Microtissues® Inc. and Sigma-Aldrich® Sign Worldwide Supply and Distribution Agreement for the 3D Petri Dish®

Microtissues® Inc. announced today the signing of a Supply and Distribution Agreement with Sigma-Aldrich® Corporation (Nasdaq: SIAL) for the worldwide sales and marketing of the 3D Petri Dish®, a new technology for the culture of living cells in three dimensions (3D). Invented at Brown University, the 3D Petri Dish® maximizes cell-to-cell interactions critical for replicating the function of natural tissues and organs. Shown in numerous peer reviewed papers to work with over fifty different cell types, including cell lines, primary cells and stem cells, the 3D Petri Dish® has applications in cancer research, drug discovery, toxicity testing and regenerative medicine.

“Researchers are rapidly recognizing the importance of 3D cell culture and its ability to reliably mimic in vivo function” said Brian Morgan, Director of Business Development, Microtissues® Inc. “The 3D Petri Dish® creates a natural 3D environment without artificial scaffolds and we’re excited that this distribution agreement will bring our unique and innovative line of products to the worldwide research community.”

Unlike the conventional plastic Petri dish where cells are grown as a thin layer on the surface of the dish, the 3D Petri Dish® forms 3D aggregates of cells. Spheroid size is controlled by the number of cells seeded and hundreds of uniform sized spheroids are formed in a single pipetting step. Spheroids are formed in a well ordered array in a stable platform suitable for long term culture. All spheroids are positioned on the same optical plane making them easy to image (phase contrast, fluorescent). Spheroid size is controlled by the number of cells seeded and a mixture of cells forms mixed spheroids, suitable for investigating tumor-stroma interactions. Spheroids can be grown from single cells, applicable to the study of cancer stem cells. For histology, Western blots and RT-PCR, spheroids are harvested by simply inverting the 3D Petri Dish®. No need to dissolve or digest the gel. The 3D Petri Dish® is a new fundamental tool for the world wide industry of life sciences research.

About Sigma-Aldrich®: Sigma-Aldrich® is a leading Life Science and High Technology company whose biochemical, organic chemical products, kits and services are used in scientific research, including genomic and proteomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and as key components in pharmaceutical, diagnostics and high technology manufacturing. Sigma-Aldrich® customers include more than 1.3 million scientists and technologists in life science companies, university and government institutions, hospitals and industry. The Company operates in 38 countries and has nearly 9,000 employees whose objective is to provide excellent service worldwide. Sigma-Aldrich® is committed to accelerating customer success through innovation and leadership in Life Science and High Technology. For more information about Sigma-Aldrich®, please visit its website at www.sigma-aldrich.com.

About Microtissues® Inc: Microtissues® Inc. is a privately held company located in Providence, RI, advancing technologies and applications of 3D cell culture. Microtissues®, Inc.’s products are designed to serve the needs of researchers in a wide range of areas including cancer research, stem cell biology, toxicity testing, developmental biology, drug discovery, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Microtissues®, Inc. has an exclusive worldwide license from Brown University to US and international patent applications on the 3D Petri Dish®. For more information on Microtissues®, Inc., please visit www.microtissues.com.

Sigma-Aldrich and Sigma are trademarks of Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC registered in the US and other countries. Microtissues and 3D Petri Dish are registered trademarks of Microtissues, Inc.

Contact Details: Microtissues, Inc.
PO Box 2762 Providence, RI 02906 United States
phone – (401) 400-1163
fax – (650) 471-7586
microtissues.com

“Can’t miss” promotion— clients pay $100 and receive a $200 gift certificate from New York Laser & Aesthetics

New York Laser & Aesthetics Offers a One-of-a-Kind Holiday Special! What Better Time to Treat Yourself Or Loved One & Save Money While You’re At It!

