A round-up of today's other stories in brief...

Nanotechnology sector says it made big contribution to exports

About 10 per cent of the €150 billion in goods and services exported by Ireland in 2008 were enabled by nanoscience and related nanotechnologies, according to a new representative body for the sector, which believes the figure could grow to 20 per cent in the coming years.

NanoNet brings together organisations working on nanoscience from both academia and industry and will be chaired by Seán Dorgan, former chief executive of IDA Ireland. One of the group’s first activities will be to support Nanoweek, which will run from January 31st to February 4th next. Events during the week will include a two-day international conference on nanoscience research; schools visits and the launch of an educational DVD.

New HP inquiry into Hurd exit

A committee of Hewlett Packard directors will investigate former chief executive Mark Hurd’s departure from the company amid sexual harassment allegations last year, according to a court filing.

The investigation, in response to shareholder legal action, will be conducted by independent directors who joined HP’s board after Mr Hurd’s departure, assisted by outside lawyers.

Mr Hurd left HP last August amid sexual harassment accusations, though the board found no evidence to back them up. – (Reuters)

Bullish profit outlook at eBay

Online marketplace eBay provided investors with a bullish 2011 profit outlook after the Christmas quarter showed signs it is delivering a promised turnaround, as improvements in its buyer experience helped boost sales at its marketplaces unit.

“Were becoming a stronger, more competitive company,” said chief executive John Donahoe.

Revenue rose 5 per cent to $2.495 billion (€1.9 billion), fuelled by a 17 per cent increase at eBay’s main marketplaces unit and a 25 per cent rise at online payments firm Paypal.

EirGen Pharma gets US body’s approval

Waterford-based EirGen Pharma has had its high potency manufacturing facility approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to manufacture and test drugs for the American market. Tom Brennan, technical director of EirGen, described the approval as a “very significant milestone” for the company, which has subsequently had two of its drugs approved for US sale.

EirGen specialises in the development, registration and manufacture of high potency solid dose pharmaceuticals.