UK scientists have developed tiny self-assembling transport networks, powered by nanoscale motors and controlled by DNA. The system can construct its own network of tracks spanning tens of micrometres in length, transport cargo across the network and even dismantle the tracks. [ + ]

Drug potential from Great Barrier Reef sea sponges ready for commercial development. [ + ]

The latest calendar for AusBiotech’s line-up of major life sciences events brings you all your favourites and some new additions, amounting to a broad range of networking, learning and sponsorship opportunities. Save the dates now for 2014 … [ + ]

Medical device company Simavita is planning to raise AU$15 million via an IPO, with the aim of listing on Canada’s Toronto Stock Exchange. [ + ]

A surge in diabetes is occurring in Australia, and across the world, according to the latest IDF Diabetes Atlas. [ + ]

Researchers at the Universities of Adelaide and Queensland have found that zinc can 'starve' one of the world's most deadly bacteria by preventing its uptake of an essential metal. [ + ]

iSonea (ASX:ISN) will hunt for an international sales exec to replace its outgoing CEO, while Starpharma (ASX:SPL) has named the person slated to replace its long-serving chairman. [ + ]

The TGA has approved the local availability of Gliolan, a drug for helping brain surgeons remove tumours, through licensee Specialised Therapeutics Australia. [ + ]

Biotechnology major CSL was last week named Australia's most respected 'chemical/life sciences' company, appearing for the first time in the top 10 companies in the Australian Financial Review's 'Boss' magazine annual study. [ + ]

Mesoblast's (ASX:MSB) detailed preclinical research suggests that its proprietary MPCs could improve recovery in ischemic stroke patients, even when injected up to seven days post stroke. [ + ]

Patrys (ASX:PAB) shares climbed 66% after the company announced a new combination study for one of its anticancer antibodies and the award of a US patent for another. [ + ]

The Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowships and Major Grants funding announcements for funding commencing in 2013 and 2014 were made last week. [ + ]

The NSW Stem Cell Network is hosting a workshop to address the future of stem cell research in Australia and the gap in taking innovative stem cell therapies to patients. [ + ]

Clinuvel (ASX:CUV) said its Scenesse drug was able to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with rare genetic disease EPP during a phase III trial. [ + ]

A world-first brain imaging system has been launched at the Australian Hearing Hub, located at Macquarie University. The system will allow researchers in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders (CCD) and HEARing Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) to see how the information processed by cochlear implants is interpreted by the brain. [ + ]