University of Montreal researchers have found that changes in gravity affect the reproductive process in plants. Gravity modulates traffic on the intracellular ‘highways’ that ensure the growth and functionality of the male reproductive organ in plants - the pollen tube. [ + ]

The University of Queensland has received a major funding boost to its development of a saliva test to diagnose the early stages of head and neck cancer linked to human papillomavirus (HPV). [ + ]

UNSW’s Dean of Science, Professor Merlin Crossley, has found the third and final missing piece in the genetic puzzle of an unusual form of haemophilia, more than 20 years after he discovered the first two pieces. [ + ]

Deep in water-filled underground caves beneath Australia’s Nullarbor Plain, cave divers have discovered unusual ‘curtains’ of biological material known as Nullarbor cave slimes. [ + ]

Nominations for the NHMRC 2013 Ethics Award close on 22 March 2013. [ + ]

Hatchtech has appointed Australian pharmaceutical industry veteran Hugh Alsop to the post of CEO as it prepares for phase III trials of head lice treatment DeOvo. [ + ]

Australian researchers have taken part in an international study that has deciphered how devil facial tumour disease cells evade the immune system. [ + ]

Pharmaxis (ASX:PXS) COO Gary Phillips will replace founding CEO Alan Robertson at the helm and will re-examine the company’s business model in light of its expected FDA setback. [ + ]

Having undergone an expert review, The Code of Best Practice for Reporting by Life Sciences Companies is open for comment. [ + ]

Scientists at the University of Bath have solved a problem that has frustrated biologists for years - why different parts of proteins are made at different rates. [ + ]

Companies that sign up to be part of the Australian Pavilion at BIO 2013 will receive a discounted registration rate for this biotech convention. [ + ]

Alchemia (ASX:ACL) has raised $10.2m in an institutional placement and will seek another $2m via an SPP to help fund its Phase III trial of HA-Irinotecan in colorectal cancer. [ + ]

A new treatment for multiple myeloma, developed by Patrys, shows promising results in patients. [ + ]

Alchemia has been granted a US patent for the use of HA-Irinotecan and its HyACT targeted chemotherapy platform. [ + ]

Pharmaxis (ASX:PXS) shares climbed 15% after the company revealed it had completed a phase III trial of Bronchitol in patients with bronchiectasis. [ + ]