News and Articles
Medical Devices Powered by Lithium-ion Batteries: Safety Considerations
The development of lithium-ion batteries, also known as “Li-ion” batteries, has brought game-changing portable, rechargeable power to a vast array of products, including modern-day smartphones and electric cars. The life science industry has taken notice: many medical devices, ranging from electric wheelchairs to defibrillators to oxygen concentrators, have been designed to work with lithium-ion batteries….
“Nuclear” Verdicts Go “Thermonuclear”: What is the Impact on Life Science Companies?
Researchers studying litigation in the United States over the past several decades have coined the phrase “nuclear” verdict to mean a jury award exceeding $10 million. There is no question that over the past twenty-plus years, the number of nuclear verdicts, and the amounts awarded, have increased exponentially, to the extent that one self-described independent…
Tianeptine, known as “Gas Station Heroin,” Joins the Ranks of Illegal Drugs Harming Americans
As recently as January 23, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) reiterated a previous public health advisory to consumers: do not purchase or use any product containing the illegal and potentially dangerous substance tianeptine. Products containing tianeptine are known colloquially as “gas station heroin” because they: (1) are readily available in gas stations,…
Gene Therapy: A New Frontier in Medical Innovation
It is no surprise that one of the most impactful health stories of 2023, as reported by Scientific American, is gene therapy, specifically the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a groundbreaking gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease using a novel genome editing technology called CRISPR. While the treatment highlighted…
Using a “Wearable Witness” in Your Next Case
Wearable devices have come a long way from the 13th century’s invention of eyeglasses. The first wearable computer was created in 1960, launched by the notable brand Casio which marketed the first calculator wristwatch. Fast forward to today, where wearable devices can now gather extensive data, specifically about our bodily systems, including exercise, food consumption,…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Life Sciences and Healthcare
AI appeared to burst onto the scene in early 2023 and seems to be everywhere, all at once. In reality, AI technology has been integrated into our daily lives for a number of years, most visibly as experienced through the virtual assistants, Siri and Alexa, and its use in medical diagnostic software systems. According to…
Navigating Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Challenges
What did we learn from the story of the Three Little Pigs, each building houses of different materials in the face of a threat? Though not specifically intended as an education in business, the story does teach that recognizing a threat and planning to avoid or mitigate the negative impacts go a long way. In…
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Part 2, with Berkley Life Sciences’ Ioanis González-Rodríguez
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked Ioanis González-Rodríguez, better known as “E,” a Life Sciences Associate here at BLS, if he would share his experiences about his Hispanic background and what this month means to him. E, what are some of your favorite traditions or cultural celebrations significant to your Hispanic culture?…
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with Berkley Life Sciences’ Angie Rodriguez
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked Angelica “Angie” Rodriguez, Berkley Life Sciences’ Life Science Specialist, if she would share her experiences about her Hispanic culture, traditions, role models, diversity, and what this month means to her. She proudly accepted. Angie, can you share any cultural traditions or customs that you practice…
What is Combustible Dust & How to Prevent It
What is Combustible Dust? Combustible dust is any finely divided solid material (wood, plastics, paper, rubber, combustible metals, etc.) that can present an explosion hazard when suspended in air or when accumulated in a confined space and subject to pressure build-up. Examples of combustible dust include aluminum and magnesium: they do not easily burn as…