Deep in interstellar space there is something lurking. Actually there is lots of something lurking. We know it’s there because of its spectra but we have no idea what it is. [ + ]

Progress towards a joint Australia New Zealand therapeutic products regulatory scheme continues with the second meeting of the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency (ANZTPA) Implementation Ministerial Council last week. [ + ]

A new method for generating stem cells from mature cells promises to boost stem cell production in the laboratory, helping to remove a barrier to regenerative medicine therapies that would replace damaged or unhealthy body tissues. [ + ]

Why is it that the placebo effect - the idea that taking fake medicine can make someone feel better - seems to work for some people but not others? According to researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M), it all comes down to the personality of the person taking it. [ + ]

Composition-gradient static light scattering can be used to determine the binding affinity and stoichiometry of reversible protein complexes, without tagging, immobilisation or other modifications. The method can distinguish and quantify multiple simultaneous stoichiometries. [ + ]

A new mass spectrometer developed by Utretch University’s Heck Lab and Thermo Fisher is offering new insight into molecularly complex biomolecules. [ + ]

In the 1950s and 60s, the CIA was covertly administering LSD to US citizens as it attempted to develop mind control technologies. One family is now alleging murder. [ + ]

Any system that makes the delivery of vaccines easier is a boon to world health. [ + ]

The new Zetasizer Nano ZSP is designed for the measurement of size, mobility of proteins, zeta potential of nanoparticles and surfaces and microrheology of protein or polymer solutions.

By studying the exact synaptic conditions required in memory formation, researchers hope to develop models which will aid in the construction of artificial cognitive computers in the future. [ + ]

Sticky tape, that versatile household staple and a mainstay of gift wrapping, may have a new scientific application as a shape-changing ‘smart material’. [ + ]

Mass spectrometry has become a key tool for the analysis of biomolecules in applications that range from discovery of biomarkers to the analysis of drug metabolites. While many of the analytical benchmarks of the mass spectrometer - limit of quantitation or LOQ, signal-to-noise or S/N, dynamic range, mass resolution - are important for these applications, the absolute sensitivity is a key factor that drives these characteristics. [ + ]

Professor Brendan Crabb, incoming President of AAMRI, outlines the priorities he sees for health and medical research in Australia at a time of budget cuts and systemic challenges. [ + ]

Two Northwestern University researchers have discovered a remarkably easy way to make nanofluidic devices: using paper and scissors. And they can cut a device into any shape and size they want, adding to the method’s versatility. [ + ]

Exploring the evolutionary tree of life is now as easy as navigating an online map, thanks to a new interactive website which does away with giant pieces of paper and confusion. [ + ]