Eighteen years ago CSIRO biochemist Dr Robin Holliday first advanced the radical idea that that perfectly normal genes inactivated by hypermethylation played a role in the onset of cancer. Today, specific, sensitive tests for methylation are being developed which could play a role in early detection of cancer. [ + ]

VRI Biomedical (ASX:VRI) has reported success in the first stage of a drug discovery program to identify the molecule responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of its probiotic bacterial strain PCC. [ + ]

Biotechnology stocks fell 7 per cent in February, dropping below their August 2003 levels, according to stockbroker Intersuisse. [ + ]

Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (ASX:MBP) has confirmed that it will perform a further dosing study of its anti-obesity drug AOD9604, but a final decision on the protocol must await the outcome of partnering discussions [ + ]

Novogen (ASX:NRT) subsidiary Marshall Edwards (NSDQ:MSHL; MSE-AIM:MSH) has outlined its plans for Phase IIb and Phase III studies of its anti-cancer drug phenoxodiol for treatment of recurrent, chemo-refractory ovarian cancer, which received fast-track status from the FDA late last year. [ + ]

Chemeq (ASX:CMQ) has clarified its current and future production capabilities after questions were raised in a research report about the ability of the company to produce the levels of product required by new investment partner Mizuho. [ + ]

Stirling Products (ASX:STI) will extend its proof-of-concept studies to include a more direct delivery method after analysis of levels of its beta agonist ST810, a single enantiomer form of salbutamol, in the bloodstream of merino lambs showed that the growth promoter was not getting into the bloodstream. [ + ]

Epitan (ASX:EPT) has been given the green light to go ahead with its Phase II study evaluating the photo-protective effects of its sustained release formulation of Melanotan, after receiving ethics approval from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. [ + ]

Scientists at Sydney's Westmead Millenium Institute (WMI) have discovered that a rapidly-pulsed electrical signal that normally integrates the brain's many different activities 'misfires' in schizophrenia. [ + ]

A network that brings together over 60 leading Australian researchers who advance cutting-edge fluorescence technologies has been officially launched at Macquarie University.

The Lancet has been discussing the benefits and potential risks of allowing genomic information to be freely available on the internet - and supports the recent report by the US National Research Council recommending that such information should remain freely accessible to all.

Cochlear (ASX:COH) has signed an agreement to acquire Swedish hearing implant company Entific Medical Systems, owned by Swiss-Swedish group Nobel Biocare for SEK1,050 million (approximately AUD$195 million) to be paid with around AUD$40 million in cash and the remainder as bank debt to be raised in a combination of Euros and US dollars. [ + ]

Rockeby Biomed Limited (ASX:RBY) is poised to launch its Candia5 candidiasis diagnostic in Europe, having received ISO certification and CE Mark approval for the product. [ + ]

Perth company Phylogica has launched its IPO and is hoping to raise AUD$5 million from the sale of 25 million shares at $0.20 to support the preclinical development of three lead candidates -- including an asthma vaccine -- and its protein libraries. [ + ]

US regulators are moving to get drug safety warnings to patients and physicians earlier, which should limit prescribing and cut the number of dangerous side effects, a top US Food and Drug Administration official has told the United States congress. [ + ]