Markus Linder: "Biomolecular materials: Biology as an inspiration and a source of new materials"
The Tenured Professors #39; Installation Lectures at Aalto University 3.10.2012. Markus Linder, Full Prof., School of Chemical Technology, Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology: "Biomolecular materials: Biology as an inspiration and a source of new materials". Production: Aalto University Communications 2012.From:aaltouniversityViews:7 1ratingsTime:16:06More inEducation

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Week 3
Introductory Lecture in Chemistry and Biotechnology - this video contains questions related to the Week 3 lecture material.From:trapskeetmanViews:1 0ratingsTime:03:50More inEducation

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||Deus Ex: Human Revolution Walkthrough: Ep 2 - Duty Calls || Part 3 of 3 - (NO COMMENTARY)
Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Ep 2 - The First Attack (youtube part 3 of 3) "Sarif Industries" is one of several Bio-technology corporations across the globe developing human enhancement technology. A field which has proven to be very controversial among the common people. Adem Jenson is the newly appointed head of SI security. But little dose he know a normal day at the office is about to turn into a desperate fight for survival. TAG #39;S: Tyler junky, deus ex, human revolution, science fiction, sci-fi, cybernetics, gaming, square enix, adem jenson, augmentation, cyberpunk, mercenaries, attack, terrorists, killing, guns, weaponry, cyborgs, science, scientist, lab, x-box, 360, national, government #39;s Sarif Industries, biotechnology firm, detroit headquarters, advanced prostheses, global, enhancement, movement, globalization, espionage, human survival, poverty, ethics, of humanity #39;s, artificial replacements , philosophy, Tyler junky, deus ex, human revolution, science fiction, sci-fi, cybernetics, gaming, square enix, adem jenson, augmentation, cyberpunk,From:OtakuJunkyProductionViews:1 0ratingsTime:13:32More inGaming

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"Biotechnology - The Invisible Revolution" with Estonian Subtitles
"Biotechnology - The Invisible Revolution" with Estonian Subtitles. The original clip is filmed and composed by EuropaBio (www.europabio.org/). The translation into Estonian language and the subtitles are added by Merike Leego.From:Merike LeegoViews:27 0ratingsTime:04:43More inScience Technology

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BioHydrogen As Green Energy, Literally (Brainstorm Ep114)
Shirts and Stuff http://www.zazzle.com Follow us on Twitter twitter.com Like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com Biotechnology News tinyurl.com Medical News tinyurl.com Material Science News tinyurl.com Hosted by http://www.youtube.com Contributors http://www.facebook.com - Raychelle and Monica http://www.facebook.comFrom:qdragon1337Views:29 7ratingsTime:05:25More inScience Technology

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PUTRAJAYA: The Biotechnology Implementation Council meeting today identified 10 Entry Point Projects (EPPs) specifically to boost the national biotechnology sector, which will create 20 trigger projects that can increase gross national revenue to RM3.6 billion, besides creating 13,600 high quality new job opportunities.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the biotechnology sector's current achievement has been very encouraging.

Under the phase two of the National Biotechnology Policy implementation between 2011 and 2015 with the focus to turn biotechnology industries towards business and commercialisation, there are achievements that had surpassed the set target, he said.

Najib said today's meeting also decided that the Biotechnology Implementation Council be renamed as the National Bioeconomy Council because the bioeconomy terminology is seen to be more comprehensive than biotechnology.

The biotechnology sector's meteoric growth has created a new industry in the country, he said, citing the example of Gevo Inc, which will invest RM1.69 billion to build a plant that will produce biochemical derivative products, biomaterial and biofuel.

This project will turn Jerantut into a world's caviar production centre, an initiative that was beyond our imagination all these while, but now this project will be implemented via I-Caviar involving RM475 million over five years.

This is an example of how with the technological applications, we can bring big changes to an area where we cannot bring much development.

"We can also introduce a new industry that is not indigenous to our country.

This is a very meaningful example on how biotechnological development has a lot of positive impact on our country," he said.

Najib also said an American company will invest US$1 billion in a integrated lobster aquaculture project in Semporna, Sabah.

