Physicists in Switzerland and Germany have made a new type of optical microscope that can produce images without capturing light from the sample. The new device relies on measuring changes in the properties of a gold nanoparticle placed next to the sample. The nanoantenna could have application in sensing devices (Phys Rev Lett 95 200801).

Brisbane cancer drug developer Progen Industries (ASX:PGL) managing director Lewis Lee has resigned, and the company has named his replacement -- one-time Monsanto executive Justus Homburg. [ + ]

The Commonwealth government has outlined AUD$6.5 million in urgent funding for 33 research projects aiming to prevent, detect or control avian influenza and other respiratory disease outbreaks. [ + ]

Zenyth Therapeutics (ASX:ZTL), formerly Amrad, and unlisted Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) spinout MuriGen Therapeutics are to co-develop a new class of drugs that target arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. [ + ]

A new $12 million electromaterials centre based at the University of Wollongong aims to create the materials needed for the next generation of bionic ears, artificial muscles and nerve repairs. [ + ]

The junk DNA revolution has thrown up yet another neologism for cancer geneticists to add to their spellcheckers: 'oncomere'. [ + ]

The non-GM chickens may be coming home to roost for Australian states that have imposed moratoriums on the commercialisation of biotech crops, with a new report commissioned by the federal government warning of the consequences for Australian agriculture if the bans continue. [ + ]

The current approach of the international agency responsible for fighting the use of drugs in sport will drive innocent athletes out of the Olympic Games, according to an article in the International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching.

Jason Armstrong has stepped down as CEO of Bio-Layer. [ + ]

The Western Australian government is committed to developing the state's biotechnology sector, according to new premier Alan Carpenter, who this week announced AUD$4.5 million in seed funding for a new biotech research facility as well as medical grants totalling $5 million. [ + ]

Clinical trials have found that GlaxoSmithKline's anti-blood clotting drug Arixtra nearly halved the risk of blood clots in acutely ill patients, a result that is expected to boost the commercial prospects of Brisbane-based Alchemia's (ASX:ACL) generic version of the drug. [ + ]

Melbourne's Antisense Therapeutics (ASX:ANP) has raised $3.6 million through a private placement to Australian and professional investors to fund the phase IIa trial of its antisense compound ATL1102 for patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. [ + ]

Scientists at the University of Manchester have invented a device which remotely monitors bad odours and methane gases at waste landfill and water treatment sites.

The biochemist Enrique Santamaria Martinez, a researcher in the area of genetic therapy and hepatology at the CIMA of the University of Navarra, has identified more than 200 proteins which can be considered as indicators of the progression of steatohepatitis and liver hepatitis. In addition, these proteins provide a basis for new lines of research which can develop clinical application strategies for improving the diagnosis and treatment of this cancer.

The CSIRO and the Chinese Government have signed an agreement designed to strengthen the relationship between research laboratories in Australia and China. [ + ]