Adelaide University has been awarded the Australian arm of a major international study to examine the long-term effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Stem Cell Sciences Ltd, a Melbourne based biotechnology company, has announced the creation of a wholly-owned UK subsidiary, Stem Cell Sciences (UK) Ltd. The new company has established offices and laboratories within the Centre for Genome Research, the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

A new three-year business plan released by the Australian Biotechnology Association (ABA) is setting the scene for Australia to become a major player in the international biotechnology arena.

BioMed North is a consolidated network of research institutions, hospitals, industry and investors collaborating with the ultimate aim of improving health outcomes in the community. The major participating institutions are: Australian Institute of Musculo-Skeletal Research; Australian Government Analytical Laboratories; Australian Proteome Analysis Facility; CSIRO Molecular Science, Riverside; Institute for Bone & Joint Research; Institute for Magnetic Resonance Research; Kolling Medical Research Insttitute; Macquarie University; Northern Clinical School; Northern Diabetes Centre; Pacific Laboratory Medicine Services; Pain Management & Research Centre; Royal North Shore Hospital & Northern Sydney Area Health Service; Southern Cross University; Sydney Medical Simulation Centre; and University of Technology, Sydney.

Scientists at Monash University’s Institute of Reproduction and Development have surprised their international colleagues with an exciting discovery that could impact on the treatment of hepatitis, multiple sclerosis (MS) and certain types of cancer.

Frogs' eggs have given scientists a vital clue of what happens when cells turn cancerous. Researchers at the University of Dundee, Scotland, used the giant eggs of the African pipid frog in experiments to study genetic cancer triggers.

Diversa Corporation and Celera Genomics have announced the completion of the entire genome sequence of Streptomyces diversa. The companies completed the sequencing under the collaborative agreement signed in December of 2000.

Recent tests have proved that incorporating polypropylene fibres in high-grade concrete mixes can prevent splintering of the building material in fire.

Australian and New Zealand scientists are joining forces to use insects in the fight against the billion dollar weed problem. New Zealand's Ms Lynley Hayes will be introducing to Australian land managers a technology transfer program that has had wide success in her country.

A national conference opened in Adelaide will hear of the advantages of a recent innovation in non-invasive geological mapping.

PanBio has announced plans to list on the Australian Stock Exchange.

A ground breaking invention that prevents mobile phone radiation reaching the ear invented by a UK company. The device looks like, and is used in exactly the same way as a conventional hands-free kit, but an innovative use of an old technique has been used to completely block the radiation from the phone before it reaches the user's ear.

Salt, waterlogging and acid or aluminium soils could soon pose less of an impediment to lucerne growth, if a joint project between the State Government, the Australian Centre for International Research, and Chinese research institutions, proves successful.

Health Minister Wendy Edmond today announced $80,000 worth of Royal Brisbane Hospital Research Foundation grants for nine research projects in Queensland.

A survey by the Federal Government has revealed that Australians are becoming more accepting of genetically modified food.