It has been found that different subtypes of the FMR1 gene (also known as the fragile X mental retardation gene) in potential mothers are associated with significantly different chances of conceiving with in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Now researchers have developed a genetic blood test that predicts the chances that IVF will lead to a successful pregnancy.

Ono Pharmaceutical Co (Osaka, Japan) and BioFocus (Saffron Walden, UK) have signed a collaboration agreement, focused on discovering novel targets in the field of autoimmune disease.

Researchers at the Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) and the University of Melbourne have for the first time created adult induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with the rare genetic disorder, Friedreich's Ataxia. [ + ]

A lung transplant can mean a new chance at life. But many who receive one develop a debilitating, fatal condition that causes scar tissue to build up in the lungs and chokes off the ability to breathe.

Qiagen has acquired a strategic stake in Alacris Theranostics GmbH, a German start-up company using novel technologies to develop individualised cancer treatment strategies based on a patient’s genomic profile. The company has also acquired an exclusive option to access all biomarkers emerging from this discovery program.

The University of Queensland campus at St Lucia has been hit by the once in a century flood. [ + ]

Mesoblast and its US partner Cephalon have announced promising interim results showing its stem cell therapy, Revascor, aids in the recovery of patients with congestive heart failure. [ + ]

Sigma-Aldrich has acquired all outstanding shares of Cerilliant of Round Rock, Texas to strengthen the company’s analytical chemistry product portfolio and to continue to deliver on its strategic growth plans.

Australian and Indian researchers are teaming up to pursue new ideas, from non-invasive tools for detecting cancer to better techniques for monitoring the health of our oceans.

Why is it that some HIV patients treated with antiretrovirals end up suffering from a new immunopathology? Martyn French is trying to solve this puzzling conundrum. [ + ]

A global research team has uncovered a genetic mutation which appears to be responsible for impulsive behaviour. [ + ]

Researchers at Harvard University have published a study showing that a group of fatty acids called trans-palmitoleate appears to be connected with decreased risk of Type 2 Diabetes. [ + ]

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that it has completed the acquisition of TKA Wasseraufbereitungssysteme GmbH, a European provider of laboratory water purification systems. Based in Niederelbert, Germany, TKA has nearly 60 employees and had 2009 full year revenue of AU$14 million.

Australian xenotransplantation pioneers Living Cell Technologies announced today that the New Zealand minister of health has approved the expansion of the company’s clinical trial of Diabecell, a porcine-based implant designed to treat Type 1 diabetes. [ + ]

Perth drug developer Phylogica has signed a licensing and collaboration agreement with Pfizer which will see the two companies work together to develop novel peptide-based vaccines. [ + ]