Industry News
Abraxane extends life in advanced pancreatic cancer patients
A phase III trial has shown Celgene’s Abraxane, distributed here by Specialised Therapeutics, has a significant impact on survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. [ + ]
Men more likely than women to commit scientific fraud
Male scientists are far more likely to commit fraud than females and the fraud occurs across the career spectrum, from trainees to senior faculty. [ + ]
Universal Biosensors expecting to launch new diagnostic in 2013
Universal Biosensors (ASX:UBI), in partnership with Siemens, expects to see its blood coagulation product hit the shelves this year, further boosting revenues for the company. [ + ]
Genetics discovery leads to migraine treatment
The discovery of a genetic mutation several years ago has led to a new treatment using vitamin B and folic acid that is proving successful in treating migraines. [ + ]
Scientists pinpoint molecular signals that make some women prone to miscarriage
Scientists have identified molecular signals that control whether embryos are accepted by the womb and appear to function abnormally in women who have suffered repeated miscarriages. [ + ]
Feedback sought on draft National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern
Australian governments have decided to pursue a voluntary code of practice for businesses that manage, handle or use products containing 11 chemicals identified as having the potential to be used to make homemade explosives. [ + ]
Another European regulatory milestone for pSivida's Iluvien
Spain's regulator has awarded marketing approval to pSivida's (ASX:PVA) Iluvien, leaving just Italy yet to give the treatment the tick ahead of a launch early this year. [ + ]
New path discovered for future generation of glucose-measuring biosensors
CIC bioGUNE researchers have opened a new pathway for the future development of biosensors that enable the measurement of glucose in the blood and are also believed to be reliable with other fluids, such as urine. [ + ]
More effective teleportation
For the last 10 years, theoretical physicists have shown that the intense connections generated between particles as established in the quantum law of ‘entanglement’ may hold the key to eventual teleportation of quantum information. Now, for the first time, researchers have worked out how entanglement could be ‘recycled’ to increase the efficiency of these connections. [ + ]
New clinical genomics company launches
Boston Children’s Hospital has partnered with Life Technologies Corporation to launch Claritas Genomics, a company formed to develop next-generation genetic and genomics-based diagnostic testing solutions. [ + ]
The genes that drive soft drink consumption and weight gain
In a letter to the Editor of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), published online today, endocrinologists from Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research applauded a study in the 11 October issue showing a direct correlation between consumption of sugary soft drinks, obesity and genetic predisposition to weight gain. [ + ]
New surfaces repel most known liquids
In an advance towards stain-proof, spill-proof clothing, protective garments and other products that shrug off virtually every liquid - from blood and ketchup to concentrated acids - scientists are reporting development of new ‘superomniphobic’ surfaces. [ + ]
Potential new treatment for gastrointestinal cancers discovered
Researchers have identified a complex of proteins that promotes the growth of some types of colon and gastric cancers, and shown that medications that block the function of this complex have the potential to be developed into a new treatment for these diseases. [ + ]
NHMRC announces latest round of grants
$127.9 million in funding has gone out to Australian health and medical researchers in the latest round of grants from the NHRMC. [ + ]
3D printers enter the lab
The 3D printer revolution is coming, and with it comes both the prospect of producing simple customised items for very low cost along with the prospect of intellectual property wrangles. [ + ]