Scientists at Edinburgh University have developed a new method for cleaning surgical instruments that entirely removes protein contamination, including the near-indestructible prions - the agents that cause mad cow disease

Sworn enemies within the technology and pharmaceutical industries are joining forces in a lobbying drive to persuade European Union lawmakers to change a draft law they say will stifle innovation in Europe by criminalising patent infringements, along with all forms of intellectual property infringements.

8.8 per cent: The proportion of GDP that OECD countries spend on health.

The first investor-ready company has rolled off the production line in a scheme set up by the development agency Yorkshire Forward to commercialise research from the UK county's universities.

Just as most public research bodies embrace commercialisation as their raison d'etre, the UK Medical Research Council is reversing the trend and taking a company it span out earlier back within its fold.

Cambridge University is tightening its grip on rights to intellectual property generated by staff and students after academics voted overwhelmingly to endorse new plans

A new Munich-based company that says its patented technologies can reduce household water consumption by 90 per cent on average is looking for more investment.