they also had a nicer taste, but are 13.4% smaller and have considerably lower levels of dietary minerals potassium and phosphorous, according to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal PloS One. As consumers, we are usually willing to pay a bit more for organic produce for reasons of ... (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:41:31 -0700)

$3.3M in grants to improve soil, plant breeding in Africa
Two Cornell-based research projects -- one that boosts the soil-building effects of biochar for plants and another that harnesses genomics technology to accelerate maize and sorghum breeding in Africa by three-to-four times -- have each been given more than $1.6 million in grants. (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:33:03 -0700)

Serendipity contributes to MRSA susceptibility findings
( Duke University Medical Center ) Duke University Medical Center researchers have found two genes in mice which might help identify why some people are more susceptible than others to potentially deadly staph infections. (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:32:09 -0700)

You say, 'bio-math,' I say, 'math-bio': Crossing science education divide
The old joke is a joke no more. In new research, the adage that biology is for science students who don't do math is laid to rest forever. "Bio-math" or "math-bio" is the future for students of both disciplines, say the contributors of seven essays and 17 research articles on new ways to integrate mathematical thinking into biology education and vice versa. (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:22:38 -0700)

Team discovers new type of anti-malarial compound
( Scripps Research Institute ) An international team led by scientists from the Scripps Research Institute, the Swiss Tropical Institute, the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation and the Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases has discovered a promising new drug candidate that represents a new class of drug to treat malaria. Clinical trials for the compound are planned for ... (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:16:48 -0700)

Promising new one-dose malaria drug discovered
Researchers have discovered a promising new malaria drug with the potential to treat resistant strains of the deadly disease in a single dose, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Science. (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:05:50 -0700)

Microsoft Excel-Based Algorithm Predicts Cancer Prognosis
Using readily available computer programs, researchers have developed a system to identify genes that will be useful in the classification of breast cancer. The algorithm, described in BioMed Central's open access Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research will enable researchers to quickly generate valuable gene signatures without specialized software or extensive bioinformatics ... (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:23:10 -0700)

Genomics clarifies future plans
REFERRING to the article "Malaysian Genomics to raise RM18.5 million" published yesterday, Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd's future plans will see it introducing new services frequently used in DNA sequencing applications and the development of proprietary genome databanks, and not "...news services..." as stated. The error is regretted. (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:45:45 -0700)

Research and Markets: Electrospray and MALDI Mass Spectrometry: Fundamentals, Instrumentation, Practicalities, and ...
DUBLIN----Research and Markets has announced the addition of John Wiley and Sons Ltd's new book "Electrospray and MALDI Mass Spectrometry: Fundamentals, Instrumentation, Practicalities, and Biological Applications, 2nd Edition" to their offering. (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 -0700)

BGSU team works on gene research
A group of Bowling Green State University researchers is immersed in a project that expands the knowledge base about genes. Their work translates existing information into a form that tells biologists more about the organisms they study. Funded by a four-year, $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Neocles Leontis, a professor of chemistry; Dr. Craig Zirbel, an associate ... (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:49:26 -0700)

Breast Cancer Prognosis Prediction Tool: Microsoft Excel-Based Algorithm
Using readily available computer programs, researchers have developed a system to identify genes that will be useful in the classification of breast cancer. The algorithm, described in BioMed Central's open access Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research will enable researchers to quickly generate valuable gene signatures without specialized software or extensive bioinformatics ... (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:44:22 -0700)

In vitro HDRA improves survival, prognosis of patients with NSCLC: Study
Chemotherapy is the best broad defense against cancer recurrence after surgical resection. However, it is difficult to predict which patients will benefit from which regimen of anticancer drugs, if at all. Building on existing knowledge, a study published in the September edition of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, analyzed the usefulness of adjuvant chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer ... (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:42:22 -0700)

Radiation Oncology Services Of America, Inc. To Work With Washington University On Quality Assurance Initiative
Radiation Oncology Services of America, Inc. (ROSA), a subsidiary of Ambulatory Services of America, Inc. (ASA), announced that it has entered into an agreement with the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine to embark on a Cooperative Quality Assurance Project. In this project, the Washington University Department of Radiation Oncology will ... (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:28:02 -0700)

Breast cancer classification algorithm to identify 20 gene signature developed using Microsoft Excel
Using readily available computer programs, researchers have developed a system to identify genes that will be useful in the classification of breast cancer. The algorithm, described in BioMed Central's open access Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research will enable researchers to quickly generate valuable gene signatures without specialized software or extensive bioinformatics training. (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:42:42 -0700)

Microsoft Excel-based Algorithm Predicts Cancer Prognosis
Using readily available computer programs, researchers have developed a system to identify genes that will be useful in the classification of breast cancer. The algorithm, described in BioMed Central's open access Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research will enable researchers to quickly generate valuable gene signatures without specialized software or extensive bioinformatics ... (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:42:21 -0700)

Rosetta Genomics to Host Second Quarter 2010 Conference Call on Wednesday, September 8, 2010
REHOVOT, Israel & PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tests, today announced that the Company will release financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, after the market closes on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. Kenneth A. Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer, and ... (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:15:35 -0700)

