The University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and the Kolling Institute of Medical Research have launched SPARK Sydney - a start-up program to aid the commercialisation of health and medical research. [ + ]

An international research team has developed a more sustainable approach to a bond-forming reaction used in the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. The team used the solvent-free, catalytic reaction to produce high yields of a wide range of amides. [ + ]

Dr Claire Weekley has been awarded the Australian Synchrotron Stephen Wilkins Thesis Medal for her insights into elemental selenium, adding to our understanding of its potential for the prevention and treatment of disease. [ + ]

The Australian and New Zealand health ministries have mutually cancelled a plan to establish a joint therapeutic products regulator that would replace the TGA and Medsafe.

National science communication organisation RiAus has launched a dedicated online science television channel.

The Australian and New Zealand governments have ceased efforts to establish a joint therapeutic products regulator, the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency (ANZTPA). [ + ]

National science communication organisation RiAus, in partnership with Hostworks, has launched riaus.tv - a dedicated online science television channel which delivers free, science-based content on demand. [ + ]

AusBiotech and an expert advisory panel have developed a draft 'China Guide' for Australian medtech companies and AusBiotech is now seeking comment.

Iain Ross, the director due to replace Dr Graham Kelly as chairman of the board of Novogen (ASX:NRT), has stepped down suddenly citing an unanticipated conflict of interest.

Ancon Medical is seeking funding for technology that could screen for Ebola and other diseases, within minutes, through a simple breath test. The company will pursue a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's New Interventions for Global Health program, which awards up to $10 million for technology that can prevent the spread of infectious diseases. [ + ]

Following a successful debut in 2013, the Australia Biotech Invest conference will return to Melbourne from 3-4 December. [ + ]

Prana Biotechnology (ASX:PRR) has published results of a trial of its PBT2 candidate in Huntington's disease showing it was generally well tolerated despite some adverse events.

The Beijing University of Chinese Medicine has signed an agreement with the University of Western Sydney, the home of the National Institute of Complementary Medicine. The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of Australian Prime Minister the Hon Tony Abbott and His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China. [ + ]

The Alzheimer's Australia Dementia Research Foundation will award grants and fellowships worth $2.4 million to 25 early-career researchers. [ + ]

Marking the beginning of two new positions at the ANU, Dr Julia Ellyard and Professor Ross Hannan respectively received the inaugural Judith Whitworth Fellowship for Gender Equality in Science and inaugural Centenary Chair in Cancer Research. [ + ]