University of California, San Diego

Genetically engineered bacteria can detect cancer cells in a world-first experiment

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Technology, DNA, CRISPR, University, Immunotherapy, Parent, Infection, Gene editing, Bone marrow, Cancer, University of California, San Diego, Medicine, Large intestine, Cell, Associate, Reproduction, Colon, Colorectal cancer, Neoplasm, Patient, Chemistry, Gene, Horizontal, Mouse, Diagnosis, Efficiency, Bacteria, Transplant, Environment, Synthetic biology, Disease, Vaccine, Medical imaging, Science

Using synthetic biology, we can also engineer new and improved cells that could help us manage various diseases.

Key Points: 
  • Using synthetic biology, we can also engineer new and improved cells that could help us manage various diseases.
  • In a new study published today in Science, my colleagues and I describe how we engineered bacteria to successfully detect cancer cells.

Leveraging competent bacteria

    • Rob was studying genes and gene transfer in bacteria.
    • When bacteria hoover up cell-free DNA into their cells, it’s called natural competence.
    • So, competent bacteria can sample their nearby environment and, in doing so, acquire genes that may provide them with an advantage.
    • If bacteria can take up DNA, and cancer is defined genetically by a change in its DNA, then, theoretically, bacteria could be engineered to detect cancer.

We put the bacterium through its paces

    • Acinetobacter baylyi, a naturally competent bacterium, was chosen to be the experimental biosensor – a disease-detecting cell.
    • It was important to integrate – hold in place – the tumour DNA.
    • In doing so, we could activate other integrated genes, in this case an antibiotic resistance gene, as a signal for the cancer being detected.
    • In a mouse model of colorectal cancer, we inject mouse colorectal cancer cells into the colon, using mouse colonoscopy.

CATCH’s promising start – but more testing is needed

    • We have named this technology CATCH: cellular assay for targeted, CRISPR-discriminated horizontal gene transfer.
    • Read more:
      What is CRISPR, the gene editing technology that won the Chemistry Nobel prize?
    • The most exciting aspect of cellular healthcare, however, is not in the mere detection of disease.

New Community Partnership Model Boosts Participant Inclusion into HIV Cure-Directed Research

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Partnership, Cell biology, University, CAB, DATE, HIV, National Institute of Mental Health, Culture, HIV-1, Policy, Infection, Cancer, Stroke, Mental health, Biomedical Research, Community advisory board, University of California, San Diego, Research, History, CEG, Person, The Philadelphia Foundation, Organization, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, DSM-IV codes, Community, Trust, AIDS, Patient, Wistar Institute, National Institute on Drug Abuse, United States Military HIV Research Program, Montaner, Team, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Pharmaceutical industry, Medical device, Engagement, Wistar

Now, researchers from The Wistar Institute are sharing how a more inclusive model for community engagement can lead to deeper insights and greater community participation in HIV research.

Key Points: 
  • Now, researchers from The Wistar Institute are sharing how a more inclusive model for community engagement can lead to deeper insights and greater community participation in HIV research.
  • The community engagement group, or CEG model, is composed of a three-part structure with a Community Advisory Board (CAB), Community nonprofit organization, and researchers.
  • , vice president for scientific operations, Herbert Kean, M.D., Family Professor , director, HIV-1 Immunopathogenesis Laboratory, and leader, HIV Research Program , Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center at The Wistar Institute.
  • Publication information: “Community engagement group model in basic and biomedical research: lessons learned from the BEAT-HIV Delaney Collaboratory towards an HIV-1 cure,” Research Involvement and Engagement (DATE).

MHK WELCOMES DR. MAURICE HERBELIN AS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
University, Emergency medicine, MHK, Bagnell, Medicine, CMO, Kaiser Permanente, UC Davis Medical Center, UnitedHealth Group, University of California, San Diego, UC, Optum, Growth, Management, Nursing

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MHK , a leading healthcare technology provider and part of the Hearst Health network, announced today that Dr. Maurice Herbelin joined the company as the new chief medical officer.

Key Points: 
  • TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MHK , a leading healthcare technology provider and part of the Hearst Health network, announced today that Dr. Maurice Herbelin joined the company as the new chief medical officer.
  • As chief medical offer, Dr. Herbelin leads the company's clinical strategy and provides thought leadership to ensure MHK's suite of solutions continually evolves to deliver value for clients across the dynamic healthcare landscape.
  • Before joining MHK, Dr. Herbelin held CMO-level leadership roles across the UnitedHealth Group, Optum and the UnitedHealthcare family of companies for close to a decade.
  • He completed his residency training at UC Davis Medical Center and studied healthcare systems as a Fulbright Scholar in Spain.

