Biotech / Biomedical: Most Popular Articles

Stem Cell Pros and Cons
A discussion of the pros and cons in the ethical debate over stem cell research.

What are GMOs?
GMOs are making news nearly every day and issues surrounding their safety are a source of ongoing debate in the food and biotechnology industry. Read about what GMOs are and why they are a source of bioethical controversy.

Make a Phosphate Buffer
Follow these instructions on how to make phosphate buffers for biological applications at near neutral pH, or adapt them for making any other buffer using a weak acid / conjugate base pair.

Make a Tris Buffer
Tris is a chemical with basic properties, having a pKa of 8.1. It can be used to buffer solutions from drastic pH changes, keeping them in the pH range of 7.0 to 9.0. Make any Tris-HCl buffer in this pH range, at any molarity using these simple steps.

Essentials for Gene Cloning
Essential laboratory procedures for cloning and studying genes. Six biotechnology research methods that enable gene cloning. General molecular genetics techniques.

Make TAE Buffer
Simple instructions on making stock and working solutions of Tris-acetate-EDTA (TAE) buffer for gel electrophoresis.

Enzymes
An explanation of what enzymes are, their basic structure, and how they function in cellular processes.

Make TBE Buffer
Simple instructions on how to make stock and working solutions of tris-borate-EDTA (TBE) buffer for gel electrophoresis separation of DNA.

Get ISO 9001:2000 QMS
Follow these steps to becoming ISO certified for 9001:2000 Quality Management Standards (QMS).

What is Biotechnology?
Definition of biotechnology and a description of the biotech industry in modern times.

DNA Sequencing
An explanation of how DNA sequencing works.

Dairy Industry Enzymes
A description of the types of enzymes used in the dairy industry and their role in the production of cheese, yogurt and other food products.

Specific Activity
A definition of specific activity as it applies to proteins and enzyme catalyzed biochemical reactions.

Polymerase Chain Reaction
Learn the basic theory behind the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for making multiple copies of a gene from a sample of DNA.

RFLP
A description of the molecular technique known as RFLP and brief explanation of the theory behind the methodology.

Protein Purification Methods
More protein purification methods including chromatographic techniques such as reverse-phase, ion-exchange, size exclusion (gel filtration) and affinity chromatography.

DNA Fingerprinting
Explanation of the term DNA fingerprinting and a brief description of the methodology.

Nanomedicine
How nanotechnology is being applied to nanomedicine and the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Restriction Enzymes Explained
An explanation of a special class of enzymes known as the restriction endonucleases.

Write a Business Plan
Before starting your biotech company you will need a thorough business plan to provide vision and focus and satisfy potential investors, granting agencies and loan institutions. Check this planning outline for a list of items to include in your business plan.

Proteins
A brief explanation of what proteins are, their composition and the many roles they play in cellular processes.

Separate DNA With Agarose Gels
Follow these simple steps for running an agarose gel to separate and visualize different size DNA strands.

Everyday Enzyme Products
A list of common products of enzyme biotechnology that are used every day in and around the home, such as paper products, detergents, textiles and foods and beverages. These household items are the result of commercialization of natural and recombinant enzymes produced by genetic protein engineering.

Classes of Nanoparticles
A summary and classification of the nanoparticles most commonly used in nanomedical research and other biotechnological applications.

What are Vero Cells?
An explanation of the vero cell line and the use of vero cells in generating vaccines.

Fermentation
A broad definition of fermentation in both general and more scientific terms.

Xenotransplants
A discussion of the ethical and practical issues surrounding the use of animal organs for human transplants (xenotransplantation).

PCR
A definition of the molecular technique known as PCR and its usefulness in various biotechnology applications, forensic science and environmental research.

Smart Polymers
An explanation of how smart polymers are specially designed stimulus-responsive macromolecules with an unlimited number of potential applications in biotechnology.