Rosetta Genomics to Host Second Quarter 2010 Conference Call on Wednesday, September 8, 2010
REHOVOT, Israel & PHILADELPHIA----Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. , a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tests, today announced that the Company will release financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, after the market closes on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:00:00 -0700)

TGen researchers use RNAi-based screening to study Ewing's sarcoma
The first study of Ewing's sarcoma that screened hundreds of genes based on how they affect cell growth has identified two potential anti-cancer drug targets, according to a scientific paper by the Translational Genomics Research Institute published this month in the journal Molecular Cancer. (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:42:12 -0700)

Cellerant Therapeutics signs contract with BARDA to develop CLT-008 therapy for ARS
Cellerant Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company developing novel hematopoietic stem cell-based cellular and antibody therapies for blood disorders and cancer, announced today that it has signed a contract valued at up to $153 million over five years with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response ... (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:27:32 -0700)

MIRACLE project to develop lab-on-chip system for diagnosing cancer
Today, at the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference in Buenos Aires (Argentina), imec and its project partners announce the launch of the European Seventh Framework Project MIRACLE. The MIRACLE project aims at developing an operational lab-on-chip for the isolation and detection of circulating and disseminated tumor cells in blood. (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:28:34 -0700)

High-Resolution Mass Spec Photo Holds Promise for Heart Disease Treatment
With a combination of chemical labeling and mass spectrometry, a team of researchers from Oxford University and Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics took the first high-resolution picture of the open state of a potassium ion channel. (Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:09:53 -0700)

Gulf Shores teacher hits lab for studies
Special to The IslanderStaff report HUNTSVILLE – Lynn Lowell of Gulf Shores High School is one of 16 teachers striving to bring the latest in genetics and genomics education to Alabama classrooms. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:17:53 -0700)

Golden Helix Partners With CloudScientific To Provide Genetic Analysis Software In China
Golden Helix, Inc., a global leader in genetic analysis solutions, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with CloudScientific, a Chinese life sciences software company, to act as a distributor of the company's analytic services and proprietary software, the SNP & Variation Suite (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:00:02 -0700)

Microsoft Excel-based algorithm predicts cancer prognosis
Using readily available computer programs, researchers have developed a system to identify genes that will be useful in the classification of breast cancer. The algorithm will enable researchers to quickly generate valuable gene signatures without specialized software or extensive bioinformatics training. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:07:39 -0700)

The Top 10 Medical Advances of the Decade
From genome to hormones, doctors pick the top medical advances of the decade. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:54:31 -0700)

CloudScientific to Distribute Golden Helix's Genetic-Analysis Software in China
This article has been changed to correct an error in the original report. CloudScientific will distribute GoldenHelix's software not vice versa. CloudScientific, a Chinese life science-software company will distribute in China a data-management and -analysis software suite developed by Golden Helix . (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:39:53 -0700)

Sites Adopting Newest SGI & Cray Upgrades
Sweden's Royal Institute of Technology (KTH: Kungliga Tekniska Hoegskolan) is upgrading its Cray XT6m system to a new Cray XE6 supercomputer-and dropping the "T6m" and adding the "E6"will make all the difference...But seriously, the new upgrade will provide the KTH's Center for High Performance Computing with over 300-teraflops for range of scientific disciplines including medicine, biology, and ... (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:39:53 -0700)

From predictions to reality: Genomics reveals microbe's metabolic potential
Knowing an organism's metabolism can give scientists essential insights into how the organism uses its resources. These insights can then enable them to tweak the metabolism to enhance the microbe's use of these resources in beneficial ways, such as to reduce contamination in soil or to produce biofuels or other desirable chemicals efficiently. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:46:59 -0700)

Cray and SGI push upgrades to latest supers
Tickle me, Elmo Supercomputer makers Cray and Silicon Graphics have done years of engineering to get their respective XE6 and Altix UV 1000 massively parallel supercomputers to market. And now, despite research funding woes among governments, research institutions, and corporations, the two companies face the challenging task of convincing customers of their prior machines to upgrade to the new ... (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:06:52 -0700)

Radiation Oncology Services of America, Inc. to Work With Washington University on Quality Assurance Initiative
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Radiation Oncology Services of America, Inc. (ROSA), a subsidiary of Ambulatory Services of America, Inc. (ASA), announced today that it has entered into an agreement with the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine to embark on a Cooperative Quality Assurance Project. In this project, the Washington ... (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:19:51 -0700)

MICU1 encodes a mitochondrial EF hand protein required for Ca2+ uptake
Mitochondrial calcium uptake has a central role in cell physiology by stimulating ATP production, shaping cytosolic calcium transients and regulating cell death. The biophysical properties of mitochondrial calcium uptake have been studied in detail, but the underlying proteins remain elusive. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:05:04 -0700)

Wash. U. freshman a contender at international science competition
WATER WORLD WONDER: Let's hear it for Wash U. freshman Rebecca Ye, whose expertise in biological research led her to win state and national competitions and vaulted her into competition in Stockholm for an international prize. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:01:19 -0700)

