SARS agent still unidentified
18 March, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillScientists at the National Centres for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, are working "around the clock" in collaboration with World Health Organisation researchers and international disease reference laboratories to identify the infectious agent responsible for an outbreak of a potentially deadly respiratory disease in south-east Asia.
Monash research targets vaccine against 'stealth microbe'
06 March, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillResearchers at Monash University have begun sifting through the database from Australia's first bacterial genome project, looking for targets for a vaccine against an unusual microbe that can kill, or leave survivors chronically depressed.
Colman to address Sydney conference
03 March, 2003 by Iain ScottCloning pioneer Alan Colman, the director of research programs with Singapore company ES Cell International, will visit Sydney in May to address a conference on prospects for stem cell therapy.
STEM CELL FEATURE PART 2: Tangled up in red?
17 February, 2003 by Pete YoungFor the second of our two-part series examining Australia's new laws on embryonic stem cell research and human cloning, Pete Young asked medical researchers, IVF clinics and companies developing stem cell-related products for their views on the impact of the legislation.
STEM CELL FEATURE PART 1: Legislating the embryo
13 February, 2003 by Pete YoungIn the first part of a two-part series about Australia's new stem cell laws, Pete Young looks at the NHMRC's role and who will need to apply for a licence to do the research.
Synchrotron becoming drug design essential, say researchers
12 February, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerCSIRO structural biologist Jose Varghese believes that synchrotrons are essential tools for finding out how proteins work, and designing drugs to specifically interact with them.
ES Cell licenses US diabetes technology
30 January, 2003 by Pete YoungStem cell-based regenerative medicine company ES Cell International (ESI) has licensed cutting-edge US technology to speed its path to the commercialisation of a diabetes cell replacement therapy.
Chemeq broadens pipeline with sunscreen product
28 January, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerPerth-based biotech Chemeq has expanded its pipeline with the development of a sunscreen and an after-sun emollient based on its proprietary polymer chemistry platform.
Adult stem cells hold promise in future MS therapy
21 January, 2003 by Susan WilliamsonResearchers at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital have found for the first time that adult stem cells can be differentiated into the white matter forming cells of the brain, the oligodendrocytes.
Arthritis vaccine breakthrough claimed by Qld team
16 January, 2003 by Pete YoungAn Australian research team is claiming a breakthrough in developing a therapeutic vaccine against autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis.
Stem cell centre swings into action as funding finally approved
10 January, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerActivities at the National Stem Cell Centre were delayed by an inquiry into allegations that it was given preferential treatment during bidding for Commonwealth funding, the centre's chief operating officer, Dr Dianna DeVore, said today, but Prime Minister John Howard's December 24 announcement that an independent report found no basis to the allegations was "a wonderful Christmas present".
Researchers rejoice as stem cell Bill passes
06 December, 2002 by Graeme O'NeillAustralian stem-cell researchers are elated at yesterday's decisive Senate vote in favour of a Bill to permit research on stem cells from surplus IVF embryos.
Stem cell patent purchase 'clear path to market': BresaGen
18 November, 2002 by Graeme O'NeillAdelaide biotechnology company BresaGen has fitted the keystone into the archway of its ambition to be a substantial player in embryonic stem cell (ES cell) therapy, by acquiring valuable patents on the methodology for isolating pluripotent stem cells.
Opponent of ES cell research broadens attack
15 November, 2002 by Pete YoungEmbryonic stem cell research opponent Senator Ron Boswell has this week widened his criticism of the CEO-designate of the National Stem Cell Centre, Prof Alan Trounson, to include other high-profile members of the biotech community.
Vision BioSystems: 'We've arrived'
12 November, 2002 by Melissa TrudingerMelbourne instrument manufacturer Vision BioSystems is claiming early international success for its new Bond immunochemistry and in situ hybridisation staining system.
