Biotechnology
New Thinking
Global financial crisis means tough times for biotechnology sector
AgResearch and Australia’s CSIRO Livestock Industries Division have predicted the global financial crisis could significantly reduce investment in biotechnology and agricultural science.
Scientists comment on new genomic research infrastructure
Several of the country's universities and Crown Research Institutes are pooling their resources in a collaborative national infrastructure designed to accelerate New Zealand's genomic research and technology.
AgResearch dispels GM myths
AgResearch wants to dispel the many misconceptions about its applications to continue and expand its transgenic livestock programme and is seeking support from the community.
NZ perspective gains audience at BIO2008
Kiwi panel asks how biotech will help NZ translate sustainability from buzzword to business.
AgResearch scoops top biotech award four years running
An AgResearch scientist has won the prestigious NZBio Emerging Biotechnologist of the Year award - the fourth year in a row the company has taken home the title.
Transport fuels from New Zealand biomass a reality
Biofuels generated from New Zealand-grown softwood feedstocks present a feasible, sustainable and environmentally beneficial energy option, say the authors of a report by the New Zealand Lignocellulosic Bioethanol Initiative.
AgResearch scores hat-trick in biotechnology awards
Dr Mike North, Senior Food Engineer in AgResearch’s Food Metabolism & Microbiology Section, was awarded the coveted title last night (Monday 12 March, 2007) at the NZBio Conference Awards dinner.
Maori student completes Masters degree in science
The former Head Girl of Rotorua Girls' High School Erina Hingston recently graduated from University of Waikato with a Masters degree with first class honours in molecular biology.She completed her thesis while based at the Rotorua Crown Research Institute, Scion.
HortResearch backs strong future for biotech
"It is an exciting time to be part of New Zealand science," says outgoing Chairman.
Possum in a pickle
A recent trip to the UK to present breakthrough research in possum biocontrol led to an unlikely meeting for AgResearch scientist Dr Gail Shuttleworth.
New Science
Scientists' work threatened by anti-GE campaigners
AgResearch wants approval to carry on its transgenic research and go even further by adding genes to eleven other species. The idea is to produce proteins in their milk that could treat human illness. Watch news report video.
Coloured kiwifruit just the start
Kiwifruit lovers will be like kids in a chinese gooseberry store as DNA research is released for breeding fruit with new colours, flavours and health properties.
Doom for Algal Bloom?
An innovative solution to a billion-dollar problem has been successfully trialled by Scion. A modified form of zeolite, a natural volcanic mineral, looks set to be a new tool in the campaign to mitigate the effects of nutrient run-off in New Zealand's lakes and waterways.
Platypus genome mapping a boon for researchers
In decoding the genome of the platypus, a team of researchers from the United States, Australia, England, Germany, Israel, Japan, Spain and New Zealand has revealed important information that will enhance our understanding of other mammals.
No more tears in the kitchen?
International attention is focusing on “tearless onion” research being conducted by senior Crop & Food Research scientist Dr Colin Eady.
A bug that kills bugs
AgResearch scientists have discovered a new strain of bacterium that they say will be an important step forward in the biological control of insect pests.
Novel bioactive coatings show promise as anti-foulants
Researchers at NIWA are trialling anti-foulants developed from natural extracts in a bid to find an alternative to metal-based biocides.
Scientific breakthrough in biological control of insects
AgResearch has announced a groundbreaking discovery that is an important step forward in the control of insect pests.
‘Vegetable caterpillar’ key to new markets
Scientists at Industrial Research are predicting that a humble fungus found on our forest floors could soon be the source of a new and high-value ingredient in some of New Zealand’s biggest selling nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products...
Weed enemy makes national debut
A South African moth that just loves boneseed, an invasive pest plant, has been selected by Landcare Research to act as a biocontrol agent. Waiheke Island is the first battlefield in the national campaign.
New Value
Scanning microscopy solves vaccine problem
After a rocky start in life, the most famous fawn of all time, Walt Disney’s Bambi, survived to mature and reproduce. Industrial Research is making sure his descendants are just as fortunate...
New Zealand research expertise sought at international renewable energy conference
Dr Tom Richardson, chief executive of Crown Research Institute Scion, is this week presenting New Zealand research into the role of forestry in producing renewable energy, at the U.S. Government hosted Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008).
Distinctive New Zealand flavours
Creating flavours from New Zealand native plants is the aim of a new, $1 million, Crop & Food Research programme that will see distinctive New Zealand food products developed for niche, high-value, export markets.
Collaboration builds total drug development pathway
Industrial Research is heralding the opening by the Prime Minister of a new facility at New Zealand Pharmaceuticals in Palmerston North which will provide commercial scale production carbohydrate compounds to feed into a promising range of new drugs.
Portable extraction plant helps fast-track business
Designed by engineers at Industrial Research, a new portable supercritical extraction plant will give New Zealand industry much faster access to the market than before.
New Zealand takes bite of superfruit market
New research into health and nutrition is helping move fruit up the value chain.
China and NZ to collaborate on plant biotechnologies
Scientific collaborations between China and New Zealand have strengthened with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NZ Crown Research Institute Crop & Food Research (C&FR) and Huazhong Agricultural University (HAU), based in Wuhan in central China.
How sweet is your onion?
An onion that’s sweet to eat – and with long life storage? These two ‘killer applications’ are the prospect unleashed by Crop & Food Research, a Crown Research Institute
NZ horticulture quietly takes export spotlight
Apart from flagships Kiwifruit and wine, NZ horticulture exports are seldom high profile. But look closer: in the year to March 2006 horticulture exports quietly hit $2.3 billion. That’s 7% of all NZ exports and a huge $100 million gain on the previous year. Strong growth owes much to ground-breaking new products, where HortResearch takes a driving role.
