Researchers from James Cook University (JCU) and The Townsville Hospital have developed a highly sensitive and rapid multiplex diagnostic test for melioidosis. Their findings have been published in the journal Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. [ + ]

Freehills Patent Attorneys has appointed another a partner in their pharmaceutical and biotechnology practice. [ + ]

A poster presentation detailing the activity of BioDiem's (ASX:BDM-I) animicrobial BDM-I in nearly 70 fungal infections has been presented at an interscience conference. [ + ]

The combination of lower shark numbers and coral loss is having an impact on fish communities of coral reefs. [ + ]

Applications are open for The Centenary Institute Lawrence Creative Prize for early-career biomedical researchers. [ + ]

Calzada (ASX:CZD) has submitted an application with the US FDA for its NovoSorb wound dressings in procedures involving topical negative pressure (TNP). [ + ]

Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) has announced the latest settlement in its US patent enforcement efforts and finalised the terms for a proposed US$5m issue of convertible notes. [ + ]

A genetic study - carried out by scientists at the Universities of Oxford, St Andrews and Bristol and the Max Plank Institute for Psycholinguistics - has identified a biological process that influences whether we are right- or left-handed. [ + ]

The 2013 UNSW Innovation Awards winners have been announced. The awards recognise and reward the effort and ingenuity of UNSW staff and students in the creation and transfer of new knowledge and innovations into society and the economy. [ + ]

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new material which uses raspberry particles (so called because of their appearance) to trap tiny water droplets and prevent them from rolling off surfaces. [ + ]

Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott yesterday announced the incoming ministry for the new federal government, to be sworn in this week. It has been observed that several portfolio titles have been simplified, while a minister for science appears to have been omitted altogether. [ + ]

AusBiotech has welcomed the new Coalition ministry; in particular, the new Minister for Industry, Ian Macfarlane, who is returning to the portfolio he held from 2001 to 2007 when he was the Minister for Industry (Tourism and Resources). [ + ]

The incoming ministry for the newly elected Australian Government has been unveiled. [ + ]

Starpharma (ASX:SPL) revealed that US crop protection company Gowan is considering using its Priostar dendrimer technology in some of its products. [ + ]

Analytical and sample preparation equipment supplier ATX has become the exclusive Australian and New Zealand agent for UK-based TTP Labtech's life science product range. TTP Labtech is a developer and manufacturer of products for pharmaceutical and biotech research at both the industrial and academic levels. [ + ]