Singapore’s research output is currently growing exponentially and will soon exceed the world average, according to recent market research.

US crop scientists discover gene that controls fruit shape. [ + ]

Biotechnology discoveries, like the method for creating synthetic life forms, are at risk of being unduly hindered by private corporations unless patent systems are brought into the 21st century, according to an expert from The Australian National University.

The March/April 2008 issue of Australian Life Scientist is out now - and it's free. [ + ]

US researchers studying a protein involved in T cell development find it promotes breast cancer growth and spread. [ + ]

Cytopia goes into Phase II trials for vascular disrupting agent while Benitec licensee agrees to develop RNAi-based therapy for hepatitis C. [ + ]

Royal jelly kick-starts DNA methylation in bees, ANU researchers find. [ + ]

Canadian bioinformaticians develop new tools to create 3D structure of RNA. [ + ]

Progen goes into Phase III and ChemGenex Phase II, Bionomics looks at anxiety, Clinuvel gets orphan designation and Avexa announces collaboration and good results. [ + ]

Planetary scientist asks the question: should we expect extraterrestrials to be as stupid as we are? [ + ]

Thermo Fisher Scientific has opened a state-of-the-art facility in Adelaide, SA.

Turkish researchers have conducted a small clinical trial of breast cancer drug tamoxifen in people with bipolar disorder. [ + ]

Blood platelet protein regulates serotonin transporter and determines blood serotonin levels. [ + ]

C. elegans caps its chromosomes with a G-tail off the right and a C-tail off the left. [ + ]

Two papers by WAIMR scientists unlock how genes and hormones contribute to red blood cell formation. [ + ]