Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new material which uses raspberry particles (so called because of their appearance) to trap tiny water droplets and prevent them from rolling off surfaces. [ + ]

Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott yesterday announced the incoming ministry for the new federal government, to be sworn in this week. It has been observed that several portfolio titles have been simplified, while a minister for science appears to have been omitted altogether. [ + ]

AusBiotech has welcomed the new Coalition ministry; in particular, the new Minister for Industry, Ian Macfarlane, who is returning to the portfolio he held from 2001 to 2007 when he was the Minister for Industry (Tourism and Resources). [ + ]

The incoming ministry for the newly elected Australian Government has been unveiled. [ + ]

Starpharma (ASX:SPL) revealed that US crop protection company Gowan is considering using its Priostar dendrimer technology in some of its products. [ + ]

Analytical and sample preparation equipment supplier ATX has become the exclusive Australian and New Zealand agent for UK-based TTP Labtech's life science product range. TTP Labtech is a developer and manufacturer of products for pharmaceutical and biotech research at both the industrial and academic levels. [ + ]

University of Waikato Biological Sciences Professor Vic Arcus and his research group have been awarded $850,000 for a two-year project to develop a new method for designing ‘next-generation enzymes’ for commercial use. [ + ]

University of Otago and Auckland scientists have discovered a human gene variant that can 'turn bad' when affected by sugary drinks. This raises the risk of developing the arthritic disease gout. [ + ]

The 2013 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes were last week awarded across 17 fields, recognising achievements in research and innovation; leadership and commercialisation; science communication and journalism; and school science. [ + ]

The drive for the early diagnosis of dementia may be resulting in overdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. [ + ]

Nominations will close shortly for candidates to nominate for the AusBiotech board of directors and for the Janssen 2013 Industry Excellence Awards, which recognise those who have made a significant contribution to the biotechnology industry. [ + ]

A newly discovered protein in the venom of Australian tarantulas shows promise as a bioinsecticide for cotton crop pests. [ + ]

Researchers at Curtin University, in collaboration with The University of Western Australia (UWA), will soon be developing a new whooping cough vaccine. [ + ]

Bioniche (ASX:BNC) will replace its current CEO and change the make-up of its board, after settling a dispute with dissident shareholders over the planned sale of its animal health businesses. [ + ]

The UK's MHRA has given its final approval for a phase I/II study of Viralytics' oncolytic virus in melanoma, prostate, lung or metastatic bladder cancers. [ + ]