There’s a big biotechnology conference going on in Australia this week. I was invited to attend but have to be in Kansas City and then on to Norway. Darn the luck, eh?

But that doesn’t mean I can’t let you know what’s happening down under. Here’s an interesting story.

Victorian scientists are using leading biotechnology to take the sneeze out of the chief culprit of hayfever – ryegrass – which afflicts 1.8 million Australians and hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Minister for Innovation, John Brumby, today announced the findings to mark the start of the Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference (ABIC) in Melbourne.

Mr Brumby said the researchers at Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) had developed a new variety of ryegrass, which does not cause the sneezing and itchy eyes of hay fever. “Through the use of innovative biotechnology, relief is now in sight for sufferers and businesses alike across the world,” Mr Brumby said.

Alleluia! I would love to leave my Zyrtec behind. I’m sure many of you would too. How about John’s title? Minister of Innovation. I like that. I also like the fact that they’re sending me great pictures to go along with the information. I’ve got more to post later today.

Oh, and by the way, did I mention I wish I could be there to take these pictures myself?