Malaysian Genomics to raise RM18.5m
The IPO involves a public issue of 17.1 million new shares of 10 sen and an offer for sale for two million existing shares at an offer price of RM1.08 each. From the public issue of new shares, two million will be for retail investors, 14.5 million for private placement and 0.6 million for company directors. Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd is the underwriter for the exercise. Malaysian Genomics ... (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:48:18 -0700)

China's monopoly on 17 key elements sets stage for supply crisis
China's monopoly on the global supply of elements critical for production of computer hard disc drives, hybrid-electric cars, military weapons, and other key products - and its increasingly strict limits on exports - is setting the stage for a crisis in the United States. That's the topic of the cover story of Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), ACS' weekly newsmagazine. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:31:59 -0700)

News briefing: 27 August–2 September 2010
The week in science. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:21:06 -0700)

Wellcome Trust School of Human Genomics Renamed for Founder Leena Peltonen
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) —Leena Peltonen, the Finnish geneticist and head of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute's human genetics program who died in March, was recently honored by the trust when it named for her its recent four-day human genomics conference. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:09:53 -0700)

Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features chromosomal rearrangement, gene copy number methods
( Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory ) Two freely accessible methods from the September 2010 issue of Cold Spring Harbor Protocols can be used to probe the genetic basis of cancer. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:54:38 -0700)

Dr. Richard Palmquist: Green Veterinary Medicine: Veggies for Pets
By just eating greens we can reduce human cancer risks. No studies have been done on dogs regarding this issue but kale is affordable and provides a step towards a healthier condition. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:16:32 -0700)

Climate Change Implicated in Decline of Horseshoe Crabs
The current decline in horseshoe crab numbers parallels climate change like that of the last Ice Age. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:45:01 -0700)

Study finds therapeutic targets for rare cancer in children
The first study of Ewing's sarcoma that screened hundreds of genes based on how they affect cell growth has identified two potential anti-cancer drug targets, according to a scientific paper by the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) published this month in the journal Molecular Cancer. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:02:19 -0700)

Promega Expands Availability of FuGENE® HD to All Life Science and Applied Markets
MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Promega Corporation announces it will provide FuGENE® HD Transfection Reagent throughout the life science market. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 06:21:42 -0700)

TGen finds therapeutic targets for rare cancer in children
( The Translational Genomics Research Institute ) The first study of Ewing's sarcoma that screened hundreds of genes based on how they affect cell growth has identified two potential anti-cancer drug targets, according to a scientific paper by the Translational Genomics Research Institute published this month in the journal Molecular Cancer. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:47:09 -0700)

Edible gas storage: Porous metal-organic framework made from food-grade natural products
(PhysOrg.com) -- A spoonful of sugar, a pinch of salt, and a splash of alcohol - those are the ingredients used by scientists to generate a new class of robust nanoporous metal-organic frameworks. However, the sugar is not ordinary table sugar, but γ-cyclodextrin, produced from biorenewable cornstarch. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:32:19 -0700)

Yeast Protein Extraction Kit From Protein Discovery for Whole Proteome Analysis
KNOXVILLE, TN--(Marketwire - September 1, 2010) - Protein Discovery today announced that they have extended their protein extraction kit product line by launching the YPX Yeast Protein Extraction Kit. Unlike other yeast protein extraction products, the YPX kit does not use mechanical disruption to break open the tough cell walls of yeast. Using the YPX kit is much faster than carrying out ... (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:18:10 -0700)

QIAGEN Launches New Automated Modular Testing Platform for Molecular Diagnostics
HILDEN, GERMANY and GERMANTOWN, MD--(Marketwire - September 1, 2010) - (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:30:22 -0700)

New pump created for microneedle drug-delivery patch
(PhysOrg.com) -- Purdue University researchers have developed a new type of pump for drug-delivery patches that might use arrays of "microneedles" to deliver a wider range of medications than now possible with conventional patches. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:16:59 -0700)

COPASI systems biology software package now open source for all users
(PhysOrg.com) -- A software package developed by a professor at the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute and his colleagues to help researchers better understand the workings of biochemical networks now features an open source license, offering an ever wider range of benefits to its users. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:01:59 -0700)

People want to be asked before sharing genetic data
People want to be informed and asked for consent before deciding whether to let researchers share their genetic information in a federal database. This is according to a team of investigators at Group Health Research Institute and the University of Washington (UW). The team's report, called "Glad You Asked," is in the September 2010 Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:31:59 -0700)

MGRC To Raise RM18.5 Million From IPO
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd (MGRC), the country's leading contract genomics services provider, expects to raise RM18.468 million from its initial public offer. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:10:52 -0700)

01.09.2010 - PRESS RELEASE: QIAGEN Launches New Automated Modular Testing Platform for Molecular Diagnostics
Qiagen N.V. / QIAGEN Launches New Automated Modular Testing Platform for Molecular Diagnostics processed and transmitted by Hugin AS. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. (Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:49:22 -0700)

When stimulus ends, so will research projects
Yale University had originally planned to purchase two DNA sequencing machines from San Diego-based Illumina Inc., spending $800,000 to help genetic researchers at the school do their work. Then, in February 2009, the Obama stimulus act kicked in. Instead,... Illumina - Yale University - DNA sequencing - Research - United States (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:35:58 -0700)

