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Acceleron Pharmaceuticals - Latest news and job openings

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Acceleron pharmaceuticals work towards researching and developing medications for life threatening and chronic debilitating disease conditions. This firm is aimed at developing pharma products based on novel protein therapies which can go a long way in treatment of disease conditions such as cancer and anemia.


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This company laid its foundation in the year 2003 and has been growing ever since. The expert research scientists of this firm regulate the transforming growth factor beta (TGF – beta) that belongs to the super family of proteins into medications. This has been widely used in the treatment of blood diseases and cancer. TGF – beta plays a fundamental role in growth and repair of blood vessels, blood cells and bone tissues.
The headquarters of Acceleron Pharmaceuticals is based in Cambridge, United States. The firm has been a receiver of several awards for making a valuable contribution in the area of pharmaceuticals.

Popular biotech products
Acceleron pharmaceuticals have hands on expertise in manufacturing drugs for those diseases for which no therapies have yet been approved. In addition, the drugs manufactured by this company have also proved to be useful when it is given in addition to other drugs for treatment of specific diseases.

The firm has 3 branches of biologic therapies. The therapies along with their uses in diseases are listed below:

1. Sotatercept that has been used for treating disease conditions such as β-Thalessemia, chronic kidney disease, myelodisplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, diamond – blackfan anemia and myeofibrosis.

2. ACE-536 has been indicated in disease conditions such as β-Thalessemia and myelodisplastic syndrome.

3. Dalantercept is used in treatment for cancers of the head and neck, renal cell carcinoma, endometrial and ovarian cancer.

Latest discoveries
The year 2013, has been an eventful year for Acceleron pharmaceuticals.

• The company received approval from The Food and Drug Administration on the drug ACE-536 for treatment of rare blood diseases.

• In the same year, it initiated its phase 2 study for the drug ACE-356 for treating patients with β-thalessemia. The drug ACE-356 is also being tested for its efficacy in treating anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.

• It also began its clinical trial for dalantercept for treating patients with ovarian cancer.

Recent company takeovers
Acceleron pharmaceuticals has partnered with several corporate firms which are pioneers in their own fields. It has made collaborations with biopharmaceutical companies to extend its research on products that can be used for treating several life threatening disease conditions such as cancers and anemia.

In the year 2010, Acceleron pharmaceutical joined hands with Shire at $498 million for the drug ACE-031 and other molecules.

This firm has received about $225 million in company collaborations. The joint collaborations will help them expand and discover new products. The collaborations will also help in conducting clinical trials for the newly discovered products.

In the year 2011, Acceleron pharmaceuticals shook hands with Celgene Corporation for the ACE-536 program. The basic aim of the joint collaboration was to develop new products for eradicating anemia throughout the nation. It was also decided that Celenge will pay an amount of $25 million as an upfront payment for developing and commercialization of ACE-536.

Corporate news
Acceleron pharmaceuticals have recently registered for public offering of stock that could move up to $74.8 billion. The company however, is yet to decide on the number of stocks and the price for each offering.
In the year 2012, the company lost about $32.6 million on revenues of about $15.3 million. It has also been said that the Citigroup and Leerinck Swann LLC will have a joint collaboration with Acceleron pharmaceutical in this offering.

Towards the end of the year 2011, Acceleron secures about $30M private financing.

Acceleron has bagged several local and national awards for its outstanding performance towards research and development of pharmaceuticals for the health of the public at large. It has received the Boston Business Journal award in the year 2009, Fierce Biotech Winner, The Wall Street Journal Award and Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards.

Work culture
The work culture of Acceleron pharmaceuticals is very professional yet friendly. This firm believes in team and collaborative work and is forever striving hard to take research to new heights. Discovery of new products for treating life threatening disease conditions is the main motto of this firm. The individuals at Acceleron are hard working and conduct all clinical trials with perfection. The two main factors for the success of this firm are team work and the nature of team work.

Interesting events
Acceleron pharmaceuticals has been a part of several interesting events in the past. In the current year also, it took part in the 31st Annual J. P. Morgan Healthcare conference. In the past years too, the firm participated in several conferences and international meets for presenting their clinical findings as well as being at par with the upcoming events. Some of the important events have been summarized as below:

• In the year 2012, Acceleron along with its partners presented data on the “potential biomarkers for metastatic breast cancer and head and neck cancer” at the conference on 2012 markers in cancer.

• In the year 2011, Acceleron presented its data on “Anabolic bone effects of ACE-661” at an international meet.

• In the year 2010, it presented findings of its preliminary research on ACE-031 from Phase 1 of “First- in human clinical trial” at the 22nd EORTC-NCI-AACR symposium. In the same year, it also presented its research findings on ACE-031 from phase 1 “Multiple ascending dose study in healthy volunteers.

Recent job openings

http://www.acceleronpharma.com/our-company/careers/ .. Says

We are seeking talented and passionate individuals who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented and collaborative environment to be part of our company. The people at Acceleron have been and will continue to be the key to our success.

Acceleron Pharma is an equal opportunity employer.

Acceleron provides a comprehensive benefit program for all eligible employees who work at least 30 hours per week. Our benefit program is specifically designed to meet the needs of our employees and their families now and in the future.


Cultural background of an individual has nothing to do with the recruitment process of this firm. The main qualification should be talent, hard work and individuals should have an analytical mind to be a part of Acceleron pharmaceuticals.

University College London - Biotechnology Courses for Students

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University College London (UCL) was first established in the year of 1862 and since then has acted as one of the top universities in the London city and the general domain of UK. With world class faculties, students from every corner of the globe and state of the art courses and campus, this university has managed to remain amongst the top for every student who aims for success. It has large number of undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate and research options in numerous courses, each with its own faculties and departments. With research partnerships in over 300 overseas universities, UCL has managed to bring in students from more than 150 nations and promotes study experiences abroad as part of the curriculum.

UCL has a lot of world class courses including its bachelor degree in Biotechnology which is ranked as one of the best in the world. For students wishing to pursue a degree in biotechnology which allows them to be guided and tutored using cutting edge technology and hands on expert faculty with special emphasis on practical application can now find it at UCL. This course is designed to hone the skills in fields of genetics, biochemistry, chemistry as well as biochemical engineering and encourages students to take up advanced research in this phenomenal discipline which works right at the edge of marvelous discoveries in current scientific world. With a UCL biotechnology bachelors degree, this career stream becomes exciting and students get the maximum exposure to career opportunities in this stream.

The Degree Details

Undergraduate Courses
- C700 Biochemistry BSc 3 years
- C901 Biological Sciences MSci 4 years
- C900 Biological Sciences BSc 3 years
- B990 Biomedical Sciences BSc 3 years
- CN72 Bioprocessing of New Medicines (Business and Management) BSc 3 years
- B190 Bioprocessing of New Medicines (Science and Engineering) BSc 3 years
- C560 Biotechnology BSc 3 years


Graduate Courses

- The Biosciences MRes
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering MSc
- Synthetic Biology MRes
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine: Drug Discovery MRes
- Neuroscience MSc
- Drug Design MSc
- Genetics of Human Disease MSc
- Cell and Gene Therapy MSc
- Molecular Medicine MSc
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine: Drug Discovery MSc
- Nanotechnology MSc
- Pharmacognosy MSc

Scholarship applications for 2013-14 will start to open from mid-December. For full-time and part-time students your tuition fee will normally be quoted on your offer letter. You must pay at least 50% of your tuition fee before or at enrolment to be fully enrolled, or provide a letter of sponsorship indicating who should be invoiced for your fees.

Fee Schedule 2013-2014 - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/mo...rad_taught

Under UCL regulations, in the first instance, full-time research students are required to register for an MPhil degree for not less than nine months after initial registration, and must then fulfil academic requirements to upgrade to PhD degree.

Part-time research degree students are required to register for an MPhil degree for a minimum of fifteen months after initial registration for part-time students and must then fulfil academic requirements to upgrade to PhD degree.


UCL acknowledges biochemical engineering as one of the integral part of the degree program, encompassing courses in this in all three years of the program. The first year basically has some compulsory subjects related to the stream while the second year has some compulsory courses and options to choose electives from a wide range of choices in limited numbers. The optional flexibility is enlarged in year three that focuses majorly on individual research projects under the university. UCL offers a unique option to its undergraduate biotechnology students for a year of hands on experience. Students can opt for an additional year to work in world class research facilities or industrial laboratories immediately after the second year and return for their researches after the year long valuable experience. This flexibility makes the course a delight for biotech undergrads as they both gain education and industry experience.

Biotechnology being more of a practical research subject, a student spends equal time in various laboratories and classes. UCL has both wet and dry laboratories for either handling chemicals, materials related to biotechnology or otherwise doing simulations and tests. Lectures, group tutorials, e-learning modules are all integrated in the coursework. UCL boasts of a computer graphics facility, a host of fermenters meant for cell culture and facilities to do biomolecular structure analysis.

The Entry Requirements

UCL has strict entry requirements for its undergrad course in Biotechnology yet has flexibility in terms of minimum requirements depending on the study background and nation of the applicant. In the A levels, UCL asks a minimum of AAA with major as Chemistry and any one subject out of Mathematics, Physics or Biology along with pass grade in any other subject at the AS level or its equivalent. It also has some subject criteria to be met at the GCSE level and it also offers opportunities to meet the set criteria after enrollment in the program. The IB diploma points are set at 38 with six points being the minimum in trio of Chemistry and any two higher level subjects and not less than five in the rest of the subjects. For students outside UK a list of accepted qualifications is also mentioned. UCL offers applicants a preparatory foundation course for one year which helps students from abroad to become prepared to meet the tough curricular requirements of the UCL degree program. UCL offers University Preparatory Certificates to the various ambitious students from all parts of the world who wish to shine in academics at the UCL Biotechnology degree program or any other UK universities. For the applicants to be admitted into the choice programs, UCL acknowledges A levels and the International Baccalaureate along with a list of other international academic qualifications thus making it a truly versatile admission program from which all types of students can benefit. Applicants must also have to satisfy the English language Requirements if applicable for UCL degree.

Application Procedure and Selections

UCL recognizes applications only made through the UCAS which is Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. All information is available at the school or colleges of the supplicants residing in UK and proper guidance in this regard is available there. But for people who are not residents of UK or have left school can get all the info from UCAS directly.

UCL follows a very comprehensive method of candidate screening process which involves an analysis of the self motivation capabilities, smartness, interest quotient in pursuit of science and research as well as organizational skills of the applicant and not just a mere grade basis selection practice. If selected the candidates may be called for a direct personal interview, if the applicant is a resident of UK. Debating society involvement, projects and seminars undertaken by the applicant also play a role in the selection process. Written exercise during interviews is optional and is informed to candidates prior to interviews. Non residents of UK are chosen purely on the basis of the given application and candidates should try to convey their deep interest in following challenging scientific research in the applications preferably.

Environment and Opportunities

UCL has a vibrant campus culture revolving around academic glory, scientific pursuits and overall dynamism of students. With this degree, UCL students see massive career opportunities in pharmaceutical sectors, food and agriculture industries as well as in organizations dedicated to environmental development. Financial help is also available for degrees for students at UCL and all information regarding the detail fee structure and scholarship options are given in the home site of UCL. A plethora of accommodation options are available for students from all over the world along with a friendly and tolerant study atmosphere for everyone.

Novo Nordisk - About company and latest news

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Simply speaking, biotechnology uses living systems and organisms to develop useful products which aid in healthcare as well as food production. The field of biotechnology has made the future of mankind better and brighter. The field of biotechnology is multidisciplinary. It is dedicated to producing new drugs to treat several diseases and developing several vaccines. Biotechnology has also made many advances in the field of agriculture. It has also made several advances in genome therapies and mapping the human genome. The field of biotechnology covers several areas of industry. With the aid of biotechnological skills scientists are forever breaking new grounds in the field of medicine and agriculture.

Novo Nordisk is one of the world’s leading biotechnological companies. Its focus for years has been on diabetes. The company is driven to find the ultimate cure of diabetes and finally rid the world of this horrible disease.