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PM unveils 10 EPPs to boost biotech sector

NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As many scientists and researchers are aware, biology entails an incredibly complex series of mechanisms and processes that still amaze intelligent minds today. While these biological systems have shaped the world, the application of modern biotechnology has only existed for approximately for three decades. According to a recent FundWeb article, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the "first biotechnology drug approved for human medical use," known as Humulin, "a genetically engineered version of natural human insulin for the treatment of diabetes." Since 1982, biotechnology has seeped its way into modern science and popular applications, which has led many to believe that biotechnology is the next "technology super-cycle." David Lichtenstein, biotechnology supporter and BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics investor, agrees that the science certainly holds the potential to change culture and the way humans live and solve problems.

David Lichtenstein states, "It is amazing to look back at the last 30 years a small period in terms of scientific development and realize just how far biotechnology has come. I expect these applications to become more present in our society, improving every facet of daily life." According to the article, such varied use of biotechnology has been witnessed since the original introduction of Humulin. It states, "Roughly two-thirds of all new drugs approved by the FDA have been discovered and/or developed by a biotechnology company at some stage." In addition to medical use, biotechnology has encouraged significant changes in agriculture and industrial manufacturing."

According to the article, financial analysts believe that biotechnology holds the potential for creating the next major socio-economic era in modern culture. It explains that such possibility for growth opens up a wide variety of investment opportunities in biotechnology. However, few have committed to investing in the science. Having already made significant investments in the field of biotechnology, David Lichtenstein knows that the industry holds promise. At BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics alone, there are projects that focus on repairing ALS, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease through stem cell therapy.

David Lichtenstein concludes, "As far as investment strategies go, biotechnology is one field that is new, exciting and offers opportunity for long-term profit. After close examination, I believe wary investors may change their mind about investing in this incredible field of science."

ABOUT:

David Lichtenstein is a supporter of the growth of biotechnology and has become a major investor in the innovative science. He is currently an investor in BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, a biotechnology company that develops adult stem cell therapies to resolve medical issues associated with severe neurodegenerative disorders including ALS, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. In addition, David Lichtenstein has proven his worth as an investment strategist, having steadily built the Lightstone Group since 1988. As chairman and CEO of the Lightstone Group, David Lichtenstein has carefully developed a diverse portfolio of properties allowing the company to become of the most widespread and successful privately held real estate companies in the United States of America.

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David Lichtenstein: Biotechnology is Rich Area for Investment

Background:
Microorganisms employ a multiplicity of enzymes to efficiently degrade the composite structure of plant cell wall cellulosic polysaccharides. These remarkable enzyme systems include glycoside hydrolases (cellulases, hemicellulases), polysaccharide lyases, and the carbohydrate esterases. To accomplish this challenging task, several strategies are commonly observed either separately or in combination. These include free enzyme systems, multifunctional enzymes, and multi-enzyme self-assembled designer cellulosome complexes.
Results:
In order to compare these different paradigms, we employed a synthetic biology approach to convert two different cellulases from the free enzymatic system of the well-studied bacterium, Thermobifida fusca, into bifunctional enzymes with different modular architectures. We then examined their performance compared to those of the combined parental free-enzyme and equivalent designer-cellulosome systems. The results showed that the cellulolytic activity displayed by the different architectures of the bifunctional enzymes was somewhat inferior to that of the wild-type free enzyme system.
Conclusions:
The activity exhibited by the designer cellulosome system was equal or superior to that of the free system, presumably reflecting the combined proximity of the enzymes and high flexibility of the designer cellulosome components, thus enabling efficient enzymatic activity of the catalytic modules.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/5/1/78

Background:
Recent studies demonstrate that enzymes from the glycosyl hydrolase family 61 (GH61) show lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (PMO) activity. Together with cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) an enzymatic system capable of oxidative cellulose cleavage is formed, which increases the efficiency of cellulases and put PMOs at focus of biofuel research. Large amounts of purified PMOs, which are difficult to obtain from the native fungal producers, are needed to study their reaction kinetics, structure and industrial application. In addition, a fast and robust enzymatic assay is necessary to monitor enzyme production and purification.
Results:
Four pmo genes from Neurospora crassa were expressed in P. pastoris under control of the AOX1 promoter. High yields were obtained for the glycosylated gene products PMO-01867, PMO-02916 and PMO-08760 (>300 mg L-1), whereas the yield of non-glycosylated PMO-03328 was moderate (~45 mg L-1). The production and purification of all four enzymes was specifically followed by a newly developed, fast assay based on a side reaction of PMO: the production of H2O2 in the presence of reductants. While ascorbate is a suitable reductant for homogeneous PMO preparations, fermentation samples require the specific electron donor CDH.
Conclusions:
P. pastoris is a high performing expression host for N. crassa PMOs. The pmo genes under control of the native signal sequence are correctly processed and active. The novel CDH-based enzyme assay allows fast determination of PMO activity in fermentation samples and is robust against interfering matrix components.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/5/1/79

