http://www.techtransfer.siuc.edu/news/news.html Updates from the Technology Transfer Office at Southern Illinois University Carbondale Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:27 GMT en-us Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees http://www.techtransfer.siuc.edu/techavail/kolmakov2.html http://techtransfer.siuc.edu/news/newsletter_201202.html http://news.siu.edu/2011/10/101311cjm11310.html Southern Illinois University Carbondale is celebrating Innovation Week with five days of special events highlighting the innovative spirit, technological innovation and entrepreneurship found at the University and throughout the region. The events, set for Oct. 24-28, include workshops, guest speakers, a technology and innovation expo and more. http://news.siu.edu/2011/09/093011cjm11291.html As part of the upcoming Technology and Innovation Expo at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, there will be a student poster contest with cash prizes and today (Sept. 30) is the deadline to notify contest sponsors if you plan to participate. The competition is open to all undergraduate and graduate SIU Carbondale students. The poster abstract isn’t due until Oct. 14 and the poster itself won’t need to be in until Oct. 21. The posters should highlight your concept for an innovative product or service you think could be commercially successful, or the related current research. http://thesouthern.com/news/local/article_ece24c46-e7f6-11e0-b972-001cc4c03286.html The SIU Carbondale Tech-nology and Innovation Expo will feature research at the university, business opportunities and the ribbon cutting for the Saluki Innovation Lab. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 28 at Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road, in Carbon-dale. Chancellor Rita Cheng will give a speech at 9:30 a.m. followed by faculty presentations at 10 a.m. The presentations will come from Kathleen Campbell, SIU School of Medicine; David Lightfoot and Khalid Meksem, College of Agricultural Scien-ces; Yoginder "Paul" Chugh, College of Engineering's Min-ing and Mineral Resources Eng-ineering; Andrei Kolmakov, College of Science, Physics; and Colleen Scott, College of Scien-ce, Chemistry and Biochemistry. http://news.siu.edu/2011/09/091411tjc11083.html A Southern Illinois University Carbondale engineering researcher recently gave a talk overseas at a prestigious university in the United Kingdom. Peter Filip, director of the Center for Advanced Friction Studies in the College of Engineering SIUC, spoke at the University of Cambridge on Sept. 1, where he was invited to give an address. Filip, who specializes in brake wear, spoke on the environmental aspects of brake wear debris. http://siuctechdev.blogspot.com/2011/08/siu-carbondale-spin-out-company.html Enki Technology, Inc., a Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC)-based start-up company developing advanced materials to substantially improve the light absorption capabilities and performance of solar panels, recently announced the closing of a substantial round of venture capital funding totaling $4.6 million. http://techtransfer.siuc.edu/news/newsletter_june2011.html#startuplicensing1 A new licensing agreement is taking a Southern Illinois University Carbondale material chemist's means of converting carbon dioxide into methanol to the next level. The agreement grants BioDyne Inc., a Texas-based company, rights to use a patented process developed by Associate Professor Bakul Dave of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He discovered a way to manufacture sponge-like glass called sol-gels with the ability to trap enzymes in microscopic pores. Inside those pores, the multi-step process of converting carbon dioxide into methanol can be initiated. The advantages of the invention include high conversion rates and energy efficiency of turning carbon dioxide into methanol as well as being an environmentally friendly renewable process. http://techtransfer.siuc.edu/news/newsletter_june2011.html#featuredtechapp1 Imagine a scenario in which two cancer patients with similar cases, backgrounds and symptoms are given identical drugs to fight the disease. One responds quickly and positively to the treatment, yet the other shows no impact from the medicine. Unfortunately this situation is all too common. Many pharmaceutical products work for some patients while having absolutely no affect on others. Scientists and physicians have long wished for a way to quickly and easily predict prior to costly treatments which medicines are more likely to work. Personalized MedicineThe concept is called personalized medicine and it is one of the benefits of a newly-patented system of learning how and why some molecules such as those in pharmaceuticals binds to a particular protein—including those in cancer cells—developed by a pair of chemists at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. http://techtransfer.siuc.edu/news/newsletter_june2011.html#other1 Dr. Colleen Scott and Dr. Matt McCarroll have been awarded the first Saluki Proof of Concept Fund Grant. They were awarded $10,000 to advance work on "A high-performance system for chemical sensing and probing applications using novel compounds." http://news.siuc.edu/news/June11/061611tjc11061.html A Southern Illinois University Carbondale mining professor will receive a prestigious award from a leading U.S. funding organization. Yoginder “Paul” Chugh, professor in the Department of Mining and Mineral Resources Engineering in the College of Engineering, is receiving a Senior Specialist Fulbright Award. The award, which Chugh will receive in December, will help him develop dust control expertise while working in India. http://news.siuc.edu/news/May11/051811tjc11026.html