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Dr. Zhao from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for combinatorial genome... |
Dr. Zhao from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for combinatorial genome editing in yeast. With the use of CRISPR-AID technology targeted genes can be simultaneously upregulated, downregulated, and deleted allowing discovery of synergistic effects to enhance strain phenotypes. Utilizing this technology will allow fast generation of novel strains suited to industrial applications. In addition Dr. Zhao has generated novel CRISPR constructs optimized for CRISPRa and CRISPRi applications for use in yeast. This is the first use of orthogonal CRISPR strains in yeast and will greatly expand the toolbox for yeast genome engineering. |
MRSI Improvements
Dr. Liang from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed new MRI acquisition methods and post-acquisition data processing techniques that allow for a...
Dr. Liang from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed new MRI acquisition methods and post-acquisition data processing techniques that allow for a standard MRI instrument to perform traditional spin density imaging as well as susceptibility mapping, quantitative susceptibility mapping, and metabolite mapping with high resolution and signal to noise ratio from a single scan. Unlike other techniques, such as CT scans, the current technology does not require ionizing radiation and is thus safer for patients and radiology professionals.
Small Molecules With Antibacterial and Anticancer Activity
Dr. Hergenrother from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a series of topoisomerase inhibiting small molecules...
Dr. Hergenrother from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a series of topoisomerase inhibiting small molecules with anticancer activity. These molecules possess comparable activity and selectivity to doxorubicin, a common cancer chemotherapy drug, across a range of cancer cell lines. These small molecules are a promising alternative to cardiotoxicity producing doxorubicin as a cancer chemotherapy drug. These molecules are also useful as broad-spectrum antibiotics capable of treating resistant bacteria strains (minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 0.5 micrograms/mL for S. aureus and E. coli).
A Machine Learning Approach to Elasticity Imaging
Professor Insana from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed an information based technique to determine the...
Professor Insana from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed an information based technique to determine the mechanical properties of soft biological media. This technique has been adapted from the Auto-progressive algorithm that was originally developed for civil engineering applications. This algorithm is a unique combination of Force Displacement, Finite Element Algorithm (FEA), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) along with what to sample and where to look. It is better than the inverse analysis or dynamic imaging techniques in that it has a machine learning aspect which eliminates the need of making any initial assumptions about the media being imaged. The technology has a lot of potential in non-linear imaging and is not tied to any one particular type of imaging technique. Its primary application is in ultrasound imaging.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging of Brain DNA Methylation
Drs. Li, Robinson, Liang, Silverman and Mr. Lam from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new noninvasive method of measuring epigenetic changes...
Drs. Li, Robinson, Liang, Silverman and Mr. Lam from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new noninvasive method of measuring epigenetic changes in a living human brain, specifically DNA methylation, which is related to memory formation. Its main application is diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders. Exiting imaging techniques for Alzheimer’s diagnosis reveal only the presence of amyloid plaques. Even though amyloid plaques in the brain are a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease, their presence cannot be used to diagnose the disease. This new method allows tracking methylation in brain which is directly responsible for memory formation, and therefore it is a more accurate indicator of Alzheimer's disease. The method is noninvasive, and allows for a more flexible administration of the contrast medium.
A System for High-Fidelity Multiplex Detection of Biomarkers
Dr. Aksimentiev from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with colleagues at Northeastern and University of North Carolina,...
Dr. Aksimentiev from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with colleagues at Northeastern and University of North Carolina, has developed multiplex detection platform for general biomarker sensing. This platform uses nanopore-based fingerprinting of nucleic acid nanoparticles to detect the presence of biomarkers. Using a single nanoparticle kit, this invention makes it possible to detect a variety of biomarkers and, thus, diagnose a variety of health conditions. The primary application for this biomarker sensing platform is in the diagnosis of health conditions (e.g., cancer). Additional applications include encryption for homeland security and biodefense.
Ligand for Potential Treatment of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1)
Dr. Zimmerman from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed an oligomeric ligand that can have potential...
Dr. Zimmerman from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed an oligomeric ligand that can have potential applications in the treatment of DM1. This Ligand on account of its multivalent nature, is an improvement over the previous small molecule (TF12039) designed by the inventor. The oligomeric ligand has been shown to rescue mis-splicing activity in DM1 cell models. Climbing defects in adult DM1 drosophila flies was also show to have been rescued on treatment with this oligomeric ligand.
Novel Endocannabinoid Therapeutics
Dr. Aditi Das from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel set of therapeutic endocannabinoid derivatives....
Dr. Aditi Das from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel set of therapeutic endocannabinoid derivatives. These derivatives retain the anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-angiogenic, and anti-platelet aggregatory properties while having an increased half life. As these compounds are based off endogenous endocannabinoids it is predicted side-effects will be miminal. Importantly these derivatives show enhanced anti-migratory properties compared to the endogenous compound suggesting they will act as potent drugs.