Contributions in The Field of Diabetes

Novo Nordisk has worked tirelessly since its establishment in 1923 to find the cure for diabetes. The company not only focuses on the development of medicines which battle diabetes, but also has several programs dedicated to spreading awareness about this disease. Its programs include educating people about diabetes. The company has devoted itself to help patients fight diabetes. Its focus is on all ages that suffer from the disease. Although Novo Nordisk has broken many grounds with treating diabetes medically, the company also realizes the psychological impact that this disease has on the lives of people. This company has launched many initiatives to help people cope with the disease and live with it in a psychologically stable manner.

Novo Nordisk founded the World Diabetes Foundation to help people all over the world in combating the disease. Its initiative in the healthcare department is remarkable. This company is has been phenomenal in reaching out to families and eradicating their fear of diabetes so that they can deal with it in the right fashion. It has worked tirelessly to remove the myths surrounding this disease which affects millions of people worldwide.

This company has made many innovations throughout the years in the manufacture of insulin in safer and productive ways to help the world in better dealing with the disease. This company is also known for its inauguration of Novo Nordisk World Diabetes tour visiting several countries around the world to spread awareness about the disease.

This company has also invented several insulin delivery devices which are easy to use and manage. Along with delivery devices, Novo Nordisk is a world leader in diabetes medication and awareness. It has developed several insulin medications depending on the severity of cases and type of diabetes.

This company provides information about diabetes to all individuals who are suffering from this disease as well as for people whose loved ones are suffering from diabetes. They provide several online manuals as well as guides which train individuals to manage and deal with this disease and its consequences. It also spreads knowledge on leading a healthy and normal life even with diabetes. This company believes the diabetes can be cured. Its main aim is to find the cure of diabetes and rid the world of this disease.

Contributions in Haemostasis Management

Novo Nordisk has also worked towards Haemostasis Management. Haemostasis is the process which involves human body’s response to blood vessel injury and bleeding. In healthy people of this kind of bleeding is generally followed by clotting which controls further bleeding. In some cases however like with people suffering from the congenital disease of Haemophilia medical intervention is required.

Novo Nordisk is known for its development of a medicine which helps in treating the bleeding of patients suffering from Haemophilia A and B. This medicine can be used in cases of spontaneous bleeding.

Contributions in Growth Hormone Therapy

Growth hormone is a chemically produced substance formed by the pituitary gland of the brain. It is a very important hormone of the body which produces the hormone for childhood growth and is known for maintenance of metabolism of adults. Biosynthetic growth hormone is now used in the treatment of many diseases. Growth hormone deficiency results in retardation of growth in children. There can be many reasons for this deficiency.

This company has invented a multi-dose pen medication which successfully injects the medications in patients suffering from growth hormone deficiency. It is a simple to use disposable pen which patients can use easily albeit after being prescribed by a trained physician. They have also taken many steps in spreading awareness about the administration of this medicine as well as awareness about the disease. Novo Nordisk has taken several initiatives in spreading awareness about growth hormone deficiency.

Novo Nordisk and Sustainable Development

This company is known for its ethically responsible programs. It is a responsible firm which understands its social responsibility. It is committed to innovation. But this innovation is not at the price of human lives. It is a respectable firm which understands its limits and continues to work in an environmentally sound fashion.

It uses economically viable means to manage its growth and profitability. The company works in a fashion that its growth is dedicated towards human welfare and by extension society’s welfare. This company works towards production in an environmentally sound fashion. It ensures that its production does not in any way harm earth and its resources.

Novo Nordisk family has grown at a worldwide level over the years and has professionals and scientists working worldwide to find a cure for diabetes. It is committed to the cause of fighting diseases and bringing their cures to all sections of society. This company has launched several initiatives to help people all over the world. Its Change Diabetes program is widely known and has reached millions of people. Novo Nordisk tends to hire people who are committed and sincere. It is always on the lookout for innovative minds in the field of medicine.

Latest News
- Novo Nordisk sees double-digit growth in first half of 2013
- Novo Nordisk donates $80000 for diabetes education in Minn.
- Top insulin maker Novo caught up in China's widening drug probes
- Novo says three year wait for Tresiba safety data

Actelion Plans on Buying Out Ceptaris for $250 Million

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Actelion is a reputed Biotech firm located at Basel, Switzerland. The firm is famous for being the pioneers in the area regarding endothelian receptor antagonists. The first product successfully manufactured by the firm was an endothelian receptor antagonist. Actelion was initially financed and supported by venture capital along with companies such as HealthCap and Sofinnova. Actelion is a specialist when it comes to orphan diseases and this is a tricky research prospect mainly due to the fact that investors often do not choose to invest in such companies due to fear of low ROI.

Orphan Diseases and Their Types

However, this is a serious problem for patients affected by orphan diseases and as a result Actelion CEO, Jean Paul Clozel decided to work on such rare diseases. Orphan diseases are known to affect children and Actelion works on research on such diseases and their cures.
Actelion currently operates out of 28 countries around the globe namely Canada, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Switzerland and a few other European countries such as France, and the United Kingdom. The Actelion Endothelin Research Award program was started back in 2006 with the aim of supporting selective research programs. Actelion is currently known for working on ten important drugs, 3 of which are at their final stages of research.

Traceleer is known to work on the enhancement of pulmonary arterial hypertension and is the first from Actelion. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a known but rare chronic disease which is life threatening. It severely affects the heart and lungs and disrupts the functionalities. Zavesca is the only oral treatment at the moment for patients suffering from Gaucher disease.

Ventavis is the third drug from Actelion aimed at working on pulmonary arterial hypertension while Veletri is a long time cure for scleroderma spectrum diseases. Actelion is a reputed company and the research and development team is fairly renowned in this field of operation. The company currently employs 2,467 people in research, development marketing and sales and has posted sales equivalent to 1,929 million CHF. Actelion started trading as a member of the Swiss Market Index since September 2006.

Stepping on The Growing Cloth

Actelion plans on making huge profits in the financial quarter of 2014 – 2015 if its new lung and heart drugs are better received in the market in the meantime. Chief Financial Officer Andrew Oakley recently said in an interview that there is room for enhancement in sales and the company is working on improving the current batch of drugs. Actelion claims that the company is planning on crossing eight digits in terms of earnings by the end of the year.

The growth picked up back in 2012 and is continuing well into 2013. As a result the company is quite happy with the returns and is planning big for the time ahead. Actelion recently received a boost from the market as its lung and heart drug was well received in the market. Opsumit replaced the best selling Tracleer recently and the results obtained were outstanding. This is also a revolutionary find as Tracleer accounts for close to 87 percent of the total sales recorded at Actelion.

Actelion received quite a few awards during the course of its innovations and the Prix Hermès de l'innovation or the Hermès Award for Innovation, it received in 2011 is the most prestigious of them all. Actelion is a think tank of scientists and some of the greatest minds from around the world come together to work jointly in projects. Actelion plans on enhancing values through its vast knowledge in the field of pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy.

Best Investments for a Cause

Actelion plans on chasing best quality infrastructure along with the best possible research and the plans are commercially viable too. A completely balanced environment is created within the laboratories and this helps preserve the viability of the drugs. Seeking out licenses to coming up with new drugs to maximize production. Actelion is also a market leader in terms of marketing strategies and the company has huge followers and record huge sales while securing huge profit margins due to its innovations.

Actelion works towards promoting a better environment for work, encouraging proactive identification while assessing the risks involved. This is a varied task which needs constant monitoring. Saving lives is the major concern at Actelion and that is the common target people try to achieve at work. A committed work power is also what distinguishes Actelion from the other Biotechnology companies in Switzerland.

The list of patients at Actelion is quite high and most of them have been worked on carefully. Actelion has taken quite some time to reach where it is actually at the moment Actelion recently plans purchasing Ceptaris Therapeutics for close to $250 million. This is a confirmed report especially after the latest developments from Actelion seem to be making quite an impact in the market.

FDA seems to have been a problem with Actelion and their investment plans in the past although no such issues have surfaced within the past couple of years. Actelion wants to build up a formidable reputation and is hence working towards achieving the same. Actelion is known especially for its ability to work on exclusively rare diseases and as a result the investors are willing to work hard.

The company also plans on working on its portfolio apart from the PAH franchise and the company wants to continue working on its rare disease agenda. Orphan diseases are a source of trouble and cause massive damages to certain parts of the body. The heart and lungs are the primary target areas which needs special attention. Actelion has received close to $10 Million in terms of investment within the past few days.

Even though this is not much it is sufficient to keep current projects on track. Needs of the patients need to be fulfilled first and that is the precise course of action Actelion has taken at the moment. Cepatris needed to be bailed out while Actelion needed a new partnership. This as a result made it easy for both sides. The T Cell lymphoma is the final drug that Actelion is currently working on.

Cambridge University - Biotechnology Courses and Research Options for Students

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The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest colleges in UK, being established in the year of 1231 and is often simply called Cambridge. It is the collegiate university which makes it one comprising of self governing as well as independent colleges who have their own campuses, faculty and income. Together these colleges, their faculties and different courses that they offer to students makes Cambridge classrooms a veritable mix of academics from various encompassing colleges and makes it a ideal cultural mix in all respects.

[Image: 800px-Kings_College_Cambridge_Great_Court_Panorama.jpg]

The University of California has many important departments including the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. This department has contributed immensely to the ongoing research in new exciting aspects of fundamental biology and traditional chemistry along with research in new avenues of biotechnology and bioengineering. Not only does this department actively give shape to thoughts and innovative research ideas it also believes in commercialization of the thought process making it one of the most successful departments for biotechnology in the world. Every year a select 180 number of total graduates of the best academic backgrounds and highest caliber are given the opportunity to pursue their MPhil or Masters Program in either of the subjects. In fact this department offers an MPhil in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology and two other programs called Masters in Bioscience Enterprise (MBE) and a PhD in Biotechnology or Chemical Engineering.

MPhil in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

This is the research degree provided by Cambridge and often is taken for consideration while applying for Ph.D. programs and for clearing the entry requirements. The graduates in this program often opt for higher studies after completing a great research program under academic supervision of experienced faculty. The academics are examined by either thesis submission or oral exams. This course is for one year duration commencing from the month of April, October or January. The entry requirements entail that the candidates who apply for this degree should essentially possess the first degree and also should have minimum second class honors in any biological science, chemistry, chemical engineering, engineering, physics or even applied mathematics or any other relevant degrees of equivalent value. A limited number of elite students are allowed a special funding by the department and is based on the applications received.

Masters in Bioscience Enterprise Programme

This is a one year full time degree programme which is multidisciplinary since it is both a biotechnology as well as business course. This invites applications from individuals with strong business acumen who want to take technology into the commercial sector and take on leadership or consulting roles in the sector of life science related industries and organizations. The curriculum broadly deals with latest developments in biotechnology and life sciences along with studying the underlying business principles and all the regulations meant for successfully marketing new ideas of biotech.

It is an interactive course which demands interdisciplinary projects, a variety of case studies as well as activities dealing with business planning. The course also includes a self-funded tour to the USA and opportunities to take up internships or consulting projects under any technology giant. The successful graduates upon completion are awarded an MPhil degree. The typical academic year starts in October and ends in June. Funding and scholarships are available for certain applicants. All details regarding last dates for scholarships and bursaries are available with the Course Administrator and candidates should generally apply early. There are certain requirements to be met which are given under the Cambridge Trusts or other organizations involved in scholarships and grants. The entry requirements include first class honors degree in life sciences, physics, law, economics, medicinal field or other relevant disciplines. This course usually benefits candidates with a background of academics or any sort of post graduate experiences in the field of business like entrepreneurs.

PhD in Chemical Engineering or Biotechnology

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology offers an excellent scope for unprecedented research opportunities by providing PhD programs in both Chemical Engineering as well as Biotechnology. Applications are accepted and selected candidates are only registered for the PhD after a strict three month long assessment period. This course has a comprehensive total duration of nine consecutive academic terms during which academics undergo professional supervised research work after which on the basis of their findings, each candidate submits individual dissertation. The scope of research topics being offered by this department is vast and covers key growth areas of field of chemical engineering and biotechnology.

