pSivida (ASX:PVA) licensee Alimera Sciences has got the marketing nod in Sweden for DMO treatment Iluvien, marking its 10th EU approval.

The 2014 Australian Museum Eureka Prize winners were announced at an award dinner held last night at Sydney Town Hall. The national awards, which have been running since 1990, acknowledge outstanding contributions to Australian science. [ + ]

Pharmaxis' (ASX:PXS) Bronchitol may have missed its main endpoint in last year's bronchiectasis trial, but new analysis shows a statistically significant improvement in high-risk patients. [ + ]

An international research effort into the genome sequencing of the coffee plant has revealed its 'convergent evolution' with unrelated cacao and tea plants.

Patents are at the core of enabling genetic tests, treatments, vaccines and cures resulting from medical research, says AusBiotech - contrary to reports stemming from last week's Federal Court decision in the D'Arcy v Myriad Genetics case that claim research is being stifled.

Ascend Biopharmaceuticals aims to commence a phase II trial of BCC treatment candidate ASN-002 in 1H15 and a phase Ib trial of breast cancer candidate ASN-004 in 2H15.

Professor David Black has been re-elected as Secretary General of the International Council for Science. [ + ]

NASA's Alice ultraviolet (UV) spectrograph, located aboard the European Space Agency's Rosetta comet orbiter, has made the first far ultraviolet spectra of a cometary surface. [ + ]

Antisense Therapeutics' (ASX:ANP) ATL1103 candidate reduced sIGF-I levels in patients with the growth disorder acromegaly during a phase II trial.

The Federal Court of Australia has upheld its decision from last year in favour of Myriad Genetics patenting isolated DNA associated with breast cancer gene mutations. [ + ]

Australia's Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, has released his recommendations for a strategic approach to science and its related fields. [ + ]

Putting plants in the office makes for happier staff and boosts productivity. [ + ]

The release of the federal government's Science, Research and Innovation Budget Tables this week reveals the losses of almost $400m to science, research and innovation, prompting AusBiotech to reinforce its calls for urgent and specific action that will drive growth in the biotechnology industry and, therefore, the Australian economy.

Chief Scientist Ian Chubb has called for a coherent, strategic and long-term approach to science in Australia.  [ + ]

GSK will cease operation of its research unit at Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital at the end of the month, laying off eight employees and five contractors. [ + ]