Gemma Henderson

A team from ZHAW Zurich has showcased the transferability of CHO-cell-based mAb production processes from geometrically dissimilar stirred bioreactors for fed-batch and perfusion processes, the team has opened up new possibilities for cost savings and increased yields. Their study found that the high volumetric productivity in the perfusion processes can lead to cost savings, smaller bioreactor sizes, and maintained manufacturing capacity in production plants. Alternatively, yields could be increased by a factor of 2.8 to 3.2 while still using the same bioreactor size. We look forward to seeing how it will impact the future of antibody production. #biotech #antibodyproduction #research https://lnkd.in/eA9992FV

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Emergence of ciprofloxacin heteroresistance in foodborne Salmonella enterica serovar Agona Quadram Institute Background Bacterial heteroresistance has been increasingly identified as an important phenomenon for many antibiotic/bacterium combinations. Objectives To investigate ciprofloxacin heteroresistance in Salmonella and characterize mechanisms contributing to ciprofloxacin heteroresistance. Methods Ciprofloxacin-heteroresistant Salmonella were identified by population analysis profiling (PAP). Target mutations and the presence of PMQR genes were detected using PCR and sequencing. Expression of acrB, acrF and qnrS was conducted by quantitative RT–PCR. Competition ability and virulence were also compared using pyrosequencing, blue/white screening, adhesion and invasion assays and a Galleria model. Two subpopulations were whole-genome sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Illumina platforms. For Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing, genomic DNA was extracted using the RevoluGen Ltd Fire Monkey Kit. Conclusions We determined that heteroresistance resulted from a combination of mutations in fluoroquinolone target genes and overexpression of efflux pumps associated with a deletion in rsxC. This study warns that ciprofloxacin heteroresistance exists in Salmonella in the food chain and highlights the necessity for careful interpretation of antibiotic susceptibility. https://lnkd.in/e5KkvEu8

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Global experts on plant pathology convened at IRRI Headquarters to discuss and address the threat of Rice False Smut (RFS) disease. The participants also joined the newly formed International Rice False Smut Consortium (IRFSC). Supported by the John Templeton Foundation, this event included presentations, workshops, meetings, and field visits, responding to the increasing threat of false smut disease caused by the fungal pathogen 𝘜𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘴. This disease is exacerbated by changing climate patterns and increased seed movement, posing a significant risk to high-yield rice varieties. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3Vn8FPw

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New Publication Out! 📣 We are excited to share the publication of our latest study on the seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in Swiss dairy herds and the risk factors associated with herd seropositivity. This study was performed in cooperation with the Ruminant Clinic of the Vetsuisse-Faculty of the University of Bern and the Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene of the Vetsuisse-Faculty in Zürich. Study highlights: ◾ Determination of the seroprevalence of 10.063 serum samples from dairy cattle across 171 Swiss dairy farms ◾ True Between-Herd Seroprevalence calculated at 3.6% (95% CI, 0.96–8.4%) ◾ Herd size and common grazing practices increased the likelihood of seropositive status Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) poses significant challenges to dairy farming, impacting animal health and productivity. Our research explores the disease's status in Switzerland and discusses the complexities and limitations of MAP diagnosis. For those interested in veterinary science, epidemiology, and dairy herd health, we invite you to read the full paper in Vet. Sci., 2024, 11, 281. doi: 10.3390/vetsci11060281 or access the link in the first comment. #VeterinaryResearch #Paratuberculosis #DairyFarming #AnimalHealth #Epidemiology #SwissDairy #JohnesDisease

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Research & Development CAN find the answers to assist with insect pests. "...moths, and their larvae in particular, are not always welcome in forests, parks and gardens. Some moth species constitute a real threat to forests when they appear en masse." Image courtesy of © Fraunhofer IFF - Outdoor tests in the forest near Wetzlar (Hessen) #pestmonitoring #pestmanagement #forestry #researchanddevelopment https://lnkd.in/eKAMdqNM

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New research by the John Innes Centre reveals that non-flowering plants like mosses, liverworts, and ferns have complex immune receptors, similar to those of flowering plants. These immune receptors, which help plants defend against pathogens, can be transferred between non-flowering and flowering plants. This discovery opens up possibilities for engineering crop immunity by using resistance genes from these non-flowering plants, offering a new frontier in crop protection against diseases intensified by climate change.

