Industry News
Chromosome 1: the biography
An annotated DNA sequence for human chromosome 1 was published in Nature in May. Graeme O'Neill takes a time-travelling tour of the big one. [ + ]
Protein partners and neural transmission
The discovery of an important partnership between two proteins in the neuron holds out great hope for treating epilepsy. [ + ]
Medsaic sets out to capture research sector
A novel cell capture array technology invented in Australia promises to offer the life science sector a major boost in protein research. [ + ]
Human Variome project gets underway
The international Human Variome Project is up and running following a highly successful first meeting in Melbourne in June. [ + ]
A pox on Hox
Hox genes - long thought to define the body plans of all animals - are not used by corals. [ + ]
Seek and destroy mission for molecular assassin
An experimental drug designed to seek out and destroy a gene associated with vascular disease is providing effective in early animal trials. [ + ]
Hunting the source of renewable oocytes
Female mammals may continue to proudce eggs throughout puberty and adulthood. [ + ]
Quantum dots pose minimal impact to cells
Nano-sized fluorescent probes that can slip inside living cells and clarify life’s most fundamental processes, or track the effectiveness of cancer-fighting drugs, are barely noticed by the cells they enter, according to a team of researchers led by the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).
[ + ]Molecular DNA switch found to be the same for all life
The molecular machinery that starts the process by which a biological cell divides into two identical daughter cells apparently worked so well early on that evolution has conserved it across the eons in all forms of life on Earth.
[ + ]Viral invasion of the koala genome
University of Queensland researchers may have discovered why the koala is susceptible to certain infections and cancers.
[ + ]Cosmetic therapy for motoneuronal diseases
Dr Frederic Meunier, a winner of UniQuest’s annual Trailblazer innovation competition, is developing a treatment for motoneuronal diseases based on modifying botox.
[ + ]New institute tackles unsolved medical questions
The University of Sydney has officially launched a new medical research facility – the Bosch Institute.
[ + ]New SIA executive director
Duncan Jones has accepted the position of executive director of Science Industry Australia Inc and commenced his duties on 5 June.
[ + ]Investigating the molecular structure of foods
Under an agreement signed between the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and CSIRO, scientists will seek to determine the molecular structure of the foods we eat.
[ + ]Royal Society trials ’open access’ journal service
The Royal Society has launched a trial of an open access journal service, which will allow people to read new scientific papers free of charge immediately after they are published on the web.
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