The PhD program in either of the areas asks for a minimum of good second class and above preferably first class honors degree from prestigious institutions including equivalent degrees offered by overseas institutions in the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, biochemistry, engineering, physics, life sciences, applied mathematics or any other similar relevant streams. In some cases, appropriate Masters Degree qualification criteria might be considered under the guidelines prescribed by the selection committee. Funding, grants and scholarships including monthly stipends all are granted in limited numbers depending on the application review by the respective committee.

College system in Cambridge Overview

Any student who becomes a member of the Cambridge University by gaining a place in any of the graduate courses basically belongs to both the University as well as to a specific college under which they pursue their course and research. Supervisors who guide the academics need not necessarily be of the same college and hence it offers students a great degree of flexibility. The chosen department is the place to attend lectures from faculty and conduct the research work. The Colleges on the other hand are the source for academic as well as pastoral support in form of tutors and help from Graduate Office. It offers necessary financial assistance, solves queries, provides student accommodation and has a full in-house range of activities related to social, cultural as well as sporting and debating fields. All the formal processes like the matriculation or the process of formal joining of a student in University or College, visa status monitoring of candidates from overseas and also the end graduation formalities are also handled exclusively by the College authorities.



Shantha Biotechnics Ltd - Better and Advanced Future with Biotechnology

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Biotechnology has opened many doors to serve mankind. This field uses biological processes, living organisms and systems to invent and manufactures which benefit the human race. It has been used for years to make new inventions and products to rid the world of many diseases and to make advances in agriculture. There are many biotechnological companies which have dedicated their resources to fighting diseases and coming up with food products which will improve the industry of agriculture.

It is the area of research which aims at a better quality of life for humans. In the area of medicine biotechnology is referred to as red biotechnology. The aim of pharmaceutical companies is to grow microorganisms on a large scale so that they can help in the production of vaccines and medicines on a large scale. This field has revolutionized the conditions of human life from its birth. From the production of insulin to control the conditions of diabetic patients to the invention of vaccines of fatal diseases the field of red biotechnology has only served and improved the conditions of the human race.

Founded in the year 1993 by Dr K. I Varaprasad Reddy, Shantha Biotechnics Ltd is a company which is dedicated towards coming up with new and improved vaccines and therapeutics. Its aim has been to produce cost effective medicinal products which can reach a larger population and benefit the world in the long run.

Medicinal Inventions of Shantha Biotechnics Ltd

Every biotechnic company believes in invention for the better of this planet. Their mantra has for years been for the greater good. Shantha Biotechnics Ltd is a company which whole heartedly believes in these principles. Its scientists have constantly worked towards innovations. As a pharmaceutical company it has invented better and cheaper Hepatitis B vaccines, Tetanus vaccines and Erythropoietin (EPO) injections. EPO is a hormone in human body which is required for red blood cell productions. It is administered in patients suffering from anemia which results from chronic kidney diseases. It is also used in treating myelodysplasia from the treatment of cancer. It is also crucial for the purposes for further research with cell cultures.

Rotavirus is the cause of severe diarrhea in infants and kids. In India almost a 100,000 kids die from this infection on a yearly basis. The scientists of Shantha Biotechnics Ltd have been focused on coming up with a rotavirus vaccine to eradicate this virus from India. They seek to do this and finally raise the infant mortality rate of India. This disease is still not widely known among people. There is an urgent requirement in developing countries to raise awareness in lower classes about the effects of this virus so that it does not get mistaken for stomach flu before it is too late.

Shantha Biotechnics Ltd has also introduced a vaccine for Cholera which has been approved by the World Health Organizations and is distributed in areas of natural disasters.

HPV or Humanpapilloma Virus is responsible for the cervical cancer. Shantha Biotechnics Ltd is focused towards developing a cheaper vaccine for this virus. Their plan is to make the vaccine available for all strata’s of society by the year 2018.
It is the first company in India to develop r-DNA Hepatitis B vaccine.

The research aims of Shantha Biotechnics Ltd

The success of every biotechnic firm is based on a well established research lab. A well established lab requires constant care and maintenance. It requires the latest technologies to better invent new medicines and vaccines. Shantha Biotechnics Ltd believes in being ahead of the game. It has four well established independent laboratories. Each lab is dedicated for specific purposes. The main lab focuses on molecular biology, immunology, microbial fermentation, purification and characterization. The smaller labs are dedicated towards the invention of viral and bacterial vaccines. Primarily their research is concerned with vaccines of Typhoid, Rota Virus and HPV.

Sales and Marketing aims of Shantha Biotechnics Ltd

Every pharmaceutical company aims towards finding a clientele for the sale and marketing of their medicinal products. In a country like India where the rate of communicable diseases has been always high, there is a constant need for cheaper and more effective medicines. Shantha Biotechnics Ltd realizes this problem and focuses on inventing cheap vaccines to control the spread of communicable diseases. It also plans on venturing forth in the international market and making its mark on earth as a known and well established vaccines developing company. Their aims for years have been coming up with better vaccines which can rid the world of many diseases in one go. It has made many advances in creating vaccines for Cholera, Typhoid and many other diseases. As a pharmaceutical company it sells its products through WHO and UN agencies as wells as to governments funded through UNICEF. After its acquisitions by a global pharmaceutical company Sanofi Aventis in the year 2009, Shantha Biotechnic Ltd has gained further heights in the field if biotechnological inventions.

Driven by the needs of its society, Shantha Biotechnics Ltd is committed to coming up with cheaper and better vaccines. The process of development of vaccines is delicate. It requires the latest technology as well as tons of safety measures. For a vaccine to be recognized as viable and legitimate it has to jump through several hoops in the research market to be termed as usable. The development of vaccines requires the dedication of keen and brilliant scientists. Shantha Biotechnics Ltd takes care of all these measures. It is an ethically responsible company which is on its ways to becoming world recognized.

Shantha Biotechnics Ltd is always on the lookout for scholars in the field of science who believe in inventions and are committed to the cause of science. They provide excellent career opportunities for graduates and postgraduates of science on a global scale. They value their human resources and provide them with excellent working environment and state of the art research facilities. Their aim is to improve the conditions of all classes of society with better and affordable vaccines.



Jawaharlal Nehru University - Biotech Courses to Boost Your Career

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Foundation and Mission:

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi was one of the initial six universities in India to commence a postgraduate course and research program in the field of biotechnological science in the year 1985. Since then, it has been operating as Special Center for Biotechnology under joint sponsorship of University Grants Commission and Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. To begin with, the center was initiated to impart a biotechnology education program with an impulse to produce a workforce that could meet the country’s substantial demands. Bearing in mind the progression of biotechnology at international level, its widespread applications in general life spheres and the noteworthy contributions of the faculties of Canter for Biotechnology, JNU’s executive council resolved to elevate its status in 2006 to that of a School of Biotechnology. Over the years, the biotech program at JNU has successfully established itself in the form of a prominent academic program from both teaching as well as research view point. The faculties of this school are recognized internationally for their worthy contributions to applied and basic biotech research concepts.

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The school is dedicated towards radically changing the way issues associated with human health, environment and agriculture. To address the need of scientific talent for sustaining phenomenal growth in today’s biotech industry, JNU works with a special mission of providing informed teaching to exploit the very potential of this branch of science. A balanced mishmash of faculties from both industry and academia with rich research and development exposure contribute to the academic excellence of this department.

With the on campus and online biotechnology courses, students can effectively balance their studies and career. They have four concentrations to choose from- each of which involves nine courses and one thesis.
- Life Sciences- Exquisitely designed for students those who wish to continue operating in the research arena.
- Bioinformatics- This branch emphasizes on developing vital programming and computer skills.
- Management principles- It focuses on supplementary business skills in varied areas of project management, finance and marketing.
- Bioengineering and nanotechnologies- It is concentrated on nanoscale applications and innovations and the engineering behind biological materials.

In order to ensure that you select the appropriate course, review the degree requirements first. Then you can use degree course search for finding the ones that suits your requirements. Tips are also available to aid you in the process.

Admission Details

The School of Biotechnology offers both M.Sc as well as Ph.D degress in biotechnology.

M.Sc. (Biotechnology)
Admissions for M.Sc programs are conducted on the basis of All-India entrance examination conducted on behalf of twenty nine universities of the country by JNU. Known to be one of the finest and promising master’s programs offered in the country and supported by DBT, the total intake capacity stands at 27. Apart from theory courses, this program also places tremendous emphasis on practical trainings. The students take up for a 2-semester research work project that is specifically oriented towards researches in diverse fields of biotechnology. They also participate in seminars for enhancing their broader look about the subject.

Ph.D. (Biotechnology)
The competent and vibrant Ph.D. program in basic and applied biotechnology is embarked upon creating a sturdy academic research foundation in the following leading biotechnology areas.
- Genetic engineering and molecular biology
- Immunology
- Protein stability, protein engineering, conformation and folding
- Metabolic engineering, biochemical engineering and optimization of recombinant protein production
- Molecular biology of infectious diseases
- Molecular cell biology
- Cancer cell biology: Its diagnostics and vaccines
- Gene regulation and transcription control in prokaryotic and mammalian systems

After qualifying the All India entrance exam and viva voce, students can get admission for the Ph.D. program. Those that have been qualified for Junior Research Fellowship under UGC/ DBT/ CSIR/ ICMR are directly short listed for the interview process. Students with 2 years post M.Phil Degree or M.Sc research experience are subjected to direct admissions after qualifying in the interview. As per the current intake capacity, 40 students get registered in a single year. The School of Biotechnology is lately operated by 11 faculty members. Students are presented with countless opportunities to take up active research projects and build up experiences with the current state of art instrumentation. Such experiences can prove to be invaluable for intellectual development of students.

Research Facilities

The state of art instrumentation facilities are specifically designed to offer excellent training in modernized areas of biological sciences which include
- Central Instrumental Facility- This facility is open 24/7 for the biotechnology students with all basic and advanced instruments used in modern day research.
- Spectroscopic facility- It provides for a numerous sensitive UV-Visible spectrophotometers, circular dichroism spectrometer, fluorescence spectrometers and FT-IR spectrometer.
- Microscopic facility- It includes simple microscopes, phase contrast microscopes, laser scanning confocal microscope and fluorescent microscope
- Biosafety Level 3 facility – This is an upcoming effort for strengthening SBT’s infrastructure for R&D in the field of infectious diseases. It would be used for researches involving manipulating biological infectious agents, exotic and indigenous ones that may be the cause of serious lethal diseases.
- Protein production and purification facility- This facility encompasses refrigerated incubator shakes, mammalian and bacterial bio reactors with FTIR analysis, Shimadzu HPLC protein purification system and AKTA explorer FPLC protein purification system.
- Micro calorimetric facility- It takes up for isothermal titration calorimetric and differential scanning calorimetric set up for studying of bimolecular stability, interactions and folding.
- GLP standard recombinant product development facility- This newly established facility has all the necessary downstream and up stream equipments, testing and quality control equipments required for recombinant product development. It is one of the specialized facilities at SBT that flaunts of the flexibility needed for production of recombinant and characterization and purification of non-recombinant products as well. It has also strictly adhered to stringent requirements of GLP standard.
- Other equipments- Some other analytical facilities include real time PCR, Elispot Reader, Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter, ELISA readers etc.

There is a school library supported by funds from Department of Biology, that has nearly 700 books in various areas of research and teaching in biotechnology. A number of scientific journals have also been subscribed. There is also a computer lab at the school for helping students carry out their assignments on courses of computational biology and bioinformatics. Students may also seek help from literature search and online database searches.

Jaypee University of Information Technology - Biotechnology Department

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J. P. University of Information Technology and JUIT ( Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India):

Whilst most industries are now downsizing in the ongoing economy, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are strong than ever and growing. And talking about India, it continues to be the epicenter of such industries for years now. One such exceptional career choice for students is the biotechnology programs offered by Jaypee University of Information Technology.

