Two international studies have revealed hundreds of previously unknown genetic links to depression, which could allow scientists to predict depression risk as well as pave the way for more effective treatments. [ + ]

Medical conditions that deprive the testes of oxygen, such as sleep apnoea, may be contributing to the decline in male fertility observed over the past 50 years. [ + ]

Unlike traditional thermometers, the Rydberg thermometer doesn't need to be adjusted or calibrated at the factory as it relies inherently on the basic principles of quantum physics. [ + ]

Individuals who had childhood epilepsy have an increased accumulation of brain amyloid later in life, potentially predisposing them to disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. [ + ]

Stem cell scientists have successfully used embryonic stem cell engineering to create a bi-paternal mouse — a mouse with two male parents — that lived until adulthood. [ + ]

Emeritus Professor Tony Haymet — a world-leading oceanographer, chemist and entrepreneur — is Australia's 10th Chief Scientist, effective immediately. [ + ]

The reforms are intended to maximise the value of the $1.2 billion in government funding that goes into the science sector each year. [ + ]

The synthetic chromosome includes features that enable researchers to generate genetic diversity on demand. [ + ]

Three months after mysterious ball-shaped debris first started washing up on NSW beaches, the balls appear to be back with a vengeance. [ + ]

A self-destructing vaccine administered intravenously provides additional safety and protection against tuberculosis (TB) in macaque monkeys, according to new research. [ + ]

Researchers at Nagoya University have demonstrated techniques for stretching and immobilising DNA in order to enable detailed analysis. [ + ]

People taking atogepant showed improvement on assessments of how much migraine impaired their activities and their overall quality of life compared to people taking a placebo. [ + ]

An experimental blood test for pancreatic cancer is being evaluated by a commercial laboratory — an important milestone towards making the test available for patients. [ + ]

Certain faecal proteins have been linked to deadly cardiovascular conditions. A connection between constipation and an increased risk of major adverse cardiac events has also been found. [ + ]

Vaxxas will receive AU$3.2m from BARDA to accelerate work advancing its high-density microarray patch technology for administration of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. [ + ]