Nobel laureate Sulston critical of 'greedy' IP
24 April, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillHistory students and trivia buffs in the distant future time will be grateful for one of history's little coincidences -- the Human Genome Project will be completed this year, 2003, a neat half-century after the elucidation of the structure of DNA.
Vindication for proteomics in research on ageing
23 April, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillGeneticists at the National Human Genome Research Institute in Washington last week celebrated the publication of the identity of the faulty gene involved in a devastating premature-ageing disorder. But it was only half the story -- an Australian collaboration has provided a bigger picture, reports Graeme O'Neill.
Proteome Systems moves to contract work
17 April, 2003 by Jeremy TorrPlatform technology company Proteome Systems is to offer its first contract-fee based operation in a joint initiative with Massachusetts-based Charles River Laboratories (CRL).
Discovery unlocks sectrets of Down syndrome immune defects
17 April, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerScientists at the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development's Centre for Functional Genomics and Human Disease have identified a transcription factor gene on chromosome 21 that may help to explain the immune system defects common to Down syndrome patients.
Researchers discover SARS' genetic blueprint
14 April, 2003 by Jeremy TorrResearchers in Canada and the US have reported success in isolating and mapping a likely culprit for the recent outbreak of SARS.
ASX to teach investors how to approach biotech
11 April, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerAustralian investors tend to adopt a herd mentality and this is making it difficult for listed Australian biotechnology companies to retain their liquidity and make inroads into the investment community, the Australian Stock Exchange's James Gerraty told attendees at an AusBiotech roadshow in Melbourne this week.
New find exposes apoptosis drug challenge
03 April, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerThe three-dimensional structure of the anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-w has unexpectedly revealed a protective 'tail' which sits in a groove preventing cell death from being triggered accidentally, explaining why attempts at designing drugs capable of specifically triggering cell death may be more challenging than first appreciated.
GTG sues 'major US companies' for patent infringements
02 April, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerMelbourne company Genetic Technologies has filed lawsuits against three major US companies for infringement of the company's non-coding DNA patents.
Feds block homegrown mass spec export
01 April, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerRon Grey's company GBC Scientific Instruments makes one of the fastest and most sensitive mass spectrometers available. But the Victorian company has run into a big problem -- laws in Australia put into place to counter the development of weapons of mass destruction by other countries are making it almost impossible for the company to export its instruments.
Spin-offs not always the answer: CSIRO business chief
01 April, 2003 by Iain ScottTechnology transfer, rather than spin-offs or other options, is the key to effective commercialisation at CSIRO, according to the organisation's recently appointed executive director of business development.
Melbourne firm develops JAK kinase inhibitor
27 March, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerA new JAK kinase inhibitor developed by Melbourne biotech Cytopia had far higher activity than blockbuster drug Glivec in tests on cells from a patient with chronic myeloid leukaemia, the company announced today.
How we won the Congress
26 March, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillPhil Batterham is a skilled and meticulous organiser, with an understanding of the value of theatre. When the University of Melbourne geneticist flew to Beijing in 1998 for the 18th International Congress of Genetics, he had already spent two years organising Australia's bid to bring the world's biggest genetics festival to Melbourne in 2003.
Intel offering more power to Melbourne researchers
21 March, 2003 by David BraueFor decades, Intel has struggled to build processors that could compete with specialised chips from supercomputing rivals. Today's chips, however, are cheaper, more scalable and fast enough that they're winning over life sciences researchers -- and redefining the rules of supercomputing.
CSIRO unleashes new bioinformatics centre
20 March, 2003 by Jeremy TorrCSIRO's gene analysis capability has just been given a massive fillip with the opening of the new CSIRO Bioinformatics Facility (CBF) in Canberra.
MCRI spin-off to commercialise 'plug-and-play' chromosome
11 March, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillThere's no easy way of popping a gene into human cells to repair or replace a defective gene -- at least, not yet. But Dr Andy Choo's research team at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne is developing such a technology: a sort of plug-and-play gene 'cassette' employing a tiny, but fully functional human artificial chromosome.
