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Allendale, N.J.March 8, 2017Strykers Spine division will feature its 3D-printed Tritanium Posterior Lumbar (PL) Cage and introduce a variety of new cage sizes at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting, March 15-18, 2017, in San Diego (booth No. 3133).

Strykers Tritanium PL Cage launch initially included four footprint options, eight height options, and two lordosis options. The company now offers several additional sizes based on surgeon needs and requests, including a hyper-lordotic (12) cage option, as well as two new footprints9 x 32 mm and 11 x 32 mm.

During the conference, Strykers proprietary Tritanium In-Growth Technology will be featured in a virtual reality tour, providing surgeons with a unique perspective on how 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, allows the company to produce highly porous implants that would be difficult or impossible to create using traditional manufacturing techniques.

Tritanium Technology allows for the creation of porous structures designed to mimic cancellous bone in pore size, level of porosity, and interconnectivity of the pores.1 This precise randomization1 of fully interconnected pores differs from other technologies featuring longitudinal channels and traverse windows that result in a uniform lattice structure, as well as cages offering porosity that is only present on the surface.

Stryker is a pioneer in 3D additive manufacturing, investing nearly 15 years in research and development, said Strykers Spine division President Bradley Paddock. Unlike traditional manufacturing techniques, the flexibility of our 3D additive manufacturing capabilities allows us to precisely engineer and produce porous Tritanium devices. We are excited to continue growing our unique suite of Tritanium spinal products.

Also at AAOS, results will be presented from a pre-clinical animal study that evaluated the biomechanical performance and bone in-growth potential of various lumbar interbody fusion implants utilizing different materials, including the Tritanium PL Cage. Preliminary results of the study were presented at the North American Spine Society conference in October 2016. (Click here to access the Tritanium pre-clinical study summary.)

The Tritanium PL Cage features fully interconnected pores that span endplate to endplate. Its large lateral windows and open architecture allow visualization of fusion on CT and X-ray,2 and its solid-tipped, precisely angled serrations are designed to allow for bidirectional fixation and to maximize surface area for endplate contact with the cage. Additional spinal implants based on Strykers Tritanium Technology are in development.

About StrykerStryker is one of the worlds leading medical technology companies and, together with our customers, we are driven to make healthcare better. The Company offers a diverse array of innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. Stryker is active in over 100 countries around the world. For more information, visitwww.stryker.com or http://www.stryker.com/builttofuse.

Media ContactBarbara Sullivan, Sullivan & Associatesbsullivan@sullivanpr.com, 714/374-6174

Editors note: For images, video footage, or animation of the Tritanium PL Cage and Strykers 3D additive manufacturing process, contact Barbara Sullivan at bsullivan@sullivanpr.com or 714/374-6174.A backgrounder is available at http://www.stryker.com/builttofuse.

References

Content ID: TRITA-PR-6_13360

Stryker Corporation or its divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks: AMagine, Stryker, Tritanium. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.

Josh Sandberg has been an executive search consultant focused exclusively on orthopedic and spine start-ups since 2004. He has had a tremendous impact in helping his clients avoid costly hiring mistakes by his deep industry knowledge and network. In 2010, Josh co-founded Ortho Spine Companies, which is the parent company of Ortho Spine Distributors (OSD), Surg.io and Ortho Sales Partners (OSP). OSD a searchable database that helps ease the frustration of finding orthopedic distributors throughout the country. Surg.io is the ultimate distributor toolkit that offers distributors the tools necessary to build the foundation of a scalable and highly functioning sales organization. OSP is an end-to-end solution that helps companies approach the Global Market in a cost efficient way. Our team has hundreds of years of experience and can help you navigate the many challenges present in bringing new technologies to the market.

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Stryker's Spine Division To Feature Novel 3D-Printed Spinal Implants at AAOS Conference - OrthoSpineNews

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Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA March 7, 2017 Stryker announced today that its AVAflex Balloon System has received FDA 510(k) clearance and is, for the first time, available with Strykers market-leading bone cements and implants and the AutoPlex Mixing and Delivery System.

Doctors who perform vertebral augmentations are committed to the health and wellness of their patients, and Stryker is committed to empowering those doctors to provide the best possible care, said Chad Ludwig, marketing director at Stryker Instruments. The AVAflex Balloon System enables doctors to achieve bipedicular results with a unipedicular approach to vertebral augmentation.

