Industry News
Is the universe made for life?
Researchers all over the world are looking for evidence of life elsewhere in the solar system, and intelligence beyond. The Australian Museum is hosting, in conjunction with Macquarie University's Australian Centre for Astrobiology (ACA), a panel discussion on July 5th, in which four leading researchers will give a picture of where we are in the quest to discover our true place in the universe.
[ + ]Victorian TAFE to offer biotech degrees
Biotechnology will be among a raft of specialised degrees on offer at Victorian TAFE institutes. [ + ]
Industry R&D spending shows first rise in four years
Business expenditure on R&D (BERD) in 2000-01 increased for the first time in four years, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data released today. [ + ]
CSIRO appointments indicate greater biotech role
The arrival of a group of new appointees on the board of CSIRO could foreshadow a larger role for biotechnology within Australia's premier scientific research organisation. [ + ]
Eiffel signs new drug delivery agreement
Eiffel Technologies has signed a new agreement with specialist UK drug company Profile Therapeutics to investigate delivery methods for an undisclosed pharmaceutical compound. [ + ]
Canola pollen travels... but doesn't do much when it arrives
Pollen from a herbicide-tolerant canola crop spreads to neighbouring fields, according to Australian study published in the June 28th issue of Science, but only a very low percentage of plants are fertilised there. [ + ]
Bio21 foreshadows new collaborations
Melbourne's Bio21 precinct is starting to make new waves, with at least three potential collaborations currently on the boil. [ + ]
Biotech business incubator to be established in NSW
Technology business accelerator ATP Innovations has won the tender to establish and operate a $2.5 million biotechnology business incubator at Australian Technology Park, in inner-city Sydney. [ + ]
Nanospintronics brings about single-spin transistor
Physicists at the Institute for Microstructural Sciences (Ottawa) are the first to create a prototype of a single-spin transistor, which consists of a quantum dot connected to spin-polarised leads.
[ + ]Bacteria-SIDS connection identified
Monash University researchers have confirmed a link between bacterial infections and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). [ + ]
Concern over US plan to push up patent fees
A push for higher fees by the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) could spell trouble for small Australian biotechs and technology transfer companies. [ + ]
Varian to open HPLC production facility in Melbourne
Victoria has won a key investment in a $US200 million coup that sees a Silicon Valley production facility shift its base to Melbourne's east. [ + ]
Genesis begins trial for psoriasis treatment
Genesis Research and Development Corporation has commenced a Phase II clinical trial to test the efficacy of its PVAC treatment for psoriasis when administered in combination with Ultra Violet-B (UVB) light therapy. [ + ]
Grant money comes through for research facilities
After nine months of confusion and frustration, 15 major research facilities appear poised to enjoy the benefits of a five-year, $150 million Federal Government grant scheme. [ + ]
Xcell appoints regulatory team for US, Europe push
Perth-based devices group Xcell Diagnostics has gathered up a specialised regulatory affairs team to drive United States and European registration of its Funhaler product. [ + ]
