Biochemistry

Researchers develop diagnostic system that detects up to 40 infectious respiratory pathogens in one test – BioWorld Online

BEIJING Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a diagnostic system that they claim is the worlds most comprehensive as it can identify 30 to 40 pathogens in one single test within an hour.

The automated multiplex diagnostic system comes with a fully automated machine and a multiplex full-screening panel for point-of-care genetic testing (POCT) of respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19, which has infected nearly 60,000 people and killed more than 1,300 as of Feb 13, 2020.

The dozens of pathogens that can be identified also include seasonal influenza viruses, such as influenza A subtypes H1, H2 and H3, avian influenza viruses H5, H7 and H9, human respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The university has tested the system on all major pathogens that cause infectious respiratory diseases.

PolyUs researchers used polymerase chain reaction technology as part of the diagnostic system, which enables the device to be fully automated from sample nucleic acid extraction and amplification to signal detection and analysis to achieve point-of-care capability. The system does not require manual interaction across the testing process.

The university said microfluidic and biochemical technologies have been adopted to achieve ultra-sensitive detection and simultaneous differentiation of various pathogens with extremely high specificity.

The proprietary technology combines multiple innovations in biochemistry, diagnostics, microfluidics and production engineering to achieve extremely high analytical sensitivity and analytical specificity, Hailey Lai, PolyUs communications and public affairs officer, as she explained to BioWorld how the system can identify so many pathogens in so little time. She said patent applications have been filed for the technologies.

The design of primers and probes, biochemical reagents and amplification technology allows for simultaneous, sensitive (down to 5 gene copies) and specific detection of up to 40 pathogens without interference. We also have internal control in our system, Lai added.

She said the research team is urgently focusing on further developments of the systems robustness and cost-effectiveness. The team is also moving on in the collaboration with relevant parties for the clinical trials, regulatory approvals, mass scale production, and frontline applications of this POCT system.

Terence Lau Lok-ting, director of Innovation and Technology Development and adjunct professor at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at PolyU who leads the research team, said this innovation can substantially reduce the cost of microfluidic cartridge manufacturing, thus making it feasible for wide adoption.

He believes this diagnostic system will be a practical solution for the lack of full panel POCT technologies in early and on-site diagnosis and should be able to differentiate between different pathogens at the same time. He added that PolyUs proprietary technology overcame the limitations of existing technologies by ensuring sensitivity.

Early and accurate detection of pathogens contributes to effective and efficient disease control and management and prevents the spreading of any contagious pathogens. It benefits patient as well because timely therapy can then be applied to prevent complications, said Lau of the value of early and on-site diagnosis, which may be realized by this new diagnostic system.

The development of this diagnostic system comes at a time when tens of thousands of people in China, especially in the epicenter of Hubei province, are desperate to be tested for the COVID-19 virus so they can be hospitalized and receive medical care. Patients without a proper diagnosis have reportedly been denied access to public health care due to the high demand for hospital beds.

The COVID-19 virus remains a serious threat and Hubei province has reported 14,000 new cases overnight, due to an observational diagnosis system having been developed and implemented.

Alexander Wai Ping-kong, deputy president and provost designate of PolyU, said it is important that the research community is able to quickly pool their expertise and resources to develop practical solutions in the difficult and challenging times that Hong Kong, China and the global community are encountering.

The system's versatility and capability will provide for comprehensive monitoring during disease outbreaks or routine surveillance. It will become a crucial technology for ensuring the effective control of infectious diseases, medical diagnosis, and treatment, said Yuen Kwok-yung, the chair of infectious diseases at the University of Hong Kongs (HKU) department of microbiology.

Yuen has supported the R&D for this PolyU-HKU partnership over the four years it has taken to develop the diagnostic system. Researchers also conducted tests on clinical samples from the COVID-19 outbreak using the system.

Yuen is currently dedicating his efforts toward developing a vaccine for the coronavirus. The vaccine is based on a nasal spray applied vaccine that he and his team invented.

This new PolyU diagnostic system, developed with the support of HKU, is a continuation of the joint efforts from Hong Kongs academia and university research institutions.