Background:
Thioesterases remove the fatty acyl moiety from the fatty acyl-acyl carrier proteins (ACPs), releasing them as free fatty acids (FFAs), which can be further used to produce a variety of fatty acid-based biofuels, such as biodiesel, fatty alcohols and alkanes. Thioesterases play a key role in the regulation of the fatty acid synthesis in Escherichia coli. Therefore, exploring more promising thioesterases will contribute to the development of industrial microbial lipids production.
Results:
We cloned and expressed a cytosolic Acinetobacter baylyi thioesterase ('AcTesA) in E. coli by deleting its leader sequence. Protein sequence alignment, structure modeling and site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that Ser10, Gly48, Asn77, Asp158 and His161 residues composed the active centre of 'AcTesA. The engineered strain that overexpressed 'AcTesA achieved a FFAs titer of up to 501.2 mg/L in shake flask, in contrast to only 20.5 mg/L obtained in wild-type E. coli, demonstrating that the expression of 'AcTesA indeed boosted the synthesis of FFAs. The 'AcTesA exhibited a substrate preference towards the C8-C16 acyl groups, with C14:0, C16:1, C12:0 and C8:0 FFAs being the top four components. Optimization of expression level of 'AcTesA made the FFAs production increase to 551.3 mg/L. The FFAs production further increased to 716.1 mg/L by optimization of the culture medium. Fed-batch fermentation was also carried out to evaluate the FFAs production in a scaleable process. Finally, 3.6 g/L FFAs were accumulated within 48 h, and a maximal FFAs yield of 6.1% was achieved in 12-16 h post induction.
Conclusions:
For the first time, an A. baylyi thioesterase was cloned and solubly expressed in the cytosol of E. coli. This leaderless thioesterase ('AcTesA) was found to be capable of enhancing the FFAs production of E. coli. Without detailed optimization of the strain and fermentation, the finally achieved 3.6 g/L FFAs is encouraging. In addition, 'AcTesA exhibited different substrate specificity from other thioesterases previously reported, and can be used to supply the fatty acid-based biofuels with high quality of FFAs. Altogether, this study provides a promising thioesterase for FFAs production, and is of great importance in enriching the library of useful thioesterases.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/5/1/76

Background:
The analysis of cellulose molecular weight distributions by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is a powerful tool to obtain detailed information on enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis, supporting the development of economically viable biorefinery processes. Unfortunately, due to work and time consuming sample preparation, the measurement of cellulose molecular weight distributions has a limited applicability until now.
Results:
In this work we present a new method to analyze cellulose molecular weight distributions that does not require any prior cellulose swelling, activation, or derivatization. The cellulose samples were directly dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) containing 10-20% (v/v) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIM Ac) for 60 minutes, thereby reducing the sample preparation time from several days to a few hours. The samples were filtrated 0.2 mum to avoid column blocking, separated at 0.5 mL/min using hydrophilic separation media and were detected using differential refractive index/multi angle laser light scattering (dRI/MALLS). The applicability of this method was evaluated for the three cellulose types Avicel, [unknown]-cellulose and Sigmacell. Afterwards, this method was used to measure the changes in molecular weight distributions during the enzymatic hydrolysis of the different untreated and ionic liquid pretreated cellulose substrates. The molecular weight distributions showed a stronger shift to smaller molecular weights during enzymatic hydrolysis using a commercial cellulase preparation for cellulose with lower crystallinity. This was even more pronounced for ionic liquid-pretreated cellulose.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, this strongly simplified GPC method for cellulose molecular weight distribution allowed for the first time to demonstrate the influence of cellulose properties and pretreatment on the mode of enzymatic hydrolysis.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/5/1/77

