A laser-powered paper plane has been demonstrated by researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology.

In a world first, Monash University researchers have discovered immune system stem cells and have used them to grow a crucial part of the immune system - the thymus.

Biomedical engineering breakthroughs are being achieved at Flinders University. The latest achievement, a bioengineered epidural simulator, has resulted in an Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) award for the researcher, postgrad student Olivia Pallotta. [ + ]

Australian Cancer Technology's joint venture partner BioFocus has strengthened the alliance between the two companies by increasing its holding to more than three per cent. [ + ]

The latest audit of genetically modified crop sites in Tasmania has shown 60 per cent of sites have remained free of re-growth after more than nine months. [ + ]

Research at the University of Newcastle is investigating the role of ethics and ethics education in biotechnology. [ + ]

New research suggesting adult stem cells could be as flexible as embryonic stem cells has re-ignited debate over whether controversial Australian laws to permit research on human embryos should go ahead. [ + ]

An independent study using a polymeric antimicrobial designed by Perth-based biotech Chemeq has demonstrated increased growth rates in chickens at 10 per cent of the dose originally tested in poultry, according to the company. [ + ]

Gene-discovery company Autogen (ASX: AGT) has discovered a genetic link between diabetes and heart diseases in humans. [ + ]

A natural Western Australian insecticide is to be tested in field trials across Australia, Asia the United States and Europe under an agreement between BioProspect and Nufarm. [ + ]

Singapore is rolling out a warm welcome to Australian expertise in protein biochemistry, according to West Australian company Proteomics International. [ + ]

Infection and inflammation drug developer Biota Holdings has named Peter Molloy as its new chief executive, replacing Dr Hugh Niall who is retiring this year. [ + ]

Melbourne-based gene discovery company Autogen has discovered a new link between heart disease and diabetes. The discovery provides new targets for drug therapy.

Melbourne's Stem Cell Sciences (SCS) has added another block to its global network with the establishment of Japan's first stem cell company. [ + ]

Applications focusing on agriculture, the environment and medical research feature highly in the latest round of applications for funding under the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) program. [ + ]