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Takeda preps for EU Crohn’s disease stem cell therapy manufacture – BioPharma-Reporter.com

Posted: June 25, 2017 at 11:40 pm

Takeda says it is assessing manufacturing options ahead of potential European approval later this year of the Crohns disease stem cell therapy licensed from TiGenix.

Following its acceptance for review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Takeda and TiGenix announced this week Swissmedic has accepted for review the file for compound Cx601, an allogeneic expanded adipose-derived stem cell (eASC) therapy for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas in patients with Crohns disease.

The therapy is being made from TiGenix site in Madrid, Spain but CEO Eduardo Bravo told Biopharma-Reporter its partner Takeda which holds the rights for Cx601 in non-US markets following a licensing agreement inked last year will take responsibility for its manufacture from 2021 from a purpose built manufacturing facility in Europe.

Takeda spokesman Luke Willats told this publication: After a transition period for technology transfer during which TiGenix will manufacture Cx601, Takeda will assume responsibility for manufacturing the compound.

But while Willats added the firm is exploring how itcan best meet manufacturing responsibilities for Cx601 following a potential European Commission (EC) approval decision for the compound in 2017, he could not comment further on specific plans or CAPEX investments.

The Japanese pharma firm has its European headquarters in Switzerland, with production sites in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland and Russia.

Fat chance

Cx601 is produced by TiGenix in plastic flasks in incubators at a one-litre scale, using stem cells taken from healthy volunteers who have undergone liposuction for cosmetic reasons, Bravo told us.

The fat gets sent to our facility in Madrid and is processed to extract the stem cells, which account for about 2% of the material. These are placed in plastic flasks with serum to multiply the number. This is repeated until there is a large population and then the cells are frozen, creating the master cell bank (MCB).

According to Bravo, one liposuction when expanded produces upwards of 360 billion cells, enough to treat 2,400 patients.

While TiGenix is considering using bioreactors for its future pipeline, it will continue making the product as it does now due to not needing to increase volume and the challenges of making production changes in the middle or end of development.

For cell therapies, the process defines the product. Anything you change could change the cells themselves, effectively changing the product.

US deal with Lonza

TiGenix holds the US rights to Cx601 and is discussing with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) whether it can file using EMA data, something Bravo said would be decided in the next six-to-eight months.

US trial material will be produced by TiGenixs contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) Lonza , which is undergoing tech transfer at its site in Maryland.

But looking ahead to commercialisation, Bravo said it is not yet decided whether we continue using a CMO or build our own [US] facility.

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Takeda preps for EU Crohn's disease stem cell therapy manufacture - BioPharma-Reporter.com

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‘Little Frankenstein,’ conceived so Minnesota doctors could save sister, is now a happy teen – Minneapolis Star Tribune

Posted: June 25, 2017 at 7:49 am

Richard Sennott, Star Tribune file During a family portrait in 2000, Molly Nash gives her 4-week-old brother, Adam, a kiss. Molly Nash received some umbilical blood from her brother, saving her from a fatal genetic disease.

Adam Nash was dubbed Little Frankenstein by the New York Post in 2000 because he was conceived via in vitro fertilization specifically so doctors at the University of Minnesota could collect stem cells from his umbilical cord blood to save his sister, Molly.

Today, back home in Colorado, Adam has a drivers license and helps disabled children ski. His sister once weeks from death due to a condition called Fanconi anemia is debating whether to focus on oceanography or graphic design in college. And IVF to produce an ideal child for a siblings stem cell transplant is common, albeit with lingering ethics concerns.

A squirrelly trio of teens is vindication for Adams mother, Lisa Nash, who felt the weight of the ethical questions when the Us Dr. John Wagner suggested IVF in 1995.

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Big Lake woman seeks stem cell treatment for chronic Lyme disease – Monticello Times

Posted: June 25, 2017 at 7:49 am

By Vicki Ikeogu Monticello Times

Some days are better than others.

But lately, those days are rare and far between for Big Lake resident Kristi Hellen.

Ive never felt great, Hellen, 38, said. No, I never have great feeling days. Sometimes there would be a period 5 to 30 minutes a day that I would feel good. Now, thats down to just 5 to 10 minutes.

For the past 16 years the mystery surrounding Hellens crippling pain remained that, a mystery. Its been seven months since Big Lake resident Kristi Hellens chronic and crippling Lyme disease diagnosis. Hellen found two treatment options: One was taking a combination of medications, herbs and supplements for two years. The other was stem cell treatment at a clinic in California. Infusio Clinic in Beverly Hills, California, uses a patients own stem cells to help battle the disease. To cover the cost of the $35,350 for stem cell treatment, Hellen and her family have established a YouCaring site to thats raised just over $25,000 to date. Hellen will leave for her treatment Aug. 26. She will return to Big Lake on Sept. 11. (Submitted Photo)

Ive been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, Hellen said. Ive been on a few medications, but those would only make me feel like 20 percent better.

It wasnt until about a year ago and with the gentle persistence of a close friend that Hellen would get tested for a disease she feared: Lyme.

Those test results have since given Hellen something she hasnt had for almost two decades: hope.

