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Biotech Hubs and Facilities
on July 31, 2011
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jurvetson
The number of companies in Florida was up 21%, with 29 new companies started since 2008 for a total of 165 statewide. Southeast Florida and North Central Florida led the state in the number of biotech startups. However, nationwide the US biotech sector lost between 15-25% of public companies and 5-10% of private companies over the same time period. Total investment funding for biotech was up 37% in Florida in 2010, reaching $158 million in total, while it remained relatively flat nationwide. The growth in Florida is being driven by the strong presence of research institutes like Scripps, Sanford Burham, Torrey Pines and Max Planck, as well as major public research universities such as the University of Florida.
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Did you know
, Misc
on July 29, 2011
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soupboy
The field of medical technology is advancing faster than we can keep up with it. However, these rapid advancements are highly beneficial especially since many have been designed to decrease the risks associated with giving birth.
Today, many ob gyn doctors such as WHA in Columbia, MO are using new electronic monitoring systems called fetal dopplers. The fetal doppler has become an important prenatal instrument as it is able to provide an audible simulation of the baby's heart beat. Originally used only by medical professionals, midwives have also begun using these monitoring systems to help their clients track the development of their growing baby.
A study conducted by the Society For Maternal-Fetal Medicine concluded that by using the fetal dopplers doctors have been able to the reduce infant mortality rate. The study also showed a direct link between looking at the fetus' heart rate and offering a more accurate diagnosis for any problems the fetus may be suffering from, allowing doctors to address any worrisome conditions at an earlier stage and adjust treatments immediately and accordingly.
Though advancements in technology across the medical field have made huge leaps forward, extending the human lifespan and enhancing the diagnosis process, it won't be technological advancements alone that reduce the infant mortality rate. A shockingly large number of women are opting for "scheduled births" which allows a woman to schedule her birth ahead of time without letting nature take its course. Many doctors and professionals argue that, what are also know as C-sections, have only increased the infant mortality rate in recent years. Just a couple decades ago it was rare for a woman to have a C-section, however, now one in every three women elect to have this procedure.
Many argue that the growing infant mortality rate directly correlates to this spike in c-section deliveries as it is a very dangerous procedure that people don't approach with the level of seriousness that they should. Either way, technological fronts have introduced new and innovative ways to care for mothers and infants. It's hoped that the rising infant mortality rate will be confronted on a larger scale from the medical community, and that we can begin to lower infant deaths to a near zero figure.
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Misc
on July 8, 2011
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Sebastianlund
In the life science sector, robots are increasingly being used to handle drug discovery, machine design and also pharmaceutical testing. The applications for robotics vary and many robotics firms are being approached by life science companies for automation. According to Peter Cavallo who is the Sales Manager at North American Robot, there is a future for robotics in the biological, pharmaceutical and chemical testing.
These robots are not only being used at the life science companies but also at the pharmacies to counter the sale of over the counter medication. These robots can be used to dispense the medicines at high volume stores. Moreover these robots offer higher productivity and data logging which helps in keeping a trace on the medicines.
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