Researchers at the Institute of Food Research in England are harnessing the powers of friendly bacteria and yeasts to help defend us against food poisoning, and fungal and yeast infections. [ + ]

The additional funding means support for the Cooperative Research Centres program will increase from $143 million in 2001 to $198 million a year in 2003. Funding will increase again in 2005 to $256 million per annum. [ + ]

The National Health and Medical Research Council has a limited fund to assist Australian participation in research projects selected for funding under the European Commission's Fifth Framework program. [ + ]

50% of all patients with hereditary breast or ovarian cancer have mutations in a gene called BRCA1. Now the first images of the protein the gene encodes, BRCA1, are helping researchers work out how the mutations cause human disease. [ + ]

The Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Senator Nick Minchin, has confirmed the passage of legislation to the Research and Development Tax Concession. [ + ]

CSIRO Livestock Industries and the University of Melbourne have patented a vaccine formulation against the cattle disease pinkeye. [ + ]

If research involving human embryonic stem cells is to achieve its potential for creating breakthrough medical therapies, additional cell lines should be employed, according to the National Academy of Sciences. [ + ]

With the human genome project well under way, researchers are keen to map the genetic information of Australia's gum tree. [ + ]

Demand for radiopharmaceuticals produced by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation grew to record levels during the last financial year with a 13% increase in sales. [ + ]

The government has appointed Sue Meek, a former biotechnology advocate, to a regulatory position. The Australian Health Minister, Michael Wooldridge, announced the government's approval of Sue Meek for appointment to the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator. [ + ]

The CRC Association today released 'Building on Australia's Skills' which highlights the achievements from a number of Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) in the CRC Program. [ + ]

The process of sequencing the 3 billion 'letters' of human DNA took researchers at the Human Genome Project 15 months and $300 million to complete. [ + ]

The Bracks government is to award $12.4 million of biomedical research grants, based on merit, Health Minister, John Thwaites, has just said. [ + ]

Commonwealth funding is available on a competitive basis from the National Innovation Awareness Strategy for projects that raise awareness of the importance of science to Australia’s future. Projects are to be held during National Science Week from 17-25 August 2002 or as part of an associated Science Week event. [ + ]

Australian scientists abroad are being encouraged to return to Australia to work by John Howard, announcing the first recipients of federation fellowships. [ + ]