University of Queensland based contract research organisation TetraQ has formed a strategic alliance with Californian-based regulatory and product development consulting firm Ground Zero Pharmaceuticals (GZP). [ + ]

Cell therapy company CyGenics (ASX:CYN) plans to investigate the possible listing of its tissue banking business, predominantly held under its subsidiary, CordLife, on a yet to be determined key Asian stock exchange. [ + ]

The AusBiotech 2005 'Linking the Region' National Conference kicked off in Perth last night with the presentation of the chairman's Industry Medal to Peptech (ASX: PTD) executive chairman Mel Bridges and Victorian Innovation Minister John Brumby in recognition of outstanding contributions to the biotechnology industry. [ + ]

Gribbles Molecular Science (GMS), the biotechnology and molecular diagnostic division of Healthscope (ASX:HSP), has been selected to conduct genomic testing in an international collaborative study into depression. [ + ]

Melbourne meditech Norwood Immunology (AIM:NIM) has recruited the first of 100 post-surgical melanoma patients into a phase II clinical trial of its thymus-rejuvenating technology, using the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GNRH) analogue Lupron Depot. [ + ]

The Australian government has released new national environmental regulations to control 'bioprospecting' -- the search for new chemicals in living things that will have some medical or commercial use. [ + ]

Despite gains in the training of women scientists and the implementation of programs to help women overcome ingrained barriers, the career path of most women scientists at universities remains a difficult trek, fraught with roadblocks of bias, a sometimes chilly campus climate and the challenge of balancing family and work.

Australian Stem Cell Centre (ASCC) CEO Dr Hugh Niall is to boycott the AusBiotech conference, which begins in Perth next week, where he was due to appear on a panel with South Korean stem cell expert Prof Woo-Suk Hwang. [ + ]

CSIRO Plant Industry researchers have abandoned a project to develop a genetically modified field pea with resistance to the pea weevil, Bruchus pisorum. [ + ]

Trials of Novogen's (ASX:NRT) anti-cancer drug phenoxodiol have shown it significantly delays tumour progression in men suffering from late-stage hormone refractory prostate cancer and produces anti-cancer responses in women with cervical cancer. [ + ]

Biotech shares bucked the trend during the month of October - the Intersuisse biotechnology index gained 6.6 per cent in contrast to the All Ordinaries and the Nasdaq Biotech Index, which fell by 3.9 per cent and 3.8 per cent respectively. [ + ]

Ruth Beran spoke with Australian contract research organisations and found that there is strong demand for Australian clinical trials, both from within Australia and also from overseas. [ + ]

A malaria research team, including WEHI Structural Biologist, Professor Ray Norton, has received a US$1 million grant from the US National Institutes of Health to develop more effective malaria treatments.

Australian venom researchers have uncovered a 200-million year old secret: Australia's goannas and bearded dragons, Indonesia's giant Komodo dragon, and their iguana cousins, are more closely related to snakes than to other lizards -- and they're venomous. [ + ]

Unlisted Melbourne biotech Hatchtech has been awarded a AUD$2.4 million AusIndustry Commercial Ready grant to support its head lice treatment R&D program. [ + ]