The biotechnology group, Progen Industries, an Australian listed firm, has just reported a manufacturing supply agreement with BresaGen to produce bacteria containing equine growth hormone (somatotropin). [ + ]

An anti-tumour drug called AQ4N, which destroys tumour cells that other anti-cancer treatments cannot reach, is undergoing clinical trials at Leicester's Royal Infirmary and Oxford's Churchill Hospital, England. [ + ]

Embryonic stem cell research that might deliver cures for devastating diseases, but involves the destruction of human embryos, has been given a green light by a key parliamentary committee. [ + ]

Scientists have obtained their first detailed glimpse of a rare antibody, called B12, which is capable of inactivating many different strains of human immunodeficiency virus, the germ which causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). [ + ]

Dr David Kemp, the Minister for Education, has just announced that 1284 additional research projects will start across Australia in 2002. [ + ]

A report tabled in parliament this week has recommended funding and a framework to develop the potentially lucrative business of bioprospecting in Australia. [ + ]

Thirty men with prostate cancer are to be turned into genetically modified organisms (GMOs) during trials at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, England, in an attempt to cure the disease by making cancerous cells a target for chemotherapy. [ + ]

Researchers at Imperial College London, have just identified the gene that causes cleft palate, a finding that could improve the diagnosis and treatment of the congenital disorder. [ + ]

Mr Tim Besley, President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, has just released new figures to show an alarming slump in Australia's capacity in physics, chemistry, mathematics and engineering. [ + ]

Getting the message out about combating plant diseases and tackling tropical plant pathogens, including some which have the potential to devastate many of the state’s primary industries, will be topics of focus at an upcoming Cairns conference that will unite experts from across Australia and the Pacific Rim. [ + ]

WA Labor leader, Doctor Geoff Gallop, has announced he would be the Minister for Science under a Labor Government. Dr Gallop made this statement at the official unveiling of Labor's 'Innovate WA' policy. [ + ]

Monash University has received a funding boost for research projects. The federal government has allocated nearly $30 million to programmes that Monash is undertaking with other research institutes and commercial organisations. Additionally, the Wellcome Trust announced a $6 million donation for biomedical research. [ + ]

Senator Richard Alston has launched an attack on the Opposition's Knowledge Nation, claiming Kim Beazley's statement on the first 100 days was "yet another low grade publicity stunt that promises more bureaucratic talkfests but provides no details on what this window dressing will achieve. [ + ]

The results of an Australian PhD questions current theory about nuclear fusion and fission, paving the way for future experiments involving 'superheavy' elements. [ + ]

Australian scientists have discovered DNA links between coral and the human nervous system that could ultimately lead to improvements in the treatment of spinal and brain injuries. [ + ]