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Immunology

Astria Therapeutics Presents New Preclinical Data Showing Differentiated Profile of STAR-0215, in Development for Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema -…

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Astria Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATXS), a biopharmaceutical company developing STAR-0215 for hereditary angioedema and focused on life-changing therapies for rare and niche allergic and immunological diseases, presented new preclinical data that demonstrate STAR-0215s rapid and durable inhibition of plasma kallikrein in cynomolgus monkeys, supporting the potential for once every three month or longer dosing in humans. The Flash Talks session entitled STAR-0215, a Long-Acting Monoclonal Antibody Plasma Kallikrein Inhibitor in Development for Treatment of HAE, Demonstrated Sustained Functional Inhibition in Subcutaneously Dosed Cynomolgus Monkeys was presented at the European Academy of Allergy and Immunology 2022 Hybrid Congress in Prague, Czech Republic.

These new preclinical results continue to support that STAR-0215 is a novel, potent, and selective inhibitor of plasma kallikrein, and demonstrate the potential for STAR-0215 to be dosed once every 3 months or longer, said Andy Nichols, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Astria Therapeutics. We expect to advance STAR-0215 into the clinic this year with our Phase 1a trial in healthy volunteers, which would bring us another step closer to our goal of developing the most patient-friendly treatment for HAE.

The study, conducted in cynomolgus monkeys, showed rapid inhibition of plasma kallikrein after subcutaneous administration. Inhibition of HMWK cleavage was rapid and sustained throughout an 84-day dose-free period in the extended portion of the study. These data confirm the long half-life of STAR-0215 and demonstrate prolonged pharmacological activity of STAR-0215 in circulation in cynomolgus monkeys.

STAR-0215 is a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of plasma kallikrein designed to provide long-acting, effective attack prevention for HAE with dosing once every 3 months or longer. The companys goal is to provide the most patient-friendly preventative treatment option for people living with HAE.

About Astria Therapeutics:Astria Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company, and our mission is to bring life-changing therapies to patients and families affected by rare and niche allergic and immunological diseases. Our lead program, STAR-0215, is a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of plasma kallikrein in preclinical development for the treatment of hereditary angioedema. Learn more about our company on our website, http://www.astriatx.com, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AstriaTx and on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations including, but not limited to, statements regarding: the expected commencement of a Phase 1a clinical trial for STAR-0215; the potential attributes and differentiated profile of STAR-0215 as a treatment for HAE; and the Companys broader goal to meet the unmet needs of patients with rare and niche allergic and immunological diseases. The use of words such as, but not limited to, anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, goals, intend, may, might, plan, potential, predict, project, should, target, will, or would and similar words expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on the Companys current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of its business, future plans and strategies, future financial performance, results of pre-clinical and clinical results of the Companys product candidates and other future conditions. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including risks and uncertainties: related to changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic; risks inherent in pharmaceutical research and development, such as: adverse results in our drug discovery, preclinical and clinical development activities, the risk that the results of pre-clinical studies may not be replicated in clinical studies, the Companys ability to enroll patients in our clinical trials, and the risk that any of the Companys clinical trials may not commence, continue or be completed on time, or at all; decisions made by, or feedback received from, the U.S. FDA and other regulatory authorities, investigational review boards at clinical trial sites and other review bodies with respect to STAR-0215 and any future product candidates; the Companys ability to manufacture sufficient quantities of drug substance and drug product on a cost-effective and timely basis; the Companys ability to obtain, maintain and enforce intellectual property rights for STAR-0215 and any other future product candidates; competition with respect to STAR-0215 in HAE or with respect to any other future product candidates; the anticipated position and attributes of STAR-0215 in HAE based on its pre-clinical profile, pharmacokinetic modeling and other data; the Companys ability to manage its cash usage and the possibility of unexpected cash expenditures; the Companys ability to obtain necessary financing to conduct its planned activities and to manage unplanned cash requirements; general economic and market conditions; as well as the risks and uncertainties set forth under the caption Risk Factors in the Companys most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in the Companys subsequent filings with the SEC. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. The Company may not actually achieve the forecasts or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and investors and potential investors should not place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking statements. Neither the Company, nor its affiliates, advisors or representatives, undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Companys views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.