Reasons to Get ISO QMS
Ten reasons why your company should be certified for ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Standards (QMS).

Biotechnology Clusters in NA
A list of the top biotechnology hubs in North America. Each cluster is an active site of R&D, job and investment opportunities in the life sciences or agricultural biotech.

Human Genome
In 1990, a project was initiated to determine the entire sequence of DNA making up the human genome. The project involved participants from laboratories worldwide and resulted in significant advances in DNA screening and sequencing technologies, in addition to the discovery of thousands of new genes.

Enzyme Optimization
Four common approaches to optimizing an enzyme process for commercial exploitation, ranging from natural selection to fine-tuned molecular-level genetic manipulations.

Reasons to use E. coli
Five reasons the microorganism E. coli is so widely used in protein engineering and genetic research.

Early Biotechnology
Five examples of early biotechnological practices that were in place long before the term "biotechnology" was applied.

Invest in Biotech
A guide to getting started investing money in biotech with things to consider before investing in biotech companies or buying biotechnology stocks.

Freeze Dry a Culture
Quick step by step instructions for preservation of bacterial, fungal or yeast cell cultures, by freeze drying (lyophilization).

Orphan Drugs
Orphan Drug Status is given to certain drugs undergoing development in the pharmaceutical industry. Find out what Orphan Drug Status is and what incentives are available to biotech companies obtaining this designation from the US FDA.

Common Biotech Terms
A collection of "general knowledge" biotechnology terms that everyone should be familiar with to understand information you might find in the news.

Therapeutic Cloning
A definition for therapeutic cloning with an explanation of how stem cell research might be used to cure various diseases and repair damaged cells, tissues and organs.

Hydrolysis
A definition for enzyme hydrolysis, to explain what kind of biochemical reaction hydrolases catalyze and how that is useful to biotechnology applications.

What Investors Want
Before approaching a biotech Venture Capitalist for research funding, familiarize yourself with the criteria commonly looked for in startup companies. Compliance with these priorities will increase your chances of attracting investors.

Bioindicators
An introduction to bioindicators and how they are used in the biotechnology industry to detect physiological responses to cellular stressors.

Why Stem Cells?
frequently asked questions about stem cells

Bioethics
The term bioethics defined.

Parkinson's
Causes, symptoms and treatments for the neurodegenerative "shaking palsy" known as Parkinson's disease are described. Specific genes involved in the progression of the disorder are named and their roles in the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells of the brain, are described.

Determining Titer
A simple explanation of how titer is determined, during bioproduct production in the biomedical industry, for antibodies, other proteins and other biological substances.

Financing a Startup
An outline suggesting five funding sources for financing a new startup Biotech company.

Reasons to do a Ph.D.
For those considering doctoral studies, here are five reasons to go all the way in graduate school and complete a Ph.D.

Conjugation
Conjugation in bacteria is defined with an explanation of how genetic material is shared between cells.

Xenotransplantation
An explanation for xenotransplantation and the bioethical issues surrounding the use of animal organs and tissues for human transplants.

Bioremediation
Bioremediation is explained as a branch of environmental biotechnology in which contaminated soil, air and water are treated.

Titer
A definition for titer as it applies to the biomedical industry and production of antibodies, proteins, antibiotics and other bioproducts.

Nanoparticle Safety
An outline of what nanoparticles are, how they are applied in biotechnology and safety issues surrounding their use.

Lyophilization
A definition of lyophilization as it applies to the preservation and storage of microbial cell cultures.

Roles of Venture Investors
A list of the roles that biotech venture investors play in the development of early- and mid-stage startups. The benefits, and some of the shortfalls, to obtaining venture capital funding for R&D and to promote the growth of a company, are outlined.

Novozymes
A case study on the Danish bioproducts company, Novozymes, a global leader in enzyme technology, and producer of recombinant enzymes for industrial uses such as detergents, animal feed and biofuel production. The former leader in insulin production is renowned for its focus on environmental and social sustainability.

