In a controversial case of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, Chinese scientists are claiming to have genetically modified human embryos for the very first time. [ + ]

Targeted treatments based on whole genome sequencing and the time taken for conventional trials in the face of emergencies like the current Ebola outbreak are presenting new challenges to clinical trial designers. [ + ]

An old academic joke you start to hear around federal budget time goes something like this: "Researchers could strike but no one would care, because no one would know we've gone until 10 or 15 years later." [ + ]

Researchers have constructed a microfluidic system with which to study the mechanisms responsible for transport through the cell membrane - a structure which has previously been difficult to examine due to the difficulty in creating a nanometre-thick membrane for experimentation. [ + ]

MSD's anti-PD1 immunotherapy pembrolizumab (trade name KEYTRUDA) has been registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as monotherapy for the treatment of advanced melanoma.

Phosphagenics has commenced dosing in a phase 2 clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of the drug delivery company's TPM/oxycodone patch in patients suffering post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a complication of shingles. [ + ]

It's perfectly sensible and understandable that science (and related sectors) would feel the need to account for themselves in financial or economic terms. But in doing this we need to be wary of getting lulled into believing that this is the only - or worse, the best - way of attributing value to science. [ + ]

The Australian Government has announced its intention to develop a whole-of-government policy for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Two proteins that are involved in ensuring genes are activated at the right time and in the right place are increasing our understanding of early mammalian development. [ + ]

Astronomers have detected the presence of complex organic molecules in a protoplanetary disc surrounding a young star located 455 light-years away, reaffirming that the conditions that spawned the Earth and Sun are not unique in the universe. [ + ]

Astronomers have detected the presence of complex organic molecules in a protoplanetary disc surrounding a young star located 455 light-years away, reaffirming that the conditions that spawned the Earth and Sun are not unique in the universe. [ + ]

In Australia, there is a loss of female talent in the scientific workforce resulting in a chronic under-representation of women, particularly in senior positions.

In Australia, there is a loss of female talent in the scientific workforce resulting in a chronic under-representation of women, particularly in senior positions. [ + ]

Professor Paul Kirkbride may not be a detective, but he's on a mission to catch the perpetrators of gun crimes - even when they haven't left behind a weapon or bullet cartridge.

Professor Paul Kirkbride may not be a detective, but he's on a mission to catch the perpetrators of gun crimes - even when they haven't left behind a weapon or bullet cartridge. [ + ]