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Astria Therapeutics Presents New Preclinical Data Showing Differentiated Profile of STAR-0215, in Development for Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema -...

Immunology

Tissue-Anchored Immune Cells Offer Unique Defenses Against Infections and Malignancies – Technology Networks

Scientists exploring how our immune system responds to pathogens and cancers have ramped up their attention to CD8+ T cells, which are deployed in response to infections and malignancies and equipped to remember the identities of malicious invaders.

While some of these critical memory cells circulate throughout the body, others are known to remain lodged within bodily organs to guard entry sites as part of an entrenched, long-term defense system. A new study led by biologists at the University of California San Diego offers fresh insights on these specialized cells, known as CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells. Published June 27 in Nature Immunology, the study is led by Postdoctoral Scholars Max Heeg and John Crowl (now a scientist at Outpace Bio) in Professor Ananda Goldraths laboratory in UC San Diegos School of Biological Sciences and provides a framework for understanding how tissue-resident memory T cells adapt to distinct tissue environments. The researchers developed a new atlas that describes tissue-resident memory T cells in diverse tissue settings, boosting the prospects of the development of immune defense strategies to enhance immunity at sites vulnerable to infection.

By identifying the unique transcriptional pathways and regulators of tissue-resident memory T cells, we can discover novel targets that inform strategic design of vaccines to provide the greatest protection among first responders in the tissues where pathogens and tumors begin their expansion, said Goldrath, who holds the Tata Chancellors Endowed Professorship in the Department of Molecular Biology.

While several studies have examined memory cells as they either circulate or become entrenched in organ tissue, little had been known about the role that the surrounding tissue environments play in the process. When an infection takes hold, the immune system activates CD8+ T cells and directs them to infected tissues to survey cells for pathogens. Once the infection clears, the number of pathogen-specific CD8+ T cells declines, but a small number of cells remain as a type of long-term sentry system to bolster immunity against future infections.

The new study examined tissue-resident memory T cells residing in mouse organs such as the kidney, spleen, small intestine and liver. The collective results from across these disparate tissue environments generated insights into how each T cell population is governed by unique processes based on the tissue of residence.

Finally, the scientists raise the possibility that future extensions of this research could come in the form of customized engineered therapies: these findings collectively raise the possibility of programming tissue-tailored immune responses, where immune cells that promote or regulate inflammation could be transcriptionally engineered for trafficking to, retention in and function within a particular tissue.

Reference:Crowl JT, Heeg M, Ferry A, et al. Tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells possess unique transcriptional, epigenetic and functional adaptations to different tissue environments. Nat Immunol. Published online June 27, 2022:1-11. doi:10.1038/s41590-022-01229-8

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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Tissue-Anchored Immune Cells Offer Unique Defenses Against Infections and Malignancies - Technology Networks

Immunology

CAMI Set to Transform Immunotherapy Field Through Research – University of Arizona

When she was in her 30s, Molly Cassidy was handed a death sentence. Traditional treatments failed to fight the aggressive head and neck cancer that was running rampant through her body. Doctors were out of options, until a clinical trial at the University of Arizona Health Sciences offered a glimmer of hope and, eventually, a second chance at life thanks to immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses a person's own immune system to fight cancer, while molecular therapies use drugs and other substances to target specific molecules involved in disease progression. In Cassidys case, she received a personalized cancer vaccine in combination with an immunotherapy drug that helps the immune system fight certain kinds of cancer, and it worked. A year after the UArizona Cancer Center clinical trial ended, there were no traces of cancer left in her body.

Researchers and physician-scientists are increasingly using precision medicine to develop new cell- and gene-based therapeutical options for diseases, building on the idea that the most effective defense against health issues is the bodys natural immune system. At UArizona Health Sciences, the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies, or CAMI, is being developed to advance knowledge of the immunology of cancers, infectious diseases and autoimmune conditions to develop novel strategies for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases.

