Industry News
Gene technology regulator takes up position
Dr Meek is the first appointee under the Gene Technology Act 2000, which provides a comprehensive legal framework for the regulation of genetically modified organisms in Australia in order to protect human health and safety, and the environment.
[ + ]Successful transplantation of retinal cells in rats
A study by an international team of researchers shows vision can be successfully preserved in rats that go blind in the first months of life.
[ + ]Anti-cancer compound shows unique properties
Australian biotech company Progen Industries has announced that recently conducted preclinical research of its leading anti-cancer compound, PI-88, revealed that the compound also had a novel profile as a potential anti-thrombotic and inhibitor of restenosis.
[ + ]Tumour busting drug on trial
An anti-tumour durg, AQ4N, which destroys tumour cells that other anti-cancer treatments cannot - is undergoing clinical trials at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Oxford's Churchill Hospital in the UK.
[ + ]How nerve cells form connections
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have produced images of brain cells forming temporary and permanent connections in response to various stimuli.
[ + ]The performance of Australian science
Is Australia's scientific performance being watered down due to the pressures brought about by policy changes over a decade ago, or is it simply the case that university researchers are becoming much more clever in how they publish?
[ + ]Antibiotics to beat superbugs
Antibiotics to combat hospital superbugs as well as tuberculosis and salmonellas are being developed by Dr Jim Naismith of St Andrews University, Scotland.
[ + ]More tailoring required in biotech strategy
The Australian Biotechnology Association has called for a more co-ordinated, strategic approach to the development of the biotechnology industry.
[ + ]Protein with dual role in regulation of cellular processes
The unique dual-action role of a natural regulatory protein that controls cellular function has been described by researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine.
[ + ]Qld establishes centre of excellence
The Queensland government and The University of Queensland have announced a $50 million Australian Institute of Bio-Engineering and Nanotechnology would be established in Brisbane.
[ + ]Leukaemia vaccine breakthrough
An effective leukaemia vaccine could be available within a few years following a breakthrough by scientists in the UK.
[ + ]A different CRC needed for commercialising research
A study into Australian entrepreneurship has recommended the creation of a Cooperative Development Centre (CDC) Program, modelled on the successful Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Program, and which would aim at developing expertise in commercialising research output.
[ + ]UTS nanotech work to expand
Dr Grant Griffiths, recently appointed acting director of the Institute for Nanoscale Technology, plans to strengthen the focus of UTS research and scholarship in nanotechnology.
[ + ]Researchers distinguish another type of leukemia
Researchers who have studied the activity of thousands of genes in a drug-resistant form of childhood leukemia are now proposing that the disease be called mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) because it is a distinct disease, and not a subtype of the more prevalent acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
[ + ]Sweet news for diabetics
UTS scientists have made significant progress towards their goal of an effective gene-therapy treatment for diabetes that would make insulin injections obsolete.
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