Mesoblast generates impressive gains over Christmas.

Around two million years ago, the human brain began to increase in size. James Sikela’s team has linked the expansion to a specific protein domain, DUF1220. [ + ]

Mutations in the genome regulation machinery identified in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. [ + ]

Human trials set to begin this year on blood vessels that flex, pulse like real arteries. [ + ]

Many Australians confused or concerned about the swine flu vaccine. Health experts concerned about continued spread. [ + ]

It now seems quite likely that life began with self-replicating RNA molecules. But under what conditions? New Zealand theoretical biologist David Penny is warming to the idea of a cold start. [ + ]

How B cells scramble to respond to foreign threats and produce antibodies has long been a mystery. Now the role of a key protein is shedding light on this crucial defence mechanism. [ + ]

It’s an age old debate: nature or nurture. But as Emma Whitelaw is finding, our individual differences may be due to neither, they might be down to dumb luck. [ + ]

ALS wishes you a merry Christmas and safe new year. [ + ]

Female ducks found to have evolved a counter mechanism to males with corkscrew-shaped penises. [ + ]

With the world’s phosphate reserves rapidly running out, Professor Hans Lambers suggests crop breeders and agronomists take a close look at nature’s solutions to the problem. [ + ]

Draft legislation following through on the government’s commitment to deliver a more generous, more predictable and less complex tax incentive by replacing the outdated and complicated R&D Tax Concession has been released.

Abbott has announced a definitive agreement to acquire laboratory information management systems company STARLIMS Technologies.

Submissions open before legislation introduced to parliament in 2010. [ + ]

Following the resignation of the Australian Synchrotron Science Advisory Committee (SAC) Chair, Professor Frank Larkins, and four SAC members, a new chair and members have been appointed.