The new Australian Centre for Ecogenomics will be taking metagenomics to the next step by combining it with other approaches to reveal how entire biological systems work. [ + ]

Metagenomics pioneers, Phil Hugenholtz and Gene Tyson, are hoping to reveal the evolutionary forces that shape microbiological ecosystems. [ + ]

Phil Hugenholtz has used metagenomics to uncover the remarkable ecosystem in the humble termite’s hind-gut that allows it to digest stubborn cellulose. [ + ]

The Australian Academy of Science is cautioning against changes to the laws governing human stem cell research, arguing that changes would result in restrictions on research and a potential loss of scientists to overseas.

A new $8 million supercomputer facility will offer state-of-the-art 3D visualisation to Australian life science researchers. [ + ]

Nine medical research programs provided through the NHMRC have been announced, and they will help boost Australia's reputation as an international leader in research.

A new supercomputer facility, MASSIVE, will help the study of conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis and diabetes by allowing researchers to capture and view data in 3D.

Professor Neil Kelleher is driving to make top down proteomics a more efficient and productive approach. [ + ]

Professor Neil Kelleher is using his top down proteomics approach to discover new biomarkers for disease. [ + ]

Despite a number of new hospital brands to be launched targeting serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, there will be a market decline caused by genericisation, safety concerns and resistance of leading antibacterial brands.

Australian researchers have discovered a subset of regulatory T cells that keep the immune system in a fine balance. [ + ]

Professor John Quackenbush has been offered an Australian Fellowship to join the University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience.

Pilot trials of Clinuvel’s skin repigmentation treatment, Scenesse (afamelanotide), will begin in the US and Europe to treat vitiligo. [ + ]

The Australian Academy of Science and AusBiotech have both spoken out against the proposed amendment to the patent act that would ban patenting any biological materials. [ + ]

The United Nations has declared 2011 the International Year of Chemistry, which includes an international initiative that highlights the role chemistry plays in issues of water quality and purification.