Startup Ascenix BioTechnologies will perfect and commercialize production methods to synthesize chemicals from renewable feedstocks.

Bark from the birch tree, the oldest of all species of trees, will be used by U of M startup The Actives Factory to produce a variety of natural chemicals for nutritional supplements, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler announced today that Dr. Brian Herman will be the university’s next vice president for research. Herman will assume leadership of the university’s research enterprise on Jan. 1, 2013, subject to approval by the Board of Regents in December.

From promoting better driving skills to treating deadly brain tumors, discoveries by University of Minnesota researchers were used to launch a record 12 startup companies in fiscal 2012.

Clinical Decision Support technology developed by University of Minnesota researchers will enable health care providers to improve preventative care, communication and coordination among clinicians, researchers and patients. Minneapolis-based startup Omicron Health Systems, Inc. will incorporate the technology in its Population Health Management solution.