While other types of vaccine, like AstraZeneca, are currently being made in Australia, there is as yet no large-scale way to make mRNA vaccines (such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines), meaning these vaccines have to be shipped in from overseas. But a team of Victorian researchers have just announced they’ve developed the first local … Continue reading A Victorian-made mRNA vaccine gets to the next stage
Tag: biotechnology
Adelaide facility opens; ready and willing to make mRNA vaccines
A potential mRNA manufacturer has thrown wide its doors in Adelaide with the official opening of BioCina’s manufacturing facility today. The facility has been operating on the fringe of Adelaide’s city centre, for nearly four decades, under several different operators. BioCina purchased the plant from Pfizer in August 2020, and is now operating the facility … Continue reading Adelaide facility opens; ready and willing to make mRNA vaccines
South Australian mRNA vaccines?
Last month, the federal government closed applications for a critical approach to market process: it was looking for biotech firms that want to make messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines in Australia. The successful bidder is likely to be announced by the end of August. One of the bids was entered by BioCina, which – if the … Continue reading South Australian mRNA vaccines?
Cleaning up military waste with GM grass
A genetically modified common grass can remove toxic military waste from soil, according to a paper published in Nature Biotechnology. A team of researchers, led by Neil Bruce and Liz Rylott from the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) at the University of York, UK, demonstrated that a genetically modified switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) could detoxify … Continue reading Cleaning up military waste with GM grass
People still cautious about biotech research
As new biotechnologies become a reality, scientists and governments are grappling with the ethical and regulatory implications. Now, an in-depth survey from the Pew Research Center in the US has provided insight into what the average Joe is thinking, too. The survey examined public perceptions of biotechnology, evolution and the relationship between science and religion. … Continue reading People still cautious about biotech research
A new source of electrical energy
Proof-of-concept shows that ‘engineered bionic symbiosis’ holds great promise. Nick Carne reports.
A metastatic star
Shaping cancer cells offers clues to hunting them down in the body.
Student disruptors invent new way to synthesise DNA
Frustrated at the slow pace of putting code together, two young researchers took things into their own hands. Elizabeth Finkel reports.
Shrimps inspire next-gen GPS
Bio-inspired tech uses light patterns in water to locate objects in the oceans. Andrew Masterson reports.
Mutant maize
Tweaking stem cell production may be a path to greater plant yields.
Australian tobacco may help treat disease
A new project aims to mine the genome of the native tobacco plant for pharmaceuticals.
Semi-living inks may revolutionise 3D printing
Swiss researchers succeed in incorporating bacteria into hydrogel, ushering in a new class of hybrid tech. Andrew Masterson reports.