A collaboration between researchers at Victoria University, the Victorian Forensic Science Centre (VFSC) and US genomics company DNAPrint Genomics will test DNAPrint's Retinome assay for iris colour for use in Australia. [ + ]

Functionally, the genomes of humans and other higher life forms have more in common with the intricate circuitry of a computer processor chip than with the simple genomes of bacteria, according to a new theory advanced by Australian researchers. [ + ]

What's New Magazines and Science Industry Australia Inc (SIA) invite entries to the Laboratory of the Year Competition.

Australian biotechnology's peak body, AusBiotech, has questioned the impartiality of Western Australia's agricultural minister Kim Chance in relation to GM crops, following the release of correspondence between the government and activitist GM groups. [ + ]

Mayne Pharma, the pharmaceuticals division of the Mayne group (ASX: MAY) has received a rap over the knuckles from the US FDA for failing to adequately report adverse events resulting from use of its drug products. [ + ]

Meditech Research (ASX: MTR) has reported that its revenues increased 90 per cent to AUD$679,495 while its net loss decreased marginally to $2.7 million during its financial year ending December 31, 2004. [ + ]

What do camels and sharks have in common? A remarkable, binary immune system that quells viruses and other infectious nasties with an efficiency that the human immune system cannot match, according to CSIRO molecular immunologist Dr Peter Hudson. [ + ]

Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda has paid US$270 million in cash to acquire Syrxx, a private drug-development company based in San Diego. [ + ]

Tissue Therapies Limited (ASX:TIS) has released its half-year results, recording a net loss of $445,400, in line with budget expectations. [ + ]

New joint venture company, id-DNA, formed by Gribbles Molecular Science (GMS) and Sunshine Technologies (ST), has big plans for its latest tracking technology, which will combine DNA fingerprinting with radio frequency identification tags. [ + ]

One of the legal myths of scientific research -- that using a patented invention is OK as long as that use is only experimental not commercial -- might just become reality later this year. [ + ]

Executives with US experience and contacts in the international equities market remain as popular as ever amongst Australian biotechs, if this week's board appointments are anything to go by. [ + ]

Biotech entrepreneur Garth Cooper has stepped sideways from his role as CEO of New Zealand biotech Protemix, appointing US-based former Eli Lilly executive Larry Ellingson to guide the company through pending Phase III trials of its drug for diabetic heart disease Laszarin. [ + ]

Acrux (ASX: ACR) has reported positive results from the Phase IIb trial of its testosterone MDTS spray in pre-menopausal women with low libido. [ + ]

Pfizer, faced with slowing earnings growth, and safety concerns that have hurt demand for its arthritis products, is conducting a comprehensive review of its operations and is considering job cuts. [ + ]