The Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, today announced the Bracks Government would provide a $110,000 grant to the Birchip Cropping Group to expand its research facilities - a project that will support the further development of the grain industry in the Wimmera/Mallee. [ + ]

On March 27 & 28, 2001, at the Westin Hotel, Sydney, a conference titled ‘Current Trends in the Biotechnology Industry’ will be held. [ + ]

The Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Senator Nick Minchin, today called for proposals from industry and research institutions for funding under the Commonwealth Government's new $155 million Major National Research Facilities Program. [ + ]

Professor Roger Green of Warwick University, English Midlands, has designed a handset that is said to cut radiation passing through the user's head by 97 per cent while also doubling the life of the phone's battery. [ + ]

Adelaide University has been awarded the Australian arm of a major international study to examine the long-term effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). [ + ]

Stem Cell Sciences Ltd, a Melbourne based biotechnology company, has announced the creation of a wholly-owned UK subsidiary, Stem Cell Sciences (UK) Ltd. The new company has established offices and laboratories within the Centre for Genome Research, the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. [ + ]

A new three-year business plan released by the Australian Biotechnology Association (ABA) is setting the scene for Australia to become a major player in the international biotechnology arena. [ + ]

Scientists at Monash University’s Institute of Reproduction and Development have surprised their international colleagues with an exciting discovery that could impact on the treatment of hepatitis, multiple sclerosis (MS) and certain types of cancer. [ + ]

BioMed North is a consolidated network of research institutions, hospitals, industry and investors collaborating with the ultimate aim of improving health outcomes in the community. The major participating institutions are: Australian Institute of Musculo-Skeletal Research; Australian Government Analytical Laboratories; Australian Proteome Analysis Facility; CSIRO Molecular Science, Riverside; Institute for Bone & Joint Research; Institute for Magnetic Resonance Research; Kolling Medical Research Insttitute; Macquarie University; Northern Clinical School; Northern Diabetes Centre; Pacific Laboratory Medicine Services; Pain Management & Research Centre; Royal North Shore Hospital & Northern Sydney Area Health Service; Southern Cross University; Sydney Medical Simulation Centre; and University of Technology, Sydney. [ + ]

Frogs' eggs have given scientists a vital clue of what happens when cells turn cancerous. Researchers at the University of Dundee, Scotland, used the giant eggs of the African pipid frog in experiments to study genetic cancer triggers. [ + ]

Diversa Corporation and Celera Genomics have announced the completion of the entire genome sequence of Streptomyces diversa. The companies completed the sequencing under the collaborative agreement signed in December of 2000. [ + ]

Recent tests have proved that incorporating polypropylene fibres in high-grade concrete mixes can prevent splintering of the building material in fire. [ + ]

Australian and New Zealand scientists are joining forces to use insects in the fight against the billion dollar weed problem. New Zealand's Ms Lynley Hayes will be introducing to Australian land managers a technology transfer program that has had wide success in her country. [ + ]

A national conference opened in Adelaide will hear of the advantages of a recent innovation in non-invasive geological mapping. [ + ]

PanBio has announced plans to list on the Australian Stock Exchange. [ + ]