Latest news with #Schott
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
JPMorgan biotech/pharma analysts hold analyst/industry conference call
US SMid Biotech Analyst Rama and US Major & Specialty Pharmaceuticals Analyst Schott, along with Dr. Charles Ryan, Genitourinary Medical Oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discuss the evolving treatment landscape in prostate cancer (relevant companies PFE ORIC JNJ) on an Analyst/Industry conference call to be held on June 12 at 2 pm. Webcast Link Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Published first on TheFly – the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See Insiders' Hot Stocks on TipRanks >> Read More on PFE: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue M&A News: BioNTech (BNTX) Acquires CureVac in $1.25 Billion Deal M&A News: BioNTech Snaps Up CureVac in $1.25B Deal to Supercharge Cancer Pipeline RFK Jr. names eight members to vaccine panel, WSJ reports RFK Jr. names new CDC vaccine advisory panel picks, STAT reports Mixed options sentiment in Pfizer with shares up 0.97% Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Star
6 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Curious Cook: Glass breakthroughs
A few days ago, I slid a glass plate of leftover pasta into the microwave, pressed the buttons, and waited. Moments later, a sharp crack emanated from the microwave. I opened the door to find a fractured plate, cradling hot pasta like a messy broken mosaic. And I found myself wondering, 'Why did the glass in the plate shatter, especially as it was on the unaffected glass rotating base of the microwave?' I also know that the melting point of glass is around 1,400°C, which is very much higher than any temperature possible in a microwave oven, or even a conventional oven. It turns out the reason for the shattered glass lies not so much in heat, but more in the chemistry of the glass itself. It was an old plate hand-made traditionally from soda-lime glass. In fact, most glassware today is still made of soda-lime glass, a blend of silica, sodium, and calcium. Inexpensive and clear, it is perfect for windows, bottles and jars – but it is also vulnerable to sudden temperature changes. When heated unevenly, its structure expands and contracts rapidly, creating stress fractures. My old glass dish simply could not handle the microwave's heat gradient. Birth of a miracle glass In 1882, German chemist Otto Schott revolutionised glassmaking. Teaming with physicist Ernst Abbe and optician Carl Zeiss, Schott sought to make better lenses for microscopes. By replacing soda's sodium with boron oxide, he crafted a glass that resisted heat and chemical corrosion. This 'borosilicate' glass had a thermal expansion coefficient (the measure of how much a material expands with temperature) three times lower than soda-lime, meaning it could endure drastic temperature swings without cracking. By 1893, Schott's company mass-produced it, paving the way for scientific and culinary revolutions. Pyrex glassware originally made use of borosilicate glass, which is essentially unbreakable and can withstand extremely high temperatures. — ROMAN ODINTSOV/Pexels Schott's innovation was no happy accident. His typically Germanic approach involved a team methodically testing over 100 chemical compositions in a small laboratory in Jena, Thüringen. The team discovered that boron oxide's unique ability to form strong, flexible bonds with silica created a lattice-like structure. This atomic arrangement allowed the glass to absorb thermal stress without fracturing – a discovery that would redefine future industries. The story of Pyrex In 1915, Corning Glass Works rebranded borosilicate glass as 'Pyrex', marketing it to homemakers. Suddenly, cooks and bakers could move dishes from freezers to ovens safely. Pyrex became a kitchen staple, symbolising reliability and resilience. Curiously, Corning's inspiration came from railroad lanterns as their borosilicate lenses survived all kinds of extreme weather conditions while housing very hot electric and gas lamps. However, in the 1980s, some Pyrex lines switched to tempered soda-lime glass to cut costs, leading to unexpected shattering of cookware around the world. Even today, when buying glass cookware from any brand, always check for the word 'borosilicate' in the labels. It makes a huge and important difference. The shift from labs to kitchens was not just about marketing. During World War I, Pyrex found an unexpected role in hospitals. Its resistance to sterilisation made it ideal for medical equipment, and soldiers' rations were even served in Pyrex containers. By the 1950s, Pyrex's iconic measuring cups and casserole dishes became symbols of post-war domesticity, blending science with suburban life. If you are curious, the name 'Pyrex' was derived by combining the Greek word 'pyr' (fire) and the suffix '-ex' to highlight the glass's heat resistance. It probably also helped that the first Pyrex product launched was an oven pie plate. The science of unbreakability Borosilicate's superpowers stem from its atomic structure. Boron atoms form strong triangular bonds with oxygen, creating a flexible 3D network. When heated, this lattice expands minimally (3.3×10 -6/°C vs soda-lime's 9×10 -6/°C). This means the material is impervious to thermal shock. Add resistance to acids and alkalis, and we have a material that thrives in labs, kitchens, and beyond. But why does this matter? Imagine pouring boiling water into a soda-lime glass teapot. The sudden heat causes the inner layer to expand faster than the outer layer, creating tension. In borosilicate, its uniform expansion prevents such stress. This principle is why borosilicate glass cookware can survive decades of intense kitchen use and freezer-to-oven transitions. From beakers to spacecraft: Borosilicate's many lives 1. Laboratories: Test tubes, beakers, and distillation columns rely on borosilicate to withstand searing Bunsen burners and corrosive chemicals. During WWII, it was crucial for producing penicillin and the Manhattan Project's reactors. 