Institute of Experimental Medicine

A research team has developed a broadband UV dual-comb spectrometer with which air pollutants can be continually measured and their reaction with the environment can be observed in real time. Sunlight has a major influence on chemical processes. Its high-energy UV radiation in particular is strongly absorbed by all materials and triggers photochemical reactions of the substances present in the air. A well-known example is the formation of ground-level ozone when UV light hits nitrogen oxides. A research team led by Birgitta Schultze-Bernhardt from the Institute of Experimental Physics at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) is now utilising this high reaction potential for a new method of environmental monitoring. They have developed the world's first broadband UV dual-comb spectrometer with which air pollutants can be continually measured and their reaction with the environment can be observed in real time. A paper on the development has been recently published in the journal Optica. Dual-comb spectrometers have been around for almost 20 years. Here, a source emits light in a broad wavelength range, which, when arranged according to its optical frequencies, is reminiscent of the teeth of a comb. If this light penetrates a gaseous material sample, the molecules it contains absorb some of the light. The altered light wavelengths allow conclusions to be drawn about the ingredients and optical properties of the analysed gas. Laser light pulses cause gas molecules to rotate and vibrate The special feature of the spectrometer developed by Birgitta Schultze-Bernhardt is that a laser system emits double light pulses in the ultraviolet spectrum. When this UV light meets gas molecules, it excites the molecules electronically and also causes them to rotate and vibrate -- so-called rovibronic transitions -- which are unique to each gaseous substance. In addition, the broadband UV dual-comb spectrometer combines three properties that conventional spectrometers have so far only been able to offer in part: (1) a large bandwidth of the emitted UV light, which means that a great deal of information about the optical properties of the gas samples can be collected with a single measurement; (2) a high spectral resolution, which in future will also enable the investigation of complex gas mixtures such as our Earth's atmosphere; and (3) short measurement times when analysing the gas samples. "This makes our spectrometer suitable for sensitive measurements by which changes in gas concentrations and the course of chemical reactions can be observed very precisely," explains Lukas Fürst, PhD student in the Coherent Sensing working group and first author of the publication. Developed and tested using formaldehyde as an example The researchers developed and tested their spectrometer using formaldehyde. The air pollutant is produced when fossil fuels and wood are burned, as well as indoors through vapours from adhesives used in furniture. "With our new spectrometer, formaldehyde emissions in the textile or wood processing industries as well as in cities with increased smog levels can be monitored in real time, thus improving the protection of personnel and the environment," explains Birgitta Schultze-Bernhardt. The application of the spectrometer can also be transferred to other air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and ozone and other climate-relevant trace gases. The research team hopes that this will provide new findings about their effects in the atmosphere. Based on this, new strategies for improving air quality could be derived.

DUBLIN--( BUSINESS WIRE )--The "8th Annual Biomarker and Companion Diagnostics Conference" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Leveraging next-gen technologies beyond conventional biomarker drug discovery! The hosts bring to you the 8th Annual Biomarker and CDx Conference scheduled to be held on 8th - 9th February 2023 in San Diego, USA. This event will have an introduction to turning biomarkers into companion diagnostics. 30+ experts from academia and industry will be presenting their current work in Biomarkers, the latest updates on regulatory guidelines and approvals, Cancer biomarker validation for clinical application, Biomarkers and Personalized Medicine, the Impact of Big data in translational biomarker research and the Future of Companion Diagnostics Opportunity to develop long-lasting business relationships and networking opportunities with researchers, scientists, clinicians, academicians and professionals from Pharmaceutical companies, Bio-pharma companies, Universities, and Research institutes. Over 20 presentations, round tables, and panel discussions focused on the key opportunities and challenges in biomarker research, from