Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed the first method for directly measuring the extent to which drugs reach their targets in the cell. [ + ]

Over the years, doctors have prescribed antibiotics freely, thinking that they harm bacteria while leaving human tissue unscathed. But as scientists at Harvard University’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering have noted, “Prolonged antibiotic treatment can lead to detrimental side effects in patients, including ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity and tendinopathy.” [ + ]

University of Adelaide research has produced a potential new antibiotic which could help in the battle against bacterial resistance to antibiotics. [ + ]

A process combining some comparatively cheap materials and the same antifreeze that keeps an automobile radiator from freezing in cold weather may be the key to making solar cells that cost less and avoid toxic compounds. [ + ]

Prima BioMed (ASX:PRR) has started recruiting for its CANVAS ovarian cancer trial across four more European countries. [ + ]

HIV-positive people are likely to gain increased access to antiretroviral treatment thanks to research showing that a lower dose is as effective as the standard higher dose. [ + ]

GI Dynamics (ASX:GID) has closed a $57.5m placement and launched an SPP worth up to $2.5m, securing funding for its US trial of EndoBarrier in type 2 diabetes. [ + ]

pSivida (ASX:PVA) has commenced recruitment for one of two planned US phase III trials of its injectable micro-insert in posterior uveitis. [ + ]

AusBiotech was pleased to learn that the government has announced it will review the policy settings around employee share schemes (ESS). [ + ]

With the Australian National University announcing cuts to jobs, the new higher education minister plans to re-evaluate university funding [ + ]

The Australian Academy of Science has launched its 2013 election policy that calls on the government to work with the science sector to build a long-term strategic vision for Australia’s future. [ + ]

A next-generation therapeutic vaccine for genital herpes has received an investment boost from Allied Healthcare Group. [ + ]

Biotron (ASX:BIT) has presented trial data at International AIDS Society 2013 showing BIT225’s potential to target HIV reservoir cells and cross the blood-brain barrier. [ + ]

Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) said its BREVAGen genetic testing business has been growing faster every quarter since its expansion to the US in mid-2011. [ + ]

Phylogica (ASX:PYC) has identified peptide candidates in its drug-discovery collaboration with Janssen Biotech and will move on to exploring their functionality within cells. [ + ]