Article - 08/07/2013 Christine Goffinet: independent and successful AIDS researchers Christine Goffinet, 36, from the Institute of Molecular Virology at the University of Ulm has already received numerous awards for her research on AIDS. She was recently awarded a scholarship for postdoctoral lecture qualification under the Margarete von Wrangell Habilitation Programme. However, before she became a virologist, Goffinet chose a career path that was quite different from the standard career path seen on many scientific CVs.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/christine-goffinet-independent-and-successful-aids-researchers
Article - 04/07/2013 Experimental evidence of stem cells for metastasis For the first time, scientists from Heidelberg have characterised cancer cells that initiate metastasis in the blood of breast cancer patients using an in-vivo xenograft mouse model. These cells have the properties of cancer stem cells and are characterised by three surface molecules that can be used as biomarkers for disease progression. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/experimental-evidence-of-stem-cells-for-metastasis
Article - 03/06/2013 Red light to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of gene expression The interaction of proteins and RNA is a crucial factor in the regulation of gene expression. These protein-RNA interactions can be specifically controlled and investigated inside the cell using proteins with customised chemical functions. In his doctoral thesis, chemist Moritz Schmidt from the University of Konstanz addresses the possibility of conveying new functions to proteins by introducing non-natural amino acids. He has developed a…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/red-light-to-elucidate-the-regulatory-mechanisms-of-gene-expression
Article - 18/05/2013 Biofilm research aims at fighting hospital germs Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium that can be found in many different places – soil, water, washing basins, toilets and washing machines, to name but a few examples. Due to its resistance to antibiotic treatment, P. aeruginosa is mainly known as the cause of hospital-acquired infections. David Schleheck, a biologist from Konstanz University, deals specifically with the bacterium’s presence in biofilms. His research could open up new…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/biofilm-research-aims-at-fighting-hospital-germs
Press release - 02/05/2013 Curetis raises EUR 12.5 million in Series B round led by new investor HBM Partners On the 22nd April 2013 the Curetis AG in Holzgerlingen announced the closing of a Series B financing round totaling EUR 12.5 million. The financing was led by HBM Partners. Dr. Alexander Asam of HBM will join Curetis’ supervisory board. Curetis will use the proceeds for the next phase of commercial and operational growth.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/curetis-raises-eur-12-5-million-in-series-b-round-led-by-new-investor-hbm-partners
Article - 29/04/2013 Bioactive plant foods: plant substances against cancer stem cells Many findings indicate that the consumption of cruciferous vegetable plants rich in mustard oil glycosides has a cancer-inhibiting effect. Researchers from Heidelberg have now shown that sulforaphane, a broccoli mustard oil, blocks a signalling pathway that makes tumour stem cells resistant to cytotoxic drugs. The administration of sulforaphane can prevent therapy resistance and metastasis of pancreatic cancer in animal models.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/bioactive-plant-foods-plant-substances-against-cancer-stem-cells
Article - 25/02/2013 Computomics: unlocking the secrets of plant genome sequences Thanks to the latest generation of sequencing technology, the deciphering of the complete genome of organisms is becoming faster and cheaper. The challenge is to compile the book of life from millions of DNA fragments and unlock the secrets of the human and other organisms. The young bioinformatics company Computomics in Tübingen is doing just this for crops. In contrast to the human genome, the genome of the majority of plants is still a book…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/computomics-unlocking-the-secrets-of-plant-genome-sequences
Article - 18/02/2013 AIDS researchers from Ulm to shed light on the success of the HIV-1 M group Frank Kirchhoff AIDS researcher at the University of Ulm has come up with a plausible explanation for the pandemic spread of the human immunodeficiency virus 1 HIV-1 M group and its ability to adapt to the human immune system. In a recent study with colleagues from Germany and abroad Kirchhoff used molecular biology methods to investigate the group and compare it with the relatively rare HIV-1 N group. Kirchhoff hopes that the molecular…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/aids-researchers-from-ulm-to-shed-light-on-the-success-of-the-hiv-1-m-group
