For the first time, scientists can now show how a particular family of diseases is passed down from mother to child, and how this can lead to the severity of the disease differing widely.

Researchers find microscopic copy number variations associated with X-linked mental retardation. [ + ]

More than $124 million will be invested by the Australian Government in new medical and health research projects.

Two major projects to study colorectal cancer and HIV/AIDS were the big winners in the NHMRC grants round. [ + ]

Method to better interrogate H5 flu virus protein developed by Australian and international researchers. [ + ]

A team of researchers from The Australian National University will lead a new joint research centre with China conducting leading-edge research into treatments for Avian Influenza (bird flu).

Professor Emeritus Jack Pettigrew has argued for more than two decades that fruit bats are actually flying primates, distant relatives of monkeys, lemurs and us. [ + ]

DNA of the common Black Rat (Rattus rattus) has shed light on the history of the spread of rats, people and diseases around the globe.

High performance computing is stimulating collaborative research across state - and country - borders. [ + ]

Nature reports that a peer reviewer leaked an unfavourable report on diabetes drug Avandia to manufacturer. [ + ]

A Monash University PhD student has developed a new technique that could revolutionise treatment for Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and nerve damage.

A seismologist from The Australian National University (ANU), whose work could help forecast the damage path of future earthquakes, has been honoured by one of the world’s top scientific organisations.

The International Organisation for Standardisation (IOS) and its partner the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have published a new guide on the vocabulary of metrology, the science of measurement and its application.

Australian biotech companies are developing a reputation for quality and innovation in Japan — the second largest biotechnology market in the world. With the Japanese biotechnology market and related industries expected to grow to $260 billion by 2010, The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is seeking more businesses to take advantage of Australia’s standing with its largest trading partner.

The Dean of the Faculty of Science and an eminent medical researcher are among four UNSW academics named on the 2008 Australia Day Honours List.