Since 2010 over 250,000 research papers have been published on non-coding RNA (ncRNA) [1]. Of relevance to biotechnology, nearly 90,000 of those papers discuss ncRNA and disease, and 70,000 discuss using ncRNA as therapeutic agents (drugs) or being drug targets. The following sections introduce the drivers for ncRNA interest, companies working on ncRNA, skills needed to work in ncRNA companies, ... Read more
Biotechnology is an area ripe for entrepreneurs. New start up companies are forming all the time in biotech driven by boundless energy and exciting ideas. In this series, we'll be highlighting interesting start-up companies and show you some of the interesting projects that start up companies are taking on.
According to a recent labor market analysis report [1], universities, research institutes, and many companies are competing for a limited pool of technicians who can produce cell and gene therapy products.
Cell therapy products include immunotherapies, cancer vaccines, and other types of both autologous (self cells; the donor is the patient) and allogeneic (other cells; the cells come from ... Read more
Dani Pisciottano, article commissioned by Autoscribe Informatics
Laboratory Information Management Systems, also known as LIMS, are now being employed across the globe for the management of biobanks and other testing facilities. Since their introduction, the systems have been used to support and streamline laboratory operations, from specimen collection to distribution and even disposal, ultimately helping laboratory technicians carry out their daily procedures.
Guest article contributed by Dr. Terri Quenzer, MiraCosta College.
Time is running out. We need to stop global warming from heating the earth’s temperature by another 1.5 °C before it’s too late. We must do this no later than 2050, preferably sooner, and we’re already late to the party.
Race Against the Clock (RATC) is a call to ... Read more
"It's all about saving Aunt Millie" – Bob Swanson Co-Founder of Genentech.
Jim DeKloe wrote this post as a guest author a few years ago. Jim is one of the most inspirational educators I know and he's the sort of person that reminds you why educating students about biotechnology careers is important. His moving story reminds me that there's ... Read more
In Nov 2021, I attended the “Broadening Data Science Education for the Future Biomanufacturing Workforce” virtual meeting [1]. The goal of the event was to discuss the unique challenges associated with educating and training future biomanufacturing employees in the areas of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. According to one presentation, an R&D World survey found that “62% ... Read more
The Bay Area Biotechnology Education Consortium (BABEC) has developed some wonderful materials for teaching about biotechnology careers and using the Biotech-Careers.org website. 1. View the Career Explorations slide deck 2. View the Career Explorations student guide
BABEC recommends having students explore careers and work with the Biotech-Careers.org website after ... Read more
Many entry-level biotech job descriptions include lab experience or an internship as a requirement. But until you've gotten your first internship or part-time lab job, meeting this requirement seems almost impossible. You can't get a job without experience and you can't get experience without a job. What do you do?
