Out of 26 million Texans, you may have an idea to change the world. You may have had several ideas to change the world. But only a tiny minority of you pushed through the U.S. Patent office from application to successful patent. We've seen Texans change the world many times over. Jack Kilby did it with Texas Instruments in 1958 with the integrated circuit, causing the start of the digital revolution, which, in part, is why you can read these words over your electronic device.
Over the last few years, Texas Business has brought its feature: Texas Business Patent of the Day. This list is of the ones that were either extremely clever, odd or strange. One thing becomes apparent from these patents and the patent that runs daily in Texas Business—Texans have a unique mind set.
Though the history of the Corn Dog is disputed, the State Fair of Texas claims to have introduced the Corny Dog sometime between 1938 and 1942. As a paean to that invention that now sits in the freezer section of every grocery store in the southwest, here are the fried foods the State Fair of Texas has introduced, or tried to introduce, in the last seven years.
Dead Texas musicians live on every time you hear their songs. Their songs play everywhere, so the dead Texas musicians appear to be immortal. Here's the short list.
Don't get caught up with John Wayne religion. For one thing, he's not Texan. He's in some fine movies involving Texas, most notably The Searchers, but none of his movies can make the best cut of Texas movies. Here's the short list.
Unsung Texas Business Journalists Mention that one is a reporter, and there's a spark of interest. Mention that one is a business news reporter, and watch the eyes glaze over. Except to the players, business and economic journalists are unappreciated. While many wish to become sports reporters when they grow up, most do not realize that business journalists cover the Real Game. Mention that reporter covers business, and watch the eyes glaze over. A toast to these below on the short list and the numerous unnamed ones slogging away. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Mexican Food: The Short List No, we're not going to debate the difference between Tex-Mex, Mex-Tex, Mexican and Texican food. Just know these establishments are the pinnacle of Texas Mexican fare. No brag, just fact. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Burgers Texas Burgers. . While a hamburger is merely sustenance and gratification for a meal, the memory a good Texas burger can give rise to Homeric odes. The short list. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
TexasBusiness.com reports: DFJ Mercury of Houston spearheaded a $3 million investment in Swift Biosciences Inc., a Michigan-based life sciences company,
The $3 million Series A financing led by the venture firm DFJ Mercury, was joined by several Michigan-based individual investors who also helped launch the startup with seed funding in January 2010.
Daniel Watkins of DFJ Mercury will join Swift Biosciences’ board of directors.
"Swift Biosciences' genetic analysis technology has the potential to significantly advance molecular diagnostics and biomedical research," Watkins said in a prepared statement. “The Swift team has been able to achieve excellent technical performance in testing to date. Working with entrepreneurs to commercialize this type of break-through innovation is a core element of our approach at DFJ Mercury.”
Swift Biosciences is developing molecular biology reagents for research and diagnostic applications. Swift's products will provide customers with powerful new ways to examine disease-related genes. The company also aims to help users analyze their samples faster, at higher volume, and at a lower price-per-sample. Swift's products are designed to be compatible with customers' current instrumentation.
“This funding will help us accelerate product development and customer testing," said Swift Biosciences chief executive David Olson in a prepared statement. “DFJ Mercury is an ideal partner for us as we grow from the idea stage into commercial launch. We have been fortunate to have the early support of both local and national investors.”
DFJ Mercury is a seed and early-stage venture capital firm. Headquartered in Houston, DFJ Mercury invests in information technology, advanced materials and bioscience. DFJ Mercury seeks to partner with extraordinary entrepreneurs to build globally competitive businesses, focusing on investments in the midcontinent.
Since inception in 2005, DFJ Mercury has been one of the most active start-up and seed-stage investors in the midcontinent, has consistently rated as a top venture capital firm for entrepreneurs by Entrepreneur Magazine and TheFunded.com, and has become a "go-to" venture firm for entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of idea generation, company formation, and market execution.
The Texas News Scrawl is a handy reference to stories Texas Business recommends from other news sources. Some of the stories that Texas Business currently suggests include: Pipeline ruling strengthens Texas private property rights; Texas Bowl seeks new title sponsor; Insult to Injury: Texas Workers’ Comp System Denies, Delays Medical Help; American Airlines continues to shed jobs; Chemical Safety Board shut out of West probe by ATF; America’s greatest threat: Unsafe work conditions; The West News proves the value of a great weekly newspaper in a community torn up with grief and chaos; and more.
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