A lunar testbed, understood to be the first of its kind in Australia, is currently under construction as part of the $7.9 million QUT Space Technology Precinct. [ + ]

BioNTech will develop and commission a state-of-the-art mRNA clinical-scale manufacturing facility at La Trobe University's Melbourne campus. [ + ]

The NHMRC is investing $379m through its Investigator Grant scheme and $268m through its Ideas Grant scheme, to support health and medical research leaders. [ + ]

The team is aiming to use quantum tech to create new molecules that can treat skin cancers or improve sunscreens. [ + ]

BiomeBank has opened a new GMP manufacturing facility, located in Adelaide's biomedical precinct, in order to increase global supply of the company's donor-derived microbiome-based therapy. [ + ]

From wearables to immersive tech and AI-powered innovations, the series explores how medical technology is creating opportunities to live longer, more fulfilling lives. [ + ]

Oestrogen levels measured through blood tests may be able to identify postmenopausal women who will benefit most from the breast cancer prevention drug anastrozole. [ + ]

Researchers have succeeded in restoring lost brain function in mouse models of stroke using small molecules, which could in future be developed into a stroke recovery therapy. [ + ]

CVD-21 enables a 'liquid cardiovascular biopsy' for quantification of multiple cardiovascular disease processes in a drop of blood. [ + ]

The new material could be easily and controllably applied by spray-casting on many medical devices to protect them against infection. [ + ]

Scientists are not only detecting microplastics in the atmosphere but also investigating how they may play a role in cloud formation. [ + ]

ATSE has announced 116 scholarships as part of the Elevate: Boosting women in STEM program, while the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science initiative honoured five female scientists from Australia and New Zealand. [ + ]

A simple-to-apply, needle-free vaccine patch could be used in future to protect people from the potentially deadly mosquito-borne Zika virus. [ + ]

The new tumour marker has a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 99%, far exceeding the sensitivity of conventional tumour markers in identifying cancer patients. [ + ]

Taking into account whether people believe they are receiving a real treatment or a placebo could help improve interventions for conditions such as depression and ADHD. [ + ]