Immunotherapy is one of the most promising approaches to cancer treatment, as it has the potential to sidestep the effects of therapies that can compromise patients long-term health and wellness. But cancer isnt the only target researchers, including bioengineer Michael Kuhns, PhD, have in their sights.

Bioengineers solve fundamental problems with technologies that can have many applications, said Dr. Kuhns, associate professor in the UArizona College of Medicine Tucson and member of the BIO5 Institute. If you can make something run more efficiently in certain circumstances for example, make T cells in the immune system more effective at combating a particular disease then the only limit to immunotherapy is your imagination.

Dr. Kuhns research in the Department of Immunobiology focuses on engineering chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs, a relatively new type of gene therapy. He built a biomimetic five-module chimeric antigen receptor, or 5MCAR, to direct killer T cells to target and destroy autoimmune T cells. When tested in a non-obese diabetic mouse model, the 5MCAR T cells recognized and destroyed pathogenic T cells, effectively preventing Type 1 diabetes.

The Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies will focus on developing precision therapies that stimulate or suppress the immune system to fight diseases including cancers, infectious diseases and autoimmune conditions.

This technology has clear implications for autoimmune disease, but also for cancer, said Dr. Kuhns, who serves on the 21-member CAMI Advisory Committee. This technology emerged from basic science, is taking hold in the laboratory and is showing promise to go to the clinic. This is a prime example of what we can do.

CAMI will build on UArizona Health Sciences expertise in basic science, translational medicine and investigator-initiated clinical trials to advance immunotherapies research in four areas: cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases and real-time immune system monitoring.

Other examples of potential research include identifying biomarkers for response to immunotherapy that may help determine the precise drugs to fight specific cancers in individual patients, understanding individual immune responses to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or Crohns disease, and creating ways to analyze immune health at the cellular level to identify how individuals might respond to a disease and to predict their health outcomes.

CAMI will serve as the anchor for an innovation district that aims to differentiate Phoenix from other emerging life sciences hubs, establishing the Phoenix Bioscience Core as a center of cell and gene therapy research, startup activity and corporate engagement. Its location is expected to facilitate strong connections with partners such as Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, the Mayo Clinic and the Translational Genomics Research Institute, among others.

We expect CAMI to be nothing short of a national biomedical research hub, said Michael D. Dake, MD, senior vice president for UArizona Health Sciences. CAMI will be a beacon for people who are involved in this type of research to work, collaborate and engage on the Phoenix Bioscience Core.

The research will take place in connected buildings that are being designed to include laboratories to support translational research, clinical research space and startup incubator space to create a synergistic environment for commercialization opportunities. Student education will be prioritized in learning spaces dedicated to academic programs that will allow CAMI faculty and researchers to mentor and train the next generation of scientists.

There is not a field with more explosive growth than immunotherapy. There is rapid growth in research investment and increased formation of academic and industry partnerships around the world, Dr. Dake said said during a Tomorrow is Here Lecture Series presentation in Phoenix. My hopes are that CAMI is going to provide opportunities to accelerate the development and delivery of revolutionary treatments for the management of cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases.

We are going to see diversification of drug classes and different types of combination therapies, delivery mechanisms and monitoring, he added. Going forward, I think were going to see a wide array of therapies that are going to be vastly different than any past generations ever had. Suffice it to say, in the future, pills and syringes are going to be obsolete.

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CAMI Set to Transform Immunotherapy Field Through Research - University of Arizona

Biochemistry

Biochemistry Breakthrough May Soon Have Asthmatics Breathing Easier – SciTechDaily

A breakthrough discovery could result in more effective asthma treatments.

Scientists have discovered differences in the biochemistry of asthmatic and non-asthmatics which could lead to more effective treatments.

An important discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for the worlds 262 million asthma sufferers was recently made in research led by Edith Cowan University (ECU).

