With the increasing recognition of the importance of non-coding RNA in regulation and control of gene expression, it now appears there is much more to the genome than meets the eye. [ + ]

The NSW government has moved to improve the networking capabilities of the state's research centres by pledging $AUD1.45 million over four years to the creation of high-bandwidth networks. [ + ]

Perth-based Chemeq has announced that its polymeric antimicrobial product was capable of killing gastrointestinal cancer cells. [ + ]

The concept of extra dimensions, dismissed as nonsense even by one of its earliest proponents nearly nine decades ago, may soon help solve seemingly unrelated problems in particle physics, cosmology and gravitational physics, according to a panel of experts who recently assembled at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting in Denver.

Melbourne-based drug discovery company Amrad has rationalised its R&D portfolio, the company announced yesterday, with a renewed focus on five projects in the development and pre-clinical stage. [ + ]

Hamish Scott, of Melbourne's Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, was presented with the Eppendorf Award for Young Australian Researchers at this week's 24th Lorne Genome Conference. [ + ]

The antimicrobial compound developed by Perth-based pharmaceutical company Chemeq is beginning to look it might be a useful addition to domestic water supplies. [ + ]

The Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF) today launched the latest phase of its development, unveiling a new logo and plans to become self-sufficient within the next five years. [ + ]

The largest shareholder in drug developer Biota Holdings, Perth entrepreneur Farooq Khan, is renewing his bid to force his way onto its board by calling for a March 28 general meeting in Melbourne. [ + ]

Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have taken the first stab at a "periodic table" of the protein structures - an organised map of the building blocks used over and over again to construct the billions of complex proteins that make up life on Earth.

Can gently humming or singing a melody to sick babies help them recover faster?

Sydney's Garvan Institute of Medical Research yesterday threw a party to celebrate its 40th birthday. [ + ]

The European Patent Office has granted Norwood Abbey a patent for its laser perforator technology, covering a device and method for the perforation of the skin for draining blood or administering pharmaceuticals. [ + ]

New research into the impact of water reforms on New South Wales irrigators and how they can benefit from an increased emphasis on co-operatives will be revealed at a seminar at Charles Sturt University (CSU) later this week.

Monash University is to begin offering maternity leave grants to encourage academics to return to their careers. [ + ]