Last week, researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology claimed to have invented the worlds fastest portable diagnostic device, with detection of the COVID-19 virus performed in just 40 minutes.

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Researchers develop diagnostic system that detects up to 40 infectious respiratory pathogens in one test - BioWorld Online

Biochemistry

Biochemistry Analyzers Market Reprt Impressive Growth, Industry Size, Key Players And Forecast 2020 To 2027 – TechNews.mobi

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Biochemistry Analyzers Market Reprt Impressive Growth, Industry Size, Key Players And Forecast 2020 To 2027 - TechNews.mobi

Biochemistry

First presidential search forum canceled due to inclement weather – OSU – The Lantern

The first of three public forums for the universitys presidential search was canceled Feb. 12 for inclement weather. Credit: Andre White | Lantern Reporter

The presidential search forums are off to a slippery start.

The first of three public forums for the universitys presidential search was canceled Wednesday due to inclement weather when fewer than 10 people attended at the Biomedical Research Tower. Those who remained after the cancellation announcement were invited to voice their opinions to Lewis Von Thaer and Susan Olesik, members of the presidential search committee.

At 4:04 p.m., Ohio State Emergency Management issued a winter weather advisory, effective until 10 a.m. due to a possible 2 inches of snow. The university has yet to announce if the forum will be rescheduled.

Von Thaer, university trustee and chair of the selection subcommittee, and Olesik, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and co-chair of the advisory subcommittee, are hosting the forums to gather public input on qualities, skills, attributes and experiences the university community is looking for in the next president, according the Board of Trustees website.

Among those present was Dr. Edmund Mroz, research associate professor of otolaryngology, who raised concerns about the universitys national and global standing among research institutions.

If Ohio State wants to become a world-class university, as opposed to being one which I think presently is seen as being more regional, then it has to have a president who is going to be able to work with the trustees, work with the schools within the university and have policies that will make that possible, Mroz said.

Sumaya Hamadmad, an ophthalmology research assistant at the university, said her main concern was Ohio States Family and Medical Leave Policy, which allows for 12 weeks of job-protected parental leave, according to the universitys Parental Care Guidebook.

I think it should be at least three months or maybe more, Hamadmad said.

The two remaining forums will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday in Thompson Library and from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 19 in the U.S. Bank Conference Theater at the Ohio Union, according to the Board of Trustees website.

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First presidential search forum canceled due to inclement weather - OSU - The Lantern

Biochemistry

Rebecca Lyons named University of Redlands Professor of the Year – The Inland Empire Community

The University of Redlands Mortar Board Honor Society has named Rebecca Lyons as Professor of the Year. Lyons, a chemistry professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been teaching at the University of Redlands for nine years.

Being a teacher in the College of Arts and Sciences is a noble calling. It is noble to assist students in the liberating joy of discovering knowledge that restructures how they see the world. It is also noble to help students take the beginning steps in a profession that will provide lifelong satisfaction, said Associate Dean of Student Engagement David Schrum.

The Professor of the Year distinction recognizes faculty members outstanding teaching abilities and important contributions to the University community. While the Mortar Board Honor Society facilitates the voting process, the nominations for the award are student-driven.

A graduate of University of Washington (B.S., biochemistry), the State University of New York College at Cortland (M.A., science education), and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (M.S., Ph.D., environmental chemistry), Lyons teaches nine courses in chemistry, including a May Term course in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

She works every day to not only ensure that her students are prepared for the rigor of graduate-level work in chemistry, medical school, and work in research fields, but also makes connections that keep her students feeling seen and loved, said Associated Students of the University of Redlands President Jacob Miner 20.

Throughout her time at the University, Lyons has mentored more than two dozen research students and co-authored a number of publications and presentations alongside students.

Chemistry Club President Jared Cellini 20 spoke about how Lyons mentorship has enhanced his experience at the University of Redlands. Recalling a group hike that she led, he explained that her passion for science and the environment is felt by all of her students.

