Biozona Weekly: SynCardia Systems raises $19M; Venture capital fund passes House; Tempe, Chandler embrace SciTech Festival

March 21, 2013

By hammersmith

Arizona maker of artificial hearts raises $19M
3/20/2013 | Arizona Republic | Ken Alltucker

Tucson-based SynCardia Systems Inc., which makes the Total Artificial Heart, announced it has raised $19 million that it will use to commercialize its portable power source and launch a smaller artificial heart for children and some adults.

Zylstra: Venture capital is a must for Arizona
3/18/2013| Arizona Republic | Steven Zylstra (My Turn)

Steven Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, praises Arizona House Speaker Andy Tobin’s HB 2646 that would create a $50 million high-tech, early-stage, venture-capital fund using tax credits for insurance companies that offset insurance-premium taxes.

Fewer Arizona medical students staying in state

3/18/2013 | Arizona Republic | Eugene Scott

Just under half of the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Class of 2013 will remain in Arizona for their residencies, the lowest percentage of graduates remaining in state for their residencies since the college’s opening in 2007.

Mayo study finds heart devices safe from electromagnetic interference

3/15/2013 | Phoenix Business Journal | Angela Gonzales

A Mayo Clinic study has found that patients with implanted cardiac devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, can safely drive or ride in an electric car without risk of electromagnetic interference.

ASU launches master’s program in care delivery

3/15/2013 | Phoenix Business Journal | Angela Gonzales

Arizona State University is launching a master of science of health care delivery this fall as part of its new School of Science of Health Care Delivery in downtown Phoenix, designed to be a model for health outcomes nationwide.

Phoenix researchers help 12-year-old Valley girl walk, talk for first time
3/14/2013 | KPHO (CBS5) | Adam Longo

Shelby Valint, who struggled to walk and talk during most of her 12 years, has dramatically benefitted from Translational Genomics Research Institute research and was later singled out by Gov. Jan Brewer in her State of the State Address to highlight TGen’s groundbreaking work.

Southeast Valley embraces sci-tech firms

3/14/2013 | Arizona Republic | Harmony Huskinson

Tempe and Chandler were among the Arizona SciTech Festival’s most-involved communities during the annual celebration of science, technology, engineering and math by hosting the Geeks Night Out in Tempe and the Chandler Science Spectacular as the cities embraced their booming technology industries.