Arizona Biosciences

Bio event kicks off SciTech Festival

Matt Ellsworth — 2012-01-31

The official kick-off of the Arizona SciTech Festival will take place at the Arizona Science Center on Saturday, February 4.

The day-long celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a full slate of activities focusing on innovations in bioscience, including bioscience activities, presentations, and a showcase of innovations from Arizona's leading companies.

The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is free and open to the public. The Arizona Science Center is located in downtown Phoenix at 600 E. Washington St.

Arizona Bioscience Sector Sustains Strong Job Growth

Arizona Biosciences — 2012-01-31

Neither the recession nor the subsequent economic doldrums have impeded growth of Arizona’s bioscience sector, a new report shows. During the post-recessionary period of 2009-10, bioscience jobs increased by 7.4 percent, compared to a 1.8 percent drop for the state’s overall private sector, according to an analysis of Arizona biosciences, commissioned by the Flinn Foundation.

Biozona Weekly: CHW becomes Dignity Health; UA's incubator opens new facility; Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center is 10

Arizona Biosciences — 2012-01-24

Top bioscience news, January 18-23: Catholic Healthcare West, parent of St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, changes its name and governing structure ¶ UA's Arizona Center for Innovation opens expanded facilities ¶ Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare turns 10 (Plus 5 more stories.)

Innovation Day at the University of Arizona

2012-01-20 10:15:42 -0700

Innovation Day at the University of Arizona

Open House at the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation

2012-01-20 10:05:58 -0700

Open House at the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation

ASU Bioengineering Networking Event

2012-01-19 09:18:20 -0700

ASU Bioengineering Networking Event

Biozona Weekly: Fernado Martinez op-ed; Ventana partners with Bayer; IGC in Indianapolis

Arizona Biosciences — 2012-01-18

Top bioscience news, January 9-17: BIO5 head Fernando Martinez says greater Tucson can become a mini-Silicon Valley ¶ Ventana begins work on a companion diagnostic for a Bayer cancer drug ¶ IGC broadens the reach of The Cancer Genome Atlas project to Indianapolis (Plus two more stories.)

New Phoenix mayor signals emphasis on biosciences

Arizona Biosciences — 2012-01-17

Greg Stanton, the newly elected mayor of Phoenix, began his tenure on January 3 with a strong show of commitment to the bioscience sector, announcing a plan to develop a bioscience cluster around the Mayo Clinic hospital campus in north Phoenix and reaffirming his support for the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix.

Arizona-centric "Dream Team" targets melanoma

Arizona Biosciences — 2012-01-11

A partnership of nearly 50 scientists, led by Jeffrey Trent, president and research director of the Phoenix-based Translational Genomics Research Institute, has won a highly competitive $6 million grant to find new ways to stop melanoma, the most dangerous kind of skin cancer. Researchers from Arizona State University and Mayo Clinic Arizona are also playing key roles for the project, which is funded by Stand Up To Cancer and the Melanoma Research Alliance.

Biozona Weekly: NAU in downtown Phoenix; Commerce Authority puts down $3M; vision for bio hub at Mayo

Arizona Biosciences — 2012-01-09

Top bioscience news, January 4-January 9: NAU set to establish programs on downtown Phoenix Biomedical Campus ¶ Commerce Authority establishes $3M program to support innovative small companies ¶ First details emerge on Mayo-centered bioscience nexus in North Phoenix (Plus 5 more stories.)

Nature speaks with Keim about H5N1 studies

Matt Ellsworth — 2012-01-03

In Nature, Heidi Ledford speaks with pathogen-genomics expert Paul Keim of Northern Arizona University and TGen North about the controversial recommendation by the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity--Keim chairs the panel--that Nature and Science censor papers on how to make the H5N1 avian flu virus more transmissible:

“We’re being accused of being the bad guys,” says Keim, based at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. “But most of what we’ve done is to push back against harsher regulations.” Since its inception, Keim says that the NSABB has only been asked to review six papers, including two in 2005 that described the reconstruction of the 1918 influenza virus that is thought to have killed more than 20 million people. In that case, the board recommended that the papers simply be amended to spell out the public-health benefits of the research.

[...]

In the course of its deliberations over the H5N1 papers, the NSABB became aware of additional work on H5N1 transmissibility that was nearing publication. Keim says the board is now considering whether to recommend a voluntary moratorium on the publication of such work until the community can discuss further precautions to prevent misuse. He expects the board to vote on this in the next few weeks, and adds: “It is time for us to have a broad and global discussion.”

Read more: "Call to censor flu studies draws fire"

Biozona Weekly: Keim comments on flu-study controversy; PCH, ASU work on electrode implant; 2011 Roadmap progress

Arizona Biosciences — 2012-01-03

Top bioscience news, December 30-January 3: NAU professor Paul Keim addresses the H5N1 flu-study controversy ¶ Phoenix Children's Hospital neurosurgeon David Adelson is leading a study with ASU collaborators of electrode implantation in the brain ¶ A look back at the top bio achievements of 2011 (Plus two more stories.)

