A new life sciences blog, Biopeer, has made its debut at the 2005 Bio-IT World Conference and Expo. [ + ]

Electron microscopists at the University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience have spotted the first, sub-microscopic components of the molecular machinery of endocytosis -- the process by which living cells take up nutrients and particles. [ + ]

Australia's medical research capability has been strengthened with the opening of a stem cell research precinct at the Monash University.

Sydney's Uscom (ASX:UCM) has responded to ASX's 'please explain' as to why its shares dropped from $1.40 on 10 May to a low of $1.00 on 17 May. [ + ]

A proof of concept study by Melbourne's Epitan (ASX:EPT) and nanotechnology company pSivida (ASX:PSD) has found that pSivida's BioSilicon technology can be used in a liquid-based sustained-release formulation of Epitan's tanning drug Melanotan. [ + ]

A new $33 million influenza vaccine centre has officially been opened at CSL premises in Parkville. [ + ]

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is to spend AUD$1.5 million to establish a national clinical trials register. [ + ]

Scientists have developed a genetic tool to help environmental authorities monitor the spread and impact of Australia's most invasive marine species, the New Zealand screwshell.

A Phase IIa pilot trial of its promising PI-88 angiogenesis inhibitor in patients with advanced melanoma has convinced Brisbane cancer-drug developer Progen Industries (ASX: PGL, NASDAQ: PGLAF) to move its lead compound into a Phase IIb trial. [ + ]

The prime minister has officially opened the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Unit for Molecular Genetics of Cancer at Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney. [ + ]

Chief scientist, Dr Robin Batterham, has accepted a full time position with Rio Tinto and will not seek reappointment as Australia's senior science advisor for a third term. [ + ]

Drug re-engineering company Eiffel (ASX:EIF) has issued shares worth a total of $70,000 as part of the cancellation of an employee contract, and is looking to cut costs. [ + ]

The clinical trial being run by Sydney biomaterials company Avastra (ASX:AVS) for its BioWeld device has been delayed by six months due to severe post-operative complications experienced by the first patient. [ + ]

Eminent Melbourne neuroscientist Prof Fred Meldelsohn, director of Melbourne's Howard Florey Institute, is the Bethlehem Griffiths Research Foundation medallist for 2005. [ + ]

Sources close to Adelaide-based Advanced Rapid Robotic Manufacturing have revealed that the company has gone into voluntary receivership. [ + ]