A recent white paper issued by EuropaBio finds that the majority of Europeans approve of the use of biotechnology in agriculture. The report, "Europeans, Agriculture and the Common Agricultural Policy" states that 77 percent favor its use.

Another report on biotech and agriculture comes from the National Academy of Sciences, which finds that while genetically engineered crops benefit many farmers, the technology is in need of proper management.

Texas has long been strong in the medical device sector. The Austin American-Statesman is reporting that access to venture capital is among the reasons the industry is surging in that city.

A recent report by Cambridge, Mass.-based consultancy Scientia Advisors says that the tripling of healthcare spending in China will have major benefits for the medical device industry and other health-related sectors.

The Dole Nutrition Center at the North Carolina Research Center in Kannapolis has named a new head of research. Nick Gillitt, who previously was senior nutrition research and labeling manager of the Dole Nutrition Institute in California, will manage all research at the site, reporting directly to David Murdock, Dole Food Co. chairman and founder of the NCRC.

The 311,000-sq.-ft. Core Lab Building at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis.

Illinois and Chicago prepare to highlight their biotech sector during next week's 2010 BIO International conference.

Analyses by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and Burrill & Company shows U.S. companies invested a record amount in R&D in 2009.