Targeting technology
If you have a few minutes, check out the video of the zebrafish regrowing its damaged fin at mainebiz.biz/zebrafishfin. It's a time-lapse video that shows the fin restored to normal after 14 days of healing — the result of the fish's genetic code that allows it to regenerate damaged tissue.
Imagine if we could unlock that genetic code for humans. That's exactly what the scientists at Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory are doing, probing the mystery of regenerative tissue in lower life forms so it can someday be applied to us higher beings. The lab recently launched its first spinoff company to develop a compound taken from dogfish sharks that could heal wounds. Contributing writer Lori Valigra gives us a fascinating look at what's going on in the lab's new facility in our cover story, "Healing thyself."
She also takes us into Maine's emerging FabLabs — facilities with high-tech equipment and available experts to help students explore applied technologies. The model was developed by MIT and Maine's first FabLabs are set to open in Biddeford and New Gloucester. The idea, as explained by entrepreneur Sarah Boisvert, is to familiarize high school students with technology and cool devices such as 3D printers to spark an interest in manufacturing careers. Check out FabLabs, on page 19, part of this issue's focus on technology.
We also drop in on Rogue Industries based in Standish, which makes wallets and other accessories with RFID-blocking technology to thwart identity thieves. Staff Writer Matt Dodge talks to father-son owners Michael and Wells Lyons about the growing market for the protective devices that use radio-frequency identification, a wireless system employing magnetic fields to transfer data between objects. Last year, the company reported revenues of $2.6 million. The story, "High-tech wallets," starts on page 16.
And technology-focused businesses lost an important resource when the state's Seed Capital Tax Credit Program reached its $30 million cap and closed. Legislative efforts are under way to restore funding to the program, but many technology firms are lamenting the loss in Senior Writer Jim McCarthy's story, "Empty-handed," starting on page 20.
Speaking of capital, we grab a few minutes with Karen Mills, the outgoing head of the U.S. Small Business Administration and Brunswick resident, in On the Record, on page 24. Mills fought hard to reduce paperwork for SBA loans, thereby making federal funds more accessible to businesses across Maine and the United States. How much more accessible? More than 100 pages of forms were cut from the Small Loan Advantage program and disaster assistance applications that used to average 77 days for approval now are decided in three weeks.
And since we're on the topic of loans, check out consultant Alison Hinson's advice on how to structure a business loan from relatives on page 23. It might buoy your business and preserve the peace at family functions for years to come.
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