It found that severe asthmatics have a distinct biochemical (metabolite) profile detectable in their urine, compared to mild-to-moderate asthmatics and healthy individuals. The study was led by Dr. Stacey Reinke (ECU) and Dr. Craig Wheelock (Karolinska Institute, Sweden).

To identify and better understand different subtypes of severe asthma, researchers analyzed urine samples from more than 600 participants across 11 countries as part of the U-BIOPRED study, a Europe-wide initiative.

The team of researchers discovered a specific type of metabolite, called carnitines, decreased in severe asthmatics.

Carnitines play an important role in cellular energy generation and immune responses.

Further analyses found carnitine metabolism was lower in severe asthmatics.

These new findings will help enable researchers to work towards new, more effective therapies for asthmatics.

Dr. Reinke, from ECUs Centre for Integrative Metabolomics and Computational Biology, said it is vital asthma treatment is improved.

Asthma affects 2.7 million Australians and there were 417 asthma-related deaths in Australia in 2020, she said.

Severe asthma occurs when someones asthma is uncontrolled, despite being treated with high levels of medication and/or multiple medications.

To identify and develop new treatment options, we first need to better understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease.

One way to do this is to examine the bodys chemical profile, or metabolome, which provides a snapshot of a persons current physiological state and gives useful insight into disease processes.

In this case, we were able to use the urinary metabolome of asthmatics to identify fundamental differences in energy metabolism that may represent a target for new interventions in asthma control, Dr. Reinke said.

Dr. Reinke said it can be difficult and invasive to investigate the lungs directly but fortunately, they contain a lot of blood vessels.

Therefore, any biochemical changes in the lungs can enter the bloodstream, and then be excreted through the urine, she said.

These are preliminary results, but we will continue to investigate carnitine metabolism to evaluate its potential as a new asthma treatment target.

Reference: Urinary metabotype of severe asthma evidences decreased carnitine metabolism independent of oral corticosteroid treatment in the U-BIOPRED study by Stacey N. Reinke, Shama Naz, Romanas Chaleckis, Hector Gallart-Ayala, Johan Kolmert, Nazanin Z. Kermani, Angelica Tiotiu, David I. Broadhurst, Anders Lundqvist, Henric Olsson, Marika Strm, sa M. Wheelock, Cristina Gmez, Magnus Ericsson, Ana R. Sousa, John H. Riley, Stewart Bates, James Scholfield, Matthew Loza, Frdric Baribaud, Per S. Bakke, Massimo Caruso, Pascal Chanez, Stephen J. Fowler, Thomas Geiser, Peter Howarth, Ildik Horvth, Norbert Krug, Paolo Montuschi, Annelie Behndig, Florian Singer, Jacek Musial, Dominick E. Shaw, Barbro Dahln, Sile Hu, Jessica Lasky-Su, Peter J. Sterk, Kian Fan Chung, Ratko Djukanovic, Sven-Erik Dahln, Ian M. Adcock and Craig E. Wheelock on behalf of the U-BIOPRED Study Group, 30 June 2022, European Respiratory Journal.DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01733-2021

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Biochemistry Breakthrough May Soon Have Asthmatics Breathing Easier - SciTechDaily

Biochemistry

Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) reverse transcriptase (RT) structure and biochemistry reveals remarkable similarities to HIV-1 RT and…

Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) reverse transcriptase (RT) structure and biochemistry reveals remarkable similarities to HIV-1 RT and opportunities for HERV-Kspecific inhibition | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences  pnas.org

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Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) reverse transcriptase (RT) structure and biochemistry reveals remarkable similarities to HIV-1 RT and...

Biochemistry

UA Researchers Develop Way to Test Water for Metal Pollutants – The University of Alabama

Research involving The University of Alabama created an easier way to detect harmful levels of heavy metals in water, which could help improve human health by boosting detection efforts by regulatory agencies, water utilities and commercial fishing.

Dr. Marco Bonizzoni

The new analytical method for detecting harmful levels of heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead was created by combining chemical array sensing methods developed at UA with polymer synthesis capabilities at the University of Southern Mississippi, according to findings recently published in Advanced Functional Materials.

