Industry News
Regulatory framework questioned in Pan fiasco
Recent revelations about Pan Pharmaceuticals and Curacel International have thrown the efficacy of Australia's regulatory system into question, with potentially thousands of product lines facing recall and criminal charges being filed. [ + ]
Brilliant bubble breakthrough
While the observation of bubbles in action is endlessly fascinating for children and adults alike, the understanding of their formation and movement is a topic of intense scientific research - a field in which the University of Technology, Sydney has reached a new landmark.
[ + ]Researchers explore biosensor applications for fluorescence discovery
A coral protein with an intense blue colour has properties that could prove useful as a biological probe to track interactions between proteins and cells, according to new research from Monash and Queensland universities. [ + ]
Nanoscience – where physics, chemistry and biology collide
An international symposium on nanoscience will be held at the Australian Academy of Science on Friday 2 May, as part of its Science at the Shine Dome events.
[ + ]Adult stem cells shown to develop into all brain cell types
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have provided evidence for the first time that stem cells derived from adult bone marrow and injected into the blastocyst of a mouse can differentiate into all major types of cells found in the brain.
[ + ]CSIRO Animal Health asked to join SARS fight
United Nations health authorities have asked CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) to join in the global effort to combat the SARS virus. [ + ]
Biota set to research neo-epidemics
With SARS ravaging Asia and avian flu decimating Dutch poultry farms, antiviral company Biota is to ramp up activities within the both the treatment and diagnostic fields. [ + ]
AustCancer ditches its mining past
Another West Australian ex-mining listing has finally shaken off the last vestiges of mineral exploration and turned completely to the world of biotech. [ + ]
Vindication for proteomics in research on ageing
Geneticists at the National Human Genome Research Institute in Washington last week celebrated the publication of the identity of the faulty gene involved in a devastating premature-ageing disorder. But it was only half the story -- an Australian collaboration has provided a bigger picture, reports Graeme O'Neill. [ + ]
GM virus puts mice off sex
Australia's first GM mammal virus is poised to slash millions of dollars off grain spoilage figures, if medium-scale mouse-limitation trials go according to plan [ + ]
Value of deals overrated: KPMG
Doing deals is one of the cornerstones of biotechnology, and can cover a myriad of activities from obtaining private or public equity, to collaborations and joint ventures, and in- and out-licensing of technology and products. But while transactions can increase the value of a company, too often the deal itself can lead to a decline in shareholder value. [ + ]
New target for anti-clotting drugs revealed
Monash University scientists, investigating how the size of blood clots is regulated, have identified a new target for anti-clotting drugs that could help in the treatment of patients at risk of heart attack or stroke.
[ + ]Eiffel wooed by US VC agents
In what it hopes is the first step towards a Nasdaq listing, Melbourne platform technology biotech Eiffel Technologies has appointed New York-based introduction agents Global Markets Capital Corporation (GMCC) to represent it on the US investor market. [ + ]
GTG appointments expected to boost test service
Melbourne biotechnology company Genetic Technologies (ASX: GTG) has appointed two Australian scientists to assist it with the set up of its new cancer susceptibility genetic testing service. [ + ]
Radiation technique shows good results in weight reduction trials
Innovative RF radiation techniques have resulted in positive weight reduction results, according to a recent University of Adelaide study. [ + ]