This is such an amazing group of people to be a part ofI look around at my fellow educators and Im honored to stand with you. More than anything, my students are amazing and I love them, and its really great when its reciprocated, Lyons said.

This was the 62nd year that Mortar Board undergraduates honored a distinguished faculty member who embodies the groups ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service.

Mortar Board began at the University of Redlands in 1943 as a womens senior honorary group, known as W.E.B.S., Wisdom, Excellence, Belief, and Service. In 1955, it became recognized as an official chapter of the Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society, and, in 1975, membership was opened to both men and women.

This years Mortar Board finalists for Professor of the Year also included Mathematics and Computer Science Professor Joanna Bieri, Biology Professor Caryl Forristall, Theatre Arts Professor Trevor Norton, and Biology Professor Linda Silveira.

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Rebecca Lyons named University of Redlands Professor of the Year - The Inland Empire Community

Biochemistry

How a Parkinson’s Protein Wreaks Havoc in the Brain – Technology Networks

Parkinson's disease is a long-term (chronic) neurological condition that affects around 12,000 people in Ireland and between 7 and 10 million people worldwide. The disease affects the way the brain co-ordinates body movements like walking and talking, but cognitive abilities are also affected. There is currently no cure for the disease, but researchers at Trinity have recently published findings of a study which may lead to better treatments for this debilitating illness.Neurons in the part of the brain called substantia nigra (dark matter) produce and release a hormone called dopamine. This hormone acts as a messenger between these cells in the substantia nigra and other parts of the brain which control body movements.

"If these specialized neurons become damaged or die, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced. This means that the parts of the brain that control movement cease to function normally. The only treatment for Parkinson's disease in the last 20 years has been dopamine replacement therapy. This involves providing a substitute to try to increase the levels of the hormone in the brain. However, the treatment is not completely effective and can wear off over time, and it also has side effects," said Amir Khan, Associate Professor, School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity.

"The main reason why we lack new treatments is that we don't understand the fundamental mechanism of how neurons become sick and die. No one knows why these particular neurons in the substantia nigra are affected."

"In the last few years, the field has completely changed. We have new insight into a gene called LRRK2, which is the most common cause of inherited Parkinson's disease. Although only 10% of Parkinson's cases are inherited, the enzyme that is produced by the LRRK2 gene seems to be overactive in both inherited and 'sporadic' cases."

"In other words, afflicted individuals may not have an LRRK2 mutation, but the enzyme 'runs amok' in their neurons anyway. Inhibitors of this enzyme are now in late clinical trials for treatment of Parkinson's disease."

The team at Trinity has studied the effects that LRRK2 has on other proteins in neuronal cells. To understand how LRRK2 affects the brain and leads to Parkinson's disease, the team has simulated the activity of the enzyme in the laboratory.

"The research allowed us to visualize the 3-D structure of a protein complex that is formed when LRRK2 is overactive. From these structural studies of proteins, we can understand how LRRK2 is able to impose its profound effects on neurons. We are the first group to report the effects of LRRK2 in 3-D detail using a method called X-ray crystallography," Professor Khan continued.

"An overactive LRRK2 runs loose in neurons and wreaks havoc on motor and cognitive abilities. In a way, we are chasing the footprints that LRRK2 leaves in the brain to understand what it does, and find ways to stop it."

"We are hopeful that these studies may eventually lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease, for which there is currently no cure."ReferenceWaschbsch et al. (2020) Structural Basis for Rab8a Recruitment of RILPL2 via LRRK2 Phosphorylation of Switch 2. Structure. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.str.2020.01.005This 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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How a Parkinson's Protein Wreaks Havoc in the Brain - Technology Networks

Biochemistry

‘I like to burst the myth that my career has been a carefully orchestrated plan’ – Siliconrepublic.com

Having studied biochemistry at college, Sinead Barry of Accenture wasnt always planning to forge a career path in financial services.

According to Sinead Barry, you could call her the biochemist who has spent her career in financial services. Now working at Accenture, where she leads the companys customer insights and growth practice for financial services in Ireland, Barry feels she is in a sector that has offered her the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of roles.

