A new exploratory study suggests that the peripheral nervous system — the nerves that control our sense of touch, pain and other sensations — may play a role in autism. [ + ]

Two Australian scientists have been awarded CSL Centenary Fellowships, and patients are now being enrolled in the COVID-19 clinical held by the CoVIg-19 Plasma Alliance. [ + ]

It may be possible to treat a troublesome chronic cough without disrupting the protective cough we need for optimal lung health by targeting the different brain circuits involved. [ + ]

A new virtual triage service, designed by MoleMap, has identified skin cancer in 12% of high-risk patients examined. [ + ]

By blocking an immune sensor called STING, researchers could dramatically prevent inflammation in MND patient cells, paving the way for a new class of drugs. [ + ]

Regional Health Care Group (RHCG) will distribute Osprey Medical's DyeVert contrast minimisation devices across Australia and New Zealand for the first time. [ + ]

Researchers have revealed a significant increase in the prevalence of the median artery in humans since the late 19th century, suggesting that our species is still evolving. [ + ]

SARS-CoV-2 can survive for up to 28 days on common surfaces including banknotes, glass — such as that found on mobile phone screens — and stainless steel. [ + ]

Australia will soon have a purpose-built biobank of different biological samples from people with genetic diseases caused by changes to genes on chromosome 15. [ + ]

The 2020 Nobel Prizes recognise the discoveries of hepatits C, black holes and CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors. [ + ]

A new mobile app has made it possible to analyse the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on a smartphone in less than half an hour. [ + ]

Scientists have identified and characterised the gene responsible for immune cell death and inflammation during sepsis — a disease that kills 11 million people per year. [ + ]

Illumina has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire GRAIL — a healthcare company whose mission is focused on multi-cancer early detection. [ + ]

Researchers have found that the Y-chromosome gene that makes mice male is made up of two different DNA parts — not one, as had been previously assumed. [ + ]

Western Australia will host the Square Kilometre Array's 130,000 antennas, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity for Australia. [ + ]