Industry News
Input sought on future CRCs
The Turnbull government is seeking input from the industry, science and research communities on priority research themes for upcoming selection rounds of the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Programme. [ + ]
Clay nanoparticles provide chemical-free crop protection
By combining clay nanoparticles with designer RNAs, researchers from The University of Queensland have developed a crop protection technique that is environmentally friendly, sustainable and, most importantly, effective. [ + ]
As temperatures go up, insect populations go down
Scientists have discovered that rising temperatures are damaging insects' ability to reproduce. [ + ]
One giant leap (second) for 2016
If you can't shake the feeling that 2016 went on for longer than a typical calendar year, you're not actually far from the truth. [ + ]
Different protein clumps indicate different types of Alzheimer's
US researchers investigating subtypes of Alzheimer's disease have suggested that each subtype may differ in the structure of the protein clumps that aggregate in patients' brains. [ + ]
Magnetic particle imaging comes Down Under
Scientific equipment supplier AXT has partnered with Magnetic Insight to make magnetic particle imaging (MPI) technology available to Australian researchers. [ + ]
Lonza to acquire capsule manufacturer Capsugel
Lonza Group has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire drug capsule manufacturer Capsugel from the latter's parent organisation, KKR. [ + ]
Science stories need more independent commentary, says study
New Zealand researchers have found that only one in six science-based news stories included quotes from independent commenters, and one-quarter of commenters lacked relevant expertise. [ + ]
Add-on asthma treatments now available through the PBS
The Turnbull government will invest close to $130 million to give Australian asthma sufferers subsidised access to breakthrough medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). [ + ]
The golden touch: light-activated nanoparticles to treat macular degeneration
For sufferers of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the only way to prevent severe vision loss is to endure regular injections into the back of the eye. [ + ]
Funding awarded to Australia's innovative medical researchers
The National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation has announced the winners of the Dr John Dixon Hughes Medal for Medical Research Innovation, as well as the foundation's grant recipients for 2017. [ + ]
Controversial breast cancer trials set to commence
A natural hormone considered harmful by some scientists is being tested for potential use in breast cancer treatment. [ + ]
Low vitamin D in pregnancy linked to autism
Researchers have identified a link between vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and increased autism traits, adding to the growing body of evidence connecting vitamin D to brain growth. [ + ]
Biomedical Translation Fund managers announced
The Turnbull government has selected the three venture capital fund managers who will manage the Biomedical Translation Fund (BTF), intended to help take Australian biomedical discoveries out of the laboratory and to the patient. [ + ]
Plant extracts found to mimic insulin
Austrian researchers have identified the anti-diabetic properties of purslane and tindora after conducting a study on seven different plant extracts with the potential to mimic insulin activity. [ + ]
