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The Australian biotechnology industry is itching to grow up. Despite decades of world-class discoveries in science, it is a young industry by world standards, and is just starting to find its commercial feet. Charles Beckley reports.
Is the future of agriculture in biopharming, an industry that uses modified crops to grow pharmaceuticals or foods with enhanced health benefits? Brad Collis investigates how the Australian industry is carving out a niche for itself.
Biotech companies are exploring Australia's unique ecosystems in search of novel compounds for the next generation of pharmaceuticals and chemical agents. David Blake profiles the companies built on Australia's biodiversity.
Biomedical research in Australia may have chalked up some successes, but it has also let some money-spinning ideas slip through its fingers. Having learned its lesson, this nascent industry is now beginning to flex its muscles. David Blake reports.
When Australian biotechnologists sit down to discuss the future of their industry, size is inevitably on the agenda. Australia may be a large country, but its population is just half the size of that of California. Niall Byrne looks at how Australia's small companies could assert themselves, despite being the underdogs.
Concerns about a cancer diagnostics test based on proteomics highlight the threat to public trust in healthcare products where the relevant data are not publicly available — and what can be achieved when they are.
Two years ago, a new proteomic test was heralded as the future of cancer diagnostics. But since then, doubts about its effectiveness have begun to grow. Erika Check reports.
Lonesome George is probably the last giant tortoise of his type. But are scientists doing all they can to find him a partner, boost his sex drive and save his subspecies? Henry Nicholls finds out.
Tired of having to set your watch every now and then? Well, how about an atomic clock on your wrist? Developments in technology and timing techniques could make this a distinct possibility.
The process of transcribing DNA can itself regulate gene expression in yeast: in the case concerned it is the very act of reading the DNA, not the message produced, that carries out the regulatory job.
Some parasites evade the immune response of their victim by changing their antigenic coat. Surprisingly, it seems that the trick works best if the new coat isn't completely different from the old one.
A dramatic historical episode of global warming seems to have been driven by the release of huge amounts of hydrocarbons. New evidence for what might have happened comes from the sea floor off Norway.
The types of chemical signal that a neuron synthesizes and communicates with were thought to be genetically encoded and largely invariable. It seems, though, that if a neuron's activity changes, so too do its signals.
Mothers and offspring may have different ideas about how much maternal care should be provided. How is the behaviour of both parties genetically influenced, and how is this evolutionary conflict resolved?
Australia has been a quiet player on the international biotech scene, but in recent years it has been taking strides to reinvent itself as tomorrow's young entrepreneur. This supplement to Naturecharts that transformation.
