Legislation for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) has successfully passed through the Senate with bipartisan support, with assurance from the government that the fund will meet the needs of the medical research community. [ + ]

In order to empower the latest generation of scientists to better commercialise their research, Sigma-Aldrich has spearheaded a new initiative that forges a dynamic partnership between industry and academia. [ + ]

A 3D-printed drug product has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures and primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. [ + ]

For several model systems, microinjection is an established method to introduce DNA into single cells to generate transient and stable transformants. The injection of single cells within plant organs, however, is more difficult. [ + ]

Cynata Therapeutics is collaborating with the University of Sydney to test the potential therapeutic efficacy of its Cymerus mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in animal models of heart attack and associated heart rhythm abnormalities. [ + ]

It sounds too good to be true, but scientists have developed a molecule that effectively acts as an exercise mimic. By tricking cells into thinking they have run out of energy, the molecule increases glucose uptake and metabolism, thus improving glucose tolerance and weight loss. [ + ]

Ongoing research by GSK’s Ethnopharmacology Group led by Dr Annette Gross is investigating the potential for inter-ethnic differences in response to new medicines being developed by GSK R&D.

The elusive Weyl fermion, a massless particle theorised 85 years ago, has been observed by two separate teams of researchers. [ + ]

Invion and Hovione Scientia will partner on the development of inhaled INV104 (zafirlukast) as a potential new treatment for asthma. INV104 is a leukotriene receptor antagonist which works by blocking the action of leukotrienes in the lungs, thereby preventing inflammation and narrowing of the airways. [ + ]

The overproduction of an inflammatory protein that causes rheumatoid arthritis has also been implicated in the development of heart valve disease. [ + ]

Governments often impose legal conditions on such research that can subvert science and the public interest. [ + ]

It's been an exciting couple of weeks in the field of astronomy, with scientists both discovering new worlds and finding out more about old ones. [ + ]

An international research paper provides peer-reviewed support for Orthocell's new approach to the regeneration of damaged cartilage within joints. [ + ]

Professor Patrick Sexton, head of the Drug Discovery Biology theme at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, reflects on a research career in pharmacology and how working within a large research program that encompasses translational drug discovery, drug delivery and drug development has enriched his team's research. [ + ]

AstraZeneca's agreement with Adelaide Research and Innovation will provide an opportunity for researchers at the University of Adelaide to collaborate with industry-leading scientists to develop new medicines. [ + ]