Learning in India’s No.1 Institution

Biotechnology is the science of this very century- a vivacious journey into the constantly evolving and undiscovered territory. The biotech programs have been specifically designed to help candidates acquire knowledge and experience as broad as the problems itself and to shape them according to industry needs and recruiters. The biotech program under this university has been ranked twice at NO.1 position in the last three years by Biospectrum. It has been honored as the best private biotech educational institute of the country for carrying out outstanding researches owning to its up-to-date educational curricula, highly qualified faculties, strong research and development programs and modern laboratory infrastructures.

The department offers a 4 year B.Tech program in biotechnology and bioinformatics, 5 year dual degree M.Tech program in Biotechnolgy, 2 year M.tech program in Biotechnology and Computational Biology, and Ph.D. in Biotechnology/Bioinformatics. The biotech graduates are groomed in a highly intensive environment that Jaypee University has successfully established through multifaceted initiatives like recruiting faculties of international exposure, setting collaborations with topnotch institutions of the world and admitting quality students. The University has till now implemented R&D projects that worth near about Rs 15 crores, including some of the most prestigious ones. Large numbers of scholars associated with this institution have been able to create a diverse research environment in the 3 main streams of bioinformatics, pharmaceutical sciences and biotechnology, unlike any other Indian institution.

The department delivers quality education in order to equip students with latest skills compatible with the industry and academia needs. The curricula are designed with a sturdy engineering base to enable students to work out in every type of industry. They are also provided with opportunities to carry out extensive independent projects.

Competent Faculties

The faculty department is exceptionally trained from world class institutions in modernized areas of genomics, bioprocess engineering, medicinal chemistry, proteomics, environmental biotechnology, computational drug discovery, nano biotechnology, medicinal chemistry, systems biology, computational biology, metabolic engineering, microbial pathogens, cancer biology, biomaterial engineering etc. Strengths of faculties in such wider areas ensure better job opportunities for students as well as prospective chances of landing into better institutions for higher education. The research outcomes of some of the renowned faculties have been recognized through different publications in 14 patents, high impact journals, best paper awards in international and national conferences and individual awards like those of Ramanujan Fellowship, DST BOYCAST fellowships and young scientist award of Indian Science Congress Association.

Admission Process

The students can acquire the application form either by downloading it from the official website or obtaining from the campuses. Separate forms have to filled for the Noida and Waknaghat campuses respectively. Cost of the application is kept at Rs. 1000. The forms come with a single brochure. Those who wish to pursue undergraduate and graduate programs are required to fill in the forms are submit them to respective registrars. The total number of seats for biotechnology program in Noida is kept at 60 while it is 30 at Waknaghat. For the 5 yr dual degree program, Noida and Waknaghat campuses have their intake capacity at 30. Students willing to take up the bioinformatics program at JUIT, Waknaghat can enroll 30 at a time.

The tuition fees for the year 2013 are at Rs 40,000 per semester, hostel fee is Rs. 32,500 per semester including food and laundry, development fee has been kept at Rs. 50,000 per annum and there is a one time caution money of Rs. 10,000. Hostel facilities are provided to those candidates that belong from any other place than the NCR region subjected to merit and availability.

The Research

The Biotech department is actively involved in various researches. It has the distinction of being externally funded for its R&D projects by various Government agencies such as Department of Biotechnology, DRDO, ICMR, Ministry of Forest and Environment and Department of Science and Technology. The department also boasts of its strong doctoral research team of 40 Ph.D. scholars registered with faculty members. In the field of medicinal herbs, this department is recognized as a research Center of Excellence under the FIST program.

The major research areas that the department is focusing now are:
- Food Technology- Nutraceuticals, Functional Food Development, Process Technologies
- Plant Biotechnology - Pathway Elucidation, Gene Discovery, Plant Cell Cultures, Genetic Engineering
- Industrial Biotechnology - Industrial Enzymes, Biofuels, Bioremediation
- Clinical Informatics –Imaging, Translational & high-end computing
- Bioinformatics –Sequence analysis, Genome annotation, Rationale designing of molecules & screening, Chemoinformatics, Molecular Modeling, Prediction servers and Database development
- Diseases – Infectious (Diarrhea, MTB, Malaria, HIV, etc.), Cancers, Kidney stones, Stem cells
- Natural Products – Synthetic Chemistry, Lead molecules in the form Drugs

Outstanding Placements

Placement of graduates has been recorded at more than 95% for the past 7 years, wherein most of the students are offered jobs from different repute industries like Celera Genomics, Wipro, Panacea Biotech, Ranbaxy, HCL Life Sciences etc. The B.Tech graduates often pursue MS/Ph.D degrees in most of the top class universities across Europe and USA with meritorious scholarships. The most notable recent placement was that of a B.Tech Bioinformatics graduate with an annual package as high as US$ 60,000 in DivX, USA.

State of Art Infrastructure

Students are provided with hands on exposure in around 30 labs that have been equipped with modernized equipments like LC-MS, 2-D Electrophoresis, atomic absorption spectrometer, bioreactors, pulsed field electrophoresis, preparative HPLC, fluorescent microscopes, LP systems, Q-TOF, plant and animal cell culture facilities, gene pulsar, high end servers, genome sequencer, GC-MS, bioreactors, computational software and workstations.

Industry and Academia Collaborations

The university is continuously looking out for opportunities in order to set up collaborations with academic institutions and industries of repute to provide the graduates with a prospective chance of undertaking joint projects in final year. Majority of noteworthy initiatives have been Jubilant Life Sciences, Cadbury, Novozymes, Panacea, etc. Among the current academic collaborators are South Dakota
School, University of California, Melbourne, Victoria University, Australia, Norwich, UK, USA, Emeryville, University of Florida, Berkeley etc.

Merck Serono Biotech Firm: An Innovative Approach towards Humanity

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The field of Biotechnology is a research oriented field involving the participation of professionals from various fields of science like Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, and Pharmaceutics. The field is vivid, scope is enormous. Starting from the invention of new enzymes and hormones to the treatment of cancer, Biotechnologists are working on most issues under the Sun. The main aim of the field is to produce a better environment and a better life for everyone by elimination of the debilitating and once incurable diseases. The three main objectives of the field can be narrowed down to healing of the world, feeding of the world and fuelling the lives which exist on the earth.

Formation of Merck KGaA

In the year 1668, in the city of Darmstadt, a German man named Friedrich Jacob Merck became the owner of a pharmacy. The then small ‘Angel Pharmacy’ was later taken over by his successors and eventually came in the hands of Emanuel Merck in 1816. This young Merck had a scientific education which he then made use of to produce certain medications of his own. He then uses his family business to market these new chemicals in bulk. This small scale business venture of Emanuel marked the beginning of the Merck Group of companies which would later on flourish manifolds and become one of the top rated companies in the world.

The original Merck today has spread out and have original as well as merged branches all over the world, every single continent included, and employing more than 90,000 people. The companies’ manuals are presently published in seventeen different languages as well. The company began its venture in the field of Biotechnology in the year 2006, when they announced a takeover bid of $13.2 billion for the Swiss company, Serono. Yes, this is the Italian company Serono who were pioneers in the field of recombinant DNA technology in the 1900’s.This new venture, the Merck Serono, began its new ventures in the year 2007 and has been on a constant uphill since then.

The Merck Serono United Front

When the largest biotechnological company Serono, Switzerland was bought out by one of the largest business tycoons in the field of Medicine, the general prediction was towards a positive turn. Apparently, the merger was the best thing that could have happened for the two companies, since they proceeded forward to form a Biotech giant in the existing field. The merger cost Merck a sum total of 7 billion dollars but they were predicted to squeeze up more than five times the amount spent, within a decade.

Visions and Aims of The Merged Merck Serono

The merged new company began their work with a desire to develop cures in the fields of cancer, cardiac diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, hormonal treatments and pulmonary diseases. This objective of theirs was coupled with enormous funding, grants, scholarships and fellowships offered to brilliant academics in the field of Biotechnology all over the world. The aim of this was actually an investment for securing the rights of the drugs and medicines which will actually help cure the problems which at present are posing a serious threat to mankind.

This same motif and aim toward a common good and better future has driven the company to collaborate with other such companies who have been in the field of Biotechnology for a longer time and reach faster towards the desired results. The aim was much more for the benefit of the general masses than for the company itself. For example, earlier in this very year of 2013, Cancer Research Technology, Merck Serono and the Institute of Cancer Research have extended the time limit for their collaborative work so as to accelerate the due findings and hence save as many lives as possible and as soon as possible.

Recent Collaborations and Projects

Merck takes the offers for grants and scholarships to another level entirely. Recent news is that the company has offered a sum of 4 million euro as grant money for those working in the fields of Fertility Innovation. On May 15th of this year, the company announced an emerging partnership of Merck Serono and Quintiles, the world’s largest provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial drugs. This new partnership is supposed to provide the world with better prescription drugs and clinical facilities. Of course it remains to be seen whether these two steps will eventually be helpful for the betterment of human population but the fact that the company has been since long trying on new projects and spending millions on them proves their humanitarian attitude.

The Merck Serono group, which has branches over 67 countries in the world thanks to the prior establishment of the Mercks work on all classes of Biotechnology. However, the Red and the Green Biotech get the maximum amount of importance in their works since the original company is concerned with the field of medicine. The extra 100 million euro that the company has decided to fund on the MS ventures is expected to reap profits in multiples.

The company of Bristol-Meyers Squibb had the rights reserved to monoclonal antibody treatment. To manipulate the process and work in this futuristic field, Merck Serono formed a partnership with the aforementioned company and was successful in the research, development, commercialization and the marketing of the novel protein and antibody therapeutics. This is the type of unparalleled success rate the company possesses. The success is entirely based on the diligent and hardworking brilliant minds who work for the company.

The company of Merck Serono has earned trust of the people after existing for hundreds of years. This is one company people know, that is completely for, of and by the people. If they operate, it is for the benefit of all. The company is almost scam free which is rare and surprising as well since they work on such a wide scale. Whatever the drawbacks may be, the company has always worked for the greater good and promises to continue to do so in the coming years during which they hope to keep working.

Transplant Immunology

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Transplantation refers to the act of transferring cells, tissues, or organs from one site to another.

Types :
1. Autograft is self-tissue transferred from one body site to another in the same individual.(Transferring skin, blood vessels)
2. Isograft is tissue transferred between genetically identical individuals.(Between two genetically identical (monozygotic) twins).
3. Allograft is tissue transferred between genetically different members of the same species.(Organs transferred from one individual to another unless)
4. Xenograft is tissue transferred between different species.(Graft of a baboon heart into a human)

Autografts and isografts are usually accepted, owing to the genetic identity between graft and host. Allograft rejection can occur in 2 sets due to Specificity & Memory.

- First set reject : (Tissue transferred from inbred mouse Strain A to Strain B)When graft is transplanted for the first time. Complete Rejection can occur by 12-14 days.

- Second set rejection : Graft rejection reaction develops more quickly, with complete rejection occurring within 5-6 days. Equivalent to grafting between Strain C and Strain B.

T-cells play an important role in Allograft rejection. Nude mice(which lack Thymus, thus lack functional T cells) were found incapable of allograft rejection. Removal of CD8⁺ population did not have effect in increasing rejection time(15 days control mouse), removal of CD4⁺ prolonged survival to 30 days, while removal of both increased survival of allografts upto 60 days.

Tissue with antigenic similarity Histocompatible; tissues displaying significant antigenic differences are histo-incompatible and induce and immune response leading to tissue rejection. Out of 40 loci responsible for allograft rejection is most vigorous. MHC Organization in mice – H-2 complex, HLA complex in humans. MHC loci are inherited as a complete set called a Haplotype from each parent. Therefore the F1 generation can accept allografts from the parents but the vice versa is not possible because the parents have only 1 halotype each, unlike the offsprings that have both.

Graft compatibility can be judged by screening ABO blood group compatibility, followed by HLA typing.

Cell mediated graft rejection occurs in 2 stages : 1. Sensitization , 2.Effector Stage.

1. Sensitization Phase:
During the sensitization phase, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells recognize alloantigens expressed on cells of the foreign graft and proliferate in response. Both major and minor histocompatibility alloantigens can be recognized. In general, the response to minor histocompatibility antigens is weak, although the combined response to several minor differences can sometimes be quite vigorous.The response to major histocompatibility antigens involves recognition of both the donor MHC molecule and an associated peptide ligand in the cleft of the MHC molecule.

