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mRNA normalized fold expression from transcript of interest
Invention Summary:
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a debilitating and chronic brain disorder characterized by symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts. Current diagnostic criteria rely solely on behavioral observations and do not account for molecular and clinical neuroscience-based data. Likewise, treatment for SCZ is also based on behavioral symptom management rather than targeting underlying biological mechanisms. This frequently results in poor outcomes and low treatment compliance. In the interest of improving the diagnosis and treatment of SCZ, there is an unmet need for relevant biomarkers from easily collected samples.
Rutgers researchers have identified levels of a transcript of interest and levels of a protein of interest from patients’ buccal cells, collected by noninvasive cheek swab, may serve as effective SCZ biomarkers. Notably, these biomarkers in buccal cells afford an opportunity for a molecular diagnostic that does not require a blood sample, which is desirable in a patient population that is generally more hesitant to consent to have blood samples taken than the general population.
Market Applications:
Buccal cell mRNA and protein as easily collected, novel SCZ biomarkers.
Buccal cell kit for SCZ diagnosis and treatment evaluation.
Advantages:
Opportunity for introducing molecular evidence to aid in the diagnosis of SCZ.
Buccal cell-derived samples are easily collected from patients.
Publications: Manuscript in review.
Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional application filed. Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships, contact: marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu
https://wsu.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/ncs_3618-sa1.pdf
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Although there are over 100 compounds shown to be effective experimentally, testing in human clinical trials has produced no new treatments. Due to compounds targeting individual genes, proteins, or enzymes, TBI continues to propagate via parallel pathways. Paired with inherent limitations of animal models, clinical trial designs, and TBI heterogeneity, more comprehensive forms of treatment are required.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis has developed a novel treatment for traumatic brain injury using a systematic tumor suppressing MicroRNA. This invention uses the concept that neuronal death in neurological diseases and tumor growth in cancer share the same mechanism – aberrant cell cycle re-entry. The treatment has been successfully tested in an adult rat TBI model to significantly: reduce bleeding, inhibit multiple oncogenes, block disruption of the blood brain barrier (BBB) and prevent neuronal death after TBI. This approach has the potential to treat TBI and other acute brain injuries (such as intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke) in humans.
This series of naturally occurring compounds enhances people's perception of sweetness. These flavor volatiles augment the sensation of sweet taste produced by sugars. Products incorporating these sweetness enhancers could have reduced sugar levels while maintaining the same perceived level of sweetness and thus capture a greater portion of the reduced-calorie market. Consumers continue to demand foods and drinks with a high level of sweetness. However, the amount of sugar needed to achieve the sweetness levels preferred by consumers also promotes tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. While artificial sweeteners offer a lower-calorie alternative to refined sugars and high-fructose corn syrup, these products do not completely mimic the taste of natural sugars. Some may even cause other health problems when consumed in large quantities. Recent studies have revealed that flavor volatiles in foods and beverages affect how consumers perceive their sweetness, but available products do not capitalize on this connection between smell and flavor. Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a group of naturally occurring compounds that enhance the perception of sweetness. Products incorporating the compounds identified by UF researchers, when used along with sugar in consumer products, will enhance the perception of sweetness, allowing less sugar to be added.
Naturally occurring compounds that enhance consumers' perception of sweet flavor by stimulating the olfactory system
University of Florida researchers have identified a series of naturally-occurring volatile compounds that enhance the perception of sweetness generated by tasting low concentrations of sugar. These aroma volatiles intensify sweetness in the central nervous system and thereby modify how people sense sweetness imparted by sugars in the food or drink.
This technology is a method for the 3D imaging of spaceborne objects such as near-Earth asteroids. The imaging is performed by a swarm of 6U CubeSats, each equipped with its own propulsion system and camera. The CubeSats utilize advanced sensing and communications systems to coordinate with one another and capture a high-resolution 3D image of a targeted object in a single high-speed flyby. By using a high-speed flyby, this approach bypasses many of the costs and challenges associated with the coordinated rendezvous required for proximity operations. This approach offers increased fuel efficiency and significantly reduces the cost and complexity of space imaging missions.
Background:
Spacecraft swarms are emerging as a major area of research in recent years due to their potential to achieve complex missions with reduced cost and risk. In a mission reliant on a single satellite, any damage to the satellite or technological failure can endanger the mission. However, a mission utilizing a swarm of many small satellites can often proceed even with the loss of a satellite, reducing the risk of mission failure. This technology applies this satellite swarm technology to capture detailed, close-up 3D images of spaceborne objects. By obtaining the required imagery in a single high-speed pass, this technology eliminates the need for velocity matching, vastly reducing the cost and complexity relative to previous space imaging missions.
Applications:
Advantages:
PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES
• Sensors/Biosensors
• Sustainable electronics
PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
• Expand possibilities for attaching electronically conductive protein nanowires (e-PNs) to substrates
• Enhance binding of desired analytes for sensors
• Enable covalent bonding of e-PNs to polymeric materials to produce conductive composites
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
This invention demonstrates the functionalization of electronically conductive protein nanowires (e-PNs) with one or more peptides (e.g. “His-tag” , “HA-tag”) while maintaining, or possibly increasing, their conductivity. The ability to decorate e-PNs greatly expand the potential application in electronic devices and for the fabrication of electrically conductive composite materials
AVAILABILITY:
Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research
DOCKET:
UMA 19-046
PATENT STATUS:
Patent Pending
NON-CONFIDENTIAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE
LEAD INVENTOR:
Derek Lovley, Ph.D.
CONTACT:
This invention demonstrates the functionalization of electronically conductive protein nanowires (e-PNs) with one or more peptides (e.g. “His-tag” , “HA-tag”) while maintaining, or possibly increasing, their conductivity. The ability to decorate e-PNs greatly expand the potential application in electronic devices and for the fabrication of electrically conductive composite materials.
PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES
• Sustainable electronics
• Various applications requiring electric power
PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
• Producing electricity from air
• Constant availability agnostic of time and location
• Sustainability
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
This invention demonstrates thin-film devices made from electrically conductive protein nanowires (e-PNs) that can generate continuous electric power in ambient environment driven by the self-maintained moisture gradient that forms within the film when exposed to the humidity naturally present in the air. The devices can produce substantial voltages at relative humidity as low as 20%.
ABOUT THE INVENTOR
•Prof. Jun Yao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on nanoelectronic devices and sensors, bioelectronic interfaces, wearable devices, and “green” electronics made from biomaterials.
•Prof. Derek Lovley is a Research Professor in the Department Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on the physiology and ecology of novel anaerobic microorganisms as well as microbial production of protein nanowires for applications in renewable electricity generation and biomedical sensing.
AVAILABILITY:
Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research
DOCKET:
UMA 19-008
PATENT STATUS:
Patent Pending
NON-CONFIDENTIAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE
LEAD INVENTOR:
Jun Yao, Ph.D., Derek Lovley, Ph.D.
CONTACT:
This invention demonstrates thin-film devices made from electrically conductive protein nanowires (e-PNs) that can generate continuous electric power in ambient environment driven by the self-maintained moisture gradient that forms within the film when exposed to the humidity naturally present in the air. The devices can produce substantial voltages at relative humidity as low as 20%.