A vaccine to protect humans from a bird flu pandemic is within reach after a new discovery by researchers at the University of Melbourne.

The discovery, published today in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, reveals how boosting T cell immunity could better protect humans from a bird flu pandemic.

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Victoria's groundbreaking work in the area of carbon capture storage (CCS) is set to ramp up, with five areas off the State's coastline named as part of a world first commercial release for exploration to assess greenhouse gas storage potential.

The Victorian Government is urging companies to bid for the offshore areas as GeoScience Victoria has already identified strong offshore potential for carbon storage in the state.

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		See also: Victoria's $640m gas-fired power station

		See also: Melbourne lands international clean energy expo

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A world-first funds management index comparing private and public superannuation or pension models in at least ten countries has been launched by the Victorian Financial Services Minister John Lenders at the Melbourne Financial Services Symposium.

Comparisons of funds management centres across the globe will be possible with the establishment of the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Funds Index.

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		Financial & Service Industries

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German-based car component manufacturer, Hella, has expanded its Melbourne operations with the launch of a state-of-the-art $12 million production line.

The 'Kaizen' line will produce Australian-made lights for Toyota's Camry, hybrid Camry and Aurion models.

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		See also: Volkswagen opens logistics site in Melbourne

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The Victorian Government will provide up to $100 million to develop a new large-scale solar power station in Victoria, and is seeking proposals for a plant which can produce about 330GWh of electricity per year or enough power to run 50,000 homes.

This would be enough power to run all Victorian Government departments and agencies, including public schools, police stations, VicRoads and even the Melbourne Zoo.

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		See also: Cutting-edge solar energy solutions from Victoria

Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, will introduce new daily non-stop services between Melbourne and Doha, due to start later this year.

Victorian Industry and Trade Minister Martin Pakula and Victorian Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding said this was fantastic news for Victoria's tourism industry and another win for Melbourne as a leading gateway city to Australia.

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		See also: Emirates increases Melbourne flights

New welding technology developed in Melbourne's outskirts will help manufacturers improve productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, representing the most significant productivity gain in the field since the introduction of the modern welding robot in the 1980s.

Victorian company Frontline Australasia, is already using the new welding tip in its component production process for clients in the aircraft, automotive and defence and environmental industries and recording productivity gains of 27 per cent, with successful trials also undertaken in the USA and Europe.

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		Environment and Energy Technologies

Cut-price international grocery warehouse Costco will open its first Australian store at Melbourne's Docklands Waterfront City in July, five months ahead of schedule.

Costco's $60 million Docklands project will operate on a membership model which has already proved itself at over 535 locations in its home-base of America and around the world.

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