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AvantGen has identified a novel anti-CD16a antibody clones for the development of effective natural killer cell engagers by screening AvantGen’s yeast displayed human antibody libraries. I am glad that Gator Bio's NextGen BLI technology can help this research. These bispecific antibody engagers stimulate NK cell cytokine release during co-culture with target cells, resulting in target cell cytotoxicity. These anti-CD16a antibody clones are promising candidates for combination with any TAA of interest, offering the potential for novel NK cell engager-based cancer therapeutics that are minimally affected by the high concentrations of human IgG in the circulation Here is the link to this publication: https://lnkd.in/g46FKJJ3 #AvantGen #GatorBio #BLI #CD16a #NKcellEngager #Cytokine #Bispecific #CellEngager #CancerTherapeutics #IgG

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Important article in full support of enzyme safety for consumers using laundry & dish detergents containing these sustainable work horses. Without the cleaning power of sustainable enzymes, we’d be back to the dark ages of pollution (from phosphate containing detergents) and excessive energy use from high temperature laundry cycles. https://lnkd.in/gijj8MUu

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Today's MUST READ: Dr Kay Russo and colleague's cogent assessment of the very poor level of preparedness for the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A:H5N1 in dairy cattle in the USA likely acquired from infected wild birds, spillover infections in people, spillover and die-offs in poultry and turkey farms, ensuing risks of the development of widespread human flu and what should be done ASAP to mitigate further risks to both animals and people. https://lnkd.in/gmNWxV_Q 

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🎉 Tomorrow we are celebrating 25 years of successful bilateral relations between Switzerland and the European Union. A quarter of a century in which both parties have benefited from a number of important agreements, especially for the life sciences sector in the context of participation in research programs, free movement of persons or the mutual recognition of conformity assessments 🇨🇭🇪🇺 The bilateral agreements not only bring immense benefits for the economy, but also for each and every one of us. They have simplified trade between Switzerland and the EU and strengthened many other sectors. 🤝💼 Cooperation with the EU has helped to increase the innovative strength of Swiss companies and brings us many advantages in our everyday lives. 🚀✨ As a European citizen with strong ties to Switzerland, these agreements are particularly important to me. They facilitate cross-border collaboration, making it easier for professionals like me to contribute to and benefit from the thriving economic and cultural exchange between Switzerland and the EU. 🌍👩‍💼 Switzerland is currently negotiating a further development of these bilateral agreements and I would like to thank stark+vernetzt – Für eine konstruktive Europapolitik for being a strong voice for the bilateral agreements. Check out their “Tour de Suisse” that started in #Basel, continues today with events St.Gallen, Geneva and at Ypsomed AG, and tomorrow in Bern🛠️🤞 Let us look back together on this successful path and look to the future with confidence. It is vital to keep and foster initiatives that ensure Europe as a whole can stay competitive and innovative on the global stage! #Switzerland #EU #BilateralRelations #Europe #Innovation #CrossBorderCollaboration

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☀️Root-associated microbiome in maize under nitrogen deficiency and drought 🌽Maize production relies heavily on nitrogen and water availability. During the Green Revolution, new maize varieties were developed with high input conditions, but they have low nitrogen uptake efficiency. Only a third of the nitrogen provided by fertilizers is used for grain production. Drought is a significant challenge worldwide, especially in dry regions, affecting crop yields. 🔬 To address this, we aim to develop more resilient crops by targeting root traits adapted to nutrient and water uptake in deeper soil layers, along with beneficial root-associated microbes. Our project investigates how genotype-related root traits and microbiomes interact in maize under various stresses. With Elena Giuliano and Dr. Tania Galindo Castañeda #Microbiomes #sustainableagriculture #Nitrogen #RootPhenotypes #resilientagriculture #MaizeProduction with Martin Hartmann, Johan Six Department of Environmental Systems Science (D-USYS), ETH Zürich ETH Zürich 🎥 Check out the video here: https://lnkd.in/e8EDjNV3 🌐 For a deeper dive into our research and activities, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eCaJbWRt 🎬 This video was elaborated by EconFilm

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#CRISPR engineering of barley crops has been approved for a field trial in Switzerland.   The trial will employ #CRISPRCas9 to disable the CKX2 gene in barley, responsible for regulating seed formation. Previous studies have shown that disabling this gene can enhance yields in rice and oilseed rape.   Scheduled to commence this spring in the Zurich-Reckenholz region, the trial will initially focus on the malting barley variety, Golden Promise. The findings will inform potential applications for other barley varieties and other cereal species such as wheat.   Read more: https://shorturl.at/akwZ3

