Professor Mahananda Dasgupta, a new Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, continues to encourage and pave the way for women in the physics and science arena.

Associate Professor Fred Meunier has finally shed some light on the role played by the protein Munc18 in nerve function. [ + ]

A lab for research into the molecular workings of plants and the genomes of crops will be launched in Perth.

Researchers in the US, UK and Australia have uncovered two mutations that are responsible for the rare neurodegenerative disease, hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1. [ + ]

Associate Professor Fred Meunier is unravelling the mystery of a curious protein called Munc18, and its role in nerve function. [ + ]

The Australian and Chinese governments will commit $9 million each to a new Australia-China Science and Research Fund from 2011-12. [ + ]

Perth-based iCeutica has been bought up by US pharma company Iroko for a sum reportedly ten times its 2005 valuation. [ + ]

Garvan Institute scientists have found a particular subset of T helper cells link type 1 diabetes and the rare autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome, suggesting a common underlying cause. [ + ]

Microbial cultures used in the development of natural insecticides were damaged in the Christchurch earthquake.

Scientists from the ANU have demonstrated for the first time that atoms can be guided in a laser beam and possess the same properties as light guided in an optical communications fibre.

Professor Ian Chubb has been appointed as Australia’s Chief Scientist.

Former vice-chancellor of the Australian National University, Professor Ian Chubb AC, has been appointed Chief Scientist. [ + ]

La Trobe University’s Marilyn Anderson is developing techniques to boost the natural defences of plants to disease. [ + ]

Philanthropist Charles Morgan has donated cutting-edge DNA equipment to The University of Western Australia.

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine is launching the world’s first forensics YouTube channel.