An American researcher is developing techniques for making photonic microchips -- in which streams of electrons are replaced by beams of light -- including ways to guide and bend light in air or a vacuum, to switch a beam of light on and off and to connect nanophotonic chips to optical fiber.

University of Queensland research into reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions could add $25 billion to Queensland’s economy.

Positive results of a landmark clinical trial conducted by UNSW researchers have identified an Australian-developed HIV treatment vaccine as one of the most promising of its kind. The trial results indicate that the vaccine has the potential to change the future management of HIV.

One of the world's leading dairy companies, Fonterra, is considering using satellite-based imaging technology developed by CSIRO Livestock Industries and partners to improve management of its massive dairy herd in New Zealand.

Melbourne University spin-off Cryptopharma has received a boost with AUD$2 million in funding from a Victorian consortium of investors led by GBS Venture Partners, Biocomm and Uniseed. [ + ]

In Douglas Adams' A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, humans learned that the answer to the question of "life, the universe and everything" is 42. The late author would no doubt have been amused to learn that 7 and 6, the factors of 42, provide an insight into the mysteries of death, from lethal brain disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. [ + ]

Brisbane biotech company Peplin (ASX: PEP) released its half-year results this week, with a net loss of AUD$3.9 million and cash reserves of $9.1 million at the end of December. [ + ]

Recently listed Perth and Singapore biotech company Rockeby Biomed (ASX: RBY) has commenced a US clinical trial of its laboratory-based SysCan3 and rapid point-of-care CanDia5 diagnostic tests for Candida infections, as a step toward gaining FDA approval of the products. [ + ]

Melbourne company CogState has made its debut on the ASX, after raising AUD$7 million in its IPO. [ + ]

Results from a Phase I/IIa study of an experimental HIV therapeutic vaccine developed by on Melbourne company Virax have generated interest from researchers at an international conference of HIV and AIDS researchers in San Francisco, according to the trial's coordinator. [ + ]

Brisbane-based RNAi specialist Benitec (ASX:BLT) has set up two subsidiary companies in the US, in a first step toward expanding its operations both here and overseas. [ + ]

Brisbane-based Progen (ASX:PGL) has begun its third Phase II clinical trial in a series of four designed to evaluate the efficacy of its anti-angiogenic drug PI-88 against blood-based and solid tumours, in combination therapy and as a post-surgical treatment. [ + ]

A US researcher has described to the Lorne Protein Conference a powerful new technique for 'tagging' protease enzymes in living cells, illuminating potential new drug targets for parasitic diseases like malaria, and metastatic cancers. [ + ]

Adelaide company GroPep (ASX:GRO) has posted a AUD$227,000 profit for the half year ending 31 December, 2003, representing a $3.1 million turnaround on the company's $2.9 million loss during the period. [ + ]

Tanning drug developer EpiTan (ASX:EPT) has announced better than expected efficacy in its Phase II trial to evaluate the delivery of its Melanotan drug via an implant. [ + ]