Background:
High tolerance to ethanol is a desirable characteristics for ethanologenic strains used in industrial ethanol fermentation. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ethanologenic strains tolerance of ethanol stress may guide the design of rational strategies to increase process performance in industrial alcoholic production. Many extensive studies have been performed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli. However, the physiological basis and genetic mechanisms involved in ethanol tolerance for Zymomonas mobilis are poorly understood on genomic level. To identify the genes required for tolerance to ethanol, microarray technology was used to investigate the transcriptome profiling of the ethanologenic Z. mobilis in response to ethanol stress.
Results:
We successfully identified 127 genes which were differentially expressed in response to ethanol. Ethanol up- or down-regulated genes related to cell wall/membrane biogenesis, metabolism, and transcription. These genes were classified as being involved in a wide range of cellular processes including carbohydrate metabolism, cell wall/membrane biogenesis, respiratory chain, terpenoid biosynthesis, DNA replication, DNA recombination, DNA repair, transport, transcriptional regulation, some universal stress response, etc.
Conclusion:
In this study, genome-wide transcriptional responses to ethanol were investigated for the first time in Z. mobilis using microarray analysis.Our results revealed that ethanol had effects on multiple aspects of cellular metabolism at the transcriptional level and that membrane might play important roles in response to ethanol. Although the molecular mechanism involved in tolerance and adaptation of ethanologenic strains to ethanol is still unclear, this research has provided insights into molecular response to ethanol in Z. mobilis. These data will also be helpful to construct more ethanol resistant strains for cellulosic ethanol production in the future.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/5/1/75

MADRID, October 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

BioSpain 2012 is now the world's fourth-largest business development event in biotechnology

The final figures show BioSpain 2012 was a major success and evidence the growing importance of biotechnology in Spain.

In fact, this year BioSpain climbed to fourth place worldwide among biotechnology business development/partnering events, having hosted a total of 2,775 meetings, a 29% increase on the previous edition in 2010. Consequently, BioSpain 2012 jumped from 7th to 4th place, with a percentage gain in excess of those registered by BIO International Convention (21,183 meetings, +23%), BIO Europe (14,765 meetings, +1%) and BIO Europe Spring (11,172 meetings, 24% more).

This sixth edition of BioSpain experienced an overall increase in participants: 1,850 industry professionals from Spain and other countries came to the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Barakaldo between 19 and 21 September, i.e. 32% more than in the previous edition (2010, in Pamplona).

The event was inaugurated by HRH The Prince of Asturias, who toured the trade fair to discover the latest developments in the industry. He then met with people in the industry, from both business and research, expressing his absolute support for the biotechnology sector and his intention to attend future editions if his schedule permitted.

The trade fair was 50% larger this year in terms of floor space, and there were 217 exhibitors, 29% more than in 2010; 78% were Spanish firms, 22% international firms.

A new feature this year was the Biotechnology Career Fair, aimed at matching supply and demand of labour in the biotechnology industry. A total of 400 people registered. The vacancies were mainly in science and in business development, although other areas of expertise in biotech were also in demand. The majority of job seekers were graduates or PhDs with experience or a background in health-related ("red") biotechnology.

The international nature of this fair was evidenced by the 40% increase in the number of participating international firms with respect to the 2010 edition. A total of 762 companies participated, 210 from other countries (28% of the total). The number of international firms exhibiting in the trade fair increased by 65.5% (to 48). The breakdown of international companies was as follows: UK (6%), France (4%), Germany (2%), United States (2%), Belgium (2%), Switzerland (2%), Netherlands ( 1%), Portugal (1%), Italy (1%) and Mexico (1%).

The 6th International Meeting on Biotechnology, BioSpain 2012 (http://www.biospain2012.org), a biennial event organised by ASEBIO, the Spanish Association of Biotechnology Companies, in cooperation this year with Society for Competitive Transformation (SPRI), an agency of the Basque government, beat the record figures set at the previous edition, which was held in Pamplona in 2010. It achieved its main goal of expanding the presence of foreign participants and creating a suitable framework for business development for both Spanish and foreign companies and institutions.

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6th International Meeting on Biotechnology held at Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC), in Barakaldo (Bilbao), from 19 to ...

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Chris Rivera, President of the Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA) announced today that Jay Inslee and Rob McKenna have been confirmed as speakers at the Governors Life Sciences Summit and Annual Meeting at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, WA on Friday, October 26 - just days before the gubernatorial election. In his announcement, Mr. Rivera noted that with Governor Chris Gregoire and the gubernatorial candidates at the podium, attendance is expected to approach 1,000 executives from the life science industry throughout the Pacific Northwest, and demonstrates the importance of one of Washingtons largest and fastest growing job sectors.

In making the announcement, Mr. Rivera said, We are very excited to have Governor Chris Gregoire join us again as our keynote speaker. This will be the Governors 8th consecutive year keynoting the event, and her last as her second term comes to an end this year.