- A host TH cell becomes activated when it interacts with an antigen-presenting cell (APC) that both expresses an appropriate antigenic ligand–MHC molecule complex and provides the requisite co-stimulatory signal. Depending upon the tissue, different populations of cells within a graft may function as APC (Majorly dendritic cells as they are found in most tissues and they express high levels of Class II MHC molecules).

- APCs of recipient can also migrate into a graft and endocytose the foreign alloantigens and present them as processed peptides together with self-MHC molecules.

- In some grafts, a population of Donor APCs called passenger leukocytes migrate from graft to regional lymph nodes. They are dendritic cells with high levels of Class II MHC molecules along with normal levels of Class I MHC molecules. They are recognized as foreign and can stimulate an immune activation of T lymphocytes in the lymph node.


2. Effector Phase:
- It involves delayed hypersensitivity and CTL mediated cytotoxicity.
- There is an influx of T cells and macrophages into the graft, histologically resembling the Delayed type hypersensitive response, in which cytokines produced by TDTH cells promote macrophage infiltration. Recognition of foreign Class I alloantigens on the graft by host CD8⁺ cells can lead to CTL- mediated killing. In some cases CD4⁺ T cells mediate graft rejection.
- In each effector mechanism, cytokines secreted by TH cells play a central role.

- IL-2, IFN-_, and TNF-_ have each been shown to be important mediators of graft rejection.

Hyper-acute Rejection :
- Cases in which the grafted tissue never becomes vascularized.
- Caused by pre-existing host serum antibodies specific for antigens of the graft.
- Occurs if there is ABO blood type mismatch.
- The antigen-antibody complexes formed activate the complement system, resulting in intense infiltration of neutrophils into the grafted tissue, causing an inflammatory response, leading to clotting of blood in the bloodvessels, preventing vascularization of the graft.
- found in individuals with multiple blood transfusions/ multiple pregnancies.

Acute rejection :
- Cell mediated rejection manifests as an acute rejection of the graft beginning about 10 days after transplantation.
- Occurs due to massive infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes at the site of destruction, suggesting T(H) cell activation and proliferation.

Chronic Rejection :
- Develops after months or years after acute rejection reactions have subsided.
- Include both humoral and cell-mediated responses by the recipient.
- Immunosuppressive drugs can be used to prolong the duration of survival, although difficult conditions may need another transplantation.

Immuno Suppressive Drugs :

MITOTIC INHIBITORS
1. Azathioprine
- A potent mitotic inhibitor, given just before & after transplantation to diminish Tcell proliferation in response to the alloantigens of the graft.
- Acts on cells in the S phase, blocks synthesis of inosinic acid, which is a precursor for purine synthesis.
2. Cyclophosphamide
- Is an alkylating agent, that inserts into the DNA helix and becomes cross linked, leading to disruption of the DNA chain.
- Especially effective against rapidly dividing cells and therefore given at times of grafting to block T cell proliferation.
3. Methotrexate
- Acts as folic acid antagonist and blocks purine biosynthesis.



CORTICOSTEROIDS

- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and dexamethasone, are potent anti-inflammatory agents that exert effects at many levels of the immune response.
- These drugs are often given to transplant recipients together with a mitotic inhibitor such as Azathioprine to prevent acute graft rejection.

FUNGAL METABOLITIES

- Cyclosporin A (CsA) & FK506 although chemically unrelated, have similar functions and both block activation of resting T cells.
- Rampamycin prevents expression of IL2, IL2R.

SPECIFIC THERAPY
- Monoclonal antibodies directed against various surface molecules on cells of the immune system have been used successfully to suppress T-cell activity in general or suppress the activity of sub-populations of T cells.
- Monoclonal antibodies can be used to deplete the recipient of a certain broad or specific cell population, therefore blocking co-stimulatory signals. In a later stage a state of anergy is induced in those T cells that react to antigens present on the allograft.
- A strategy involves use of monoclonal antibodies to the CD3 molecule of the TCR complex. Injection with such antibodies results in depletion of mature T cells from the circulation, which is caused by binding of antibody-coates T cells to Fc receptors on phagocytic cells, which then phagocytose and clear T cells. A similar strategy involes monoclonal antibodies against high affinity IL-2 receptor.
- Another target of monoclonal antibodies are cell-surface adhesion molecules.

CO-STIMULATORY MOLECULES:
- CD28 or CTLA-4 molecule present on T cells & B7 molecule present on APCs provide co-stimulatory signals for T cell activation.
- CD28 is expressed on both activated and inactivated T cells.
- CD28 binds with B7 with moderately affinity but binds with CTLA-4 with 20 fold higher affinity.
- B7 and CTLA-4 both have Antibodies and thus can bind to CD28.
- When CTLA-4 + CD28 = No T cell activation.
- But when B7 + CD28 = T cell activation.

ACCEPTANCE OF ALLOGRAFT

1. When cells or tissue are grafted from privileged site (include anterior chamber of the eye, the cornea, the uterus, the testes and the brain) that has been sequestered from immune-system surveillance.

2. When a state of tolerance has been induced biologically. It occurs by a previous exposure to the antigens of the donor in such a manner that it led to development of immune tolerance rather than sensitization in the recipient.

Bayer Healthcare - News and Company Profile

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Bayer healthcare pharmaceutical is a division of Bayer AG. This company develops and manufactures pharmaceutical products for improving the quality of life by healthy management of chronic disease conditions.
In the United States, Bayer healthcare takes care of the following areas concerning human health: diagnostic imaging, women’s healthcare, hematology, neurology, oncology and general medicine.

Bayer healthcare functions with the motto of early diagnosis, management and treatment of chronic disease conditions which in a way will guarantee better quality of life. Early diagnosis is the key to enhanced and effective treatment of disease conditions. Bayer healthcare does in no way promise absolute cure of a disease, but it promises, effective management by easy diagnosis of certain diseases.
Bayer healthcare also has hands on expertise in animal health, consumer care and diabetes management. It has its headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany with the pharmaceutical and animal health division based in that country. The medical care and consumer care department is in Tarry town - New York, and Morristown, USA respectively. It has a strength of 50, 000 employees worldwide.

The medical health department mainly comprises of developing glucose meters for better and effective management of diabetes. Not just this, Bayer healthcare also has its expertise in manufacturing contrast – enhanced diagnostic imaging equipment necessary for treatment of constricted blood vessels.

Popular biotech products
Bayer healthcare has many biotech products. The following is a list of popular products:
• Bataferon
• Kognate
• Yasmin
• Nexavar
• Contour
• Mirena
• Adalat
• Advantage product line
• Aspirin
• Avalox
• Aspirin cardio
• Glucobay
• Ultravist
• Aleve
• Xarelto
• Levitra
• Bepanthen
• Lopamiron
• Cipro
• Magnevist

Latest discoveries
Bayer healthcare is always committed to deliver the best services to mankind. It has made a significant contribution in the management of diabetes. Of its latest discoveries, Bayer’s new contour next EZ blood glucose monitoring system has received approval from FDA in the year 2012. This blood glucose monitoring system is easy to use and gives the most accurate results. The machine can be operated by individuals without any formal training and is portable, which means it can be taken anywhere. The test can be done with a single finger prick and provides the accurate blood glucose levels.

Recent company takeovers
Each and every year has been eventful for Bayer healthcare. The company has partnered with several organizations and firms to extend its area of research and has strived to bring out with best medical and health care products for the public at large. The following is a list which details the recent accomplishments and collaborations of Bayer healthcare.

• In the year 2011, it joined hands with Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for extending its area of research for developing new treatment modes for treating myocardial insufficiency.

• The year 2012 witnessed the collaboration of Bayer healthcare and Amgen research GmbH. The purpose of this collaboration was to study the efficacy of a new bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) antibody against multiple tremors.

• In the same year – 2012, Bayer healthcare opened a new center in the United States, for young bioscience firms. This would enable various upcoming firms to develop new areas of research for treating various diseases and would open new avenues for future collaborations.

• In the year 2012, Bayer healthcare joined hands with Evotec AG which would allow the companies to carry out a 5 – year research plan to target molecules for treating endometriosis.

• In October 2012, Bayer healthcare and Qiagen Manchester Ltd entered into a collaboration for developing companion diagnostics that would focus on molecular in-vitro tests.

Recent corporate news
The operating profit for the year 2012 was 2,154 Euro million. The sales (2012) for the health care division rose to 18,612 Euro million.
The pharmaceutical division saw a rise in its sales from 9,949 Euro million in 2011 to 10, 803 Euro million in 2012. Bayer healthcare business is doing exceptionally well in North America.

The sales for the medical division also raised from 2,500 Euro million in 2011 to 2,653 Euro million in 2012. The increase in sales also occurred for the animal healthcare and consumer care. The change in sales was recorded to be +9.9% and +9.0% respectively.

Work culture
The working environment and culture at Bayer healthcare is very professional and at the same time vibrant. The company considers its employees as their asset and provides the appropriate training to them which enables them to keep growing and become good in their respective fields. Needless to mention, Bayer healthcare has experienced professionals who work with passion and dedication to deliver their best to the world. In other words, Bayer healthcare is a powerhouse of experienced and vibrant professionals.

Interesting events
FDA provided approval to Bayer’s riociguat for 2 forms of pulmonary hypertension in the year 2013. In the same year, VEGF trap-eye met the primary end point in 2 phase 3 trials for treatment of diabetic macular edema. Bayer healthcare joins hands with Compugen for conducting new cancer immunotherapy.

Recent job openings
See what Bayer Healthcare employees have to say about the company ...




Job openings are available at US and even at other centers across the globe. Bayer healthcare is always on the lookout for vibrant individuals who are dedicated and hardworking. Interested individuals can study the company’s website for details and apply for jobs based on their skills. The website will give you a better idea about the company’s profile, its expertise and the kind of work it does. This will enable the individuals to decide whether Bayer is the right choice for them or not. If interested, they can create a profile and look out for job openings. They can even search the job database for available positions and fill up the application.
Interested candidates can drop in their resume and wait for a call from the recruiters. If the individuals meet the company’s criteria then they will be called for interview and screened as per the norms.

Bayer communities are available at Facebook, Twitter and Linkedln. This enables individuals to stay connected with Bayer healthcare and keep getting regular updates about the company’s achievements and new innovations.

Alcon Labs - Latest News and Company Profile

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Alcon is a renowned pharmaceutical company for eye health care based in USA. This company laid its solid foundation in the year 1945 with a small ophthalmic shop. Ever since 1945 Alcon has achieved considerable amount of success and it has grown to become the second largest division of Novartis. This company has both pharmaceutical and surgical options in eye health for all age groups. Be it any eye – related conditions or disease, Alcon will have “the answer”.





Known for its wide variety and super quality eye care products, Alcon has more than 24,000 associates across 75 countries. The company was jointly owned by two pharmacists namely, Robert Alexander and William Coner when they opened their first small pharmacy and named it Alcon (Al of Alexander and Con of Coner).

The year 1950, was a year of real achievement for Alcon Labs; the company released its first two ophthalmic products – Opthalzin that was meant for treating eye infections and Zincfrin for treating red and itchy eyes. In the year 1953, Alcon introduced the dropper – dispensing eye drop bottle, which is now being used by all pharmaceutical companies for bottling eye care products.

Alcon has basically three core business areas: surgical, pharmaceutical and vision care. Its products are globally available in over 180 markets. The journey does not end here; the firm is forever aspiring to do research and more research to bring out world class eye products that would enable better vision to the world and keep all kinds of eye diseases at bay.

Alcon works with the mission of better vision and disease – free eye sight for all!!