Manhasset, NY, December 10, 2012 – Now with Thanksgiving as a recent memory and the holiday season officially in full swing, it’s important to be reminded to treat yourself, as you shop for family and friends. It is easy to forget about your own needs this time of year, as you are busy making lists, shopping for all your loved ones, cleaning, cooking, baking and hosting family and friends for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve. New York Laser & Aesthetics in Manhasset, NY would like to remind you to do something for yourself during the madness and stress of the winter holidays, such as having laser hair removal treatments or removing recurrent toenail fungus. New York Laser & Aesthetics currently has a “can’t miss” promotion—clients pay $100 and receive a $200 gift certificate, good for laser hair removal packages, sun/age spot laser removal, and chemical peels. In this holiday season filled with spending, rest assured that this is an unbeatable deal! In addition to the affordable pricing, clients can rest assured that the quality of their treatments and service are top-notch.

Conveniently located in the Americana Manhasset shopping center, New York Laser & Aesthetics is right in the middle of the premier shopping destination on Long Island. They are a quick drive from Port Washington, Great Neck, Syosset, Woodbury, Jericho, Garden City, and Plainview. Before or after your treatments, you can shop til you drop and get most of your holiday shopping lists crossed off! In addition, laser hair removal and many of their other services can be completed within a short time frame, such as a lunch break or a quick morning or afternoon break from a day of luxury shopping at the Americana. New York Laser & Aesthetics strives to offer convenient hours for their clients, and offers Saturday appointments as well as weekdays.

New York Laser & Aesthetics offers a variety of services that can be uniquely tailored to your individual needs. Laser hair removal treatments are popular with both men and women on many body parts, such as arms, legs, underarms, back, stomach, chest, bikini area, sideburns, chin, and upper lip. Chemical peels are another specialty at New York Laser & Aesthetics. Their experienced staff formulates your treatment customized to your skin type and skin condition to guarantee the best results possible. Chemical peels work by exfoliating dead skin cells on the surface of the skin to reveal new, healthy and glowing skin cells underneath. Other popular treatments are available to treat rosacea, uneven skin pigmentation, freckles, café au lait spots, acne, wrinkles and sagging skin, among many others. New York Laser & Aesthetics is also proud to offer toenail fungus (onycomycosis) removal treatments using advanced, groundbreaking technology, through an FDA-approved procedure called the Q-Clear Foot Laser.

Those who have unsuccessfully sought treatment before through different medications or procedures have found hope and confidence through this cutting-edge treatment. One of the most common prescription medications offered by doctors to those who suffer from this condition was found to cause liver and kidney toxicity and had serious side effects, on top of not being successful in treating the infection much of the time. The Q-Clear Foot Laser uses laser technology to attack the infection, and was a result of many years of scientific research. It has only recently been made available to the public. It is safe, painless and fast, and no adverse reactions or side effects have been reported. The laser will not cause your nails to discolor or fall off.

Say goodbye to thickened, yellow, hard to cut nails and treat yourself to the gift of healthy, shiny, smooth looking feet that you can show off to friends and family. Pedicures are in no way prohibited after the laser treatment—so you can look great for holiday gatherings! Feel free to wear trendy open-toe shoes to Christmas Eve dinner or family Hanukkah celebration, and sexy strappy heels for a New Year’s Eve bash!

The staff of New York Laser & Aesthetics offers unparalleled expertise and professionalism when treating toenail fungal infections. They are trained and experienced, ready to diagnose and treat your nail fungus with proper care, understanding, efficiency and effectiveness. The staff at New York Laser & Aesthetics understands how embarrassing and detrimental a fungal nail infection can be, and are happy to treat you in their discreet, welcoming clinic. Clients can put shoes on right after a treatment with the Q-Clear Foot Laser, can walk and resume normal activities immediately after—so you can continue shopping, return to work or attend to holiday errands.

The cost of treatment is LESS than what many have paid for prescription medications in the past to treat their toenail fungus. New York Laser & Aesthetics Group will be happy to speak with you about the Q-clear Foot Laser and your treatment options for other skin conditions, such as laser hair removal, acne, aging, or hyper pigmentation. All of the equipment at New York Laser Aesthetics’ office is FDA-approved and is the most advanced and tested technology available today.

