Industry News
Industry R&D spending shows first rise in four years
Business expenditure on R&D (BERD) in 2000-01 increased for the first time in four years, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data released today. [ + ]
CSIRO appointments indicate greater biotech role
The arrival of a group of new appointees on the board of CSIRO could foreshadow a larger role for biotechnology within Australia's premier scientific research organisation. [ + ]
Eiffel signs new drug delivery agreement
Eiffel Technologies has signed a new agreement with specialist UK drug company Profile Therapeutics to investigate delivery methods for an undisclosed pharmaceutical compound. [ + ]
Canola pollen travels... but doesn't do much when it arrives
Pollen from a herbicide-tolerant canola crop spreads to neighbouring fields, according to Australian study published in the June 28th issue of Science, but only a very low percentage of plants are fertilised there. [ + ]
Bio21 foreshadows new collaborations
Melbourne's Bio21 precinct is starting to make new waves, with at least three potential collaborations currently on the boil. [ + ]
Biotech business incubator to be established in NSW
Technology business accelerator ATP Innovations has won the tender to establish and operate a $2.5 million biotechnology business incubator at Australian Technology Park, in inner-city Sydney. [ + ]
Nanospintronics brings about single-spin transistor
Physicists at the Institute for Microstructural Sciences (Ottawa) are the first to create a prototype of a single-spin transistor, which consists of a quantum dot connected to spin-polarised leads.
[ + ]Bacteria-SIDS connection identified
Monash University researchers have confirmed a link between bacterial infections and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). [ + ]
Concern over US plan to push up patent fees
A push for higher fees by the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) could spell trouble for small Australian biotechs and technology transfer companies. [ + ]
Varian to open HPLC production facility in Melbourne
Victoria has won a key investment in a $US200 million coup that sees a Silicon Valley production facility shift its base to Melbourne's east. [ + ]
Genesis begins trial for psoriasis treatment
Genesis Research and Development Corporation has commenced a Phase II clinical trial to test the efficacy of its PVAC treatment for psoriasis when administered in combination with Ultra Violet-B (UVB) light therapy. [ + ]
Grant money comes through for research facilities
After nine months of confusion and frustration, 15 major research facilities appear poised to enjoy the benefits of a five-year, $150 million Federal Government grant scheme. [ + ]
Xcell appoints regulatory team for US, Europe push
Perth-based devices group Xcell Diagnostics has gathered up a specialised regulatory affairs team to drive United States and European registration of its Funhaler product. [ + ]
IDT finalises trials facility purchase
Melbourne-based contract research and drug manufacturing company Institute of Drug Technology Australia (ASX: IDT) has finalised its purchase of a human clinical trials facility in Adelaide. [ + ]
US bio-IT outfit Tripos sets up shop in Aust
US bioinformatics software and discovery research company Tripos has reacted to the expanding Australian life science sector by setting up a direct presence here for the first time. [ + ]