Governor Gregoire stated, I am looking forward to speaking once again at the WBBAs Governors Life Science Summit & Annual Meeting. Washington states life sciences community has some of the best researchers and organizations developing some of the greatest advancements in the field. While our state has seen tremendous growth in this industry, we know theres incredible possibility for further growth. By expanding our life sciences industry we are not only creating good jobs for Washingtonians, we are ultimately creating a healthier state and world.

The slate of speakers will also include life science industry leaders Clay Siegall, CEO, Seattle Genetics, Inc.; Brian Webster, CEO, Physio-Control, Inc.; and H. Stewart Parker, CEO, Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI).

Following the keynote speakers, Mr. Rivera will release the 4th Annual Life Sciences Economic Impact Report for the state of Washington. Past economic reports have contained critical information regarding the number of direct and indirect life sciences jobs in the state, growth numbers within the industry over the past year, and other important statistical information for one of the states largest industry sectors.

The program will conclude with the announcement of two major association awards: the WBBA Innovation Award for major success within the life science industry, and the WBBA Volunteer of the Year Award recognizing a member for his/her tireless work within the association over the years.

About the WBBA

The Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA) has over 480 member organizations and is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association serving the life sciences industry in the state of Washington. It is completely resourced and supported by its members, including organizations engaged in, or supportive of, research, development and commercialization of life science innovation.

The WBBAs Mission; Supporting Innovation to Realization. From breakthrough discoveries to better health solutions, drives its core strategic focus on;

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Jay Inslee and Rob McKenna to Speak at the Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association’s Governor’s Life Science ...

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5fbnmb/pharmaceutical) has announced the addition of the "Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Construction Sector Report - UK 2012-2016 Analysis" report to their offering.

AMA Research are pleased to announce the publication of the 1st Edition of a new report: Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Construction Sector Report - UK 2012-2016 Analysis. The report should be of particular interest to construction companies and their supply chains operating in the UK Life Sciences sector, and to suppliers of laboratory and allied products.

Key areas in the report:

- Introduction to pharmaceutical, medical technology, medical and industrial biotechnology sectors - market size, key players and geographical areas of concentration.

- Overview of main manufacturing and R&D facilities in UK.

- Analysis of Government resource and capital funding for science and research.

- Review of challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector.

Areas of particular interest:

- Major contractors, consultants, architects and product suppliers involved in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

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Research and Markets: Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Construction Sector Report - UK 2012-2016 Analysis

NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

http://www.reportlinker.com/p01009677/Nanoparticles-in-Biotechnology-Drug-Development-and-Drug-Delivery.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Nanotechnology

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

-The global market for nanoparticles in biotechnology, drug development and drug delivery was valued at $17.5 billion in 2011 and should reach nearly $21.6 billion in 2012. Total market value is expected to reach $53.5 billion in 2017 after increasing at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.9%.-Drug delivery systems are expected to increase from $11.3 billion in 2012 to $30.9 billion in 2017, a CAGR of 22.2%.-Drug development and formulation should total nearly $9.4 billion in 2012 and nearly $20.5 billion in 2017, a CAGR of 16.9%.

STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the market for nanoparticles in the life sciences on a global basis. Particular attention is given to drug development and formulation and the development of new drug delivery systems. Its aim is to provide a range of information, from detailed product analyses within health and wellness subsegments to overall industry trends in order to quantify and qualify the market for drug products for treating various disease conditions in both men and women. The applicability of specific types of nanoparticles for specific applications is discussed.

Forecasts and trends are developed from a cross-reference of data points gleaned from proprietary industry sources, company publications, industry benchmarking and other divergent data sources to arrive at a cogent and coordinated forecast.

The nanoparticle drug/delivery market presents an increasingly significant part of the overall pharmaceutical product market worldwide. This study investigates the specific classes of nanoparticles and the pharmaceutical products associated with them. Existing drug products and potential drugs in the pipelines of the major pharmaceutical players in this market are reviewed. Growing health concerns in developing countries are expected to continue to contribute substantially to market growth through the forecast period (2012 through 2017). This report analyzes emerging markets by technology category. Continued growth is expected in emerging geographies driven by the health awareness of the growing middle class in emerging countries such as India, China, Brazil and Russia.This report seeks to address the critically important topics of analyzing a changing market dynamic, emerging players and products, strategies for accessing emerging markets and awareness of specific disease prevalence and geographies thereof in order to allocate resources and make effective decisions.