Growing up in the Elk River and Zimmerman area, Hellen said she would spend a lot of time outdoors in her parents wooded yard.

We also would go to a cabin in Wisconsin, she said. And I would get bit by several ticks every year.

While none of those tick bites resulted in the trademark bullseye rash an early symptom of Lyme disease Hellen said during her teen years she would start getting severe migraine headaches. But it was nothing the avid dancer couldnt handle.

Until college. It was the summer after my freshman year in college, she said. My hands began hurting so much that I couldnt hold a pencil.

Hellen said she began feeling increasingly fatigued. Her back and neck began hurting to the point that she became immobile.

In my early 20s I had to move back home with my parents, she said. I physically was unable to take care of myself.

At that time, Hellen said she could push herself, forcing her body to retain some of her independence.

I so badly wanted to live a normal life, she said.

With the help and encouragement of her parents she started an in-home tutoring business. She even felt she had the strength to start dating.

Thats when I met my husband (Matt), Hellen said.

But dating while in crippling pain had its limitations.

After about five or seven dates I just didnt have enough energy to go out, Hellen said. So, a lot of our dates were him watching me rest.

But even still, Hellen said her then boyfriend stuck by her, eventually marrying her three years ago.

Our relationship is different than most, she said. My husband is a caregiver. And that can be hard at times for both of us. During this time, Hellen began questioning if her original diagnosis was accurate.

Hellen said she had been tested for Lyme disease at one point, but it came back negative. Dr. Glenn Nemec, a family medical practitioner with Stellis Health in Monticello, said that is a common issue with Lyme disease testing.

The tests that are currently out there, the tests that physicians use arent very good, he said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention those inaccuracies have to do with the length of time between the tick bite and when the testing is done.

The CDC finds that within the first few weeks of contracting Lyme disease, there is a higher likelihood of receiving a false negative on a blood test.

However, a second test, that can be administered approximately four to six weeks after contracting the disease, is likely to produce to clearer answer.

But that negative result Hellen had received wasnt enough to convince a good friend of hers who happens to suffer from chronic Lyme disease to encourage Hellen to get a second opinion.

With the assistance of a Lyme-Literate physician (a doctor who is specifically trained in identifying and treating Lyme disease) Hellens test results came back in November.

She had chronic Lyme disease.

Medicine as a body is not entirely convinced that Lyme disease is a chronic condition, Nemec said. There is some concern that the symptoms patients experience might not entirely be from the Lyme germ. There just isnt enough research out there.

Nemec did say there is a difference from acute Lyme disease and chronic Lyme disease (officially known as Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome).

Nemec said there are three stages for acute Lyme disease.

The first stage, he said, can include the bullseye rash, but also presents symptoms like the flu. Most people will typically get the aches and pains, he said.

Acute Lyme disease can also progress into stage two which Nemec said can last for days or months.

During this stage people again have a lot of aches and pains and very sore muscles, he said. Stage three is when neurological problems can result.

On an average year, Nemec said he treats about a handful of people who test positive for Lyme disease. This year, with the warmer spring and ticks moving around a lot earlier, he anticipates seeing about 10 patients

However, with chronic Lyme disease, the CDC indicates those aches, pains and fatigue will last longer than six months.

Again, we are not entirely sure if that connection is genuine, Nemec said. The CDC indicates the medical communitys uncertainty with the link, adding that persistent symptoms might be a residual effect from the germ, not necessarily caused by Lyme.

But for Hellen, the symptoms aligned with the diagnosis.

When I was diagnosed I felt sad, she said. And then angry. Angry about the fact there isnt more knowledge about Lyme disease so I could have been diagnosed earlier. And now, feeling blessed that this has come to light. Now I finally have some direction as to where to seek treatment.

Its been seven months since Hellens chronic Lyme disease diagnosis.

Seven months of research. Seven months of searching for a treatment program that could give her back her life.

I basically found two options, Hellen said. One would be taking a combination of medications, herbs and supplements for two years. The other was stem cell treatment at a clinic in California.

Infusio Clinic in Beverly Hills, California, uses a patients own stem cells to help battle the disease.

Hellen said the two-week program would first help prepare her body for the treatment through IVs and other therapy methods.

Her stem cells would be harvested from her fat cells and then returned to her body at the end of the two weeks.

After about 100 days, Hellen would return to the clinic for a full assessment.

Ive talked with about 15 to 20 people who have done this type of treatment, Hellen said. Its a shorter recovery time and seems promising.

To cover the cost of the $35,350 for the treatment, Hellen and her family have established a YouCaring site to thats raised just over $25,000 to date.

Hellen will leave for her treatment on Aug. 26. She will return to Big Lake on Sept. 11. Yeah, Im nervous about how I will feel during the treatment, she said. They say the recovery will be tough. But to feel a little worse for a while to get my life back is so worth it.

Hellen has big plans for herself once she can fully walk again she has been bedridden and confined to a wheelchair for several years.

My parents have health issues, she said. My mom has fibromyalgia and my dad was just diagnosed with Stage-4 cancer, she said. So, I want to help them. But the very first thing I want to be able to do is go out on a date with my husband.

