Latest Posts in Biotechnology

A project to grow algae on polluted lakes in Rotorua may improve the quality of waterways in the Bay of Plenty area.
The pilot project on Lake Rotoiti aims to harvest the algae so it can be turned into useful products, as well as cleaning up the lake.
Uses for algae include biofuels, animal or [...]

A New Zealand food testing and biosecurity services company is expanding its horizons as it identifies a growing demand for its services, especially in Asia.
AsureQuality, a state-owned enterprise, has been operating in Australia for some time.
With dairy cooperative Fonterra, it has a 50% shareholding in that country’s biggest food testing laboratory.
AsureQuality has also opened a [...]

Confronting the biggest health issues faced by New Zealand societies is the basis for the University’s new School of Public Health that will be officially launched in Wellington on Wednesday.
The school encompasses five research centres that are at the forefront of increasing expertise and understanding of the impacts of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, non-communicable diseases [...]

Researchers planning on launching a genetically-engineered “super-grass” by 2013 claim cows grazing on it will produce up to 20% more milk.
The GE ryegrass - being developed in Australia for New Zealand seed company PGG Wrightson - has potential to make a huge difference to agriculture, according to the chief executive of the Australia’s Molecular Plant [...]

The Government has given a $4 million grant to biotech company Living Cell Technologies to fund clinical trials and commercial production for pig-cell-based treatment for type 1 diabetes.
The grant is on top of $3.4 million previously given to the New Zealand-based company listed on the Australian stock exchange.
The New Zealand shareholding is 21 per cent.
The [...]

A New Zealand business is reaping the benefits of government intervention, after it received $1m from a government group to help it commercialize omega-3 technology developed by a local university.

Speirs Nutritionals was handed the hard currency by the Manawatu Investment Group to aid it in its endeavors to manufacture foods utlising omega-3 technology developed by Massey University. [...]

The world of cosmetics is made up of equal parts glitz, glam and science.
Now some Christchurch scientists have come up with a new formula, using an extraction technique that requires no chemicals.
It is a discovery with a natural touch that is attracting major overseas interest.
The scientists at AgResearch have created it, using two unlikely ingredients [...]