2. Pharmaceuticals: Vaccine vials (including Covid-19 doses) use high-grade borosilicate glass to endure sterilisation and sub-zero storage. Modern mRNA vaccines, which require ultra-cold temperatures, depend on its resilience. 3. Nuclear reactors: Borosilicate glass is used in nuclear reactors for neutron- absorbing control rods, radiation shielding windows, and encapsulation of radioactive waste (vitrification). Its chemical stability resists corrosion from radioactive materials, and its ability to incorporate neutron-absorbing elements (like boron) makes it ideal for controlling nuclear reactions. It can also withstand high temperatures and radiation without degrading. 4. Space exploration: The Hubble Space Telescope's mirrors and spacecraft sensors depend on its stability in extreme temperatures. Nasa's Mars rovers even use borosilicate components to shield electronics from the planet's -80°C nights. What about ceramics? Researching borosilicate glass also made me wonder about my collection of various pieces of ceramic cookware. There are certainly some advantages of ceramic cookware, such as: • Non-stick properties: Ceramic cookware often has a natural non-stick coating, making it easier to cook with less oil and simpler to clean compared to borosilicate glass, which lacks inherent non-stick qualities. • Durability against physical impact: Ceramic cookware is generally more resistant to drops and impacts than borosilicate glass, which can crack or shatter if mishandled. • Aesthetic variety: Ceramic cookware comes in a wide range of colours and designs, offering more aesthetic options for kitchen decor compared to the typically clear or frosted appearance of borosilicate glass. • Heat distribution: Ceramic cookware provides more even heat distribution for stovetop cooking with gas or heat rings, reducing hot spots, whereas borosilicate glass is less efficient at conducting heat evenly on direct heat sources. • Versatility: Some ceramic cookware is rated for both stovetop and oven use (depending on the product), while borosilicate glass is designed for oven or microwave use and is not typically stovetop-safe. However, borosilicate glass cookware wins on the following points: • Thermal shock resistance: Borosilicate glass is highly resistant to thermal shock, meaning it can handle rapid temperature changes (e.g., from freezer to oven) without cracking. Ceramic cookware is much more prone to cracking under extreme temperature shifts. • Transparency: Borosilicate glass is transparent, allowing you to monitor food while cooking or baking. Ceramic cookware is opaque, so you cannot see the contents without lifting the lid. • Chemical inertness: Borosilicate glass is highly non-reactive and does not leach chemicals or flavours into food, even with acidic ingredients. While high-quality ceramic cookware is safe, lower-quality ceramics may have glazes that could leach into food under certain conditions. • Microwave safety: Borosilicate glass is consistently microwave-safe, making it ideal for reheating. Ceramic cookware may not always be microwave-safe, depending on the glaze or construction. • Longevity of coating: The non-stick coating on ceramic cookware can wear off over time with heavy use or improper care, reducing its effectiveness. Borosilicate glass does not rely on coatings, maintaining its properties indefinitely with proper handling. I should emphasise that the major safety issue with ceramics is that they are unreliable under rapid temperature changes. A ceramic Dutch oven might survive a steady oven roast, but transferring it from a 200°C oven to a cold countertop risks it cracking apart. This is why one should always rest hot ceramic cookware on heat-resistant mats, and never on cold surfaces or sinks. There are no such concerns with borosilicate glass cookware. A society built on borosilicate The modern world is silently depending more and more on new uses for borosilicate. For example, borosilicate glass is used in microfluidic chips for lab-on-a-chip devices, which are employed in biomedical research, DNA analysis, and drug testing. Its chemical inertness prevents reactions with biological samples or reagents, and its transparency allows for precise optical monitoring. Its ability to be etched into precise microchannels is also critical. Not all cookware can be used in ovens and microwave ovens. Ceramic for instance is generally not recommended for microwave ovens. — Filepic Borosilicate glass is used in high-voltage electrical insulators, such as those in power lines or particle accelerators. Its high dielectric strength prevents electrical breakdown, and its thermal resistance ensures stability under the heat generated by high currents. It also resists environmental degradation in outdoor settings. For example, specialised insulators in CERN's Large Hadron Collider or high-voltage transmission lines incorporate borosilicate glass. Recent innovations push its boundaries further. Scientists are embedding nanoparticles into borosilicate to create 'smart glass' that changes opacity with electricity. Even your smartphone's screen is probably borosilicate-derived. Its strength, inertness and durability imparts the solidity and ruggedness one expects from such personal electronic devices. Conclusion I am now much more diligent to ensure that borosilicate kitchenware is used in the microwave and conventional oven wherever possible. It is fortunate that curiosity after a silly kitchen accident made me realise that there is a miracle material, invented over 140 years ago, hiding in plain view in front of everyone. Borosilicate glass is, in many ways, a perfect example of human ingenuity. It is profoundly functional, aesthetically pleasing, and non-polluting – all it does is simply make our lives better and safer. The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M DH announces departure, thanks Aggieland with heartwarming tribute
