Science and technology company Merck has developed a new genome editing tool that is said to make CRISPR more efficient, flexible and specific. [ + ]

Australian-listed, clinical-stage oncology company PharmAust has secured a new patent in Australia covering the use of its lead drug for non-cancer applications, including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and age-related disorders. [ + ]

The Australian National University (ANU) is inviting citizen scientists with an interest in astronomy to join a search for exploding stars called supernovae. [ + ]

Scientists have found that cancer immunotherapy, intended to boost the body's immune system in order to fight tumours, may actually be having the opposite effect in some cancers. [ + ]

Scientists at Sydney's Garvan Institute of Medical Research have discovered that 'tumour-trained' immune cells — which have the potential to kill cancer cells — move from one tumour to another. [ + ]

The Annual Conference of China Scientific Instruments (ACCSI) has recognised the Micromeritics GeoPyc 1365 as one of the leading new instruments introduced in China in 2017. [ + ]

Australian researchers have grown brain cells on a semiconductor wafer patterned with nanowires which act as a scaffold to guide the growth of brain cells. [ + ]

Avita Medical Limited, a regenerative medicine company focused on the treatment of wounds and skin defects, has filed an Inter Partes Review (IPR) petition against Renovacare patent. [ + ]

UK researchers have uncovered the secret behind the explosive leaping ability of leafhopper insects — a discovery that could help create better technology in the future. [ + ]

The Australian Clinical Trials Alliance has welcomed the funding commitment for clinical trials and registries in the Federal Budget. [ + ]

Pharmaceutical manufacturing and drug development company IDT Australia has received a Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame award in the High Growth Sector of Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals. [ + ]

Australian epigenetics and genomics researcher Ryan Lister has been chosen alongside 40 researchers from 16 countries to receive a prestigious international scholarship that will fund his research. [ + ]

Cannabis has the potential to reverse brain ageing and improve memory function, a new European study has revealed. [ + ]

Altnia Group has spun out a new company called Exopharm as part of its efforts to bring a new type of nanodrug called exosomes into local clinical trials. [ + ]

PharmAust, an ASX-listed oncology company, has secured a key China patent. [ + ]