One step closer to synthetic life

Researchers at the UK’s University of Nottingham have taken some important first steps to creating a synthetic version of a living cell.

International guidelines for genome databases

The Genomic Standards Consortium (GSC), an international organisation including representatives from a range of major sequencing and bioinformatics centres, has created a new guideline for describing genomes and metagenomes.

Platypus genome sequenced

UK-based researchers have revealed the genetic make-up of one of the world’s strangest mammals: the Australian platypus.

Turning off rice genes

Researchers have found a new type of molecule - kind of 'micro-switch' - that can turn off genes in rice, which is the primary source of food for more than half the world's population.

Antibiotic resistance proteins identified

Scientists have identified two proteins that significantly increase the ability of disease-causing bacteria to resist some classes of antibiotics.

Mathematical model offers smarter way to understand how information travels In cells

Centralised database for human protein data

Scientists now have access to a centralised knowledge base for international protein data, with the launch of the Human Proteinpedia (www.humanproteinpedia.org) website this month.

Biotechnology appears to be dead

Biotechnology seems to have taken a back seat this year at Pittcon, the huge annual laboratory conference and exposition held in the US.

Australians honoured for 'best research of the year'

Gene research involving scientists at the University of Queensland’s (UQ) Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine has received high acclaim by leading scientific journals Science and Nature.

Molecular research paving the way

Physicists and engineers at Rice University have demonstrated a means of simultaneously making optical and electronic measurements of the same molecule, in a study that could lay the foundation for mass-produced single-molecule sensors.

Virtual-reality frog dissection

V-Frog, the world’s first virtual reality-based frog dissection software has been developed by Tactus Technologies, a project of the University at Buffalo Virtual Reality Laboratory. Designed for biology education, this software will allow observation and physically simulated dissection, and is supported by the Humane Society of the United States.

Queensland technology licensed by billion-dollar US company

University of Queensland scientists have developed a proprietary technology that will help other researchers in understanding fundamental aspects of growth, development and disease, which has been licensed to one of the world’s largest life science technology companies.

Demand for more DNA testing resources and facilities

Forensic testing for the New South Wales Police Force has reached a point where it has become so popular that it is reaching beyond facility and resource capabilities.

Scaffolding could revolutionise nerve treatment

A Monash University PhD student has developed a new technique that could revolutionise treatment for Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and nerve damage.

Scientists solve hot reptile sex question

University of Sydney researchers have finally solved a conundrum scientists have been puzzling over for 30 years: why nest temperature can affect the likelihood of certain reptiles being born male or female.