Arizona Biosciences

Using technology licensed from the Translational Genomics Research Institute, and expertise and resources provided by the Phoenix-based nonprofit Catapult Bio, a Virginia startup firm has unveiled new genomic-analysis techniques to enhance dramatically the capabilities of forensic investigators.

The National Cancer Institute has awarded a $15.7 million grant to the Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention, a collaboration between Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona, and members of the Hopi Tribe and the Navajo and Tohono O'odham nations.

The Phoenix-based Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has parlayed investment from the State of Arizona into a 2008 direct annual economic impact of $44.5 million, a new study reports. That sum more than doubles the direct impact that a similar study found in 2006.

A coalition of private-sector groups and venture capitalists has joined with the Arizona Economic Resource Organization in creating the Arizona Fund of Funds, an initiative to raise $200 million to invest in Arizona startup companies in the biosciences and other high-technology sectors.

The Arizona BioIndustry Association (AZBio) has announced the appointment of Robert S. Green, longtime Tucson biotechnology entrepreneur, as president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. AZBio is the state affiliate of BIO, the largest international organization representing the biosciences.

One puts microbes to work consuming waste to make energy. One uses DNA analysis to reunite families separated during the Holocaust. One has mastered the art of getting everyone else working together. That represents only some of the breadth in Arizona's bioscience sector that was on display September 24 at the annual Arizona BioIndustry Association Awards dinner.