The AVAflex and AutoPlex systems are used in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCF), which affect an estimated 750,000 Americans each year. VCF patients can suffer from extreme pain and are at an increased risk for serious health problems. Vertebral augmentation, including the use of a balloon system, has been shown to provide patients with significant pain relief and dramatically reduce mortality rates.,

The AVAflex curved balloon systems new 11-gauge size allows surgeons to achieve with one insertion and a smaller needle what had previously required two insertions, making procedures less invasive and potentially reducing the risk of patient trauma. Using a minimally invasive technique, physicians can successfully create a midline cavity for targeted cement placement by accessing one pedicle.

AVAflex is now available with Strykers bone cements and implants and the AutoPlex Mixer and Delivery System, an easy-to-use bone cement mixing and delivery system. The AutoPlex system provides consistent and thorough blending of components, helping eliminate human error and variability.

Stryker has furthered its mission of making health care better for physicians, hospital staff and patients with the addition of the AVAflex portfolio, which it acquired from Becton Dickinson in 2016. Stryker provides the most complete and least invasive portfolio of vertebral compression fracture treatment options.

With an unrivaled collection of balloon catheters and augmentation options, cements, automated mixers and directional delivery systems, Stryker enables care providers to tailor their approach for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. Stryker is now the exclusive provider of automatic mixing and delivery systems and 11-gauge curved balloons.

About Stryker

Stryker is one of the worlds leading medical technology companies and, together with our customers, we are driven to make healthcare better. The Company offers a diverse array of innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. Stryker is active in over 100 countries around the world. Please contact us for more information atwww.stryker.com.

Josh Sandberg has been an executive search consultant focused exclusively on orthopedic and spine start-ups since 2004. He has had a tremendous impact in helping his clients avoid costly hiring mistakes by his deep industry knowledge and network. In 2010, Josh co-founded Ortho Spine Companies, which is the parent company of Ortho Spine Distributors (OSD), Surg.io and Ortho Sales Partners (OSP). OSD a searchable database that helps ease the frustration of finding orthopedic distributors throughout the country. Surg.io is the ultimate distributor toolkit that offers distributors the tools necessary to build the foundation of a scalable and highly functioning sales organization. OSP is an end-to-end solution that helps companies approach the Global Market in a cost efficient way. Our team has hundreds of years of experience and can help you navigate the many challenges present in bringing new technologies to the market.

More here:

Stryker's AVAflex Vertebral Balloon System Receives FDA 510(k ... - OrthoSpineNews

Even simple communication is a constant struggle for paralyzed patients, but a collaborative project from BrainGate neurotechnology researchers, which included scientists from Brown, recently found a way for these patients to type at the fastest speeds achieved yet.

Imagined actions, such as moving a cursor across an on-screen keyboard and selecting a letter, have become a reality for paralyzed patients with the help of a brain-computer interface.

Researchers implanted a tiny array of 100 electrodes in the brain so only the top of a silver plug was visible outside the patients skull. These electrodes recorded the firing of certain cells inside the brain and sent the information through a series of wires and connectors to reach a decoder a computer system that interprets the information, said Leigh Hochberg 90, professor of engineering.

The most recent data from the ongoing research shows that typing assisted by brain-computer interfaces is approaching speeds that would be useful for the public, Hochberg said. For patients who cannot move or speak, even the ability to say yes or no is meaningful communication, he added.

The three subjects were able to type at 1.4 to 4.2 times the speeds previously achieved by paralysis patients using similar systems, according to the study. With the interface, one subject reached a typing speed of nearly eight words per minute. All three typed at rates above 3.5 words per minute, which would satisfy the majority of paralysis patients, wrote Chethan Pandarinath, postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University and lead author of the study, in an email to The Herald.

Though these typing speeds are the fastest yet, they remain painfully slow, said Elizabeth Tyler-Kabara, director of the Neural Enhancement Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh. Predictive typing systems, like those that complete your words and phrases as you text, might increase those speeds dramatically, she added.

Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence could also enhance the interfaces, allowing for more natural control, Pandarinath wrote.

The interface is not yet a marketable device, said Paul Nuyujukian, director of the Brain Interfacing Laboratory at Stanford and co-author of the study. The interface needs to be able to work anywhere, without wires or a trained technician, he added.

Still, this increase in typing speed is a hugely significant increase, said Michael Boninger, vice chair for research at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Theres no doubt that this brain-computer interface work has the ability to be transformative.

Researchers in multiple locations across the country have engaged in human research with this implanted chip since around 2004, Hochberg said. More recently, the team developed algorithms for the decoder that allowed subjects to point and click on a screen, he added.

