PreveCeutical Medical and UniQuest have partnered to develop a soluble gel to deliver cannabinoids directly to the brain via the nasal cavity. [ + ]

Macquarie University researchers have proven a method for multiplying laser power using diamond, demonstrating that the superlaser from film franchise Star Wars may not remain in the realm of science fiction for much longer. [ + ]

PreveCeutical Medical Inc (PMI) has signed a research and option agreement with UniQuest, the commercialisation company of The University of Queensland, to develop stabilised natural and synthetic peptides from scorpion venom. [ + ]

Esteemed researcher Professor Sue Thomas has been announced as the new chief executive officer of the Australian Research Council (ARC) — a role she will commence on 3 July. [ + ]

Neuroscientists have shown that gut bacteria 'speak' to the brain to control food choices, identifying two species of bacteria that have an impact on animal dietary decisions. [ + ]

A laboratory error, by US researchers, has led to the discovery of beta blocker carvedilol's cancer-fighting properties. [ + ]

Gene variants that affect the way the human brain works may be the reason why people eat certain foods that aren't good for them, according to a new study. [ + ]

Researchers have evaluated a new test that enables diagnosis of hepatitis C infection in a single visit, with promising results. [ + ]

Australian scientists, technologists and celebrities have signed an Open Letter to reinforce their support for, and the significant value of, science and technology, just days after an ANUpoll found that a large majority of Australians support science and want politicians to rely more on the advice of scientists and experts. [ + ]

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method for finding new antibiotics from fungi. [ + ]

Researchers have adapted an RNA-targeting CRISPR protein for use as a highly sensitive diagnostic tool. [ + ]

​​Currently worth a few million dollars, the emerging organs-on-chips market could grow between 38% and 57% and reach AU$79.91m to AU$155.8m by 2022, predicts research and consulting company Yole. [ + ]

Researchers have discovered a protein in human umbilical cord blood that could be used for the treatment of age-associated declines in mental ability. [ + ]

CSL Behring has announced that the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved AFSTYLA, a recombinant single chain coagulation factor VIII (rFVIIISingleChain) in patients with haemophilia A. [ + ]

Australian biotech and medical associations have come together to urge the government to "not devastate" the Australian MTP (medtech, biotech and pharmaceutical) sector "by gutting the Research & Development (R&D) Tax Incentive". [ + ]