Popular biotech products
Products manufactured and developed by Alcon Labs are all based on improving the quality of vision for all age groups. Below is a list of few products developed by the company:
• Acrysert delivery system
• Acrysof IQ IOLs
• Acrysof – multipeice IOLs – posterior convex IOL and expand series IOLs
• Acrysof restor / IQ restor IOLs
• Anterior chamber lenses
• Alomide ophthalmic solution
• Air optix aqua contact lenses
• Aqualase solution
• Azopt ophthalmic solution
• Betadine ophthalmic preparation
• BSS irrigating solution
• Cellugel ophthalmic ointment
• Duovisc viscoelastic system
• Emadine ophthalmic solution
• Flarex ophthalmic solution
• Focus dailies
• Freshlook toric colorblends
• Genteal lubricating eye drops
• Icaps eye vitamin
• Iopidine ophthalmic solution
• Isopto ophthalmic solution
• Kelman multiflex III PMMA single – piece anterior chamber lenses
• Maxidex ophthalmic suspension
• Simbrinza

The latest drug released in the year 2013, is the Ilevro which is a nepafenac ophthalmic suspension for treating the post surgical cataract procedure. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that would also ease out the inflammation caused due to cataract surgery. Simbrinza and ilevro are the two latest drug discoveries by Alcon labs.

Recent company takeovers
Since its inception, each and every year has been quite eventful for Alcon Labs. Focusing on the latest news, the company joined hands with Novartis in the year 2011. This merger allowed Alcon Labs to partner with leading eye care brands of the world and take their research and development of eye care products to newer heights.

Next, the company entered into legal agreement with ThromboGenics in 2012 for commercializing ocriplasmin outside US.

In the same year, Alcon acquired Endure medical systems for widening its area of expertise in the field of cataract and vitroretinal surgeries. One of the latest innovations in instruments for carrying out cataract surgery is the LuxOr Opthalmic microscope that provides better intraoperative visualization.

It also attained the ophthalmic division of Sensomotoric instruments making way for the company to enter in the area of ocular surgical guidance technology. Ocular surgical guidance technology has enabled the surgeons to carry out the most complicated eye surgeries with ease.

Recent corporate news
Alcon is the second largest division of the Novartis group and it had proforma sales of about $10.2 billion in the year 2012.
Alcon labs provides incredible support to the “Lifeline Express” – a program supported by the Ministry of health, ministry of railways and many other notable organizations. This program offers free cataract surgery, and treats about more than 12,000 cataract patients every year.

Work culture
Work culture at Alcon Labs is very professional and the company is loaded with dynamic and hardworking individuals who strive very hard to take the company forward. The employers are allowed to move out of Alcon and join other divisions of the parent Company – Novartis.
Developing new and innovative eye care products is the main motto of this firm. Not only eye disease, but several eye conditions such as refractive errors of all kinds can be treated with eye products of Alcon Labs.

Alcon labs is mission – driven: they develop innovative products for eye health thereby improving the quality of life. Name any disease or conditions of the eye, and Alcon has a solution to it. Alcon is your partner throughout your eye life cycle.

Interesting events
In the year 2013, Alcon has come up with a new product – Simbrinza approved by the FDA as a combination therapy for patients with glaucoma. This product is a beta – blocker and offers a broad spectrum that can be useful for patients in any stage of glaucoma disease. The main quality of Simbrinza is its effectiveness in decreasing the intraocular pressure by about 21 – 35%.

In the same year, Alcon launches the hardware and software upgrades for the Infinit vision system.

In the year 2012, Alcon celebrated 30 years of undivided and successful partnership with ORBIS international. This partnership reminds us of the main aim of Alcon to eradicate preventable blindness from the country.





Recent job openings
Alcon labs welcomes new and vibrant individuals to join its firm and do justice with their mission. The professional environment prevalent at Alcon labs makes it possible for them to carry on the good and innovative work year after year. Interested individuals can post their resumes on the website and wait for a call from the recruiters. Selected candidates are sure to have a great future at Alcon Labs. Of late there are quite a few job openings available with Alcon Labs. Interested candidates can get details from the official website.

Career advice needed - M.Phil in biotech?

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Need to ask few questions. I have recently done MBBS from Pakistan, now I want to pursue my career in genetic engineering especially related to gene therapy. But i don't know how to take a start here in pakistan, most of the institutes here are offering M.phil in biotechnology (that is gross). UHS is offering M.phil in human genetics. No one is specifically related to Gene therapy, while in USA there is special fellowship training program of 2 years for physicians in clinical genetics. Can you please elaborate me the difference between the M.phil in human genetics, biotechnology, clinical genetics. It is difficult to get a admission in USA, so while living in Pakistan how should I start? Should i go for M.phil?

Best Regards

Loyola University Chicago - Admission, Courses, Fees and more

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Basic Information:
Located in beautiful Chicago, IL, Loyola University is a private Jesuit college. Loyola University was founded in 1870 as St. Ignatius College by the Roman Catholic Church. It is the largest Jesuit institution in the United States. There are 3 campuses throughout the Chicago area and one campus in Rome. The Chicago campuses are Lake Shore Campus, Water Tower Campus, and the Health Sciences Campus. Biotechnology programs at Loyola University are offered for both undergraduate and graduate students.

[Image: Loyola-University-Chicago-East-Quad.jpg]

The Department of Biology is located in the Quinlan Life Sciences building at the Lake Shore Campus. The facility contains: environmental rooms; a digital imaging facility; digital molecular analysis equipment; darkrooms; equipment rooms; greenhouses; insectary; an herbarium; an artificial stream; and accredited small animal rooms. The department is located along beautiful Lake Michigan, offering students a fantastic natural resource for studying ecology and other related fields of biology.

The Stritch College of Medicine is located at the Loyola Health Sciences Campus in Maywood, IL, just west of downtown Chicago. The Health Sciences Campus contains the hospital, college of medicine, college of nursing, as well as research labs in the medical sciences. The facilities are state-of-the-art, and have equipment available to suit a variety of research needs. In addition, because all of the facilities are located close by, it is easy for researchers to collaborate on projects. Both clinical and basic scientific research is performed at the medical center. A new medical education and research building will soon be constructed at the Health Sciences Campus, and is scheduled to open in 2016.

Undergraduate Programs:
Loyola University offers a bachelor’s degree in biology. This degree can be obtained with an emphasis on either molecular biology or ecology. In addition, Loyola offers a five-year program resulting in a bachelor’s degree in biology and either a master’s degree in secondary education or a master’s in business administration. These dual programs help prepare students for careers in teaching and in industry.

Undergraduate tuition is approximately $32,000.00 per year. Scholarships and student loans are available to qualifying students. Approximately 96% of first year students received some type of financial aid. All freshman applicants are automatically considered for merit-based financial aid. Students should complete the FAFSA each year to be considered for various forms of financial aid.


Graduate Programs:

The department of biology offers a traditional master’s of science degree. They also offer a master’s of arts degree in medical science (MAMS). This programmed is designed to help students prepare for entry into medical school. Coursework in the MAMS programs includes graduate-level classes in human anatomy, medical ethics, and other relevant courses for students preparing for medical school. Students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and an MCAT score of at least 25 to qualify for admission. May 15th is the cut-off date for Scholarship Priority Consideration. Admission to the program must be accepted by July 15th. Many students accepted to the program who are wait listed at medical schools try to wait as long as possible to ensure they have not been admitted to medical school. However, due to the highly competitive nature of the program, Loyola University recommends accepting admission as quickly as possible.

The Stritch School of Medicine also offers an Integrated Program in the Biomedical Sciences (IPBS), for students wishing to pursue a PhD. The IPBS program has six tracks of study available: biochemistry and molecular biology; cell and molecular physiology; integrative cell biology; molecular pharmacology and therapeutics; microbiology and immunology; and neuroscience. Students in the IPBS program take core courses the first year that help prepare them for more advanced study in their individual fields. Core courses include biochemistry and molecular biology, statistics, ethics, cell biology, and research skills. Students participate in department-specific seminar series and journal clubs to help improve public speaking and data presentation skills. The IPBS graduate program has many advantages. There is an emphasis on developing public speaking skills, which is important for scientists to properly present their data. The faculty members at Loyola University are experts in their fields. In addition, students have found that the environment is very focused on their development as research scientists.

The college of medicine also offers a master’s degree in public health, and a master’s of science in clinical research. The master’s degree in public health can have a concentration in health policy and law, health management, or epidemiology. The Infectious Disease and Immunology Research Institute (InDIRI), also located at the Loyola Medical Center, offers a master’s of science degree in immunology and infectious disease focusing on translational research.

Many students at the Loyoloa Health Sciences Campus elect to live in Oak Park and Forest Park, Illinois. These two towns are located close to Maywood. Apartments are available for reasonable rent, and shopping and public transportation are readily available. Students can also find apartments in downtown Chicago. Commuting to the medical center is available via bus, and parking is also available for students who choose to drive.

Application review for graduate programs offered by the Stritch School of Medicine begins December 1st, and admittance is offered on a rolling basis. Therefore, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure space is available in the program. The deadline for submitting application material is March 15th.


Graduate tuition is approximately $15,600 per year. However, the IPBS PhD program offers students a stipend of $27,000 per year. Students also receive full a tuition scholarship for 48 credit hours of coursework. In addition, beyond the 48 credit hours required for the Ph.D. degree, students are reimbursed for the cost each semester for Dissertation Supervision. The student must remain in good academic standing in order to receive this financial support.

Statistics:
Applied: 17,828
Admitted: 9,793 55%
Enrolled total: 1,930
Full Time: 1,928
Part Time 2

Standards:
Test 25th % 75th %
SAT Reading 540 660
SAT Math 540 650
SAT Writing 530 640
ACT Composite 25 29
ACT English 25 31
ACT Math 24 28
ACT Writing 8 9

Retention / Graduation:
Retention rate 87%
4-year graduation rate 48%
6-year graduation rate 68%

Other Information:
Total enrollment: 16,040
71 undergraduate majors and 71 minors
85 master's, 31 doctoral degrees, and 26 graduate-level certificate programs
1,469 full-time staff members, 139 part-time staff members, and 784 full-time faculty members
15:1 Undergraduate student/faculty ratio
150,000 alumni; 85,000 in Chicago
One of only eight percent of all American colleges and universities to have a Phi Beta Kappa honor society chapter

Undergraduate Programs and Majors:
Biochemistry (BS)
Bioinformatics (BS)
Biology (BS)
Biophysics (BS)
Environmental Studies (BA)

Graduate Programs:
Biology (MS)
Medical Sciences (MA)
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (MS/PhD)
Bioethics (DBE)
Bioethics and Health Policy (Online MA and Online Certificate)
Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy (MS/PhD)
Cellular and Molecular Physiology (MS/PhD)
Clinical Research Methods (MS)
Infectious Diseases and Immunology (MS)
Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences (PhD)
Microbiology and Immunology (MS/PhD)
Molecular Biology (MS/PhD)
Neuroscience (MS/PhD)
Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (MS/PhD)
Public Health (MPH)

Dual Degree Programs:
5-Year Program (MEd/BS or MBA/BS)
Bioethics and Health Policy/Medicine (MA/MD)
MD/PhD Program with Stritch School of Medicine




Application Deadlines:
Undergraduate: December 1st
Graduate: March 15th

Applications are submitted online.

Undergraduate Application: https://uao.luc.edu/apply/

Graduate Application: https://gpem.luc.edu/apply/

Tulane University - Admission, Courses, Fees and more

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Basic Information:

Tulane University is one of the nation's most prestigious educational and research institutions. Founded in 1834 in New Orleans, Tulane offers degrees in architecture, business, law, liberal arts, medicine, public health and tropical medicine, the sciences and engineering, and social work. Tulane’s uptown campus includes 110 acres and 80 buildings, housing the majority of its schools and colleges. The F. Edward Hebert Research Center, near Belle Chasse, La., provides research facilities in medicine and environmental, behavioral and computer sciences.

[Image: Tulane-University-in-New-Orleans-A-large-employer.jpg]

Tulane University has a wide variety of biotechnology programs available, offered at the School of Sciences and Engineering, The School of Medicine, and the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. There are both undergraduate and graduate biotechnology programs available at Tulane University.

Undergraduate Programs:
The undergraduate bioengineering program at Tulane University provides students with the breadth required for participation in the interdisciplinary field of biomedical engineering and the depth required by engineers to advance practice in the engineering discipline.

