Microchips for drug compounds: packing compounds onto chips may speed drug research dramatically
Article Abstract:
Affymax Research Institute, founded by Alejandro Zaffaroni, uses techniques borrowed from the electronics industry to speed drug research. Affymax combines photolithography with synthetic chemistry, creating 'very large scale immobilized polymer synthesis (VLSIPS),' which involves microchips containing thousands of potential drug compounds. According to researchers at Affymax, thousands of different compounds can be tested at once using VLSIPS, signifying an increase of orders of magnitude. Pharmaceutical companies are skeptical. For one thing, VLSIPS technology is useful only for building proteins and peptides, but most drugs are made of smaller organic molecules, which yield compounds that can be administered orally. Dr Zaffaroni sees no problem, noting that peptides can be administered trandermally, from a skin patch.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1991
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End of a venture in optical disks
Article Abstract:
Du Pont Co and NV Philips end their four-year joint venture in optical disk storage because of a sluggish market. The compact disk industry has grown rapidly but the market for optical disks as a storage medium for computers has grown much more slowly than the two companies had initially anticipated. Some analysts blame the slow growth on the high price and slow performance speeds of optical disks. The market was expected to reach $4 billion by 1990 when the two companies formed the joint venture in 1986 but 1990 revenue reached only $325 million. Different visions for growth and the fact that Philips is expected to lose $1 billion in 1990 have also contributed to the dissolving of the joint venture. The joint venture employs 5,000 in plants around the world.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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A new transmission for the 90's?
Article Abstract:
Porsche AG will include a new automatic transmission on its cars in the US, in the spring or summer of 1990, which will include a microprocessor that considers 40 kinds of data in making decisions. A Porsche representative says the new transmission, called Tiptronic, operates like other automatic transmissions, but it is smarter. A microprocessor receives data from electronic sensors that measure lateral forces in a turn as well as forward acceleration, engine and air temperature, and even a driver's driving style. The microprocessor then chooses from between five shifting patterns. This sort of a transmission could become a popular device in the future, as automobiles are forced to meet tougher emission and efficiency requirements.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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