Two University of Queensland scientists are leading teams to develop cutting-edge vaccines aimed at fighting cattle tick infestation and common bovine diseases. [ + ]

The three top performing life science stocks over the last four quarters delivered more than 100% returns over that time. [ + ]

A large-scale trial could pave the way for wider adoption of Sirtex Medical's (ASX:SRX) SIR-Spheres in first-line oncology therapy. [ + ]

New funding guidelines, foreshadowed in December, deliver more generous arrangements for early stage commercialisation (ESC) grant recipients needing to establish manufacturing facilities in Australia to fully commercialise their invention. [ + ]

Figuring out which lambs are the offspring of which sheep can be guesswork for sheep producers. A new, low-cost DNA test to verify sheep parentage could soon help breeders worldwide to record accurate pedigrees and maximise the genetic potential of their flock. [ + ]

CSIRO has been contracted by PATH (Program for Appropriate Technology in Health) to produce antibodies on a large scale that will aid the development of new, safe, affordable and effective vaccines against rotavirus, a major cause of severe and fatal diarrhoea in young children worldwide. [ + ]

With higher education undergoing profound change - reflecting challenges in environmental degradation, food security, emerging diseases and more - La Trobe University Chancellor Adrienne E Clarke AC has called for urgent action to boost Australia’s scientific understanding and awareness. [ + ]

A central theme of this week's Bioshares Biotech Summit in New Zealand is the trend of foregoing outlicensing to big pharma in order to bring products to market alone or with a smaller partner. [ + ]

GI Dynamics (ASX:GID) has expanded the reach of its EndoBarrier diabetes treatment to France and to more clinics in its existing markets. [ + ]

Many Australian biotech stocks have seen a reversal of fortune in the most recent quarter, with market volatility and some disappointing results hampering share prices. [ + ]

Two of AusBiotech’s most important student programs to assist bio-students’ linkages with industry are closing soon for 2012. [ + ]

A new method of drug testing developed by researchers at RTI International makes it possible to detect a wider range of synthetically produced ‘designer’ drugs. [ + ]

Textbooks and websites on the origin of the surface tension of water need to be rewritten, according to Maoyuan Liu, James K Beattie and Angus Anthony Gray-Weale. These textbooks describe a pristine, uncharged air/water interface. None recognise that the interface is in fact highly charged by the presence of adsorbed hydroxide ions, with hydronium ions providing charge balance in the double layer. [ + ]

A recent study assesses the effectiveness of two somatostatin vaccinations, JH17 and JH18, in reducing weight gain and increasing weight loss in mice. [ + ]

Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory suffer from one of the world’s highest rates of otitis media – i.e. bacterial infections of the middle ear – which can lead to a lifetime of health problems. [ + ]