BrainGate researchers and other experts not involved with the project noted the studys reliance on the research participants. Through their generous feedback about the device, they allow scientists to help more people with paralysis in the future, Hochberg said.

The subjects are heroic, Nuyujukian said. All of medicine owes them a huge debt of gratitude.

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Paralysis patients achieve fastest typing yet with new brain-computer interface - The Brown Daily Herald

The human brain is the mostcomplex system in the known universe. It is imbued with enormous potential that we have yet to fully understand or to harness. But were making progress, for many good reasons.

By studying how the human brain functions and how it responds to stimuli, we can potentially train our minds for optimal performance and, perhaps, overcome physical disabilities or detect neurological abnormalities for treatment. We stand now on the cusp of what has been called The Fourth Industrial Revolution, a revolution that is growing out of the integration of the physical, digital and biological realms. The ability to directly connect electronic devices to the human organism in order to affect physical objects around us has the potential to drive change forward at an exponentially increasing pace. Our understanding of our limitations will be shattered, and new vistas will open up, as we explore the possibilities that arise when we bring minds, machines, and the material world together.

Put simply, we stand to reap enormous benefits if we can enlighten ourselves as to why and how we think and feel - to improve how we interact with and experience the world around us.

Today, innumerable such efforts proceed in specialised laboratories around the world, with a rather limited number of research subjects. But everyones brain is unique and changing in unique ways. The term neuroplasticity means that our brains change shape and function based on personal biological factors as well as our individual experiences in life. So were likely to gain commensurately greater insights from a broader participation in such studies.

And thats where brain wearables come into the picture.

A market for brain wearables has promised to put neurotechnology into the hands of ordinary people. This is important because of the uniqueness of every brain; the greater the sample, the more robust the insights it yields.

Today these devices fall into two main categories. One uses electroencephalograms (EEGs) essentially, surface brain wave activity in a non-invasive, read-only mode, which can provide data on the wearers mental and emotional state. The other basic approach relies on transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS), which sends electrical signals to the brain for neuro-priming, which is intended to promote hyper-learning.

I work in the EEG-related field of brain wearables, which offer a means to further our understanding of the human brain in a useful form factor and at a reasonable price point.

We are using brain wearables to conduct longitudinal studies over time in more than 120 countries to discern how different stimuli and situations affect different brains, helping us understand, for instance, how different people react to handling stress or how we can assist them in achieving optimal performance.

In practical terms, understanding and encouraging high performance is one focus of our work, which would have obvious benefits for athletes, soldiers, professionals, artists nearly everyone, really. And the broadest possible application would be to gain a better understanding of how various stimuli and our own, often very individual responses affect our thoughts and feelings. The end result could be to inform an improved self-awareness and a better understanding of ourselves to mitigate irrational or unproductive behaviour.

Ultimately, those of us in the brain wearables field would like to make progress on the early detection of neurological issues and overall brain health.

One in three people, of the more than seven billion on Earth, are affected by brain-related illnesses, including depression, anxiety, dementia, autism, attention-deficit disorder (ADD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stroke or trauma. Apart from widespread human suffering, these disorders are estimated to cost the global economy some $2 trillion per year. In the U.S., specifically, an aging population has the potential for extended lives, for which quality-of-life will require healthy brains.

Brain health is also considered a key factor in many other bioinformatics advances. I think of it as a quintessential 21st century issue.

Though Im positively buoyant about the known and potential benefits of brain wearables, it is also our duty to be vigilant about the potential risks.

Data privacy and security are perennial concerns for everyone. These concerns are heightened when personal health-related matters are at stake. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) provides legal protections and it is up to technologists to ensure that data privacy and security protections are state of the art.

Currently we are careful to apply significant effort and care to user consent issues for participation in studies we conduct. The critical issue, in my view, is preserving individual choice and the personal integrity of every individual.

I have few real concerns at this stage, because wearables are just that; you can put them on or take them off and anonymising data in studies is standard practice. But if brain wearables or related technologies were to become embedded in the human body, theres an obvious risk of abuse. Today, arguably, our thoughts and feelings are our own, but we know that chemical reactions govern these and thus they could be manipulated, leading to a loss of individuality.

Our approach is the opposite of a dystopian use of brain monitoring technology. Our philosophy is to democratize technology and make tools such as brain wearables more affordable, easier to use. Our technology platform is based on open access software (e.g., extensible APIs), aimed at both broad uptake (if the market finds them useful), and the broadest possible base of innovation to benefit all. We want to avoid creating another aspect of a digital divide, with brain wearables available only to a few who can afford them. We believe this approach is in step with societys shared values.

