September 2024 Newsletter
September 30, 2024
News you can use
House Passes the BIOSECURE Act
On September 9, 2024, the House of Representatives passed the BIOSECURE Act (H.R. 8333) with a 306 to 81 vote. The bill aims to prohibit U.S. companies from doing business with certain Chinese biotech firms if they want to maintain contracts or financial support from the federal government. Introduced by Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and supported by bipartisan members of Congress, the legislation specifically targets five companies: BGI Group, MGI, Complete Genomics, WuXi AppTec, and WuXi Biologics. The bill allows for waivers on a case-by-case basis for up to 545 days. While the House passed the bill, the Senate has not yet scheduled a vote on its own version of similar legislation, S.3558. Both bills have been evaluated by the Congressional Budget Office and found not to increase federal spending.
Employee SpotlightPeter Stogios, Ph.D. - Sr. Scientist - Structural BiologyPeter provides x-ray diffraction services for Helix, drawing on over a decade of experience in crystallization and structural biology. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto and has contributed to NIH-funded structural genomics projects, managing research teams and publishing over 80 scientific articles. He has determined more than 250 crystal structures available in the Protein Databank. In his free time, Peter enjoys cycling and spending time with his family and French bulldog.
Featured services
Protein Crystallography Helix is the leading protein crystallography services company in the United States. With over 60 commercial screens and speciallized robotic liquid handling, Helix is able to produce crystal structures at high quality and with industrial efficiency for all our customers. Additionally, Helix has scheduled synchrotron time every week, allowing crystals to be collected shortly after they have grown. Armed with over 10 gene-to-structure scientists and liceneses to both CCP4 and Phenix, we are your one stop shop for all your crystallography needs. Contact us today to learn more!
Helix is hiring!!
Head of Structural Biology: We are looking to add an experienced Head of Structural Biology to our Indianapolis-based team. This role will manage and support the Helix team, planning & tracking all projects to produce high-quality work and support our client’s protein production, biophysical characterization, and structural biology projects.
Senior Scientist - Gene-to-Structure: We are looking to add an experienced senior scientist to join our Indianapolis-based team. This senior-level scientist will support our protein production and structural biology pipelines by producing proteins and setting up crystallization and/or cryo-EM experiments, interfacing with our clients, and writing technical project reports.
Helix highlights
Helix's New Member!We are so excited to welcome Anne Stone as Helix BioStructures Director of Sales and Marketing! We are truly humbled by the opportunity to work alongside Anne and have her help and expertise in building this magnificent company. Congratulations, Anne, and welcome to the Helix Team!
Instrument Review
The M110P Microfluidizer® Processor is a user-friendly, high-shear benchtop fluid homogenizer designed for lab-scale applications. It uses fixed-geometry Interaction Chamber™ technology and a ceramic plunger to process emulsions, suspensions, and disrupt cells with just one or two passes. Powered by a standard 20-amp outlet, it can operate at pressures up to 2,068 bar (30,000 psi) without requiring compressed air or cooling water. Its compact size allows it to fit under standard laboratory hoods. The M110P provides consistent results that can be scaled up to pilot and production levels.
Conferences & more
Helix Protein Art