From a summer job at a bank to recently getting the chance to chat with Accentures global banking lead, Barry talked to Siliconrepublic.com about her unique career journey to date.

As a biochemistry graduate, financial services was not always my career aspiration SINEAD BARRY

My job at Accenture is to lead our customer insight and growth practice for our financial services industry group in Ireland.

My team and I work with organisations to help them improve their customer experience, develop their digital offering, utilise analytics and drive growth. Digital has disrupted every aspect of business as we know it, so creating a compelling customer experience has never been more important.

Its the ideal role for me as it allows me to do two things that I am very passionate about. I like to champion the customer and the importance of their experience when using a product or service. I also strongly believe in the value of stewardship by developing our people, and spend time in my role helping others to navigate their own career paths.

As a biochemistry graduate, financial services was not always my career aspiration. A summer job in a bank caught my interest and led me to a role working for a company called GAM Fund Management.

I had a great boss, Billy Norris, who offered me exposure to both operational and project roles. It was a fantastic experience. In my early days, I worked on a Swift implementation programme and that really uncovered my interest in technology and change. You could say that I am the biochemist who has spent my career in financial services!

It is a sector that has offered me the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of roles. Ive always felt challenged and have had the space to grow and develop new capabilities. I do think in the coming years we will see people enjoying careers that span across a variety of industries and experiences work will evolve and look different to today and I think people need to embrace and plan for this inevitable shift in the workplace.

I always like to burst the myth that my career has been a carefully orchestrated plan it hasnt. Like everyone, I have had many highs and lows and some key career inflection points.

As I glance back, achieving my MBA at 23 was pivotal and it was only then that consulting captured my interest. I think early on I understood the importance of always reskilling and keeping up to date with trends, current thinking and technology, which is now more important than ever with things moving at such a fast pace.

The one piece of advice I would love to give to my younger self is the importance of being balanced in all that you do, be that in work or in life. I am the type of person who throws themselves into work 100pc, but at times that can be at the detriment of other aspects of your life.

I continue to work on not letting that happen, but its a discipline I do wish I had mastered earlier in my career. My best advice would be to define your priorities and be protective of your time thats when you create balance.

I find the opportunity to support and enable others on their career journeys the most rewarding aspect of my role at Accenture. I like to think that I can pay it forward for the excellent coaches and mentors who have supported me to date.

I believe that mentorship is invaluable and its something that is incredibly important to us at Accenture. For a successful career, I think its essential to find out what it is that you do best, and ensure you have the support that you need to plan and develop your best possible career.

There are two skills that are extremely important in any scenario firstly, remaining calm under pressure, and secondly, ensuring that you listen and really hear the perspectives of those around you, be they colleagues or clients.

Having recently had the opportunity to chat with Alan McIntyre Accentures global banking lead on the top 10 trends for banks in 2020, there are two key trends that stood out for me and which I found particularly interesting from a customer perspective.

Firstly, we are seeing the emergence of a socially conscious or purpose-driven banking era. Consumers are increasingly aligning their buying with socially conscious providers, which means that we should see banks and financial services organisations beginning to really align their efforts with social issues.

The second is the continued focus by the banking sector to continue to build trust and provide transparency to their customers in terms of cost, data and privacy. I think it will be interesting to see how these trends play out across 2020 and beyond.

I have a few go-to authors and podcasts. I highly recommend reading Daring Greatly by Bren Brown its an insightful read and I practise some of her tips. I also follow Jim Marous on Twitter and listen to his Banking Transformed podcast regularly.

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'I like to burst the myth that my career has been a carefully orchestrated plan' - Siliconrepublic.com

Biochemistry

President of the Aikid Dojo says learning the martial art is a lifetime pursuit – Ke Alakai

Photo by Ho Yin Li

The Frinkazan Aikid Dojo opened last Spring 2019, but it only became a club this Winter Semester 2020. Aikid is a martial art different from others because they aim for the offender and the defender to be unharmed. The president of the Aikid Dojo, Indra Luo, said Aikid puts an emphasis on spirituality, psychology and mental health.

