Scientists at the University of Melbourne have uncovered two of the genes responsible for making men either short or tall.

Genetically modified insect-resistant plants offer tremendous possibilities in our continuing war against pests, says Dr Guy Poppy. But he warns that GM plants also pose ecological risks that need to be assessed before any cost benefit analysis can be performed.

Scientists are 'pyramiding' several different pest resistance genes to help win the war against parasitic worms in wheat. CSIRO Plant Industry scientist, Dr Evans Lagudah, says the protection against cereal cyst nematode (CCN) is reducing a $70 million per year cost to the wheat industry.

A radar created to find sunken treasure can also be used to detect breast cancer. The atomic dieletric resistance (ADR) scanner, which sends short pulses of radio waves into the body, has been used to scan 36 patients at Edinburgh's Western General hospital.

A method of using the body's red blood cells as biomedical 'drug couriers' to fight diseases such as cancer has been discovered by Ulster University's Professor, Tony McHale. Working with colleagues the professor has developed a method of loading red blood cells with drugs that can be released by a beam of ultrasound when they hit the target of diseased tissue.

Professor Ron Johnston is co-author (with Dr Mark Matthews) of a recently released report prepared for DETYA under its Evaluations and Investigations Program. The report is titled ‘International Trends in Public Sector Support for Research and Experimental Development'.

The Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, has just launched the AorTech Biomaterials research laboratory for the development of medical devices.

The Comprehensive Cancer Research Centre at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) has the dual task of creating cures and creating jobs, Premier Peter Beattie said today.

The Commonwealth government's Industry Research and Development Board has called for applications from experienced venture capital fund managers to operate its Pre-Seed Fund, Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Senator Nick Minchin has just announced.

A common gene variant, when carried by cigarette smokers, can significantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

A US biotechnology company wants to establish a close working relationship with Queensland biotechnology companies and academic institutions, Premier Peter Beattie has just announced.

Professor Stephen Hawking has argued humans need to change their genetic make-up or be left behind by smart computers that would take over the world, and that DNA should be modified to combat advancing technology.

The Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide followed the progress of 220 women with eating disorders over a five-year period. It found that 25% with anorexia and 50% with bulimia sought no treatment for their illnesses. But, more alarmingly, it found the condition of those who did seek treatment did not differ greatly from those who did not seek treatment after five years.

Researchers have identified genes in mice that appear to be important in the spread of breast cancer to bones.

CSIRO and Central Queensland University have announced a research collaboration. The agreement will lead to the re-location of the CQU Plant Sciences Group, led by Professor David Midmore, to the CSIRO's JM Rendel Laboratory.