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It's amazing to see so many biotech and antibody-based startups on the list of Top 100 Swiss Startups this year. However, it's not much of a surprise. With one of the most supportive environments in the world for the life sciences sector, Switzerland provides the perfect conditions for biotech startups to take root and grow. I can't wait to see which organisations make the list next year. #Biotech #SwissInnovation #Startups #Top100SwissStartups

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Welcome back to another edition of OGT’s publications* in focus! Today we put the spotlight on a cytogenetics study in which our CytoCell® FISH products were utilised. 🔬”SRY + derivative X chromosome in a female with apparently typical sexual development” During this study, the initial analysis of results was completed, by using an interphase aneuploidy FISH panel. This included the following Cytocell probes: RB1, D18Z1, DYRK1A/KCNJ6/DSCR8 and DXZ1. Additionally, a follow up metaphase FISH analysis was performed with the CytoCell probes SHOX and DXZ1. To find out more, view the publication here: https://lnkd.in/evXU7D5x *Providing links to these publications is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace independent professional judgement. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the publications’ authors and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, are not the opinion or position of the Oxford Gene Technology Group (OGT). OGT does not endorse or approve, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, accuracy or completeness of the information presented in these publications.

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🚀 Exciting Milestones for the Swiss Biotech Industry in 2023! The recently released Swiss Biotech Report 2024 highlights a phenomenal year for the Swiss biotech sector, achieving record revenues of $8 billion (CHF 7.3 billion) and raising over $2.2 billion (CHF 2 billion) in capital investments—an impressive 50% increase from 2022! Key Highlights: 🔬 Stable Employment in R&D: Amid industry-wide layoffs, the number of full-time equivalents (FTEs) in R&D roles remained steady, showcasing the resilience and stability of the Swiss biotech workforce. 💡 Strong Investment in Innovation: Although R&D investments saw a slight decrease to $2.6 billion (CHF 2.4 billion), the commitment to innovation remains unwavering with significant resources allocated to external collaborations and projects. Investment Landscape: *Venture Capital: Notable funding rounds include NewBiologix ($50M), Noema Pharma ($112.6M), Alentis Therapeutics ($105M), and Rejuveron ($75M). *Public Market Financing: Major fundraises by MoonLake Immunotherapeutics ($453.6M) and Lonza ($164M). *Strategic Partnerships: Key collaborations like CRISPR Therapeutics with Vertex Pharmaceuticals are driving cutting-edge advancements. IPO Success: Despite global market volatility, Switzerland made its mark with Oculis going public via a SPAC transaction on NASDAQ, raising $104 million initially and an additional $40 million in follow-on financing. Innovative Collaborations: - Gene Editing: CRISPR Therapeutics' work with Vertex Pharmaceuticals led to FDA and EMA approvals for a gene-edited treatment for sickle cell disease. - CAR-T Therapy: Novartis' collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania developed Kymriah, the first FDA-approved CAR-T cell therapy. - Oncology Data Analytics: Roche's partnership with Flatiron Health is enhancing real-world data analysis for better cancer treatment outcomes. Looking ahead, the Swiss biotech industry is poised for a bright future with robust revenue growth, strong M&A activity, and solid international collaborations. Source: https://lnkd.in/devcxekD #SwissBiotech #Innovation #Biotech #Investment #ResearchAndDevelopment #R&D #VentureCapital #IPOs #Collaborations #GeneEditing #CARTTherapy #Oncology #SwissBiotechReport2024 #HealthcareInnovation NewBiologix | Noema Pharma | Alentis Therapeutics | Rejuveron Life Sciences AG | MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ: MLTX) | Lonza | Oculis | CRISPR Therapeutics | Vertex Pharmaceuticals | Novartis | Roche | Flatiron Health | University of Pennsylvania

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The so-called “golden rice” is a genetically modified variety of the staple crop developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology to address #vitaminA deficiencies in low-income regions through the addition of genes from daffodils and #bacteria. These provide the rice plant with #enzymes that allow it to produce beta-carotene, which the human body converts into vitamin A. Reported by Milana Nikolova. Read the full article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eXhbPtyY

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If you are not familiar with the #KCAS Bio Podcast, this is a great episode to listen to. You can learn all about the global growth of KCAS Bio, but more importantly, you can learn about how I got tear gassed and survived!

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