The Brain Resource Company (ASX:BRC) has been granted approval from the US FDA to market its methodology and standardised international human brain database. [ + ]

The first cracks have appeared in the Australia-wide moratoria on genetically modified crops, with the decision of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) to adopt a threshold level of 0.9 per cent for adventitious presence of GM grain in conventional canola. [ + ]

A new blood test detects iron deficiency in infants earlier and more accurately than the commonly used haemoglobin screening test, according to a study in the August 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Iron deficiency is estimated to affect nearly 10% of American children one to two years of age. Early detection and treatment are critical because iron deficiency can impair infant mental development, possibly permanently, even before it progresses to anaemia.

Melbourne's Biota Holdings (ASX:BTA) has raised approximately $31 million from its share purchase plan (SPP) which closed early on October 12. [ + ]

Brad Calvin is to step down as chief operating officer of Agenix (ASX:AGX) today after the company decided not to renew his employment contract. [ + ]

Sydney-based cancer drug development company PacMab has lodged a prospectus for an IPO to raise AUD$5 million to commercialise its treatment for a fatal blood cancer and potentially other blood disorders, with listing of its shares on the ASX expected in December this year. [ + ]

Sydney-based devices company AtCor Medical has closed its initial public offering (IPO) early and oversubscribed. [ + ]

Melbourne-based Amrad (ASX:AML) will now be known as Zenyth Therapeutics, following a vote at the company's AGM today. [ + ]

UK human domain-antibody (dAb) developer Domantis has reported spectacular success in trial of an inhaled anti-inflammatory dAB in an in vivo model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). [ + ]

Industry peak body AusBiotech has urged crop growers and marketers to throw their support behind GM technology, following the release of a report that found current legal, farming and commercial systems can adequately deal with issues that may arise from the use of the technology. [ + ]

Testable genetic differences might be used to predict the effectiveness of a medication commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a new study suggests.

Drug developer Phylogica (ASX:PYC) and artificial heart company Sunshine Heart (ASX:SHC) have been awarded a Commercial Ready grants from AusIndustry, worth $2.27 million and $2.223 million respectively. [ + ]

Communication technology will be a key driver of medical innovation in the future, a senior Johnson & Johnson executive told a Sydney forum this week. [ + ]

Sydney medical device company CathRx (ASX:CXD)has made a dream debut on the ASX - after opening at AUD$1.11, shares in the company have traded hands today at up to $1.35, a premium of 35 per cent. [ + ]

A technique used to detect land mines could soon help rheumatologists and radiologists diagnose osteoarthritis and cervical cancer, thanks in part to the efforts of a University of Missouri-Rolla researcher.