Industry News
Human-derived feeder cells used to grow human stem cells
Researchers have for the first time successfully grown human stem cells without exposure to mouse feeder cells. [ + ]
Australian technology helping bust New York smog
American researchers investigating the nature of air pollution in New York have chosen to utilise the international reputation and expertise of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) to analyse their samples.
[ + ]Nanotechnology keeps transplant organs in prime condition
A monitoring system that ensures transplant organs arrive in perfect condition for life-saving surgery has just been put on show by scientists in the United Kingdom.
[ + ]Prima applies for animal model patent
Inflammatory diseases researcher Arthron has lodged a patent application over an animal model of arthritis with which to test potential new treatments. [ + ]
pSivida rated 'speculative buy'
Brokers have rated biomaterials platform technology group pSivida a speculative buy following a recent joint venture with Singapore General Hospital. [ + ]
Iatia teams with Sydney Uni in new imaging facility
Melbourne high-tech imaging specialist Iatia has established a computer-based imaging facility at the University of Sydney's Key Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis. [ + ]
Former opal miner Benitec opens for biotech business
Queensland company Benitec has finally begun trading on the Australian Stock Exchange after completing a backdoor listing through Queensland Opals. [ + ]
NZ: post-election, GM hangs in the balance
The post-election future of genetic modification in New Zealand hangs in the balance with the Labour Party still to determine the structure of its government. [ + ]
NIH backs down from IP grab
The US National Institutes of Health will defer implementing a policy that would allow it to limit ownership of patent rights and IP developed by NIH-funded Australian researchers. [ + ]
de Kretser returns as Monash IR&D director
Reproductive biologist Prof David de Kretser has returned to the director's role at the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development. [ + ]
Intelligent Island appoints Centre of Excellence interim CEO
Tasmania's nascent Centre of Excellence for Bioinformatics has ended a national hunt for a chief executive by appointing a bioindustry executive with strong business strategy skills. [ + ]
BioStart money confirmed for Mimetica
Brisbane drug design company Mimetica is the first recipient of funds from Queensland's $6 million BioStart pre-seed fund, as foreshadowed by Australian Biotechnology News in June. [ + ]
Companies debate cell line R&D needs
Executives of three leading stem cell research companies - Stem Cell Sciences CEO Peter Mountford, ES Cell International (ESI) CEO Robert Klupacs and BresaGen medical director Chris Juttner - have debated the need for new human embryonic stem cell lines and the availability of commercially owned cell lines for basic research. [ + ]
von Itzstein named as Federation Fellowship winner
Only one biotech luminary, drug discovery researcher Prof Mark von Itzstein, made the list the list of 11 Federation Fellowship winners announced this week by Health Minister Brendan Nelson. [ + ]
BresaGen claims stem cell breakthrough
Adelaide-based company BresaGen has claimed a stem cell breakthrough, announcing that the company had successfully derived neural precursor cells from human embryonic stem cell lines. [ + ]
