A newly discovered microbe appears to be a key mediator of methane-based positive feedback to climate warming. [ + ]

In the latest announcement dedicating almost $186 million in funding, the federal government will create three new cooperative research centres (CRCs) and extend four existing CRCs, including the Hearing CRC and the Cancer Therapeutics CRC, to drive research that will deliver practical benefits. [ + ]

Immuron (ASX:IMC) has completed a $9.66m capital raising, giving it funds to commence a phase IIb trial of its liver disease drug candidate in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). [ + ]

A new report provides commitment to national investment in brain research. [ + ]

Contract research organisation Biopta has launched the first catalogue of assays based on human functional tissues. The catalogue serves to provide the scientific community with ready access to assays that improve the prediction of safety, absorption and efficacy of drug candidates in humans. [ + ]

San Diego Zoo Global and the University of Sydney are collaborating to save the Tasmanian devil. The institutions are working on the reintroduction and management of a population free of devil facial tumour disease. [ + ]

Benitec Biopharma (ASX:BLT) has launched a private placement to raise up to $31.5 million to further its ddRNAi development programs. [ + ]

Admedus, Nanosonics, Universal Biosensors and CSL were among the companies recognised last week as Australia's best performers in the Australian healthcare industry at the 2014 Frost & Sullivan Australia Healthcare Awards. [ + ]

Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane has announced almost $186 million in funding as part of the 16th CRC (Cooperative Research Centre) Program selection round. The government funding will create three new CRCs and extend four existing CRCs. [ + ]

Thermo Fisher Scientific has presented its 2014 Cellome Award to the authors of the article 'A regenerative approach to the treatment of multiple sclerosis', featured in the October 2013 issue of Nature. [ + ]

Health Minister Peter Dutton today launched the 'Inspiring smarter brain research in Australia' report at Parliament House, Canberra. The report contains recommendations from a High Flyers Think Tank hosted by the Australian Academy of Science in Melbourne last year. [ + ]

Prima Biomed (ASX:PRR) has finalised a licensing agreement with Israel's Neopharm covering CVac, Prima's treatment candidate under development for ovarian cancer. [ + ]

The government has allocated $186m for the 16th round of the CRC program, and the Cancer Therapeutics CRC is the top beneficiary. [ + ]

Alchemia (ASX:ACL) has selected COO Thomas Liquard to replace Charles Walker as CEO and announced a slimmer 1H14 net loss of $5.5m. [ + ]

Two new $50,000 prizes for stem cell researchers. [ + ]