We work with partners across many domains and more than 120 countries, an open acknowledgement that we dont have all the answers. The direction that brain wearables take is not up to us as pioneers in the field. Its an open conversation. We simply want to position the technology and raise awareness for the greatest breadth and depth of potential contributions to the field. The more participants in brain wearable trials the more we learn about the behavior of the human brain and ways in which its health and optimal use can be encouraged.

Widespread adoption is the crux of our success. A broad and diverse dialogue on the issues of brain health and technology will enable the enhancement of healthy brains and detect signs of cognitive decline and disorders.

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How 'brain wearables' can address 21st century needs - IoT Tech News

In a report released on 03/03/2017 RBC Capital Markets bumped up the target of Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) from $129.00 to $135.00 indicating a possible upside of 0.04%.

Previously on 1/25/2017, Canaccord reported about Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) increased the target price from $127.00 to $137.00. At the time, this indicated a possible upside of 0.13%.

Yesterday Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) traded -0.20% lower at $130.24. Stryker Corporations 50-day average is $124.46 and its two hundred day average is $117.54. With the last stock price up 11.27% relative to the two hundred day average, compared with the Standard & Poor's 500 Index which has increased 0.05% over the same period. Trade Volume was down over the average, with 940,446 shares of SYK changing hands under the typical 1,320,280

With a total market value of $0, Stryker Corporation has price-earnings ratio of 30.07 with a one year low of $98.00 and a one year high of $131.36 .

A total of 24 analysts have released a research note on SYK. Nine analysts rating the company a strong buy, eight analysts rating the company a buy, nine analysts rating the company a hold, two analysts rating the company a underperform, and finally 1 firm rating the stock a sell with a consensus target price of $116.50.

Stryker Corporation is a medical technology company. The Company offers a range of medical technologies, including orthopedic, medical and surgical, and neurotechnology and spine products. The Company's segments include Orthopaedics; MedSurg; Neurotechnology and Spine, and Corporate and Other. The Orthopaedics segment includes reconstructive (hip and knee) and trauma implant systems and other related products. The MedSurg segment includes surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems; endoscopic and communications systems; patient handling, emergency medical equipment, intensive care disposable products; reprocessed and remanufactured medical devices, and other related products. The Neurotechnology and Spine segment includes neurovascular products, spinal implant systems and other related products. The Company's products include implants, which are used in joint replacement and trauma surgeries, and other products that are used in a range of medical specialties.

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A report released today by RBC Capital Markets about Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) ups the target price to $135.00 - Breaking Finance News

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What Health Care Can Learn from Wal-Mart Wall Street Journal (subscription) (blog) Consumer companies avail themselves of psychology, anthropology and even neurotechnology, ironically using medical principles and equipment to influence our behaviors in a way the medical world is not. I'm not one to systematically dismiss surveys, ...

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What Health Care Can Learn from Wal-Mart - Wall Street Journal (subscription) (blog)

Edward Boyden is a professor of Biological Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the MIT Media Lab and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT. He leads the Media Labs Synthetic Neurobiology group, which develops tools for analyzing and repairing complex biological systems, such as the brain, and applies them systematically both to reveal ground truth principles of biological function and to repair these systems.

These technologies, often created in interdisciplinary collaborations, include expansion microscopy (which enables complex biological systems to be imaged with nanoscale precision) optogenetic tools (which enable the activation and silencing of neural activity with light,) and optical, nanofabricated, and robotic interfaces (which enable recording and control of neural dynamics).

Boyden has launched an award-winning series of classes at MIT, which teach principles of neuroengineering, starting with the basic principles of how to control and observe neural functions, and culminating with strategies for launching companies in the nascent neurotechnology space. He also co-directs the MIT Center for Neurobiological Engineering, which aims to develop new tools to accelerate neuroscience progress.

Amongst other recognitions, Boyden has received the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2016), the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award (2015), the Society for Neuroscience Young Investigator Award (2015), the Carnegie Prize in Mind and Brain Sciences (2015), the Jacob Heskel Gabbay Award (2013), the Grete Lundbeck Brain Prize (2013), the NIH Director's Pioneer Award (2013), the NIH Director's Transformative Research Award (twice, 2012 and 2013), and the Perl/UNC Neuroscience Prize (2011). He was also named to the World Economic Forum Young Scientist list (2013), MIT Technology Reviews international "Top 35 Innovators under Age 35" list (2006), and his work was included in Nature Methods "Method of the Year" in 2010.