The Aikid Association of America (AAA) describes the martial art as a comprehensive system of throwing, joint-locking, striking, and pinning techniques, coupled with training in traditional Japanese weapons such as the sword, staff, and knife. The AAA also notes Aikido as non-lethal, non-disruptive, non-competitive [which leads to] harmony with ourselves and with our world.

Starting the Laie Dojo

Luo, a biochemistry sophomore from Indonesia, said he has been practicing aikid for 15 years. One of the reasons he came to BYUHawaii was there was an Aikid Club. He said he was disappointed when he discovered the club had been shut down because there was no membership and there was no one qualified to start the club. Luo started the club this Winter Semester 2020, but the dojo has been in functioning since Spring 2019.

A cultural anthropology sophomore from the Philippines, Abish Tarrobago, joined the dojo before it became a club. She said they had to form a group to practice and found space in the Dance Studio. If the Dance Studio was not available, [they practiced] in the grass areas or in the racquetball place.

Luo said he originally disliked aikid. However, he changed his mind after he learned aikid puts emphasis on spirituality, psychology, and mental health. One thing that keeps me wanting to learn is its emphasis that you have to be a good person, even when they hurt you. That thought keeps me drawn to it. He also wanted future club members to be patient as learning aikid is a lifetime pursuit.

What Tarrobago said she likes about the martial art is that it wasnt too physical. Its easy for women to do it so we felt it was the martial art that is for us.

Tarrobago is progressing through the belt system in aikid. Im a yellow belt right now and it took me two months to do techniques. We do regular practices so we can achieve more. You dont just hit people, you have to prioritize what will hurt the least, and that goes the same with school and life in general.

It doesnt just help us physically, but helps us with relationships and life in general.

Other self-defense practice opportunities

EunBi Cho, a psychology senior from Korea, and Cindy Castro, a health and human performance junior from Taiwan, were glad there was an Aikid Club so other students could have the opportunity to protect themselves. Cho explained she took the self-defense class. She was glad women were in the self-defense class learning to protect themselves.

Castro said she took the self-defense class by Jared Pere. If I had more time [I would go]. According to Castro, in the self-defense class by Pere, He would go through a ton of techniques and you would forget it. With a club, you can meet more continuously and have friends to practice with.

She worried people may use these techniques to make fun of Asian cultures. I would say I hope those who are not Asian can be more respectful. She hopes people will know the origin of the martial arts they participate in. Be aware and dont say it is Asian altogether.

Origins

Morihei Ueshiba created Aikid in the early 20th century, according to the AAA. On the AAA website, Ueshiba is quoted, To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the art of peace. Progress comes to those who train and train. Reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere.

AAA said of Ueshiba, Aikid was a path of self-development. He believed it could be a means for anyone, of any nation, to follow the same path. Aikid is shugyo: an intense physical and spiritual training to perfect human character and develop wisdom.

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President of the Aikid Dojo says learning the martial art is a lifetime pursuit - Ke Alakai

Biochemistry

Ceapro Inc. Receives Research License from Health Canada Controlled Substances and Cannabis BranchPioneering the second wave of medical cannabis…

EDMONTON, Alberta, Feb. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ceapro Inc.(TSX-V: CZO; OTCQX:CRPOF) (Ceapro or the Company), a growth-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of active ingredients for healthcare and cosmetic industries, today announced it has received special authorization from Health Canada to initiate a research program entitled Impregnation of Water-Soluble Biopolymers with Cannabis Extracts Using the Pressurized Gas eXpanded (PGX) Technology and Formulation of Solid Cannabinoid Delivery Systems: Oral Thin Films and Transdermal Patches.

Formulation studies will be conducted at Ceapros premises in Edmonton while bioavailability and pharmacokinetics studies will be performed by a Montreal-based licensed partner.

