Monash University has officially launched the first stage of construction for its on-campus Science, Technology, Research and Innovation Precinct (STRIP), even though the first building is already well on its way up. [ + ]

Chemeq has announced that it has received its first regulatory approval for sale of its veterinary drug CHEMEQ polymeric antimicrobial in South Africa. [ + ]

The new US-based CEO of bioseparations specialist Gradipore has wasted no time in making his mark on the company, announcing changes to its management structure during a visit to Australia. [ + ]

A Western Australian government survey of public and industry views has revealed strongly-polarised views about the costs and benefits of introducing genetically modified crops, says Agriculture Minister Kim Chance. [ + ]

Neurosciences Victoria (NSV) and Schering at the end of June announced that they had entered into a three year research collaboration focusing on drug discovery and target evaluation for neurodegenerative diseases. [ + ]

Examining more than 3 billion molecules to determine which ones might treat a particular disease sounds like a lifetime's work, but the Anthrax Research Project (ARP) wrapped up just such a massive screening in 24 days. Of the nearly 3.6 billion molecules analysed, the project identified more than 376,000 as candidates for treating the anthrax bacterium, which would render it ineffective as a weapon. [ + ]

Like something out of the movie Star Wars, start-up Actuality Systems this week uncloaked a 3-D computer display capable of turning flat computer-generated images into what look like solid objects. [ + ]

Mining magnate Joseph Gutnick has relinquished his stake in Autogen in a move that allows the gene discovery company a more complete biotech focus. [ + ]

A solid commercialisation plan during product development was one of the key messages from speakers at a recent AusBiotech seminar. [ + ]

CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory has received $1 million from the Federal government to improve systems for prevention of foot and mouth disease outbreaks in Australia. [ + ]

CSIRO Entomology and the Grains Research and Development Corporation have signed a $20 million agreement for a research alliance focusing on the pests and diseases affecting Australia's grain industries. [ + ]

Life science device and software company Applied Biosystems has passed a key milestone en route to what may be its largest single sale of bioinformatics products in Australia. [ + ]

A technique that 'grows' plastics easily and cheaply has been developed by Warwick University chemical researchers. Called controlled radical polymerisation, the process has been patented and is being tested by a number of manufacturers for applications as diverse as hairspray, anti-obesity drugs and inkjet printer ink.

Leading stem cell scientist Prof Peter Rathjen has been appointed executive dean of the new Faculty of Sciences at the University of Adelaide. [ + ]

Immune-based drug developer Virax Holdings has announced it had filed a patent relating to a potential new prostate cancer therapy. [ + ]