Women in biotechnology have featured strongly in the “2012 Australia Census of Women in Leadership”, with biotech CEOs making up 25 per cent of the female CEOs of ASX 500 companies. [ + ]

According to psychological lore, when it comes to items of information the mind can cope with before confusion sets in, the ‘magic’ number is seven. But a new analysis by a leading Australian psychiatrist challenges this long-held view, suggesting the number might actually be four. [ + ]

To provide greater clarity and consistency in naming practices for medicines, a new drug naming policy established by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) will become official on 1 May 2013. [ + ]

A pre-clinical trial of Allied Healthcare's (ASX:AHZ) CardioCel in valve reconstruction showed evidence of new tissue growth near the parch at eight-month follow-up. [ + ]

Tumult has struck Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) as CEO Paul MacLeman resigns at the annual general meeting yesterday in protest over a board spill. [ + ]

Trading in Starpharma (ASX:SPL) has been halted ahead of an announcement by the company of two phase III studies of its VivaGel treatment for bacterial vaginosis. [ + ]

Australia’s Chief Scientist and Australian Research Committee (ARCom) chairman Professor Ian Chubb has welcomed today’s launch of the National Research Investment Plan (NRIP). [ + ]

Scientists have demonstrated in an experiment that captured ions can be cooled through contact with cold atoms and may thus be stored in so-called ion traps in a stable condition for longer periods of time. [ + ]

A team of researchers, including engineers from Los Alamos National Laboratory, has demonstrated a new concept for a reliable nuclear reactor that could be used on space flights. [ + ]

Danish researchers have developed a new and sensitive method that makes it possible to diagnose malaria from a single drop of blood or saliva. [ + ]

CSL (ASX:CSL) shares surged to a record $50+ after the company hiked its FY13 profit forecast by seven percentage points. [ + ]

The Federal Government panel reviewing patenting of pharmaceuticals in Australia has released a new paper for discussion. [ + ]

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved Genzyme’s once-a-day MS treatment, Aubagio, for sale in Australia. [ + ]

The inaugural OMICS Australasia 2012 Symposium is being held from 26-28 November in Fremantle, Western Australia. It is being hosted by Murdoch University and supported by the Western Australian Department of Commerce, Bruker and other industry sponsors. [ + ]

A newly discovered gene that is essential for embryo survival could also hold the key to treating and potentially controlling chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis. [ + ]