Listed biotech Optiscan Imaging, one of many struggling to conserve cash while waiting for their IP to reach commercial fruition, appears to have won some breathing space with a tough new strategy. [ + ]

Monash University scientists have identified potential new targets for the development of drugs to reduce blood clotting in patients at risk of heart attack or stroke. [ + ]

Industry protests are coming loud and long following reports that the federal government's PIIP (Pharmaceutical Investment Incentive Scheme) may be axed in the next budget. [ + ]

A trans-Tasman collaboration between New Zealand's Genesis R&D and Sydney-based EvoGenix will target a novel target for anti-inflammatory therapeutics. [ + ]

New Zealand's largest biotechnology company, Genesis Research and Development, is spinning out its plant division into a separate, fully owned company to maximise the value of its assets, according to CEO Dr Jim Watson. [ + ]

Australian-based research instrument specialist Corbett Research has sealed a hardware deal with prime Swedish genetic analysis company Pyrosequencing. [ + ]

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is this week celebrating 50 years since the Atomic Energy Act, 1953, was passed by the Federal Parliament.

Australian stem cell company BresaGen has demonstrated functional recovery from the effects of Parkinson's disease in a rat model treated with human dopaminergic neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells. [ + ]

A Sydney biotech conference has heard that the gold rush for venture capital in the US is becoming so constrained it makes sense to look at home. [ + ]

Researchers in Canada and the US have reported success in isolating and mapping a likely culprit for the recent outbreak of SARS. [ + ]

The Prime Minister has launched one of the largest targeted scientific research programs in Australia's history.

In the first piece of research into how genetically modified (GM) herbicide-tolerant crops could be used to benefit the environment, scientists have shown that creative use of GM crops could bring back increasing numbers of endangered wildlife and birds such as skylarks and finches in the UK.

Gene silencing company Benitec has taken a giant stride forward on the world stage by sealing a global licensing agreement for its technology with leading life sciences industry supplier Promega Corp. [ + ]

Biotechnology companies should make themselves aware of the new guidelines for corporate governance released by the ASX recently, says Chris Sotiropoulos, VP for commercialisation at Melbourne-based technology business development and commercialisation company Biocomm. [ + ]

Australian investors tend to adopt a herd mentality and this is making it difficult for listed Australian biotechnology companies to retain their liquidity and make inroads into the investment community, the Australian Stock Exchange's James Gerraty told attendees at an AusBiotech roadshow in Melbourne this week. [ + ]