Recognizing fieldwork: towards equitable credit in life science research

Trends in the early careers of life scientists. Preface and Executive Summary.

The 2019 SLAS Technology Ten: Translating Life Sciences Innovation.

This paper examines the determinants of patenting and spin-off creation using survey data of 479 researchers in engineering and 449 researchers in life sciences funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The results show that research novelty and laboratory size are the only two variables significantly explaining patenting and spin-off formation in both engineering and life sciences. Network capital explains spin-off formation in engineering and in life sciences as well as patenting in life sciences, but not in engineering. Furthermore, the results suggest that many categories of resources explain patenting and spin-off formation in engineering and in life sciences, but that the combinations of resources required differ for patenting and spin-off formation and between engineering and life sciences. The results of this paper suggest that customized policies would be required to accommodate differences between spin-off formation and patenting as well as between engineering and life sciences.

Rough times for Huntingdon Life Sciences

The Japanese synchrotron radiation facilities, Photon Factory (PF) and SPring-8, are actively promoting structural life science and drug discovery research through the Basis for Supporting Innovative Drug Discovery and Life Science Research (BINDS), a project of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). These facilities support Integrative Structural Biology research, focusing on protein crystallography, BioSAXS, and single particle analysis with cryo-electron microscopy. BioSAXS is a valuable technique for elucidating the structure and properties of biological macromolecules in solution. The SAXS beamlines at PF and SPring-8, notably BL-10C/BL-15A2 at PF and BL38B1 at SPring-8, are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and comprehensive measurement and analysis environments. The SEC-SAXS measurement system was initially developed at PF and subsequently refined at BL38B1 (Fig. #1). The system at PF employs Prominence-i and Nexera-i (SHIMADZU) HPLC systems with a single pump route. Conversely, the BL38B1 system also utilizes the Prominence (SHIMADZU) system but features two pump pathways, enabling independent buffer replacement of columns in one pathway during SEC-SAXS measurement in the other. Additionally in these systems, a fiber spectrophotometer, QEpro/QE65pro (Ocean Photonics), has been installed to perform simultaneous UV-visible spectroscopy measurements with SAXS using the same sample cell. The continuously measured SAXS 2D image data are converted to 1D using the software SAngler [1], subtracted buffer profiles measured just before sample injection, normalized to an absolute scale (typically using the scattering intensity of water), and outputted. We have also developed MOLASS [2], a fully automated analysis software for SEC-SAXS data. MOLASS integrates basic SAXS theory with linear algebra techniques such as low-rank matrix factorization and singular value decomposition to combine continuous SAXS profiles and UV-visible absorption spectra for highly accurate analysis. We are also advancing the installation of various time-resolved solution scattering systems. At PF, two systems are in operation: a traditional stopped-flow system and a new system using a microfluidic device made of COP resin [3]. At SPring-8, the same microfluidic system as at PF is being introduced, alongside the development of new stop-flow and pump-probe systems at the undulator beamline, BL40XU. These systems are tailored based on the difference in the beam abilities such as beam sizes and photon fluxes between the two facilities. In this presentation, we will introduce the current status of the development of the BioSAXS measurement and analysis systems, which has been a collaborative effort between PF and SPring-8.

