Melbourne pharmaceutical development company BioDiem has taken an option over research involving the use of a peptide to treat major retinal diseases and age-related blindness. [ + ]

It seems that memories are made of... cadherins. While cadherins -- cell adhesion molecules -- do not actually store memories, at the very least they have a major role in organising the basic architecture of the brain, and the dense filigree of fine neural interconnections in which memories are mysteriously stored. [ + ]

The telomeres are intriguing repetitive structures found on the chromosome tips, which are responsible for preventing the gradual erosion of the ends of the chromosomes. [ + ]

Monsanto has opened a biotechnology research centre in Queensland to support its cotton product stewardship program. [ + ]

VRI Biomedical has completed a preliminary study demonstrating that their probiotic product Progastrim, which contains a proprietary strain of Lactobacillus fermentum, reduced respiratory symptoms in elite athletes. [ + ]

Britain's disastrous epidemic of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in 2001 cost the UK economy an estimated AUD$18 billion, and confirmed the what international veterinary authorities had feared: their insurance against the world's worst livestock disease had lapsed. [ + ]

pSiMedica, the UK-based subsidiary of Perth nanotechnology company pSivida, has received a notice of allowance from the US Patent Office for "smart" drug delivery technology. [ + ]

Melbourne biotech Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (ASX:MBP) is looking for a fast and pain-free path to market for the latest addition to its IP portfolio: a potent peptide from cone-shell venom that shows great promise in the treatment of chronic, intractable nerve pain. [ + ]

A predicted shortfall in global production capabilities of monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic purposes has led Queensland researchers to look at ways of boosting production of the antibodies in cell lines. [ + ]

A fat-derived hormone identified using proteomic techniques may have therapeutic uses related to its role as a regulator of lipid metabolism in the liver and arteries. [ + ]

Bionic ear pioneer Cochlear has formed a joint venture, Cochlear Acoustics, with Swiss hearing aid company Phonak Group to develop new technology combining implant technology with acoustic capabilities. [ + ]

Melbourne-based Cryptome Pharmaceuticals has launched its first public share offer, filing a prospectus to list on the ASX in October. [ + ]

Brisbane 'green' agbiotech company BioGlobal has signed a cooperative R&D agreement with the US Department of Agriculture to develop its 'killer application' -- a cocktail of volatile floral compounds to lure noctuid moth pests to a lethal rendezvous [ + ]

AGT Biosciences has filed to broaden the patent on its SelS gene, already a prime suspect in type 2 diabetes and inflammatory diseases, to cover heart disease, cancer infertility and other disorders. [ + ]

Pharmaxis has announced plans for a AUD$21 million float on the ASX in October/November. [ + ]