Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Excellent Thermal Conductivity of Graphene Creates New Opportunities in Graphene Electronics Market

Ever since materials scientists were able to successfully isolate single-layer graphene, the interest in using the material in numerous electronics devices has only grown stronger with every passing year. The electronic properties of graphene are considered as being ideal for fabricating numerous electronic devices. These excellent conduction properties of graphene have been utilized to achieve numerous breakthrough products over the recent years. With a mounting use of graphene in electronics, the global graphene electronics market is expected to have a staggering CAGR of 60.7% between 2015 and 2025. In terms of value, the market is expected to rise dramatically from its 2014 value of US$8.5 mn to US$1.2 bn by the end of 2025, says Transparency Market Research. 


However, it is not just the superconductivity of graphene that will fuel the unprecedented growth of the global graphene electronics market. Graphene’s advantages over conventionally-used conducting materials will be a contributing factor to the global graphene electronics market. From batteries with superlative performance to flexible display screens to graphene-based chips, the applications of graphene in electronics are only expected to expand over the next few years.

Here are a few notable areas where graphene is blazing a trail in the electronics sector:

Flexible displays: A remarkable fall in the prices of graphene-based displays has been a landmark development in the larger graphene electronics market. Take for instance a pioneering development reported by Plastic Logic, a manufacturer of plastic displays, in partnership with the Cambridge Graphene Center. The company launched what it claims is the first ever graphene-based display in the world. Several other companies are reporting groundbreaking research in displays based on graphene, and this escalation in activities has greatly helped the cost of graphene-based displays to plummet.

Random access memory:
Consumers increasingly have demanding needs when it comes to memory. To this end, a team from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln combined graphene with ammonia to discover an interesting phenomena – this combination was capable of stopping and starting the flow of electronics to a great degree. This critical improvement to the ferroelectric tunnel junction means that data stored in RAM doesn’t have to be rewritten, creating a decidedly more reliable memory storage solution.

Heat management within electronics:
Graphene boasts excellent cooling properties – an aspect that makes this material an exceptionally efficient alternative to conventional materials such as aluminum and copper. As the size of electronics shrinks with every passing year, the demand for a material that can offer better cooling properties even with a restricted surface area is higher than ever. Where excellent thermal conductivity is required, graphene-based film could be the smartest solution. In July 2015, the Chalmers University of Technology, based in Sweden, developed a technique that will further enhance the thermal conductivity of graphene-based film. With this, a more efficient solution that can dissipate the heat generated by electronics is in sight. 


While these examples provide only a peek into the exciting times that lie ahead for the graphene electronics market, several scientists opine that graphene by itself will fail to display the desired results in many applications and will have to be used in conjunction with other materials. This could slow down the growth of the graphene electronics market marginally.

Emergence of USB 3.0 to Redefine Future of Cable Connectors and Adapters Market

Consumer expectations from gadgets and the technologies that run them are rising by the day. This has resulted in market players scurrying to launch products and solutions that outdo those currently on the market. Cable connectors and adapters, ubiquitous but indispensable components of virtually every electronic product today, feature prominently in this battleground too. It is expected that cable connectors and adapters will generate revenue to the tune of USD$85.75 bn by 2022, according to Transparency Market Research. The global market for cable connectors and adapters will have a high single-digit CAGR of 9.1% from 2015 to 2022.

The evolution of the cable connectors and adapters market has been rapid, as it has kept pace with critical advancements in the electronics sector. This evolution has been driven largely by escalating demand for higher bandwidth and the need to create connectors that honor this need for greater speed and connectivity. Thus, in an age of high-speed video downloads and the need to transfer large volumes of data from one device to another, the performance of cable connectors and adapters remains critical.

Shift to USB 3.0 Becomes Imminent with Improvements in System Design

USB 2.0 has been the standard for a long time, but with the USB 3.0 SuperSpeed standard entering the scene with several speed and performance advantages over USB 2.0, things are about to change. USB 3.0 is able to meet the need for high-volume data transfer and ensuring high speeds while doing so. What also works in favor of USB 3.0 is that it offers an unmatched level of backward compatibility, so snags associated with the performance of USBs alongside legacy equipment are easily addressed. 


As devices with compact form factors become the order of the day, USB devices that keep pace with miniaturization trend will have to be made available to consumers. This trend seem to be taking concrete shape as more and more electronic devices are now incorporating USB 3.0. These products include laptops, smartphones, and a range of new smart devices on the market currently. It is only a matter of time before the uptake of USB 3.0 in the cable connectors and adapters market becomes even stronger.

