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Europe's aversion to GM crops has killed investors' appetites for agricultural research. Even in the UK, historically a world leader in this field, it is almost impossible to commercialise agricultural biotechnology of any kind.

Business angels in German-speaking countries have traditionally been shy about what they do. Mary Lisbeth D'Amico watches them come out of hiding.

BioXell, an Italian spin-out from Roche, said it has raised €10.5 million in funding from an extension of its Series C round which was first closed in October, 2004. TVM Capital, one of Germany’s biggest venture capital funds, led the financing.

Look out for more competition from Asia as Singapore turns on the pressure with its own increase in R&D spending.

The notion of grid computing is seeping out of the academic world into business applications.

Save energy, cool your seat.

We stray from the usual stuff of R&D to report on a development that will doubtless appeal to those sad souls who are preparing for World Cup fever.

The OECD has come up with a report that spells out a new "agreed set of Guidelines for the Licensing of Genetic Inventions used in healthcare".

On March 7 in Paris, we open our Science|Business Roundtable of leaders in European industry and academia, to debate and propose new ideas to improve the climate for innovation in Europe. One immediate suggestion is that Europeans do better at communications.

Scientists at Innsbruck Medical University have performed a great service to mankind by demonstrating that beer has important health-promoting properties.

Europe is lousy at reaping the commercial benefits of its R&D. To spur reform, Science|Business is preparing a “manifesto” of policy measures for technology transfer and innovation. What’s needed? A revolution.

Sarissa Biomedical, a spin-out from the University of Warwick, that has designed a sensor to give an early warning of fetal hypoxia during birth, is looking for investors to strike licensing agreements.

What is wrong with France’s basic research? There’s something missing, but it’s not resources, says Jean-Marc Schlenker.

Philips Research has developed a woodstove for cooking in rural communities in developing countries – and is looking for partners to bring this technology to the market.