Arizona Bioscience News: TGen, NAU develop valley fever test; UA Cancer Center retains top status; NAU study looks at boxing benefits for Parkinson’s

August 4, 2016

By Matt Ellsworth

NAUUA Phoenix med school under Regents’ scrutiny / Arizona Public Media

The Arizona Board of Regents will hold fact-finding meetings to discuss issues raised by the Arizona Medical Association about the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, including its exodus of senior management.

Creditors object to fast-track SynCardia bankruptcy sale / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson-based artificial-heart maker SynCardia Systems is pushing for a quick sale of its assets in bankruptcy court so it can avoid collapse and emerge as a new, recapitalized company.

TGen and NAU develop first direct, rapid test for valley fever / Arizona Science Desk

The first direct test for valley fever, a one-hour test developed by scientists at the Translational Genomics Research Institute and Northern Arizona University, has received a U.S. patent.

UA Cancer Center’s top federal status renewed with grant / Arizona Science Desk

The University of Arizona Cancer Center has retained its status as a comprehensive cancer center— the highest designation awarded —with the award of a 5-year, $17.6 million federal grant to support its core research activities.

NAU pilot study looks at benefits of boxing for Parkinson’s disease / Arizona Science Desk

A pilot study out of NAU’s biomedical campus in Phoenix will study how a typical boxing workout — without the head blows— could improve movement and cognition for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

Two regents with ties to UA, Tucson picked to lead president’s search / Arizona Daily Star

The search for University of Arizona President Ann Weaver Hart’s replacement will be led by Arizona Board of Regents member Bill Ridenour of Paradise Valley, a UA alumnus and former fundraising trustee, and Tucson Regent Ron Shoopman, CEO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council.

Billionaire doctor cancels deal to buy TGen building in Phoenix / Arizona Republic

Billionaire doctor Patrick Soon-Shiong has withdrawn plans to buy the city-owned TGen building at the downtown Phoenix Biomedical Campus, which had a minimum list price of $62.9 million.