With tick season in full swing in Wright and Sherburne counties (considered to be a hot spot for Lyme disease according to Nemec) Hellen cautions all outdoor enthusiasts to be vigilant, especially when it comes to ticks.

If you have any symptoms at all get tested right away, she said. Educate yourself about Lyme disease and protect yourself.

Vicki Ikeogu is a freelance feature and business writer for the Monticello Times.

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Big Lake woman seeks stem cell treatment for chronic Lyme disease - Monticello Times

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Clear View on Stem Cell Development – Technology Networks

Posted: June 25, 2017 at 7:49 am

Today, tracking the development of individual cells and spotting the associated factors under the microscope is nothing unusual. However, impairments like shadows or changes in the background complicate the interpretation of data. Now, researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen have developed a software that corrects images to make hidden development steps visible.

When stem cells develop into specialized cells, this happens in multiple steps. But which regulatory proteins are active during the decisive branching on the development path? Using so-called time-lapse microscopy, researchers can observe individual cells at very high time resolutions and, using fluorescent labelling, they can recognize precisely which of these proteins appear when in the cell.

Once a stem cell has been identified, it can be closely observed over several days using cell-tracking software. Yet, this surveillance work often turns out to be difficult. The imaging data is frequently marred by irregular brightness and faded backgrounds in the time-lapse, explains Dr. Carsten Marr, heading the workgroup Quantitative Single Cell Dynamics at the Institute of Computational Biology (ICB) of the Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen. This makes it difficult or impossible to detect proteins that are decisive when a cell opts for a specific development direction, so-called transcription factors.

Algorithms that filter out these kinds of artefacts exist, but they require either specifically prepared reference images, many images per dataset or complex manual adjustments. Furthermore, none of the existing methods correct alterations in the background over time, which hamper the quantification of individual cells.

Algorithm eliminates background changes Now, Dr. Tingying Peng, member of Dr. Carsten Marrs group at the Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen and Professor Nassir Navab, head of the Chair for Computer Aided Medical Procedures and Augmented Reality at TU Munich, present an algorithm that corrects these artefacts using only a few images per dataset.

The software is called BaSiC and is freely available. It is compatible with many image formats commonly used in bioimaging, including mosaics pieced together from numerous smaller images and used, for example, to render large tissue regions. Contrary to other programs, however, explains Dr. Peng, BaSiC can correct changes in the background of time-lapse videos. This makes it a valuable tool for stem cell researchers who want to detect the appearance of specific transcription factors early on. Bringing significant details to light How well the new image correction program improves the analysis of individual stem cell development steps the scientists demonstrated with time-lapse videos of blood stem cells. They recorded the videos to observe cells over a six-day time span. At a certain point during this observation period undifferentiated precursor cells choose between two possible tacks of development that lead to the formation of different mature blood cells.

In images corrected using BaSiC, the researchers could identify a substantial increase in the intensity of a specific transcription factor in one of the two cell lines, while the amount of his protein in the other cell line remained unchanged. Without the image correction, the difference was not ascertainable.

Using BaSiC, we were able to make important decision factors visible that would otherwise have been drowned out by noise, says Nassir Navab. The long-term goal of this research is to facilitate influencing the development of stem cells in a targeted manner, for example to cultivate new heart muscle cells for heat-attack patients. The novel possibilities for observation are bringing us a step closer to this goal.

The BaSiC image correction program resulted from a close collaboration between the Chair of Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems and the Chair of Computer Aided Medical Procedures & Augmented Reality at the Technical University of Munich and the Institute of Computational Biology (ICB) of the Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen. Also involved were the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of California in San Francisco (USA), as well as the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSSE) at ETH Zrich and the Chair of Computer Aided Medical Procedure at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore (USA).

This article has been republished frommaterialsprovided by the Technical University of Munich. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

Reference:

Tingying Peng, Kurt Thorn, Timm Schroeder, Lichao Wang, Fabian J. Theis, Carsten Marr and Nassir Navab. BaSiC: A Tool for Background and Shading Correction of Optical Microscopy Images. Nature Communications 8, 14836 (2017) DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14836

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Biotechnology Conferences – Asia Pacific Biotech Congress

Posted: June 25, 2017 at 7:46 am

Sessions & Tracks

Track 1: Advancements in Biotechnology

Biotechnology is an ever emerging field in which biological processes, organisms, cells and cellular components are exploited to develop novel expertise. Over the past two decades there have been revolutionary biotech innovations which helped the mankind. New tools and products developed by biotechnologists are expedient in research, agriculture, industry and the clinic.

Recent advancements in the field of biotechnology will underpin our economy and provide solutions to intractable problems of human and animal diseases, climate change, fuel alternatives, food security as well as improving our quality of life.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major | current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 2: Agriculture Biotechnology

Agriculture biotechnology or green biotechnology encompasses the use of scientific tools and techniques to understand and transform genetic make-up of living organisms such as plants, animals and microorganisms. The technology offers more precise improvements in crops and livestock and thus increases agricultural productivity. It has greater economic and social impacts as safe and sufficient food supply grown in a responsible method is essential for humanity.

