Industry News
UTS student solves pollution mystery
Research at the University of Technology, Sydney, is helping scientists understand why some waterways remain mostly unpolluted despite being pumped with sewage and industrial and agricultural waste.
[ + ]Chairman denies Sirtex fire sale claims
Despite rumours that Sirtex's Dr Bruce Gray is wanting to cash in his stake and sell out to established US pharma Cephalon, it appears he is still keen to steer his fledgling company towards a profitable future. [ + ]
Singapore: report slams non-ethical research practices, director fired
Singapore's efforts to become a global hub for the biomedical sciences faced its first major hurdle last week with the sacking of world-renowned British neurologist, Dr Simon Shorvon, from his post as the director of the National Neuroscience Institute. [ + ]
Aust stem cell laws 'enlightened': US bioethicist
A leading US bioethicist has praised Australia's new stem cell laws, describing them as enlightened. [ + ]
Singapore cord blood firm to set up in Australia
Singapore-based CordLife is looking to establish a local cord blood facility for as a precursor to expanding Australian operations in stem cell (haematopoietic stem cells or HSC) research. [ + ]
VRI board tussle intensifies
Further to moves by shareholder Australian Heritage Group (AHT) to shake out the board at VRI BioMedical, the war of words has intensified after a flurry of shareholder requisitions, withdrawals and accusations flying between the two companies. [ + ]
Solbec board casts off its mineral past
Western Australian mining-turned biotech company Solbec Pharmaceuticals has severed its last links with the minerals industry in a move it has signalled as "showing the market all our past history has gone." [ + ]
Ventracor gets Standard & Poor thumbs up
Artificial heart company Ventracor has been selected by Standard & Poor as one of its basket of standard stocks used to gauge market activity. [ + ]
Cuddly NW-Qld koala tougher than the rest
The Koala Research Centre, hosted by Central Queensland University and based in Rockhampton, is undertaking a study of koalas in north-western Queensland to understand how this unique koala population is surviving alongside a rapidly developing agricultural and mining region.
[ + ]Seaside slime "could wipe out superbug"
Rock pool slime could hold the secret of a cure for the hospital 'superbug' MRSA, scientists say. Scottish researchers have found several types of bacteria, which, together, act as a powerful natural antibiotic against MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus), one of the biggest problems affecting hospital hygiene today.
[ + ]Study backs theory that TB jab could guard against asthma
A Sydney epidemiological study has given further weight to a theory that exposure to non-viral respiratory infections in childhood may protect against asthma later in life. [ + ]
CSIRO clinches Bayer CropScience alliance
CSIRO's highly successful alliance with Bayer CropScience has been extended in an agreement that will deliver benefits to farmers and grow Australia's R&D capabilities.
[ + ]Alchemia slashes workforce
One of the stars of Queensland’s biotech industry, biopharmaceutical company Alchemia, has sent shock waves through the sector by slashing staff by 30 per cent. [ + ]
Eiffel to collaborate with Aradigm
Eiffel Technologies has entered into a collaboration with US drug delivery company Aradigm Corporation. [ + ]
Norwood Abbey spins out immunology project
Norwood Abbey has spun out its immunology project into a separate company, which will be listed in Europe or the USA within the next 12 months. [ + ]