European physicists have put forward an explanation as to why the universe did not collapse immediately after the Big Bang. Their theory follows studies which suggest that the production of Higgs particles during the accelerating expansion of the very early universe (inflation) should have led to instability and collapse. [ + ]

Genetic Signatures has launched a prospectus for an IPO on the ASX to help support the molecular diagnostics company's growth ambitions. [ + ]

Starpharma (ASX:SPL) will receive a Chinese formulation patent covering the use of its Priostar synthetic nanoscale dendrimers in agrochemical applications.

Reducing salt intake can reduce the warning signs of higher urinary albumin that is indicative of kidney and heart disease. [ + ]

Removing trees from wetlands makes these environments significantly wetter and may even create new wetlands.

A forum was held last week as the first step in the recently announced independent review of medicines and medical devices regulation. Attendees were advised that the review will commence with a discussion paper, which is expected to be launched by the end of the week, and the opening of the call for submissions. [ + ]

Physicists from The Australian National University have developed a spiral laser beam and used it to create a whirlpool of polaritons - hybrid particles that have properties of both matter and light. [ + ]

Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) said results from the 12-month mark of its phase II trial of MPCs in chronic low back pain show pain and function improvement.

Viralytics (ASX:VLA) has secured approval for a phase I trial of Cavatak in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, to be conducted in the UK in the first quarter of 2015. [ + ]

Five esteemed Australian scientists will join The Australian Academy of Science Council in 2015. [ + ]

The Australian Academy of Science has announced that five of Australia's leading scientists will join its council in 2015. The council, which has overall responsibility for managing the academy, is made up of 17 members from a diverse range of disciplines across the physical and biological sciences. [ + ]

A new, freely available tool helps researchers more comprehensively track the impact of their research.

The important research being conducted by Australia's graduate students has been featured in a poster display at the recent AusBiotech 2014 national conference, with the most outstanding being recognised with the AbbVie Student Poster Award.

Researchers from KU Leuven have discovered that the site in which HIV inserts itself in its human host determines how quickly the disease progresses. [ + ]

Embryonic stem cells have successfully restored muscle movement in a rat model of Parkinson's disease, providing hope for a new treatment for patients with this degenerative disease.