Some of the applications include raising and stabilizing yields using plant breeding; to improve resistance to pests, diseases and abiotic stresses such as drought and cold; and to enrich the nutritional content of foods. Biotechnology is being used to develop low-cost disease-free planting materials for crops such as cassava, banana and potato and is creating new tools for the diagnosis and treatment of plant and animal diseases and for the measurement and conservation of genetic resources.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 3: Animal Biotechnology

Animal biotechnology is the practice of science and engineering to transform living organisms. Some of the examples include creating transgenic animals, generate specific inactivated gene using gene knockout technology and producing just about identical animals by cloning. It focuses on improving animal health and its welfare and thus increasing its productivity. Selective breeding and genetic engineering aids the animals in providing resistance to diseases and prevent injury.

Animal feeds and feeding practices are being altered by biotechnology to improve animal nutrition and to reduce environmental waste. Biotechnology is used in disease diagnostics and for the production of vaccines against animal diseases.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 4: Environmental Biotechnology

Environmental biotechnology is a system of science and engineering knowledge used in prevention, treatment and monitoring of environmental pollution through bio-treatment, bio-remediation of polluted environments, and bio-monitoring of environmental and its treatment processes. The process has been shown to play a substantial role inmaintainingzero waste agricultureand most significantly through the operation of over 15 millionbiogas digestersworldwide.

The main application of this system is the biodegradation/detoxication of hazardous substances in industrial waste. Some of the biotechnological agents used include bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 5: Food Biotechnology

Biotechnology has an extensive history in food production and processing. Food biotechnology involves the use of various techniques such as genetic engineering to improve productivity in food production and processing. This technology enables to produce new products with desirable characteristics such as leaner meat and nutritional rich foods.

Through newer biotechnology and genetic engineering techniques such as recombinant DNA (rDNA), researchers can move one gene, with the preferred specific traits, from one organism to another and omit the undesirable traits. This facilitates food producers to obtain animal and crop improvements in a much more precise, controlled and predictable manner.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 6: Industrial and Microbial Biotechnology

Industrial biotechnology, also known as white biotechnology in Europe, is one of the promising approaches that enable in averting pollution, conserve resources and thus cost reduction. The technology uses living cells and components of cells such as enzymes to yield industrially useful products in various sectors such as chemicals, bio-fuels, food etc. Microbial biotechnology implicates the manipulation of microorganisms at the gene and molecular level to yield useful products.

The above said biotechnology procedure enables to use renewable raw materials and can contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and stirring away from a petrochemical-based economy.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 7: Marine Biotechnology

Marine biotechnology, also called as blue biotechnology, is defined as the application of biotechnology principles in marine resources to derive new cancer treatments for marine organisms. Marinebiotechnologyhas focused largely onmarine biomolecules, especiallyproteins, which may have uses in medicine or engineering. Marine environments are the home to many exotic biological materials that may stimulatebiomimetic materials.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 8: Nano Biotechnology

Application of nanotechnology in biological systems is known as nano-biotechnology. This is a newer technological approach to imagine and create newer systems that can be used for biological research. Biologically inspired nanotechnology uses biological systems as the reference for technologies which have not been created yet.

Nano-biotechnology is assisting modernmedicineevolve from treatingsymptomsto generatingcuresand regeneratingbiological tissues. Some of the applications of nano-biotechnology include stem cell treatments, growing uterus outside the body and then placed inside in animals and developing fluorescence polymers.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 9: Plant Biotechnology

Plant biotechnology applies scientific tools and techniques that accustom plants for precise purposes by cross-breeding, prolonging their growing seasons, adjusting height, color and texture and several other mechanisms. It can also be applied to exchange plant genes to produce novel genetic combinations and superior hybrid species.

Applications of plant biotechnology include biochemical production, rapid clonal multiplication, production of hybrid plants, genetic modification in plants etc.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 10: Medical Biotechnology

Medical biotechnology, also called as red biotechnology, involves the use of living cells and cell materials to create pharmaceutical and diagnostic products which helps to treat and prevent human diseases. The principles of medical biotechnology are applied in pharmacology, gene therapy, stem cells and tissue engineering.

The application of biotechnology to basic science has empowered wider knowledge and understanding ofbiology. As a result of our development in scientific knowledge of normal and disease biology, we could able to develop newer medicines to treat previously untreatable diseases.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 11: Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Pharmaceutical biotechnology involves the application of principles of biotechnology in the development of drugs. Techniques such as recombinant DNA are used to design more effective drugs. Biotechnology has added to the discovery and manufacturing of traditionalsmall moleculepharmaceutical drugsas well as drugs. Modern biotechnology allows manufacturing existing medicines relatively easy and less economical.

Modern biotechnology facilitates its use in pharmaceutical drugdiscovery, production and development,pharmacogenomics and genetic screening.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 12: Bioengineering and Biotechnology

Bioengineering refers to the usage of molecular biology to study advance applications and to create biotechnology. It extends to the creation of artificial organs and develops genetically modified organisms. It employs knowledge from pure and applied sciences such as mass and heat transfer, kinetics, biocatalysts, biomechanics, bioinformatics etc.

