Institute News
Statement by HudsonAlpha President Rick Myers
HAIB News - Mon, 06/17/2013 - 5:57pm
re: Recent ruling by Supreme Court on gene patenting
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 13, 2013 that human genes cannot be patented. Our view is that this is the right decision and the ruling will benefit all people, including patients, physicians, researchers and commercial entities who develop valuable products based on human genes.
Categories: Institute News
Rick Myers discusses Supreme Court ruling on gene patents
HAIB News - Mon, 06/17/2013 - 4:54pm
News Outlet: The Huntsville Times, al.com Date published: June 17, 2013 HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Instead of freezing the market for new genetic products, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that genes cannot be patented will "bring many more creative minds" to genomic research, the head of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology said Monday. Genes cannot be patented now, Dr. Rick Myers said, but new drugs, tests and technologies based on DNA research can be. It will be easier for innovators to generate those new products, Myers said, without having to deal with company patents on the genes needed for their work.
Categories: Institute News
The iCell app surpasses 250,000 iTunes downloads
HAIB News - Tue, 06/11/2013 - 9:52am
News Outlet: al.com Date published: June 11, 2013
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- iCell, the interactive app created by the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology to help students visualize the inside of a typical cell, has just passed 250,000 downloads on iTunes. It's the latest accomplishment for a free app that's making news in the educational world. iCell is also available through the Android and Windows stores and can be viewed at HudsonAlpha's website.
Read the rest of the al.com story here.
Categories: Institute News
EGEN advances a therapeutic for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension
HAIB News - Fri, 06/07/2013 - 8:40am
News Outlet: PRNewswire Date published: June 6, 2013
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- EGEN, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, announced that EGEN's proprietary lung targeting Staramine-mPEG nanoparticle delivery system has been used to administer an inhibitor of microRNA-145 (anti-miRNA-145) in a rat model of severe occlusive pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH. Treatment was shown to significantly reverse the pulmonary hypertension associated with the advanced stages of the disease and restore cardiovascular function.
Categories: Institute News
Cacao genome sequence could have sweet results for growers
HAIB News - Tue, 06/04/2013 - 9:36am
HudsonAlpha researchers support chocolate initiative
HUNTSVILLE, Ala -- One of the world’s favorite confections – chocolate – may be improving at its basic ingredient thanks in part to research from the HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center. HudsonAlpha, in partnership with MARS, Inc., the USDA, IBM and Clemson, Indiana and Washington State universities, is learning more about the cacao genome and sharing that knowledge to improve the way breeders and farmers harvest the crop.
Release Date: June 4, 2013 (All day) Contact Name: Holly Ralston Contact Email: [email protected] Contact Phone: 256.508.8954 Organization Background: The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama, is the cornerstone of the Cummings Research Park Biotechnology Campus. The campus hosts a synergistic cluster of life sciences talent - science, education and business professionals - that promises collaborative innovation to turn knowledge and ideas into commercial products and services for improving human health and strengthening Alabama’s progressively diverse economy. The non-profit institute is housed in a state-of-the-art, 270,000 square-ft. facility strategically located in the nation’s second largest research park. HudsonAlpha has a three-fold mission of genomic research, economic development and educational outreach.Categories: Institute News
Here’s a GREAT opportunity for life sciences educators!
HAIB News - Mon, 05/20/2013 - 4:59pm
The Genetic Resources to Empower Alabama Teachers workshop is a unique learning opportunity provided at no cost to Alabama accredited, public, high school life sciences teachers.
The GREAT Workshop will be held at the University of South Alabama Life Science Building, August 8-9, 2013 from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. each day.
Teachers who complete the 2-day workshop will return to the classroom with lesson plans and hands-on materials that are student-tested, informative and that link to state course objectives.
Categories: Institute News
HudsonAlpha genetic counselor discusses whether women should be tested for breast cancer gene mutations
HAIB News - Wed, 05/15/2013 - 11:20am
News Outlet: The Huntsville Times and WHNT Date published: May 15, 2013
HUNTSVILLE, AL -- Actress Angelina Jolie underwent a preventive double mastectomy after learning she carries a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which sharply increases her risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. She learned this after a test showed that she was 87 percent likely to develop breast cancer. This has left many women wondering if they should be tested for this genetic abnormality as well.
Kelly East, a genetic counselor at HudsonAlpha, says 5-10 percent of all breast cancers are hereditary.Categories: Institute News
Brain study identifies genetic link between major depressive disorder and the internal clock in humans
HAIB News - Tue, 05/14/2013 - 2:40pm
Cellular-level connections provide potential targets for improved diagnosis and treatment
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Sleeping, eating, working; humans, as well as many other living organisms, have circadian patterns, regularly occurring, 24-hour rhythms, that are part of normal function. Dysfunctions in regular patterns – such as insomnia and unexplained fluctuations in appetite, body temperature and/or hormones — are symptoms shared by many patients with depression. Researchers at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, with scientists at the University of Michigan, the University of California at Irvine, Stanford University and Weill Cornell Medical College, collaborated in a study where they found the first direct evidence connecting cellular level activity in the brains of patients with depression to out-of-step circadian rhythms. These groups have been part of the Pritzker Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Consortium for the past decade.