The major in Cell and Molecular Biology at Tulane University is designed for students interested in exploring the features and activities of cells, genes, and biomolecules which are the most fundamental constituents of all living things. Some are attracted by a desire to elucidate new biological principles, whereas others are more interested in applying molecular principles and methods to solve practical problems facing medicine and biotechnology. Either way, the major attracts those who are curious about the mechanisms by which living systems function, develop, and interact with their environment.

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology will be recognized as a center for solution-based science in ecology and evolutionary biology. The foci will be tropical and river-coast ecosystems. The Department conducts translational research: basic scientific advance is not only an end in itself but also a means to providing solutions to global environmental challenges. The Department will provide students with the theory and skills needed to question, discover, understand and restore. The Department offers degrees in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEBI), Environmental Biology (ENVB), and Environmental Science - Biology Track (ENSB).

Suggested high school coursework for undergraduate admissions includes: 4 years of English, 3 years of Mathematics, 2 years of foreign language, 3 years of laboratory science, and 3 years of social studies.

Undergraduate tuition: $45,240/year
Tulane offers both merit-based and need-based financial aid to students. All freshman applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships of at least $10,000. A net-price calculator is available on Tulane University’s website at: http://admission.tulane.edu/aid/netpricecalc.php


Graduate Programs:
The Department of Bioengineering has three degrees available for graduate students. They offer a master’s of science without a thesis requirement, master’s of science with a thesis requirement, and PhD. Admission to the PhD program does not require a master’s degree. The Department of Biomedical Engineering is committed to being a global leader in biomedical engineering scholarship. All faculty members are actively engaged in research sponsored by federal, state and/or private organizations.

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology offers a PhD and master’s degree program. The PhD is a traditional, research-based curriculum. The master’s program is a one year program, and is designed for students who which to continue on with their education to medical school, law school, business school, or PhD studies. The laboratories of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology are fully equipped for modern research in developmental biology, cell biology, microbiology, neurobiology and molecular biology. Major items include confocal and deconvolution microscopes, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, tissue culture facilities, a transgenic and knockout mouse core facility, and a state-of-the-art molecular neurobiology core laboratory. Students in the department also have access to facilities located at the Tulane National Primate Research Center and the Tulane University Health Sciences Center, including the Gene Therapy Center and the Center for Bioenvironmental Research.

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The curriculum is designed to encourage maximum student choice and independence while maintaining a close student-advisor relationship. Students are encouraged to adopt a broad, integrative view of science and biological research. Course offerings cover such areas as animal and plant physiology, plant ecology, plant-animal interactions, population biology, structural and evolutionary biology, systematic biology, environmental toxicology, marine/estuarine ecology, and the biology of diverse groups of plants and animals. Students participate in an active departmental seminar program and informal research discussion groups.

The Tulane School of Medicine offers a Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, a Human Genetics Program, an Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Aging Studies, and a Master of Science in Clinical Research Program. The Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences is organized as an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental, and intercampus program, comprised of faculty actively engaged in biomedical research. The goal of the program is to train scientists in a collaborative scientific community driven by creativity and innovation. The program gives students access to resources and faculty from the Tulane School of Medicine, School of Science and Engineering, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and the Tulane Regional Primate Research Center. The curriculum is guided by a board of representatives composed of members of each department. Academic departments within the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences include: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Structural and Cellular Biology. There is also a combined MD/PhD Physician Scientist Program.

The School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine also offers a variety of masters degree programs, studying biostatistics, bioinformatics, epidemiology or clinical research. The mission of the Department of Biostatistics is to advance the discipline by training students in methods research and its application, conducting methodological and collaborative interdisciplinary research in the fields of public health and medicine, and by providing to the academic, research and professional committees. Admission to the PhD program requires a master's degree in statistics or related field or 30 graduate-level credits in the disciplines of: statistics, biostatistics, bioinformatics, biological sciences, or related fields.

Graduate programs at Tulane University offer teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships to students to help offset the cost of education. The PhD program from the department of cell and molecular biology provides a $25,000/year fellowship to students for either teaching or research assistantships.

Most graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree with a minimum B+ average. GRE scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation are required.

Graduate tuition: $46,930/year

Tulane University Statistics:
Applied 37,767
Admitted 9,422 25%
Enrolled total 1,642
Full Time: 1,642
Part Time 0

Standards:
Test 25th % 75th %
SAT Reading 620 710
SAT Math 620 700
SAT Writing 640 720
ACT Composite 29 32
ACT English 29 34
ACT Math 27 32
ACT Writing 0 0

Retention / Graduation:
Retention rate 90%
4-year graduation rate 60%
6-year graduation rate 73%

Other Information:
Enrollment:
Undergraduate: 8,423
Graduate and Professional: 5,063
Full Time Personnel:
Faculty: approximately 1,140
Staff: approximately 2,970
According to U.S. News and World Report, Tulane University is among the top national universities in the United States, ranked 51st among the best national universities and in the top 27 for its service learning programs. The magazine also ranked Tulane 12th among "Up-and-Coming" schools and 33rd in its "High School Counselor's Picks."
U.S. News and World Report ranked the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine 13th in the nation and its healthcare management program 25th.

Undergraduate Programs and Majors:
Biological Chemistry Major (BS)
Cell and Molecular Biology Major (BS)
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Major (BS)
Environmental Biology Major (BS)
Environmental Science Major (BSE)

Graduate Programs:
Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (MS/PhD)
Human Genetics Program (MS/PhD)
Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Aging Studies (PhD)
Master of Science in Clinical Research Program (MS)
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (MS/PhD)
Biology (MS/PhD)
Biological Engineering (MS/PhD)
Neuroscience (MS/PhD)

Dual Degree Programs:
MD/PhD Physician Scientist Program


Application Deadlines:
Undergraduate: November 15th, early action. January 15th, regular admission
Graduate: varies by program; most programs January 15th

Applications are submitted online.
Undergraduate Application: https://www.tulaneinfo.org/freshman/
Graduate Application: https://app.applyyourself.com/AYApplican...=tulane-g

Image source: http://www.frenchquartercondotrends.com/...ployer.jpg

University of California Riverside - Admission, Courses, Fees and more

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Basic Information:
The University of California, Riverside is one of 10 universities within the prestigious University of California system, and the only UC located in Inland Southern California. Widely recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the nation, UC Riverside's current enrollment is more than 20,000 students, with a goal of 21,000 students by 2020. The campus is in the midst of a tremendous growth spurt with new and remodeled facilities coming on-line on a regular basis. UC Riverside offers undergraduate and graduate biotechnology programs.
The Department of Biology at UC Riverside conducts research, teaching, and service in many areas of the life sciences, including animal behavior, behavioral endocrinology, bioinformatics, cell biology, conservation biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, molecular biology, phylogenetics, physiology, population biology, and systematics. The undergraduate major is designed for students interested in a variety of careers, including basic and applied research, education, environmental science, medicine, and science policy. Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in faculty-mentored research projects. Faculty and graduate students are affiliated with several interdepartmental graduate programs, including Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology (CMDB), Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB), Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics (GGB), Biomedical Sciences, and Neuroscience.

[Image: 800px-UCR_University_Ave_entrance.JPG]

UC Riverside has available a Natural Reserve System for students interested in studying ecology and the environment. This system was formed by the University of California in 1965 to preserve for study a series of undisturbed natural areas representing the state's vast ecological diversity. Since then the system has grown to include twenty-seven reserves, eight of them administered by the UCR Committee of the Natural Reserve System. The reserves administered by the Riverside campus are described in the Special Study Resources and Facilities section of this catalog. Most of the reserves are undeveloped except for fencing, roads and trails, but laboratory facilities, housing and campgrounds for class use are available at some sites. The reserves are used as outdoor classrooms and laboratories by students, teachers and researchers from educational institutions, public and private, throughout the state, across the nation and around the world. Some of the courses offered by the UCR Department of Biology include field trips and overnight camping trips to the reserves. In the field, students are introduced to the great diversity of plant and animal organisms in Southern California, and to the effect of environmental factors on this diversity.

Undergraduate Programs:
The Department of Biology offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in Biology. The research and teaching of the department includes the different levels of biological organization: cellular, developmental, physiological, organismal, ecological, and populational. An overview of processes at all these levels is presented in the introductory courses and emphasis is placed on the unifying principles of the discipline. Those who choose to obtain a B.S. degree have as a college breadth requirement an additional 16 units in upper-division biology courses and/or substantive courses in a field or fields related to the major. The purpose of this related area is to add strength and breadth to the major and to meet specific requirements for postgraduate study or a chosen career. These courses are selected with the assistance and approval of a faculty advisor. The substantive courses in fields related to the major may be lower or upper division, but they usually have science or mathematics prerequisites. Specializations are available for medical professionals, laboratory technicians, allied health, and teaching.

UC Riverside offers a bachelor’s of science degree in bioengineering from the school of engineering. Students enrolled in the Bioengineering program will have a broad preparation that will enable them to enter various fields such as biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and medicine. Biotechnology companies use modern knowledge of molecular and cellular biology to make a wide variety of products such as antibiotics, hormones (e.g. insulin), vitamins, detergent enzymes, vaccines, and drug delivery systems. Medical companies use current engineering advances to make pacemakers, imaging machines (e.g. MRI, ultrasound, CAT scans), diagnostic tools (gene chips, glucose meters) and tools for minimally invasive surgery. In addition, curriculum at the University of California Riverside provides the core courses for entry into most medical schools.

Freshman applicants to UC Riverside need a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 (in-state) or 3.4 (out-of-state). Students should have the following coursework completed in high school: 2 years history/social science; 4 years English; 3-4 years Mathematics; 2-3 years Foreign Language; 1 year Visual and Performing Arts; 1 year College-Preparatory Elective.

Undergraduate tuition:
In state: $11,220/year
Out of state: $34,098/year

83% of undergraduate students at UC Riverside receive financial aid. Aid is available in the form of loans, scholarships, grants, employment, and work-study.


Graduate Programs:

UC Riverside offers a graduate program in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Bioloy (EEOB), leading to either a master’s of science degree or a PhD. Students can focus on evolution, ecology, or physiology. Both degrees are primarily research based. Course work is required early on to help students prepare for higher-level studies.

The Bourns School of Engineering offers a bioengineering interdepartmental graduate (BIG) program. The program is designed to allow students to choose their area of study with great flexibility. The BIG program offers both master’s degrees and doctoral degrees. A master’s of science is not required for entry into the PhD program.

The UC Riverside School of Medicine offers a PhD program in biomedical sciences. The mission of UC Riverside’s Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences is to train independent research scientists to enable them to bridge the wide gulfs that currently exist between basic science research and clinical medicine. The program provides graduate students research and educational experiences that uniquely integrate a systems- and disease-based medical curriculum with experimental applications to biomedical research problems. Students in the program are required to work as teaching assistants for at least one quarter.

The priority application deadline for the EEOB program is December 1st. The application deadline for the graduate school is January 5th. GRE testing and 3 recommendation letters are required for application to graduate programs offered at UC Riverside. A minimum GRE score of 300 is required for most programs.

Graduate tuition:
In state: $11,220/year
Out of state: $26,322/year

UCR offers a variety of multi-year fellowship packages for incoming students that may include stipends, full or partial payment of tuition and fees, and appointment as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR). The fellowships help students offset the cost of education.



Statistics:
Applied 26,480
Admitted 20,094 76%
Enrolled total 4,469
Full Time: 4,458
Part Time 11

Standards:
Test 25th % 75th %
SAT Reading 450 560
SAT Math 480 610
SAT Writing 460 570
ACT Composite 19 24
ACT English 17 24
ACT Math 19 26
ACT Writing 0 0

Other Information:

Enrollment:
18,539 undergraduates
2,466 graduate students
107 Bachelor’s degree programs; 56 Master’s degree programs; 477 PhD programs; and 10 state teaching certifications
Washington Monthly 2011 ranked UCR 5th in the nation in contributing to the public good.
U.S. News & World Report ranked UCR among the top tier of universities nationwide in their 2010-11 survey.

