Thermo Fisher Scientific and Immundiagnostik have announced a collaboration to develop novel mass spectrometry-based assays for qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins and peptides. The goal is development of commercial assays to be widely applicable in research and routine clinical analysis. [ + ]

The first published data from Clinuvel's (ASX:CUV) trial of SCENESSE in patients with skin condition vitiligo indicate that the treatment can help accelerate repigmentation of the skin. [ + ]

Data from a trial of Biotron's (ASX:BIT) novel hepatitis C (HCV) treatment candidate shows that all patients treated with the highest dose had undetectable levels of the virus at 48-week follow up. [ + ]

The Federal Government has announced the commission of an expert panel to review the “appropriateness of the extension arrangements for pharmaceutical patents.” This review is part of a broad range of measures the Government is undertaking to scrutinise the Australian patent system. [ + ]

Flinders University researcher Dr Jan Bekker is on a mission to chemically fingerprint South Australia’s marine sponges, with the wider aim of identifying new compounds that could ultimately play an important role in the fight against cancer and infectious diseases. [ + ]

Rats’ keen sense of smell can be exploited to dramatically reduce their attacks on native birds, researchers from the University of Sydney have shown. The technique could be adapted to protect vulnerable species worldwide. [ + ]

TAP Biosystems has announced the appointment of TrendBio as its new distribution partner. The appointment will provide scientists in Australia and New Zealand with rapid access to, and support of, TAP Biosystems’ range of automated bioprocessing and cell processing technologies. [ + ]

Prima BioMed (ASX:PRR) has reported promising interim results from a phase II trial of CVac, its prospective ovarian cancer vaccine. [ + ]

The BrainArt Exhibition integrates the artistic and scientific worlds, depicting the application of neuroscience in our daily lives. [ + ]

Scientists at Murdoch University have led a study which calculates that all bonds in a DNA strand preserved at the ideal temperature of -5°C would be completely destroyed in bone after approximately 6.8 million years. [ + ]

Two astronomers involved in the Square Kilometre Array telescope project have been recognised at the 2012 WA Science Awards. [ + ]

Nanosonics (ASX:NAN) has been entered as a finalist in the Australian Export Awards, after winning recognition at yesterday's Premier's NSW Export Awards. [ + ]

Benitec Biopharma (ASX:BLT) will acquire Tacere Therapeutics, which has a phase I/II ready hepatitis C treatment candidate developed using Benitec's ddRNAi technology. [ + ]

Bionomics (ASX:BNO) has announced that chairman Chris Fullerton will leave the company at the end of the year, and will be replaced by Graeme Kaufman. [ + ]

The AusBiotech Annual Report 2012, released this week, details another significant period for AusBiotech and for the Australian biotechnology industry. [ + ]