Innovation is the 21st Century driver for economic growth, high quality jobs, wealth and improved living standards, the Minister for Innovation, John Brumby, has said.

Brisbane biotech business Xenome Ltd is moving closer to human trials with a pain-killing molecule derived from the venom of a marine shellfish. [ + ]

Backing hopeful young companies into the listed shells of mining companies is an old habit in Western Australia. [ + ]

Australia's biotechnology companies will have to merge or perish, according to leading industry analyst Ernst and Young. [ + ]

There are fears the current insurance industry upheaval will force some biotechs to the wall unless the Gene Technology Act 2000 is overhauled. [ + ]

US-based genetics company, Sequenom, has chosen Queensland as the location for its Asia-Pacific regional headquarters, Premier Peter Beattie has announced.

Australian stem cell researchers were confused by media reports today that the Federal government had banned human embryonic stem cell research. [ + ]

CSIRO was well on its way to addressing the raft of serious problems outlined in a confidential internal report, the organisation's chief has claimed. [ + ]

The cone snail, a marine snail from the Great Barrier Reef, is proving to be a vaulable ally in pain management drug research. [ + ]

Australia's first artificial hearts are to be implanted in human patients within weeks, according to the developer. [ + ]

Agenix Limited (ASX: AGH) has announced a 435 per cent increase in after-tax profit to $1.7 million for the six months to December 31, 2001. [ + ]

Queensland researchers are being urged to take advantage of the state government's $100 million Smart State Research Facility Fund by getting their applications in before March 4.

Australian genomics company Autogen has filed US patent applications for five new genes related to obesity and type 2 diabetes. [ + ]

Australia's latest biotech public share offering opened today as vision sciences company IATIA began efforts to raise $5 million. [ + ]

Queensland bioresearchers have discovered a promising method for treating a common bacterial infection afflicting cystic fibrosis patients. [ + ]