The genome of the zebra finch is helping us understand how we learn how to speak. [ + ]

Phosphagenics signs global agreement for use of transdermal insulin in pets. [ + ]

Phase II trial to test effectiveness of afamelanotide in treating erythropoietic protoporphyria. [ + ]

New clinical trial for type I diabetes treatment using xenotransplantation of pig cells to begin in New Zealand. [ + ]

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have found the first bio-marker for multiple sclerosis (MS) that might predict which patients will respond to a standard therapy and which will not.

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. [ + ]