Melbourne cancer researcher Dr Marie-Liesse Asselin-Labat has an extra $25,000 to fund her ongoing research after winning the Centenary Institute’s inaugural Lawrence Creative Prize. She was an integral member of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) team that in 2006 made the ground-breaking discovery of breast stem cells, and her subsequent research led to finding a cellular ‘link’ between female hormones and breast cancer development. Having established her own research laboratory at WEHI she has now turned that knowledge to focus on lung cancer…

Some of Australia’s leading female technology professionals were acknowledged in the recent iAwards, the national information communication technologies (ICT) industry awards. Information security consultant Jo Stewart-Rattray was named Professional of the Year and strategic advisor Jane Treadwell received the industry’s Woman of the Year honour. Fifty-year technology veteran and women-in-IT pioneer Ann Moffatt was also inducted into the Pearcey Hall of Fame…

Dr Cathy Foley has been breaking through stereotypes since she was little. Unlike the ‘good girls’ in class she was a messy left-hander and bad speller. When other girls were planning hairdressing careers, she wanted to teach science – and when she turned to research she chose solid state physics. Today she leads a CSIRO Division and is a strong advocate for women in science…

Dr Suzanne Hill, a World Health Organisation scientist and former University of Newcastle Associate Professor, will become the new chair of Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee in September…

The US has approved the first x-ray mammogram device that provides 3D images of breast tissue. One system already operates at Victoria’s Maroondah Hospital. Used with current 2D mammography, it should provide more accurate breast cancer detection and diagnosis…

Food Standards ANZ has recalled a nut-based weight-loss product The Latin Seed from sale in Australia because it contained a toxic ingredient. Government testing identified the seed came from the poisonous Yellow Oleander not Candle Nut as declared on the product’s label, prompting the recall…

Professor Sarah Robertson, a reproductive biologist at the University of Adelaide, has partnered with Danish company Origio to develop EmbryoGen – a product that can improve IVF embryo implantation by 20 to 40 per cent, particularly for women who previously suffered miscarriages after IVF treatment…

Monash University researchers have identified a specific protein’s role in aggressive breast cancer tumour growth, which could lead to new treatment possibilities…

Palaeontologist Dr Katherine Trinajstic and high school teacher Debra Smith each received $50,000 in the 2010 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes – Dr Trinajstic for her pioneering work on ancient Gogo fish fossils and Ms Smith for inspiring science students and enhancing national science curriculum…

A new antiretroviral microbicide gel could give women protection against AIDS and genital herpes…