A paper published is set to re-ignite debate over the origins of so-called Homo floresiensis - the ‘hobbit’ that some scientists have claimed as a new species of human.

Parents frustrated at claims that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the result of poor diet and / or bad parenting may take some solace this week after researchers published a study showing for the first time that the brains of children with the condition are different to those without it. [ + ]

Shadow minister for innovation, industry, science and research Sophie Mirabella has hit back at government claims that the coalition is aiming a wrecking ball at its R&D Tax Credits legislation ‘sight unseen’. [ + ]

The University of Western Australia has honoured an eminent physicist who dedicated his life to the science behind astronomical telescopes, science communication and bio-magnetism by naming a building and lecture theatre after him.

Understanding the history of our continent will be made easier by a groundbreaking $43 million Australian geoscience project, AuScope.

Cancer vaccines specialist Prima BioMed announced today that it is seeking a listing on NADSAQ, the world’s largest bourse for technology companies. [ + ]

Science and Innovation minister Senator Kim Carr has refused to rule out the possibility that the government’s battle weary R&D Tax Credits legislation may need to be further amended before coming into effect, while the coalition has vowed to maintain its efforts to block its passage. [ + ]

Diagnostic Product Development has developed a microRNA screening assay that detects the majority of early-stage colorectal cancers with good specificity and sensitivity.

A test based on a panel of microRNAs under development by Rosetta Genomics Ltd, in Israel, may allow for more precise diagnosis and better targeted therapy for patients with lung cancer.

Drought, salinity, flooding and extreme temperatures threaten many plants essential to humankind - and scientists at The University of Western Australia have discovered how they respond to these challenges.

Australian firms are increasing their investment in research and development according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

After 12 years at their present site in Stoddard Road, Mt Roskill, Medica is moving to Albany.

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) have discovered a new pathway through which malaria is able to infect the body, opening up the possibility of new vaccines to combat the virus. [ + ]

Professor Mark Baker, co-chair of HUPO (Human Proteome Organisation) 2010 committee, has admitted that the Human Proteome Project (HPP) would have been further down the track today if it weren’t for the global financial crisis. [ + ]

The European medicines agency announced overnight that it has suspended marketing authorisations for the anti-diabetes medicine Avandia (Rosiglitazone) citing research data linking the drug to increased risk of heart attack and stroke [ + ]