The work is part of a larger, multiyear collaboration led by the University of Mississippi and supported by the National Science Foundation to develop advanced polymer-based, selective sensing technologies for detecting and analyzing pollutants in the coastal aquatic ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico, which host important fisheries, aquaculture, trading ports, and off-shore oil exploration and production industries.

The new method proved to be unusually robust and sensitive even in complex and challenging samples, down to the extremely low concentrations relevant for environmental monitoring applications in fresh- and saltwater, said Dr. Marco Bonizzoni, UA associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry.

Our method for these analyses uses less complex instrumentation, yet achieves sensitivity similar to established lab-based standard techniques, Bonizzoni said. Additionally, our system is simpler and more rugged than existing techniques, potentially opening the path towards development of a portable device for and point-of-sampling measurements.

At low levels, heavy metals are ubiquitous in the environment and some are essential nutrients for the ecosystem. At increased levels, mostly from human intervention, they threaten human, animal and ecosystem health. Exposure to heavy metals has been linked to neurological disease, organ failure and cancer.

Methods for their rapid and simple detection are a scientific and technological priority. Water utilities regularly monitor these potential contaminants in municipal water. Government regulatory agencies track heavy metals in waters as a proxy for potential contamination of marine life such as fish sold for consumption.

Bonizzoni, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and his group created a simple method for detecting harmful levels of heavy metals in water.

Current methods require lugging water samples taken on location back to a lab for analysis, which is time consuming and requires additional measures to ensure the sample isnt contaminated. The new method could simplify this process greatly by allowing for direct on-site measurements.

For now, researchers demonstrated they can simplify analysis by testing samples taken from the site of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill in the Gulf, gathered by a group led by Dr. Alan Shillerfrom Southern Mississippi. The site near the destroyed oil rig and subsequent massive oil spill into the ocean in 2010 released heavy metals into the environment.

Former UA graduate student Dr. Michael Ihde, now a faculty member at Williams College, led the Bonizzoni groups efforts to combine their method for using an array of receptors in a chemical sensor with the polymer synthesis capabilities from a group led by Dr. Jason Azoulay at Southern Mississippi and his graduate student Joshua Tropp.

Researchers prepared bright fluorene-based light-emitting charged polymers with appended metal binding groups, and studied their interactions with metal pollutants, developing methods for their ultrasensitive detection and discrimination.

Through the collaboration, we made new polymers, we combined them in a physical sensing system, and we measured complex and challenging samples with it, Bonizzoni said.

After demonstrating this proof of principle, the research team will focus on streamlining the procedure to fit inside a portable sensing system that could be operated by most anyone as a self-contained testing device deployed on a boat or, possibly, on a buoy that passively and continuously monitors the water; however, that future is several steps away.

Contact

Adam Jones, UA communications, 205-348-4328, adam.jones@ua.edu

The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the states flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the states largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

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UA Researchers Develop Way to Test Water for Metal Pollutants - The University of Alabama

Biochemistry

UAPB Alumnus Recommends a UAPB Education in Aquaculture/Fisheries for Research, Job Opportunities – UAPB News

Will Hehemann|School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences

Andrew Maina, originally from the east African country of Kenya, says his lifelong interest in science led him to enroll in the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluffs (UAPB) graduate program in aquaculture/fisheries.

My father was a pharmacist, and I also started to get interested in science in elementary school, he said. In high school, I became really interested in biology. My love for the outdoors and wildlife started in Kenya but continues to play a part in my life in my new home of North Carolina. I frequently go hiking and birdwatching.

During his undergraduate studies at the University of Eastern Africa in Baraton, Kenya, Maina took a course on marine biology. This experience made him curious about studying a discipline of science largely new to him.

I became interested in further studying fish because they have unique physiologies compared to other groups of animals, he said. I visited with Dr. Rebecca Lochmann, chair of the UAPB Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries. Our conversation about her research on catfish piqued my interest. I had previously taken a graduate course in chemical separations and biochemistry at the University of Florida, which gave me the theoretical background in the type of tools and techniques used in her lab for research.

