EU environment ministers dealt a blow to efforts to get more GMO crops grown in Europe as they agreed to uphold eight national bans on genetically modified maize and rapeseed types. [ + ]

Brisbane-based clinical automation systems manufacturer, Ai Scientific, has secured a multi-million dollar order from Italian distributor, Medical Systems. [ + ]

Perth-based biomedical devices developer, Visiomed Group (ASX:VSG) and ophthalmic surgical laser group, CustomVis (AIM:CUS), also based in Perth, have begun a clinical evaluation trial on their ophthalmic imaging system, microEYE. [ + ]

There is a relatively new approach to addressing large, complex problems - 'network science'.

Speaking at BIO 2005 in Philadelphia, Victorian innovation minister John Brumby has announced the roll out of the state government's Biotechnology Entrepreneur Program across Australia and New Zealand. [ + ]

The sale of Pharmanet Group's (ASX:PNO) wholly owned subsidiary Medical Products Group, to Advance Healthcare (ASX:AHG), has been completed. [ + ]

Research in to the genetic causes of melanoma will be the focus of the new Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre, recently established at the University of Western Australia's Centre for Medical Research in Perth. [ + ]

Biotech Capital (ASX:BTC) investee company Stem Cell Sciences is looking to raise up to £10 million on London's Alternative Investment Market (AIM). [ + ]

A major venture capital investment of tens of millions of dollars is currently being secured for the South Australian bioscience industry. [ + ]

Pharmaxis (ASX:PXS) has responded to a request by the ASX to explain why its shares rose from $1.34 on 15 June 2005 to $1.61 on 22 June 2005 by saying that it is unaware of any information that could explain the price change and increase in volume of trading in its shares over that period. [ + ]

The development of nano-sized microcapsules and bioactive bandages to assist in the delivery of the synthetic growth factor complex, VitroGro, is one of 251 projects to be funded in the latest round of the Australian Research Council's (ARC) Linkage Projects scheme. [ + ]

Sydney biomaterials company Avastra (ASX:AVS) has halted its Bioweld human clinical trial due to unexpected results in its long-term animal study, although the company is still unsure what caused the unexpected results. [ + ]

Monash University fertility researchers have succeeded in producing oocytes -- eggs -- from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, offering hope to couples who are unable to conceive, even by in vitro fertilisation, because the partner lacks viable eggs. [ + ]

Researchers at Monash University have developed a process that causes embryonic stem (ES) cells to develop into ovarian structures containing eggs. Dr Orly Lacham-Kaplan from the Monash immunology and stem cell laboratories has presented their findings at the annual meeting of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Psivida (ASX:PSD) has released the full results of its Phase IIa trial of BrachySil in inoperable primary liver cancer patients, showing that the product is safe and effective in prompting tumour regression. [ + ]