Don't miss out on the latest business and technology news for chemical engineers, featuring select items in relation to Food, Pharmaceuticals & Bioengineering!
FAO says agriculture needs innovation due to climate change
Qu Dongyu, director-general of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, said innovation in agriculture is crucial in dealing with the effects of climate change. "Innovative solutions to climate change challenges are more vital than ever -- they are the key multiplier to transformation," Qu said.
CRISPR may help make crops more resilient to extreme weather changes
Some potato crops in the US and Canada have been ruined by unusually cold weather, which has raised concerns about the possibility of a shortage that could lead to french fries becoming scarce and prices of the crop spiking. Climate change has been causing these unpredictable and extreme weather shifts affecting not only potatoes but other crops as well, and one possible solution to such potential shortages could be the use of technologies like CRISPR to make crops more resilient against severe weather conditions.
New NIH strategic plan prioritizes research on biology, cure for HBV
The NIH announced on Wednesday the Strategic Plan for Trans-NIH Research to Cure Hepatitis B that will focus on studying the biology of the disease as well as finding a potential cure. Details of the plan involve boosting ongoing research for HBV for an improved understanding of how HBV is transmitted, development of a biomarker that can be identified through diagnostic testing, and new strategies to help prevent new infections transmission.
Mortality risk drops 40% with Darzalex combo use in treatment-naive MM
Data presented at the American Society of Hematology's annual meeting showed that the drug Darzalex, or daratumumab, developed by Johnson & Johnson unit Janssen, slashed the mortality risk by 40% in treatment-naive patients with multiple myeloma who are ineligible for stem cell transplants. Results showed 75% of patients treated with Darzalex in combination with prednisone, melphalan and Takeda’s Velcade, were still alive 42 months after undergoing treatment compared to 62% of those who received the same regimen minus the J&J drug.
Mighty mice, roundworms delivered to ISS
Genetically engineered "mighty mice" were delivered to the International Space Station by the SpaceX Dragon capsule, along with nematodes, an empathetic robot and supplies for the crew aboard the ISS. Scientists will study the mice to learn how to prevent the loss of bone and muscle while in space, and the roundworms are part of a study to control pests on Earth.
FDA releases new draft guidance for biosimilar insulins
The FDA released new draft guidance for marketing insulin biosimilars, which may result in "a more efficient development program that could ultimately bring biosimilar or interchangeable insulin products to the market more quickly," said Acting FDA Commissioner Brett Giroir. "The availability of approved biosimilar and interchangeable insulin products is expected to increase access and reduce costs of insulin products," Giroir added.
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