New research has shown an association between higher levels of brain iron, the presence of Alzheimer's protein amyloid, and poorer memory and language skills. [ + ]

The size and swimming speed of sperm are controlled by a single supergene in birds, reveals a new study. [ + ]

Within the first hour after experiencing a traumatic injury, a person's immune system undergoes a series of complex, dynamic changes, reveals a new study. [ + ]

Japanese scientists have grown cucumbers in space flight. [ + ]

In an effort to ease the shortage of livers, US researchers have developed a new way to engineer liver tissue by organising tiny subunits that contain three types of cells embedded into a biodegradable tissue scaffold. [ + ]

Neuroscientists from the Universities of Tübingen and Sussex have developed 'FlyPi' — a low-cost imaging and microscope system for research, training and teaching. [ + ]

Prana Biotechnology has formed a research collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceuticals to study the ability of Prana's investigational movement disorders compound, PBT434, to slow or prevent neurodegeneration of the gastrointestinal system. [ + ]

US researchers have built a lab prototype of a flat microscope, called FlatScope, to provide an alternate path for sight and sound to be delivered directly to the brain. The microscope will sit on the surface of the brain, where it will detect optical signals from neurons in the cortex. [ + ]

Scientific instrument supplier Scientex has been appointed a distributor for the Precisa (Swiss and Chinese) range of analytical, benchtop and specialist application balances. [ + ]

Australian and American researchers have discovered a super cell that may have the potential to help contain the Ebola virus. [ + ]

Epichem, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian-listed PharmAust, has announced plans to expand its laboratory space and hood capacity by 50%. [ + ]

DNA molecules can be damaged by exposure to chemicals, UV light, radical oxygen and radiation. If left unrepaired, this damage could lead to genomic instability and cell death. [ + ]

In the gut of patients with heart failure, important groups of bacteria are found less frequently and the gut flora is not as diverse as in healthy individuals. [ + ]

Australian medical device company Oventus Medical has received FDA 510k clearance for its O₂Vent W device. [ + ]

University of Queensland researchers have discovered that switching off a protein produced in breast cancer cells can stop cancer progression. [ + ]