More evidence for genetic master-switches in junk DNA
28 January, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillThe mists surrounding the mechanisms that switch genes on an off in higher organisms are beginning to clear, with a new study published today in Cell revealing previously unrecognised domains of chromosomes that are involved in regulating genes - even whole clusters of genes.
Gribbles launches genotyping and sequencing service
28 January, 2005 by Susan WilliamsonGribbles Molecular Science (GMS) has launched a new service offering genotyping, full sequencing, sequencing cleanup and separations to researchers.
Benitec aims to clear dark clouds over Sunnivale
25 January, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillFormer Benitec CEO John McKinley appears to have been a casualty of continuing adverse publicity surrounding the Brisbane gene-therapy company's ongoing battle with Pennsylvania rival Nucleonics over ownership of key patents to RNA-induced (RNAi) gene-silencing technology.
Watching evolution on fast-forward
12 January, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillHow do new species evolve and adapt to changes in their environment? The human lifespan is too brief to observe evolution occurring in vivo, while the fossil record is too fragmentary to track species in transit between ancestral and extant life forms.
Proteome releases BioinformatIQ update, extends Huntington's collaboration
17 November, 2004 by Renate KrelleSydney-based proteomics company Proteome Systems (ASX:PXL) has released a standalone software package for proteomics research and analysis, Version 3.0 of BioinformatIQ. Its first customer was the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), Australia's Major National Research Facility for functional proteomics .
$1.4 million blowfly genome project launched
09 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerAustralian and New Zealand scientists have launched a AUD$1.4 million study funded by industry group Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to map the genome of the sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina, in a bid to better control and prevent flystrike in sheep.
Benitec raises $3.75m, launches share purchase plan
08 November, 2004 by Staff WritersGene silencing specialist Benitec (ASX:BLT) has raised AUD$2.75 million in a placement to institutions and 'sophisticated' investors in Australia and abroad, the company said today.
Nucleonics fires new salvo at Benitec
05 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillPennsylvania-based anti-viral therapeutics developer Nucleonics is continuing its trench warfare with Brisbane RNAi therapeutics company Benitec (ASX:BLT) and CSIRO over the legitimacy of their key patents on RNA-mediated gene-silencing technology.
Benitec lassoos new 'minicircle' plasmid technology
15 October, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillQueensland gene-therapy company Benitec Ltd (ASX:BLT) has licensed-in a novel, non-viral new technology from Stanford University that delivers prolonged RNAi-induced gene-silencing in mammalian cells.
RNAi experts hope for a knock-out
07 October, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillFor Dr John McKinley, CEO of Brisbane RNA-interference therapeutics developer Benitec (ASX:BLT), the power and promise of RNAi technology is captured in one word: druggability.
Finding the keys to the world of gene silencing
07 October, 2004 by Staff WritersThese are exciting times in medicine: the era of gene-targeting drugs has arrived, promising new standards in safety, selectivity and rational drug design. Antisense oligonucleotides are the best known examples of gene-targeting therapeutic agents.
GTG signs two deals with Applera spin-off MetaMorphix
05 October, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerGenetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) has reached two agreements with US animal genomics company MetaMorphix over the use of GTG's non-coding DNA patents and access to technology developed by MetaMorphix.
Proteome Systems lists, dips 15 per cent
30 September, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillSydney proteomics pioneer Proteome Systems (ASX:PXL) made its long-awaited debut on the Australian Stock Exchange at noon today.
Plant genomics centre lands international research headquarters
22 September, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerThe Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, which was officially opened in Adelaide last week, has taken on the headquarters for the International Triticeae Mapping Initiative (ITMI) -- an international forum for the discussion and coordination of public sector research into the genetics and genomics of cereals including wheat, barley, rye and their wild relatives.
VPAC offers software access to life science and biotech
15 September, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerA new service has been established to give researchers and biotechnology companies access to drug discovery and bioinformatics tools.