IPO
Initial public offering, or IPO, is a commonly used term when referring to new companies and their entry into the stock exchange, but what exactly is an IPO?

Enzymes in the Diary Industry
A description of the most commonly used enzymes in the dairy industry, their sources, applications and notes on genetic modifications that have been made to improve processes.

Polymers
An explanation for what polymers are and their monomer composition. A definition including descriptions of different types of natural (carbohydrate, protein) and synthetic (plastics) polymers.

CSO
A definition for CSO as it applies to outsourcing and biotech service providers in the pharmaceutical industry.

What is Zoning?
An explanation of what zoning is, and how it affects commercial land use.

Advanced Cell Technology
A case study of one of the forerunners in stem cell technologies specializing in regenerative medicine.

Cancer
A brief description of cancer, progression of the disease, and possible causes.

Biotech / Biomedical - Articles
An index of Articles for the Biotech / Biomedical guide site.

Participate in a Drug Trial
Links to websites listing current and upcoming drug trials and how to become a participating subject. In addition, some sites contain new drug approval news, information on drug interactions, and clinical research job listings.

Choosing Biotech Stocks
Investing in biotechnology can be a risky business. The following list outlines some suggested criteria to consider when choosing which biotech stocks to buy.

Laboratory Notebooks
A list of required contents for a properly maintained laboratory notebook, containing records of research activities in a biotech laboratory.

Green Investments
A list of suggestions for where to find green products and services within the biotechnology sector, for those wishing to invest in environmentally friendly technologies.

pH Indicators
Some common pH indicators with near neutral pka values, and pH ranges making them suitable for use in colorimetric bioassays.

ISO Certification
Explanation of the ISO standards and QMS certification

Regenerative Medicine
An explanation of how stem cells are used for regenerative medicine with examples of the biomedical applications for the biotechnology.

GeoVax
A case study of GeoVax Labs Inc., a leader in HIV vaccine development.

Virtual Businesses
Virtual companies are formed using a business model that takes advantage of the availability of suitable contract organizations for outsourcing all aspects of the biotechnology business.

Pipelines
An explanation for what pipelines are as they apply to new drug development in the biotechnology industry and how they are used to describe the research and development progress of biotech companies.

Sustainability
Sustainability is defined in terms of corporate sustainability and business approaches that take into account the environmental, social and economic impacts of decisions and processes.

Dirty Electricity and Health
An interview with Dr. Magda Havas, a scientist from Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, and a world leader in research on the biological effects of exposure to dirty electricity.

Biotech / Biomedical - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Biotech / Biomedical guide site.

Science and Law
The high demand for legal professionals with science and technology backgrounds is explained and career expectations for individuals studying science and law are discussed.

Milestones
Most venture investors will insist on setting a number of milestones when agreeing to invest in a biotech startup. This list outlines some common milestones that might be set as deliverables in a venture capital contract.

Reasons to Consider Biotech
For anyone interested in investing in, or thinking of pursuing a career in biotech, whether at a large company or a small startup, here are five positive indicators of how viable the industry is today.

Before You Lease
Practical items to consider before agreeing to lease a laboratory space for your new startup biotech company.

Venture Capital
An explanation of venture capital.

Guidelines for IP Licensing
A discussion of the OECD recommended guidelines for licensing and handling of IP pertaining to genetic inventions and the objectives of the published report suggesting principles and best practices.

IP
An explanation for IP as it relates to the biotechnology industry.

Dendreon Corporation
A case study of Dendreon Corporation and their novel Active Cellular Immunotherapies (ACIs) for treatment of various types of cancer. The biotechnology company's pipeline products are discussed, including the controvery surrounding PROvenge, for prostate cancer, and the most promising and advanced drug in the portfolio.

Used Lab Equipment
A list of resources and suggestions for finding used lab equipment.