Boydens Media Lab group has hosted hundreds of visitors interested in learning how to use new biotechnologies. He also regularly teaches at summer courses and workshops in neuroscience, and delivers lectures to the broader public, including talks at TED (2011) and the World Economic Forum (2012, 2013, 2016).

He received his PhD in neurosciences from Stanford University as a Hertz Fellow, where he discovered that the molecular mechanisms used to store a memory are determined by the content to be learned. Before his doctorate, he received three degrees in electrical engineering, computer science, and physics from MIT. Boyden has contributed to more than 300 peer-reviewed papers, current or pending patents, and articles, and has given over 300 invited talks on the work of the Media Labs Synthetic Neurobiology group.

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Edward Boyden - Big Think

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The fourth edition of WIRED Health returns on March 9 to shine a light on the big trends, breakthroughs and innovations from the worlds of medicine and healthcare.

As always, a diverse range of speakers will discuss the most critical themes and health technology inventions, and share their compelling stories and visions. Here are seven reasons why you can't afford to miss it:

1. Listen to then meet 19 industry-leading speakers, including Jessica Mega, chief medical officer of Verily, Alphabets medical arm, which is working on a cancer-detecting wristband; Jeremy Freeman, science director of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which in late 2016 announced a $3 billion investment aimed at ending disease; and Peter Piot, co-discoverer of the Ebola virus and a leading researcher on HIV.

2. Hear from 15 exciting growth-stage companies on the WIRED Health EY Startup Stage, including disease-monitoring app Aparito, healthcare billing firm Eligible, medical robotic developer Ophthorobotics, and xbird, a disease management system that wants to save one million lives by 2020.

Since its launch in 2014, WIRED Healths Startup Stage has been a platform for entrepreneurs on the cusp of major influence to present their new products, solutions and technology. The first winner, sleep health app Sleepio and its parent company Big Health, made headlines in July 2016 for securing $12 million in funding to extend its work in mental health.

3. Network with more than 400 senior delegates from companies including AXA PPP, Barts Health NHS, Braun, Bupa, Chanel, Cisco Systems, Department of Health, Novartis, Galvanic, Gecko Biomedical, IBM, PwC and many more.

Subscribe to WIRED

4. Discover the biggest ideas and trends impacting the health sector, gain incredible insights and take home new techniques that can transform your business.

5. Discover a wide range of topics in the eight Main Stage sessions throughout the day. The agendaincludes The threat of epidemics, The end of ageing, Extreme medicine and Unlocking the brain.

6. Outside the Main Stage is the WIRED Health Clinic, an exhibition space where you will be able to interact with new healthcare products and devices. In the past, this space has hosted wearables, new wheelchair technology, groundbreaking prosthetics and neurotechnology tools.

7. Discounted tickets are available. WIRED subscribers are eligible for a ten per cent discount, and there are discounts for NHS and government employees, charities and startups. To enquire about discounts, just email our events team.

Want to know more? Join hundreds of healthcare, pharmaceutical and technology influencers and leaders at the fourth annual event on March 9 at 30 Euston Square. Buy tickets and learn more here.

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7 reasons you must attend WIRED Health 2017 - Wired.co.uk

Last week, the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board issued an important decision in a dispute over intellectual property rights to the powerful gene-editing system known as CRISPR. Using this system, researchers can make changes to a cells genome more easily and with greater precision than they can with other approaches. The method has great potential to advance our understanding of the biology and treatment of human disease.

The Broad Institute and MIT hold several foundational CRISPR-related patents based on research led by Feng Zhang, who is the James and Patricia Poitras Professor in Neuroscience at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT and a core member of the Broad Institute. Zhang is also an associate professor in MITs Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences with a joint appointment in the Department of Biological Engineering.

The University of California at Berkeley has also filed CRISPR-based patent applications, stemming from research led by by Jennifer Doudna of UC Berkeley and Emmanuelle Charpentier, who is currently the director of the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Berlin. UC Berkeley and Charpentier asked the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board to declare a patent interference to determine who was the first to invent key CRISPR inventions, suggesting that certain claims identified by UC Berkeley in its application were to the same invention as the claims in the Broad Institutes patents.

The Boards Feb. 15 decision means that the Zhang patents will remain in place, although UC Berkeley is weighing its options, including the possibility of an appeal to the Federal Circuit. MIT News talked with Charles Jennings, director of the McGovern Institute Neurotechnology Program, who also oversees communcations at the Institute, to learn more about the decision and its implication for gene-editing research.

