Scientists have pioneered silver nanotechnology to incorporate silver directly into natural and artificial fibres. The key benefit is that it can be used to produce materials for use in the prevention of bacterial and fungal growth - in dressings for wounds, for example.

Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG, US OTC:GNTLY) has granted a license for its non-coding patents to the Australian Genome Research Facility Limited (AGRF). Part of the consideration will be paid to GTG in cash and part will be paid in the form of services which GTG will be able to access from AGRF's genetic analysis facilities. It is the sixth license GTG has granted in Australia for its non-coding DNA patents. [ + ]

Optiscan (ASX: OIL) has received an order in excess of AUD$5 million from collaborator Pentax to supply miniaturised microscope components for a flexible endo-microscope, as the Japanese company gears up to launch the new product on the market in May. [ + ]

Artificial heart company Heartware (ASX:HTW) today completed its makeover from US venture capital play to ASX-listed company, with shares debuting below their issue price at AUD$0.49. [ + ]

Monash University PhD student Dr Narges Khanjani has revealed a possible link between the use of organochlorine pesticides and breast cancer in Victoria's north-east.

The University of Sydney has been ranked among the top 20 of the world's leading research universities. Recognition of Sydney's research excellence comes from the United Nations and its Secretary General, Kofi Annan.

Research to reduce sheeps' production of methane - one of the most potent greenhouse gases - received a boost recently with the installation of four new methane chambers at CSIRO Livestock Industries'facilities in Perth.

The mists surrounding the mechanisms that switch genes on an off in higher organisms are beginning to clear, with a new study published today in Cell revealing previously unrecognised domains of chromosomes that are involved in regulating genes - even whole clusters of genes. [ + ]

The federal government is about to embark on a project to quantify the great unknown: measuring the economic impact of biotechnology on the Australian economy overall. [ + ]

Gribbles Molecular Science (GMS) has launched a new service offering genotyping, full sequencing, sequencing cleanup and separations to researchers. [ + ]

Inner Vision Biometrics (IVB), a subsidiary of Perth based Resonance Health (ASX: RHT) has received FDA marketing approval for its novel diagnostic test for liver iron concentrations. [ + ]

At least 3000 scientists from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will be lining up to use the Australian Synchrotron when it opens for business in 2007, according to a report released this week by the project. [ + ]

Eminent physiologist and founding director of Melbourne's Florey Institute, Professor Derek Denton, was made a Companion (AC) in the General Division of the Australia Day Awards for his service to medical science and Professor Denton made pioneering discoveries about how the brain regulates the body's sodium balance, and fluid and electrolyte levels. [ + ]

Starpharma shares (ASX:SPL) have surged more than 8.5 per cent on heavy trading after details of the company's three way deal with Dow Chemical and Dendritic NanoTechnologies (DNT) were finally revealed this morning. [ + ]

Plastic surgeon Prof Fiona Wood, co-founder of Perth-based biotech Clinical Cell Culture (ASX:CCE), has been honoured for her role in developing a living spray-on skin to treat burns victims by being named the 2005 Australian of the Year. [ + ]