Going Viral
January, 2012 - Vol. 2, Issue 1
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News in Life Science Technology
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Study Shows EBV Virus May Lead to the Treatment and Prevention of MS
Epstein-Barr virus (often referred to as EBV) is a member of the herpesvirus family and one of the most common human viruses. It occurs worldwide with up to 95% of the population becoming infected with the virus at some point during their lives.
Researchers at Queen Mary, University of London, recently discovered that the EBV contributes to the nerve cell damage known to cause multiple sclerosis (MS). Data have shown that both genetics and environmental factors can play a role, and previous research has suggested EBV may trigger the disease.
EBV releases a chemical message made up of RNA molecules to trigger inflammation and nerve cell damage in the brain. This occurs even when the virus is not actively spreading.
In addition, EBV has the ability of "hiding away" in immune cells, much like HIV, making it potentially more challenging to effectively eradicate the virus. Research project leader, Dr. Ute-Christiane Meier explained, "If we can pinpoint EBV as the trigger, it's possible that we could alter the course of MS or potentially even prevent the condition by treating the virus."
This discovery could lead to new treatments options and possibly even a means of preventing MS altogether and may provide insight into other brain diseases.
Read more
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Virus of the Month: Rabies
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Rabies is caused by a virus and is responsible for more than 55,000 human deaths worldwide each year. The zoonotic disease (a disease that normally exists in animals but can infect humans) is most commonly transmitted by a bite or scratch by an infected animal, with dogs and bats being the main h ost species.
Effective treatment should be administered as soon as possible after exposure. Wound cleansing and immediate immunization can prevent the onset of symptoms and death. Once symptoms develop, the disease is nearly always fatal. Initial symptoms are fever and often pain, a burning sensation or unexplained tingling, followed by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. At this stage, either furious rabies or paralytic rabies can follow.
Fortunately, vaccination is available and is a realistic goal for many areas of the world. Vaccination of animals (dogs, in particular) is the most cost-effective prevention strategy for reducing and preventing rabies in people. According to the World Health Organization, dogs are the source of 99% of human rabies deaths.
Inhabitants of areas where human vaccines and immunoglobulin are not readily accessible are most at risk. Also at risk are poor people who cannot afford post-exposure treatment. Human vaccines are recommended for individuals such as those in high-risk occupations and travellers to high-risk rabies-affected areas.
Despite the health risks of the rabies virus, a recent study has found that a virus of the same family may be a potential cure for cancer. The vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was found to kill cancer cells and stop the expression of the molecules. This breakthrough discovery offers the potential for better cancer treatment.
The following online resources were utilized for this section of Going Viral:
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InDevR in Brief
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InDevR Expands Commercialization Team to Meet Market Demand
InDevR is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Artinger as Vice President of Commercial Operations and Mr. Craig Hoechstetter as Director of Sales and Customer Support. Together, Michael and Craig provide over 30 years of experience bringing innovative life science products to the marketplace.
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Michael oversees the commercialization of innovation at InDevR, including product development,manufacturing, marketing, sales, customer support and partnering. He provides significant management experience gained from multiple life scienceverticals and roles at Nanodisc, Keystone Biomedical, Documentum, Decision Resources and Genome Therapeutics. He has also served as Visiting Scientist in the GeneticsDivision at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Michael conducted his postdoctoral research at the Cardiovascular Research Center with joint appointments to Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital and earned his PhD in Biology and BA in Applied Ecology from the University of California at Irvine.
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Craig Hoechstetter
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As the Director of Sales and Customer Support, Craig is responsible for all sales-related activities such as developing and executing effective global sales strategies, direct sales to InDevR's clients, global channel expansion, and management and supervision of the customer support and technical support teams. Prior to joining InDevR, Craig spent 15 years in sales and marketing for several multi-national organizations, including Bayer Corporation and Beckman Coulter, in both the Life Science and the Clinical Diagnostic divisions. Before joining the sales side of the business, he worked in the lab as an organic chemist with Elli Lilly and Company. Craig received his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and his BS in Organic Chemistry from the University of Michigan.
"I am elated that Michael and Craig have joined the team here at InDevR. There is no doubt that Michael's remarkable business leadership skills combined with Craig's tremendous talent in sales will drive commercial growth of our unique Colorado company," commented Dr. Kathy Rowlen, CEO of InDevR.
Read the full press release
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Green Ideas
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Have you taken an energy IQ test lately?
According to the EPA Energy Star Program, the combined energy of commercial and industrial buildings accounts for half of the United States' energy use--at a cost of $200 billion annually! There are many steps that organizations can take to reduce energy consumption and realize significant financial savings.
Many energy-saving efforts used at home can be applied to the workplace. The simple act of replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs can result in less energy usage. Furthermore, compact fluorescent bulbs can last up to 10 times longer, resulting in long-term cost savings. Click here for bulb buying tips and more.
Did you know that a cell phone power adapter that is plugged in uses energy even when not charging? Setting computers to go into "sleep" mode when inactive, or to power off when leaving the office for the day, can maximize energy savings. Regular maintenance measures such as examination of HVAC equipment, changing air filters, and insulating hot water heaters can substantially improve your building's energy efficiency.
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Small steps can offer big results.
Test your energy IQ
InDevR would like to learn more about things you are doing to make your business and our planet a little "greener". Feel free to send any tips or solutions to info@indevr.com. They may be featured in an upcoming issue of Going Viral!
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