Australian researchers have designed a chemical sensor that can detect and measure zinc levels in cells, allowing for a deeper understanding of the dynamic roles that metal ions play in the human body. [ + ]

Science & Technology Australia (STA) has elected three new leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to its board, in an effort to represent scientists and technologists working in a range of disciplines. [ + ]

In the hunt for novel treatments against triple-negative breast cancer, US researchers have combined a new protein inhibitor with a chemotherapy drug. [ + ]

US researchers have developed an approach to gene circuit design that is far more efficient than current techniques. [ + ]

Western Australian researchers have developed a new cancer treatment with the dual ability to normalise tumour blood vessels and boost the body's immune system. [ + ]

Food testing company Arrow Scientific has announced that it is merging with Key Diagnostics, effective as of 1 October. [ + ]

Australian researchers have developed an automated computer technique that is able to aid in the diagnosis of bladder cancer, allowing suspect lesion images to be quickly and effectively analysed and then classified for cancer risk. [ + ]

An international research collaboration has provided a genome sequence for the white Guinea yam — a staple crop with huge economic and cultural significance on the African continent. [ + ]

According to a new study from UNSW, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not itself an epidemic. Rather, it has the potential to worsen pandemics or seasonal influenza epidemics, and should be kept in perspective. [ + ]

Stem cells can now be triggered to change into heart muscle cells thanks to a new method involving synthetic molecules, developed by researchers at Kyoto University. [ + ]

Sirtex Medical has paid a penalty of $100,000 after the Australian Securities and Investments Commission issued an infringement notice for an alleged failure by the company to comply with its continuous disclosure obligations. [ + ]

Monash University scientists have adopted a Single Cell RNA-Seq System, from Dolomite Bio, to further their research into animal models of diabetic nephropathy. [ + ]

Regenerative medicine company Avita Medical has announced the execution of an expanded contract option valued at approximately US$24.3 million. [ + ]

Deakin University and Chinese biotech company Suzhou GenePharma have partnered to develop a blood test that can detect fatal diseases like pancreatic or lung cancer. [ + ]

ComBio2017 — the combined meeting of the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian Society of Plant Scientists and Australia and New Zealand Society for Cell and Developmental Biology — will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 2–5 October 2017. [ + ]