Texas A&M DH announces departure, thanks Aggieland with heartwarming tribute Texas A&M baseball's most integral leader shared a heartfelt and emotional goodbye to the Aggie faithful after becoming one of the program's most talented utility players in his graduate season in Bryan-College Station, Texas. In collegiate athletics, players come and go frequently. Especially in the current era of the transfer portal, athletes are leaving their respective universities to pursue their future endeavors. Loyalty and leadership are two qualities that are rare in this new era and are extremely important in building a roster filled with players who will lay it all on the line for each other. The Aggies did just that when they landed outfielder and designated-hitter Hayden Schott during last year's offseason. His ability to lead on and off the field earned him the No. 12 jersey for the 2025 season. Schott did the number justice, to say the least. He started 33 of 50 games this season for the Aggies and collected four homers and 34 RBI, but his contributions as a leader in the clubhouse were an invaluable trait that will be remembered forever in Aggieland. On Thursday afternoon, Schott posted a heartwarming tribute to his time wearing the Maroon and White this season, thanking the fan base for their undeniable support. Before his time in College Station, Schott was a standout outfielder for Columbia as he dominated his way to All-Ivy League honors in 2022 and 2023. Following his stint with the Lions, the Newport Beach, California, native quickly made an impact when he stepped on the field at Blue Bell Park. His contributions on and off the diamond earned him the Marion Pugh Spirit Award for his instrumental abilities in bringing unity to the team and his valuable leadership. Schott's charisma and personality instantly made him a fan favorite on the Texas A&M baseball roster this season. The 2025 "12th Man" will forever be remembered for his unwavering passion for his teammates, coaching staff and for every single member of the Aggie fanbase who stood by his side and constantly supported him throughout the ups and downs of the program's season that ended at the SEC Tournament at the end of May. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
CNBC
06-06-2025
- Business
- CNBC
JPMorgan's top biotech and pharma picks for the second half
Biopharmaceutical stocks' underperformance versus the broader market for a third-straight year is an opportunity for investors, according to JPMorgan. Analyst Chris Schott said in the firm's June outlook for biopharma that the sector's poor performance can be traced back to concerns over President Donald Trump's tariffs and his " most favored nation " executive order. The SPDR S & P Biotech ETF (XBI) has pulled back about 7% so far in 2025, while the S & P 500 has notched a nearly 2% gain. The stock action is overdone, according to Schott, as he expects any impact from this policy will be "manageable." Valuations are historically depressed, Schott said, which means the sector has already priced in the the worst possible outcome. "The sector [should be] able to largely mitigate the impact of tariffs in the mid/long term through manufacturing repatriation and 2) [there's] no clear path for MFN ["most favored nation"] to move forward without Congressional approval (outside of IRA price negotiations)," Schott said. Fundamentals for biopharma stocks have improved in recent years, which should support "a more manageable sales/EPS erosion outlook for most names," he added. Here's a look at some of JPMorgan's favorite biotech and pharma stocks heading into the second half of the year. All stocks on the list are rated overweight by the firm. Eli Lilly stock is among JPMorgan's top picks among the group. Shares are about flat in 2025, and have slipped roughly 8% over the past 12 months. The company agreed to purchase SiteOne Therapeutics in a roughly $1 billion deal last week , which could allow Lilly to develop non-opioid treatments for chronic pain conditions. LLY YTD mountain Eli Lilly stock in 2025. Developing non-opioid pain drugs is a key focus for the industry, with Vertex Pharmaceuticals recently approving its Journavx Nav1.8 inhibitor. About 84% of analysts polled by FactSet maintain a buy rating on Eli Lilly stock, with their consensus price target equating to nearly 29% upside. Gilead Sciences is also one of JPMorgan's top picks. Shares have soared more than 20% so far in 2025. GILD YTD mountain Gilead Sciences stock in 2025. Analysts surveyed by FactSet think the stock has more room to run after a strong first half of the year. Alongside a consensus buy rating, the average analyst price target calls for more than 5% upside. The company recently announced key phase three trial data tied to its Trodelvy cancer treatment that showed the drug lowered the risk of a severe form of breast cancer when used in combination with Merck 's Keytruda immunotherapy treatment. Other names on the list include Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Bristol Myers Squibb .