Empowering Excellence: Michael Finete Appointed New CEO of Mary's Gone Crackers

Retrieved on: 
Monday, August 7, 2023
Food, University, Snack, The Conference Board, MBA, Management science, Jacques Finet, University of California, San Diego, UC, General Mills, Humble Oil, The Non-GMO Project, Knowledge, Growth, Health, Henry J. Heinz, Fashion design, Management

RENO, Nev. , Aug. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mary's Gone Crackers®– the premier brand of gluten-free, non-GMO, organic and plant-based crackers – announced today the appointment of Michael Finete as their new Chief Executive Officer. With over 30 years of experience in the global consumer goods industry, Finete exemplifies a strong alignment with the organization's goals and values.

Key Points: 
  • "We are delighted to invite Finete as our new Chief Executive Officer," said Taki Fujii, Chairman of Mary's Gone Crackers "Finete embodies dynamism, unwavering value and a rich history of experiences, complemented by an outstanding track record of success.
  • We are confident that Finete will become an indispensable member of our team as demand grows for consumers across the globe.
  • Prior to joining Mary's Gone Crackers, Finete acquired extensive experience in executive positions across the food manufacturing industry.
  • "I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to lead Mary's Gone Crackers," adds Michael.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA WORKERS JOIN TEAMSTERS LOCAL 2010

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 28, 2023
University of California, Davis, University of California, Berkeley, University, Workplace, California State University, Research, Blank, Public service, Teamsters Local 1932, University of California, San Diego, Local, UC, Teamster, Clothing, Nursing, Pension fund, International Brotherhood of Teamsters

OAKLAND, Calif., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Workers at the University of California (UC) have joined Teamsters Local 2010. The 1,175 newest members of Local 2010 in Oakland will now bargain for higher pay, reduced benefit costs, overtime pay, job security, and respect in the workplace.

Key Points: 
  • OAKLAND, Calif., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Workers at the University of California (UC) have joined Teamsters Local 2010.
  • The 1,175 newest members of Local 2010 in Oakland will now bargain for higher pay, reduced benefit costs, overtime pay, job security, and respect in the workplace.
  • "Teamsters Local 2010 welcomes our new sisters and brothers," said Jason Rabinowitz, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 2010.
  • Teamsters Local 2010 is a union of 15,000 hardworking employees in California higher education.

Thea Energy Selected for U.S. Department of Energy Public-Private Partnership Award Through the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy Program

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 27, 2023
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General, University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, FES, Boron, University of California, San Diego, DOE, Progress Energy Inc, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, National Security Innovation Network, Lithium

PRINCETON, N.J., July 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thea Energy Inc., formerly Princeton Stellarators, a fusion energy company advancing stellarator technology for commercialization, today announced the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected the company for an award provided through the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program and sponsored by the Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program office to accelerate fusion energy development through public-private research partnerships.

Key Points: 
  • PRINCETON, N.J., July 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thea Energy Inc., formerly Princeton Stellarators, a fusion energy company advancing stellarator technology for commercialization, today announced the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected the company for an award provided through the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program and sponsored by the Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program office to accelerate fusion energy development through public-private research partnerships.
  • Thea Energy will collaborate with the University of California San Diego in the newly funded project to develop a boron based renewable first wall capable of sufficient heat removal and tritium recovery from stellarator fusion devices.
  • Specifically, researchers will focus on a technique to make boron pebble rods that can be tested under power-plant-relevant conditions.
  • The awardees were selected via a competitive peer review process managed by the INFUSE leadership team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.

The Ohio State University Chef Wins NACUFS 2023 Culinary Challenge

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 21, 2023
Taste, Ohio State University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University, Pennsylvania State University, Hormel Foods, Silver, National Conference, University of California, San Diego, American Culinary Federation, Crépinette, Continental, Student, Gold, ACF, US Foods, National Association, Cintas, CEC, Conference, Baking, Pacific Ocean

BALTIMORE, MD., July 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) this morning announced Chef C. David Wolf, CEC, of The Ohio State University, as the esteemed first place winner of the NACUFS 2023 Culinary Challenge, held Thursday evening at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor as part of the NACUFS 2023 National Conference.

Key Points: 
  • BALTIMORE, MD., July 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) this morning announced Chef C. David Wolf, CEC, of The Ohio State University, as the esteemed first place winner of the NACUFS 2023 Culinary Challenge, held Thursday evening at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor as part of the NACUFS 2023 National Conference.
  • Chef Athan Spanos of Pennsylvania State University, in fourth place, won an ACF silver medal; Chef Héctor Giancarlo Pérez-Scolari of the University of California San Diego, fifth, won an ACF silver medal; and Chef Chad McDonald of the University of Houston won an ACF silver medal.
  • The NACUFS Culinary Challenge was created in 2001 and recognizes the extensive culinary expertise within collegiate foodservice.
  • The NACUFS 2023 Culinary Challenge winner receives a trophy, $500 and recognition during the NACUFS 2023 National Conference and in the official NACUFS magazine, Campus Dining Today®.

