Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an extremely nasty disease. It is the most common inherited, life-shortening condition affecting Australian children. It is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis trans-membrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a transport protein found in epithelial linings. [ + ]

In what is akin to finding a needle in a haystack, a genetic discovery has helped medical researchers in Newcastle take a further stride towards predetermining the risk factors for stroke. [ + ]

Life Technologies Corporation and Sino Biological have announced a partnership for worldwide product distribution and product development. Life Technologies will distribute Sino Biological’s portfolio of recombinant proteins, antibodies and Elisa kits through its global distribution channels. [ + ]

Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) has filed a patent suit against California's Reproductive Genetics Institute, in the newest enforcement effort for its non-coding DNA patents. [ + ]

Commercialisation Australia has granted a $50,000 grant to help bring Nexgen – an anti-viral technology for plants developed at The University of Queensland – to market. [ + ]

Research at Imperial College London examining influenza transmission in ferrets suggests that the virus can be passed on before the appearance of symptoms. If the finding applies to humans, it means that people pass on flu to others before they know they’re infected, making it very difficult to contain epidemics. [ + ]

The outlook for Tasmanian devils appears even worse following breakthrough research by the University of Sydney, recently published in the journal PLoS One. [ + ]

The Productivity Commission’s review into compulsory licensing in the patents system is now examining whether and how to ensure access to patented technology, while maintaining the patent incentive to create and protect new technology. [ + ]

Tracking chip technology developer Bluechiip (ASX:BCT) has forged a strategic partnership with US CRO Gentris Corporation. Bluechiip has agreed to provide Gentris with its eponymous temperature sensing and tracking chips, which are initially being developed for cryogenic sample management. [ + ]

Alchemia (ASX:ACL) has filed papers with ASIC regarding the proposed spin-off of its oncology business, after the independent analysts hired to assess the deal concluded that the demerger is in shareholders' best interests. [ + ]

Sirtex Medical (ASX:SRX) increased its FY12 profit by 49%, on the back of strong sales of its SIR-Spheres targeted radiation therapy treatments for liver cancer. [ + ]

Rather than trying to kill bacteria outright with drugs, Université de Montréal researchers have discovered a way to disarm bacteria that may allow the body’s own defence mechanisms to destroy them. [ + ]

Nexgen - an anti-viral technology for plants developed at The University of Queensland (UQ) - has attracted a $50,000 Skills and Knowledge grant from Commercialisation Australia (CA). [ + ]

Plans are now progressing for the implementation of quarterly payments of the R&D Tax Incentive, to be accessible for each quarter commencing on or after 1 January 2014. In preparations, the Assistant Treasurer, the Hon David Bradbury and the Minister for Industry and Innovation, the Hon Greg Combet, have jointly released a public consultation paper on the design and implementation of the R&D quarterly credits. [ + ]

Strong early sales of Nanosonics' (ASX:NAN) disinfection cabinets helped the company triple its revenue and cut its full-year losses by 58% in FY12. [ + ]