Detecting landmines, IEDs, backpack bombs and other homemade explosives is an area of growing importance in which law enforcement and military forces struggle to keep up with developments. [ + ]

UNSW researchers have found a way to use existing 'big data' to help determine why particular types of cancer develop, how to diagnose those cancers earlier and, ultimately, how to better tailor treatment therapies for patients. [ + ]

Microbiologists have discovered that the superbug Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes infection in a most unusual way — by blowing itself up. [ + ]

Researchers have developed a revolutionary new type of optical fibre laser that is cost-effective to produce, portable and can be tuned to operate over a wide range of the infrared spectrum. [ + ]

Oventus Medical has received clearance from the US FDA for the O₂VENT device, an oral appliance intended to reduce or alleviate snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. [ + ]

Researchers have discovered a natural process that sees the energy in solar rays break down plant material, rather than build it up. [ + ]

A research team has determined the structure of the Zika virus, revealing insights critical to the development of effective antiviral treatments and vaccines. [ + ]

Australian researchers are at the forefront of developing a vaccine which could lead to lifelong immunity against the influenza virus. [ + ]

Nineteen new pieces of DNA — left by viruses that first infected our ancestors hundreds of thousands of years ago — have been found lurking between our genes. [ + ]

US scientists have discovered two enzymes that appear to play a role in metabolism and inflammation — despite not bearing a resemblance to any known class of enzymes. [ + ]

Shares in Patrys rose almost 30% as the company announced that it will develop and commercialise as anticancer agents a portfolio of preclinical novel anti-DNA antibodies and antibody fragments/variants discovered at Yale University. [ + ]

Researchers have shown a clear link between biodiversity and the severity of a fungal disease on a Tibetan alpine meadow. [ + ]

Contaminated water sources are a rapidly escalating global problem, but the latest research may have found a unique and cost-effective solution using light, soap and graphene. [ + ]

XRF has been used to map industrial contamination in vegetable gardens across cities and towns. [ + ]

TW Holdings has announced its intention to purchase medical cannabis company AusCann. [ + ]