Associated Press
04-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Cardinal Health launches new medical device for the continuous monitoring of three essential vital signs in one system
Kendall DL™ Multi System simplifies patient monitoring, drives efficiencies for providers DUBLIN, Ohio, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) announced today the U.S. launch of its multi-parameter, single-patient use monitoring cable and lead wire system that enables the continuous monitoring of cardiac activity, blood oxygen level and temperature with one point of connection. The new Kendall DL™ Multi System is designed to travel with the patient from admission to discharge for smooth transport. It helps improve clinician workflows, provides reliable monitoring to help determine the best course of care, and maximizes value across the hospital. 'This innovative addition to the Kendall DL portfolio removes complexity for busy care teams, and at the same time, helps enhance clinical performance with multi-parameter monitoring,' said Rachel Schott, global vice president for specialty products at Cardinal Health. 'The product streamlines steps that clinicians must follow to provide effective care and controls common lead wire clutter with its built-in cable management system.' The Kendall DL™ Multi System offers a proprietary design that features clinically proven technology to reduce the incidence of false 'leads off' alarms2 (i.e., indications that wires connected to the patient's body are not properly connected), as well as motion-related artifacts in electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings,† which are recorded disturbances due to a patient's movement. This yields cleaner ECG tracings and allows clinicians to more effectively prioritize the care they need to administer. As a single-patient use product, the system helps reduce cross contamination related to reusable lead wires for the monitoring of cardiac activity, blood oxygen level and temperature.1 This helps lower the chance of infection and the need for additional hospital days or readmissions.3 The system is eligible for medical device reprocessing through Cardinal Health. 'By enabling more efficient workflows and driving clinical excellence, this new solution can potentially support the financial performance of healthcare providers,' Schott said. 'Expanding our Kendall DL offerings demonstrates our commitment to providing products designed to address multiple clinical and operational challenges across healthcare organizations, and builds upon our legacy of safe, high-quality patient monitoring solutions providers have come to trust.' The Kendall DL™ Multi System is now available for health systems in the U.S. For more information, please visit us here. About Cardinal Health Cardinal Health is a distributor of pharmaceuticals and specialty products; a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products; a supplier of home-health and direct-to-patient products and services; an operator of nuclear pharmacies and manufacturing facilities; and a provider of performance and data solutions. Our company's customer-centric focus drives continuous improvement and leads to innovative solutions that improve people's lives every day. Learn more about Cardinal Health at and in our Newsroom. Contacts References: †Cardinal Health Data on File – OEM Grabber Comparisons Report, Dec 2024 1. Brown DQ. Disposable vs reusable electrocardiography leads in development of and cross contamination by resistant bacteria. Crit Care Nurse. 2011 Jun;31(3):62 8. doi: 10.4037/ccn2011874. PMID: 21632593. 2. Albert N, Murray T, Bena J, et al. Differences in alarm events between disposable and reusable electrocardiography lead wires. Am J Crit Care. 2015 Jan;24(1):67-73; quiz 74. doi: 10.4031/ajcc2015663. 3. Saunders R, Hansson Hedblom A. The economic implications of introducing single patient ECG systems for cardiac surgery in Australia. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res. 2021 Aug 13;13:727-735. doi: 10.2147/CEOR.S232527 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cardinal Health