Q: What is CRISPR, and what research is being done at MIT and the Broad Institute?

A: CRISPR is a naturally occurring system by which bacteria and other microorganisms fight viral infections. CRISPR systems, such as CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-Cpf1, have been harnessed as powerful and efficient tools for genome editing, with far-reaching implications for biology and medicine.

Feng Zhang, a leading pioneer in this work, and his group submitted a paper reporting genome editing in mammalian cells (including human and mouse cells), using two different CRISPR-Cas9 systems from different bacterial species to target multiple genes in the cells genomes. This paper, which appeared in Science on Jan. 3, 2013 (Cong et al., 2013) is now the most cited paper in the genome-editing field. Since initiating this work, which began in early 2011 soon after Zhang started as a new assistant professor, his group has continued to develop the CRISPR-Cas9 system for genome editing in eukaryotic cells. The researchers have also explored the natural diversity of CRISPR systems, which allowed them to discover new systems with advantageous properties distinct from those of CRISPR-Cas9.

Many other groups at MIT (along with thousands of other labs worldwide) are now using Zhangs CRISPR-related tools, which he has made widely available for academic research via the Addgene website, where they have been requested more than 37,000 times.

Q: What did the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rule on Feb. 15?

A: Zhang and his colleagues have been awarded more than 13 patents for their CRISPR-related work, which is focused primarily on the use of CRISPR in eukaryotic cells. After the first of Zhangs patents were awarded, UC Berkeley suggested a patent proceeding known as an interference be declared, arguing that Zhangs invention was the same as their pending claims.

On Feb. 15, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (which is part of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) granted Broad's motion for no-interference-in-fact, rejecting UC Berkeley's arguments.

MIT welcomes this decision, which confirms that the patents and applications of the Broad Institute and MIT for use of CRISPR in eukaryotic cells are patentably distinct from the biochemical experiments in test tubes in the UC Berkeley filing. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) confirmed that Zhangs work, which began in 2011, represents a new invention that was not obvious from the prior work of Doudna, Charpentier, and colleagues, which was confined to results in a test tube. Specifically, in the words of the PTAB decision, one of ordinary skill in the art would not have reasonably expected a CRISPR-Cas9 system to be successful in a eukaryotic environment.

Q: How will this decision influence gene-editing research moving forward?

A: The Broad Institute and MIT are committed to making the CRISPR technology widely available for both academic and commercial use, including human therapeutic applications. The Broad Institute, which manages Feng Zhangs CRISPR-related intellectual property (IP) on behalf of both institutions, has developed what we have termed an inclusive innovation model for licensing CRISPR-related IP, in order to maximize the public benefit of this groundbreaking technology. The PTAB decision of Feb. 15 does not alter our policy, and we expect that genome-editing research will continue to move forward rapidly, with potentially transformative benefits for many fields including basic and disease-related research, agriculture, and medicine.

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3Q: US Patent Office's Ruling on CRISPR - Bioscience Technology

Colorado Colleges fifth annual Big Idea competition, with $50,000 in seed money at stake, yielded three very different and very creative winners.

In first place was FlyPhone, which received $30,000. The was team comprised of six seniors: John Silvester, Dan Keogh, Ben Tweedy, Kiki Kauffman, Teddy Corwin, and Matt Levitan. Pitching the idea to the panel of judges were Tweedy and Kauffman, who explained FlyPhones concept of using a drone to turn a cellphone into a personal cameraman. The essence of their pitch states that By leveraging the power of your smartphone, our purpose-built software and drone body capture HD video from a more natural distance than a selfie stick, while affording a more intimate shot than any other drone on the market.

In second place was Chica Chocolate, which received $10,000. Team members Cassidy Lam 19 and Elise Morgan, who attends the University of Colorado, have been friends since they met in seventh-grade gym class (as did Ben and Jerry, they noted). Their high-quality chocolate truffles are infused with a Chinese herbal formula designed to ease monthly hormone cycles. Chica Chocolates are delivered to customers on a subscription basis.

Also receiving $10,000 was third-place Ogugu, made up of team members Harvey Kadyanji 18 and John Roy Ballossini Dommett 18. Ogugu is a business analytics platform empowering owners of micro enterprises with inventory management, bookkeeping, and operations reporting and forecasting. Initially aimed at Tanzanian micro enterprises, it offers an affordable mobile solution aimed at improving the performance, efficiency, and growth of Tanzanian commerce.