In 2012, he enrolled in the graduate program and started conducting research on channel catfish nutrition under the mentorship of Dr. Lochmann.

In the lab, I was able to build an entirely new skill set as we used biochemistry techniques and separation chemistry to investigate the nutritional composition of fish muscle and whole fish, Maina said. Dr. Lochmann was influential in providing guidance throughout my graduate studies and also in giving me opportunities to attend large conferences and present my original research.

After graduating from UAPB in 2016, Maina was employed by Smithers, a company that provides independent testing services for a range of industries and products.

I was hired as a study director for channel catfish nutrient equivalency studies with various genetically modified organisms (GMO) grain varieties meant for export to the Asian market, he said. We were testing catfish feeds formulated to incorporate GMO grains. Our job was to ensure GMO grains used in these feeds were similar enough to non-GMO strains. We also made sure the feeds did not have any negative effects on catfish growth.

Maina currently works for Catalent, Inc., a global pharmaceutical company, where he is responsible for performing drug substance and drug product stability analysis.

Before they hit the market, medicines must be tested to make sure whatever components listed on the label are actually in the tablet in those precise measurements, he said. Our work helps ensure that any drug released to the market is in full compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards.

Maina said he recommends an education at the UAPB Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries for students looking to gain quality research experience. In addition to the labs on campus, he said students can also pursue collaborative opportunities with organizations such as the Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

The research skills I gained at UAPB continue to help me in my career, he said. During my studies, I enjoyed working with professors and students from different backgrounds on research that truly supported Arkansas and the region.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Biochemistry

28-year-old Becomes First Black Woman to Earn PhD in Biochemistry at Florida International University – YEN.COM.GH – Yen.com.gh

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Student-athlete, Chantrell Frazier, has made history as the first Black woman to earn a doctoral degree in Biochemistry at Florida International University.

Frazier, 28, began her college journey at Historically Black College or University (HBCU), where she earned her bachelor's degree to give her the proper foundation to prepare her for graduate school.

It was also the same reason that inspired her to attend Savannah State University (SSU), according to Atlanta Black Star.

After making history, Frazier looks forward to continuing her studies at a postdoctoral teaching fellowship at Framingham State University in Massachusetts.

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The trailblazer plans to become a chemistry professor and champion the next generation of STEM leaders.

Still on education, YEN.com.gh previously reported that Lerato Jaca triumphed adversity to achieve her goals, becoming the first person in her family to bag a degree in 2020.

She understood what it meant for a Black girl to glean such a feat, more so, make history.

In a post on Twitter, Jaca disclosed that she graduated from the University of Cape Town, UCT, making history as her family's first graduate and doctor.

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Ray Curtis Petty Jr, ESQ is the definition of a fighter who overcame cycles of obstacles life threw at him to achieve his goal as a legal brain, becoming the first lawyer in his family.

Undaunted by the mountain of difficulties and childhood inadequacies, he triumphed and made history as his family's first-generation attorney.

Recounting his story on his Instagram account, he recalls being told by his teachers that he should be in special education classes. His coaches also doubted his ability to remember a playbook as a child, he said.

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28-year-old Becomes First Black Woman to Earn PhD in Biochemistry at Florida International University - YEN.COM.GH - Yen.com.gh

Biochemistry

Designing the next generation of nanoscale electronics | Rowan Today | Rowan University – Rowan Today

Amid an ongoing semiconductor shortage delaying the production of cars, phones, computers, and televisions, a new research collaboration between Rowan University and Butler University seeks to develop computational tools for designing the next generation of nanoscale electronics. The $222,559 grant was awarded by the National Science Foundation.

It is becoming increasingly more difficult to create these computer chips.

The classical computing architectures are starting to reach their development potential, said principal investigator Erik Hoy, Ph.D., an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry in the College of Science & Mathematics. What we're looking to contribute to is the next generation of computer architectures.