precision medicine and companion diagnostics through to digital biomarkers and clinical trials. The Expert Panel will take you through their presentations which will include problems, solutions and services in the Clinical Applications of Biomarkers in Immuno-Oncology, Neurology and Inflammatory Diseases. Attendees would evidence the examples and the case studies which will help in creating the revenue. The keynote presentations would also help the attendees understand the issues related to clinical translation of biomarkers. What To Expect Key Highlights Commercialization of CDx Proteomics and Genomics based Biomarkers Biomarker Drug Discovery and Assay Development Multiplex Companion Diagnostics and Regulatory Guidelines Design of clinical trials in CDx Digital Biomarkers, Predictive Biomarkers, Precision Medicine and Big Data Clinical Applications of Biomarkers in Immuno-Oncology, Neurology and Inflammatory Diseases Who Should Attend: Researchers, scientists, clinicians, academicians and professionals from Pharmaceutical companies, Bio-pharma companies & Universities and Research institutes working in: Biomarker discovery/development Translational research Clinical Biomarker Biomarkers in IO and Neurological disorders Imaging Biomarkers Pathology Companion Diagnostics Biomarker Imaging Proteomics Biomarkers Experimental Medicine Data Science Biomarkers in Clinical Discovery Immuno-oncology/Neuroscience Drug Discovery Diagnostic Biomarkers development Personalized Medicine Immunology Biomarkers Agenda: Day 1 Wed, 08-Feb-2023 Registration 08:15 - 08:45 Welcome note 08:45 - 09:05 Opening Remarks from the Chairman 09:05 - 09:10 Keynote Presentation 09:10 - 09:40 Challenges associated with Clinical Biomarker Validation Advancing Digital Pathology in biomarker identification and drug discovery 09:40 - 10:10 Solution Provider Presentation-Reserved for Gold Sponsor 10:10 - 10:25 Morning Refreshments and Poster Presentation - One-to-One Networking Meetings 10:25 - 11:10 Non-invasive biomarker identification and analysis using Breath Biopsy 11:10 - 11:40 Huw Davies, VP, Global Sales, Owlstone Medical Presentation by BD Biosciences 11:40 - 12:10 Studying the clinical change of paradigm in liquid biopsies 12:10 - 12:40 Use of biomarkers in clinics-success and challenges of getting a good biomarker 12:40 - 13:10 Lunch and Poster Presentation - One-to-One Networking Meetings 13:10 - 14:10 Role of Biomarkers in Personalized Medicine Precision Oncology Centric Development of Antibody Drug Conjugates 14:10 - 14:40 Rakesh Dixit, CEO, Bionavigen Solution Provider Presentation 14:40 - 14:55 Why is monitoring predictive biomarker data so difficult for big pharma? 14:55 - 15:25 AI for proteomics and biomarker discovery 15:25 - 15:55 Afternoon Refreshments and Poster Presentation - One-to-One Networking Meetings 15:55 - 16:40 Patient Identification and Stratification applying predictive models 16:40 - 17:10 Use of Real World Evidence in the discovery of digital biomarkers 17:10 - 17:25 Solution Provider Presentation 17:25 - 17:55 Closing Remarks from the Chairman 17:55 - 17:55 Drinks Reception & Networking 17:55 - 17:55 End of Day 1 17:55 - 17:55 Day 2 Thu, 09-Feb-2023 Registration 08:15 - 09:00 Welcome note 09:00 - 09:05 Opening Remarks from the Chairman 09:05 - 09:10 Keynote Presentation 09:10 - 09:40 From Biomarkers to CDx: Strategies to accelerate CDx development and Commercialization From Undruggable Target to CDx and Beyond 09:40 - 10:10 Mason Israel, Regional Medical Affairs Director, Mirati Therapeutics Solution Provider Presentation-Reserved for Gold Sponsor 10:10 - 10:25 Morning Refreshments and Poster Presentation - One-to-One Networking Meetings 10:25 - 11:10 Future of RNA Diagnostics in Cancer 11:10 - 11:40 Michael Milburn, President, CEO, GeneCentric Therapeutics Solution Provider Presentation-Reserved for Silver Sponsor 11:40 - 11:55 CDx Launch Success: From Early Biomarker Development to Commercialization 11:55 - 12:10 Solution Provider Presentation 12:10 - 12:40 Building up a successful CDx partnership with Pharma 12:40 - 13:10 Lunch and Poster Presentation - One-to-One Networking Meetings 13:10 - 14:10 Clinical Applications of Biomarkers in Immuno-Oncology, Neurology, and Infectious Diseases Solution Provider Presentation 14:10 - 14:25 Leveraging IO markers for companion diagnostics development 14:25 - 14:55 Solution Provider Presentation 14:55 - 15:25 Innovative Safety Biomarker Applications to Drug Development 15:25 - 15:55 End of Conference 15:55 - 15:55 Speakers Maria Wang Associate Director, Bristol-Myers Squibb Yingpeng Zhan Scientist, Sorrento Therapeutics Michael Milburn President, CEO, GeneCentric Therapeutics Rakesh Dixit CEO, Bionavigen Mason Israel Regional Medical Affairs Director, Mirati Therapeutics Matthew Davis Director, Molecular Biology and Sequencing, Gritstone Oncology Huw Davies VP, Global Sales, Owlstone Medical Senior Representative, BD Biosciences For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lwpsu7