Treat yourself or a loved one this holiday season to confidence and peace of mind. Trust New York Laser & Aesthetics to work with you, your relatives and/or friends to treat a multitude of skin conditions, whether it is laser hair removal, brown and age spot removal, chemical peels or toenail fungus removal. Their promotion of “pay $100 and receive a gift certificate worth $200” is going on today. Give yourself and others the gift of confidence and peace of mind this year!

Please call New York Laser & Aesthetics today to schedule a free consultation and to learn about any additional upcoming promotions. You may contact New York Laser & Aesthetics at 516-627-7777, through their website at www.nylaser1.com, or on their Facebook page. The staff of New York Laser & Aesthetics in Manhasset, NY wishes you and your family a very happy and healthy holiday season and a wonderful new year!

Contact:
Ofra Amy Grinbaum
New York Laser Aesthetics Americana at Manhasset
2110 Northern Blvd. (Suite. 202)
Manhasset, NY 11030
516-627-7777
info@nylaser1.com
http://www.nylaser1.com

NanoMarkets Latest Report Forecasts the Bio-Plastics Market Through 2020

NanoMarkets has published an in-depth analysis of worldwide markets for bio-plastics, covering all major bio-plastics including starch-based bio-plastics, bio-polyesters, cellulose-based bio-plastics and bio-polymers.

Glen Allen, Virginia – December 11, 2012 — Industry analyst firm NanoMarkets has published an in-depth analysis of worldwide markets for bio-plastics, covering all major bio-plastics including starch-based bio-plastics, bio-polyesters, cellulose-based bio-plastics and bio-polymers. The report titled “Bio-Plastics Markets – 2013,” claims that revenues from bio-plastics will reach $6.1 billion by 2018, with 8.6 million tons of bio-plastics shipped.

The report also discusses new feedstocks such as seaweed, and carbon dioxide. Applications analyzed include food and pharma packaging, waste bags, medical implants, diapers, mulch foils, electronics, and tires/automotive. Eight-year forecasts with breakouts by materials type, applications and region are included.

The report discusses the activities of many firms pioneering the use of bio-plastics including Arkema, Avantium, BASF, Braskem, Bridgestone, Cargill, Casda, Coca Cola, Cooper Tire, Danone, Dow Chemical, Faurecia, FKuR, Gevo, Green Dot, Heinz, Hisun Biomaterials, Innovia Films (UK), Invista, LanzaTech, M & G, Metabolix, Mitsubishi Chemical, Mitsui, Nike, Novamont, P&G, PTT, Purac, Showa Denko, Solvay, Teijin, Toray and Uhde Inventa-Fischer.

Additional details about the report are available at: http://nanomarkets.net/market_reports/report/bio_plastics_markets.

More from the report:

While bio-plastics represent only 1% of the total plastics market today, NanoMarkets’ report projects that amount will grow to 7% by 2020. Market drivers include recyclability of bio-based PA, PE and PET and the bio-degradability/compostability of other bio-plastics. The sector will benefit from European and Japanese mandates favoring compostable/recyclable materials, also the involvement of big name firms such as BASF and Dow Chemical which are investing billions of dollars into bio-plastics.

To reach full potential, bio-plastics must come down in price; today they are two-to-three times the price of fossil-based plastics. This sector is also highly capital intensive. For every one million tons of bio-plastics production capacity, at least $1.25 billion is invested.

Cost reductions will be achieved through economies of scale and by using less expensive feedstocks; switching to cassava for bio-PLA will reduce feedstock cost by 70%. Another factor that will help bio-plastics will be ongoing technical improvements such as better barrier coatings.

The consumption of bio-plastics by the packaging industry will amount to 1.3 billion tons in 2013; almost 75 percent of bio-plastics shipped. Packaging will still hold a 65 share of the bio-plastics market as late as 2020. For plastic bottles, bio-PET is expected to replace fossil-based plastics entirely and PLA foamed structures are expected to take a noticeable share of the food container segment.

The other big bio-plastics opportunity lies in the automotive segment, which is expected to consume just 75 million tons of bio-plastics in 2013 but more than 10 times that amount in 2018. Bridgestone and Cooper Tire are developing bio-plastic tires and bio-based butadiene tires will be retailing by 2014. Mitsubishi is doing R&D work on bio-plastics for automotive interior parts. Bio-plastics that are expected to be used in the automotive segment include PLA blends, bio-PA, bio-PE, and bio-PET.

