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The article profiles Lygos, a California based start-up company that creates yeasts that make malonic acid used in fragrances. It discusses how Lygos represents a larger trend of companies creating safe, less expensive natural materials for goods, fuel, and cosmetics. Particular attention is given to Lygos' use of agile software programming, a business concept which focuses on making small, targeted changes rather than on larger projects.

The article discusses innovations in business management that began in the high technology (tech) industries and developed throughout other industries. Industries' development of the tech industry concept known as agile computing is discussed.

The article discusses efforts by Louisville, Kentucky, insurance company Humana Inc. to encourage its customers to adopt healthier lifestyles via the development of smartphone applications at its Louisville Digital Experience Center (DEC). The article describes the working atmosphere of the DEC, software-development techniques such as the Agile approach utilized at the DEC, and smartphone applications such as HumanaVitality. The article presents comments from Humana IT digital director Paul Friedman.

The article profiles Jake Schwartz, the founder of the continuing education company General Assembly. Topics include the firm's focus on career development for students, the use of the Agile business development philosophy in the firm's curriculum, and the firm's attention to computer coding in relation to its emphasis on job skills.