SCOPE OF REPORT

Current and projected product forecasts during the forecast period of 2012 through 2017 are discussed. New product launches will be discussed. Revenue figure for 2011 are in an actual figures except where actual results have not been reported due to the timing of this report's release.

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Nanoparticles in Biotechnology, Drug Development and Drug Delivery

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RALEIGH -- The agricultural biotechnology industry is booming and all estimates indicate it is ready to get larger- especially in North Carolina.

There are over 80 different crops, said Gwyn Riddick with the N.C. Biotechnology Center. Many of them have potential to be greater yield, greater quality.

The "Leadership in Ag Biotech" conference met in Raleigh Wednesday. The message is growth is possible and expected, but success hinges on national interest in keeping government policies up to date with ever changing advances.

I don't feel like we open enough markets around the world for North Carolina product or US product, said Sen. Richard Burr, a Republican. And this should be foundationally part of every trade negotiation that we have.

Business leaders said North Carolina is the place to be having this conversation because it offers the perfect mix of education, and resources to help motivate innovation. This holds true for smaller businesses just making their name in the field to some of the worlds biggest bio-agricultural firms.

We started the company 12 years ago, said Giles Shih, BioResources International, Inc CEO, and have now developed the company to where we have 18 employees in the Research Triangle and in Apex and we have a product on the market that we sell through distributors all over the world.

We've got amazing research that is coming out of our laboratories, said Steven Goldsmith with Sygenta. New innovations in biofuels. Crops that are more drought tolerant.

With this growth, this group said they are hopeful to expand North Carolina's already $64 billion industry.

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Agricultural biotechnology continues to grow in North Carolina

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Oct 8, 2012) - The Biotechnology Industry has seen increased investor interest in 2012 as it continues to impress with strong gains. The iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index ETF (IBB) has gained over 35 percent this year, more than double the S&P 500 Index's gain of 15 percent. New legislation, increased mergers & acquisition activity as a result of major patent expirations have all been contributing factors to industry's rapid rise in 2012. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Biotech Industry and provides equity research on Exelixis, Inc. ( NASDAQ : EXEL ) and Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. ( NASDAQ : HALO ).

Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.FiveStarEquities.com/EXEL

http://www.FiveStarEquities.com/HALO

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has recently praised the introduction of the High Technology Small Business Research Incentives Act. The new legislation would allow investors of joint venture R&D projects to utilize the losses and tax credits.

"Through the tax code, Congress historically has provided opportunities that encourage private investment in pre-revenue, R&D-intensive companies. The early growth of the biotech industry in the 1980s was due in part to the ability of investors to support projects aimed at finding new cures and treatments through similar joint ventures. This legislation will help spur greater private investment in biotech and other R&D intensive industries." BIO's President and CEO Jim Greenwood said in a statement.

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the Biotech Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at http://www.FiveStarEquities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Exelixis is a biotechnology company committed to developing small molecule therapies for the treatment of cancer. Exelixis is focusing its proprietary resources and development efforts exclusively on cabozantinib, its most advanced product candidate. The company recently reported positive data from a phase 2 randomized discontinuation trial.

With a diversified portfolio of enzymes that target the extracellular matrix, Halozyme Therapeutics's research focuses primarily on a family of human enzymes, known as hyaluronidases, which increase the absorption and dispersion of biologics, drugs and fluids. The company recently reported the FDA has provided guidance enabling ViroPharma to resume clinical studies of the subcutaneous administration of Cinryze in combination with rHuPH20.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities hat offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at:

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Biotech Industry Applauds the Introduction of the High Technology Small Business Research Incentives Act

ZURICH, Oct.9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Cytos Biotechnology Ltd ("Cytos" or "the Company"), a Swiss biotech company focused on the development of CYT003 in allergic asthma, announced today the appointment of Dr. Christian Itin as Chief Executive Officer. As announced on 29 May 2012, the Board will propose to the Company's shareholders that Dr.Itin be elected as member of the Board, and it is intended that he will succeed Dr. Thomas Hecht as Chairman of the Board of Directors as of an extraordinary shareholders meeting scheduled to take place in November 2012. Dr. Hecht will step down from the Cytos Board at this meeting.

