Delegates to an international tissue-typing workshop in Melbourne this week were told of a remarkable discovery by the University of Perugia immunogeneticist that is beginning to revolutionise tissue- and organ transplantation -- and cure leukaemia. [ + ]

The Australian government is encouraging Australia's research and business communities to work together through 'Backing Australia's Ability (BAA) - Building Our Future through Science and Innovation'.

Research has shown the Australian public value gene technology more highly if it can save lives or significantly improve the quality of life.

Melbourne-based biopharma BioDiem (ASX:BDM) has received regulatory approval to commence a phase I/II clinical trial for its peptide BDM-E in patients with diabetic macula oedema, a leading cause of blindness. [ + ]

Perth-based bio-nanotech company Psivida (ASX:PSD, NASDAQ:PSDV, Xetra:PSI) has created a new spinout company, PsiNutria, to develop its silicon technology in the food industry. [ + ]

New research common condition known as social phobia, in which individuals show a heightened response to threatening faces, or perceive normal social situations as threatening, is associated with heightened activity of the brain's 'fear centre', the amygdala. [ + ]

Marshall Edwards, the US-based subsidiary of Australian cancer drug developer Novogen (ASX:NRT, NASDAQ:NVGN), has begun a phase Ib/IIa trial of Novogen's investigational chemotherapy re-sensitising drug phenoxodiol. [ + ]

After a sudden change of management earlier this week, Melbourne-based Epitan (ASX:EPT, ADR:EPTNY, XETRA:UR9) has entered the "final stretch" in the process of lodging an IND application with the FDA for Epitan's lead drug EPT1647, according to newly-appointed CEO Dr Philippe Wolgen. [ + ]

Melbourne gene-testing company Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG), currently engaged in a protracted court case with giant US rival Applera over licensing and royalties for GTG's controversial non-coding DNA patents, has a potential rival in its own backyard. [ + ]

Cannabis, a drug believed to increase the risk of psychosis in users, contains a compound that may be able to reverse psychotic behaviour, Monash researchers have found.

"Seeing you all here means the company has survived," the chairman of RNAi specialist Benitec (ASX:BLT) Ray Whitten, told shareholders at today's AGM in Sydney. [ + ]

Clinical Cell Culture's (ASX:CCE) co-founder Prof Fiona Wood will step down from the company's board on December 31. She will remain as a consultant, an R&D partner through her research vehicle the McComb Foundation, and a substantial shareholder. [ + ]

Perth-based biomedical devices developer Visiomed Group (ASX:VSG) is aiming to raise AUD$1.6 million after costs through a placement of up to 90 million shares at $0.02 each. [ + ]

Sydney-based Ambri (ASX:ABI) is looking to merge with another medical diagnostics company with products that are closer to market. [ + ]

A biomedical research facility tipped to speed up research into the genetic causes of human diseases has been officially opened.