A catastrophic threat exists to 40% of species over the next 100 years, with butterflies, moths, dragonflies, bees, ants and dung beetles most at risk. [ + ]

Researchers have developed a sensitive new biosensor that could someday be used to detect foetal Down syndrome DNA in pregnant women's blood. [ + ]

A highly precise radiotherapy technique has been shown to produce greater survival rates in patients with inoperable lung cancer compared to conventional radiotherapy. [ + ]

Researchers have used a technique called cellular barcoding to tag, track and pinpoint cells responsible for the spread of breast cancer from the main tumour into the blood and other organs. [ + ]

Penis development in the womb requires not just testosterone from the testes, but a second hormone produced by other tissues, including the placenta. [ + ]

A reactive balance training program, intended to reduce falls in older adults, is now being replicated to help those with Parkinson's disease. [ + ]

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the periodic table, and the principles that drove Dmitri Mendeleev to construct his table are still influencing today's research advances. [ + ]

The Australian Government has announced a $10 million investment in the Translational Phenomics Initiative. [ + ]

Researchers have identified specific gut bacteria linked to depression and provided evidence that a wide range of gut bacteria can produce neuroactive compounds. [ + ]

For Australia's oldest PhD graduate, Dr David Bottomley, learning is a lifelong journey. [ + ]

A synthetic anti-Zika gene has been injected into mosquito embryos, preventing them from picking up the virus when feeding. [ + ]

Researchers have used molecular 'Velcro' to understand how an important protein, RecA, goes about repairing damaged DNA in bacteria. [ + ]

The quest to find Australia's top scientists, innovators and science teachers is on again, with nominations now open for this year's Prime Minister's Prizes for Science. [ + ]

Astronomers have revealed that the Milky Way's disc of stars becomes increasingly 'warped' and twisted the further away the stars are from the galaxy's centre. [ + ]

Immunologists are seeking to boost awareness of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) — an allergic reaction in the stomach that is often misdiagnosed. [ + ]