Compiled by Bill Beggs Jr. THE MONTHLY TECHNOLOGY COLUMN FEATURING TIMELY TECH TRENDS, TIPS AND UPDATES When you accept the Nobel Prize, allow us the honor of saying, “We knew him/her when...” Hired a new CIO? Let us know about it. Landed a research grant? Don’t keep it to yourself. Found a cure for the common cold? We’re all ears. We’re looking for a few good bits, bytes and blurbs about technological developments for this new monthly column. Items need not be biotech-related, though we surmise that many will be, considering our region has been dubbed the BioBelt. For inclusion in tech talk: Please e-mail your tech information as a press release to: meg@sggdesign.com Orion Expects Patent Soon for Cancer-Fighting Technology Orion Genomics’ MethylScope technology, a broad approach to discovering and quantifying the DNA methylation status on each and every gene in the human genome, should be patented by early this year, company officials say. DNA methylation, an important component of gene regulation, has been strongly linked to cancer. MethylScope quantitatively compares DNA methylation patterns between normal and diseased tissue. Orion’s molecular diagnostic products help detect cancer at its earliest stages and aid in appropriate therapy selection. The technology has helped in the early detection of breast cancer. Orion’s efforts also target lung, ovarian and colon cancers. Malaria Drug May Be Effective Against Heart Disease, Diabetes Studies of a rare genetic condition that increases cancer risk have unveiled a potential treatment for metabolic syndrome, a disorder that afflicts as many as one in every four American adults, putting them at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and clogged arteries. Metabolic syndrome is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems and high blood sugar levels. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. report that the malaria drug chloroquine eased many symptoms of metabolic syndrome in mice. A pilot clinical trial at Washington University using low-dose chloroquine in patients with symptoms of metabolic syndrome is showing promising results. Tech Advances Streamline SSDI Application Process for Disabled Allsup Inc. is using cutting-edge, proprietary technology to make it easier for people with disabilities to apply for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI). With the Social Security Administration (SSA) requiring bar-coded information and electronic images as part of the application process, Allsup’s interfaces allow a seamless transfer of information. Client companies are updated 24/7, and claimants can find out the status of their cases with a telephone call, company officials say. Allsup’s customer service reputation and relationship with the SSA have been key to an upcoming award for superior customer service from the Better Business Bureau. The St. Louis region has a well-established Information Technology industry. Click here to find out more.

February 2007 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cover story with Bill McNamara, Macy’s Midwest. Created by Jim Hodges. Robbyn Wahby Teach for America - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.stlrcga.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Doug Moore Blair Forlaw Rodney Crim Dr. John McGuire - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -