The monthly technology column featuring timely tech trends, tips and updates.
Compiled by Bill Beggs Jr.
For inclusion in tech talk: please e-mail your tech information as a press release to: meg@sggdesign.com
Research at SLU Identifies Promising TB Vaccine
Researchers are closer to finding a vaccine that better protects against tuberculosis. An investigational vaccine for TB tested at Saint Louis University appears likely to offer significantly better protection, is safer, and induced a better immune response.
The vaccine is made from a weakened germ from one of the strains of the current TB vaccine, created more than 75 years ago. The new “recombinant” vaccine uses an antigen—a secreted protein from a virulent strain of tuberculosis—to help focus the immune system.
Monsanto Internal Communications Team Gains National Recognition
Since May 2008, Monsanto’s internal communications team has won 16 major regional and national awards for its novel approach using Microsoft SharePoint: two International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Silver Quill Awards for Excellence, two IABC Bronze Quill Awards for Excellence, three Hermes Creative Awards, seven MarCom awards, one SNCR and a Ragan Recognition Award.
Company officials say the team is functioning like a newspaper staff, applying the principles of honesty, accountability and journalistic ethics. Therefore, they get the good news and the bad news about the industry and the company.
The Monsanto worldwide intranet serves more than 20,000 employees and is updated several times a day.
Wash U. Scientists Help Find New Genes Linked to Lung Cancer
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have helped to assemble the most complete catalog to date of genetic changes underlying the most common form of lung cancer. The research helps lay the foundation for more personalized diagnosis and treatment of a disease that is the leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths.
The research team identified 26 genes that are frequently mutated in lung adenocarcinoma, a finding that more than doubles the number of genes already known to be linked to the deadly disease.
More than 1 million people worldwide die of lung cancer each year, including more than 160,000 in the United States. About 40 percent of deaths are from this strain of lung cancer that is exceedingly difficult to treat. Only about 15 percent of patients are still alive five years after diagnosis.
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