Industry News
Relapse risk predicted for little-known autoimmune disease
Often referred to as a cousin of MS due to shared symptoms, MOGAD is a little-known autoimmune condition where the body attacks a protein in the brain, resulting in a swollen central nervous system. [ + ]
Antibody levels can predict resolved peanut allergies
A new study has used antibodies as biomarkers to identify persistent or resolved peanut allergy during the first 10 years of life. [ + ]
Perinatal HIV transmission may lead to cognitive deficits
Perinatal transmission of HIV to newborns is associated with serious cognitive deficits as children grow older, according to an analysis of 35 studies. [ + ]
Review of R&D system a highlight of the 2024–25 Budget
Australia's science bodies have been broadly positive about the 2024–25 federal Budget — particularly the announcement of a strategic examination of Australia's R&D system. [ + ]
Gene editing could make quolls resistant to cane toad toxin
Scientists from Colossal Biosciences and The University of Melbourne have introduced genetic resistance against the cane toad toxin into marsupial cells. [ + ]
Machine learning takes the guesswork out of catalyst creation
Researchers used a computer library of molecules that have been synthesised together with molecules that are entirely theoretical at the moment to find the best catalyst for a specific chemical reaction. [ + ]
ACRF funds three new cancer research facilities
Scientists at QIMR Berghofer, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Bio21 Institute have received grants to establish new cancer research facilities. [ + ]
New anti-clotting agent has its own 'off switch'
The anticoagulant's anti-clotting action can be rapidly stopped on demand, which could enable new surgical and post-operative drugs that minimise the risk of serious bleeding. [ + ]
Flexibly shaped mirror improves X-ray microscopes
Japanese researchers have engineered a mirror for X-rays that can be flexibly shaped, resulting in high levels of precision at the atomic level and increased stability. [ + ]
Genetic cause found for rare neurological disease
The progressive neurological disease known as spinocerebellar ataxia 4 (SCA4) is a rare movement disorder with no known cure and, until recently, no known cause. [ + ]
Biofortified rice to combat vitamin B1 deficiency
New research has focused on improving vitamin B1 content in the endosperm of rice — the nourishing tissue that makes up the bulk of the seed. [ + ]
Creating self-assembling capsules for drug delivery
Scientists have created nanosized capsules that could be used to deliver drugs and messenger RNA (mRNA), a molecule that instructs cells to produce proteins. [ + ]
Higher levels of CO2 increase lifespan of airborne SARS-CoV-2
Carbon dioxide is a major factor in prolonging the life of SARS-CoV-2 variants present in tiny droplets circulating in the atmosphere, according to a new study. [ + ]
Govt announces $1.89bn package for health and medical research
The Australian Government is investing in a "once-in-a-generation transformation of health and medical research", according to Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler. [ + ]
Simulated microgravity affects sleep, physiological rhythms
The simulated effects of microgravity significantly affect rhythmicity and sleep in humans, which could negatively affect the physiology and performance of astronauts in space. [ + ]
