Industry News
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. [ + ]
The next generation of photonics
A group of Australia's top researchers have embarked on an ambitious project to make light do things that were previously impossible.
[ + ]Proteome Systems moves to contract work
Platform technology company Proteome Systems is to offer its first contract-fee based operation in a joint initiative with Massachusetts-based Charles River Laboratories (CRL). [ + ]
Prana sets sights on Alzheimer's diagnostic
Possible links between the pathology of the eye and the brain have been identified by Prana consultants working on Alzheimer's patients. [ + ]
Discovery unlocks sectrets of Down syndrome immune defects
Scientists at the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development's Centre for Functional Genomics and Human Disease have identified a transcription factor gene on chromosome 21 that may help to explain the immune system defects common to Down syndrome patients. [ + ]
Optiscan reveals tough new strategy
Listed biotech Optiscan Imaging, one of many struggling to conserve cash while waiting for their IP to reach commercial fruition, appears to have won some breathing space with a tough new strategy. [ + ]
New targets ID'd in hunt for clotting reduction drugs
Monash University scientists have identified potential new targets for the development of drugs to reduce blood clotting in patients at risk of heart attack or stroke. [ + ]
Opposition grows in face of PIIP axing rumours
Industry protests are coming loud and long following reports that the federal government's PIIP (Pharmaceutical Investment Incentive Scheme) may be axed in the next budget. [ + ]
EvoGenix, Genesis team to target new anti-inflammatories
A trans-Tasman collaboration between New Zealand's Genesis R&D and Sydney-based EvoGenix will target a novel target for anti-inflammatory therapeutics. [ + ]
Genesis R&D to spin off plant division
New Zealand's largest biotechnology company, Genesis Research and Development, is spinning out its plant division into a separate, fully owned company to maximise the value of its assets, according to CEO Dr Jim Watson. [ + ]
Euro-demand for Corbett range
Australian-based research instrument specialist Corbett Research has sealed a hardware deal with prime Swedish genetic analysis company Pyrosequencing. [ + ]
50 years of nuclear science benefitting Australia
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is this week celebrating 50 years since the Atomic Energy Act, 1953, was passed by the Federal Parliament.
[ + ]BresaGen soars on Parkinson's results
Australian stem cell company BresaGen has demonstrated functional recovery from the effects of Parkinson's disease in a rat model treated with human dopaminergic neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells. [ + ]
VC: the smart money's in Australia, not the US
A Sydney biotech conference has heard that the gold rush for venture capital in the US is becoming so constrained it makes sense to look at home. [ + ]