BDO has advised businesses considering making a claim under the research and development (R&D) Tax Incentive to be aware of the various impending lodgement deadlines imposed by the Australian Government. The network is assisting these businesses with a free online diagnostic tool which indicates eligibility. [ + ]

The genome sequence of the crocodile has been completed by an international collaboration of scientists, including researchers from the University of Sydney. [ + ]

The Victorian Premier’s Award for Health and Medical Research is now open for nominations. [ + ]

Dual-listed biopharma Bioniche (ASX:BNC) has posted a Q2 loss of $4m, and shareholders have been warned the company may have inadequate cash reserves for the next 12 months. [ + ]

Melbourne's Patrys Limited (ASX:PAB) has successfully concluded a safety and tolerability trial for its lead antibody, PAT-SM6, as a melanoma treatment. [ + ]

Increasing the production of proteins that help rid the body of toxins may play a crucial role in the fight against breast and prostate cancer, researchers from Flinders University believe. [ + ]

AusBiotech has today launched the speaking program for the business development meeting of the year, to be held on the Gold Coast from 15-16 March. [ + ]

North Carolina State University researchers have created specially engineered mammalian cells to provide a new ‘chemical handle’ which will enable researchers to label proteins of interest more efficiently, without disrupting the normal function of the proteins themselves or the cells in which they are found. [ + ]

Two scientists from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) left for Antarctica earlier this week in search of byproducts of cosmic rays colliding with Earth. The scientists are on an environmental mission, working to discover whether a historical relationship exists between solar activity on the sun and climate change on Earth. [ + ]

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) has received $2 million from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) to fit out two new cancer research laboratories, which will open in late 2012. [ + ]

Cochlear (ASX:COH) has posted a $20.4 million net loss for the first half of this financial year, with earnings impacted by a major recall as well as forex losses. [ + ]

A powerful new supercomputer that is 10,000 times faster than an average office computer and big enough to store 2000 years of iTunes music has been installed at The University of Western Australia. [ + ]

An internationally renowned respiratory specialist will lead a new Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, to be established at The University of Western Australia. [ + ]

Wyatt Technology has announced that Professor Judit E Puskas at the University of Akron has developed a system using its instrumentation that will help to solve a prevalent and controversial material science challenge. The researchers are employing the multidetector system to develop alternative materials to silicone breast implants, as a result of faulty Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) implants causing global concern about implant safety. [ + ]

A hotter home appears to produce babies with better cognitive abilities - but before you turn up the heater, the research was conducted on the Australian lizard Bassiana duperreyi by researchers from the University of Sydney. [ + ]