Various large-scale neutron sources already build or to be constructed, are important for materials research and life science research. For all these neutron sources, neutron detectors are very important aspect. However, there is a lack of a high-performance and low-cost neutron beam monitor that provides time and temporal resolution. The objective of this SBIR Phase I research, collaboratively performed by Midwest Optoelectronics, LLC (MWOE), the University of Toledo (UT) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is to demonstrate the feasibility for amorphous silicon based neutron beam monitors that are pixilated, reliable, durable, fully packaged, and fabricated with high yield using low-cost method. During the Phase I effort, work as been focused in the following areas: 1) Deposition of high quality, low-defect-density, low-stress a-Si films using very high frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (VHF PECVD) at high deposition rate and with low device shunting; 2) Fabrication of Si/SiO2/metal/p/i/n/metal/n/i/p/metal/SiO2/ device for the detection of alpha particles which are daughter particles of neutrons through appropriate nuclear reactions; and 3) Testing of various devices fabricated for alpha and neutron detection; As the main results: · High quality, low-defect-density, low-stress a-Si films have been successfully deposited using VHF PECVD on various low-cost substrates; · Various single-junction and double junction detector devices have been fabricated; · The detector devices fabricated have been systematically tested and analyzed. · Some of the fabricated devices are found to successfully detect alpha particles. Further research is required to bring this Phase I work beyond the feasibility demonstration toward the final prototype devices. The success of this project will lead to a high-performance, low-cost, X-Y pixilated neutron beam monitor that could be used in all of the neutron facilities worldwide. In addition, the technologies developed here could be used to develop X-ray and neutron monitors that could be used in the future for security checks at the airports and other critical facilities. The project would lead to devices that could significantly enhance the performance of multi-billion dollar neutron source facilities in the US and bring our nation to the forefront of neutron beam sciences and technologies which have enormous impact to materials, life science and military research and applications.

Life sciences are the testing ground for many new biotechnologies for applications in medicine. Nanobiotechnology is a good example. Despite the remarkable speed of development of nanoscience, relatively little is known about the interaction of nanoscale objects with living systems. Much of the research in life sciences is directly relevant to applications described in the following chapters. Because of this overlap, some of the applications are indicated in this chapter and some of the research in life sciences is described along with applications. Important areas of research in life sciences where nanotechnologies are applied and that are relevant to applications in health sciences are:

Postdoctoral researchers in life sciences confront distinct challenges, including extended training duration resulting from the inherently lengthy research cycles associated with their specialized research subjects and experimental materials. Based on national postdoctoral policies and comparison of funding policies between China and the United States, we focus on postdoctoral researchers in life sciences at the School of Life Sciences, Shandong University. Our analysis reveals how current university funding policies constrain the training process of postdoctoral researchers in this field. To address these limitations, we propose a coordinated reform strategy, including reinforcing ideological and political guidance, extending funding durations, establishing cost-sharing mechanisms, and implementing incentives for major achievements. These reforms aim to improve the quality of postdoctoral training and provide policy insights for optimizing the research talent development system in "Double First-Class" universities.

Translational research in life sciences has become increasingly interesting and important in current scenario. Basically, translational research in life sciences tries to translate the existing basic research outcomes of life sciences into practices (treatment options) and products (drugs, devices, etc.), which could enhance the quality of health of human beings. It has gained impetus during last two decades due to larger investments of global economy to the researches oriented to human health benefits. The final aim of the translational research in life science is to incorporate scientific discoveries into improved patient care and population health. In this review article, issues regarding nutrition research (functional food, nutraceuticals, edible vaccine, medical foods, etc.), pharmaceutical research (novel drugs, biosimilars, interchangeable, etc.), nanomedicine (nanoparticle-based functional molecules), research on preclinical animal model of diseases, medical genetics, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine have been dealt briefly with the focus on the recent developments in these areas and their implications.

Living in a century in which the turnover of new insights in biomedical sciences is accelerating rapidly, educational institutions have to face the problem of the sustainability of its teaching strategies. There is no doubt that the task of every university is to keep the quality of its education on a high standard. This goal can only be achieved if the increasing information of high complexity can be adequately integrated into teaching scenarios and constantly be available with reasonable accessibility. Conventional types of teaching media are no longer qualified for this purpose. New teaching technologies, carefully integrated into the curriculum are believed to be an essential media to guarantee the constant high standard of education. In addition, nearly all modern research in life sciences nowadays has switched to teamwork to be able to create real breakthroughs in basic and medicinal sciences, e.g. the Human Genome Project. This fact demands appropriate team teaching and working concepts as well as a well-equipped environment to support collaboration. In this article a completely new scientific environment for teamwork in education and research in life sciences is presented: Vireal Lab, a physical learning environment, equipped with interactive tables and white boards with built-in electronic devices and touch-sensitive surfaces. It supports all modes of face-to face or virtual collaborative learning and working. Since collaborative learning is believed to be one of the most successful learning methods it is, for the first time, supported by appropriate new technologies. Vireal Lab is an innovative approach to meet the high demands of today's teaching and research in life sciences