Bioengineering is applied in the design of medical devices, diagnostic equipment, biocompatible materials, renewable bioenergy and other areas that progress the living standards of societies.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 13: Bio-products and Bioenergy

Bio-products are biologically derived products such as chemicals, materials and energy from renewable resources. There are two types of bio-products namely conventional bio-products and emerging bio-products. Examples of conventional bio-products are pulp and paper, building materials and forest products whereas emerging bio-products include bioenergy, biofuels, bio-chemicals, bio-plastics etc.

Bioenergy is a renewable energy from materials derived from biological resources. It is a single largest renewable energy source providing 10% of worlds primary energy supply.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 14: Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is a branch of biotechnology that involves use of computer applications such as applied math and statistics to analyze and interpret biological data. It helps in organizing the large-scale information and analysis of biological queries using mathematical and statistical techniques. It is used in the identification of candidate genes and nucleotides which helps in better understanding of genetic basis of disease and its properties.

Bioinformatics is useful in areas such asfunctional genomics,structural genomics, andproteomics, and acts as a key constituent in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 15: Biotech Industry

Biotechnology industry harnesses cellular and bio-molecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet. Modern biotechnology provides breakthrough products and technologies to combat incapacitating and infrequent diseases, reduce our environmental footprint, feed the hungry, use less energy, and have safer, cleaner and more efficient industrial manufacturing processes.

The biotech industry broadly segments into the medical and agricultural markets. Although enterprising biotechnology is also being applied to other exciting areas like industrial production of chemicals, andbioremediation, the use in these areas is still specialized and limited. Biotechnology introduced a whole new approach to drug development that did not easily integrate into the chemically-focused approach most of the established pharmaceutical companies were using.

Related:Biotechnology Conferences|Biotechnology Meetings|Biotechnology Conventions| biotechnology| biotech marketing| what does a biotechnologist do|biotechnology major|current events biotechnology

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Scope and Importance of Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, medicine, technology and other fields requiring bio-products. Modern use similar term includes genetic engineering as well as cell and tissue culture technologies. It is the integrated use of molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology to achieve technological application of the capabilities of biological agents. Biotechnology is emerged as a science with immense potential for human welfare ranging from food processing, human health to environment protection. The field of biotechnology is constantly advancing. From finding ways to slow down the process of food spoilage, advancements in genetic engineering, to adapting organisms to clean up contaminated environments, new applications and biotechnological inventions are continuously being developed to help improve our world.

Modern biotechnology applies not only modern genetics but also advances in other sciences. However, there is a third revolution that is just emerging, which is nanotechnology. The development of techniques to visualize and manipulate atoms individually or in small clusters is opening the way to an ever-finer analysis of living systems. Nano-scale techniques are now beginning to play substantial role in the application of biotechnology.

World renowned experts and intellectuals agree that biotechnological innovation is the foundation-stone of our future, and a game changer. It is anticipated that it will underpin our economy and provide solutions to intractable problems of human and animal diseases, climate change, fuel alternatives, food security as well as improving our quality of life.

Biotechnology in Australia

The Australian biotechnology industry is one of the largest in the world. Despite the challenges of the global economy and the degree of difficulty in building a biotechnology and life sciences sector from scratch, Australia is doing very well by any comparative measure, with an impressive return on investment from a maturing stock of quality companies. Australian biotechnology boasts a raft of success stories and a world-class industry. Since its emergence in the early to mid-nineties, the biotechnology industry in Australia has achieved a great deal.

Australias comparative advantage comes from its world-class science and medical research, its capacity for international partnerships, cost effectiveness, and a transparent and effective regulatory system. Jobs of the future will be found in the biotech and pharmaceuticals sector, and the medical technology sector. In addition, there are many thousands of direct jobs in the agricultural and industrial biotechnology sectors and indirect jobs in dependent areas such as clinical trial teams, high-tech manufacturing, medical research and supplies to the medical technology sector and in services such as those provided by patent attorneys. Innovative industries provide high-skilled jobs with long-term prospects.

The Research & Development (R&D) Tax Incentive has been a long-established source of funding and support for businesses in the research, development and early developmental commercialization phases. The policy driver behind the R&D Tax Incentive is to encourage more companies to engage in R&D in Australia. And its working: a number of companies have publically stated that they have set up in Australia because of the support provided by the R&D Tax Incentive.

Australian state governments are developing and implementing independent regional initiatives. Each has strong medical research programs, some having specialist expertise in areas including tropical medicine, bio-discovery, regenerative medicine, bioremediation, agricultural/industrial biotech and medical devices. Australian life sciences companies have attracted well over $2 billion in deal flow over the last 18 months. Global recognition of the sectors quality was reflected in major deals, including Novartis acquisition of Spinifex Pharmaceuticals for as much as AU$1 billion and AstraZenecas licensing agreement with Starpharma that could deliver over half a billion (AU) dollars.

List of Major Universities in Melbourne and Australia

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After two stem cell transplants and several rounds of chemo, ‘now he’s just like a normal 2-year-old’ – GoDanRiver.com

Posted: June 25, 2017 at 7:45 am

When Shannon DeAndrea saw a knot on her 18-month-old sons head last July, she thought he had just fallen.

But more popped up and wouldnt go away. He also began feeling sick.