This is a significant moment in Ceapros history. We have been working for the last three years on the development of unique delivery systems using our disruptive PGX technology for multiple applications, commentedGilles Gagnon, M.Sc., MBA, President and CEO of Ceapro. Today, given the growing body of evidence that the potential for cannabis lies with its medicinal properties and given that the low oral bioavailability of cannabinoids has prompted the development of various methods of administration, we are confident that our unique PGX technology might be a solution to overcome absorption limitations or improve current marketed formulations. By utilizing our PGX technology, we believe we will be able to create a formulation that brings cannabis in a faster to the blood the better way with the lowest dose that will provide the most benefits to the patients, as well as offer the best side effect profile.

Our Juvente line of products will also be assessed as a way to deeply deliver cannabinoids to the skin for pain management, for alleviation of anxiety and sleep disorders to name a few applications. Additionally, we have developed sublingual thin films, dermal patches and creams using polymeric carriers that should suit that purpose. Of particular interest, we hope that the use of our formulated dermal patches will be efficacious as an alternate form of treatment to help alleviate dependency on other hard drugs that we are currently witnessing in this era of opioid crisis. We are committed to developing these formulations for medical use only for the benefits of patients and all while creating value to our shareholders, concluded Mr. Gagnon.

About Ceapro Inc.

Ceapro Inc. is a Canadian biotechnology company involved in the development of proprietary extraction technology and the application of this technology to the production of extracts and active ingredients from oats and other renewable plant resources. Ceapro adds further value to its extracts by supporting their use in cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and therapeutics products for humans and animals. The Company has a broad range of expertise in natural product chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology and process engineering. These skills merge in the fields of active ingredients, biopharmaceuticals and drug-delivery solutions. For more information on Ceapro, please visit the Companys website at http://www.ceapro.com.

For more information contact:

Jenene ThomasJTC TeamInvestor Relations and Corporate Communications AdvisorT (US): +1 (833) 475-8247E: czo@jtcir.com

Issuer:

Gilles R. Gagnon, M.Sc., MBAPresident & CEOT: 780-421-4555

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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Ceapro Inc. Receives Research License from Health Canada Controlled Substances and Cannabis BranchPioneering the second wave of medical cannabis...

Cell Biology

Breakthrough in Stem Cell Research: First Image of Niche Environment | Newsroom – UC Merced University News

By Lorena Anderson, UC Merced

Professor Joel Spencer and his lab have made a huge breakthrough in stem cell research.

Professor Joel Spencer was a rising star in college soccer and now he is an emerging scientist in the world of biomedical engineering, capturing for the first time an image of a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) within the bone marrow of a living organism.

Everyone knew black holes existed, but it took until last year to directly capture an image of one due to the complexity of their environment, Spencer said. Its analogous with stem cells in the bone marrow. Until now, our understanding of HSCs has been limited by the inability to directly visualize them in their native environment until now.

This work brings an advancement that will open doors to understanding how these cells work which may lead to better therapeutics for hematologic disorders including cancer.

Understanding how HSCs interact within their local environments might help researchers understand how cancers use this same environment in the bone marrow to evade treatment.

Spencer studied biological sciences at UC Irvine where he was the captain of the mens Division 1 soccer team. He initially planned to pursue a career in professional soccer until faculty mentors opened doors for research and introduced Spencer to biophotonics the science that deals with the interactions of light with biological matter.

UC faculty were a big part of my research experience; they became mentors and friends, Spencer said. My first foray into research was as a lab tech, and that is where I met people who were doing biomedical imaging, and it just caught my wonder.

An image of a stem cell in its natural niche

Spencer left his native California to earn his Ph.D. in bioengineering at Tufts University in Boston and took a postdoctoral research position in the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. In Boston, he learned about live-animal imaging and his wonder became a passion.

Now his emphasis is on biomedical optics: building new microscopes and new imaging techniques to visualize and study biological molecules, cells and tissue in their natural niches in living, fully intact small animals.

I work at the interface of engineering and biology. My lab is seeking to answer biological questions that were impossible until the advancements in technology we have seen in the past couple decades, he said. You need to be able to peer inside an organ inside a live animal and see whats happening as it happens.

Based on work conducted at UC Merced and in Boston, he and his collaborators including his grad student Negar Tehrani visualized stem cells inside the bone marrow of live, intact mice.