Approaching a VC
Take a professional, organized approach when seeking venture capital investment funds for your startup biotech company.

Discovery of Genes
Experiments with chromosomal material that were primarily responsible for the establishment of DNA as the component that encodes for the structures of proteins.

Sequester
An explanation for the word sequester as it is applied in scientific terms in the biotechnology and bioremediation industries.

Revivicor
Stem cell research that bypasses the ethical issues surrounding use of embryonic tissues, as is done in therapeutic cloning. The regenerative medicine project is based on the process of de-differentiation of skin cells, to produce stem cells.

Loading Agarose Gels
Quick tips for neatly loading DNA samples into agarose gels.

Fireflies and Biotechnology
Fireflies are nocturnal flying beetles that generate light in their abdomen, via a chemical reaction. Find out how firefly luminescence has become a widely used tool in biotechnology.

Blastocyst
Blastocyst definition and a description of how embryos at this stage of development are used in stem cell research.

Nanotechnology
Definition of nanotechnology.

BIO World Congress 2008
A review of the 2008 Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing.

Make Lyophilization Buffer
In order to freeze dry a cell culture of yeast, bacteria or fungus, it is important to use the right media. This recipe is for lyophilization buffer, for use in preserving your cell lines for long term storage by freeze drying.

Hepatitis C
An explanation of the viral infection Hepatitis C including causes and symptoms of the disease.

Ligands
A descriptive definition of ligands and the role they play in biotechnology, particularly in relation to enzyme functions and the catalysis of biochemical reactions.

siRNA
As description of the uses of si RNA, or small interfering RNA as a molecular genetics research tool and inhibitor of protein production.

Pluripotent
Definition for the term pluripotent as it relates to stem cells and their differentiation.

XML Authoring
Why should biotech startups apply XML authoring to their data, document, and business management strategies from the very beginning, and what exactly does this mean?

Parents in Grad School
Things to consider when making the decision whether to pursue graduate studies in biotechnology while in the process of raising a family.

What is ACI?
ACI, or Active Cellular Immunotherapy is a new development in biomedical research and is being applied for treatment of cancer. Also known as Active Specific Immunotherapy.

Translational Research
A definition for the biomedical term translational research.

Type 1 Diabetes
An explanation of what causes Type 1 Diabetes.

About - Biotech / Biomedical Buyer's Guide
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.

RFPs
Time estimates and fees should be included in an RFP when soliciting contract service/ manufacturing organizations for outsourced work.

Biotech / Biomedical - Issues
An index of Issues for the Biotech / Biomedical guide site.

Biotech / Biomedical - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Biotech / Biomedical guide site.

Biotech / Biomedical - GuideReviews
An index of GuideReviews for the Biotech / Biomedical guide site.

SARS
An explanation for the acronym SARS and description of the causes and symptoms of the respiratory disease.

Biotech / Biomedical - FAQs
An index of FAQs for the Biotech / Biomedical guide site.

Type 2 Diabetes
An explanation of the causes and symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes.

VOCs
VOCs definition

Biotech / Biomedical - Before You Buy
An index of Before You Buy Articles for the Biotech / Biomedical guide site.

Precautionary Principle
The Precautionary Principle is explained in terms of how it is used in risk assessment and how it might apply to new biotechnologies, particularly nanotechnology, where insufficient scientific data is available to ensure public health and safety and the absence of toxicological effects.

BiotechNation
A review of the book Welcome to Biotech Nation by Dr. Moira Gunn.

Biotech / Biomedical - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Biotech / Biomedical guide site.

Biotech / Biomedical - TopPicks
An index of TopPicks for the Biotech / Biomedical guide site.

Helicos
A case study and company history of Helicos BioSciences Corporation, specialists in single molecule technology, sequencing by synthesis and the innovators of a technique for true single molecule sequencing.

Biotech / Biomedical - FullReviews
An index of FullReviews for the Biotech / Biomedical guide site.