Two other teams made it to the final competition, culled from an initial field of 17 teams. They were Spindle, a neurotechnology company that uses a sleep headband to optimize mental performance and expand the capabilities of the human mind. Team members were Ben Hicks 18, Alec Sheffield 18, and Henry Alderson-Smith 18. Also making it to the finals was TREEhouse, which provides a treehouse vacation with a social and environmental emphasis. Team members include Kat Jacaruso 17, Erin Burk 17, and Cora Lubchenco 17.

The judging panel featured entrepreneurs Meriwether Hardie 09, Richard Koo 82, Kishen Mangat 96, Susan Smith Kuczmarski 73, and five-time judge Bob Selig 61.

It was a spectacular job on the part of all five teams, Kuczmarski says, noting the uniqueness and creativity of each. As a judge, Kuczmarski considered each proposal based on a set of criteria: the need for it, its uniqueness, the scalability of the project, financial viability, and what competitive advantage would it have in a market setting. All had different strengths, and it was hard to pick the winner. The first- and second-place winners will advance to the Angel Capital Summit, held March 21 at the University of Denver, where they will compete in the University Startup Challenge.

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5th Annual Big Idea Competition Nets Three Winners Colorado ... - Colorado College News

INDIANAPOLIS--You may not realize it, but your state has its own relationship with Israel. Consul General Aviv Ezra was in Indiana Tuesday to help build that relationship further. He's the highest-ranking Israeli official in the Midwest, and met with Gov. Holcomb, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and members of the Indiana congressional delegation.

"We are the Israeli embassy to the Midwest," said Ezra. "Part of our goal is to reach out and bring Israel's priorities here to the Midwest." Ezra's office is in Chicago and he covers nine states.

Not Just Business

He said the relationship is based on both business needs and shared values. Ezra said his meting with Holcomb was about both.

"Superb meeting. The governor is one of Israel's best friends, supportive of the enhancement of the relationship. In terms of shared values we are very honored to have the support of the State of Indiana, with this governor and with his predecessors. The values are synced 100 percent," said Ezra.

But, he believes that both Indiana and Israel can work together to make business happen for both.

"We feel there's a lot of things that can be done and one of my jobs is to brand Israel here, but also to brand Indiana in Israel."

Ezra said there are already 30 Israeli companies in Indiana. He said they are always looking for ways to increase the relationship. He said there have been much development in his country and he believes Indiana has much in common with Israel, with its technology-based business environment.

Not Just Conflicts

"Israel today, unfortunately, is always defined by the prism of the conflict. But, today Israel is totally not just about the conflict. It's about high-tech, bio-tech, telecommunications, cybertechnology and neurotechnology, neuroscience and nanotechnology and for us, this is something that we want to find the right combination with our friends here in the United States, specifically on the level of the states, to create that win-win environment," said Ezra.

And, what about you? Ezra said they'd like to have you as a guest.

"We want to bring as many people as possible from Israel here to learn and to map what the possibilities are. And on the other hand we want to have as many visits as possible from Indiana to Israel."

Ezra said he extended an official invitation for the governor to visit Israel, with a business delegation.

PHOTO: Consul General Aviv Ezra by Chris Davis/Emmis

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Israel and Indiana: Why You're Getting an Invitation to the Holy Land ... - 93.1 WIBC Indianapolis

Global Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR Market 2016, presents a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR market globally, providing basic overview of Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR market including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure, Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR Market report provides development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR market size, share and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies.

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The competitive framework of the Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR market in terms of the Global Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR industry has been evaluated in the report. The top companies and their overall share and share with respect to the Globalmarket have been included in the report. Furthermore, the factors on which the companies compete in the market have been evaluated in the report.

This report also presents product specification, manufacturing process, and product cost structure etc. Production is separated by regions, technology and applications. Analysis also covers upstream raw materials, equipment, downstream client survey, marketing channels, industry development trend and proposals. In the end, the report includes Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, investment return analysis, and development trend analysis. In conclusion, it is a deep research report on Global Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR industry. Here, we express our thanks for the support and assistance from Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR industry chain related technical experts and marketing engineers during Research Teams survey and interviews.

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Global Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR Market 2016 Fulcrum Biometrics, Neurotechnology, 360 Biometrics ... - Albanian Times

Shaking the hands of attendees at the launch of the Royal Academy of Engineerings Taylor Centre was Marty: a 3D-printed, wide-eyed robot with some seriously expressive eyebrows. He was designed by Robotical founder Dr Alexander Enoch to encourage kids to customise and program their own robot to do certain tasks, like kicking a ball or busting out some dance moves. And Marty the robot was just one of the innovations on display at the Academys new innovation hub, which opened its doors on Thursday.

