Articles
Flexible targets result in more finely tuned antibodies
Researchers have uncovered a key strategy the immune system uses to generate effective antibodies, which could inform vaccine design for some challenging viruses. [ + ]
Black hole spotted devouring a star
A rare blast of light, emitted by a star as it was sucked in by a supermassive black hole, has been spotted by scientists using telescopes from around the world. [ + ]
SARS-Cov-2 mutations should not affect vaccine viability
Johnson & Johnson says it has temporarily paused all its COVID-19 vaccine trials, and CSIRO denies that changes in the virus would affect the efficacy of vaccine candidates. [ + ]
3D imaging of large RNA molecules is now possible
Scientists from the University of Maryland have developed a method to determine the structures of large RNA molecules at high resolution. [ + ]
How is obesity linked to the brain?
A growing body of evidence suggests that obesity is a disease whose roots are in the brain. [ + ]
When and how to specify an ultralow-temperature freezer
Ultralow-temperature freezers are not inexpensive, but the investment is important when the job is to protect contents of high value for long periods of time. [ + ]
R&D critical to economic recovery in 2020–21 Budget
Five months later than originally scheduled, and in the midst of a global pandemic, Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg finally delivered the 2020–21 Budget. [ + ]
Single daily pill for Parkinson's disease developed
Scientists have developed a pill which uses the stomach as a drug reservoir and delivers medicines slowly over time to patients with Parkinson's disease. [ + ]
Fast data acquisition with a high-speed spectrometer
US researchers have reported what is claimed to be the first dual-comb spectrometer with a pulse repetition rate of 10 GHz. [ + ]
How does diet influence stroke risk?
Different types of food are linked to risks of different types of stroke, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal. [ + ]
The missing link behind severe cases of COVID-19?
More than 10% of healthy people who develop severe COVID-19 have misguided antibodies that attack the patient's own immune system. [ + ]
Diabetes drug benefits cognition, pregnancy outcomes
Metformin could be particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes who are older or looking to become pregnant, as discovered by two separate studies. [ + ]
'Blueprint' to stabilise the Earth's climate released
Scientists have produced what they claim is the first comprehensive global-scale analysis of terrestrial areas essential for biodiversity and climate resilience. [ + ]
Aus Govt joins COVAX, funds more local COVID-19 vaccines
The Australian Government has joined the COVAX facility, enabling the purchase of COVID-19 vaccine doses as they become available. [ + ]
Cortical vision device could restore sight to the blind
The bionic vision system makes it possible to treat many conditions that currently have treatment limitations, thanks to the use of electronic implants that sit on the surface of the brain. [ + ]