Bio-plastics product is shifting to Asia and South America, closer to where feedstocks are grown. By 2020 nearly 80% of bio-plastics will be produced in these regions. Chinese companies are already making bio-plastics and firms such as Arkema and BASF are investing in the Chinese bio-plastic sector. Chinese domestic consumption for bio-plastics will also grow rapidly, but will be constrained by Chinese government concerns with using food crops for feedstocks.

About NanoMarkets:

NanoMarkets tracks and analyzes emerging markets in advanced materials. The firm is the recognized leader in industry analysis and forecasts for a variety of functional plastics-related markets.

Visit http://www.nanomarkets.net for a full listing of NanoMarkets’ reports and other services.

Media Contact:
Robert Nolan
NanoMarkets, LC
PO BOX 3840
Glen Allen, VA 23058
(804) 938-0030
rob@nanomarkets.net
http://www.nanomarkets.net

Bill Ringle Interviews Expert Business Strategist Adrian Ott on My Quest for Best

Bill Ringle, America’s Business Growth Strategist, talked with Adrian Ott, CEO of Exponential Edge Consulting, on My Quest for the Best about successful business strategy and knowing your customer.

Philadelphia, PA, December 10, 2012 – Business growth strategist Bill Ringle interviewed Adrian Ott, founder and CEO of Exponential Edge Consulting, for My Quest for the Best. In this interview series, Ringle speaks with successful industry experts and outstanding business leaders about their strategies for reaching and influencing significant target audiences, innovative business leadership, breakthrough moments in their career, and the important business and life lessons they’ve gained along the way.

Adrian Ott is the CEO and founder of Exponential Edge Consulting. She was named Silicon Valley Enterprising Woman of the Year 2011 by the National Association of Women Business Owners – Silicon Valley, and called “one of Silicon Valley’s most respected (if not the most respected) strategists” by Consulting Magazine. Ott works with some of the most innovative Fortune 500 and start-up companies in the world to help them gain a market edge in today’s exponential economy. In addition to assisting clients, she writes a popular column at FastCompany.com and Chairs the Strategy & Growth Roundtable for the Harvard Business School Association of Northern California, the largest HBS alumni club in the world. She is also the author of The 24-Hour Customer, a Library Journal “Best Business Book 2010”.

In Ott’s conversation with Bill Ringle on My Quest for the Best, she offered listeners sales and strategy advice from her varied corporate engagements. Their discussion centered around the five triggers that influence to what a customer will give his or her time and attention, information that’s invaluable in any business. Ott also shared tips on how companies of all sizes can capitalize on mistakes or disruptions of service made by their competition, and discussed what led her to write The 24-hour Customer.

“What you’ll learn from listening to this interview with Adrian Ott is a thinking style that allows you to capitalize on the unexpected,” says Ringle. “Adrian’s clear explanations and examples let every leader understand important ways to get deeper insights into what their customers want.”

Bill Ringle, America’s Business Growth Strategist, is founder of the Rapid Rise Business Growth SystemTM, the proven step-by-step system that shows you exactly how to connect and do business with your ideal customers in record time. He works with high performing entrepreneurs and CEOs who want to overcome the five big challenges to business growth so that they can run profitable and rewarding business rather than become stuck and overwhelmed in unfulfilling and draining roles. He has worked on four continents, is the author of four business books, and inspires and educates thousands of business leaders each year through his speaking, coaching, interactive programs, and products.

To listen to Bill Ringle’s interview with Adrian Ott, visit www.MyQuestForTheBest.com/MQ4B-interview-Adrian-Ott. To learn more about Adrian Ott, visit her website, www.ExponentialEdge.com.

Contact:
Meredith Hegg
LearnWell
491 Baltimore Pike, Suite 209
Springfield, PA 19064
610-626-0175
pr@learnwell.com
http://www.billringle.com/expert-interviews-with-bill-ringle/33-experts/344-interview-with-adrian-ott.html