Eminent Technology Solutions Makes it to Inc. 500|5000 List!
ETS' sustained growth over several years has been recognized by the Inc. 500|5000 list, an exclusive annual ranking of America's fastest-growing entrepreneurial businesses. Established in 2004, Eminent Technology Solutions is a full-service systems integration and software consulting company headquartered in upstate New York. (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:28:00 -0700)

Blog - How Coders Can Help Fight Climate Change
Climate models are built by scientists, not software engineers. (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:30:38 -0700)

Genomic Health Says Future Lies in Next-Gen Sequencing
Genomic Health has been exploring how next-generation sequencing can be harnessed for biomarker discovery in clinical cancer samples, and plans to make its research capabilities available to pharmaceutical partners, for example to develop companion diagnostics. (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:09:53 -0700)

New Genomic Marker For Tuberculosis May Help Identify Patients Who Will Develop The Disease
Study highlights how blood profiling techniques could change patient careIt may soon be possible to identify patients who will develop tuberculosis, as scientists have identified changes in the blood specific to the disease. These findings are from an international study published in the August 19 issue of Nature and conducted by doctors and researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital using ... (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:14:13 -0700)

Golden Helix to Distribute CloudScientific's Genetic-Analysis Software in China
Golden Helix will distribute in China a data-management and -analysis software suite developed by CloudScientific, a Chinese life science-software company. (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:39:53 -0700)

Bedbugs, Avastin, And A Fight At the FDA
A collection of medicine-related links from around the Web. (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:42:17 -0700)

Fifteen Maryland Startups Receive More than $1 Million from TEDCO
Amidus, LLC; Cognapse, LLC; CYNCZ, LLC; Differential Dynamics; Hememics Biotechnologies, Inc.; Nour... (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:42:42 -0700)

Compendia Receives $1.3M SBIR Grant for miRNA Data Project
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Compendia Bioscience today said it has been awarded a $1.3 million Small Business Innovation Research Fast Track grant to incorporate miRNA data and analyses into its Oncomine platform. (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:40:23 -0700)

The Price of Sequencing Versus the Cost [Mike the Mad Biologist]
So, Nature Reviews Genetics has an article, " Computational solutions to large-scale data management and analysis ", which claims the following in the abstract (italics mine): Today we can generate hundreds of gigabases of DNA and RNA sequencing data in a week for less than US$5,000. The astonishing rate of data generation by these low-cost, high-throughput technologies in genomics is being ... (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:37:19 -0700)

Monsanto stock drops on lower 2010 view
Monsanto stock drops on lower 2010 view (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:21:03 -0700)

Golden Helix Partners with CloudScientific to Provide Genetic Analysis Software in China
BOZEMAN, Mont.----Golden Helix, Inc., a global leader in genetic analysis solutions, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with CloudScientific, a Chinese life sciences software company, to act as a distributor of the company’s analytic services and proprietary software, the SNP & Variation Suite . (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:00:00 -0700)

4 PNNL scientists elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences
( DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory ) Four scientists from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have been elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences. They join other scientists and engineers from across the state who have been recognized for outstanding scientific achievement. (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:55:25 -0700)

INSIGHT-Goldman swims downstream for PetroAlgae IPO
INSIGHT-Goldman swims downstream for PetroAlgae IPO (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:55:04 -0700)

New Device Packs Power To Analyze Genes, Proteins At Patients' Bedside
University of Florida researchers have helped to develop a device that quickly identifies genes and proteins in body fluids - a technique that could make a vital difference to the trauma patients doctors treat. In a study published online Sunday in the September issue of Nature Medicine, scientists describe how they developed and tested a new way to isolate cells from patient samples and analyze ... (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:19:02 -0700)

Goldman swims downstream for PetroAlgae IPO
No client is too small for Goldman Sachs Group Inc these days, even a company with no revenue that's owned by a hedge fund specializing in penny stocks. (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:09:15 -0700)

Tool In Development Which Could Predict Which Patients Will Develop Tuberculosis
It may soon be possible to identify patients who will develop tuberculosis, as scientists have identified changes in the blood specific to the disease. These findings are from an international study published in Nature and conducted by doctors and researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital using blood profiling techniques to understand infections. Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium ... (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:18:32 -0700)

UBC researchers lead development of new 'toolbox of MiniPromoters' for gene research and therapy
University of British Columbia researchers have led the development of a new "toolbox of MiniPromoters" for research and future therapies on brain, spinal cord and eye function. (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:03:43 -0700)

IOM solicited as external review body
A representative for the Institute of Medicine confirmed Monday that the organization has been approached about conducting an external scientific review of cancer researcher Dr. Anil Potti’s work. read more (Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:40:12 -0700)

NEC, SomaLogic sign agreement to explore aptamer related businesses in life sciences, healthcare markets
NEC Corporation and privately held SomaLogic, Inc. announced today that they have signed an agreement to explore aptamer related businesses in the life sciences and healthcare markets. In addition, NEC announced that it has made an equity investment in SomaLogic in support of a long-term strategic relationship between the two companies. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:18:33 -0700)

