Archive for December, 2011

Life sciences conferences will be buzzing with the news that chemists are saying phosphorus shortages are in the pipeline this century.

Major scientists in the US have warned that production of phosphorus, which is one of the main fertilisers used for food production, will peak and begin to decline later this century, leading to problems for fertilisation as the population expands.

A report by five major scientific bodies, entitled ‘A Sustainable Global Society’, suggests that the decline could lead to rocketing prices and food shortages.

The report also raises concerns over the supplies of other resources, such as lithium, which is used in the production of many modern gadgets including hybrid cars, computers and military weapons.

Bloomberg Business Week reported this week that some domestic fertilisers are now being produced without phosphorus, suggesting that it is possible to artificially recreate the effect of the natural mineral.

Marcus Evans presents life sciences conferences, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.

The UK is a world leader in science and research, according to a new report which may be off interest to people attending life sciences business events.

According to the ‘International Comparative Performance of the UK Research Base 2011′ report, which was compiled by Elsevier and published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, research in the UK attracts more citations per pound spent in overall research and development than any other country.

In fact 14 per cent of the world’s most highly–cited articles were down to UK research.

What’s more according to the report, which was unveiled by Universities and Science Minister David Willetts at a Science Council lecture,  UK research talent is highly valued across the world.

Marcus Evans presents life science business events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.
 

Job cuts announced by Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis will no doubt give rise to discussion at pharmaceuticals and life sciences events in the coming months.

The company is the biggest single employer in the West Sussex town of Horsham, where most of the 950 jobs are likely to go.

Novartis has confirmed that it will retain its respiratory research unit at the Horsham plant, and will keep its operations in Liverpool, Grimsby and Dundee intact.

General manager for the UK and Ireland Sue Webb cited uncertainty about future NHS spending as one of the reasons behind the decision.

"With significant changes in healthcare systems aimed to contain or cut cost, this critical assessment and the subsequent potential changes to the Novartis UK organisation are key to maintain significant investment in innovative drugs and our research efforts in the UK," she said.

Marcus Evans presents life sciences events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.

Mergers and acquisitions will be the talk of life sciences business events after a busy 2010. And this year sees no sign of slowing after manufacturing giant Danaher purchased a major life sciences firm.

Danaher has offered $6.8 billion for Beckman Coulter, a biomedical testing company which makes instruments and chemicals used by hospitals and medical labs.
Beckman has over 12,000 workers worldwide, and previous history indicates that Danaher will allow the firm to keep its name.

Danaher has acquired Beckman in order to expand its growing healthcare business. The medical testing equipment market is becoming more competitive than ever, and Danaher will benefit from purchasing a company regarded as an industry leader.

Last year Danaher reported an 18 per cent increase in annual revenue to $13.2 billion dollars.

Marcus Evans presents life sciences business events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.

Edwards will be the talk of life sciences business events after shares rose nearly 5 per cent this week.

The Californian-based medical device manufacturer is a global player in developing products designed to treat cardiovascular disease.

And the rise in share prices is due to European regulators approving a new and larger version of a heart valve.

Edwards Life Sciences revealed the new Sapien XT will now be available in three sizes.

The device is inserted by a surgeon through a small incision made in the patient’s ribs.

Less-invasive valves such as the Sapien are considered at the forefront of replacement heart valves, where Edwards leads in innovation.

Edwards is currently in a race with rival firm Medtronic to be the first to get an aortic valve replacement onto the US market.

Marcus Evans presents life sciences business events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.