German firm CellGenix has launched the CellGenixTM PSC Kit for use in stem cell production. The system can be used for expansion of human pluripotent stem cells, like human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells. Human pluripotent stem cell research is an expanding field that has potential to change the way human diseases are studied and treated.

Firm bought

Boulevard Acquisition Corp has completed the acquisition of AgroFresh, the specialty chemical business of The Dow Chemical Company. AgroFresh Solutions is a global industry leader in providing specialty chemicals enabling growers and packers of fresh produce to preserve and enhance the freshness, quality and value of their goods and is headquartered in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.

Virus research

Researchers in South Africa are working on vaccine against the deadly tick- borne disease known as Congo Fever. Prof Felicity Burt, from the Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, at the University of the Free State, has been awarded a research grant by the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) to study candidate vaccines for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus and other arboviruses.