Researchers are investigating microbes that break down plastics as a means of controlling ocean pollution. [ + ]

Individual light atoms such as boron, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen have been imaged for the first time. The images were collected using a Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscope.

New filters weed out false positive drug candidates making drug discovery cheaper and more efficient. [ + ]

Over half of this year's Australian Academy of Science Fellowships were awarded to life scientists. [ + ]

An effective European Union-wide patent and patent court has been on everyone’s wish list since the 1970s – and the dream may finally be coming true. [ + ]

Structure of a previously unseen part of the insulin receptor has been revealed by WEHI scientists. [ + ]

Phosphagenics and US-based Quigley form joint venture, Phusion Laboratories, to market over-the-counter products. [ + ]

Industrial Research and Epichem  have announced a strategic alliance designed to provide clients with continuous and seamless services from drug discovery to cGMP production.

FDA rules that a diagnostic test is needed prior to approval of anti-leukaemia drug, Omapro. [ + ]

Life science sector lagging behind in adoption of IT, representing a $17 billion opportunity for IT providers. [ + ]

An international research team has identified new gene variants associated with gluten intolerance. [ + ]

The 'doublesex' gene shapes brain, body and behaviour, at least when it comes to fruit flies. [ + ]

Many illnesses can be reliably diagnosed through laboratory tests, but these in vitro analyses often use up valuable time. A system developed by Fraunhofer research scientists, which can carry out complex analyses on the spot, will soon be ready for the market.

Cochlar, CSL, ResMed, Living Cell Technology, Mesoblast [ + ]

Study shows transcription factors play a larger roll than expected in explaining individual differences. [ + ]