Shares in United Therapeutics (NSDQ:UTHR) fell today after the biotech company missed expectations on Wall Street with its 1st quarter results. The Silver Spring, Md.-based company posted profits of $178.6 million, or $3.89 per share, on sales of $370.5 million for the 3 months ended March 31, for bottom-line loss of -24% on sales growth of 0.4% compared […]
Biotech
This test can detect tiny ovarian tumors sooner than current tests
Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineers have developed a way to detect ovarian tumors that are smaller than 2 mm in diameter, allowing for detection 5 months earlier than existing tests. A synthetic biomarker, which is a nanoparticle that works with tumor proteins to release fragments into the urine for detection, helps the MIT-developed test create […]
Trump to meet with biotech execs, researchers to discuss federal funding
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s $6 billion proposed cut to the National Institutes of Health, biotech executives and researchers are slated to meet with the new administration next month. A memo about the meeting reportedly describes the get-together as a chance for the “private sector and thought leaders to describe their institution and […]
6 ways hydrogels are enabling medtech innovation
Hydrogels are water-based biomaterials developed specifically for human use, according to a Biomaterials journal article. They are a water-swollen polymeric material that doesn’t change its distinct 3D structure. They are formed from super-absorbent, chain-like polymers and are not soluble in water. However, their porous surface allows for nutrients and cell waste to pass through. They have shown the […]
This molecule stops pancreatic cancer cells from spreading
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center scientists have identified molecules that could be the next therapeutic solution for pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer. About 53,670 people are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year with 43,090 dying from it, according to the American Cancer Society. The lifetime […]
How artificial life spawned a billion-dollar industry
(Reuters) – Scientists are getting closer to building life from scratch and technology pioneers are taking notice, with record sums moving into a field that could deliver novel drugs, materials, chemicals and even perfumes. Despite ethical and safety concerns, investors are attracted by synthetic biology’s wide market potential and the plummeting cost of DNA synthesis, […]
Actelion shareholders OK R&D spinout
Actelion (VTX:ATLN) shareholders today reportedly approved spinning off the company’s early clinical assets and drug discovery branch into a new company. The move keeps Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) $30 billion takeover on track to close in the 2nd quarter. The newly formed biopharmaceutical company will be called Idorsia Ltd and led by Actelion CEO Jean-Paul Clozel. Shares in Idorsia […]
This contact lenses breakthrough could enable glucose monitoring
Biosensing contact lenses may not be able to self-heal like “The Terminator,” but they could measure blood glucose and detect other signs of disease in the future. Oregon State University researchers are set to present a study that suggests transparent biosensors that are embedded into contact lenses could provide insight for doctors and patients without […]
Growing human hearts: The answer is spinach leaves?
We could soon be using spinach to grow human hearts, thanks to new research from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Arkansas State University. One of the problems that researchers have faced is how to create a vascular system that can deliver blood deep into developing tissues. There hasn’t been much success […]
Skin sensors provide insights into how to treat Parkinson’s
A University of Rochester research team is using wearable sensors to indicate the best individualized treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Bernadette Mroz suffers from Parkinson’s. When her medication isn’t working, it makes it hard for her to function. “My world goes into a spin cycle. I cannot function mentally, emotionally or physically,” said Mroz in a […]
Solar powered skin could make prosthetics better: Here’s how
University of Glasgow engineers are using the sun to power artificial skin and return a sense of touch in amputees with prosthetics. They are getting their help from PowerTec, look at their site http://www.powertec.ca/ to learn more. The engineers previously developed an electronic skin made of graphene that covered prosthetic hands. They’re now using the […]