Defanging viruses
05 October, 2007Researchers may be able to tinker with a single amino acid of an enzyme that helps viruses multiply to render them harmless, according to molecular biologists who say the discovery could pave the way for a fast and cheap method of making vaccines
Salvation for the Tassie devil
03 October, 2007Researchers have discovered why the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) has been so devastating, allowing it to wipe out 90% of some native Tasmanian devil populations.
Genetic variant identification
10 September, 2007Variant Reporter software is designed to accelerate the analysis of genetic variation data. The Variant Reporter Software reduces manual review time of these data by automating the detection of genetic variants and streamlining the data analysis process. Applied Biosystems expects that the software can reduce by up to half the time currently required to evaluate genetic variation data generated during medical sequencing projects.
Plant bank conserves its billionth species
31 August, 2007The Millennium Seed Bank Project has collected its billionth variety from across the world for safekeeping and conservation. Simply gathered on the land, in woods and wetlands, the bank's deposits could hold the key to the globe's well-being and every creature that depends on it.
A 'one-stop shop' for brain dysfunctions
10 August, 2007A ‘one-stop shop’ for brain disorder information has been created, with the launch of the website www.florey.edu.au by the Howard Florey Institute, Australia’s leading brain research centre.
Scientists identify the oldest forms of life
08 August, 2007Some of the oldest forms of life, confirmed to be 3.5 billion years-old, have been identified by a team of researchers at the University of Queensland.
237 reasons to have sex
06 August, 2007 by Janette Woodhouse, EditorMany scientists assume people have sex for simple and straightforward reasons such as to experience sexual pleasure or to reproduce, but new research reveals hundreds of varied and complex motivations that range from the spiritual to the vengeful
NSW grants for life science research
01 August, 2007The Iemma Government is offering grants of up to $100,000 to help life science companies commercialise their research, Minister for State Development Ian Macdonald announced today.
International approval for Australian pharmaceutical testing
16 July, 2007University of Queensland-based contract research organisation TetraQ is now recognised to provide internationally accredited testing services to the Australian biopharmaceutical industry.
Career decisions for embryonic stem cells
06 July, 2007As a fertilised egg develops into a full-grown adult, mammalian cells make many crucial decisions - closing doors of opportunity as they adopt careers as liver cells, skin cells or neurons.
Meningococcal vaccine could have unknown side effects
29 June, 2007An ANU specialist has called for more research into the effect of the routine meningococcal vaccine on other throat and nasal infections found in the community, like tonsillitis and pneumonia.
Breakthrough understanding of mitochondrial disease
22 June, 2007Scientists at La Trobe University have made a breakthrough by discovering signalling problems in cells may be responsible for mitochondrial diseases, a set of rare and incurable conditions affecting thousands of people worldwide.
Regional biotech on the world map
17 May, 2007The Australian-New Zealand Biotech Alliance (ANZBA), in partnership with Invest Australia, has launched a web-based directory to promote the fast-growing regional biotechnology industry to the global market.
Scientists discover new virus
24 April, 2007Scientists have discovered a new virus that was responsible for the deaths of three transplant recipients who received organs from a single donor in Victoria, Australia.
Research unravels the secrets of salt and taste
24 April, 2007New research into the molecular basis of salty taste has been released by the Nestlé Research Center in Switzerland.
