Tradeline, Inc. filters and categorizes new-construction and industry news from regional and professional journals across the country. Here you will find new projects, products, and regulatory updates.
Industry News
University of Maine Builds Biocontainment Aquaculture Lab
The University of Maine will begin construction in spring of 2011 on a biocontainment aquaculture research lab in Orono. FISHlab will provide advanced research laboratories for the study of pathogens and the development of vaccines for fish, frogs, lobsters, and sea urchins. The $600,000 facility will support collaboration with industry partners and is expected to reach completion in spring of 2012.
Federal Experts Security Advisory Panel Presents Biosafety Recommendations
The Federal Experts Security Advisory Panel presented their biosafety recommendations to officials in the U.S. Cabinet in November of 2010. The findings will be released to the public at the same time as a biennial review of the policies that govern the Select Agent Program. The recommendations will offer strategies to improve security at facilities that use potentially dangerous pathogens in research. The assessment is expected to conclude in late 2011.
ANSI/AIHA Develops Testing and Performance Verification Methodologies for BSL-3 Labs
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have embarked on an initiative to develop a national standard entitled “Testing and Performance Verification Methodologies for Biological Safety Level 3 (BSL-3) Laboratories,” known as ANSI/AIHA Z9.14.
Pennsylvania State University Plans Biological Research Laboratory
Pennsylvania State University will begin construction in 2011 on the $23 million Biological Research Laboratory in University Park. Supporting research on immunology and infectious diseases, the 20,000-gsf ABSL-3 facility will include microbiology and virology labs, animal biocontainment suites, and an insectary. LEED sustainable design certification will be sought for the project. Completion is expected in summer 2012. The project is supported by $14.8 million in federal stimulus funding.
University of Wyoming Dedicates Biocontainment Lab
The University of Wyoming dedicated its $24.9 million BSL-3 laboratory in Laramie in November of 2010. Housing research and testing facilities for the study of select agents and pathogens, the lab will provide rapid diagnosis of diseases affecting wildlife, herd animals, and humans. The facility is located at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and comprises a 20,000-sf addition housing a 1,280-sf BSL-3 suite, a 2,600-sf BSL-2 suite, and support.