News and Events

University Signs Exclusive Agreement with SiMPore Inc. to Commercialize Innovative Membrane Technology

The University of Rochester and SiMPore Inc., a new Rochester-based biotechnology company, have signed an exclusive agreement granting SiMPore the rights to commercialize an innovative, ultra-thin membrane invented by University scientists.

Laser Goes Tubing for Faster Body-Fluid Tests

University of Rochester researchers announce in the current issue of Applied Optics a technique that in 60 seconds or less measures multiple chemicals in body fluids, using a laser, white light, and a reflective tube. The technique tests urine and blood serum for common chemicals important to monitoring and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular, kidney, urinary and other diseases, and lends itself to the development of fast batch testing in hospitals and other clinical settings.

Gail Norris Named Director of College Office of Technology Transfer

"Gail Norris has been chosen to direct the College Office of Technology Transfer. As director, Norris will develop strategies for the licensing and commercialization of intellectual property developed at the University, as well as foster corporate collaborations and assist in the establishment of start-up companies which use technology developed at the University."

Genome Sequencing Reveals Key to Viable Ethanol Production

"As the national push for alternative energy sources heats up, researchers at the University of Rochester have for the first time identified how genes responsible for biomass breakdown are turned on in a microorganism that produces valuable ethanol from materials like grass and cornstalks."

Ultra-Intense Laser Blast Creates True 'Black Metal'

"'Black gold' is not just an expression anymore. Scientists at the University of Rochester have created a way to change the properties of almost any metal to render it, literally, black."

Startups Strut Their Stuff at Conference

"Previous presenters have received funding, but my measure of success is not someone writing a check," said Mark Coburn, director of the technology transfer office at the University of Rochester. "This is a way to network and form relationships."

Upstate Researchers Increase Collaboration

Over the last five years, the research universities in upstate Western New York have begun cooperative efforts to commercialize and capitalize on the products of their work. And they're communicating better not only with each other, but with potential partners and investors.

VirtualScopics, LLC, a leading provider of advanced medical image analysis services today announced the resignation of Stuart Shapiro as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the appointment of Mr. Robert Klimasewski until a successor is found. Mr. Klimasewski is a current member of the Company's Board of Directors.

It's called the Direct Energy Conversion (DEC) Cell, a betavoltaics-based "nuclear" battery that can run for over a decade on the electrons generated by the natural decay of the radioactive isotope tritium. It's developed by researchers at the University of Rochester and a startup, BetaBatt, in a project described in the May 13 issue of Advanced Materials and funded in part by the National Science Foundation.

In recent years there has been a fair amount of concern in the graduate school community about the significant decline in applications from foreign students and, perhaps to a lesser degree, their declining presence among enrolled students.