Yale Labs Seeded by Stimulus Act Threatened by Program's Demise
Yale University had originally planned to purchase two DNA sequencing machines from San Diego- based Illumina Inc. , spending $800,000 to help genetic researchers at the school do their work. Then, in February 2009, the Obama stimulus act kicked in. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:23:06 -0700)

New genomic marker for tuberculosis may help identify patients who will develop the disease
It may soon be possible to identify patients who will develop tuberculosis, as scientists have identified changes in the blood specific to the disease. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:29:58 -0700)

Climate Change Leads To Decline Of Horseshoe Crabs
Decline may affect at-risk shorebirdsA distinct decline in horseshoe crab numbers has occurred that parallels climate change associated with the end of the last Ice Age, according to a study that used genomics to assess historical trends in population sizes. The new research also indicates that horseshoe crabs numbers may continue to decline in the future because of predicted climate change ... (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:09:25 -0700)

Research Technician
An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Technician to join the Genome Centre in the William Harvey Research Institute at Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:47:50 -0700)

Winship to Research Lung Cancer Mutations
Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute, Georgia’s first National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center, is partnering with 14 cancer centers around the nation to research and catalogue genetic mutations in lung cancer, as part of the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium (LCMC). (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:10:51 -0700)

NEC and SomaLogic Enter Agreement to Prepare for Delivery of Novel Forms of Health Information via Cloud Services
TOKYO, and BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- NEC Corporation (NEC) and privately held SomaLogic, Inc. announced today that they have signed an agreement to explore aptamer (*1) related businesses in the life sciences and healthcare markets. In addition, NEC announced that it has made an equity investment in SomaLogic in support of a long-term strategic relationship between the two ... (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:14:03 -0700)

MIT academic camp opens Scottsbluff student’s eyes
Sara Frederick (right) studies with a fellow student in the MITES summer program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:53:55 -0700)

New device packs power to analyze genes, proteins at patients' bedside
University of Florida researchers have helped to develop a device that quickly identifies genes and proteins in body fluids -- a technique that could make a vital difference to the trauma patients doctors treat. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:38:08 -0700)

Is the IPO Market Warming up to Genomics?
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – After years of being non-existent, recent activity suggests that the IPO market may be opening up to the sequencing space. But whether that will extend to the broader 'omics market is debatable. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:09:53 -0700)

University of Minnesota Supercomputing Institute Accelerates Its Research with Addition of SGI Altix UV 1000
MINNEAPOLIS & FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The University of Minnesota Supercomputing Institute for Advanced Computational Research (MSI) and SGI (NASDAQ: SGI), a global leader in HPC and data center solutions, today announced that MSI will deploy a new high performance computing (HPC) system this fall, featuring an SGI® Altix® UV 1000 supercomputer, to accelerate its research program. This ... (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:50:32 -0700)

Climate change implicated in decline of horseshoe crabs
A distinct decline in horseshoe crab numbers has occurred that parallels climate change associated with the end of the last Ice Age, according to a study that used genomics to assess historical trends in population sizes. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:13:48 -0700)

NIH to Fund Research on Alcohol-related Biomarkers
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism aims to fund small businesses and support the technology transfer of new biomarkers that can be used to detect alcohol-related organ damage and fetal exposure to alcohol, according to a new NIAAA grant notice. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:55:13 -0700)

Biocept Looking to Redefine CTC Dx Market, Plans Product Launches
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – In the midst of a $5 million financing round, microfluidics company Biocept is looking to launch its first diagnostic test, as it embarks on "redefining what a circulating tumor cell is." (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:54:53 -0700)

BioServe Starts Multi-Center Sample Network
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Genomics services company BioServe said today that it has started a biosample repository network with several biomedical research institutions to provide customers with access to a large supply of samples for most major diseases. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:39:53 -0700)

UBC researchers unveil 'toolbox of MiniPromoters' for gene research and therapy
( University of British Columbia ) University of British Columbia researchers have led the development of a new "toolbox of MiniPromoters" for research and future therapies on brain, spinal cord and eye function. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:33:09 -0700)

NEC and SomaLogic Enter Agreement to Prepare for Delivery of Novel Forms of Health Information via Cloud Services
NEC Corporation and privately held SomaLogic, Inc. announced today that they have signed an agreement to explore aptamer related businesses in the life sciences and healthcare markets. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:44:00 -0700)

Climate change implicated in decline of horseshoe crabs
( United States Geological Survey ) A distinct decline in horseshoe crab numbers has occurred that parallels climate change associated with the end of the last Ice Age, according to a study that used genomics to assess historical trends in population sizes. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:01:49 -0700)

Incyte Evenly Poised
We are maintaining our Neutral recommendation on Incyte Corporation with a target price of $13. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:52:45 -0700)

This Week in PLoS
In PLoS Biology this week, a team led by investigators at Harvard reports that the TRIM5 gene suppresses cross-species transmission of simian immunodeficiency viruses of sooty mangabeys "and selects for emergence of resistant variants." (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:24:53 -0700)

The 'Arbimagical' Goal of the $1,000 Genome
Which sequencing platform will win the race to the 30X, $1,000 genome? That's what Keith Robison at Omics! Omics! wants to know. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:25:03 -0700)

