ScienceNZ: Biotechnology

Apple genome reveals unexpected results

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:08:47 GMT

Analysis of the complete DNA sequence of apple suggests that a major step in evolution of the fruit was caused by a catastrophic environmental event, possibly the same one that killed the dinosaurs.

An international consortium, including scientists at Plant & Food Research, has sequenced the more than 600 million base pairs of DNA which make up the apple genome and will open the way to understanding characteristics of importance to consumers, such as crispness, juiciness and flavour, or to producers, such as harvest time.

The research is published in the prestigious journal Nature Genetics.

GE discovery promises higher farm productivity and improved environment

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:29:21 GMT

AgResearch scientists and the team from subsidiary company, Grasslanz Technology Ltd, believe they can improve white clover (Trifolium repens) to give grazing animals a higher intake of protein, while at the same time reducing methane emissions.

AgResearch considers alternatives to Ruakura

Tue, 25 May 2010 22:51:31 GMT

AgResearch is likely to need new containment sites for its GM research activities as the existing Ruakura site becomes less suitable in the years ahead.

ArborGen Renews Agreement with Scion

Mon, 17 May 2010 04:20:48 GMT

ArborGen, LLC and New Zealand Crown Research Institute Scion have agreed to extend their multi-million dollar partnership in gene discovery and molecular breeding for forest trees. Begun in 2006, the partnership has been successful in identifying gene-traits associated with wood quality improvements in pine.

AgResearch welcomes ERMA approval for continued transgenic research

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 03:22:26 GMT

AgResearch has welcomed the Environmental and Risk Management Authority (ERMA) approval of its application to continue existing transgenic research on ruminant animals.

Carbo loading

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:13:50 GMT

The expertise of the world-class chemists at IRL at manipulating the biochemistry of one of the most common biological building blocks is proving key to forging a globally competitive pharmaceuticals industry.

Rotorua District Council looks to gain value from biosolids

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:15:48 GMT

Rotorua District Council (RDC) and Crown Research Institute, Scion, are joining forces to demonstrate a new approach to the management of organic wastes.

X-ray crystallography in the spotlight

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:19:41 GMT

Radio New Zealand's Ruth Beran goes to Massey University to meet Geoff Jameson and IRL’s Graeme Gainsford who explain what x-ray diffraction and crystallography is, how it’s done, and what it can be used to measure.

Advancing a bio-based economy

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:29:58 GMT

Showcasing New Zealand’s life sciences sector, NZBIO 2010 provides a perfect forum to explore new business opportunities across the bio economy. Registrations now open.

World first in bio-crude oil

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:33:05 GMT

NIWA’s scientific expertise on advanced wastewater treatment used in world’s largest wastewater algae to bio-crude oil demonstration puts CO2 to good use.

New animal health company underway

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:42:47 GMT

ParaCo Technologies Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of AgResearch Limited, has signed agreements with a number of research groups giving it exclusive animal health screening rights for a number of potentially active biological molecules.

AgResearch application to ERMA to permit GM ruminant research

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:27:26 GMT

AgResearch has submitted a limited application to ERMA for specific research using genetically modified goats, sheep and cattle in containment.

Potato Genome Sequence released

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:39:34 GMT

The Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium (PGSC), an international team of scientists including New Zealand’s Plant & Food Research, has announced that it has released the first draft sequence of the potato genome.

GM research could head offshore

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:45:11 GMT

New Zealand will get faster benefit if field trials of GM forages done in New Zealand.

Hungry bugs eat GHG nasties

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:32:01 GMT

Landcare Research trialling practical way to radically cut New Zealand's methane emissions.

Unique organisms found

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:29 GMT

Methane-consuming micro-organisms and other biological treasure have been found in Taupo's geothermal system by GNS Science.

Singing Scientist: The Epigenome Song

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:02:15 GMT

There’s been a Singing Nun and a range of singing talented housewives and cell phone retailers but AgResearch has discovered it has a talented young Singing Scientist. Matthew Barnett, an Auckland based Senior Research Scientist has written and recorded a music video about his research - Nutritional Epigenetics - which is about how food and genes inter-relate. Play YouTube video.

Release of bovine genome

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:00:33 GMT

AgResearch scientists have played a key role in genetic research that will transform the future selection and breeding of cattle worldwide.

Biotech still critical to NZ

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:49:06 GMT

AgResearch chief scientist Stephen Goldson says nanotechnology could confer massive benefit to New Zealand’s biological based industries by contributing technologies.

IRL scientist wins major NZBIO award

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:51:42 GMT

IRL's Andreas Luxenburger was named 2009 NZBIO Young Biotechnologist of the Year at the 5th annual NZBIO Conference Awards.