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Impact Magazine

Life Sciences Patents: Innovations for the Benefit of the World

In the BYU College of Life Sciences, we aim to inspire learning and discovery for the benefit of all of God’s children. Our faith amplifies and enhances our scientific endeavors, helping us create revolutionary inventions. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Life Sciences Building, we share 10 scientific innovations that were created by life sciences faculty and students. As scientists and disciples of Jesus Christ, we recognize our covenantal responsibility to help our fellow human beings, and we look forward to the future research innovations that will come out of the college in the years to come.

This is a sketch of a human brain done in blue ink. The number 1 is superimposed on top, to the right.

Using Equol to Treat or Prevent Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases or Disorders

Dr. Edwin Lephart, from the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and his colleagues discovered a method for treating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions and reducing obesity by administering a mixture of R-equol and S-equol. Patented in 2013 and now used by people across the globe, this innovation provides those suffering from neurological illnesses with a personalized treatment and aids in decreasing the development of other chronic conditions through weight loss.

A sketch of seeds becoming plants is done in blue ink. The number 2 is superimposed over this image.

Improving Plant Growth in Water-Repellent Soil

 
Dr. Matthew Madsen and Dr. Steven Petersen from the Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences patented a novel two-layer seed coating that increases the wettability of hydrophobic soil to improve plant germination and plant establishment as well as promote early growth. The first layer offers protection, and the second layer is a soil surfactant. This invention is used in many countries throughout the world. It improves reseeding efforts on golf courses and in areas impacted by fires such as farmland, forested land, and rangelands.

Using a Nonsteroidal Estrogen to Treat Androgen-Mediated Diseases

Dr. Edwin Lephart from the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and his team of collaborators patented their non-racemic mixture of equol in 2015. Used in the United States, Australia, Europe, and Japan, this innovation is intended to help prevent or treat androgen-mediated diseases like prostatic hyperplasia. Abnormal amounts of androgen in the body can lead to the development of a variety of disorders. Using equol, a nonsteroidal estrogen, to mitigate these conditions can reduce the need for taking medications that have negative side effects.

This is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.
Alma 26:3

Treating Anemia by Inhibiting Furin

Dr. Chad Hancock from the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science and Dr. Richard Watt from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry patented a medicinal treatment for those who suffer from anemia. Their innovation, which was patented in 2022, uses protease inhibitors to decrease the activity of furin, a protease that plays a role in the development of the condition. This pharmaceutical discovery has the potential to help individuals who are deficient in red blood cells and hemoglobin and could lead to future discoveries in disease treatment by inhibiting proteases.

Using Bacteriophage Compositions to Aid in Weight Loss

In 2024, Laura Bridgewater, dean of the College of Life Sciences, and student Jeffrey Gongze Zhao (MMBIO) patented a bacteriophage composition to support weight management, reduce inflammation, and support metabolic health by improving the balance and diversity of the intestinal microbiome.

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Treating Skin Conditions with a Compound from Soy

Dr. Edwin Lephart from the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and his colleagues patented a specific formulation of a soy derivative to rejuvenate skin by promoting skin cell renewal, strengthening collagen, increasing skin elasticity, and enhancing skin texture and tone. This innovation, patented in 2014, is used all over the world to improve skin health by helping individuals decrease the appearance of scars and eliminate acne.

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Preventing Animal Bacterial Infections

In 2018, Dr. Richard Robison and Dr. Marcus Jensen from the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology patented a method of preparing an improved temperature-sensitive vaccine for Bordetella avium bacterial infections in turkeys. This highly infectious disease can ravage domesticated turkey populations, infecting entire flocks within 24 hours. The vaccine is used throughout the United States to prevent the spread of Bordetella avium and keep turkey flocks healthy.

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Determining Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease

Dr. John “Keoni” Kauwe from the Department of Biology and Dr. Steven Graves from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry patented a technique for detecting biomarkers that indicate if a person has an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The method, patented in 2020, includes assaying a biological sample from the individual to identify if they have certain biomarkers. This technique has the potential to help confirm Alzheimer’s disease cases in the earlier stages of the disease when there are more treatment options available.

He shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
2 Timothy 2:21

Using Scaphopetalone Analogs in Antiviral Medications

In 2019, Dr. Rex Cates from the Department of Biology, Dr. Merritt Andrus from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and their colleagues patented specific scaphopetalone analogs for use in the development of anti-herpes treatments for HSV-1, HSV-2, and Herpes zostera. Herpes can cause severe lifelong infections and this innovation has the potential to greatly benefit those impacted by the virus.

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Treating Pain with Wogonin

Dr. David Kooyman from the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology patented a treatment in 2023 for arthritis and musculoskeletal pain using wogonin, a chemical compound extracted from the Chinese skullcap plant. This product, which is used across Europe and in Japan, provides people with an alternative method of pain management and potentially decreases the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiates.