More than 100 biotechnology investors are expected to meet at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Sept. 19 to hear Hopkins experts describe advances in cancer biology and explore new technology licensing opportunities. The conference, the first of its kind hosted by the Cancer Center, is intended to heighten commercial investment interest in its portfolio of emerging cancer treatments.

"Developing new diagnostics and treatments in the laboratory is one thing and we do it in spades, but to get them to patients, science-based institutions need the financial backing and expertise of biotech industry affiliations," says Stephen Baylin, M.D., director of research at Hopkins' Kimmel Cancer Center. The Center ranks third in the nation in research grants from the National Cancer Institute, earning $86.9 million in 2006.

Brook Insurance

Brooke Insurance in Lebanon, an independently owned and operated franchise of Brooke Franchise Corporation, joins other agencies in recognizing Life Insurance Awareness Month this September.According to LOMA - an international association through which insurance and financial services companies throughout the world engage in research and education activities to improve company operations - the market for life settlements could reach $160 billion within the next several years, making this a hot topic of suitability, compliance, and ethical debate.

Find out about franchises, how to buy one

Sparks residents considering buying a franchise are invited to attend a seminar from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday at the Washoe County Complex, 1001 E. 9th St. in Reno.