The elusive molecule responsible for spreading gene silencing through plants is still unknown, but the pioneers of RNAi research at CSIRO Plant Industry are close to tracking it down.

Sequencing of the cattle genome is nearly complete and will herald a revolution in breed improvement.

The Western Australian government is committed to developing the state's biotechnology sector, according to new premier Alan Carpenter, who this week announced AUD$4.5 million in seed funding for a new biotech research facility as well as medical grants totalling $5 million.

Government involvement in agricultural biotech industries is stifling innovation, a leading industry figure has warned.

Perth-based bio-nanotech company Psivida (ASX:PSD, NASDAQ:PSDV, Xetra:PSI) has created a new spinout company, PsiNutria, to develop its silicon technology in the food industry.

The Western Australian branch of industry association AusBiotech has held a forum to examine the issues facing agricultural biotechnology in the state, and the challenges that must be faced if it is to move forward.

State government policy has been vital in helping to shape the Australian biotechnology industry. Here, Cristy Burne takes us for a tour of Western Australia, the state that later this year will host the national biotech conference.

Australia and New Zealand research and funding agencies are joining hands across the Tasman for a major genomics project on the animal on which both nations' economies were founded -- the sheep.

Across the Australian research landscape, small genome projects are pushing their heads above the ground.

Australian biotechnology's peak body, AusBiotech, has questioned the impartiality of Western Australia's agricultural minister Kim Chance in relation to GM crops, following the release of correspondence between the government and activitist GM groups.

Stirling Products (ASX:STI) has reported that its ST810 beta agonist has produced a 16 per cent improvement in weight gain in a 28-day US trial in 196 pigs.