Articles
Bye bye, E. coli — reducing contamination in red meat
Food safety researchers from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture have come together with industry in a joint effort to enhance the quality of Australian red meat. [ + ]
Same-sex mice reproduce via gene editing
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have produced healthy mice with two mothers that went on to have normal offspring of their own. [ + ]
Vitamin D claimed to have no impact on bone health
The results of new meta-analysis suggest that vitamin D supplementation does not improve bone mineral density in adults or prevent fractures and falls. [ + ]
A single embryo, a multiple pregnancy: IVF mystery solved
Why do some women who undergo assisted reproduction treatment become pregnant with twins or triplets — even when single embryo transfer is performed? [ + ]
Recombinant human antibody panel combats snake venom
Biotechnology company IONTAS has announced a panel of human antibodies that neutralise elements of black mamba snake toxin in an in vivo model. [ + ]
Gene drive causes infertility in malaria-carrying mosquitoes
Researchers have successfully developed a gene drive that can cause the complete collapse of caged mosquito populations in only 7–11 generations. [ + ]
Questions raised about swine flu vaccine
An investigation published by The BMJ raises fundamental questions about the transparency of information surrounding the safety of GlaxoSmithKline's Pandemrix vaccine used in 2009–2010. [ + ]
Scientists assemble the cane toad genome
The breakthrough will help scientists gain a better understanding of what makes Australia's most infamous amphibian tick. [ + ]
Immune cells associated with schizophrenia
Scientists have identified immune cells in greater amounts in the brains of some people with schizophrenia — a breakthrough that could transform global schizophrenia research. [ + ]
World-leading astronomer wins Matthew Flinders Medal
Dr Richard Manchester has won one of Australia's highest honours for work in the physical sciences — the Australian Academy of Science's Matthew Flinders Medal and Lecture. [ + ]
Breakthroughs in antibiotics old and new
In good news for the fight against antibiotic resistance, one research team has successfully adjusted an existing antibiotic and another has identified a promising new antibiotic candidate. [ + ]
STEM superstar on the juggle, the struggle and the joy
Marine ecologist and ecosystem modeller Jess Melbourne-Thomas is one of two Tasmanians who were named as Science and Technology Australia's Superstars of STEM* in 2017/18. Here she reflects on her passion for marine science and recommends people to apply to the program. [ + ]
Top scientists celebrated at Eureka Prizes 2018
Surgical glue that seals wounds in 60 seconds, the world's most accurate clock and a nanomaterial to protect astronauts from harmful radiation are among the discoveries and inventions that were recognised at the 2018 Eureka Prizes. [ + ]
Cancer drugs tested on live human tumours
Researchers are using surgically removed breast and prostate tumour specimens to rapidly screen different drugs to see which ones most effectively target cancer cells. [ + ]
Stomatal development
Renowned international plant biologist Keiko Torii will present the Annals of Botany Lecture at ComBio2018, a major Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) conference. [ + ]