Industry News
Neurotrauma research to benefit from development grants
Twelve new research projects focusing on improving outcomes for Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and WorkSafe Victoria clients have been funded through the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR) 2013 Development Grants Program. [ + ]
UWA becomes a global online classroom
The first free online courses in arts and science are about to be offered at The University of Western Australia in collaboration with US internet-study pioneer Stanford University. [ + ]
Industry applauds Labor policy to aid innovation
Labor announced yesterday its long-awaited policy on jobs and innovation, offering several reforms aimed at aiding innovative companies and biotechs. [ + ]
Gene patent upheld by Federal Court
The Federal Court has ruled in favour of Myriad Genetics and its patent of mutations in the BRCA1 gene, although some have expressed concern at the result. [ + ]
Trans-Tasman action to fast-track rheumatic fever vaccine
The University of Western Australia and the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research have welcomed a commitment by the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers to fast-track the development of a vaccine against rheumatic fever. [ + ]
New hope for early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s
Flinders University researchers have discovered that a protein in the brain may play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease, a common degenerative neurological disorder which affects the control of body movements. [ + ]
Academy awards excellence in science
The Australian Academy of Science today opened applications for its 2014 round of prestigious awards, including career and early career researcher awards, travelling fellowships, research bursaries and conference support. [ + ]
Movers & shakers: Alchemia appoints new CEO
Alchemia has appointed former Chief Financial Officer Charles Walker to the post of Chief Executive after Peter Smith stepped down following the failed Audeo Oncology demerger. [ + ]
Novogen stocks soar following successful study
Novogen (ASX:NRT) stocks have soared over 200% following a study that found its experimental drug CS-6 can kill not only cancer cells but also cancer stem cells. [ + ]
Investment boosts new start-up’s plans to develop autoimmune drugs
The University of Technology, Sydney’s (UTS) ithree institute has launched Helmedix with a $1.25 million investment from Australia’s Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF). [ + ]
Science Academy welcomes hazard research funding
The Australian Academy of Science has welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Science Minister Chris Bowen of new funding for bushfire and natural hazard research through the Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs). [ + ]
Breakthrough actions for innovation released
Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb has released five breakthrough actions governments could take to make Australia a more innovative nation. They include the establishment of an Australian Innovation Council and helping business access publicly funded research. [ + ]
Qiagen and Lilly to collaborate on the development of companion diagnostics
Qiagen has entered into a master collaboration agreement with Eli Lilly and Company for the development and commercialisation of companion diagnostics for pairing with Lilly investigational and approved medicines across all therapeutic areas. [ + ]
New drug puts malaria under the pump
Researchers have discovered how a new class of antimalarial drugs kills the malaria parasite, showing that the drugs block a pump at the parasite surface, causing it to fill with salt. [ + ]
Whole genome sequencing better at tracing TB outbreaks than standard test
A new form of genetic testing of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis can provide better information on TB transmission and also trace TB outbreaks more accurately than the current standard test, according to a study from Germany published in this week’s PLOS Medicine. [ + ]