2008 Archive
Looking for a news story about biotechnology in New Zealand? Browse our news archive from 2008.
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Nano fibres inspired by spider web strength
30/06/2008
Tough but lightweight materials are being created in the lab by a process that replicates the way a spider spins its web. Spider silk is stronger than steel of the same diameter.
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Anticancer drug discovery to progress
18/06/2008
New Zealand drug development company Pathway Therapeutics is to take its potential anticancer therapies through preclinical and clinical trials, with help from private investment.
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Collaboration to improve animal & human health
11/06/2008
The interface between human and animal science is a strength New Zealand has yet to fully realize, Liggins Institute Director Professor Peter Gluckman says.
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Air NZ plans plant fueled flight
05/06/2008
A test flight using biofuel made from the jatropha plant will take place in Auckland later this year, Air New Zealand says.
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Flax surfboard on display
04/06/2008
A surfboard made from native New Zealand flax (harakeke) is on display at Wellington Airport.
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Robotic equipment speeds up lab results
03/06/2008
New robotic laboratory equipment at ESR’s National Influenza Centre has increased the lab’s ability to analyse influenza specimens and greatly enhanced their capability, particularly in the event of a pandemic.
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Cat litter clears lake pollution
29/05/2008
Tipping modified cat litter into one of New Zealand’s most polluted lakes has reduced phosphorus levels by around 60 percent.
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Bioplastics from waste materials possible
29/05/2008
Bioplastic made from blood instead of petroleum could be used on farms for seed trays or mulching films, Dr Johan Verbeek from Waikato University says.
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Passionfruit extract helps asthmatics
26/05/2008
A passionfruit extract researched and developed in New Zealand has significantly reduced the severity of wheezing and coughing among asthma patients taking part in a scientific trial, and also helped to reduce their blood pressure.
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Platypus study provides mammalian insights
26/05/2008
New Zealand researchers were part of an international team that recently decoded the platypus genome, revealing information that may enhance understanding of other mammals and lead to new approaches to combat disease in livestock and humans.
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Seaweed capsules supply nerve food
26/05/2008
Unique methods of rescuing the auditory (hearing) nerve following deafness are being studied by PhD candidate Jacqueline Andrews.
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Science helps grow exotic mushroom crop
23/05/2008
The first commercial scale crop of a Northern Hemisphere mushroom is being grown in Gisborne, as the result of a six year research programme between Crop & Food Research, now called Plant & Food Research, and the First Light Mushroom Company.
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Kiwi crop research benefits Nepalese farmers
06/05/2008
A project to alleviate poverty in Nepalese farming communities has begun at Crop & Food Research (now called Plant & Food Research).
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GM tree trial a success
02/05/2008
Rotorua scientists have been celebrating the successful completion of New Zealand’s most comprehensive field trial of genetically modified trees.
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Smart sensors improve kiwi survival
01/05/2008
Efforts to improve kiwi chick survival rates and observe breeding birds have been revolutionised by smart sensors that monitor the bird’s behaviour in the bush.
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Sheep source of infection in humans, study reveals
30/04/2008
The high number of leptospirosis cases amongst Hawke’s Bay meat workers has prompted a study into the disease by Massey University’s EpiCentre unit and meat company PPCS Limited.
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Asthma linked to high fat diet
30/04/2008
Eating meals high in saturated fats causes an increase in cells linked to allergic responses such as asthma, a study conducted at Auckland University shows.
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Study proves NZ seafood safe from botulism
24/04/2008
Consumers of seafood harvested from New Zealand harbours and estuaries can be assured they are safe from botulism, a severe, sometimes fatal food poisoning characterized by nausea, vomiting, disturbed vision, muscular weakness and fatigue.
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Breath-testing for disease shows potential
23/04/2008
The successful trial of a smart instrument that breath-tests for chronic diseases could lead to the early detection of asthma and diabetes.
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ERMA receives new GM field trial application
10/04/2008
Crop & Food Research (now called Plant & Food Research) has applied to the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) to undertake a field evaluation of genetically modified onion, spring onion, garlic and leek.
