The share price of Queensland biotech company Progen Industries has almost tripled in less than six months following promising Phase II clinical trial results for its lead cancer compound and the expectation of more good news in the near future. [ + ]

Fucoidans are a family of polysaccharides that can act, amongst other things, as immunomodulators, selectin antagonists, viral attachment inhibitors and receptor blockers. And they are sourced directly from seaweed. [ + ]

A study by Australian and US researchers is helping dispel the 40-year-old ‘thrifty genotype theory’ – that certain minority groups are genetically prone to diabetes.

Bionomics has some good news to take to BIO 2007 from preclinical trials of its candidate vascular disruption agent. [ + ]

Studies of human tumour cells implanted in mice have shown that the abnormal activation of four genes drives the spread of breast cancer to the lungs. [ + ]

The federal government has appointed the chairs of the 13 assessment panels being established under the controversial research quality framework (RQF) system. [ + ]

University of Queensland researchers are using nanotechnology in the medical diagnostic testing of diseases such as cervical cancer.

The CSIRO is sponsoring a session on biomaterials and regenerative medicine at BIO2007. Kate McDonald spoke to CSIRO's theme leader for the area, Keith McLean, about this competitive but challenging field. [ + ]

Canadian researchers have developed a new technology to reveal the biochemical processes responsible for diseases such as cystic fibrosis. [ + ]

West Australian animal health company Stirling Products is developing a compound for increased muscle production and reduced fat in livestock that also has applications in porky pets. [ + ]

Mosaic mouse model allows neuroscientists to see how Fragile X and Down syndromes cause problems in the neural network. [ + ]

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals is heading into further Phase II and beginning Phase III trials for several UV-related indications for its photo-protective drug CUV1647. The big hope, however, is its potential to protect organ transplant recipients. [ + ]

The University of Queensland (UQ) has received a $48,000 donation to its cancer research institute from cancer charity group, Mardi Jackson Foundation.

A private financier may have come to the rescue of embattled animal health company Chemeq. [ + ]

700 Rottweilers will assist American researchers to discover whether antioxidant supplementation has a preventative effect in bone cancer. [ + ]