A $168 million investment in nuclear medicine and treatment at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is expected to create around 250 jobs. [ + ]

A chemistry research team has developed an inexpensive paper-based tool that can screen for counterfeit pain relievers. The paper analytical device (PAD) is the size of a business card and offers results in less than five minutes. It is technology that could ferret out other fake drugs that promise cures for everything from malaria to the flu. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a serious problem in developing countries. [ + ]

Patrys (ASX:PAB) plans to commence a phase I/IIb trial of anti-tumour antibody PAT-SM6 in Germany in Q4, after getting the go-ahead from regulators. [ + ]

The Australasian Life Science Investment Summit 2012, the largest investment event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere will again be held in conjunction with Australia’s premier biotechnology industry conference, AusBiotech 2012. Companies selected to present at the event have been announced. [ + ]

The life science sector is increasingly concerned over an indefinite freeze which has been placed on federal government grants that support innovation. The freeze is not only preventing funds from flowing through to companies that have lodged applications, but the uncertainty over the nature and implications of the freeze is causing some to fear that certain grants may be cut. [ + ]

Avexa is still working on developing next generation treatments for HIV following a turbulent couple of years, including the dumping of board in 2010 which ceased development of its lead HIV drug apcicitabine (ATC). [ + ]

Immuron (ASX:IMC) has reported a 100% survival rate from animal trials of the C. difficile treatment candidate it is developing with Monash University. [ + ]

Biota Holdings (ASX:BTA) and US-based Nabi Pharmaceuticals have amended the terms of their proposed merger, in a bid to placate Nabi shareholders seeking to block the deal. [ + ]

Nexvet Biopharma has closed a $2.5 million seed financing round, after receiving an investment from the universities-led Trans Tasman Commercialisation Fund (TTCF). [ + ]

A new industry group, the Agricultural Biotechnology Council of Australia (ABCA) has been formed to promote and encourage debate on the use of biotechnology and gene technology in agriculture in Australia. [ + ]

Janssen & AusBiotech are pleased to announce that the Janssen 2012 Industry Excellence Awards, in three categories, are now open for nominations. [ + ]

Scientists have discovered an important mechanism in which a synthetic DNA targets the immune system that could significantly improve the effectiveness of future vaccines. [ + ]

A SHRIMP IIe advanced geochronology instrument manufactured by ANU spin-off Australian Scientific Instruments has been purchased by Polish and Japanese researchers to investigate the geochronology of the Earth. [ + ]

A team of Australian researchers, led by the University of Melbourne, has developed a genetic test that is able to predict the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). [ + ]

Bionomics (ASX:BNO) has acquired US-based cancer stem cell drug development company Eclipse Therapeutics in a deal worth US$10 million ($9.5 million). [ + ]