Articles
The science behind identifying King Richard III’s skeleton
On 4 February 2013, the University of Leicester announced it had discovered the remains of the last Plantagenet king, King Richard III, who died in 1485.There was strong circumstantial evidence that a skeleton found at the site of the Grey Friars church in Leicester was indeed that of King Richard III. However, before the identity of the skeleton could be confirmed, rigorous scientific investigations including DNA analysis, radiocarbon dating and skeletal examination were required. [ + ]
Zombie cells may outperform live ones
‘Zombie’ mammalian cells that may function better as catalysts and conductors after they die have been created. A simple technique coats a cell with a silica solution to form a near-perfect replica of its structure. The process may simplify a wide variety of commercial fabrication processes from the nano- to macroscale. [ + ]
Mesoblast boosts R&D spend on stem cell platform
The expansion of Mesoblast’s MPC adult stem cell development programs came at a cost in 1H13, but the company has more than adequate cash reserves to cover the increased burn. [ + ]
MicroRNA found to inhibit spread of melanoma
A study has shown a microRNA being investigated by MiReven can inhibit the spread of metastatic melanoma, reinforcing its prospect as a potential anticancer agent. [ + ]
Connecting the dots
Dr Stacey Edwards is uncovering the mechanism responsible for inherited disorders that occur seemingly without a clear genetic basis. [ + ]
Under the CO2: sea urchin reproduction during ocean acidification
Just like with humans, there is variation among marine species at an individual level. And if there are individuals who cope with the effects of climate change better than others, they may hold the key to the survival of their species. [ + ]
Looking at the big picture
Professor David James and his team are assembling a comprehensive atlas of the phosphoproteome of insulin that is revealing new insights about diabetes. [ + ]
Free directory listing for Australian biotech and medtech companies
AusBiotech manages two national directories and invites all Australian biotechnology and medical technology companies to list free of charge. [ + ]
Barcoding system simplifies differential weighing
A combination of Mettler Toledo LabX laboratory software and barcode-reading capabilities makes differential weighing of aeroplane fuel cells at China’s Donghua University easier and faster while still allowing researchers to ensure optimum fuel cell performance. [ + ]
Cochlear record revenue fails to impress investors
Cochlear (ASX:COH) has posted record revenue for the second half of 2012, with sales up 27%, although the share price tumbled over 9% following the news. [ + ]
Identifying human remains in Libya’s mass graves
Life Technologies Corporation has announced it will provide a complete laboratory solution to identify an estimated 20,000 human remains found in various mass graves in Libya following the uprising of 2011 and to address missing persons cases from the 42-year regime of Muammar Gaddafi. [ + ]
TGA consults on proposed changes to pre-market assessment for medical devices
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has proposed changes to the pre-market assessment requirements in its consultation paper released in January. [ + ]
A ‘molecular fountain of youth’
Sirtuin protein found to reverse age-related degeneration. [ + ]
Vivid insight
Professor Paul Martin has his eye on uncovering the complexities of primate colour vision. [ + ]
Epigenetics shows how pregnancy can lead to breast cancer
A new study shows how pregnancy hormones can change the epigenome of breast cells, causing cells to become cancerous. [ + ]
