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Janet Sasso

CAS Lead Scientist, Life Sciences

Bio

Janet M. Sasso earned her B.S. in Biology from The Ohio State University (OSU). She also holds her Master of Public Health from OSU where she focused her research on public health equity and education. She joined CAS in 2006 as an Information Scientist in the life sciences department curating pharmacology, pharmaceutical, environmental science, and toxicological research information. She is passionate about scientific communication to accelerate scientific analysis and inspire advancement worldwide.

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Why AI-Driven Drug Discovery Needs Biology Ontologies

The same protein can appear under many names across databases, leaving AI models with disconnected fragments instead of a unified biological context. See how authority constructs and biology ontologies give life sciences data a common language for more confident R&D decisions.
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Highlights from the CAS Insights webinar on the pharmaceutical patent landscape

Webinar recap: A patent-based analysis of where pharmaceutical innovation is heading, from diversifying therapeutic modalities and expanding molecular targets to the disease areas where research is accelerating.
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Gene expression, edited: Highlights from the CAS Insights webinar on epigenetics

Three experts from CAS, the University of Messina, and the Coriell Institute break down how epigenetics has evolved from a niche research area into a clinical force, with 13 FDA-approved drugs, 2,200+ active trials, and a fast-growing diagnostic toolkit reshaping how we detect and treat cancer.
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AI-driven advancements in medicinal chemistry: Highlights from the CAS Insights webinar

Highlights from a recent CAS Insights webinar on AI in medicinal chemistry. How CAS BioFinder was used to assist in target prediction for bioactive compounds.
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Point-of-care testing: faster diagnosis, easier access to care

Point-of-care testing goes beyond pandemic-era viral infection tests to bring faster diagnostics for infectious diseases, chronic conditions, cancer, and more.
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Recorded webinar card with a glowing microchip on a purple circuit background.

Reading the Circuits: ACS/CAS microelectronics webinar recap

Summary of our recent webinar, featuring experts from CAS, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the University of Manchester, discussing the research landscape of microelectronics research and breakthroughs.
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Pink and gold Nipah virus particles against a blue background.

Nipah virus explained: Risks, realities, and the hope from new research

New Nipah cases in India have renewed focus on a high‑fatality zoonotic threat shaped by complex spillover dynamics, severe neurological disease, and limited medical countermeasures. Meanwhile, global efforts in diagonistcs, therapeutics, and vaccines are accelerating.
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Improving animal health with gut microbiome therapeutics

We know the gut microbiome is vital for human health, and new breakthroughs are now reducing antibiotic resistance and improving overall health in animals.
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Recorded webinar card showing PFAS labelled containers in blue.

Webinar: PFAS Research, Definitions, and Regulatory Developments

From pharmaceuticals to semiconductors, PFAS compounds are everywhere. This ACS/CAS webinar recap explores how evolving structural definitions are changing the regulatory landscape, and what it means for science, policy, and innovation.
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The future of lipid-based drug delivery

Watch the recording of our webinar where experts from CAS, AstraZeneca, and The Ohio State University explored the current landscape and future directions of lipid-based drug delivery.
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Webinar: Materials science trends to watch in 2025

From metamaterials to bamboo, read and watch what experts from Dow and CAS had to say in our webinar about materials science trends to watch in 2025.
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Webinar: Science breakthroughs to watch in 2025

Hear what a range of experts says about science trends to watch in 2025 
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Healthy longevity: Aging hallmarks and strategies

Experts from CAS, Harvard Medical School, Procter & Gamble, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center discuss health aging research.
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Latest developments in the global mpox outbreak

With recent headlines on monkeypox, learn more about the research landscape, scientific profiles, and currently available therapies. A deeper understanding of the published science enables clarity and insight on this emerging news story.
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Webinar: Emerging areas in biomaterials - Reshaping medicine and human health

Biomaterials are making an impact on health and medicine. Experts from CAS, Ortholevo, and Westlake University discuss the full landscape.
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Can combo therapy treat rare and orphan diseases?

How combination therapies including drug repurposing, cell therapy, and genetic therapy are leading to improved treatment of rare diseases.
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Decoding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's

Uncover the latest advancements in understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s.
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Webinar: Scientific breakthroughs and emerging trends to watch in 2024

Experts from Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Oak Ridge National Lab, The Ohio State University, and CAS discuss major research trends in 2024.
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Biomarkers: The key to earlier cancer detection and patient outcomes

CAS and Excelra delved into data surrounding biomarkers and their relationship to cancer to identify key targets for future study.
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How biomarkers unlock faster cancer detection, improving outcomes

As cancer is projected to increase, finding stronger therapeutics is more urgent. Biomarkers offer a potential solution for better diagnosis and treatment.
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Unveiling the potential of the antibody drug conjugate

Since 2018, research interest in antibody-drug conjugates has increased exponentially, due to their potential in the fight against cancer.
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Webinar on gut microbiome-brain alliance: The connection to health and disorders

CAS, Bayer, and Caltech explore how the gut-brain axis influences health from IBS to autism.
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Aging reimagined: Exploring the potential of anti-aging treatment strategies

Discover the latest in anti-aging treatment strategies to promote health and longevity, including stem cell therapies, hyaluronic acid, senolytics, gene therapy, and more.
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Webinar on nature’s lipid nanoparticles: Exosomes

Exosomes have enormous potential in drug delivery, diagnostics, and more. Mayo Clinic, Direct Biologics, and Aruna Bio discuss the full landscape.
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Exosome research: from platelet dust to pioneering therapeutics

Landscape view of emerging contributors, companies, and researchers in the emerging field of exosome research. This article overviews key players in diagnostics and therapeutic fields of exosome research with a deeper look into the current clinical pipeline.
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ACS webinar on molecular glues and targeted protein degradation

Expert panelists include Dr. Benjamin Ebert, the chair of Medical Oncology at the Dana-Farber Institute, Dr. Phil Chamberlain, the co-founder, President, and CEO of Neomorph, and Janet Sasso, an information scientist specializing in Life Sciences at CAS.
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Close-up illustration of a virus particle with red spike proteins and yellow surface structures.

Why the omicron BA.5 variant evades vaccines

As COVID-19 cases rise again worldwide, the Omicron subvariant BA.5 is currently the dominant strain. This blog explores some key mutations that increase transmission, evade protective antibodies, and increase the rate of (re)infection.
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Molecular glues tackle undruggable targets

Molecular glues have been used to uncover new therapeutic agents. Because of their targeted protein degradation that holds them together, these glues have exciting potential in uncovering new drugs to fight cancer, immune diseases, and more.
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Gloved hand selecting a vial from a laboratory rack filled with various colored vials.

A therapeutic revolution: RNA in COVID-19 and beyond

We are in the midst of a therapeutic revolution, according to the authors of a recent review article in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
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Older man wearing face mask receives vaccine from healthcare worker in blue scrubs and protective gear.

COVID-19 vaccine boosters: what does the research show?

With recent mRNA booster recommendations, many ask if they should get a COVID-19 booster and what the science shows? This blog explains the science of boosters, reviews current recommendations, and examines recent research.
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