“Harvard Faculty Members Awarded U.S. Patents for Various Innovations in September 2020”

In a significant stride for scientific innovation, seven esteemed faculty members from Harvard University were among the inventors issued U.S. patents in September 2020. The patents, which span a wide range of scientific disciplines, reflect the cutting-edge research and development being conducted at one of the world’s leading academic institutions.

One of the patents, U.S. Patent 10,758,573, was awarded to a team including David J. Mooney, a pioneer in the field of bioengineering. The patent pertains to a device for enriching cells with a cell surface marker, a breakthrough that could have significant implications for cell-based therapies and diagnostics.

Another patent, U.S. Patent 10,759,764, was issued for a method of fluorinating organic compounds, a process that could revolutionize the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The patent was awarded to Tobias Ritter and Constanze Nicole Neumann.

Daniel Branton, a renowned molecular and cellular biologist, was among the inventors issued U.S. Patent 10,766,762. The patent covers the controlled fabrication of nanopores in nanometric solid state materials, a development that could have far-reaching applications in nanotechnology and materials science.

Marc W. Kirschner, a leading figure in the field of cell biology, was awarded U.S. Patent 10,767,162 for methods relating to the differentiation of stem cells. This could potentially revolutionize regenerative medicine and the treatment of various diseases.

George M. Church, a pioneer in genomics and synthetic biology, was issued two patents. U.S. Patent 10,767,194 pertains to RNA-guided transcriptional regulation, a method that could have significant implications for gene therapy and genetic engineering. Church was also awarded U.S. Patent 10,774,366 for a method of making polynucleotides using closed-loop verification, a process that could greatly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of DNA synthesis.

Jennifer Lewis, a leading expert in materials science and bioprinting, was among the inventors issued U.S. Patent 10,786,349. The patent covers artificial tympanic membrane devices and uses, a development that could revolutionize treatments for hearing loss and other auditory disorders.

Robert Wood and Conor Walsh were among the inventors awarded U.S. Patent 10,780,591 for soft robotic actuators and grippers. This patent could have significant implications for the field of robotics, particularly in the development of soft robots that can safely interact with humans and delicate objects.

These patents represent the culmination of years of rigorous research and innovation by these distinguished faculty members. They underscore Harvard University’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and its dedication to fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and creativity. The innovations recognized have the potential to significantly impact a wide range of fields, from medicine and biotechnology to materials science and robotics, and further solidify Harvard’s position at the forefront of scientific research and development.