Gribbles and Sequenom team up on genetic diagnostics
28 February, 2005 by Susan WilliamsonA new collaboration between Gribbles Molecular Science and Sequenom may pave the way for diagnostics which link pathology expertise with genetics, and could have applications in personalised medicine and foresenic identification.
Genentech and the sonic hedgehog
28 February, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillDecades ago, ranchers who moved their sheep up to the high-altitude summer pastures of the Californian Sierra found lambs were being stillborn with gross deformities, including a distorted skull with a single eye, a forebrain with the hemispheres are fused into a single mass, and lacking a medulla, a collapsed chest without lungs, and a long proboscis-like nose.
Proteome to keep close eye on the bottom line
25 February, 2005 by Renate KrelleProteome Systems (ASX:PXL) has reported a half-year loss before tax of AUD$14.2 million, and with cash of only $11.6 million at December 31. the company is watching its pennies extremely carefully.
Melbourne scientist finds gene that makes a man a man
22 February, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillWhen it was cloned in 1991, the sex-determining region, Y-chromosome (SRY) gene was hailed as the elusive 'master switch' that sets an genetically male embryo on the path to male development. But it is now clear that SRY is just the finger that flicks the real switch to 'male'. It's the transcription factor gene SOX9 that causes the embryo's indeterminate gonads to develop as testes, not ovaries
'Inebriomics' taps genetics of alcoholism
21 February, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillTiny nematode worms that get 'legless' more rapidly than their peers when they ingest alcohol have led a San Franciso team to the gene that is the major determinant of susceptibility to alcoholism in worms -- and probably in humans as well.
BresaGen licenses protein production tech
17 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerBresaGen (ASX:BGN) has obtained a non-exclusive license enabling technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the production of proteins and peptides in bacteria.
Vic Uni to test forensic DNA tools
14 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerA collaboration between researchers at Victoria University, the Victorian Forensic Science Centre (VFSC) and US genomics company DNAPrint Genomics will test DNAPrint's Retinome assay for iris colour for use in Australia.
New theory tests limits to complexity
14 February, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillFunctionally, the genomes of humans and other higher life forms have more in common with the intricate circuitry of a computer processor chip than with the simple genomes of bacteria, according to a new theory advanced by Australian researchers.
Gribbles JV finds smart ways to tag and track DNA
10 February, 2005 by Susan WilliamsonNew joint venture company, id-DNA, formed by Gribbles Molecular Science (GMS) and Sunshine Technologies (ST), has big plans for its latest tracking technology, which will combine DNA fingerprinting with radio frequency identification tags.
Australian genomics alliance calls for funds
08 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerA group of genomics researchers are pushing the Federal government to provide AUD$250 million in funding for genomics research over the next five years.
Genes to mend a broken heart
02 February, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillSydney researchers have used gene therapy to experimentally transform skin cells into a novel type of muscle cell that could rejuvenate damaged hearts and correct abnormal heartbeats.
In brief: GTG; VRI; Bone; Vet Biotechnology, Biopharmica
31 January, 2005 by Staff WritersGenetic Technologies (ASX:GTG, US OTC:GNTLY) has granted a license for its non-coding patents to the Australian Genome Research Facility Limited (AGRF). Part of the consideration will be paid to GTG in cash and part will be paid in the form of services which GTG will be able to access from AGRF's genetic analysis facilities. It is the sixth license GTG has granted in Australia for its non-coding DNA patents.
More evidence for genetic master-switches in junk DNA
28 January, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillThe mists surrounding the mechanisms that switch genes on an off in higher organisms are beginning to clear, with a new study published today in Cell revealing previously unrecognised domains of chromosomes that are involved in regulating genes - even whole clusters of genes.
Gribbles launches genotyping and sequencing service
28 January, 2005 by Susan WilliamsonGribbles Molecular Science (GMS) has launched a new service offering genotyping, full sequencing, sequencing cleanup and separations to researchers.
Benitec aims to clear dark clouds over Sunnivale
25 January, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillFormer Benitec CEO John McKinley appears to have been a casualty of continuing adverse publicity surrounding the Brisbane gene-therapy company's ongoing battle with Pennsylvania rival Nucleonics over ownership of key patents to RNA-induced (RNAi) gene-silencing technology.
