Industry News
Serendipity strikes cancer cells
Researchers at the University of NSW looking for a protein analysis tool have accidentally come up with a drug that can halt cell growth in tumours. [ + ]
Stem cells are today's gene therapy: Colman
Speaking to a packed room of delegates at the Discovery Science and Biotechnology conference in Sydney last week, cloning pioneer Alan Colman described stem cell research as being in the same boat as gene therapy a decade ago. [ + ]
Antisense wins $1.1m Start grant for psoriasis project
Melbourne company Antisense Therapeutics has won a $AUD1.1 million R&D Start grant, in the first round of funding awarded since the Federal government reopened the program late last year. [ + ]
Protein discovery targets cotton bugs
The face of Queensland's multi-million dollar cotton industry could be about to change, thanks to pioneering work being conducted by a University of Queensland scientist.
[ + ]Aussie project means international research to go online
Universities in Australia, Asia, Europe, Canada and the US are using an online laboratory to collaborate on HIV genomic research.
[ + ]Selective sheep breeding could lead to chemical-free shrink-proofing
Woollen jumpers may soon be shrink-proof without the use of chemicals, thanks to the finding that wool shrinkage (felting) is a heritable trait that can be manipulated through selective sheep breeding. [ + ]
Budget reveals a hidden bonus for biotech
A $150 million incentive scheme for companies developing new drugs might prove to be the sleeper in the May budget for young drug discovery companies. [ + ]
Gradipore ups projected loss to $16m
Sydney separation technology specialist Gradipore has revised upwards its projected loss for the financial year, from $AUD12 million to up to $16 million. [ + ]
Amrad in partnership with US firm Medarex
Amrad and US monoclonal antibody company Medarex have signed a licensing partnership for the R&D of fully humanised monoclonal antibodies against Amrad's asthma target interleukin-13 receptor alpha. [ + ]
Science and engineering challenge plans to go nationwide
"Every high school student in Australia should have the opportunity to participate in the Science and Engineering Challenge," says Associate Professor John O'Connor, Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences in the Faculty of Science and Information Technology at the University of Newcastle.
[ + ]Cephalon increases Sirtex holding
US pharma Cephalon has increased its interest in delivery biotech Sirtex up to 41 per cent with the acquisition of just under 8,800,000 shares from founder Dr Bruce Gray. [ + ]
Budget pushes AIMS, JCU collaboration
Australia's deepest pool of tropical marine scientists will receive $AUD5 million in fresh funding thanks to this week's federal budget. [ + ]
Proteomic study backs up link between plaque and heart disease
Melbourne University proteomic research has indicated a possible link between oral hygiene and heart disease. [ + ]
Manufacturing quality takes focus in national roadshow
Recent events in the Australian manufacturing sector have raised the focus upon end-to-end quality assurance requirements and how the transparency of plant floor operations affects boardroom decision-making.
[ + ]Agenix appoints board, aims to strengthen blood business
Listed biotech Agenix is ringing in changes to bolster its current blood diagnostics business while promoting the progress of its intended next-generation product, the Thromboview blood clot-imaging agent. [ + ]