A Key Advancement for Human Norovirus Research and Reverse Genetics

The HEK293T/T7 cell line is a novel development in virology research, particularly for studying human noroviruses. This cell line expresses the T7 RNA polymerase, a key enzyme used in reverse genetics systems. Unlike existing technologies, the HEK293T/T7 cell line offers the unique advantage of being able to produce functional T7 RNA polymerase, which is essential for driving transcription from T7 promoters.

Next-Generation MSP1-Targeted Malaria Immunotherapy: Enhanced Vaccine Candidates and Monoclonal Antibodies

This technology encompasses the development of highly advanced malaria vaccine candidates and human monoclonal antibodies, both centered on targeting the Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP1) of the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite. The innovation lies in utilizing a novel computational design and in vitro screening process, which has created MSP1 vaccine candidates that are significantly more immunogenic, stable, and cost-effective than existing alternatives. These vaccines focus on the 19 kDa carboxy-terminus fragment of MSP1.

Vitamin C renal leak as a clinical diagnostic tool in the detection, monitoring, and management of acute and chronic diseases

This technology includes a clinical diagnostic tool for measuring vitamin C elimination by human kidneys that can be used for detecting, monitoring, and managing acute and chronic diseases. Findings revealed significant associations between vitamin C renal leak status and clinical variables affecting renal function and blood glucose. The technology uses vitamin C depletion-repletion kinetics and pharmacokinetic models to establish a physiological vitamin C renal threshold.

Locally Delivered Alkaline Phosphatase for Treatment of Periodontal Disease

This technology includes a product for local delivery of alkaline phosphatase for the treatment of periodontal disease. Our laboratory has discovered that factors regulating phosphate metabolism and specifically the appropriate balance between phosphate (Pi) and pyrophosphate (PPi) at local sites are needed for formation (development), maintenance and regeneration of the tooth root surface (cementum), periodontal ligament (PDL) and surrounding alveolar bone, i.e., the periodontal apparatus.

Apparatus for Cryogenic-Electron Microscopy Sample Preparation

Cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) is used to obtain high-resolution structural images of macromolecular structures. Samples must be purified and loaded onto cryo-EM grids before imaging. The ideal cryo-EM grid consists of particles that are evenly and richly distributed in a broad distribution of orientations throughout the holes of the support film. Current techniques to prepare cryo-EM grids are performed manually and require trial and error, resulting in a bottleneck in cryo-EM workflows.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease via ENPPI Inhibition

This technology focuses on enhancing cementum production, a key component in treating periodontal regression. The method involves inhibiting ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterases (ENPP1), enzymes that play a significant role in mineralization processes. Pyrophosphate (PPi) is known to impede the growth of hydroxyapatite crystals, essential for mineralization. ENPP1 catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP, generating PPi, which then hinders mineralization.

Truncated Methanocarba Adenosine Derivatives as A3 Adenosine Receptor Antagonists

Novel A3 adenosine antagonists available for licensing. A3 receptors are particularly highly expressed in inflammatory cells, making it a potentially desirable target for inflammatory diseases. This technology relates to highly specific antagonists and partial agonists of A3 adenosine receptors, which are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase and have been broadly implicated in inflammation, cardiovascular disease, endocrine conditions and cancer. Further, A3 adenosine receptors have been implicated in asthma and glaucoma.

Device to Measure Muscle Contractile-Relaxant and Epithelial Bioelectric Responses of Perfused, Intact Tracheal Airways Tissue In Vitro

CDC and collaborative researchers have developed a device allowing for simultaneous measurement of smooth muscle contractile/relaxant activity and transepithelial potential difference (Vt) [or short circuit currents (Isc)] and resistance (Rt) within an intact airway in vitro. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms of lung diseases, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, involves understanding the roles of airway smooth muscle and epithelium.

Direct Reading Detection Kits for Surface Contamination by Anti-Neoplastic (Anti-Cancer) Drugs

Anti-neoplastic drugs, also known as anti-cancer drugs or chemotherapy, are used in the treatment of many types of cancer. However, these drugs are harmful to healthy cells as well as the cancerous cells. Exposure of healthcare workers to anti-neoplastic drugs from contaminated surfaces and drug vials in hospitals and pharmacies is a continuing problem as the drugs can cause both acute and long-term effects. Although there are sensitive techniques to evaluate contamination, results from these tests take time and must be performed in a laboratory.

Near Real-time, Low-cost, Hand-held Sensors for Measuring Elemental Concentration of Airborne Particles for Indoor or Outdoor Air Quality Monitoring

Airborne particles can have great impact on air quality, weather, and human health. In particular, long-term inhalation of toxic particulate matter in workplaces could pose a significant health risk. NIOSH scientists have developed a new, low-cost approach based on application of atmospheric radio frequency glow discharge (rf-GD) optical emission spectroscopy for near real-time measurement of elemental concentration in aerosols. The method involves collection of aerosol particles on an electrode tip in a coaxial microelectrode system, followed by excitation of the particles using rf-GD.
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