Industry News
Trial shows Patrys melanoma antibody safe
Melbourne's Patrys Limited (ASX:PAB) has successfully concluded a safety and tolerability trial for its lead antibody, PAT-SM6, as a melanoma treatment. [ + ]
Lessening the impact of cancer-causing hormones
Increasing the production of proteins that help rid the body of toxins may play a crucial role in the fight against breast and prostate cancer, researchers from Flinders University believe. [ + ]
Program released for annual business development forum
AusBiotech has today launched the speaking program for the business development meeting of the year, to be held on the Gold Coast from 15-16 March. [ + ]
Nuclear science on Antarctic climate change mission
Two scientists from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) left for Antarctica earlier this week in search of byproducts of cosmic rays colliding with Earth. The scientists are on an environmental mission, working to discover whether a historical relationship exists between solar activity on the sun and climate change on Earth. [ + ]
Chemists develop more efficient protein labelling
North Carolina State University researchers have created specially engineered mammalian cells to provide a new ‘chemical handle’ which will enable researchers to label proteins of interest more efficiently, without disrupting the normal function of the proteins themselves or the cells in which they are found. [ + ]
WEHI gets $2m grant for new cancer labs
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) has received $2 million from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) to fit out two new cancer research laboratories, which will open in late 2012. [ + ]
Cochlear posts $20m loss on recall costs
Cochlear (ASX:COH) has posted a $20.4 million net loss for the first half of this financial year, with earnings impacted by a major recall as well as forex losses. [ + ]
International researcher returns home to lead stem cell initiative
An internationally renowned respiratory specialist will lead a new Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, to be established at The University of Western Australia. [ + ]
New supercomputer to help scientists reach for the stars
A powerful new supercomputer that is 10,000 times faster than an average office computer and big enough to store 2000 years of iTunes music has been installed at The University of Western Australia. [ + ]
Wyatt Technology instruments employed to develop alternative materials to silicone breast implants
Wyatt Technology has announced that Professor Judit E Puskas at the University of Akron has developed a system using its instrumentation that will help to solve a prevalent and controversial material science challenge. The researchers are employing the multidetector system to develop alternative materials to silicone breast implants, as a result of faulty Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) implants causing global concern about implant safety. [ + ]
Lizards incubated at higher temperatures have enhanced learning performance
A hotter home appears to produce babies with better cognitive abilities - but before you turn up the heater, the research was conducted on the Australian lizard Bassiana duperreyi by researchers from the University of Sydney. [ + ]
Clinuvel files for marketing approval for SCENESSE in Europe
Melbourne-based Clinuvel (ASX:CUV) has applied for the right to market its SCENESSE subdermal treatment in the EU as a treatment for erythropoietic protoporphyria. [ + ]
Book Review: The Genome Generation
Dr Elizabeth Finkel showcases the dramatic changes that have occurred in our understanding of genetics only a decade after the human genome was first sequenced. [ + ]
Alchemia making US inroads with coagulant
Alchemia Limited has revealed it is now selling more than $1.4 million per week worth of its lead drug, fondaparinux, in the US. [ + ]
AusBiotech linked in to the industry network
AusBiotech's two groups on social networking site LinkedIn have grown rapidly in the past year, this week reaching more than 1500 members (combined), cementing their place as the largest networks of their kind for Australian biotechnology and medical technology. [ + ]