2009 Archive
Looking for a news story about biotechnology in New Zealand? Browse our news archive from 2009.
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Art meets science
10/12/2009
Smart materials have been combined with robotic technologies to make Māori kowhaiwhai (painted designs) come alive, in a unique mix of art and science.
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Rare lung disease investigated
10/12/2009
A new research initiative offers the promise of more effective treatment options for sufferers of a rare and complex lung disease with no current cure.
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Science laureates target cancer and ageing
01/12/2009
Two L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science laureates have joined forces to screen compounds that may shut down an enzyme believed to play a major role in ageing and cancer.
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No-itch wool fabric developed
24/11/2009
It’s taken a quarter of a century of research but New Zealand scientists have now discovered what makes wool fabric prickly and developed a lightweight version that is comfortable to wear.
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Willow study shows biofuel potential
24/11/2009
Willow trees are being investigated for their potential as a source of biofuel.
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Origins of adaptive traits revealed
17/11/2009
New light has been shed on the origins and genetics of adaptive traits.
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Unlocking fish waste potential
17/11/2009
A new bioprocessing laboratory in Nelson aims to help science discoveries become real-world commercial successes, with a particular focus on products made from fish processing waste.
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Medical ice cream trial underway
09/11/2009
An ice cream, developed to prevent some of the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients, is currently being tested.
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NZ biocontrol research helps Pacific Island neighbour
09/11/2009
New Zealand research is helping to save coconut palms in Guam from an invasive beetle species.
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Boost for bovine cloning
27/10/2009
A successful bovine genome-wide methylation scan has been led by New Zealand scientist Dr Christine Couldrey in what is believed to be a world first achievement.
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Fungus tackles bee mite
27/10/2009
A common fungus has been found to be an effective weapon against the bee-killing varroa mite.
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Earthworm study investigates soil bioengineering
14/10/2009
Underground creatures such as earthworms, mites, springtails and nematodes are attracting the attention of scientists interested in soil bioengineering.
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Trial tests moisture therapy
14/10/2009
A clinical trial is underway to test the use of humidification during radiotherapy for cancers of the mouth and throat area, to keep internal areas affected by radiation moist.
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Low-methane sheep discovered
28/09/2009
The discovery that some sheep naturally make less methane digesting their food than others could open the way for a low-methane breeding programme.
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Potato genome sequence released
28/09/2009
The first draft sequence of the potato genome has been released by an international team of scientists, including Plant & Food Research in New Zealand.
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Research reveals Mānuka honey secret
23/09/2009
New research on Mānuka honey has shown that a special molecule acts to enhance the antibacterial activity of methylglyoxal in the honey, in a process known as synergy.
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Lace bug to be new biological control
23/09/2009
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved an application to introduce the lace bug Gargaphia decoris to control the woolly nightshade weed.
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Stem cell research to boost livestock industries
16/09/2009
Scientists hope to unravel the mysteries of bovine pluripotent stem cells and boost New Zealand’s cattle and dairy industries.
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Immune therapy targets breast cancer
16/09/2009
Wellington scientists will use immunotherapy in a new approach to treating breast cancer.
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Student reveals effects of temperature on vitamin C
09/09/2009
Investigating the effect of temperature on vitamin C has won year 13 scientist Thang Tran 4 prizes at the Niwa Wellington Regional Science Fair.