These next-generation devices are incredibly small, but have enormous potential. Hoy and his research team will partner with a team from Butler University to develop new techniques to study these devices on a molecular level more effectively. Previous methods have limitations in their treatment of molecular electronic interactions, and a more comprehensive methodology is needed to ensure that nanoscale architectures deliver their promised performance gains.

Hoys software will treat electronic interactions in these devices to a degree that has not been done before. The software will help determine if nanoelectronics-based computer chips will function as engineers hoped. This tool will then be made publicly available for any researcher to use.

In the long run, it's intended to address a key supply chain problem, Hoy said. Were going to provide new tools, so that when people go to build these devices, they can predict their properties accurately so they know the device will behave as expected.

The grant will support Rowans materials science and engineering program by heavily involving both graduate and undergraduate students throughout the research.

One of my key goals is to help build the next generation of materials science and nanoscience-focused students in the U.S., Hoy said.

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Designing the next generation of nanoscale electronics | Rowan Today | Rowan University - Rowan Today

Biochemistry

Plant-based testosterone in pine pollen could be a goldmine for forestry – New Zealand Herald

Pine pollen is the fine yellow powder released by pine trees every spring that forms part of the reproductive life cycle of the tree. Photo / Supplied

Pine pollen containing a rare natural source of plant-based testosterone could prove a goldmine for New Zealand's forestry sector.

Pine Pollen New Zealand Limited, trading under the name Bio Gold, has received $288,500 in Government funding through the Ministry for Primary Industries' Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures) to lay the foundations for a pine pollen industry in New Zealand.

"Pine pollen has been consumed for health and wellbeing in China, South Korea and Japan for more than 3000 years," Bio Gold founder Carl Meyer said.

"It's been found to contain a naturally occurring testosterone, and lately there's been a new wave of interest from the natural health industry in the United States and Canada."

Common reasons for taking pine pollen as a dietary supplement include supporting energy levels, hormonal balance, immune function, and overall wellbeing.

"We've furthered our research and development work for the past 18 months with the help of SFF Futures funding to understand how the biochemistry of New Zealand pine pollen differs in relation to factors such as species, genetics, location, and more," Meyer said.

"We've also compared our pollen to that from overseas and it's looking very promising."

Pine pollen is the fine yellow powder released by pine trees every spring that forms part of the reproductive life cycle of the tree.

The powder is produced inside the catkin (male flowers) of pine trees.

"We've spent years working out which specific type of Pinus radiata yields the best pollen it's not a matter of using any old pine tree," Meyer said.

"It's very complex, and you've got to really know what you're doing. Safety and quality are our top priorities."

Meyer said the final product was expensive because the seasonal window for pine pollen was often less than three weeks.

Bio Gold's pollen was currently harvested near Hanmer Springs and Kaikura from trees on land owned and operated by Ngi Tahu Forestry, he said.

"However, we're also open to exploring additional partnerships with other forest owners across New Zealand, as well as connecting with entrepreneurs, investors, and health companies to help scale things up. We encourage people to reach out to us.

Callaghan Innovation had helped with research, including providing funding for a top Master's student to investigate biochemistry and extraction on an even deeper level, Meyer said.

"The University of Canterbury has also assisted with harvesting trials, and we're developing technology that's able to do large-scale harvesting."

Bio Gold has developed two prototype products so far.

One is a concentrated liquid "Supercharge" extract to support energy levels, sports and exercise performance, libido, and vitality.

The other is a raw powder that can be added to smoothies and drinks for overall wellbeing.

"Establishing this industry means New Zealanders will be able to enjoy any benefits that pine pollen offers," Meyer said.

"Our local customers love the pollen, and we're getting excellent feedback from them. We're also looking at high-value export opportunities."

Steve Penno, MPI's director of investment programmes, said Bio Gold had identified an opportunity to increase the value of New Zealand's forestry industry, and create new jobs in regional communities.

"Investing in this high-value product is helping Bio Gold fast-track their research and take this initiative to a full-scale operation."

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Plant-based testosterone in pine pollen could be a goldmine for forestry - New Zealand Herald