CombiMatrix Corp. of Mukilteo said its molecular diagnostics subsidiary has developed a test that can detect genomic variations associated with autism. The test, now available to physicians and consumers, specifically looks for variations that can signal autism spectrum disorder. That’s one of the most frequently occurring development-related disorders in children, occurring in about one in 150 children born in the U.S.
Nastech spinoff gets research info
Nastech Pharmaceutical Co. has transferred some of its intellectual property to its new subsidiary, MDRNA Inc. The Bothell-based company said the action is an “important step in the process of creating MDRNA as an independent company.” Nastech created MDRNA last month to move Nastech’s research forward into RNA interference, a cellular mechanism that turns off the production of proteins critical to the expansion of viruses in the body.
Costco’s CEO earned $3.2 million
Costco Wholesale Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Sinegal received compensation the company valued at almost $3.2 million in 2007, according to a proxy statement filed Tuesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sinegal, 71, received a $350,000 salary; an $80,000 bonus; stock awards and options worth about $2.6 million; and roughly $68,500 in perks, including company matches for retirement contributions, life insurance, health care premiums and a vehicle allowance. It’s the seventh straight year that Sinegal, Costco’s co-founder, has not taken a raise in base pay. Last year, he declined a $200,000 bonus after taking responsibility for errors in the company’s stock-option grants to employees.
Toyota Tundra best of 2008
The full-size pickup Toyota Tundra is Motor Trend’s 2008 truck of the year, the magazine announced Tuesday. Motor Trend’s editors said the Tundra is a match for Detroit rivals the Ford F-150, the Chevrolet Silverado and the Dodge Ram in dimensions and performance. Featuring one V-6 and two different V-8 powertrains, the Tundra showed impressive performance, load carrying and towing capabilities, the magazine said. The Toyota Motor Corp. product also impressed the judges with various options, such as different bed sizes, wheelbases, cab designs and other packages. “The question on everybody’s mind was whether Toyota could use its manufacturing and marketing muscle to compete with the big boys on their home turf,” Motor Trend editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie said. The Tundra beat out the Silverado Heavy Duty, the GMC Sierra Heavy Duty and the Ford F-Series Super Duty.
GM offers buyout to 5,200 workers
General Motors Corp. is offering buyouts and retirement incentives to 5,200 hourly workers represented by the United Auto Workers. GM would not reveal how many workers it expects to leave under the program but said 5,200 are eligible, spokesman Dan Flores said Tuesday. More than 34,000 GM workers left last year by way of retirement or buyouts, he said.
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