I finally decided he needed to see a pediatrician, said DeAndrea, who lives in Blairs.

She was told he had ear infections and her son, Nathan, was put on rounds of antibiotics. The knots were normal, she was told.

Another medical provider said he looked anemic. Blood work revealed his hemoglobin was dangerously low.

We ended up in the ER, DeAndrea said. They couldnt figure out why he was anemic.

Shannon and Nathan were sent to Roanoke, where he was diagnosed with a stage 4 neuroblastoma on Aug. 23. He had a tumor in his abdomen that spread to his bone marrow. He had spots on his skull, ribs and spine.

Neuroblastomas are cancers that begin in early nerve cells of the sympathetic nervous system, according to the American Cancer Society.

Since his diagnosis, her son now 2 has had several rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants and is doing well.

Now hes just like a normal 2-year-old, DeAndrea said. Hes running around with his sister. Hes eating well.

Dr. William Clark is associate professor of medicine and attending physician at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center Stem Cell Transplantation Program. Clark said the procedure is used for conditions including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia and leukemia.

Stem cell transplants are used to replace bone marrow that has been destroyed by cancer or destroyed by the chemo and/or radiation used to treat the cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

High doses of chemo (sometimes along with radiation), work better than standard doses to kill cancer cells. However, high doses can also kill the stem cells and cause the bone marrow to stop making blood cells, which are needed for life. The transplanted stem cells replace the bodys stem cells after the bone marrow and its stem cells have been destroyed by treatment, according to the American Cancer Society.

Two types of stem cell transplants include autologous, which uses stem cells from the patients own body, and allogeneic using stem cells from another person, Clark said.

For leukemia patients, most of the time, we give them stem cells from someone else, Clark said. Chemotherapy helps lower the leukemia disease burden, but the new immune system provided by the new stem cells can fight against the cancer cells and get rid of them, he said.

Virginia Commonwealth Universitys cancer center performs an average of about 160-195 stem cell transplants per year, Clark said. Slightly more than half are autologous procedures, and the rest are allogeneic, he said.

Whitt Clement, former delegate who represented the Danville area in the General Assembly, underwent a stem cell transplant for acute myeloid leukemia in September 2015.

The most important aspect for patients is being self-aware and their own best advocates, Clement said.

My experience was that the patient has to ask a lot of questions throughout the process, he said.

He suspected something was wrong when he noticed his platelet count declining over seven years. He went to a hematologist and had a bone marrow biopsy that revealed his condition.

If I had not taken the initiative myself and gone to see a hematologist, matters would have progressed to the point where I would have been symptomatic, Clement said.

Finding the perfect match in a donor is also important, Clement said. Fortunately, he had a sibling who met all the criteria and donated stem cells.

A person can get great matches from unrelated donors, but its preferable for a donor to be a sibling, said Clement, partner at Hunton & Williams law firm in Richmond.

Your body has an easier time tolerating the new stem cells, he said.

Clement served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1988-2002, and as Virginias secretary of transportation from 2002-2005 under Gov. Mark Warner.

For someone with multiple myeloma, the transplant does not cure the disease but delays the time it returns by up to seven and a half years, Clark said.

Lymphoma, leukemia and sickle cell anemia can be cured with the procedure, Clark said. Lymphoma can be cured in about 50 to 80 percent of cases, depending on the lymphoma, Clark said.

The first 30 days after the transplant are the most critical, Clement said. During that time, different organs can have varying reactions to the new cells. It can affect the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and cause other side effects.

The idea is that the closer the match, the less likely youll have those adverse reactions, he said.

The process includes being put on an immunosuppressant to prevent the immune system from attacking the new cells, Clement said.

He credits the quality of his recovery to asking lots of questions and being his own advocate tape recording conversations with medical providers, coming in with written questions.

Ive been able to recover better because of that, he said.

Its a long journey and so a person confronted with the transplant situation has got to prepare himself for a long journey that requires a lot of questions along the way, Clement said.

There are about 20 million potential stem cell/bone marrow donors in the BeTheMatch Registry in the United States, Clark said.

Stem cell transplants began in the late 50s/early 60s with the first successful procedure done in an identical twin, Clark said. However, stem cell transplants were limited until medicines that prevent rejections became available.

The number of procedures increased in the 1980s, Clark said.

Danville resident Susan Mathena, cancer patient navigator at Danville Regional Medical Center, became a donor about 20 years ago because she wanted to help people. Mathena has also been an organ donor since she got her drivers license.

I see patients all the time that need stem cell transplants, Mathena said. We always need a source of bone marrow donation.

Though she will age out of the stem cell donor list soon, she could still be contacted if she is the only match for someone in need, she said.

Clark will speak next month on stem cell/bone marrow transplants at Ballou Recreation Center at an event held by the Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia in Danville.

Thousands of patients with blood cancers like leukemia or other diseases like sickle cell anemia need a bone marrow/stem cell transplant to survive, including some of our own community members, said Kate Stokely Powell, coordinator at the center.

Clarks presentation offers an opportunity in Southside for people battling illness, medical students and professionals and the public to learn from an expert in the field of stem cell transplants, Powell said.

Doctors, hospitals and families affected by a blood cancer disease have done a great job of building a massive database of blood types for potential donor matches, Clement said.

For DeAndrea and her son, Nathan, the first transplant included four or five days of chemo. The new stem cells following the chemo that killed off his old stem cells from the transplant were like a rescue, she said.

Its wiping you out and then giving you your cells back to restart your immune system, DeAndrea said.

A second round of heavy chemo was to try to kill what was left of the cancer and replenish cells, she said.

It was rough, it was a nightmare, DeAndrea said. It was by far the worst phase of his treatment, but I believe, in the long run, its worth it.

She said the procedures should increase Nathans chances for survival and prevent a relapse.

Nathan just finished radiation Tuesday and will go in for a biopsy of his bone marrow this week, DeAndrea said.

Well find out next week where we stand as far as the cancer goes, she said.

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Scientists Take New Approach to Fighting Type 1 Diabetes – WSJ – Wall Street Journal (subscription)

Posted: June 25, 2017 at 7:45 am


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Scientists Take New Approach to Fighting Type 1 Diabetes - WSJ
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In the fight against Type 1 diabetes, drugmakers are pursuing a new line of attack: creating cells that help the body beat the condition. In Type 1 diabetes, the ...

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Touro University California tackles diabetes throughout Solano County – Fairfield Daily Republic

Posted: June 25, 2017 at 7:45 am

Touro University California students and staff conduct mobile diabetes testing at the university's Mobile Diabetes Education Center. (Courtesy photo)

VALLEJO Deanna Dickey vividly remembers the day Touros new Mobile Diabetes Education Center first went out into the community.

The day was cold and rainy as she maneuvered the 35-foot trailer through the parking lot of Suisun Citys Kroc Center. She didnt expect to see a large crowd of people interested in diabetes screening or education, but the results surprised her.

We had 30 people show up on that first day who were excited to see us, the driver of mobile center said. It made me feel wonderful to do something for them and be there at their disposal.

Diabetes is a national growing concern and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. In California alone, 55 Percent of the population is currently diagnosed with either pre-diabetes or diabetes. And most do not realize that they have it.

In its commitment to support the health and welfare of the local community, Touro University California launched the Mobile Diabetes Education Centerin March 2017, offering free diabetes screenings and raising diabetes awareness in Solano County. Its goal is to build greater awareness about diabetes and provide visitors with the tools and information that they need to take charge of their lives.

The first step is to know that youre at risk so you can work to have a healthier lifestyle, said Jay Shubrook, professor and diabetologist at Touros College of Osteopathic Medicine. We need to help people navigate their life because life often gets in the way of their health.

But diabetes is not a one-size-fits-all disease. The longer diabetes goes untreated, the harder it becomes to manage, which is why so much emphasis is put on early detection.

To work toward prevention, visitors learn useful ways that they can make changes for healthier nutrition and a more active lifestyle. With a direct presence in the community, advice is catered around using local options already available for healthy eating and activity.

People in Solano need these health services as so many are not aware of the risk, nor are they accessing the health care that they need. Shubrook said. We want to get them to wherever they want to go and help them learn to navigate the resources in their community.

The Mobile Diabetes Education Center is run with the aid of student volunteers who have spent a total of 91 hours in the community since March. They are organized by second-year College of Osteopathic Medicine student Rachel Mullin and led by diabetes program coordinators Anne Lee and Dickey.

Students are the driving force for the MOBEC, and their excitement is contagious, Shubrook said. They bring the energy and provide practical and accurate information. By using teams of students, we create an interprofessional experience for future doctors, pharmacists, physician assistants, nurses and practitioners of public health.

Ready to serve the seven cities of Solano County, the Mobile Diabetes Education Center has already visited locations like the Joan Kroc Community Center in Suisun City, Faith Food Fridays in Vallejo and the Rio Vista Senior Center. The mobile center will have a seven-city tour in July in Solano County to bring awareness of this pressing disease.

Having diabetes means taking personal action, action from their family, their workplace and their community. We are here to be their first step, Shubrook said.

For more information, visittu.edu.

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Diabetes camp held at Peaceable Kingdom – The Killeen Daily Herald

Posted: June 25, 2017 at 7:45 am

Summer camp, with its non-stop schedule of arts and crafts, sports and water games is a rite of passage for many children and teenagers.

For a group of determined Central Texas parents, a special camp in a special place allows their children and teens to do everything campers everywhere do even though they have type 1 diabetes.

Last week, Varietys Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children south of Killeen hosted Camp Bluebonnet with 200 first- through 12th-grade students. They are children who have diabetes and their siblings.

I love camp and lots of kids love camp, said Amy Wallquist, president of the organization that operates Camp Bluebonnet. Not everyone does. I want them to find their thing, whatever that is.

Its important to find other kids like you, she said. Kids with diabetes are just kids.

Fourth-grader Gavin Castelan was eating lunch with his friends. His face was painted from an arts activity and he was talking about a nickname he acquired based on the movie Ant Man.

As children ate their lunches in the retreat dining facility, a doctor made his rounds checking on campers blood sugar levels. No one seemed to notice or care.

