WA researchers have used rigorous contamination controls to confirm that exposure to bacteria begins in the womb, laying to rest the longstanding question of whether or not the womb is sterile. [ + ]

An international challenge compared the diagnostic skills of 511 physicians with 139 computer algorithms from 77 different machine learnings labs. [ + ]

Scientists have added a 'homing beacon' to tumours, in the form of an injectable hydrogel, that attracts chemotherapy medicines towards cancer cells while sparing their normal counterparts. [ + ]

Thermo Fisher Scientific has completed its acquisition of HighChem but terminated the agreement under which it would have acquired Gatan. [ + ]

Scientists have found that when zapped with an electrical field, live bacteria absorb dye molecules, causing the cells to light up and allowing them to be counted easily. [ + ]

AMS Instrumentation & Calibration has been appointed the exclusive distributor for the Bronkhorst range of thermal, Coriolis and ultrasonic flowmeters and controllers for low flow rates of gases and liquids in Australia and its territories. [ + ]

From protecting beer production against climate variability to gene editing, the TropAg conference will feature a variety of discussions from food scientists and innovators. [ + ]

In a large-scale, international study, 12.5 to 20% of patients who were given the drug on a daily basis experienced so-called sustained remission — a state that is almost like being cured. [ + ]

Two separate sets of European researchers have developed their own artificial intelligence methods to identify rare diseases, for which obtaining a definitive diagnosis can be difficult and time-consuming. [ + ]

Vaccitech has administered its pandemic universal influenza A vaccine MVA-NP+M1 (VTP-100) to the first participants in a Flu 010 study. [ + ]

Monitoring blood levels with the prick of a finger could be replaced with just a breath, thanks to a ketone-monitoring device developed at the University of Sydney. [ + ]

Scientists have discovered a new internal regulator that helps control the body's response to fight infection — a regulator which could serve as a target for new drugs to tackle autoimmune diseases. [ + ]

SCHOTT, an international technology group in the areas of specialty glass and glass ceramics, has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Australian microfluidic company MINIFAB. [ + ]

The Queen's Birthday honours have been issued once again, and in 2019 there was no shortage of representatives from the Australian STEM sector on the list. [ + ]

By refining a therapeutic avenue that was previously abandoned because of its severe side effects, researchers came up with a targeted approach that is both effective and safe. [ + ]