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.
Watching evolution on fast-forward
12 January, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillHow do new species evolve and adapt to changes in their environment? The human lifespan is too brief to observe evolution occurring in vivo, while the fossil record is too fragmentary to track species in transit between ancestral and extant life forms.
Proteome releases BioinformatIQ update, extends Huntington's collaboration
17 November, 2004 by Renate KrelleSydney-based proteomics company Proteome Systems (ASX:PXL) has released a standalone software package for proteomics research and analysis, Version 3.0 of BioinformatIQ. Its first customer was the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), Australia's Major National Research Facility for functional proteomics .
$1.4 million blowfly genome project launched
09 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerAustralian and New Zealand scientists have launched a AUD$1.4 million study funded by industry group Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to map the genome of the sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina, in a bid to better control and prevent flystrike in sheep.
Benitec raises $3.75m, launches share purchase plan
08 November, 2004 by Staff WritersGene silencing specialist Benitec (ASX:BLT) has raised AUD$2.75 million in a placement to institutions and 'sophisticated' investors in Australia and abroad, the company said today.
Nucleonics fires new salvo at Benitec
05 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillPennsylvania-based anti-viral therapeutics developer Nucleonics is continuing its trench warfare with Brisbane RNAi therapeutics company Benitec (ASX:BLT) and CSIRO over the legitimacy of their key patents on RNA-mediated gene-silencing technology.
Benitec lassoos new 'minicircle' plasmid technology
15 October, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillQueensland gene-therapy company Benitec Ltd (ASX:BLT) has licensed-in a novel, non-viral new technology from Stanford University that delivers prolonged RNAi-induced gene-silencing in mammalian cells.
