The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix-based nonprofit working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of gene research, fighting diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. This video features researchers Matthew Huentelman and Travis Dunkley, as well as a few patients. 

Northern Arizona University's Paul Keim describes how automated technology and robotics are used to analyze thousands of samples of DNA at one time. He explains the human genome and the information contained in DNA. Keim believes researching the DNA of disease causing organisms will advance disease treatment. Northern Arizona University is home to one of the largest pathogen related genomics research centers in the world. Read the article Genomic Research>> 

The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University has formed nearly 200 academic, clinical, and industrial partnerships to achieve breakthroughs in genomics, pathogen research, and sustainable energy.

ASU scientists are developing a new, renewable source of biodiesel and other green products. Our scientists are developing genetically optimized versions of photosynthetic bacteria, called cyanobacteria, that will use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to over-produce and secrete fatty acids as a raw material for the production of biofuel. This revolutionary concept shifts the focus from growing dense cultures of algae or bacteria for harvest of fats to a continuous microbial production system as biocatalysts (mini factories) from which a renewable fuel feedstock, namely fatty acids, is collected and converted into biofuel. 

The primary objective is to evaluate biochemical (enzymatic) conversion as a potentially viable strategy for converting algal biomass into lipid-based and carbohydrate-based biofuels. Secondary objective is to test the acceptability of algal biofuels as replacements for petroleum-based fuels.The program supports the development of a clean, sustainable transportation sector – a goal of the Department of Energy's (DOE) continued effort to spur the creation of a domestic bio-industry while creating jobs. This round of DOE funding totals $24 million for three research groups to tackle key hurdles in the commercialization of algae-based biofuels.The Arizona State University-led group, the Sustainable Algal Biofuels Consortium, will focus on testing the acceptability of algal biofuels as replacements for petroleum-derived fuels. The group will investigate biochemical conversion of algae to fuels and products, and analyze the physical chemistry properties of algal fuels and fuel intermediates. In addition to Arizona State University, other core members of the consortium are the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colo., and Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque.

The team at The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University had developed a creative video to get kids interested in science.  Join Damien and check it out!

David Larwood, CEO, Valley Fever Solutions

Bringing new compounds and diagnostics to help detect and treat Valley Fever. VFS has received good support from government grants, and collaborates closely with the Valley Fever Center for Excellence, vfce.arizona.edu. We are moving towards Phase II trials in humans of Nikkomycin-Z, a compound that shows great promise in treating humans or animals infected with Valley Fever.