From the standpoint of the larger cable connectors and adapters market, USBs compete for a higher market share with other products such as HDMI, VGA, DVI, Cat5/Cat6, and others. However, USBs account for the strongest position in the cable connectors and adapters market today because of their widespread used across a variety of devices.

Asia Pacific Dominates Global Cable Connectors and Adapters Market

The demand for various types of cable connectors and adapters is high. But that’s not the only reason that puts Asia Pacific at the forefront of the global market for adapters and cable connectors. The region also boasts the presence of several electronics contract manufacturers. 


Investments in manufacturing facilities continue to increase, as countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh still allow manufacturers to enjoy the benefits of low-cost manufacturing. In 2014, Asia Pacific accounted for 35.30% of the global market, and will report the fastest growth globally.

Rising Demand for Quality Checks Paves Path for Global Process Spectroscopy Market

The global market for process spectroscopy has witnessed a remarkable rise in its market valuation in recent times. The growing need for accuracy in the manufacturing of various products has triggered the demand for more intensive quality checks, resulting in increasing demand for process spectroscopy.

The rising preference of consumers for high-quality products has led to the immense popularity of spectroscopy technologies. According to a market study published by Transparency Market Research (TMR), a market intelligence and research organization, the global market for process spectroscopy stood at US$714.5 mn in 2012. Analysts estimate this market to expand at a CAGR of 7.40% between 2013 and 2019 and reach a market value of close to US$1.2 bn by the end of 2019.

ABB Ltd., Bruker Corp., Agilent Technologies Inc., Buchi Labortechnik AG, Foss A/S, Danaher Corp., Horiba Ltd., Sartorius, Kett Electric Laboratory, Shimadzu Corp., Yokogawa Electric Corp., and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. are the key companies functioning in the worldwide process spectroscopy market.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, the leading company in the process spectroscopy market, has recently experienced an increase in institutional sentiments from 0.93 in Q2 to 1.08 in Q3 of 2015. The company’s stock is up-trending and has reported a growth of 5.29% since April 2015.

Mergers and acquisitions and the introduction of new products are the latest trends among other prominent participants looking to strengthen their presence. Here is a snapshot of the recent activities of key players in the process spectroscopy market.
  • Shimadzu Corp. has announced the release of LABNIRS, a functional near-infrared spectroscopy system that offers high-sensitivity, multi-channel optical measurements of blood oxygen level dependent signals originating in the cerebral cortex. Earlier this year, the firm unveiled a monitored single-beam UV-visible spectrophotometer that provides a wide range of measurement options.

  • Horiba Ltd., a major company in optical and Raman spectroscopy systems for more than 50 years, introduced the second version of their SWIFT module for HD, ultrafast confocal Raman imaging in March 2015. The module provides a robust yet cost-efficient route to use the optimum power of Raman imaging in the lab. In the previous year, the company acquired Photon Technology Int., a key manufacturer of microscopy-based spectro-fluorometers, in a bid to increase its presence in the market for fluorescence spectroscopy.

  • ABB Ltd., one of the prime enterprises operating in the global process spectroscopy market, recently launched a single-point industrial FT-NIR analyzer, TALYS ASP400. The fiber optics-based analyzer is designed for real-time observation of petrochemical and refinery process streams.

Teeming with the introduction of novel products, the global market for process spectroscopy looks thriving. However, the high investment requirement for the development and maintenance of spectroscopes has compelled the market players to raise the product prices. Analysts expect this factor to hamper the growth of this market to a certain extent.

Increasing Screening Activities Provides a New Perspective to Global Stem Cells Market

Therapy that uses stem cells – undifferentiated human cells – to treat a range of diseases is called stem cell therapy. In recent years, the global stem cells market has grown due to several reasons. The biggest advantage of stem cells is their ability to differentiate into specialized cells of the human body.

Increasing Research Activities Motivate Global Stem Cells Market

A report published by Transparency Market Research states that the global stem cells market was valued at US$26.2 bn in 2013 and is expected to reach $119.5 bn by 2018. This growth, at a CAGR of 24.2% from 2012 to 2018, is completely attributable to the growing support from various governments in the world for clinical research and development of stem cell therapy. In addition to this, the expansion of the medical tourism industry, growing number of stem cell banking services, and high number of unmet medical needs are driving the global stem cells market. Some of the other factors improving the prospects of the global stem cells market are the increasing availability of therapeutic research activities and stem cell banking services, and rising awareness about drug discovery and screening and regenerative treatment options.


BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics’ NurOwn Could be a Cure for ALS

Some of the important players engaged in the global stem cells market are Cellartis AB, Stemcelltechnologies Inc., Biotime Inc., Cellular Engineering Technologies, Cytori Therapeutics Inc., Bioheart, Celgene Corporation Inc., Osiris Therapeutics, California Stem Cells Inc., Angel Biotechnology, Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics, and Advanced Cell Technology Inc. Several players in the market are trying to solve chronic conditions and diseases with stem cell therapy. For instance, Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics announced that the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) conducted the second round of its pre-planned safety review for the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial of NurOwn® for usage in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

DSMB stated that Brainstorm could continue its study, as no safety concerns were found in the trial. Data collected for 47 out of 48 patients showed no adverse issues, lab abnormalities, or protocol deviations related to the trial. BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics’ NurOwn uses a technique developed by Profs. Eldad Melamed and Daniel Offen, Tel Aviv University. It relates to growing and improving stem cells taken from the patients’ own bone marrow. As these cells secrete high levels of nerve-growth factors, they protect motor neurons present in the body, thereby promoting motor neuron growth and restoring nerve-muscle interaction. Such efforts are expected to change the life expectancy of ALS patients and the whole disease management scenario for ALS in the near future. 


Currently, North America dominates the global stem cells market. Europe holds the second position with a market share of over 25% in the overall stem cell market. Though analysts predict that this market will reach newer heights in the coming years, the strict regulatory framework against the unethical harvesting of stem cells and high prices of stem cell treatments will limit the growth of this market.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Market: Phase 3 Candidate ISIS-SMNRx to Reach US$0.47 bn by 2023

Spinal muscular atrophy is primarily a hereditary autosomal recessive disease that affects the nervous system areas that controls voluntary muscular movement. SMA is commonly identified as a genetic disorder causing mortality among people, especially infants. As per Orphanet, 1 infant out of 6,000 births is predicted to suffer spinal muscular atrophy. More than 10 mn individuals in the United States are carriers of spinal muscular atrophy. The spinal muscular atrophy market phase 3 candidate ISIS-SMNRx is predicted to reach US$0.47 bn by 2023.

Increasing Number of Infants with SMA to Drive Global Market

Recently, as per a news report, a few families in Morgantown found hope for their children who were suffering from spinal muscular atrophy. The families were denied access to the clinical trial drug SMNRx from ISIS Pharmaceuticals. Since then, the families, with the support of many others, have been trying to sign a petition to allow SMA-diagnosed children to have clear access to the relevant drugs for treatment. 

Such and other events have occurred as the result of the growing prevalence of SMA among children. This will propel the global spinal muscular atrophy market in the coming years.


Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy to Lead Demand for Global SMA Market by 2023

Considering the increasing number of infants being diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, the spinal muscular atrophy market is expected to expand during the period from 2015 to 2023. On the basis of the symptoms and the age of onset, the SMA market is classified into Type 1 SMA, Type 2 SMA, Type 3 SMA, and Type 4 SMA. Type 1 spinal muscular atrophy is the most severe type and is found in infants aged up to six months. More than 60% of SMA cases are found to be Type 1 SMA, in which infants do not live for more than two years. Type 2 SMA affects children aged from six months to 18 months. Type 3 and 4 SMA are comparatively less severe and carry a prognosis of a normal lifespan. Physiotherapy is the best treatment suggested for SMA when it is at its early stage. 

ISIS-SMNRx is an antisense medicine introduced by Isis Pharmaceutical and has shown positive results in clinical trials. Some other potential candidates are Olesoxime (TRO19622), RO6885247, scAAV9.CB.SMN, RG3039, LMI070, and CK-2127107. Phase 3 study of ISIS-SMNRx for treating Type 1 and Type 2 SMA is expected to be completed by 2016. 

SMA is commonly diagnosed by recognizing mutation in the survival of motor neuron (SMN) gene. Muscle biopsy, nerve condition velocity, and electromyogram are some other ways by which SMA can be diagnosed. AveXis, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cytokinetics, Inc., and Novartis AG are some of the prominent players in the spinal muscular atrophy market.  


At present, there is no well-defined cure for treating spinal muscular atrophy. ISIS-SMNRx is the only drug that is expected to be made available on large scale by 2017. The drug is expected to reach record sales of US$468.2 mn in the U.S. by 2023. 

Transformative Effect of Regenerative Medicine on Human Health Benefits Global Market

Regenerative medicine, according to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the process of developing functional tissues for the repair and/or replacement of damaged organs or tissues. Having lost function due to disease, congenital defects, and age, these tissues or organs are regenerated to establish and restore normal function. 