Its fun because we go swimming and play on the water slide, said Castelan, who is going to be a fourth-grader in Austin ISD. I also like the foam fan, a contraption that blows bubbles.

Ive been here lots of times, the experienced camper said. Its one of the best weeks of the year.

Five days of camp began Monday with an opening ceremony, complete with a New Years theme and a dropping ball and blowing confetti.

Every day included campers within grade levels moving from low ropes to high ropes courses to games, crafts, archery, animal encounters, swimming, lunch and blood sugar checks.

It was 35 years ago that a group of parents in Austin began a series of play dates to get their children together and share knowledge of diabetes.

That practice evolved to include medical professionals and took the form of a day camp at Zilker Park and later at Reunion Ranch, before a Peaceable Kingdom director invited the group to the sprawling retreat near Killeen.

Now, hundreds of campers make the trip Monday through Friday on multiple buses from the Austin and Round Rock areas. Many parents, including those in Killeen and Copperas Cove, bring their children and some stay all day.

The planning organization, Childrens Disability Camp of Central Texas, added an additional camp for high school students and an introductory camp for pre-school children, as well as a camp for adults with type 1 diabetes.

We are trying to hit the whole population, said Wallquist. We are for the whole family. The week of Camp Bluebonnet includes daily activities for parents, including informational sessions.

Peaceable Kingdom, with its pastoral name and bucolic setting along the Lampasas River, is a place where children and teens and their parents get away for play and rest.

Diabetes is relentless, Wallquist said. Camp can be a booster shot. We tell them to keep up the good work and to find what recharges you.

What I like is that Im in a camp surrounded by people like me, said Maura Connors, headed into seventh grade in Leander ISD. Its a safe place.

She said she enjoyed the arts and crafts and was learning about how carbohydrates break up in your body.

Its important to have a camp like this because for a lot of diabetics, it would be dangerous. Here we can feel safe and have fun. Sometimes when Im here I forget I have diabetes.

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Biotechnology remains a mystery for many Canadians – Western Producer

Posted: June 24, 2017 at 1:45 pm

Canadians generally do not have a solid understanding of what exactly the term biotechnology refers to, according to recently released public opinion research collected by Nielsen Consumer Insights on behalf of Agriculture Canada.

In July 2016, the department issued a contract asking Nielsen Consumer Insights to conduct a comprehensive research project to measure Canadian consumers perceptions and attitudes towards issues related to domestic agriculture and agri-food.

The research would help provide insight while developing the next agriculture policy framework, which comes into force in 2018. The data was collected via a series of focus groups, telephone calls and online consultations.

Overall, researchers found 88 percent of those surveyed have a generally positive or neutral view of biotechnology.

Canadians generally feel that biotechnology will have a positive impact on their future, placing it near the top of a selection of new and emerging technologies in terms of this promise, researchers told Agriculture Canada.

However, Canadian knowledge and view on specific forms of biotechnology varies widely.

Researchers found that most of the people who were surveyed struggled to give examples of biotechnology used in agriculture. Participants typically offered up examples used within the medical and health care fields, such as stem cells, antibiotics and robotics.

The association of the term biotechnology with health applications may be an indication that it is profiting from a halo effect, re-searchers warned.

This could lead to people feeling that biotechnology is positive because the applications that they associate with it promote human well-being.

Researchers reported an aversion to applications of biotechnology that consumers felt had the potential to upset the natural order or would allow scientists to play god.

The closer the application could be seen in terms of living, breathing organisms, the more resistance there was to the specific applications, such as genetically modified animals.

Researchers found less than half (46 percent) of the Canadians surveyed were familiar with the concept of GM animals, which has dropped from previous years.

Canadians werent particularly comfortable with the idea. Many within the focus groups raised moral or ethical concerns about it.

People were much more likely to see the potential risks of GM animals as outweighing the benefits than they were likely to see with other technologies, the report reads.

Those technologies include biofuel, gene editing and genetically modified fish, including fish that could be used to produce insulin for diabetic human patients.

Despite specific consumer concerns around certain applications, researchers found Canadians have not rejected biotechnology all together.

Consumer opinions are built based on the specific use presented and individual knowledge of that particular form of biotechnology, researchers said.

In other words, there does not appear to be a blanket approval or rejection of biotechnologies themselves.

Thats good news for Canadian agriculture, where participants stressed Canada could easily be-come a world leader in the agriculture and food biotechnology re-search field. That conviction, researchers found, is increasing as more attention is paid to it.

It is possible that this is due to the growing role that these technologies are playing in our food supply and a higher level of media attention, Agriculture Canada was told.

Similarly, people agree that these technologies will be developed elsewhere in the world where regulations and control may be less stringent, the report said, which isa situation Canadians said they would like to avoid. The federal government, respondents said, has an important role to play in the biotechnology field.

Over the course of the study, 875 Canadians were contacted last year by phone between Aug. 31 and Sept. 17 and Dec. 1-13. The phone portion of the research has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percent.

Another 220 Canadians participated in the online survey, and 10 focus groups were held, with two meetings each in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax and Calgary.

Kelsey Johnson is a reporter with iPolitics, http://www.ipolitics.ca.

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