Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have shown how to synthesise in the laboratory an important set of natural compounds known as terpenes. The largest class of chemicals made by living organisms, terpenes are made within cells by some of the most complex chemical reactions found in biology. [ + ]

Simon McKeon, Chairman of the Strategic Review into Health and Medical Research, outlines the vision presented in the draft discussion paper and how it will transform health and medical research in this country. [ + ]

By combining two well-established analytic techniques and adding a twist, researchers have been able to identify proteins from blood with as much accuracy and sensitivity as the antibody-based tests used clinically. The technique should be able to speed up development of diagnostic tests and treatments based on proteins specific to certain diseases. [ + ]

The University of Wollongong (UOW) and AB SCIEX have formed a research partnership to develop lipid analysis capabilities, including the most definitive and comprehensive identification of double bond position in lipids. [ + ]

Lithium chloride enables neutron studies of protein/solvent interactions at super-cold temperatures. [ + ]

After 24 years in gaol, DNA evidence has been used to prove a Texan man innocent of a 1988 assault of a 14-year-old girl. [ + ]

AB SCIEX has announced that the University of Queensland (UQ) is using the company’s mass spectrometry technology to analyse how the devastating floods of 2011 have affected water quality in Australia. Two of 12 AB SCIEX instruments installed at UQ are dedicated to environmental monitoring efforts. [ + ]

80% of human DNA comprises genetic regulatory elements according to a new human genome map. [ + ]

It is becoming increasingly evident that genetics plays a much larger role in political behaviour than was previously thought. [ + ]

Hidden on the foreshores of Chowder Bay, Mosman, the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) has recently completed a 12-month upgrade at the cost of over $20 million, thanks to federal and state government funding. Once crammed into one small space, the facility now boasts seven laboratories, upgraded aquaria facilities, offices, conference rooms and more. [ + ]

A multi-institutional research team has developed a method for embedding networks of biocompatible nanoscale wires within engineered tissues. These networks - which mark the first time that electronics and tissue have been truly merged in 3D - allow direct tissue sensing and potentially stimulation, a potential boon for development of engineered tissues that incorporate capabilities for monitoring and stimulation, and of devices for screening new drugs. [ + ]

Synbiosis has announced that its ProtoCOL 3 automated colony counter is being successfully used at one of Europe’s largest children’s health research facilities, the UCL (University College London) Institute of Child Health (ICH), to rapidly assess the effectiveness of novel vaccines. [ + ]

Dr Benjamin Kile and Dr Emma Josefsson have helped solve a 100 year old mystery surrounding the short life of blood platelets and the role of a known cancer gene in blood cell formation. [ + ]

Life Technologies Corporation has announced that the New York Genome Center (NYGC) has purchased four Ion Proton Sequencers for its new Innovation Center. The sequencers will be used to accelerate research on the genetic mechanisms of cancer. [ + ]

Luminex Corporation has announced that Public Health Wales has used Luminex’s CE marked xTAG Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel (GPP) for outbreak investigation activities during Olympic and Paralympic training and events taking place in Wales. Results of a substantial diagnostic validation of the GPP test conducted by The Public Health Wales Microbiology laboratory team at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, are anticipated to be published in a peer reviewed journal. [ + ]