Researchers have completed the sequencing of human chromosome 13 - with some surprising results. Among the genes identified using the sequence of chromosome 13 are those that can dispose to breast cancer (BRCA2) as well as regions associated with schizophrenia and one containing a gene implicated in asthma.

Perth-based opthamology specialist Regenera (ASX:RGA) experienced a lacklustre debut on ASX today. After opening at $0.47 and trading as high as $0.50, it fell below its issue price and at time of writing was trading at $0.49. [ + ]

The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne has been announced as one of two international sites for a phase II clinical trial of phenoxodiol, the promising chemotherapy-boosting compound phenoxodiol, developed by Marshall Edwards (LSE AIM: MSH, NASDAQ:MSHL), a US subsidiary of Sydney pharmaceutical company Novogen (ASX: NRT, NASDAQ: NVGN). [ + ]

Four industry visionaries provided a glimpse of the biotechnology industry's future at the final plenary session of BIO 2004, which wrapped up in San Francisco last week. [ + ]

Two patients in Singapore General Hospital suffering from inoperable liver tumours have become the first cancer patients in the world to be treated with an experimental in situ radiation therapy developed by Perth nano-biotech company Psivida (ASX:PSD). [ + ]

As Biogen Idec and Elan await approval from the FDA and the European Medicines Agency for their multiple sclerosis therapeutic, Antegren, Melbourne-based Antisense Therapeutics (ASX:ANP) will also be watching with bated breath. [ + ]

Australian CRO Novotech is setting up operations in the US to take advantage of the clinical trials opportunities offered there. [ + ]

CSIRO statisticians have developed a new molecular classifier tool which is being tested on clinical bone marrow samples from children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) -- the most common cancer in children under 12 -- as a potential diagnostic tool for identifying the disease and its subtypes. [ + ]

The CSIRO -- formerly the largest shareholder in Adelaide-based biopharma GroPep (ASX:GRO) -- last week halved its shareholding in the company, selling 5 million shares valued at just under $3.5 million. [ + ]

Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) has sealed its broad strategic alliance with Perth-based biotech research agency, the CY O'Connor ERADE Village Foundation (CYO), foreshadowed in October last year. [ + ]

One of the most familiar faces and names in New Zealand's biotechnology industry, Genesis Research & Development Corp CEO Dr Jim Watson, is retiring -- but only as far as the research bench. [ + ]

As the prospect of 'genetic passports' and DIY genetics tests grows more imminent, regulators need to get up to speed with scientific developments, this year's Australian Society for Medical Research medallist, Prof Mary Hendrix, has warned. [ + ]

Perth-based tissue engineering company Clinical Cell Culture (C3, ASX:CCE) has signed Rome-based Health Defence to distribute its CellSpray and ReCell products in Italy. [ + ]

Recently-listed XCeed Biotechnology (ASX:XBL) has announced that its subsidiary Polymerco will use Melbourne-based AorTech to manufacture its biodegradeable polyurethane. The product has applications in orthapaedics, wound repair, drug delivery and stents. [ + ]

Queensland premier Peter Beattie has used the BIO 2004 conference in San Francisco as a platform to announce more than AUD$45 million of funding for clinical and medical research, clinical trials, smart foods and research facilities in the state. [ + ]