Biotechnology

Combining the technical expertise of an engineer with the clinical expertise of a medical doctor can lead to the invention of the century

ETH microbiologists have succeeded in showing that nature produces one of the most complex known bioactive natural products in a staggeringly simple way. The molecule originates from bacteria living in sea sponges. In future, it may be possible to produce the agent very easily using biotechnology, making it an interesting avenue for cancer research.

GE Healthcare Life Sciences continues to invest in Uppsala. The company signs a two-year collaboration agreement with Uppsala BIO

A new method allows scientists at ETH Zurich and IBM to fabricate artificial molecules out of different types of microspheres. The researchers would like to one day use such tiny objects in micro-robots, for photonics and basic biochemical research.

In a show of faith in European biomedical research, the pharma company is extending its open innovation approach and setting up a bioincubator at its campus in Beerse, Belgium. Start-ups using the facility will have access to expertise, equipment and funding