Clinuvel (ASX:CUV) is awaiting approval to commence a new phase II trial of Scenesse in vitiligo, to help confirm the positive findings of an earlier trial. [ + ]

The NHMRC has recognised a human molecular geneticist and an IVF researcher with the respective NHMRC Outstanding Contribution Award and the NHMRC Ethics Award. [ + ]

Clinical trials facility Linear Clinical Research, drug discovery CRO Epichem and sera supplier Serana have all won prizes during this year's Western Australian Industry and Export Awards. [ + ]

The Delboeuf illusion is an optical illusion whereby a large context makes a small, enclosed area appear smaller than it really is. Researchers have found that this illusion is having an impact in the field of dentistry, with some dentists making larger holes in teeth than they really need to. [ + ]

A team of international scientists, including Flinders University animal studies expert Dr Guido J Parra, has found evidence to suggest the recognition of at least four distinct species in the humpback dolphin family - one of which is completely new to science. [ + ]

Biotech supplier Sartorius Stedim Biotech (SSB) and medical technology company BD Diagnostics have announced a collaboration to develop, manufacture and market various ready-to-use, prefilled media products for microbiological applications in pharmaceutical, biotech and research laboratories. [ + ]

The Janssen Industry Excellence Awards, held this week during the AusBiotech 2013 national conference in Brisbane, every year recognise outstanding commercialisation of innovative healthcare solutions by Australian biotechnology and healthcare companies. The 2013 Company of the Year award was presented to Nanosonics. [ + ]

Chemical engineers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have synthesised an iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP) that delivers cancer drugs to cells while simultaneously monitoring the drug release in real time. [ + ]

Whole genome sequencing at birth is soon to arrive in our hospitals, predicts Professor Matt Brown. [ + ]

Pharmaxis (ASX:PXS) has elected to receive the full US$40m investment from NovaQuest, to help fund its continuing efforts to achieve US approval for Bronchitol in cystic fibrosis. [ + ]

Linley Clinic Private Hospital has become the first Melbourne clinic to offer Regeneus's (ASX:RGS) HiQCell, a point-of-care cell therapy for musculoskeletal conditions. [ + ]

Three scientists and two teachers were honoured at a black-tie dinner at Parliament House with the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science, Canberra.

Alchemia (ASX:ACL) has received an $8.8m R&D tax incentive windfall, as it benefited from a finding that it can apply for a rebate on some research conducted overseas. [ + ]

Researchers from The University of Western Australia (UWA) have helped develop a nanoparticle light filter system which stimulates the growth of useful microalgal organisms. The resulting microalgal cells, and their light-absorbing photopigments, provide high value-added chemical compounds. [ + ]

Nexvet has closed an oversubscribed capital raising, taking in an extra $7m to support its veterinary biological drug development programs. [ + ]