Mass spectrometry has become a key tool for the analysis of biomolecules in applications that range from discovery of biomarkers to the analysis of drug metabolites. While many of the analytical benchmarks of the mass spectrometer - limit of quantitation or LOQ, signal-to-noise or S/N, dynamic range, mass resolution - are important for these applications, the absolute sensitivity is a key factor that drives these characteristics. [ + ]

Professor Brendan Crabb, incoming President of AAMRI, outlines the priorities he sees for health and medical research in Australia at a time of budget cuts and systemic challenges. [ + ]

Two Northwestern University researchers have discovered a remarkably easy way to make nanofluidic devices: using paper and scissors. And they can cut a device into any shape and size they want, adding to the method’s versatility. [ + ]

Exploring the evolutionary tree of life is now as easy as navigating an online map, thanks to a new interactive website which does away with giant pieces of paper and confusion. [ + ]

An automated segmented flow analyser, the AA3 from Seal Analytical, is being used at BASF’s manufacturing facility at Ludwigshafen in Germany to protect manufacturing equipment from corrosion or chemical attack from potential impurities in demineralised water, boiler feed water and steam condensate. [ + ]

Researchers at the University of Bonn have investigated a link between testosterone and self-serving lying. Surprisingly, the study revealed that a subject’s level of testosterone seems to be linked to his level of honesty. [ + ]

The history of our solar system is being uncovered using Australia’s only nuclear reactor. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has partnered with Germany’s prestigious Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC) in order to analyse chondrules - multibillion-year-old particles from outer space. [ + ]

The latest in super-resolution microscope technology has allowed Australian researchers to rewrite the book on the process of bacterial cell division, potentially opening the door to new kinds of antibiotics. [ + ]

Scientific recruitment firm Kelly Scientific Resources is predicting a shortage of candidates for traditional scientific roles as qualified scientists seek green collar opportunities created as a result of the carbon tax. [ + ]

Microscale laser surgery on male beetles’ genitalia has been used to establish that for beetles size actually does matter. [ + ]

Professor Tony Peacock, CEO of the CRC Association, says the government “funding pause” shows even science isn’t immune from politically motivated budget cuts, so scientists must make their case more strongly and more often. [ + ]

The Nikon Small World winners of 2012 showcase the fantastic world that exists just beyond our perception. [ + ]

On a long spaceflight, unique conditions including microgravity could give microbes the upper hand, but not if astronauts and their spacecraft are properly prepared. Brown University’s Dr Leonard Mermel brings together a broad base of research to come up with specific recommendations for keeping astronauts safe in deep space. [ + ]

Millions of dollars in long-awaited funding for medical research have finally been allocated with the National Health and Medical Research Council announcing the outcomes key grants. [ + ]

If primary school students engage in science for just 10 hours/year, their standardised test scores in maths and language arts improve. [ + ]