A mining engineering faculty member at Southern Illinois University Carbondale received a high honor from an international industry group. http://news.siuc.edu/news/April11/042811tjc11048.html James W. Blackburn, professor of mechanical engineering and energy processes in the College of Engineering at SIUC, is getting a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The money will go toward developing a potentially life-saving sanitation system that will use only naturally occurring biochemical processes and wind power to operate. http://www.techtransfer.siuc.edu/techavail/dyer2.html Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) is a powerful mass spectrometry technique that allows for the characterization of a variety of biomolecules. MALDI MS however suffers considerable loss of performance in the direct characterization of complex peptide/protein mixtures. In response to this limitation, isolation of the peptide/protein of interest is typically performed prior to MALDI MS. The invention provides a method of isolation that is faster, less labor intensive and more efficient than existing methods. http://techtransfer.siuc.edu/news/meetings/041911.html Join us April 19 as six university-developed life science technologies seeking entrepreneurs are presented and critiqued by investors and innovators. These technologies from Southern Illinois University are ready for licensing and are unique opportunities for those looking to start a business. http://www.techtransfer.siuc.edu/techavail/wang.html Coal solar cells involve a new and innovative way of utilizing coal, namely using it as an energy carrier to convert solar energy to heat and electricity instead of as an energy source (by consuming it) to generate heat and electricity. The invention intends to (1) harvest and convert solar energy to heat and electricity for solar cell devices and (2) bring the cost of solar cell devices down. The invention greatly enhances the current solar energy utilization by reducing the cost of solar cell devices and garnishes a clean utilization of coal. Coal solar cells can be used widely as house shingles, part of house walls, and enclosing walls of a property and meanwhile to produce heat and electricity for the household. http://www.techtransfer.siuc.edu/techavail/tolley.html This system is vastly improved method of identifying protein targets for a given molecule, whether it be a drug candidate, environmental pollutant, or DNA promoter sequence. These protein targets can provide significant improvements to our understanding of the mechanisms of action, side effects, and potential interactions with various tissues that molecules may have. The invention has applications in many areas including pharmaceuticals and personal medicine. DIABLA is cost-effective, helps meet expectations, and hastens FDA submissions. http://news.siuc.edu/news/April11/040411tjc11032.html Three major events showcasing research at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are set for April, with dozens of faculty and students taking part and hundreds expected to attend. The annual Undergraduate Research Forum is set for Monday, April 11. The event celebrates and recognizes the research and creativity of undergraduate students, showcasing their efforts in conducting those activities. Following that event, SIUC will host its annual Research Town Meeting and Fair and Outstanding Scholar Lecture, set for Tuesday, April 12. The events highlight SIUC’s research and creative accomplishments, which make up a crucial portion of the University's mission. All three events are part of the Chancellor’s Inauguration Week activities that will showcase the campus, faculty and students. The theme for the week is “Advancing a Culture of Excellence.” Chancellor Rita Cheng’s installation as SIUC’s 22nd chancellor is set for 2 p.m. on Friday, April 15, in Shryock Auditorium. Admission is free, and members of the campus community and general public are welcome. For more information, visit www.chancellor.siuc.edu/installation/activities.html http://news.siuc.edu/news/March11/031611tjc11022.html Making the leap from the drawing board to the marketplace is sometimes the toughest hurdle for new technologies. A new program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale aims to help researchers meet that challenge. The Saluki Concept Fund will provide up to $20,000 to SIUC researchers to help them nurture new technologies through the sometimes-difficult early stages. The funding will support short-term, concept-proving research that reveals the invention’s potential, helping clear the way for commercialization. http://tie.siuc.edu/ http://news.siuc.edu/news/January11/012811tjc11006.html A Southern Illinois University Carbondale mining engineer’s invention has received a patent from the federal government, clearing the way to market the engineered cribbing devices to mines all over the United States. Yoginder “Paul” Chugh, professor of mining and mineral resources engineering in the College of Engineering, along with several others, designed the Atlas Cribs as a better, cheaper and more efficient way to brace ceilings in underground mines. http://siuctechdev.