Scientists have solved the mystery of the main structural component of elastin and the discovery could lead to major advances in the treatment of burns victims, among others.

The Australian Synchrotron has announced four new senior appointments, including Professor Keith Nugent as Director, and a reorganisation of senior responsibilities.

Vanessa Hayes, now posted at the J Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), conducted a pioneering study of human genetic diversity in the Bushman of the Kalahari desert in Africa. [ + ]

The $94 million La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science began construction last week and is set to open in 2012. [ + ]

Vanessa Hayes is exploring the breadth of human genetic diversity, and revealing some fascinating insights about what makes us who we are. [ + ]

Scientists have developed an atom laser that behaves exactly like a light laser.

Western Australian philanthropist Charles Morgan has offered $20,000 to the team that first publishes a paper using genomics equipment he donated to the state's researchers. [ + ]

Researchers in Western Australia have been offered a prize for the first published research paper to use new gene sequencing equipment.

Professor Emma Whitelaw received the prestigious Jubilee Medal from the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for work in epigenetics. [ + ]

Living Cell Technologies (ASX:LCT) has received an Australian patent for its encapsulation technology, while HealthLinx (ASX:HTX) had its OvPlex diagnostic technology patented in the UK. [ + ]

Professor Grau at the University of Sydney has been recognised with an award for developing a new method of studying cerebral malaria that avoids animal testing.

The Australian biotechnology industry is in the midst of uncertain times, not only due to the gene patenting debate in Australia but also in the wake of events unfolding in the USA. [ + ]

Sirtex Medical (ASX:SRX) posts $3.6 million profit on the back of increased sales in the face of currency bump. [ + ]

The Australian and Mongolian academies of science have signed a memorandum of understanding, in order to increase collaboration.

Mathematicians are creating a periodic table that will provide a directory of all the possible shapes in the universe across three, four and five dimensions.