Article - 18/02/2013 Biotechnology in Biberach: a success story that breaks new ground At its New Year reception Biberach University of Applied Sciences outlined the universitys success the establishment of its biotechnology programme is going smoothly and student interest remains steady. Biberach also has a successful track record of acquiring third-party funding and has established new national and international cooperations.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/biotechnology-in-biberach-a-success-story-that-breaks-new-ground
Article - 17/12/2012 The ablation of nerves along the renal artery – a novel treatment option in the field of cardiology High blood pressure can normally be treated effectively with medicines. However, some patients do not respond to medicinal treatment despite several different drugs being used. Renal denervation (RDN), a novel catheter-based procedure, seems to have become a promising alternative to controlling hypertension with drugs. Professor Dr. Axel Bauer from the Tübingen University Hospital believes that this method can even be used for a much wider range…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/the-ablation-of-nerves-along-the-renal-artery-a-novel-treatment-option-in-the-field-of-cardiology
Press release - 17/12/2012 Curetis AG initiates clinical trial in the U.S. towards FDA clearance Curetis AG announced the start of a clinical trial of its Unyvero™ System and the corresponding LRT (lower respiratory tract) application in the U.S. The company expects enrollment completion within the next 12-15 months, followed by a 510(k) submission to the FDA in 2014. The prospective, multicenter trial will include samples collected from more than 2,000 hospitalized patients suspected to have a lower respiratory tract infection and several…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/curetis-ag-initiates-clinical-trial-in-the-u-s-towards-fda-clearance
Article - 03/12/2012 Differences between white, brown and “brite” fat tissue The latest results on the different metabolic pathways used by white and brown fat cells and potential transformations between the two cell types were discussed at the conference “Metabolism 2012: From Signalling to Disease” held on 15th and 16th November 2012 in Heidelberg. A special cell type, so-called “brite” adipocytes, may have the potential to be used in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases such as diabetes.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/differences-between-white-brown-and-brite-fat-tissue
Article - 03/12/2012 Targeted therapeutic approaches that revolutionise melanoma treatment Melanoma is difficult to treat once it has spread from the skin to other parts of the body. Classical chemotherapy is often ineffective and the majority of patients die within a few months after diagnosis. However, the biggest breakthrough in around 30 years has now been achieved with the development of kinase inhibitors that directly interfere with the cancer cells’ molecular signalling pathways. Clinical research into the application of kinase…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/targeted-therapeutic-approaches-that-revolutionise-melanoma-treatment
Press release - 09/11/2012 Apogenix’s Apocept™ for glioblastoma multiforme named one of “Top 10 Projects to Watch” Apogenix a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel protein therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases announced that its lead product Apocept APG101 has been selected by Elsevier Business Intelligence and Windhover Conferences as one of oncologys Top 10 Projects To Watch.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/apogenix-s-apocept-for-glioblastoma-multiforme-named-one-of-top-10-projects-to-watch
Press release - 20/09/2012 Discus throw with cancer signals The Wnt signaling protein plays an important part in embryonic development and also in the development of diseases such as cancer. It has been unknown until now just how Wnt is carried from cell to cell. Scientists of the German Cancer Research Center and Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University have now discovered that the protein is shipped on small discus-shaped vesicles called exosomes. The researchers are now investigating whether…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/discus-throw-with-cancer-signals
Article - 30/07/2012 Fungus protects strawberries against grey rot and does away with the need for chemicals Summer time is strawberry time: strawberries are grown worldwide on an area of 300,000 hectares and are harvested in early summer. Fungicides that are used to treat grey rot might actually be the only thing that diminishes the pure pleasure of eating juicy, tasty strawberries. The Konstanz-based company bio-ferm Research GmbH has developed a fungicide that protects strawberries against Botrytis cinerea infections, one of the most common fruit…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/fungus-protects-strawberries-against-grey-rot-and-does-away-with-the-need-for-chemicals