Release Date: May 14, 2013 (All day) Contact Name: Holly Ralston Contact Email: [email protected] Contact Phone: 256.508.8954 Organization Background: The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama, is the cornerstone of the Cummings Research Park Biotechnology Campus. The campus hosts a synergistic cluster of life sciences talent - science, education and business professionals - that promises collaborative innovation to turn knowledge and ideas into commercial products and services for improving human health and strengthening Alabama’s progressively diverse economy. The non-profit institute is housed in a state-of-the-art, 270,000 square-ft. facility strategically located in the nation’s second largest research park. HudsonAlpha has a three-fold mission of genomic research, economic development and educational outreach.Categories: Institute News
HudsonAlpha researcher Jian Han, M.D., Ph.D., teams up with UAH researcher to identify invasive plant species
HAIB News - Mon, 04/29/2013 - 4:03pm
News Outlet: Newswise Date published: April 29, 2013
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — University of Alabama in Huntsville assistant biology professor Dr. Leland Cseke and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology researcher Dr. Jian Han have joined forces to identify invasive plant species that are sneaking into the United States because they look just like desirable crops or ornamentals.
Categories: Institute News
HudsonAlpha Foundation receives $2.5 million gift
HAIB News - Fri, 04/26/2013 - 9:47am
Special fund honors institute founder Lonnie McMillian
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- A group of “stealthy” individuals led by Danny Windham, chief executive officer of Digium, revealed its mutual hand last night when the Lonnie McMillian Inspiring Excellence Fund was announced at the annual HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology fund raising event. “The idea of a non-profit institute for biotechnology here in Huntsville was Lonnie’s vision,” said Windham, “and proceeds from the fund will help recruit and retain the very best researchers to HudsonAlpha.” Initial gifts to the fund total $2.5 million.
Categories: Institute News
DNA Day on April 26 highlighted in local media
HAIB News - Fri, 04/19/2013 - 3:02pm
News Outlet: The Huntsville Times Date published: April 19, 2013 Download PDF: 2013 DNA Day Agenda 1 (1).pdf
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Interested in learning -- quickly -- what some of Alabama's smartest minds are working on in biotechnology? Block out April 26 from 3-6 p.m. on your calendar when theHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology showcases its resident companies, speed-dating style.
As part of its annual celebration of DNA in April, the institute is offering what it calls "short, spirited presentations" by representatives of 10 companies on its campus. HudsonAlpha, the non-profit cornerstone of a growing biotech campus in Huntsville's Cummings Research Park, has a three-part mission of genetic research, education, and incubating new biotech businesses. This year, the DNA Day emphasis is on education and business development as a way to show the economic value of science to Alabama and the value of science education to the future.Categories: Institute News
Through the Microscope - Spring 2013
HAIB News - Fri, 04/12/2013 - 9:21am
April 12, 2013 Spring 2013 Download PDF: spring2013.pdf
Categories: Institute News
HudsonAlpha slates April 26 for DNA Day celebration
HAIB News - Fri, 04/12/2013 - 9:20am
Public outreach program highlights the business side of biotech
Widely famous for showers that bring May flowers, April has another claim to fame at HudsonAlpha and many other biology-centric organizations. April is the month to salute deoxyribonucleic acid-- DNA.
“Each year, the celebration at HudsonAlpha changes,” said Neil Lamb, director of education outreach at HudsonAlpha. “This year, we are focusing on the companies located with us here on the biotech campus.”
Download PDF: 2013 DNA Day Agenda.pdfCategories: Institute News
HudsonAlpha Institute and Carolina Biological partner to help students learn by doing
HAIB News - Thu, 04/11/2013 - 9:14am
Carolina Biological to distribute institute-developed science activities
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. and BURLINGTON, N.C. -- “Educational outreach at HudsonAlpha aims to deliver creative, hands-on educational experiences that raise student comprehension and build teacher confidence,” said Neil Lamb, Ph.D., director of educational outreach at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. The value of educational kits designed by Lamb and his staff at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology has been acknowledged by an executed agreement with Carolina Biological Supply Company. According to Lamb, Carolina will promote and broadly distribute institute-branded, hands-on experiments and resources.
Release Date: April 11, 2013 (All day) Contact Name: Holly Ralston Contact Email: [email protected] Contact Phone: 256.508.8954 Organization Background: The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama, is the cornerstone of the Cummings Research Park Biotechnology Campus. The campus hosts a synergistic cluster of life sciences talent - science, education and business professionals - that promises collaborative innovation to turn knowledge and ideas into commercial products and services for improving human health and strengthening Alabama’s progressively diverse economy. The non-profit institute is housed in a state-of-the-art, 270,000 square-ft. facility strategically located in the nation’s second largest research park. HudsonAlpha has a three-fold mission of genomic research, economic development and educational outreach.Categories: Institute News
Seeing beyond disability
HAIB News - Tue, 04/09/2013 - 9:21am
Spring Benefit for Childhood Genetic Disorders and photographic exhibition
The HudsonAlpha Spring 2013 benefit raises both money to advance research into childhood genetic disorders and awareness of the profound physical, emotional and financial impacts to children and families.
