Researchers have successfully used embryonic stem cell-derived heart muscle cells to repair injured primate hearts. [ + ]

This year's New Zealand International Science Festival (Scifest) will be held in Dunedin from 5-13 July. The aim of the event is to promote and celebrate science, technology and the natural environment to a wide general audience, showing that science is exciting, fun and accessible. [ + ]

QRxPharma's (ASX:QRX) long-serving CEO Dr John Holday has stepped down and been replaced by COO Dr Edward Rudnic, following its latest regulatory setback for dual-opioid drug Moxduo. [ + ]

A biomedical engineering alliance strengthens the partnership between the University of Sydney and Shanghai Jiaotong University. [ + ]

Researchers have discovered how our immune cells and gluten interact at the amino acid level to trigger coeliac disease. [ + ]

Californian researchers have recorded a new world record for the fastest running land animal - one which is no bigger than a sesame seed in size. [ + ]

MiReven has picked up its first US patent for the microRNA precursor based anticancer technology developed by the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. [ + ]

Australian, US and Dutch researchers have determined the molecular details of the interaction between the immune system and gluten that triggers coeliac disease. [ + ]

Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) will soon meet with the US FDA to discuss ways to accelerate the approval process for Prochymal, a stem cell-based treatment bought from Osiris Therapeutics, in GVHD. [ + ]

A study has shown that fast-growing cancer cells are sensitive towards imbalances in the metabolism of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA - a vulnerability that can be exploited for a novel anti-tumour therapeutic approach. [ + ]

Australian researchers are using the tracer principle to confirm the presence of plastics and chemicals in the food chain. The research began when Professor Richard Banati and Dr Jennifer Laver found elements in the feathers of seabirds which were similar to those found in plastics in its gut. [ + ]

A chemical has been identified that provides broad spectrum disease protection in plants. [ + ]

Nominations are open for two Victoria Prizes for Science & Innovation and the 2014 Victoria Fellowships. [ + ]

Specialised Therapeutics Australia has become the exclusive distributor in ANZ for Iluvien, a DMO treatment being commercialised by Alimera Sciences under licence from pSivida (ASX:PVA). [ + ]

Lonza Bioscience Singapore has received cGMP certification from the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for its cell-therapy manufacturing facility, while Lonza Group has announced changes in the composition of its executive committee (EC). [ + ]