Researchers at the University of Minnesota have provided evidence for the first time that stem cells derived from adult bone marrow and injected into the blastocyst of a mouse can differentiate into all major types of cells found in the brain.

United Nations health authorities have asked CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) to join in the global effort to combat the SARS virus. [ + ]

With SARS ravaging Asia and avian flu decimating Dutch poultry farms, antiviral company Biota is to ramp up activities within the both the treatment and diagnostic fields. [ + ]

Another West Australian ex-mining listing has finally shaken off the last vestiges of mineral exploration and turned completely to the world of biotech. [ + ]

Geneticists at the National Human Genome Research Institute in Washington last week celebrated the publication of the identity of the faulty gene involved in a devastating premature-ageing disorder. But it was only half the story -- an Australian collaboration has provided a bigger picture, reports Graeme O'Neill. [ + ]

Australia's first GM mammal virus is poised to slash millions of dollars off grain spoilage figures, if medium-scale mouse-limitation trials go according to plan [ + ]

Doing deals is one of the cornerstones of biotechnology, and can cover a myriad of activities from obtaining private or public equity, to collaborations and joint ventures, and in- and out-licensing of technology and products. But while transactions can increase the value of a company, too often the deal itself can lead to a decline in shareholder value. [ + ]

Monash University scientists, investigating how the size of blood clots is regulated, have identified a new target for anti-clotting drugs that could help in the treatment of patients at risk of heart attack or stroke.

In what it hopes is the first step towards a Nasdaq listing, Melbourne platform technology biotech Eiffel Technologies has appointed New York-based introduction agents Global Markets Capital Corporation (GMCC) to represent it on the US investor market. [ + ]

Melbourne biotechnology company Genetic Technologies (ASX: GTG) has appointed two Australian scientists to assist it with the set up of its new cancer susceptibility genetic testing service. [ + ]

Innovative RF radiation techniques have resulted in positive weight reduction results, according to a recent University of Adelaide study. [ + ]

A group of Australia's top researchers have embarked on an ambitious project to make light do things that were previously impossible.

Platform technology company Proteome Systems is to offer its first contract-fee based operation in a joint initiative with Massachusetts-based Charles River Laboratories (CRL). [ + ]

Possible links between the pathology of the eye and the brain have been identified by Prana consultants working on Alzheimer's patients. [ + ]

Scientists at the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development's Centre for Functional Genomics and Human Disease have identified a transcription factor gene on chromosome 21 that may help to explain the immune system defects common to Down syndrome patients. [ + ]