Technology Opportunities from University Technology http://www.university-technology.com/sectors/Diagnostics Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:57:45 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/hand-held,-low-cost-drug-detection-system-for-detecting-narcotics-in-saliva Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have developed an innovative method for the presumptive detection of narcotics in saliva. The technique offers a simple "Yes/No" result in seconds using a low powered handheld reader and economic disposable media. University Technology Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:10:21 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/rapid-diagnostic-sensor-technology-for-real-time-biological-or-chemical-sample-detection Heriot-Watt University researchers have developed a patent pending fabrication system for a novel platform sensor technology, capable of highly sensitive and rapid detection of chemical or biological matter in a sample. The sensor technology, based on cantilevers, can be applied to detection of virtually any physical particle, and the fabrication method is polymer-based, low cost and high volume, opening the potential for low cost, disposable microsensor devices. University Technology Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:49:45 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/improved-production-of-glioma-neural-tumour-stem-cell-lines Researchers in the University of Edinburgh have developed a new method of producing a neural tumour stem cell line using a reliable method of purification that retains the characteristics of the tumour from which it was derived and can be differentiated into various neural cell types. University Technology Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:47:17 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/monoclonal-antibody-specific-for-human-soluble-ctla4,--a-novel-therapeutic-and-diagnostic CTLA-4 is an important molecule in regulating the immune response. However, there is more than one genetic isoform of CTLA-4. Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have developed a monoclonal antibody clone JMW-3B3 that binds exclusively to the natural soluble isoform of CTLA4. The antibody significantly enhances targeted immune responses and has clear potential as a revolutionary therapeutic for treatment of cancer and infective disease with additional indications as a disease diagnostic or vaccine adjuvant. Additionally the antibody is available as a research reagent. University Technology Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:11:54 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/3d-real-time-biophotonic-imaging--tracking-suited-to-fluoresence-microscopy-applications Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh, Scotland have developed a patent pending lens system with dedicated particle tracking software to image and track cells, cell processes and small particles in real time in 3D. Compatible with existing imaging & microscopy techniques and built from commercially available optics the system offers both high quality images and positional information on biological processes within a cell. University Technology Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:19:16 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/genespark-molecular-label Genespark is a fast fluorescent molecular labelling technology with unlimited multiplex scalability. University Technology Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:55:44 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/novel-target-for-metastatic-breast-cancer A role for an orphan receptor in metastatic breast cancer has recently been discovered by researchers at the University of Aberdeen. The expression level of this receptor may be correlated with the invasiveness and metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. The receptor may be used as a biomarker for diagnosis of the metastatic potential of breast cancer and may also be a target for therapeutic intervention. University Technology Fri, 15 May 2009 15:56:30 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/diagnostic-biomarkers-for-ectopic-pregnancy Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have identified novel biomarkers, present in the first trimester of pregnancy, for rapid identification of an ectopic or extra-uterine pregnancy. A serum-based test is estimated to generate savings of up to £1 million per year in Scotland alone. University Technology Thu, 22 May 2008 14:00:18 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/methods-for-the-identification-and-treatment-of-multiple-organ-failure Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified potential compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of multiple-organ failure, as well as methods for monitoring the multiple-organ failure status of a patient. University Technology Fri, 28 Sep 2007 10:45:11 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/prion-specific-antibody Researchers at the University of Edinburgh, together with colleagues from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Roslin Institute Neuropathogenesis Unit, and the University of Strathclyde, have developed an antibody that can distinguish abnormal PrP (PrPSc) from the normal cellular form (PrPC). This is a major step towards the provision of a rapid and reliable screening test for the presence of the disease-associated form of the prion protein applicable to donated blood and organs for transplantation. University Technology Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:55:18 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/the-oncology-workbench Developed by Researchers at The Robert Gordon University, The Oncology Workbench is a system to support the design of novel multi-drug cancer chemotherapy regimes. There is a wide variety of anti-cancer drugs available to the modern clinician. These drugs, by their nature, are highly toxic and can cause a number of side effects which are themselves threatening. The oncologist is therefore faced with the task of designing a therapy which achieves the treatment objective whilst limiting the toxic side effects to a reasonable level. The Oncology Workbench uses genetic algorithms to assist the oncologist in this task. University Technology Wed, 06 Jun 2007 11:06:38 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/diagnostic-for-genetic-predisposition-to-autism-with-therapeutic-potential This technology developed at the University of Aberdeen relates to the discovery of mutation of a single gene in individuals with classical autism. The gene is involved in protein translation and offers possibilities in the diagnostic and therapeutic markets for those with autism spectrum disorder. University Technology Mon, 26 Mar 2007 09:50:10 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/mid-infrared-spectroscopic-imager-for-gases,-liquids-and-solids A novel detection and visualisation instrument which uses the back-scatter absorption imaging technique and takes advantage of the very high optical absorption exhibited by many different substances, including hydrocarbons such as methane, in the mid-infrared spectral range. The system therefore not only detects the presence of the substance under test, but also indicates where in the field of view it is, thereby allowing the operator to rapidly find its location. Concentrations of methane have been imaged down to approximately 40ppm.m - a level 500 times lower than the lower explosive limit of this gas. University Technology Wed, 30 Nov 2005 12:20:29 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/a-device-for-reducing-radiation-dose-to-patients-undergoing-diagnostic-medical-x-rays It is notoriously difficult to position patients correctly for x-ray imaging examinations. Reject analysis study is a continuous method of quality assurance which is undertaken daily in diagnostic medical imaging departments. The main cause of over-exposure of patients to x-rays is the need to repeat radiographic examination due to inaccurate patient positioning. An instrument system has been developed by Glasgow Caledonian University in which such errors are minimised by using a computerised method of patient positioning which accurately centres the x-ray beam to the required position for each projection. University Technology Fri, 23 Apr 2004 13:31:43 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/medical-imager-for-sub-surface-temperature-mapping Our imager operates at millimetre wavelengths which result in sub-surface temperature images/maps with high spatial and thermal resolution recorded from useful depths below the skin surface. This technique simply records the natural thermal emission of the human body and there is no active illumination of the subject. This new imaging modality uses a passive, non-contacting sensor and is inherently safe as it presents no "dose" to patient or operator. Operable by nursing staff, it can "see-through" dressings, potentially reducing the chance of cross-contamination and potentially for use in combination with infrared thermal and laser doppler imaging (both synergistic technologies). University Technology Mon, 29 Mar 2004 16:43:49 +0100