Dr. Itin (age 48 yrs.) is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Micromet Inc., a previously Nasdaq-listed biopharmaceutical company, with headquarters in the USA and an R&D center in Germany. Dr. Itin led Micromet as CEO from 2004 until Micromet's acquisition by Amgen for $1.2 billion in cash in March 2012. In total he spent 13 years in senior management roles at Micromet. Prior to joining Micromet in 1999, Dr. Itin co-founded Zyomyx, Inc., a protein chip company based in Hayward, CA, USA.

Dr. Itin received a diploma in biology and a Ph.D. in cell biology from the University of Basel. In addition, he performed post-doctoral research at the Biocenter of Basel University and at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Thomas Hecht, Chairman of Cytos, said: "Christian is an experienced biotech leader with significant expertise and a proven track record and his appointment completes our restructuring of Cytos. We believe with his experience and skills that he is well positioned to shape Cytos' future."

Christian Itin commented: "Cytos has undergone an important transformation during the last six months. The company is well capitalized by a strong group of new international investors and focused on executing a key clinical Phase 2b study with CYT003, a first in class novel biologic for the treatment of patients with allergic asthma. This is an exciting time to join Cytos, and I'm thrilled to be a part of the team building it into a premier biopharmaceutical company."

Dr. Joseph Anderson, Chairman of the Board's Nomination and Governance Committee and Partner at Abingworth, a major shareholder, added: "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Thomas for his leadership during a period that led to the refinancing of Cytos. He leaves the Company in a strong position, and we are pleased that Christian has joined as CEO, where we anticipate his proven leadership will allow the Company to realize the significant potential of CYT003."

Further Board ChangeJakob Schlapbach, a Non-executive member of Cytos' Board of Directors and the Company's former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2000-2010), will also resign from the Board of Directors at the extraordinary shareholders meeting in November.

Thomas Hecht commented: "Jakob has been involved with Cytos for more than 12 years whereby he played a central role in several financing rounds and in the IPO. We are very appreciative of the many contributions he has made during that period. We wish him well in his future endeavours."

For further information please contact:

Cytos Biotechnology Ltd Harry Welten Chief Financial Officer Tel.: +41 44 733 46 46 e-Mail: harry.welten@cytos.com Website: http://www.cytos.com

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Cytos Biotechnology Ltd appoints Dr. Christian Itin as Chief Executive Officer

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OPTR) today announced the sale of its stake in Optimer Biotechnology, Inc. (OBI) to current OBI shareholders. The sale is expected to result in gross proceeds to Optimer of U.S. $60 million and will be used to support the commercialization of DIFICID (fidaxomicin) tablets and for other corporate purposes. The transaction is expected to close in two phases, subject to customary closing conditions and the completion of administrative matters. The first closing is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the second closing is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2013.

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"The sale of our stake in OBI completes the transition of OBI from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Optimer to an independent organization. We intend to utilize the capital realized from this investment to advance the commercial efforts in support of our core business, includingour new initiatives designed to increase patient access to DIFICID," noted Pedro Lichtinger, President and CEO of Optimer.

Top-Line Third Quarter U.S. Sales

For the third quarter of 2012, Optimer's top-line U.S. gross DIFICID sales to wholesalers were $18.4 million, up from $18.0 million in the second quarter. Further, 6,436 DIFICID treatments were shipped from Optimer's wholesalers to hospitals, retail pharmacies and long-term care facilities in the third quarter, up from 6,131 in the second quarter, reflecting a 5% increase.

Third Quarter Financials Conference Call

Optimer will host a conference call on November 1 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time to review third quarter financial results and provide an update on the business. The conference call may be accessed by dialing (877) 280-7280 for domestic callers and +1 (678) 825-8232 for international callers. Please specify to the operator that you would like to join "Optimer's Financial Results Call." The conference call will be webcast live under the Investors section of Optimer's website atwww.optimerpharma.com, where it will be archived for 30 days following the call.

About Optimer

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative hospital specialty products that have a positive impact on society. Optimer developed DIFICID (fidaxomicin) tablets and is commercializing DIFICID in the US and Canada. Optimer also received marketing authorization for fidaxomicin tablets in the European Union where its partner, Astellas Pharma Europe, is commercializing fidaxomicin under the trade name DIFICLIR. The company is exploring marketing authorization in other parts of the world, including Asia. Additional information can be found at http://www.optimerpharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

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Optimer Pharmaceuticals to Sell Remaining Ownership in Optimer Biotechnology, Inc. for U.S. $60 Million