Detailed Review of Evidence Exonerates Bruce Ivins in Anthrax Attacks

As I have been boasting for over two years now and after receiving first hand testimony at a BioBeers event on the day of Bruce Ivins suicide which was a result of the FBI ruining his career and driving him crazy by confiscating his life’s work, the National Academy of Sciences ruled today, in a report that will certainly garner no national media attention, it is inconceivable (or at least not without obvious doubt) that Bruce Ivins committed this crime.  Read the report: http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-02-science-odds-fbi-anthrax-case.html “A scientific review released Tuesday in the 2001 case of deadly anthrax mailings cast doubt on the US government’s conclusion that scientist Bruce Ivins, who killed himself in 2008, was to blame.”

So, who’s betting no one will hear this story on the National Media Circus?

BioBeers Friday, Badgers, News and other Random Stuff

As if I haven’t pestered you all anough already BioBeers is this Friday at ImQuest Biosciences Friday February 18th starting at 4:30 PM. I am getting Ribs from RibCity, so please do RSVP so I can get the right amount. RSVP’s trickling in thus far and I am giving you multiple choices. You can RSVP by emailing me, leaving a comment or go on the MeetUp or LinkedIn sites (both require FREE registration). Badger, badger as in “Her hungry fingers tore at my shirt buttons like wild badgers” (a hilarious episode of Prairie Home Companion I listened to on the way back from Fredericksburg VA last week http://is.gd/UWzJWF can’t help it that I am a radio junkie). 

Speaking of Badgers, Akonni was in the news this week for signing a licensing agreement with USAMRIID which covers covers nucleic acid sequences, primers, and probes that will serve as the basis for multiplexed molecular tests for Bacillus anthracis, vaccinia/orthopox virus, Yersinia pestis, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. How neat is that?

Speaking of neat stuff, you all may know that I have been working on an inexpensive, hand held thermocycler (LavaAmp).  Well, so compatriots of ours, Tito Janokoswski and crew with pearl biotech, have released a DIY $500 thermocycler.  It’s based on the standard tube format PCR in aluminum block, so I don’t consider this a threat at all to our low resource, low power, portable device, but cool news nonetheless out of the DIYBio guys.  They also have the Open Gel Box, which I contributed to.  Keep it up!

So back to FredCoBio and stuff happening here BioElectronics is poised for huge growth.  I know I haven’t blogged about them in a while, but their patch works and it’s not expensive and it’s really the only thing out there.  I think it’s awesome!!

Spring and Mosquitoes and Ft Detrick and BioBeers

Well, OK, it’s really about BioBeers more so than mosquitoes. A friendly reminder, BioBeers at ImQuest Biosciences a week from Friday, Friday February 18th starting at 4:30 PM. I am getting Ribs from RibCity, so if you want some, you should RSVP so I can get the right amount. RSVP’s trickling in thus far and I am giving you multiple choices. You can RSVP by emailing me, leaving a comment or go on the MeetUp or LinkedIn sites (both require FREE registration).  And speaking of Spring, we’re in the earl phases of planning a “Ignite Frederick Biotech” session coincident with the Ft Detrick Spring Festival in May, so stay tuned for more details.   In the the mean time, not time like the present to read up on those pesky mosquitoes.  A good story about scientists working at Ft Detrick who were recently recognized for their contribution to trapping the little buggers, specifically to attenuate infestations in Malaysia causing Dengue fever.  Not sure if they are working with the guys who created genetically modified, sterile males for the same purpose, but makes for interesting scientific fodder.  Almost as interesting as the tests done at Ft Detrick to prove that some nutter in Ohio made Ricin in his garage from instructions and materials he bought on the internet.  Makes you think.   Scientific literacy is a good thing, most of the time.  Which reminds me, I owe our informed readers a post on the ludicrous accusations about “Cancer Clusters” around the Fort.  I’ll save that rant for later…

Frederick County Tech Awards

Do you work for or know of a Tech or BioTech Company in Frederick County that has made an impact in the community? Done something really innovative in the last year? How about a really awesome boss ? Then get moving and nominate that company for the Tech Council’s 9th Annual Frederick County Tech Awards. Its easy and best of all, free!  Categories this year include: Executive of the Year, Firm of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Service Provider of the Year and CFO of the Year.

Each year TCM honors those companies that have made a difference in Frederick County. Don’t miss this great opportunity to showcase your company and be recognized for your achievements. Nominations must be received byCOB February 23, 2011. To nominate, please click on the following link:2011 Frederick County Nomination Form or contact Todd Hayes at thayes@techcouncilmd.comor 240-243-4049.
Award winners will be honored at the 9th Annual Frederick County Tech Awards Celebration on March 29, 2011 at Holly Hills Country Club, Ijamsville, MD 21754 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Don’t wait, nominate and join TCM, Frederick County Leaders and the best of the best of the IT and biotechnology communities at the 9th Annual Frederick County Tech Awards. Click here to register.