Biozona Weekly: BioAccel launches VC network; Mayo breaks ground on $182M facility; Trent to lead SU2C Dream Team

Arizona Biosciences — 2011-12-19

Top bioscience news, December 8-19: BioAccel launches network to attract funding for bio startups ¶ Mayo Clinic breaks ground on $182 million cancer-treatment center ¶ Trent to lead Stand Up to Cancer melanoma dream team (Plus three more stories.)

BioAccel launches network to attract bio funding

Matt Ellsworth — 2011-12-19

From the Phoenix Business Journal:

BioAccel, a Phoenix nonprofit that helps startups commercialize their products, has created a network to attract more funds to Arizona’s biosciences community.

While a few local biotech companies have garnered venture capital from out-of-state sources this year, the lack of capital coming from within Arizona continues to plague the industry.

Enter the Philanthro-Capitalist Network, a group that aims to bring together the business community and high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in biotechnology-related companies.

BioAccel CEO MaryAnn Guerra said her goal is to build a life-science ecosystem in Arizona that can connect scientists with angel funds, manufacturers and others who can help take their ideas to the next level.

“We have a lot of high-net-worth individuals who could participate in a fund or invest,” she said. “We have great technology coming out of universities and research institutes and medical centers.”

What’s still missing is what Guerra calls deal flow.

BioAccel's latest effort to instigate growth in the biosciences in Arizona follows on the heels of its creation with the Peoria City Council and the Plaza Companies of the Peoria Incucelerator.

New Frontiers in Medical Science

2011-12-15 11:41:49 -0700

New Frontiers in Medical Science

With Civic Leadership Seminar Complete, Newest Flinn-Brown Fellows Look Ahead

Arizona Biosciences — 2011-12-15

Following completion of an intensive, 10-week seminar to build their civic-leadership capacity, members of the Fall class of the nonpartisan Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy are now planning their next steps toward public service in Arizona at the state level.

Show me the Money – Alternative Resources for Growth Capital

2011-12-14 15:21:43 -0700

Show me the Money – Alternative Resources for Growth Capital

AZBio Beer & Bio – Southern Arizona

2011-12-14 15:16:55 -0700

AZBio Beer & Bio – Southern Arizona

Biozona Weekly: Arizona Cancer Center, St. Joe's affiliate; Syncardia makes Forbes list; Chandler bets on STEM

Arizona Biosciences — 2011-12-08

Top bioscience news, November 25-December 7: The Arizona Board of Regents approve an important affiliation between St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and the University of Arizona. ¶ Forbes names Syncardia Systems Inc. of Tucson to its list of 100 most promising private companies in America. ¶ Chandler Unified School District will offer a four-year STEM diploma at Perry High School. (Plus three more stories.)

Show me the Money – Alternative Resources for Growth Capital

2011-11-29 15:06:20 -0700

Show me the Money – Alternative Resources for Growth Capital

AZBio Beer and Bio – Phoenix

2011-11-29 14:59:16 -0700

AZBio Beer and Bio – Phoenix

AZBio Beer and Bio – Northern AZ

2011-11-29 14:50:45 -0700

AZBio Beer and Bio – Northern AZ

Gain Access to Capital with a bit of Innovation and Renovation

2011-11-29 14:39:40 -0700

Gain Access to Capital with a bit of Innovation and Renovation

CSS Institute for Advanced Health signs data-center partner

Matt Ellsworth — 2011-11-12

The Chan Soon-Shiong Institute for Advanced Health, which announced earlier this year that it would establish headquarters in Phoenix, has, with NantWorks LLC and National LambdaRail, selected IO, "the leading provider of next-generation modular data center technology and services," to support the giant data center that the CSS Institute is establishing in Phoenix.

"Now, for the first time, we are able to bring together a high-performance communications network, dedicated storage capacity and high-performance computing," said Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Chairman of the CSS Institute, NantWorks and the NLR. "This is the infrastructure that we have so far lacked for healthcare, and which is vital to translate genomic data into actionable clinical decision making. It is the beginning of 21st century medicine."

"In addition to generating massive volumes of information requiring high-performance IT, the regulatory environment of the healthcare ecosystem also requires a highly protected and reliable infrastructure," said Anthony J. D'Ambrosi, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. "IO's high-density and ultra-secure infrastructure enables healthcare IT to accomplish their goals both today and into the future."

ASU President Michael Crow to head NLR oversight council

Travel Dispatches — 2011-09-14

Patrick Soon-Shiong, chair of National LambdaRail (NLR), has named Arizona State University President Michael Crow to head the advisory council that will overseeNLR.

“Michael Crow is the perfect person to lead the advisory council for this ambitious mission,”
said Soon-Shiong. “He is the most innovative university leader in the country, and he is a founder member of Gig.U., the University Community Next Generation Innovation Project, which was set up in July to accelerate the deployment of ultra high speed networks among universities.”

