THE DIGITIZATION OF LIFE SCIENCES

Overthe course of the past couple of years, the world has been undergoing an accelerated digitization of epic proportions, influencing behaviour and modifying environments across the globe. It’s impacted industries and sectors of business and innovation everywhere. However, the impacts of our current digitization may be most significant on the work and research being conducted by life sciences professionals.

Within this issue of BioLab Business magazine, and the ways in which digital technologies and advancements are supporting this incredibly valuable work, the positive impact that enabled discoveries have on life all over the world, and the potential these technologies and innovations pose in helping to sustain improvements happening across the entire life sciences sector.

We take a look at the groundbreaking glycomics and metagenomics research being conducted by Avivo Biomedical to support its discovery of a way by which blood types can be converted, and discuss ways in which its technology may revolutionize blood transfusion and organ transplant procedures. We also dive into the development of a structure that uses graphene oxide, presenting a potentially new and improved method for producing hydrogen from seawater.

In addition, we highlight the work being done by Index Biosystems which uses baker’s yeast as an organic carrier of information, connecting physical product to supply chain data through the use of its proprietary technology. And, the latest in bio-renewable creativity and innovation is uncovered within the Bio-Renewable Innovation Laboratory at the University of Guelph.

These are just a few of the examples of the positive ramifications resulting from technological advancement within life sciences, but do well to illustrate the range of impact that it’s currently influencing.

With an eye on the future and overcoming some of the biggest challenges that we face in ensuring sustained human advancement, the role that technology plays is critical. Connecting research and researchers, enhancing laboratories with the latest equipment and technological tools, and providing a means by which to generate and store valuable research data, technology is enabling the life-changing, awe-inspiring work happening across the country and the world. And, for the sake of humanity, long may the innovation and advancement of digital technologies continue.

Chris Forbes PUBLISHER & CEO

Publisher of BioLab Business Magazine

Printed in Canada