In the Cards
According to the Edinburgh Evening News , a positive public view of synthetic biology is in the cards . As part of Edinburgh Univeristy's ESRC Genomics Forum, researchers evaluated people's perceptions of synthetic biology via a card game, which "allows a small group to find out about an issue, discuss it, seek common ground, and give their views ," according to the ESRC Web site. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:24:53 -0700)

Core knowledge of tree fruit expands with apple genome sequencing
An international team of scientists from Italy, France, New Zealand, Belgium and the US have published a draft sequence of the domestic apple genome. The sequence will allow scientists to more rapidly identify which genes provide desirable characteristics to the fruit and which genes and gene variants provide disease or drought resistance to the plant. This information can be used to rapidly ... (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:14:48 -0700)

Designer Optoelectronics - Quantum Mechanics For New Materials
European researchers have combined computer modelling of quantum mechanics and precision fabrication processes to create novel transparent conductive oxides made to order for a wide range of scientific and consumer applications. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:28:06 -0700)

Apple Genome Decoded By Scientists
An international team of scientists from Italy, France, New Zealand, Belgium and the USA have published a draft sequence of the domestic apple genome in the current issue of Nature Genetics. The availability of a genome sequence for apple will allow scientists to more rapidly identify which genes provide desirable characteristics to the fruit and which genes and gene variants provide disease or ... (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:18:52 -0700)

New UH doctoral program gets underway
UH’s newly established biomedical engineering doctoral program has admitted its first students and is on track to producing its first graduates. The program is expected to gradually expand over the next two semesters after being approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board this past summer. “This fall we have a few students who have [...] (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 06:08:18 -0700)

Analysis Of Ashkenazi Jewish Genomes Reveals Diversity, History
Through genomic analysis, researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have shown that the Ashkenazi Jewish population is genetically more diverse than people of European descent, despite previous assumptions that Ashkenazi Jews have been an isolated population. In addition, analyses of disease-related genes of higher prevalence in the Ashkenazi Jewish population indicate that only a ... (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:50:42 -0700)

James Cameron Hosts The ZERO-G Experience
Seats to Be Auctioned on eBay to Support X PRIZE Foundation (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:09:51 -0700)

Now, genomic marker to identify possible tuberculosis patients
London, Aug 30 : Identifying patients who would develop tuberculosis may soon be possible as scientists have managed to identify changes in the blood specific to the disease. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:24:08 -0700)

GeoChip Technology From University Of Oklahoma Plays Critical Role In Gulf Of Mexico Deepwater Oil Plume Study
A University of Oklahoma technology - GeoChip - played a critical role in an intensive study of the dispersed oil plume that formed at a depth between 3,600 and 4,000 feet some 10 miles from BP's Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico. An OU research team led by Jizhong Zhou, director of the Institute for Environmental Genomics, developed the new generation GeoChip, which ... (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:04:22 -0700)

Novel Map Of Lipid Locations In A Single Cell Created By UC San Diego-Led Team Of Scientists
In real estate, location is everything. The same might be said of lipids - those crucial cellular fats and oils that serve as building blocks for cells and as key energy sources for the body. In a paper published in the September issue of the Journal of Lipid Research, a team of scientists, led by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, has mapped for the first ... (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:35:32 -0700)

Keys To Successful qPCR Automation
Agilent Automation Solutions has posted a recorded webinar to its website enabling scientists to learn techniques for introducing reliable automation into small- and large-scale applications ranging from single cells to core laboratory applications, thereby minimizing the potential for introduction of errors into the PCR process. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:43:44 -0700)

Santarus extends line of credit agreement maturation date to July 2013
Santarus, Inc., a specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it has extended the maturity date of its $25 million revolving line of credit with Comerica Bank from July 11, 2011 to July 11, 2013. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:33:43 -0700)

Scientists develop microarray technology to create blood transcriptional signatures for infectious diseases
It may soon be possible to identify patients who will develop tuberculosis, as scientists have identified changes in the blood specific to the disease. These findings are from an international study published in the August 19 issue of Nature and conducted by doctors and researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital using blood profiling techniques to understand infections. (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:03:23 -0700)

Reading on Vocation: scientists
Henry Walter Bates was an English naturalist who left school at the age of 12. Despite this he taught himself what he needed to know by reading. He's famous for his trip to the Amazon with Alfred Wallace in 1848. Wallace was Darwin's direct competitor for a coherent theory of natural selection. In Bates's, Wallace's and Darwin's time, science was the new frontier and it was a relatively small ... (Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:09:13 -0700)

Lima Beans Domesticated Twice
Genetic diversity in lima beans is sharply reduced from wild populations (Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:41:18 -0700)

New genomic marker for tuberculosis may help identify patients who will develop the disease
( Nationwide Children's Hospital ) It may soon be possible to identify patients who will develop tuberculosis, as scientists have identified changes in the blood specific to the disease. These findings are from an international study published in the Aug. 19 issue of Nature and conducted by doctors and researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital using blood profiling techniques to understand ... (Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:32:19 -0700)

Teaching communication and information literacy skills
( American Society of Agronomy ) A collaborative effort between the library, horticulture and English departments develop a course to teach communication relevant to a discipline. (Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:05:00 -0700)

