Research from the University of Western Australia (UWA) could have a significant impact on the treatment of ear infections, reducing the need for antibiotics and surgery and tackling hearing loss in Indigenous communities. [ + ]

The board of Standards Australia has announced the appointment of Dr Bronwyn Evans as chief executive officer. Dr Evans will replace incumbent CEO Colin Blair following his retirement and is due to commence on 28 October 2013. [ + ]

Scientists from the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL), in collaboration with Russia’s Institute of Monitoring of Climatic and Ecological Systems, have shown how a technique called terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) can be used to identify counterfeit clothing and footwear. [ + ]

Researchers at Technische Universität München (TUM) have decoded the proteome of 59 tumour cell lines from the US National Cancer Institute, known as the ‘NCI-60’ cell lines, which represent the most common tumour diseases in nine tissues (eg, brain, breast, bowels, skin, blood). [ + ]

Forensic scientists at the University of Kent have used Raman spectrometry to identify 20 brands of lipstick which may be left on everyday items - textile fibres, cigarette butts and tissues - without removing such items from their evidence bags. [ + ]

Bioscientists at the University of Kent have revealed for the first time how vitamin B12/antipernicious anaemia factor is made. The mystery of its construction is often referred to as “the Mount Everest of biosynthetic problems”. [ + ]

Australia’s 16th National Science Week has been launched. [ + ]

In recognition of a large gift from a donor, QIMR will now be known as the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. [ + ]

An opportunity to develop business skills exists for emerging medical device and diagnostics entrepreneurs in Victoria. [ + ]

Dr Deborah Rathjen, Managing Director of Bionomics and Chair of AusBiotech, has been elected as the Chair of the Pharmaceuticals Industry Council (PIC). Dr Rathjen will hold this position until at least June 2014. [ + ]

Novogen (ASX:NRT) has appointed Paul de Souza as chairman of its medical advisory board, which will help the company conduct clinical trials for ovarian cancer drug CS-6. [ + ]

Prana Biotechnology (ASX:PBT) has hired former Alchemia CEO Dr Peter Smith to help guide late-stage development of PBT2 in Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. [ + ]

iSonea (ASX:ISN) has secured an ARTG listing for wheeze-monitoring device AirSonea, paving the way for the Australian launch of the product in September. [ + ]

The Wolverine, the latest blockbuster from 20th Century Fox, was filmed and produced at Fox Studios in Sydney throughout 2012 and 2013. Labware provider Kartell was contacted by the production design team for assistance in creating the high-end, high-tech Japanese interior for the ‘fusion lab’ set and throughout the film. [ + ]

AusBiotech has joined the growing chorus of Australian organisations and individuals who are opposed to the federal government’s plan to cap tax deductible self-education expenses at $2000 per Australian resident per annum. [ + ]