Australian researchers have shown for the first time a link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an often fatal lung condition, and the gut microbiome. [ + ]

A nasal spray that can provide effective protection against the SARS-Cov-2 virus has been developed, using materials already cleared for use in humans. [ + ]

An experimental Alzheimer's disease treatment is proving effective at treating some of the most persistent, life-threatening antibiotic-resistant bacteria. [ + ]

A tumour-like coral disease is prevalent in the reef systems around the Cocos Keeling Islands, affecting the coral's ability to reproduce and grow effectively. [ + ]

Neck, head and anal cancers linked to human papilloma viruses (HPV) could be detected early, thanks to a highly specific diagnostic test. [ + ]

Japanese scientists have used a novel technique to grow a 'forest' of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with greater length than has ever before been recorded. [ + ]

Interim analysis of Moderna's Phase 3 study of mRNA-1273 finds that the COVID-19 vaccine candidate has an efficacy of 94.5% and remains stable at -20°C for up to six months. [ + ]

The ACRF Centre for Intravital Imaging of Niches for Cancer Immune Therapy is set to address why some cancer patients respond to immunotherapies while others do not. [ + ]

Doctors may be able to more accurately confirm concussions by measuring mRNA in a person's saliva, aiding diagnosis in a non-invasive, non-biased fashion. [ + ]

ClearMate allows a patient to hyperventilate off the alcohol in their system while returning precisely the amount of carbon dioxide to the body to keep it at normal levels in the blood. [ + ]

ANSTO has announced accolades for Professor Peter Lay and Dr Wei Kong Pang, in recognition of their contributions to synchrotron research. [ + ]

Pregnant women with obesity could reduce the health risks for their infants through improved diet and more physical activity. [ + ]

Researchers have uncovered an extinct species of monk seal that lived in the Southern Hemisphere, changing scientists' understanding of how seal species evolved around the world. [ + ]

The research team's key finding — the changing state of a protein's structural bonds — is likely to have significant implications as to how proteins are targeted by medical researchers. [ + ]

Renowned physicist Dr Cathy Foley AO has been appointed Australia's next Chief Scientist, taking over from Dr Alan Finkel AO after his tenure comes to an end in December. [ + ]