Reading on Vocation: scientists
Henry Walter Bates was an English naturalist who left school at the age of 12 (Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:42:34 -0700)

Mapping of apple genome sets scene for new types
More apple varieties with differing crispness, juiciness, flavour and aroma are expected to be bred now that the apple genome - all its genetic material, including chromosomes, genes and DNA - has been determined. (Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:46:56 -0700)

All genes in one go
The majority of rare diseases are hereditary. But despite significant progress in genome research, in most cases their exact cause remains unclear. The discovery of the underlying genetic defect is, however, a prerequisite for their definitive diagnosis and the development of innovative approaches to their treatment. (Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:08:58 -0700)

Core knowledge of tree fruit expands with apple genome sequencing
An international team of scientists from Italy, France, New Zealand, Belgium and the US have published a draft sequence of the domestic apple genome in the current issue of Nature Genetics. The sequence will allow scientists to more rapidly identify which genes provide desirable characteristics to the fruit and which genes and gene variants provide disease or drought resistance to the plant ... (Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:05:00 -0700)

Research Bioinformatician
Imperial College London - Department of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences Salary Range: £26,860 - £39,130 per annum Applications are invited for a skilled and motivated Research Bioinformatician to join the Imperial Academic Health Sciences Molecular Pathology Laboratory at the Hammersmith Campus in East Acton. (Sun, 29 Aug 2010 06:33:39 -0700)

Nanomedicine researcher has big plans for Methodist facility
Mauro Ferrari, an expert in designing small machines to improve the delivery of drugs inside the body, is taking the top job at the 6-year-old Methodist Hospital Research Institute. (Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:41:04 -0700)

Weekly CFO Buys Highlight: CMRG, VRTB, EXEL, ASTM, DYAX
By gurujk. According to GuruFocus Insider Data, the largest CFO buys during the past week Casual Male Retail Group Inc., Vestin Realty Mortgage II Inc., Exelixis Inc., Aastrom Biosciences Inc., and Dyax Corp. Read more » » (Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:26:57 -0700)

Recent Research Papers of Note
Authors: Xie LQ; Zhao C; Cai SJ; Xu Y; Huang LY; Bian JS; Shen CP; Lu HJ; Yang PY. (Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:09:53 -0700)

New look, new vigor
The campus has also become an engine for job growth, home to satellite offices of biomedical companies like Taconic Farms, a company that breeds mice for drug trials, and AMRI, a pharmaceutical development firm. The East Campus is also home to UAlbany's 117,000-square-foot Cancer Research Center, whose scientists and researchers have been able to bring in a significant about of funding from the ... (Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:08:04 -0700)

Big pharma kisses its blockbuster years goodbye
Lipitor is one of the biggest-selling prescription drugs in the world. (Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:10:49 -0700)

Determining Genetic Structure Of First Animal To Show Evolutionary Response To Climate Change
Scientists at the University of Oregon have determined the fine-scale genetic structure of the first animal to show an evolutionary response to rapid climate change. They used a high-throughput sequencing technique called Restriction-site Associated DNA (RAD) tagging to make the discovery. Their results, which focus on the pitcher plant mosquito, Wyeomyia smithii, are published this week in the ... (Sat, 28 Aug 2010 03:22:02 -0700)

N.C. Research Campus is picking up steam
For nearly two years, the recession made David Murdock's plan to create a major research campus look like a business school casestudy in bad timing. (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:01:02 -0700)

People in the News
The Institute for Systems Biology has appointed Joseph Nadeau as its director of research and academic affairs. (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:09:53 -0700)

UConn Team Developing Database to Track Lineage of Stem Cells via Gene Expression Markers
University of Connecticut geneticist Craig Nelson and students have launched a database that uses biomarkers to track the lineage of stem cells into fully differentiated states. (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:25:03 -0700)

Genomic Health Scales up Bioinformatics as it Adopts Next-Gen Sequencing for Biomarker Discovery
Genomic Health is in the process of ramping up its bioinformatics capacity as part of a strategy to harness next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing in its early biomarker discovery programs. (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:24:53 -0700)

U of Copenhagen, BGI Finalize Agreement to Collaborate on Sequencing Projects
Chinese genome center BGI and the University of Copenhagen today signed an agreement to collaborate on research on the genetic underpinnings of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cancer. (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:54:53 -0700)

This Week in Science
In Science this week, researchers at the New York University School of Medicine and their colleagues compare the genome sequences of the ants Camponotus floridanus and Harpegnathos saltator . Both species' genomes, the authors write, "contained high amounts of CpG, despite the presence of DNA methylation." (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:40:13 -0700)

Ashkenazi Jewish population more diverse than people of European descent
Washington, Aug 27 : After conducting a genomic analysis, researchers have shown that the Ashkenazi Jewish population is genetically more diverse than people of European descent, despite previous assumptions that Ashkenazi Jews have been an isolated population. (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:38:33 -0700)

Research and Markets: Epigenetics: Tools, Diagnostics, Drugs and World Market
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.co has announced the addition of the "Epigenetics: Tools, Diagnostics, Drugs and World Market" report to their offering. This broad and high-level report examines the emerging epigenetics market. This world market includes important biomedical product areas ... (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:07:44 -0700)

