DNA databases tapped for typhoid clues
13 July, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillUsing international DNA databases, a University of Melbourne PhD student has discovered a variety of previously anonymous bacteria in the mammalian gut that may explain why live oral vaccines against bacterial diseases like typhoid fever often produce erratic results.
Genetics: Why fruit flies make model humans
13 July, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerThe use of Drosophila fruit flies as a model for human neurodegenerative disease has led to the insight that molecular chaperones, such as heat shock proteins, may play a common role in the development of these diseases, says the University of Pennsylvania's Assoc Prof Nancy Bonini, in Australia this week for the Genetics Society of Australia's annual conference in Melbourne.
Downvalued Proteome Systems "cops it sweet"
23 June, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillNorth Ryde proteomics technology and research company Proteome Systems will list on the ASX later this year at a valuation of only $160 million, after sceptical fund managers baulked at a share price proposal that would have valued it at $300 million.
Grid to speed analysis of genomic heritage
21 June, 2004 by David BraueThe search for faster genomics analysis has spawned a multi-state biotech grid network built from ordinary Windows PCs, reports David Braue.
Novel sequencing technique finds local commercial partner
18 June, 2004 by Iain ScottTwo biotech start-ups, Combinomics and Nucleics, are to team up to commercialise a novel DNA sequencing technology.
IBM's Kovac calls for open standards in life science
17 June, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerThe development of open industry standards that can be applied to life science and healthcare data across the board are a necessity, according to IBM's general manager for life sciences, Carol Kovac.
ASMR medallist warns of DIY genetics
11 June, 2004 by Susan WilliamsonAs the prospect of 'genetic passports' and DIY genetics tests grows more imminent, regulators need to get up to speed with scientific developments, this year's Australian Society for Medical Research medallist, Prof Mary Hendrix, has warned.
NHGRI confirms 'roo genome project support
10 June, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerThe NIH's National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) has confirmed that it will provide funding to Australia's tammar wallaby sequencing project to allow at least 2X sequence coverage to be obtained.
News: Wallaby genome project to go ahead
02 June, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerThe wallaby genome project is poised to go ahead thanks to a last minute injection of $3 million into the project by the Victorian state government.
Paradigm shift in proteomics
01 June, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillProteomics, in which Australians are pioneers, can no longer be described as an emerging discipline, writes Graeme O'Neill.
Griffith team pinpoints genetic clue to migraine
26 May, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillResearchers at Griffith University's Genomics Research Centre have found an important clue to the cause of hormonally induced migraines, that may explain why women are three times more likely than men to suffer from migraine.
BioIT: EBI launches genome reviews database
17 May, 2004 by Kevin DaviesThe European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) has launched Genome Reviews 1.0, a standardised resource for completely sequenced genomes, consisting of 256 chromosomes and plasmids, representing the complete genomes of 153 prokaryotic organisms.
Human Genetic Signatures acquires Danish technology
17 May, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerHuman Genetic Signatures has acquired the intellectual property and activities relating to intercalating nucleic acids (INAs) from Unest, a Danish company it helped to found.
RNA play: Benitec acquires US company Avocel
17 May, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillBrisbane RNA-interference (RNAi) technology specialist Benitec Ltd (ASX: BLT) has made a key strategic play in the US market by acquiring RNAi therapeutics pioneer Avocel Inc of Sunnivale, California.
Epilepsy susceptibility gene pinpointed
13 May, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerResearchers at the Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH) in Adelaide have identified variations in an ion channel gene that increases susceptibility to the most common form of epilepsy.
