An international research team has identified the mysterious disease afflicting families in Belgium, England and France for the past several decades — as well as a potential cure. [ + ]

A researcher from Oregon State University has claimed that malaria evolved in insects at least 100 million years ago. His research suggests that the first vertebrate hosts of this disease were probably reptiles, which at that time would have included the dinosaurs. [ + ]

Invion has met with the US FDA to discuss Phase 3 plans for development of oral INV102 (nadolol) as a treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who cannot quit cigarette smoking. [ + ]

Comcare is holding a series of Australia-wide forums focusing on the transition to the new international system of chemical labelling and classification. [ + ]

A new drug could be used to repair the blood vessel defects that prevent current anticancer treatments from entering tumours. [ + ]

The Office of the Chief Scientist has released a detailed analysis of Australia's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) trained workforce. [ + ]

The Australian Institute of Medical Scientists and the UK Institute of Biomedical Science have signed a memorandum of understanding that is intended to strengthen the partnership between the two organisations. [ + ]

Semifinalists in the science communication competition FameLab will take to the stage on 7 April at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. [ + ]

The Australian Research Council has announced the members of the two Engagement and Impact working groups that will assist in the development of a research engagement and impact assessment for Australia. [ + ]

WellSpring Pharma Services has agreed to manufacture two to three pharmaceutical products that require manufacturing processes or scale not currently available at IDT's Boronia facilities. [ + ]

Opthea has completed patient enrolment in its ongoing phase 1 dose escalation clinical trial of OPT-302 as a novel therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). [ + ]

Scientists from The University of Western Australia have used fluorescent green dye to observe different sperm competing to fertilise eggs. [ + ]

MecRx has secured a $4 million investment from the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund to advance its breakthrough technology for accelerating drug discovery. [ + ]

Researchers have proposed a way to improve the beam quality of laser wakefield accelerators, also known as benchtop accelerators. [ + ]

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has opened its annual funding round with the aim of supporting groundbreaking prostate cancer research. [ + ]