“I applaud the mission of the new NLR,” said President Michael Crow. “This is exactly the kind of initiative we need to maintain and enhance the economic competitiveness of our universities and our country. I am delighted to be a part of it.”

[...]

Dr. Soon-Shiong described NLR’s enhanced mission as twofold: first, to integrate the science around advanced communications networks under a new affiliated body called the National Advanced Networks Alliance (NANTA); and second, to utilize such advanced networks for practical application, beginning with the translation of new medical science into new clinical practice via a Clinical Translational Science Network.

NLR is financially backed by the Chan Soon-Shiong Institute for Advanced Health, a Phoenix-based organization that aims to improve health drawing together and analyzing vast networks of health data.

Read more at the source: "National LambdaRail Appoints Chairman’s Advisory Council"

Oct. 3 deadline for Siemens Competition

Travel Dispatches — 2011-09-14

October 3 is the submission deadline for the Siemens Competition, arguably the most prestigious research-based competition for high-school students in the world.

Co-sponsored by the Siemens Foundation and the College Board, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology offers scholarships for individual and team winners that range from $1,000 to $100,000.

Details regarding eligibility and registration are available on the Siemens Competition website.

In 2005, two Arizona students shared the top prize at the competition, splitting the $100,000 prize.

ABOR okays new UA research facilities

Matt Ellsworth — 2011-09-02

[From the Arizona Daily Star]

The University of Arizona has crossed an important approval threshold for two new research facilities, including one for the BIO5 Institute.

Capital improvement plans were approved by an Arizona Board of Regents committee on Thursday.

Having the projects in the plan allows the university to spend some money to hash out project details, including how to repay bonds to finance the projects, ahead of more stages of approval.

[...]

A proposed $85 million bioscience lab facility would be built near the Bio5 building for disease research.

Read more at the source: "Regents panel OKs UA plans for 2 new research buildings"

Science Festival developing events, seeking sponsors

Matt Ellsworth — 2011-09-01

The inaugural Arizona Science and Technology Festival will occur during February 2012 with events at sites across the state. Individuals and organizations wishing to participate in and support this unique opportunity to showcase Arizona's scientific strength and potential should contact Jeremy Babendure, director of the Festival.

What are the aims of the Festival, and how big an undertaking will it be? Here's what Dr. Babendure has to say:

Spearheaded by the Arizona Technology Council Foundation, Arizona State University, and the Arizona Science Center, the Arizona Science and Technology Festival will be 6-week statewide celebration involving 200+ orgs in industry, education and community to inspire Arizonans about how STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) will drive the future of Arizona.

Through a series of hands-on activities and workshops, discussions, exhibitions, concerts, and tours centered during the month of February 2012, the First Annual Arizona SciTech Festival’s goals are to (1) brand Arizona as a leader in science and technology; (2) inform/inspire our future workforce about opportunities in AZ; and (3) serve as a focal point to bring diverse stakeholders in workforce, education and community together.

We anticipate the festival will reach 100,000+ Arizonans through 300+ activities that take place in diverse neighborhoods throughout the state with: signature events highlighting the innovative character of each region (aerospace, technology, bioscience) with high energy exhibitions and shows; 20+ neighborhood hubs providing workshop and discussion opportunities at accessible locations such as libraries and community centers; tours of science/technology facilities statewide; and activities, talks and challenges in-schools to get kids engaged before, during and post festival.

UA undergrad researchers share findings

Matt Ellsworth — 2011-08-09

This afternoon in Tucson, top undergraduate researchers from around the country--and beyond--will show off the results of 10 weeks of work at the University of Arizona:

One-hundred-fifteen graduate school-bound juniors and seniors from schools across the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Latin America will exhibit their summer research sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation and the University of Arizona.

These outstanding students have participated in a 10-week intensive summer research program under the supervision of UA faculty mentors, conducting research in the sciences, social sciences, education and humanities. This is an excellent opportunity to recruit top students for master’s and PhD programs at UA.

[More about the conference]

Students share research to conclude KEYS internships

Matt Ellsworth — 2011-07-22

[From Inside Tucson Business]

Five weeks of reserach at the University of Arizona has concluded for the latest cohort of participants in the KEYS internship program, one of Arizona's great summer research opportunities for young people. The program is sponsored by the UA College of Pharmacy and the BIO5 Institute.

"This is what the University of Arizona is all about," said Jennifer Barton, a UA biomedical engineering professor and assistant director of the Bio5 Institute. "It's important that we serve the state of Arizona."

[...]

Their research covered a diverse spectrum of topics, including the effects of habitat fragmentation among mountain lion populations, genetic characteristics of rice that could help maximize harvest yields and the foraging behavior of honeybees.

Businessman Thomas Keating, who is also a Bio5 Institute benefactor, said the students work and that of the scientists they've teamed with was an inspiration.

"It's so easy to admire these people," Keating said.

Read more at the source: "High school students get hands-on with scientific research"