EpiBiologics Appoints Ann Lee-Karlon as Chief Executive Officer and President, Extends Series A Financing to Over $70 Million

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Research, Pharmaceutical, Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Hospitals, Genetics, Clinical Trials, Science, Cardiology, Biotechnology, Medical Supplies, Health, Other Science, University of California, Berkeley, Therapy, Senior, Doctor of Philosophy, Stanford University, GV, Cancer, MBA, Multimedia, Multiple sclerosis, Genentech, College of Engineering (KNUST), DSM-IV codes, University of California, San Diego, Epitace Bayaganakandi, UC, MD, Polaris Partners, Patient, Pleasure, CFO, Growth, FDA, Altos Labs, Fine chemical, Pharmaceutical industry, Management

Dr. Lee-Karlon will focus on expanding EpiBiologics’ proprietary EpiTAC platform, establishing value-driven collaborations, and building the company’s pipeline of bispecific antibody protein degrader therapeutics.

Key Points: 
  • Dr. Lee-Karlon will focus on expanding EpiBiologics’ proprietary EpiTAC platform, establishing value-driven collaborations, and building the company’s pipeline of bispecific antibody protein degrader therapeutics.
  • Dr. Lee-Karlon will focus on expanding EpiBiologics’ proprietary EpiTAC platform, establishing value-driven collaborations, and building the company’s pipeline of bispecific antibody protein degrader therapeutics.
  • In March, EpiBiologics launched with its $50 million series A financing with participation from Mubadala Capital, Polaris Partners, Vivo Capital, and GV.
  • “We look forward to helping EpiBiologics continue to develop its novel bispecific antibody platform towards important treatments for a broad range of diseases.”

Westlake Village BioPartners Launches $450 Million Fund and Appoints Next Generation of Leaders

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 17, 2023
University of California, San Diego, Society, University, Rice University, Culture, Danaher, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Genentech, AstraZeneca, Carleton College, University of Iowa, Patient, Investment, Therapy, TMRW, Film industry, Pharmaceutical industry, Biochemistry

LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Westlake Village BioPartners ("Westlake") today announced the launch of its third fund of $450 million to incubate and grow early stage next-generation biotechnology companies in the Los Angeles region and beyond. The new fund will be managed by founding managing director Beth Seidenberg, M.D., managing director Mira Chaurushiya, Ph.D., and David Allison, Ph.D., who was recently appointed managing director.

Key Points: 
  • LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Westlake Village BioPartners ("Westlake") today announced the launch of its third fund of $450 million to incubate and grow early stage next-generation biotechnology companies in the Los Angeles region and beyond.
  • "Our investors recognize our strategy is working and have demonstrated their commitment through this new investment."
  • Westlake pioneered the creation of the Los Angeles Biotech Hub and has so far established eight companies in the region.
  • "We have outstanding entrepreneurial and industry-experienced talent, world-class academic institutions, and sufficient venture capital with expertise in building biotech companies.

Vanir Announces the Appointment of Laura McCarty to the Position of Executive Director of Education

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 14, 2023
Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, University of California, San Diego, Bachelor, University, College, Stanford University, University of California, Irvine academics, San Francisco University High School, Humanities, McCarthy, Design–build, Mechanical, K-12, Acquisition, Arizona State University, Peralta, Natural Capital Project, Management, Vanir, Education

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Vanir, a national leader in program, project and construction management and real estate development, has announced that Laura McCarty has joined the firm as Executive Director of Education. In this role, McCarty will lead national development, planning and strategy, working collaboratively with all regions to spearhead initiatives focused on the successful acquisition of new K-12 and higher education business. She will also be available to assist with program management and advising clients on more complex delivery methods such as progressive design-build.

Key Points: 
  • Vanir, a national leader in program, project and construction management and real estate development, has announced that Laura McCarty has joined the firm as Executive Director of Education.
  • SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Vanir, a national leader in program, project and construction management and real estate development, has announced that Laura McCarty has joined the firm as Executive Director of Education.
  • McCarty has more than 30 years of K-12 and higher education experience, with specialized expertise in bond program planning and management, project development, design and construction.
  • "We are excited to have Laura leading the strategy for our K-12 and higher education practices," said Dorene C. Dominguez, Vanir Chairwoman and CEO.