The first life on Earth developed in the ancient oceans around 3.6 billion years ago but remained as little more than a layer of slime for a billion years. An international team of researchers has now revealed the ancient conditions that caused these events to occur. [ + ]

Prana Biotechnology's (ASX:PBT) PBT2 candidate improved cognition at the highest dose level during a phase II trial in patients with Huntington's disease. [ + ]

A new facility at the University of Melbourne's School of Physics has become home to a rotating anode source. The machine was installed by a team led by Professor Christopher Chantler, who noted that outside synchrotrons (of which there is only one in Australia), rotating anodes are one of the most powerful laboratory sources of X-rays. [ + ]

One of the founders of neuroscience in Australia, Professor Marcello Costa, reflects on a distinguished career as a research scientist, teacher, musician and philosopher. [ + ]

Higher-dose sales of Sirtex Medical's (ASX:SRX) SIR-Spheres liver cancer treatments and a weaker Australian dollar helped the company grow its revenue and profit for the first half of FY14. [ + ]

Despite a flat fourth quarter, the Australian life sciences sector significantly outperformed the All Ordinaries Index in 2013, but PwC believes the challenge will be sustaining the boom. [ + ]

The source of the magically appearing rock on Mars has been revealed. [ + ]

Researchers have produced a global map detailing the genetic histories of 95 different populations across the world, spanning the last 4000 years. [ + ]

Enzymes are well known for their housekeeping role in cells, but some enzymes bind RNA and might play a significant role in linking intermediary metabolism to gene expression via post-transcriptional regulation.  [ + ]

CSL (ASX:CSL) weathered the impact of a multimillion-dollar settlement payout and a decline in sales at bioCSL to turn in a 3% higher profit in 1H14. [ + ]

Cochlear (ASX:COH) has blamed delays receiving anticipated regulatory approval for new products and the potential costs of a patent violation lawsuit on a steep decline in 1H14 net profit. [ + ]

The US FDA has granted marketing approval for Admedus's (ASX:AHZ) CardioCel for use in cardiac repair surgeries in adults and children. [ + ]

An Italian phase II trial of Clinuvel's (ASX:CUV) Scenesse in rare skin condition Hailey-Hailey Disease has commenced, with recruitment due to be complete by March. [ + ]

After one of the most intensive investigations in veterinary history for a single animal, what caused the death of Berlin Zoological Garden's polar bear, Knut, has been revealed. [ + ]

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has released the results of its survey on the most important chemically engineered inventions and solutions of the modern era. The top 10 list, comprising the inventions considered to have made the biggest impact on society, was voted for by IChemE's MediaEnvoys. [ + ]