Article - 30/07/2012 How to prevent pathogens from developing antibiotic resistances For bacteria, the environment is rather like a big market where they can give and receive new survival strategies if need be. A group of researchers led by Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Grohmann at the Freiburg University Medical Centre is investigating how microorganisms exchange antibiotic resistance genes. In a project involving two hospitals in Mexico City, the molecular biologists are also investigating whether pathogens, resistance genes and…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/how-to-prevent-pathogens-from-developing-antibiotic-resistances
Dossier - 23/07/2012 Extremophilic bacteria What causes stress for some, actually speeds others like extremophilic bacteria up. They love it hot, sour or salty, toxic substances like heavy metals also do them good and even give them energy. As molecular and systems biology techniques get better and better, industry is also becoming increasingly interested in these exotic organisms. What potential does knowing the biochemistry of extremophilic bacteria have for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/extremophilic-bacteria
Press release - 12/07/2012 7. Framework Programme: aid for organizations and companies The last round of file ideas for projects within the 7th Research framework program has been started. The European Commission will support innovative projects over eight billion euros to europe for global competition to strengthen and protect jobs. In addition to innovation, the focus is on health, environment, urbanization and waste disposal. The promotion is organizations and companies in all EU-member-states and partner countries open.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/7-framework-programme-aid-for-organizations-and-companies
Article - 29/05/2012 David Schleheck: exploring the effective degradation of surfactants David Schleheck biologist at the University of Konstanz focuses on the bacterial degradation of surfactants and LAS in particular. The results of his research are of huge importance for the recycling of grey water in areas including home sewage treatment systems for example.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/david-schleheck-exploring-the-effective-degradation-of-surfactants
Article - 30/04/2012 Antibiotic resistance in hospitals There is an alarming rise in infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to common antibiotics. A particular problem is nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections of newborns, for which a Germany-wide surveillance system has been established. Novel natural substances with an antibiotic effect might be able to contain the danger.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/antibiotic-resistance-in-hospitals
Article - 30/04/2012 3D insights into the molecular teamwork in biomembranes For chemists cellular biomembranes are hard nuts to crack. It is difficult to analyze proteins that are firmly anchored in biomembranes using standard biochemical methods and it is even more difficult to investigate their three-dimensional structure and interaction with other proteins. A group of researchers led by Prof. Dr. Anne S. Ulrich at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT have developed a method that enables them to take a close look…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/3d-insights-into-the-molecular-teamwork-in-biomembranes
Dossier - 30/04/2012 Human infectious diseases: new threats The serious EHEC outbreak in Germany in 2011, the 2009 swine flu pandemic, the bird flu pandemic in 2005 and 2006 and the SARS outbreak in China in 2003, all of which have fuelled the fear of devastating epidemics for many people in Germany, have fortunately all been contained – at least up until now. However, experts warn of new dangerous pathogens that are spreading as a result of globalization and global climate warming. This is leading to new…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/human-infectious-diseases-new-threats
Article - 19/03/2012 Soil bacteria to produce new antibiotics An ever-growing number of genomes of soil bacteria of the genus Streptomyces are being sequenced. Using a method known as “genome mining”, researchers at the University of Tübingen are working on the identification of gene clusters that have the potential to be used in industrial biotechnology for the production of new antibiotics and other pharmaceutically active substances. To achieve this, the biosynthesis gene clusters are integrated into…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/soil-bacteria-to-produce-new-antibiotics
Article - 13/02/2012 Times are getting harder for thieves - biocoding equals security People can now mark their possessions with artificial DNA thus making it more likely for thieves and people who fence stolen goods to be caught red-handed. Each marker is as unique as a genetic fingerprint and can be easily visualized using UV light. The artificial DNA can also be used to prove ownership. Donald van der Laan CEO of Forensische Markierungstechnologie GmbH based in Schriesheim talks about the sophisticated features of the forensic…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/times-are-getting-harder-for-thieves-biocoding-equals-security