Sydney anti-microbial developer Biosignal (ASX:BOS) has linked up with a major US-based technology evaluation corporation to assess the market potential of its furanone anti-biofilm technology. [ + ]

There is a relatively new approach to addressing large, complex problems - 'network science'. Dr John Finnigan at CSIRO Atmospheric Research says network science is gaining recognition as a more efficient and productive means of solving complicated problems than the traditional 'examine-one-aspect-at-a-time' approach.

Scientists need to stand up and be counted in the review of cloning legislation to be undertaken by the Lockhart Committee, writes the leader of the National Party in the Senate, Senator Ron Boswell. [ + ]

Sydney anti-viral drug developer Narhex Life Sciences (ASX:NLS) has signed separate manufacturing research agreements with two Polish organisations to reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing its HIV protease inhibitor DG-35. [ + ]

In five years time, biomarker analysis will deliver inexpensive, reliable tests for disease prognosis, delegates at a joint BioMelbourne and Australian Genome Research Facility event heard last week. [ + ]

Canadian-based cancer vaccine company Biomira has exercised its put option to take up equity in Prima Biomed (ASX:PRR) by swapping its 10 per cent equity in Prima's subsidiary company CancerVac for approximately 1.62 per cent equity in Prima. [ + ]

The Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) has criticised a decision by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson, to dissolve the board of the Australian Research Council from early next year. [ + ]

Sydney-based Ventracor (ASX:VCR) has implanted its first VentrAssist left ventricular assist system (LVAS) in the United States. [ + ]

Polartechnics has announced an increase in unaudited revenue results for the financial year ending June 2005 by 280 per cent to AUD$6 million, compared to $2.1 million for the previous financial year. [ + ]

Routine tests by the Australian Barley Board have detected traces of genetically modified canola seed in a small consignment canola to Japan, triggering a strong reaction from anti-GM activist organisations. [ + ]

Spinal implant technology company Columna has secured AUD$3.5 million in funding from Queensland BioCapital Funds for the development of spinal orthopaedic implants. [ + ]

South Australian technology company LabTech Systems (NSX: LTS) is poised to undertake commercialisation of its newly invented brush applicator for the automation of routine microbiology testing in pathology and science laboratories. [ + ]

Since CEO Pete Smith and chairman Bob Moses resigned in May, Amrad (ASX:AML) has kept quiet about its strategic direction. Ruth Beran spoke to chairman Ian Davis about the refocusing of the company. [ + ]

Sydney proteomics R&D company Proteome Systems (ASX:PXL) has reported positive results from pre-clinical trials of its lead compound, the potent antioxidant EUK-189, in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. [ + ]

In the nick of time, climatically speaking, an Australian National University research team has cloned a plant gene that could markedly increase water-use efficiency in major food crops, including cereals. [ + ]