Nerve cells can regulate their sensitivity to incoming signals autonomously. A new study has now discovered a mechanism that does just that. Nerve cells can regulate their sensitivity to incoming signals autonomously. A new study led by the University of Bonn has now discovered a mechanism that does just that. The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior were involved in the work. The results have now been published in the journal Cell Reports. Anyone who has ever sent a voice message with a cell phone knows how much the volume matters: Shouting into the microphone results in a distorted and unclear recording. But whispering is not a good idea either -- then the result is too quiet and also difficult to understand. That is why sound engineers ensure the perfect sound at every concert and talk show: They regulate each microphone's gain to match the input signal. The neurons in the brain can also fine-tune their sensitivity, and even do so autonomously. A new study led by the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn shows how they do this. For this purpose, the participants investigated nerve cell networks that also play a role in vision, hearing and touch. The stimulus first travels to the so-called thalamus, a structure deep in the center of the brain. From there, it is then conducted to the cerebral cortex, where it is further processed. Each neuron adjusts itself "The neurons in the cerebral cortex are stimulated by the signals from the thalamus to generate action potentials," explains Prof. Dr. Heinz Beck from the Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research at the University Hospital Bonn. "These are short voltage pulses that are then transmitted to other sites in the brain. For that to work well, the neurons have to adjust to the intensity of the excitatory signals." For example, they need to dial down their sensitivity if the incoming stimuli were very strong. "We have now discovered that a specific enzyme called SLK plays a role in this process," says Beck, who is also spokesperson for the Transdisciplinary Research Area "Life and Health" at the University of Bonn. "It enables neurons to individually calibrate their own excitability." Which is somewhat like having no sound engineer: Instead, the microphones would automatically adjust their sensitivity so that the recording is neither too quiet nor overamplified. "In this mechanism, special nerve cells play an essential role, the so-called interneurons," explains Dr. Pedro Royero from Beck's research group. He earned his doctorate with this study in the Max Planck International Graduate School and performed most of the experiments. Interneurons send inhibitory action potentials to excited neurons. In a way, they turn the knob that reduces their sensitivity. "The SLK now determines how much this regulator can be adjusted by the interneurons, that is, how strong their inhibitory effect is." There are two different types of interneurons. Some are activated directly by incoming impulses from the thalamus. They already inhibit the neurons while these are simultaneously excited by the thalamus. Another type, in contrast, is only switched on by the activity of the neurons in the cerebral cortex -- i.e. the very neurons they are supposed to inhibit afterwards. So they are part of a negative feedback loop. "Interestingly, the SLK is not active in this feedback inhibition, but only in the first case," Royero points out. New insights into the development of diseases The researchers were also able to show that certain genes are activated during sensitivity adjustment. They now want to investigate their role in the process in more detail. This is also interesting because the balance between excitation and inhibition is extremely important for brain function. This can be seen, for example, in epilepsy: The characteristic seizures result from overexcitation of large areas of nerve cells. In fact, studies show that in some epilepsy patients, less SLK is found in neurons than normal. Perhaps the study will therefore also contribute to a better understanding of the disease mechanisms. Participating institutions and funding: In addition to the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn, the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), the Max Planck Institute for Behavioral Neurobiology -- caesar and the University of Sidney were involved in the work. The study was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the European Research Council (ERC) and the Bonfor Fellowship Program of the University Hospital Bonn.