Science in China: 30 Years On

Artificial intelligence (AI) exerts a profound influence on life science research, demonstrating exceptional promise in big-data analysis, drug development, disease diagnosis, and precision medicine. These applications have injected fresh momentum into the field. This paper examines AI’s importance within life science research from multiple perspectives, systematically summarizes current research progress, explores emerging AI-driven trends, and provides an outlook on how a deeper integration of AI and life sciences may evolve. These findings hold significant value for shaping future developments in life science research.

Journal Article Inhibition of Prostaglandin Biosynthesis by 3-Nitro-2,4,6-trihydroxybenzamides Get access Ichiro Honda, Ichiro Honda Life Science Research Laboratory Present address: Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-machi, Utsunomiya 321, Japan. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Takashi Matsumoto, Takashi Matsumoto Life Science Research Laboratory Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Masaki Ninomiya, Masaki Ninomiya Life Science Research LaboratoryTobacco Science Research Laboratory, Japan Tobacco Inc., 6–2 Umegaoka, Midori-ku, Yokohama 227, Japan Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Toshiake Matsuzaki, Toshiake Matsuzaki Life Science Research LaboratoryTobacco Science Research Laboratory, Japan Tobacco Inc., 6–2 Umegaoka, Midori-ku, Yokohama 227, Japan Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Makoto Shibagaki, Makoto Shibagaki Life Science Research Laboratory Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Masana Noma, Masana Noma Life Science Research Laboratory Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Koichi Yoneyama, Koichi Yoneyama Life Science Research LaboratoryWeed Control Research Institute, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-machi, Utsunomiya 321, Japan Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Nobutaka Takahashi, Nobutaka Takahashi Life Science Research LaboratoryWeed Control Research Institute, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-machi, Utsunomiya 321, Japan Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Shigeo Yoshida Shigeo Yoshida Life Science Research LaboratoryThe Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) 2–1 Hirosawa, Wako 351–01, Japan Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, Volume 57, Issue 5, 1 January 1993, Pages 843–844, https://doi.org/10.1271/bbb.57.843 Published: 01 January 1993 Article history Received: 19 October 1992 Published: 01 January 1993

Reprieve for Huntingdon Life Sciences

Simple SummaryScientists in biomedical research use models and methods to constantly improve health in society. This research heavily relies on animal experimentation, and in recent decades, research and researchers have been questioned by societal stakeholders about their way of conducting research. In order to inform science policy makers, we asked the researchers about the use of their experimental models and their view about the role of external stakeholders in their work.A significant debate is ongoing on the effectiveness of animal experimentation, due to the increasing reports of failure in the translation of results from preclinical animal experiments to human patients. Scientific, ethical, social and economic considerations linked to the use of animals raise concerns in a variety of societal contributors (regulators, policy makers, non-governmental organisations, industry, etc.). The aim of this study was to record researchers’ voices about their vision on this science evolution, to reconstruct as truthful as possible an image of the reality of health and life science research, by using a key instrument in the hands of the researcher: the experimental models. Hence, we surveyed European-based health and life sciences researchers, to reconstruct and decipher the varying orientations and opinions of this community over these large transformations. In the interest of advancing the public debate and more accurately guide the policy of research, it is important that policy makers, society, scientists and all stakeholders (1) mature as comprehensive as possible an understanding of the researchers’ perspectives on the selection and establishment of the experimental models, and (2) that researchers publicly share the research community opinions regarding the external factors influencing their professional work. Our results highlighted a general homogeneity of answers from the 117 respondents. However, some discrepancies on specific key issues and topics were registered in the subgroups. These recorded divergent views might prove useful to policy makers and regulators to calibrate their agenda and shape the future of the European health and life science research. Overall, the results of this pilot study highlight the need of a continuous, open and broad discussion between researchers and science policy stakeholders.