The Taylor Centre will give entrepreneurs from across the country a place in central London where they can network, hold meetings, court investors and base themselves while in the city. Its part of the Academys Enterprise Hub initiative, which helps members develop great ideas at various stages of development and get them market-ready through one-to-one mentorships.

Also showing off their innovations last night were Dr Sam Chapman, whose business Kenoteq has engineered a brick thats made from 90% recycled material, and Michael Geissler, CEO of Mo-Sys, a company that develops advanced sensors that help make VR and AR experiences even more immersive.

Commenting on the centres opening, Professor Damien Coyle, who leads NeuroCONCISE, a spin-off that develops wearable neurotechnology, said: London is where all the investors are but rents are expensive. Being based in Northern Ireland, it's great just having a space in the capital where we can come to hold meetings and get in front of the right people.

Meanwhile, Geissle was hopeful that the centre would help boost engineering talent in the UK. In Germany we're proud of our engineering heritage but Britain seems to be more proud of its bankers than its engineers, he said in between demonstrations of his technology. Hopefully when young people see some of the amazing applications engineering can have, like VR, they'll feel more inspired.

The Enterprise Hub has already helped 61 members launch their businesses. With a new venue right smack in the centre of London, heres hoping we see plenty more.

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Backing British innovation: Royal Academy of Engineering launches ... - Elite Business Magazine

The Systems-Based Neurotechnology for Emerging Therapies (SUBNETS) program was created in response to a pressing need. Despite the continued best efforts of the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to protect the health of U.S. servicemembers and veterans, the effects of neuropsychological illness brought on by war, traumatic injuries, and other experiences remain challenging to treat. Current approachessurgery, medications, and psychotherapycan often help to alleviate the worst effects of illnesses such as major depression and post-traumatic stress, but they are imprecise and not universally effective. Through SUBNETS, DARPA hopes to generate the knowledge and technology required to deliver relief to patients with otherwise intractable neuropsychological illness.

The SUBNETS vision is distinct from current therapeutic approaches in that it seeks to create an implanted, closed-loop diagnostic and therapeutic system for treating, and possibly even curing, neuropsychological illness. That vision is premised on the understanding that brain functionand dysfunction, in the case of neuropsychological illnessplays out across distributed neural systems, as opposed to being strictly relegated to distinct anatomical regions of the brain. The program also aims to take advantage of neural plasticity, a feature of the brain by which the organs anatomy and physiology alter over time to support normal brain function. Because of plasticity, researchers are optimistic that by using SUBNETS-developed technology the brain can be trained or treated to restore normal functionality following injury or the onset of neuropsychological illness.

Through measuring pathways involved in complex systems-based brain disorders including post-traumatic stress, major depression, borderline personality, general anxiety, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse and addiction, and fibromyalgia/chronic pain, SUBNETS will pursue the capability to record and model how these systems function in both normal and abnormal conditions, among volunteers seeking treatment for unrelated neurologic disorders and impaired clinical research participants. SUBNETS will then use these models to determine safe and effective therapeutic stimulation methodologies. These models will be adapted onto next-generation, closed-loop neural stimulators that exceed currently developed capacities for simultaneous stimulation and recording, with the goal of providing investigators and clinicians an unprecedented ability to record, analyze, and stimulate multiple brain regions for therapeutic purposes. The program plan calls for research to be conducted along a schedule of prescribed milestones, culminating in technology demonstrations and submission of devices for approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The SUBNETS approach is directed to advance neuropsychiatry beyond the realm of dialogue-driven observations and into the realm of therapy driven by quantifiable characteristics of neural state. In doing so, the program would create one of the most comprehensive datasets of systems-based brain activity ever recorded. If successful, SUBNETS will lead to informed and precise neurotechnological therapy to produce major improvements in quality of life for servicemembers and veterans with neuropsychological illness who have very few options with existing therapies.

SUBNETS and related DARPA neuroscience efforts are informed by members of an independent Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) panel. Communications with ELSI panelists supplement the oversight provided by institutional review boards that govern human clinical studies and animal use.

SUBNETS is part of a broader portfolio of programs within DARPA that support President Obamas brain initiative.

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Systems-Based Neurotechnology for Emerging Therapies (SUBNETS)