A novel agent that targets a mutated form of the KRAS gene — the most commonly altered oncogene in human cancers — shrank tumours in most patients in a clinical trial. [ + ]

Dexamethasone can boost survival of premature babies when given to pregnant women at risk of preterm birth in low-resource settings. [ + ]

Researchers have traced cancer cells back to their tumour of origin by detecting an overexpression of fibroblast growth factor receptor in both the cancer cells and the tumour. [ + ]

The rollout of new, World Health Organization-approved, antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 in Africa is expected to significantly boost testing capacity. [ + ]

A team that was instrumental in the world-first detection of gravitational waves has won the 2020 Prime Minister's Prize for Science. [ + ]

A metabolite produced following consumption of dietary soy may decrease a key risk factor for dementia — with the help of the right bacteria. [ + ]

Scientists have found a way to turn ultratough pollen into a soft and flexible material, using a simple chemical process akin to conventional soap-making. [ + ]

Droplets of fat inside our cells are helping the body's defence system fight back against infection, serving as both a food source for and a weapon against bacterial invaders. [ + ]

A new anticancer drug candidate offers a way to inhibit both tumour growth and drug-induced hyperglycaemia in multiple models of HR+ breast cancer. [ + ]

QUT will develop software to crunch the complex geochemical data that will be captured by the Perseverance rover during its mission to search for ancient life on Mars. [ + ]

Melbourne researchers have revealed that the gut microbiome is selected and starts developing as early as five months in utero, rather than during the birthing process. [ + ]

Researchers are using chemical biomarkers released by the brain immediately after a head injury occurs to pinpoint when patients need urgent medical attention. [ + ]

Interim results indicate that the four treatments tested appear to have little or no effect on 28-day mortality or the in-hospital course of COVID-19 among hospitalised patients. [ + ]

A new exploratory study suggests that the peripheral nervous system — the nerves that control our sense of touch, pain and other sensations — may play a role in autism. [ + ]

Two Australian scientists have been awarded CSL Centenary Fellowships, and patients are now being enrolled in the COVID-19 clinical held by the CoVIg-19 Plasma Alliance. [ + ]