Hopes for a vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS have been dashed before. But recent scientific advances and greater understanding of the limits of antiretroviral drugs have reignited optimism. Just don't expect VCs to get on board.

Robotic surgery systems represent one of the fastest growing segments of the overall endoscopic surgery products market. These technologies allow surgeons to perform complex microsurgical tasks with greater precision and smaller incisions, thereby improving cosmesis, reducing postoperative pain, and shortening the length of hospital stay.

Each month, Start-Up presents a comprehensive review of young, private life science companies that have recieved venture funding during the month, including companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic and research instrumentation & reagent sectors.

Sangart Inc. says it is the first company to thoroughly understand the mechanisms of cell-free hemoglobin in the body and has designed Hemospan to mimic the size and behavior of natural hemoglobin. Sangart believes that its science and simplified production method put it on track to create a safe, cost-effective, commercially viable hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier.