Reports + Research
UC San Diego Researchers Use AI to Diagnose Eye Diseases
With simple training by researchers, a computer performed similar to a well-trained ophthalmologist and could generate a decision on whether or not the patient should be referred for treatment for blinding eye diseases within 30 seconds, with more than 95 percent accuracy. The study focused on two common causes of irreversible blindness: Macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. Both conditions are treatable if detected early.
TSRI Scientists Shed Light on Genome’s Dark Matter
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute combed through thousands of human genome sequences to identify DNA regions that rarely change. These regions are believed to play important roles in health and belong to the “non-coding” genome, which regulates how key proteins are produced but does not directly code for proteins.
Fate Therapeutics Wins CIRM Grant for NK Cell Cancer Immunotherapy
CIRM awarded Fate Therapeutics a $4 million grant to advance FT516 into a first-in-human clinical trial. FT516 is being developed as an off-the-shelf engineered NK cell cancer immunotherapy, made from an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line. The goal is to treat multiple solid-tumor types “by restoring a patient’s immune cell function and enhancing the therapeutic effect of monoclonal antibody therapy.”
Opinion: San Diego Needs More Local Students with Top STEM Skills
In advance of the annual San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering taking place March 3-11, Sarah Pagano discusses why San Diego students should explore STEM education and what it means for our city.
Read + Listen
POW! Podcast of the Week
Here are 20 STEM education podcasts to be inspired about science, technology, education, and mathematics.
BOW! Book of the Week
From The New York Times Book Review, Seven Brief Lessons on Physics is a “a whirlwind tour of some of the biggest ideas in physics. The reader will come away…with a deeper understanding of how modern physics has brought us closer to an ultimate understanding of reality.”
Events
It’s Happening Here
March 1
Are you interested in exploring the use of behavioral economics and psychology in the design and development of products and services that help people take action to improve their lives? Then don’t miss the inaugural Action Design Meetup in San Diego taking place at UC San Diego.
March 1–2
The 11th Annual Future of Genomic Medicine (#FOGM18) conference is taking place at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
March 3–11
The annual San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering runs March 3–11, with the kickoff event Expo Day at PETCO Park on March 3.
March 6–7
Ignite is UC San Diego’s flagship annual innovation conference, connecting risk-takers, rule-breakers, and change-makers across the campus and community.
March 9
4th Annual UCSD Division of Regenerative Medicine Symposium will take place at the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine.
Client Disclosure: Banyan Biomarkers
Tags: Biotech, Biotech Briefing, Blogs, Genomics, Medical Research, TSRI, UCSD