Regenerative medicine is used in a wide range of applications including neurology, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and orthopedic. Earlier this month, a study showed that a new regenerative medicine appears to relieve eye pain, light sensitivity, and burning, and stimulate faster tissue repair following eye surgery. Findings by a team of researchers in Turkey suggest that this new compound can be beneficial for all those patients who undergo refractive surgery and corneal implants.

The regenerative medicine market is a rapidly developing segment of medical science and a report by Transparency Market Research indicates that the global regenerative medicine market is poised to expand at a strong CAGR of 12.80% from 2013 to 2019.


Ongoing Trends Reflected in the Regenerative Medicine Market 

There a number of factors that not only drive or challenge the global regenerative medicine market but also characterize its presence in the overall field of medical science. 

One of the most significant forces working in favor of the regenerative medicine market is technological advancements in stem cell therapy and tissue engineering.
The prevalence of joint and bone disorders has increased in recent years, fueled by the rise in the aging population, increasing prevalence of arthritis, and surge in sports injuries. This, in turn, has given a boost to the regenerative medicine market.
Strong demand and presence of favorable reimbursement policies has spurred the development of biomaterials technology, rendering it the largest technology segment of the regenerative medicine market.
The widening range of applications of tissue engineering in improving or replacing biological functions is anticipated to drive the demand for tissue engineering in the coming years. 
Regenerative medicine is most commonly used in substituting bone grafts and this application segment has flourished owing to the rise in orthopedic surgeries.
North America serves as the leading regional market for regenerative medicine owing to surging demand for joint and bone reconstructive surgeries and favorable government initiatives.
Europe, also a major market, is fueled by the rise in geriatric population, which is more prone to arthritis, and extensive funding from the government to support the research and development of regenerative medicine.
Asia Pacific has been identified as the most promising market for regenerative medicine, driven by the rising demand for bone graft substitutes and expansion of product manufacturers in countries such as China, South Korea, India, and Japan. 


Even with these prominent factors driving the regenerative medicine market, post-implantation rejection, ethical issues related to stem cell therapy and tissue engineering, and stringent regulatory compliance threaten to curb the development of the regenerative medicine market. 

Availability of Cheaper Treatment Options Drives Global Medical Tourism Market


Travelling to seek medical help has been an ancient concept dating back to the oldest civilizations. For instance, Ancient Romans built thermal spas in disparate locations across the empire and many foreign convoys learned about the ancient Indian medicine of ayurveda. Over the years, as medicine evolved into a profit-oriented industry, the reemergence of medical tourism has brought in several opportunities for patients to seek alternative therapies or conventional treatments at an affordable price. 


Global Medical Tourism Market to Reach US$32.5 bn by 2019

The healthcare industry, on the whole, is not an accessible avenue for many in the world, the primary deterrent being skyrocketing prices of the treatments and the lack of disposable income. However, in recent times, several developing countries have turned this drawback and disparity into a moneymaking business by offering the same treatment at much cheaper prices than in developed countries. The global medical tourism market is being fuelled by the high number of Westerners traveling to Southeast Asia or Central Europe for cheaper but high-quality medical treatments. Research analysts at Transparency Market Research have stated that the global medical tourism industry was valued at US$10.5 bn in 2012 and is expected to reach US$32.5 bn by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 17.90% from 2013 to 2019.

India to Lead Global Medical Tourism Market 

According to the Economic Times, India is expected to remain at the forefront of the expanding medical tourism market, as healthcare is set to be costlier in developed countries. According to another report, the Indian medical tourism industry is expected to reach US$8 bn by 2020. According to a Grant Thornton white paper, low costs of medical treatments in India are the prime reason motivating 80% of the patients. Owing to this reason, several medical tourism corridors have opened up for patients across the globe, such as in Singapore, Costa Rica, Mexico, Taiwan, Malaysia, and India. Some of the famous cities for medical tourists in India are NCR, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Low Cost of Surgeries to Drive Medical Tourism Market in India

The primary growth driver for the medical tourism industry in India, as mentioned above, is the low cost of procedures such as bone marrow transplants, cardiac bypass, and dental treatments.  Furthermore, as English is a commonly spoken language in India, it offers a huge assurance to the travelers as communication becomes easier and accurate. This aspect has also accelerated the growth of the medical tourism market in this country. In the coming years, growing investments in the healthcare sector and advancements in medical technologies will also give an impetus to the growth of this medical tourism market in India. 


Some of the important players in the global medical tourism market are Bangkok Hospital Medical Center, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., Samitivej Sukhumvit, Asian Heart Institute, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Raffles Medical Group, Fortis Healthcare Ltd., Prince Court Medical Center, Min-Sheng General Hospital, and KPJ Healthcare Berhad.