Arizona Bioscience News: NAU study of UTIs; Strong ranking for ASU, UArizona; CashLabs colon cancer test

April 27, 2023

By Jessica Vaile

Unraveling a hidden cause of UTIs — plus how to prevent them / NPR

A team of researchers spent one year collecting samples of raw meat in Flagstaff and urine samples from Flagstaff Medical Center patients who were hospitalized with urinary tract infections. They found that about 8% of UTIs in Flagstaff could be attributed to bacteria from meat, according to a study co-authored by Northern Arizona University’s Paul Keim.


ASU ranks 10th, UA 29th in global patent list / KJZZ

The National Academy of Inventors has released its list of the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents for 2022 with both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona featured prominently.


Arizona bioscience firm rolls out colon cancer blood test in wake of CEO’s own diagnosis / Phoenix Business Journal

After being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, Jason McGrath is launching a blood test nationwide with his Tucson-based company CashLabs LLC, which last November acquired Beacon Biomedical, a Phoenix startup that had been working on an affordable blood test for the early detection of colorectal cancer.


Report ranks Arizona one of the most innovative states in the nation / Phoenix Business Journal (AZ Inno)

The Consumer Technology Association’s latest assessment ranked Arizona No. 5 in an evaluation of states based on emerging technologies, broadband and STEM education, and it was among 13 states considered innovation champions, the report’s highest designation.


Robbins announces changes to the future of UA’s medical programs / Arizona Public Media

University of Arizona President Robert Robbins announced that the university’s medical and health sciences programs will meet Arizona’s long-term health care needs by targeting Arizona’s scarce rural health care and dwindling number of providers while advancing research.


‘Crustivoltaics’ could restore vital ecosystems, benefit solar farms / KJZZ

A three-year study from Arizona State University’s Biodesign Center for Fundamental & Applied Microbiomics shows the shade beneath solar panels can act as a protective nursery for growing biocrusts, which could potentially be transplanted elsewhere.


Mesa’s Desert Medical Center undergoes $45M modernization project / KTAR

The four-building Desert Medical Campus, located on the grounds of Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, underwent a $45 million project that included new building facades with atrium lobbies, lounge areas, signage, a café, and solar shade structure.


Here are the companies participating in PHX Startup Week / Phoenix Business Journal (AZ Inno)

PHX Startup Week returned to an in-person event this week, featuring five days of speakers, panel discussions, and happy hours and a focus on subjects such as health and medical technology, sustainability, and mentorship.


Upcoming Events / 

April 28: 8th Annual ABRC-Flinn Research Conference

May 2-3: Tucson Symposium: Innovations in Cancer Medicine

May 16: AZBio PEERS: Advocacy Matters