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-saluki-concept-fund-for-scale-up.html A new fund will help Southern Illinois University Carbondale researchers and inventors make the leap from idea to commercialization. The Saluki Concept Fund, a new venture of SIUC’s Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and the Technology Transfer Program of the Office of Research Development and Administration will offer individual awards of up to $20,000 to support short-term projects designed to show that an invention has potential for commercialization licensing or as the basis for a start-up company. These projects – called proof-of-concept studies – are often needed to show potential licensees or investors that an invention, idea or technology will work in an applied setting. http://techtransfer.siuc.edu/news/successstories.html SIUC's Dr. Ken Anderson and colleagues have established Thermaquatica, Inc, a start-up company based upon their research in the Department of Geology, College of Science. Thermaquatica is working to commercialize green technology for the production of chemical feedstocks from coal and other organics. The company recently obtained the rights from the University to develop the technology. The research was funded by a grant from the Illinois Clean Coal Institute. http://www.techtransfer.siuc.edu/techavail/tolley.html The invention provides methods for detecting an interaction between an analyte and a biomolecule. The method comprises separating at least one biomolecule according to its isoelectric point in the presence of a given analyte and detecting an interaction between the analyte and a biomolecule using fluorescence anisotropy. The method may further comprise collecting the analyte-biomolecule complex and analyzing the biomolecule. http://www.techtransfer.siuc.edu/signup.html The December 2010 newsletter of the SIUC Technology Transfer Program includes the latest invention and event news, and a focus this quarter on Intermetallic Bonded Diamonds for Drilling Applications. http://techtransfer.siuc.edu/techavail/chugh4.html Cribs are commonly used as load carrying members in mining and construction industries. Current crib elements are prismatic elements of wood, typically 30-36 inches long. They are loaded perpendicular to the grain, have low load carrying capacity and allow large deformations that are detrimental to stability of structures. A novel engineered wooden crib element has been designed and tested that overcomes most of the disadvantages above and has the potential to be cheaper. http://www.techtransfer.siuc.edu/techavail/meksem.html This patent describes the first ever identification of the three genes underlying resistance to Soybean Cyst Nematode and Sudden Death Syndrome at the rhg1 and Rfs2 locus both located on linkage group G, chromosome 18. They include a receptor like kinase a laccase and a transporter. The genes can be used with other technologies like transgenic SCN resistances or the loci Rhg2-8 or Rfs1, 3-12. Having the gene for resistance has the added benefit of enabling a reduction of the yield penalty from resistance that is derived from rhg1s negative effects on germination and root growth. http://thesouthern.com/news/local/siu/article_f8bcb6b4-d35c-11df-a5fb-001cc4c03286.html SIU inventors brought their best work to the table Friday for the Technology Innovation Expo in the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center. The event included the invention presentations, speeches, networking and a reception. Kyle Harfst, director of technology and enterprise development with the Office of Economic and Regional Development at SIUC, said this is the second year for the expo and that it is "safe to say" that it will be back for a third year. Presentations were made by professors from SIUC, SIUE and the SIU School of Medicine. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/10/21/prwebprweb4685594.DTL A prototype developed by two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty members will allow clinical samples to be tested for toxic heavy metals, like mercury and lead. The portable electrothermal analyzer was showcased recently at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Technology and Innovation Expo Fall 2010. SIUE Associate Professor Brad Noble from the department of electrical and computer engineering and SIUE Assistant Professor Edward Navarre from the department of chemistry collaborated to produce the inexpensive, portable device, which will be used for clinical applications such as blood and urine testing. http://dailyegyptian.com/2010/10/07/innovation_1008_mc/ Luke Tolley said SIUC continues to uphold world-class science where researchers can share their work. “We want to let people know that we are doing some great research at SIU and we are interested in commercializing it,” said Tolley, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry. “This would be an economic engine for the area, bringing jobs and money to the area.” SIUC’s Technology Transfer Program, in collaboration with the Office of Research Development and Administration, will host the Technology and Innovation Expo today at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center. Nine research professors from Springfield, Edwardsville and Carbondale will present some of their recent inventions for company investors, said Amy Hunter, technology transfer specialist at SIUC. She said keynote speakers will discuss the business culture of investments for technological inventions. http://thesouthern.com/business/article_5109d2de-cead-11df-8112-001cc4c002e0.html Sam Spearing has been working on mine planning and design for about 30 years and now he wants to make safer and cheaper car-tridges for roof bolts. Spearing, associate professor in the Department of Mining and Mineral Resources Engineering, will discuss his research Friday at the SIUC Technology and Innovation Expo at Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Building. http://tie.siuc.edu/#092810 Combining university inventions with the money and management expertise to build business and income is the aim of the Technology and Innovation Expo, Oct. 8 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Entrepreneurs, investors and business executives can learn