When penicillin was discovered by Dr. Alexander Fleming in 1928, people around the world believed it was one of the greatest medical and scientific advances in the history of mankind and they were right. Before penicillin, a bacterial infection in a minor cut or injury could easily become fatal. Diseases like scarlet fever, pneumonia, meningitis and diphtheria were essentially untreatable.
Throwing out the baby with the bathwater
OpinionAs we all know, the European Commission is under intense pressure to reduce costs and shed the image of being a gravy train. This is a favourite topic at the national level in the ongoing fight against the reign of terror from Brussels.
Tech-transfer: time to send a wake-up call
OpinionThere’s no question that Europe’s biotech sector produces high-quality science. We have world-class research organisations and start-ups, as witnessed by the number of alliances with Big Pharma and the number of products being registered.
Careful what you do or don’t vote for
OpinionShhhhh, is that the sound of a chicken coming home to roost in Switzerland? Worried? If you are a scientist working internationally, you should be and not just because you want a job in Switzerland.
How agri-biotech contributes to the EU bioeconomy
OpinionIn October 2012, the European Commission issued a communication on its new Industrial policy identifying biotechnology as one of six Key Enabling Technologies. Biotech will be an important tool in helping Europe deliver on its Europe 2020 strategy of creating an innovative, resource-efficient, smart, sustainable and inclusive economy.
Resistance spurs revival of antibiotics in Europe
OpinionWhen penicillin was discovered by Dr. Alexander Fleming in 1928, people around the world believed it was one of the greatest medical and scientific advances in the history of mankind and they were right. Before penicillin, a bacterial infection in a minor cut or injury could easily become fatal. Diseases like scarlet fever, pneumonia, meningitis and diphtheria were essentially untreatable.
The trinity that’s given me back some faith
OpinionI am spoiled for choice this month on things that make me happy about biotech. Three things have happened across Europe that confirm the field has great people that work hard, recognise the truth when it is kicking you in the ankle and aren’t afraid to try something different.
Striking a balance in greater clinical trials data sharing
OpinionIn the past year, the debate surrounding increased transparency of clinical trials has seen a great deal of progress. From an industry perspective, we have engaged more openly with a greater diversity of stakeholders on the topic – a positive development, as an intelligent exchange of ideas is needed to determine the best path forward.
Don’t mess with nature just ride the waves
OpinionWelcome to December, and a rather nautical analogy this month. I don’t mean the title of this piece literally of course messing with nature is what biotech is supposed to do (in a well thought-out and good way, of course) and I stand up to be counted with all those people who mess about with what nature and evolution have so kindly provided.
Why Europe needs a European Biotech Week
OpinionPut simply, biotechnology is the use of living organisms to develop useful products. Its basic principles have been employed to alter plants and livestock for domestication for thousands of years.
It’s all about recognising your target group!
OpinionHurrah for the news that a GM yeast has been developed that can convert crop waste into biofuel! Not just because this is an awesome thing in its own right (which it is), but also because it opens up the intriguing thought that we could start using those rascals to do lots of things that GM-doubters would like.