In support of this effort, HudsonAlpha partnered with Positive Exposure, a non-profit program founded by award-winning fashion photographer Rick Guidotti.
Categories: Institute News
Meet the inspiration spurring new research at the institute
HAIB News - Fri, 04/05/2013 - 10:56am
News Outlet: The Huntsville Times Date published: April 5, 2013
HUNTSVILLE, ALA. -- The genetic research that goes on at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology can seem complicated, the stuff of lofty science journals. A photography exhibit the institute recently commissioned, however, shows that work in a different light. It's Aidan, who recently lost his first tooth, and Brandon, who has a great sprinkle of freckles across his face. It's Sarah with her wide smile and brown eyes.
Categories: Institute News
Serina Therapeutics announces exclusive license agreement with The Scripps Research Institute
HAIB News - Thu, 04/04/2013 - 3:47pm
HUNTSVILLE, Ala -- Serina Therapeutics, Inc., announced today that the company has entered into a definitive exclusive license agreement with The Scripps Research Institute for “click chemistry” – a facile method of attaching molecules together in a precise and quantitative manner. The nature of the agreement and the financial terms were not disclosed.
Release Date:
April 3, 2013 - 1:00am
Contact Name:
Holly Ralston
Contact Phone:
256.508.8954
Organization Background:
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama, is the cornerstone of the Cummings Research Park Biotechnology Campus. The campus hosts a synergistic cluster of life sciences talent - science, education and business professionals - that promises collaborative innovation to turn knowledge and ideas into commercial products and services for improving human health and strengthening Alabama’s progressively diverse economy. The non-profit institute is housed in a state-of-the-art, 270,000 square-ft. facility strategically located in the nation’s second largest research park. HudsonAlpha has a three-fold mission of genomic research, economic development and educational outreach.
Categories: Institute News
2013 Spring Benefit brings attention to chilhood genetic disorders
HAIB News - Wed, 04/03/2013 - 2:15pm
HudsonAlpha will hold its fifth annual Spring Benefit on Thursday, April 25. All proceeds from the event will fund the institute's research on childhood genetic disorders.
Hope for young patients and their families lies at the intersection of HudsonAlpha research and the practice of Dr. Martina Bebin, a pediatric neurologist at North Alabama Children’s Specialists in Huntsville. Genetic conditions that affect growth, behavior, and cognition are common and pervasive; HudsonAlpha scientists are searching for answers.
Download PDF: Spring Benefit 2013 email.pdfCategories: Institute News
International team works toward sustainable peach
HAIB News - Sat, 03/23/2013 - 4:51pm
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Advancing work toward sustainable crops and sustainable fuels is among potential outcomes from a project undertaken by the International Peach Genome Initiative. The initiative, including researchers at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, has completed the draft genome of peach, Prunus persica, and published findings in the March 24 edition of Nature Genetics.
Release Date: March 24, 2013 - 1:00am Contact Name: Holly Ralston Contact Email: [email protected] Contact Phone: 256.508.8954 Organization Background: The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama, is the cornerstone of the Cummings Research Park Biotechnology Campus. The campus hosts a synergistic cluster of life sciences talent - science, education and business professionals - that promises collaborative innovation to turn knowledge and ideas into commercial products and services for improving human health and strengthening Alabama’s progressively diverse economy. The non-profit institute is housed in a state-of-the-art, 270,000 square-ft. facility strategically located in the nation’s second largest research park. HudsonAlpha has a three-fold mission of genomic research, economic development and educational outreach.Categories: Institute News
iCell now available on Windows 8 platform
HAIB News - Fri, 03/22/2013 - 4:27pm
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – HudsonAlpha’s iCell is now fully available on the Windows 8 platform, potentially reaching an audience of more than 4 million Windows 8 users worldwide. The new Microsoft system features easier-to-open apps for tablets and PCs, making iCell easier to access on Windows 8 devices.
“It simplifies the process of being able to use the iCell application,” said Adam Hott, Ed.D., coordinator of educational outreach. “This makes iCell more accessible and puts it in the hands of users more efficiently.”
Release Date:
March 24, 2013 - 1:00am
Contact Name:
Victoria Cumbow
Contact Email:
[email protected]
Contact Phone:
256.327.5206
Organization Background:
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama, is the cornerstone of the Cummings Research Park Biotechnology Campus. The campus hosts a synergistic cluster of life sciences talent - science, education and business professionals - that promises collaborative innovation to turn knowledge and ideas into commercial products and services for improving human health and strengthening Alabama’s progressively diverse economy. The non-profit institute is housed in a state-of-the-art, 270,000 square-ft. facility strategically located in the nation’s second largest research park. HudsonAlpha has a three-fold mission of genomic research, economic development and educational outreach.
Categories: Institute News
