Articles
Certain hormone drugs linked to increased brain tumour risk
Prolonged use of certain progestogen hormone drugs has been associated with an increased risk of developing a type of brain tumour known as an intracranial meningioma. [ + ]
Novel conductive material gets tougher when hit or stretched
Inspiration for the soft, flexible material came from a mixture commonly used in cooking — a corn starch slurry. [ + ]
Toxic metal particles found in cannabis vapes
Nano-sized toxic metal particles may be present in cannabis vaping liquids even before the vaping device is heated — and the effect is worse in unregulated products. [ + ]
A new pathway for reversible male birth control
Most experimental male birth control drugs use a hammer approach to block sperm production, but this one is much more subtle. [ + ]
CRISPR-Cas gene editing eliminates HIV in lab
Scientists deployed CRISPR-Cas molecular scissors and two gRNAs against 'conserved' HIV sequences, and achieved cure of HIV-infected T cells. [ + ]
What turned Earth into a giant snowball 700m years ago?
Australian geologists have used plate tectonic modelling to determine what most likely caused the Earth to experience an extreme ice-age climate more than 700 million years ago. [ + ]
Creating a genetic medicine manufacturing ecosystem: part 5
When it comes to the mission to democratise medicine, Australia has a material opportunity to affirm its destiny and be a global leader. [ + ]
Zika virus vaccine used to battle brain cancer
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have found a way to use the Zika virus to destroy brain cancer cells and inhibit tumour growth, while sparing healthy cells. [ + ]
Controlling root growth could help crops, combat climate change
A highly conserved ethylene signalling pathway can be targeted to control the direction of root growth, creating deeper root systems that hold on to carbon. [ + ]
$50m grant to power Artificial Heart Frontiers Program
The MRFF-funded Artificial Heart Frontiers Program will seek to develop and commercialise three key devices to treat the most common forms of heart failure. [ + ]
From lab to life: transformative applications of medical plastics
Demand for medical plastics is on the rise worldwide, due to their indispensable role in ensuring the safety and hygiene of healthcare settings. [ + ]
How lung cancer 'hijacks' immune cell metabolism
Lung adenocarcinoma cancer cells pull macrophages into the tumour microenvironment and alter their lipid metabolism to turn them into cancer fuel-suppliers. [ + ]
Self-driving needle steers its way through living lung tissue
Researchers have built a compact robotic system that can autonomously steer a flexible needle around anatomical obstacles within the lungs of live animals. [ + ]
Iron will: how plants deprive bacteria by depriving themselves
When plants feel threatened by harmful bacteria, they are willing to stop acquiring iron and stop growing. [ + ]
Antimicrobial coating for sanitary fabrics inspired by mussels
The innovative material fights against the spread of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance, inspired by the substances secreted by mussels to adhere to rocks. [ + ]