Research and Markets: Epigenetics: Tools, Diagnostics, Drugs and World Market
DUBLIN----Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Epigenetics: Tools, Diagnostics, Drugs and World Market" report to their offering. (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:00:00 -0700)

Team To Explore How C. difficile Causes Illness, How Gut Microbiota And Immune Response Influence Who Is Vulnerable
Clostridium difficile, a wily, familiar bacterium, causes a growing number of serious infections in U.S. hospitals and nursing homes. With a $7.5 million, five-year award from the National Institutes of Health, University of Michigan researchers plan to discover what factors in the microbe and in patients make C. difficile a formidable, costly problem. C. difficile infects nearly a half-million ... (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:33:28 -0700)

How much smoking is safe? The answer appears to be none
Smokers often wonder if smoking less might be safer for their health. The answer appears to be no. Occasional smoking, and even second-hand smoke, create biological changes that may increase the risks of lung disease and cancer, according to a new study. (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:23:28 -0700)

Designer optoelectronics - quantum mechanics for new materials
European researchers have combined computer modelling of quantum mechanics and precision fabrication processes to create novel transparent conductive oxides made to order for a wide range of scientific and consumer applications. (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:08:08 -0700)

4 PNNL scientists join Academy of Sciences
Four scientists from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have been (Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:53:36 -0700)

Luminex Announces Commercial Launch Of New Cystic Fibrosis Test
Luminex Corporation (Nasdaq:LMNX), the worldwide leader in multiplexed solutions, today announced the full commercial launch of its xTAG®Cystic Fibrosis 60 Kit v2, a new diagnostic test that can simultaneously screen a single blood sample for up to 60 cystic fibrosis-causing genetic mutations in a matter of hours. (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:55:00 -0700)

Analysis of Ashkenazi Jewish genomes reveals diversity, history
Through genomic analysis, researchers have shown that the Ashkenazi Jewish population is genetically more diverse than people of European descent, despite previous assumptions that Ashkenazi Jews have been an isolated population. In addition, analyses of disease-related genes of higher prevalence in the Ashkenazi Jewish population indicate that only a minority of traits show signs of positive ... (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:16:13 -0700)

University Of Oklahoma GeoChip Technology Plays Critical Role In Gulf Of Mexico Deepwater Oil Plume Study
A University of Oklahoma technology—GeoChip—played a critical role in an intensive study of the dispersed oil plume that formed at a depth between 3,600 and 4,000 feet some 10 miles from BP’s Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico.An OU research team led by Jizhong Zhou, director of the Institute for Environmental Genomics, developed the new generation GeoChip, which contributed to ... (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:39:55 -0700)

Stanford Team Finds Cloud Computing To Be an Affordable Option for Translational Bioinformatics
A recent study by bioinformaticians at the Stanford University School of Medicine found that analyzing a large genomic dataset in Amazon’s cloud cost about three times more than running the same dataset on a local compute cluster and took about 12 hours longer — but the team still determined that in the long run, cloud computing is a cheaper and a more sustainable method for clinical researchers ... (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:10:03 -0700)

Strand to Develop Computational Tools for Head and Neck Cancer Translational Research
Strand Life Sciences plans to develop some new computational tools for use in translational cancer research focused on head and neck cancer. (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:24:53 -0700)

U-M launches effort to conquer common hospital-acquired infection
( University of Michigan Health System ) Clostridium difficile infects nearly a half-million Americans each year in hospitals and nursing homes. With a new $7.5 million federal grant, University of Michigan researchers plan to discover what factors in the microbe and in patients make C. difficile such a formidable, costly problem. The results should lead to better prevention measures and ... (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:09:02 -0700)

Where The Fat's At
UC San Diego-led team of scientists create novel map of lipid locations in a single cellIn real estate, location is everything. The same might be said of lipids – those crucial cellular fats and oils that serve as building blocks for cells and as key energy sources for the body.In a paper published in the September issue of the Journal of Lipid Research, a team of scientists, led by researchers ... (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:12:31 -0700)

Is the IPO Market Warming up to Genomics?
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – After years of being non-existent, recent activity suggests that the IPO market may be opening up to the sequencing space. But whether that will extend to the broader –omics market is debatable. (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:24:55 -0700)

Funding Update
Duncan Odom is combining genome-wide transcription factor binding, gene expression perturbation using genetic manipulations, comparative genomics, and physiological approaches to help elucidate how tissue are defined. (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:54:53 -0700)

Analysis of Ashkenazi Jewish genomes reveals diversity, history
( Emory University ) Through genomic analysis, researchers have shown that the Ashkenazi Jewish population is genetically more diverse than people of European descent, despite previous assumptions that Ashkenazi Jews have been an isolated population. In addition, analyses of disease-related genes of higher prevalence in the Ashkenazi Jewish population indicate that only a minority of traits show ... (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:47:09 -0700)

MD Anderson Receives $20M from Ross Perot for Work on Personalized Cancer Therapies
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center announced last week that it has received $20 million from businessman Ross Perot to fund two initiatives – the Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy and the Center for Targeted Therapy. (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:25:03 -0700)