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Epigentek develops new approach for identification of "sixth DNA base" 5-hmC

Research experts in the epigenetic field from Epigentek have developed a new, breakthrough approach for the identification of the "sixth DNA base," 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC). This technology is based on a high throughput, strip-well format and is also incorporated into the first commercially available product, the MethylFlash(TM) Hydroxymethylated DNA Quantification Kit, for rapidly quantifying hydroxymethylated DNA.

30 Jun 2010

Groton Biosystems releases in-situ filter sampling probe for automated, manual extraction of cell-free samples

Groton Biosystems, the leader in automated online bioprocess sampling, has announced the release of a sterilizable, disposable in-situ filter sampling probe for automated and manual extraction of cell-free samples. The rugged design of this product delivers extended service life in typical bioreactor applications and features a nonbinding inert surface which resists clogging throughout the extended process runtimes most often associated with cell culture and perfusion applications.

30 Jun 2010

Quick-Med Technologies announces application for EPA registration of Stay Fresh technology

Quick-Med Technologies, Inc., a leader in developing innovative antimicrobial technologies for the healthcare and consumer markets, today announced its application for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registration of the Company's proprietary Stay Fresh antimicrobial textiles technology.

28 Jun 2010

People with certain chitinase gene variants at increased risk of severe asthma attacks

Exposure to high levels of fungus may increase the risk of severe asthma attacks among people with certain chitinase gene variants, according to a study from Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital.

24 Jun 2010

New bacterial strain could help in long-term cleanup of oil spills

Researchers have discovered a new strain of bacteria that can produce non-toxic, comparatively inexpensive "rhamnolipids," and effectively help degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs - environmental pollutants that are one of the most harmful aspects of oil spills.

14 Jun 2010

Effective antimicrobial products can reduce hospital-acquired infections

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that more than two million people in the United States are affected annually by hospital-acquired infections. Meanwhile, a report released in April by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality concluded that this problem, which is worsening, requires urgent attention.

14 Jun 2010

Purdue University researchers develop potential new tool for medical diagnostics, testing food

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a potential new tool for medical diagnostics, testing food and water for contamination, and crime-scene forensics.

9 Jun 2010

Oculus launches Microcyn Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy Solution

Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc., a commercial medical technology company that designs, produces and markets safe and effective tissue care products based upon the Microcyn® Technology platform, today introduced the Microcyn Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy Solution™ for the U.S. professional healthcare market. Within the pH ranges of 6-7.8 desired for optimum negative-pressure wound therapy, Microcyn is intended for the irrigation and management of wounds via these advanced systems.

2 Jun 2010

Yeast produce a hormone that triggers fungal cells to become more infectious

In their ongoing studies of how yeast (fungi) can infect a host and cause disease, a research team at the Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has made an unexpected discovery. They found that yeast produce a hormone previously known to be made by plants, and that the presence of that hormone in sufficient quantity within the yeast's immediate environment triggers the fungal cells to become more infectious.

29 May 2010

Researchers see plectasin as promising lead compound for new antibiotics

An active compound from fungi and lower animals may well be suitable as an effective weapon against dangerous bacteria. We're talking about plectasin, a small protein molecule that can even destroy highly resistant bacteria . Researchers at the Universities of Bonn, Utrecht, Aalborg and of the Danish company Novozymes AS have shed light on how the substance does this.

28 May 2010

SCID added to the core panel of 29 genetic disorders

On May 21, 2010, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services announced the addition of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency -- commonly known as bubble boy disease -- to the core panel of 29 genetic disorders -- as part of her recommendation to adopt the national Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.

26 May 2010

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals completes enrollment in Phase 2a trial of NVC-422 for treatment of impetigo

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class, anti-infective compounds for the treatment and prevention of antibiotic-resistant infections, today announced the completion of enrollment in a Phase 2a proof-of-concept trial for the treatment of impetigo.

25 May 2010

Family of EPA-registered disinfecting products to be launched

An innovative family of EPA-registered disinfecting products will be launched through a new direct selling company, it was announced today.

25 May 2010

Research and movement in future towards universal influenza virus vaccine

Researchers at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine have developed a novel influenza vaccine that could represent the next step towards a universal influenza vaccine eliminating the need for seasonal immunizations. They report their findings today in the inaugural issue of mBio-, the first online, open-access journal published by the American Society for Microbiology.

20 May 2010

Alternaria fungus produces more spores with increase in CO2 levels and makes life miserable for allergy, asthma sufferers

A new study of the relationship between carbon dioxide levels and plant growth suggests for the first time that not only do plants grow bigger and produce more pollen when exposed to higher levels of the greenhouse gas, CO2, but the common, allergen-producing fungus Alternaria alternate produces three times more spores when feeding on those enriched plants. The spores disperse on the wind, making allergies and asthma symptoms worse.

19 May 2010

Ecological speciation linked to emergence of new fungal diseases in plants

A new commentary on the nature of pathogens is raising startling new questions about the role that fundamental science research on evolution plays in the understanding of emerging disease.

15 May 2010

Olympus launches OER-Pro automated endoscope reprocessor

Olympus, a precision technology leader, designing and delivering innovative solutions in medical and surgical products, today announced the launch of the OER-Pro, the fastest technology in automated endoscope reprocessing and the only reprocessor on the market designed by an endoscope manufacturer.

From Evident Corporation - Life Sciences 7 May 2010

Latest LLMDA technology available to detect viruses, bacteria

Law enforcement authorities seeking to detect bioterrorism attacks, doctors diagnosing diseases and regulatory agencies checking product safety may find a new ally in a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory detection technology.

6 May 2010

miacom diagnostics announces new tests for faster diagnosis of sepsis

"Conventional PCR tests (PCR is short for polymerase chain reaction, a highly sensitive method of detecting nucleic acids) require several hours to produce a result. lucesco Bacteremia IVD panels are not only much faster with a result after only 30 minutes, they are also much more cost-efficient.

29 Apr 2010

Higher the blood cholesterol level, greater the risk of atherosclerosis: Study

In addition to crystallized cholesterol, atherosclerotic plaques always contain large quantities of immune cells but, surprisingly, no bacteria or viruses. It was previously unclear just how the body's own defence forces are called into action. Even animals that are kept in an absolutely sterile environment can suffer from "clogging" or "furring" of the arteries when their food contains high levels of cholesterol.

29 Apr 2010