Undergraduate Programs and Majors:
Biochemistry (BA/BS)
Bioengineering (BS)
Biological Science (BS)
Biology (BA/BS)


Graduate Programs:
Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (MS/PhD)
Evolutionary Biology Joint-Doctoral Program with San Diego State University
Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics
Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology
Neuroscience
Biomedical Sciences


Application Deadlines:
Undergraduate: Applications are accepted November 1st through November 30th
Graduate: The priority deadline is January 5th. Some programs may still accept applications after January 5th; however, spaces will be limited.

Applications to UC Riverside are submitted electronically via the school’s website. Undergraduate applications can be submitted at: https://admissions.universityofcaliforni...login.htm

Graduate applications can be submitted at: https://gradsis.ucr.edu/gradsis/GSIS_LOG...n_student

University of South Carolina - Admission, Courses, Fees and more

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Basic Information:
The University of South Carolina (USC) is home to more than 200 years of history and tradition, rising from a single building in 1805 on what would become the heart of the campus, the Horseshoe. The 11 buildings that now make up the Horseshoe frame a lush lawn that is an irresistible gathering place.

[Image: Universityofsouthcarolinaseal.png]

The university is expanding west toward the Congaree River in support of its research initiatives in nanotechnology, health sciences, Future Fuels™, the environment and information technologies. The Department of Biological Sciences is located in the Coker Life Sciences Building.

Undergraduate Programs:
The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina offers a focused program of courses for undergraduate students seeking a Major in Biological Sciences, as well as courses for students needing to satisfy specific for other Majors including Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health, and courses with broad impact for students seeking to satisfy a science requirement for other programs. Courses are taught by a faculty of some 40 professors with exceptional academic backgrounds and expertise ranging from molecular and cell biology to organismal and environmental biology, from bacteria to plants and animals, from neuroscience and behavior to developmental biology and cancer. A major advantage of education at a large university is the opportunity students have to participate in the research projects of professors. Many research labs include undergraduate researchers. Typically, students become familiar with professors through their classes and through the descriptions of professor research on the department web site. Students can join laboratories as early as their freshman year. Research efforts can receive course credit

The Biomedical Engineering Program at the University of South Carolina prepares its graduates technically and professionally to meet the growing demands for positions in biomedical engineering industry and academia or continuing studies in graduate programs and medical schools. By continuously improving the undergraduate and graduate programs, the Program responds to the rapidly changing field of biomedical engineering to serve as an effective resource and partner for industry, government, and academia.

Undergraduate admissions requires the following high school course work: 4 years of mathematics, 4 years of English, 3 years of laboratory sciences, 3 years of social studies, 2 years of foreign languages, 1 year of fine arts, 1 year of physical education, and 1 year of electives.

Undergraduate tuition: $9768/year in state; $25,952/year out of state

USC provides many financial aid options to students, including scholarships, loans, and grants. 90% of undergraduate students at USC receive some form of financial aid.

Graduate Programs:
The University Of South Carolina Department Of Biological Sciences offers both research and non-research based graduate degrees. The primary goal is towards research training; students pursuing a research based path earn either Ph.D. or M.S. degrees. Students achieving Ph.D. degrees typically continue on as postdoctoral fellows on a career track directed towards academic research and teaching or industrial research. The Department also offers three non-research Professional Masters degrees. The Professional Science Masters Degrees in Bioinformatics and in Biotechnology are both aimed at training students to work with businesses in the scientific contexts of the disciplines. The Professional Masters degree in Teaching (the MAT) is aimed at developing high quality science teachers in secondary education.

The MS and PhD degree programs in Biomedical Engineering are a joint effort between the College of Engineering and Computing, the School of Medicine, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Graduate degrees in Biomedical Engineering will focus on the quantitative methods characteristic of engineering that are not a primary focus of traditional medical or biological education. The College of Engineering and Computing will house the students and administration of the program. The curriculum calls for four core lecture courses, two of which will be taught primarily by engineering faculty and two that will be taught primarily by School of Medicine faculty. Engineering, Medicine, and Arts & Sciences will also develop elective courses. Faculty from all three colleges and schools will collaborate in research. In addition, USC faculty will collaborate on research with the Medical University of South Carolina and Clemson University through several federally-funded initiatives.

The University Of South Carolina College Of Medicine offers graduate programs as well. The Biomedical sciences program offers PhD and master’s degrees. The School of Medicine offers a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences through either the ‘Integrated Biomedical Science Program’ or directly through the Post-Baccalaureate and Graduate Program. In the integrated program the student has a choice to select a faculty mentor from different departments of the University of South Carolina, including the School of Medicine (Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience), the School of Arts and Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry), the School of Pharmacy and the School of Public Health (Department of Exercise Science). In the Post-Baccalaureate and Graduate Program the students will have a choice of selecting faculty mentor only from the departments within the School of Medicine. In the latter program, students can select from over forty faculty members with expertise in areas including cancer, inflammation, neuroscience, cardiovascular biology, alternative medicine and others.

Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment to help with research. The Instrumentation Resource Facility at USC is an integral component of the research and teaching mission of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Located within the facility are several major pieces of state-of-the-art biomedical research equipment that provide techniques ranging from whole animal through single cell imaging to analysis at the molecular level. The IRF also houses a full range of ancillary equipment that is available for sample preparation. In addition to serving as a resource for acquisition of primary data, the IRF also has the capacity for image enhancement and related data analysis.

Graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences receive stipends for teacher assistantships or research assistantships. The Graduate School offers a range of fellowships and merit-based awards to attract and support outstanding graduate students. In addition, travel grants are offered for up to $1,000 to encourage and support student presentation of research at professional meetings nationally and internationally.

GRE scores, undergraduate transcripts, and letters of recommendation are required for admission to graduate programs at USC.

Graduate tuition: $10,916/year in state; $23,444/year out of state

Statistics:
Applied 18,485
Admitted 12,914 70%
Enrolled total 4,468
Full Time: 4,423
Part Time 45

Standards:
Test 25th % 75th %
SAT Reading 530 630
SAT Math 560 650
SAT Writing 0 0
ACT Composite 24 29
ACT English 22 30
ACT Math 23 27
ACT Writing 0 0

Retention / Graduation:
Retention rate 87%
4-year graduation rate 46%
6-year graduation rate 69%

Other Information:
Enrollment: 31,288 (Columbia campus, fall 2012)
14 degree-granting colleges and schools
Approximately 1,604 Full-time faculty

Undergraduate Programs and Majors:
Biological Sciences (BS)
Biomedical Engineering (BS)


Graduate Programs:

Bioinformatics (PMS)
Biotechnology (PMS)
Teaching (MAT)
Ecology, Evolution, and Physiology (MS/PhD)
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MS/PhD)
Plant Sciences (MS/PhD)
Biomedical Engineering (MS/PhD)
Biomedical Sciences (MS/PhD)


Dual Degree Programs:
MD/Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences
MD/MPH Public Health


Application Deadlines:

Undergraduate: October 15th Early Answer Applications, November 15th Honors College Applications, December 1st Regular Admission
Graduate: Varies by program

Applications are completed online.
Undergraduate: https://www.applyweb.com/apply/uscc/index_usccapp.html
Graduate: http://www.gradschool.sc.edu/prospective...age=apply

The Terrifying Rise of Antibiotic Resistance

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Since past few years, there has been a growing concern about the discrepancy which exists between antibiotic resistance and the activities of drug manufacturers. Namely, Aaron Kesselheim, M.D., who is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, says that the antibiotic resistance is rapidly increasing, but, despite that, drug developers and manufacturers are turning away from the antibiotics development and focus more on other, more profitable products.

Frightening Statistics

In the world of hospital infections, which take $32 billion every year only in US, that trend is not favorable. In the last few years, only two antibiotics for serious infections are developed, and several are still in the process of development. Among them there are only a few which are effective against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) – today’s greatest threat in bacterial world. Global Information, Inc. estimates that there are only 66 companies dealing with antibiotics development and searching for new antibiotics, and more than 85% of them are small companies. Of the total 109 antibiotics that were in the process of development, 70% are in the Phase I (preclinical studies on laboratory animals). It will take 10-15 years for those medications to be approved and distributed to the market.

It is well – known that irrational use of antibiotics is the main causes of increasing antibiotic resistance. It takes a lot of time, money, resources, and professionals to develop and test a new drug, but if it is not conserved and carefully prescribed, all the effort is futile. In that case, the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotic is fast, progressive, and inevitable. Dr. Kesselheim has recently pointed out to this problem, and proposed a new reimbursement system in which an important factor for getting the grants would be a good plan for conservation of antibiotics.

Improving The Efficacy of Antibiotics

One way to address antibiotic resistance is to improve the efficacy of current antibiotics. Scientists from Enbiotix, a newly founded drug development company, claim that silver can be added to current antibiotics in order to improve their efficacy. Silver enhanced antibiotics are especially efficient against gram-negative bacteria, which are generally the most problematic group. Silver also enlarges the spectrum of many antibiotics such as vancomycin. Dr Morones Ramirez from Enbiotix says that silver-enhanced antibiotics have great possibilities, and believes that silver can be easily implemented in standard antibiotics in five years. Of course, the most important step is to investigate the safety of use and the toxicity of silver in laboratory animals, mammals, and finally in humans. Many big companies such as Pfizer are interested in this idea too.

Cubist Pharmaceuticals is a company founded in 1992, which emphasizes greatly the importance of antibiotics development. The scientists from that facility claim that the antibiotics will play an important role in the future. They are focusing their attention mainly on antibiotics for gram-negative bacteria, which they consider a greater concern than MRSA, because of the wide distribution. One of Cubist’s antibiotics against gram-negative bacteria – Ceftolozane, is currently in the Phase III of trials. Another drug they are developing is called Surotomycin, and it is intended for patients suffering from gram-negative infections caused by Clostridium Difficile. Clostridium difficile is a gram-negative, spore-forming bacterium which is responsible for a great number of hospital infections, and it manifests as pseudomembranous colitis.

Using Bacterial Toxins as Targets

Other than focusing on the elimination of bacteria, another approach is to develop the drugs which would target bacterial toxins, thus inactivating their toxic effects. Merck Company is currently testing several medications which are consisted of antibodies targeting the toxins of C. difficile (A and B). Merck is also working on antitoxin antibodies for hepatitis C virus (HCV), human cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). GlaxoSmithKline is putting much hope into its drug called Relenza, which is designed to inhibit the function of neuraminidase of influenza virus. Neuraminidase is an enzyme produced by influenza virus which allows it to destruct tissues, spread and attach human cells. They are also dealing with new solutions for malaria, HCV, and infections caused by bacteria. Basilea Pharmaceutica has also several drugs in different phases of clinical and preclinical trial. They have recently raised $89 million in order to intensify their study on carbapenems, a very powerful, broad - spectrum group of antibiotics used in the treatment of gram-negative as well as gram-positive infections.

Microbiome Regulation Approach

It is well known that different pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria are fighting for resources in our body. That means that if we could increase the number of non – pathogenic bacteria (commensal bacteria) at the place of infection, we would lower the number of pathogenic bacteria, thus helping our immune system to win the fight against the enemy. Second Genome is a pharmaceutical company which tries to apply this approach by modulation of gut microbiome. That could be particularly useful for hospital infections caused by Clostridium difficile.

With such a low number of pharmaceutical companies interested in antibiotics development, and the rapidly increasing problem of antibiotic resistance, it is unknown for how long are we going to be protected from serious bacterial infections. Scientists suggest that policy changes are needed in order to encourage companies to give more attention to this problem. Also, the control of antibiotic use has to be improved at all levels. Most of the countries have the laws prohibiting the purchase of antibiotics without prescriptions, but the problem lies in the small markets and stores that are still not under a strict surveillance. Unaware of the consequences of their actions, they are using their position in order to get personal benefit.

New member says hello to everyone

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Hello everyone, I just joined the forum today, I look forward to learning and sharing of useful information from you. Currently, I am working in applied bio-technology joint stock company in Vietnam, specializing in manufacturing and distribution of bio-preparations in the treatment of diseases of rice, vegetables and pepper.

Unlike other types of chemicals used in agriculture, we applied new technologies in plant protection for human safety and the environment, research and development salicylic acid preparations, a new step improvement radically on the market of plant protection products available today.

Have a nice day all guys
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