He and his collaborators have a new paper published in the journal Nature detailing the work they conducted to study HSCs in their native environment in the bone marrow.

We can see how the cells behave in their native niches and how they respond to injuries or stresses which seems to be connected to the constant process of bone remodeling, Tehrani said. Researchers have been trying to answer questions that have gone unanswered for lack of technology, and they have turned to engineering to solve those puzzles.

Its important for researchers to understand the mechanics of stem cells because of the cells potential to regenerate and repair damaged tissue.

Spencer, left, and students from his lab

Spencer returned to California three years ago, joining the Department of Bioengineering in the School of Engineering at UC Merced. Hes also an affiliate of the Health Sciences Research Institute and the NSF CREST Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines . This is his third paper in Nature, but the first stemming from work conducted in his current lab.

He didnt come to UC Merced just because he loves biology Spencer also joined the campus because of the students.

Now Im back in the UC system Im a homegrown UC student whos now faculty, Spencer said. As a student within the system I was able to participate in myriad opportunities, including mentorships that advanced my career. Now I try to encourage graduate and undergrad students to follow their dreams. I love being able to give them opportunities its something I really want to do for the next generation.

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Breakthrough in Stem Cell Research: First Image of Niche Environment | Newsroom - UC Merced University News

Cell Biology

Sphere Fluidics Expands Commercial Operations to Increase Supply of Pico-Surf Surfactant for Droplet Microfluidics – BioSpace

Feb. 13, 2020 09:18 UTC

CAMBRIDGE, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sphere Fluidics, a company commercializing single cell analysis systems underpinned by its patented picodroplet technology, today announced investment in the production and supply of its proprietary biocompatible surfactant, Pico-Surf, for reliable and highly stable droplet generation and processing. Sphere Fluidics will expand operations to meet demand for large-scale commercial supply of its high-performing surfactant for use in a wide range of microfluidic application workflows.

Pico-Surf is a high-quality and animal-origin-free biocompatible surfactant optimized to support the formation of aqueous solution-in-oil picodroplets. Sphere Fluidics aims to increase production of Pico-Surf by three-fold in 2020, whilst maintaining its industry-leading standards, through significant investment of resources in manufacture and quality control processes, and workforce. As part of Sphere Fluidics range of specialist chemicals, Pico-Surf is designed to work effectively and flexibly across a broad range of microfluidic systems, including the Companys proprietary single cell analysis platforms and applications, such as molecular biology assays, cell secretion assays and cell growth studies.

The unique and patented molecular structure of Pico-Surf stabilizes droplets, and retains and protects their cellular and molecular contents over a wide range of temperatures and biological conditions, helping to ensure high cell viability for improved assay performance. Droplets generated using Pico-Surf show low end point interfacial tension and critical micelle concentration in comparison to other commercially available surfactants. The purity and quality of the surfactant also enables a more efficient droplet sorting process at low voltage. The ready-to-use surfactant is available in large batches or made-to-order with ensured lot-to-lot consistency.

Dr. Marian Rehak, Vice President of Research and Development, Sphere Fluidics, said: We are enthused by the increased demand for Pico-Surf, and eager to mobilize its production to meet demand. Whilst doing so, we will ensure its very high quality control standards are maintained, meaning researchers can continue rely on Pico-Surf to create droplets that are stable and reproducible.

Rob Treanor, Director of Operations, Sphere Fluidics, commented: Sphere Fluidics world-leading expertise in picodroplet technology has enabled the development of an ever-growing range of high-performing patented consumables, vital for the successful use of microfluidic systems. All our consumable products have been designed to be platform-agnostic, so they work effectively with a number of microfluidic systems.

For further information on Pico-Surf, please visit: https://spherefluidics.com/specialist-chemicals/

For further information about Sphere Fluidics full range of consumables for microfluidics systems, please visit: https://spherefluidics.com/products/consumables/

Follow Sphere Fluidics on Twitter @SphereFluidics and LinkedIn @Sphere Fluidics Limited.

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Sphere Fluidics Expands Commercial Operations to Increase Supply of Pico-Surf Surfactant for Droplet Microfluidics - BioSpace