about business start-up opportunities stemming from university research and gain insight into related early-stage investment issues. Several university inventors will showcase patented or patent-pending technologies, as well as potential opportunities for investment to further their ventures. The inventions have potential as stand-alone products or as improvements to existing products and processes. "Our scholars and researchers do an outstanding job of creating new knowledge and solving problems," SIUC Chancellor Rita Cheng said. "This event presents a great opportunity for them to learn more about commercializing their work, and for investors and business representatives to learn about the many benefits that research conducted on this campus can generate." http://www.thesouthern.com/business/local/article_23266dcc-ca5d-11df-b758-001cc4c03286.html With a little bit of moss, Aldwin Anterola, hopes to make a more affordable anti-cancer drug. The assistant professor in plant biology at SIUC is using moss to try and make a more cost effective way to produce the chemotherapy drug Taxol. He will discuss his research at the SIUC Technology and Innovation Expo on Oct. 8, at Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Building. http://dailyegyptian.com/2010/09/27/cheng_92810_rv/ Tom Cheng, the executive assistant for commercial innovation and technology transfer, said he sold his business and moved from Milwaukee to Carbondale to help support his wife, Chancellor Rita Cheng. “My primary focus is to support the leader and the university,” Tom Cheng said. “In a lot of ways, I’m the cheerleader. I meet with students, with faculty and people from the community. It’s part of the job of being a partner of a chancellor.” While his wife took over as leader of the Carbondale campus June 1, Cheng took on a less flashy position, working part-time to help “provide senior level assistance to the President’s Office for promoting commercialization of the University’s intellectual products,” according to his title’s description. The process of technology transfer includes the filing and handling of patents and the marketing and commercial potential of ideas by faculty and staff at the university to potential investors, said Jeff Myers, senior technology transfer specialist in the technology transfer program. He said Cheng has played a huge role in advancing the communication between the program and the university staff. http://news.siuc.edu/news/September10/092010cjm10254.html Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting an I2P competition for the first time, offering contestants who bring their Idea 2 Product (I2P) the opportunity to vie for cash prizes. The goal is encouraging students to think -- to conceive the idea for a potentially successful technology-based product, service or business. Contestants in the SIUC I2P Competition must be SIUC undergraduate or graduate students. This isn’t a business plan competition. Rather, contestants initially submit a two-page paper outlining details of the product, its purpose, the potential market and intellectual property issues regarding the product. The deadline to submit entries for the first round of the competition is Oct. 22. http://thesouthern.com/business/article_fe2289e2-c378-11df-9b49-001cc4c03286.html Yoginder Chugh, professor in mining and mineral resources engineering, wants to make the coal mining experience a bit safer and healthier. Chugh will be one of the presenters at the SIUC Technology and Innovation Expo on Oct. 8 at Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Building. The event includes presenters showing off the latest innovations being developed at SIU as well as speakers and networking sessions. Chugh said he will present several innovations in coal mining including lightweight cribs to support the mine ceiling. http://thesouthern.com/business/article_971ff964-be32-11df-95b7-001cc4c03286.html Drugs react differently for different people and an invention out of SIUC determines how the medi-cines work. Luke Tolley, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, is the co-creator of Dynamic Isoelectric Anisotropy Binding Ligand Assay (DIABLA). The process uses high voltage to separate the proteins from each other in a capillary. Tolley said researchers look to see which proteins attach to the drug mole-cules. Tolley will talk about DIABLA at the SIUC Technology and Innovation Expo Friday, Oct. 8, in the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Building. Tolley said he will talk about recent data being researched through DIABLA, including a study on aminoanthracene, a common compound that can be found in cigarette smoke, damaging the pancreas of lab rats and leading to diabetes. http://news.siuc.edu/news/August10/081610tjc10063.html An event showcasing technology and innovation at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is set for this fall, giving inventors and researchers an opportunity to mingle with business and industry representatives who might see potential in their work. http://www.techtransfer.siuc.edu/techavail/chugh4.html An engineered wooden crib has been developed that is cheaper and more conveniently installed that current solutions, has a higher load carrying capacity, and is more stable than existing solutions. http://siuctechdev.blogspot.com/2010/08/siu-carbondale-and-school-of-medicine.html The SIU Carbondale Technology Transfer Program recently announced fiscal year 2010 patent and licensing activity statistics for the SIU Carbondale office and the SIU School of Medicine. Twenty-nine new inventions were disclosed, 6 new licenses or options executed, 15 US patent applications filed, and two patents were issued by the US Patent and Trademark Office.