In collaboration with researchers from the Weizmann Institute in Israel, a team from the Institut de Génétique Humaine (CNRS) has, for the first time, revealed the detailed three-dimensional architecture of chromosomes: Giacomo Cavalli and his colleagues have achieved high-resolution mapping of the different contacts that exist within and between chromosomes. They performed this feat using a new very high-throughput technique improved by the Montpellier team. This major research work should shed new light on the impact of 3D chromosome organization on genome expression and on the onset of diseases such as cancer. It is published in the online version of the journal Cell of 19 January 2012. Continue reading
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In our new article, we explore one important aspect of the evolution of big pharmaceutical companies towards new models of development : the outsourcing of their R&D capacities, evolving towards a Search & Development model. Is it now widely recognized that the big pharmaceutical companies have completely remodeled their R&D system for drug development. 
Fait accompli! The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) is launched by the NIH !The Obama administration will provide $30.7 billion to NIH for FY 2012 which includes $576.5 million to fund the NCATS. This article presents this new center that will focus on advancing translational research projects and moving basic research findings into applied innovations. A major step of the Obama Administration for innovation.
Jointly drawn up by David and Antoine, the paper explores the recent trends impacting US innovation activities in 2011. It also identifies the key questions facing the funding of innovation, including the VC activities in 2012 and the development of new funding schemes. A large section of the paper addresses the US Federal policy in the field of innovation, including the “Start up America” initiative. Although challenged by various negative factors, such as the poor economic outlook, the US innovation system appears both robust and flexible.
