Industry News
Genetic mutation linked to childhood glaucoma
Researchers have found a mutation in the thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) gene in three ethnically and geographically diverse families with childhood glaucoma histories. [ + ]
Simple saliva test used to diagnose adrenal insufficiency
The use of an at-home test that uses saliva to diagnose adrenal insufficiency could reduce the number of hospital tests currently required by up to 70%. [ + ]
Prenatal alcohol exposure affects embryonic development genes
Researchers have found that alcohol exposure in early pregnancy can change gene function during embryonic development and consequently cause developmental disorders. [ + ]
Strong and biodegradable plastic developed
A polyester plastic of great mechanical stability, which is also easily recyclable and even compostable, has been developed at the University of Konstanz. [ + ]
New type of CRISPR gene scissors discovered
Unlike any other previously known nuclease of the CRISPR-Cas immune system, the newly dubbed 'Cas12a2' destroys DNA to shut down an infected cell. [ + ]
Fast-food consumption linked to liver disease
Researchers discovered that people with obesity or diabetes who consume 20% or more of their daily calories from fast food have severely elevated levels of fat in their liver. [ + ]
Antibody's unexpected response to Strep A infection
Scientists at Lund University have discovered a rare form of antibody binding that leads to an effective immune response against group A streptococcus bacteria. [ + ]
Brisbane startup tests rocket thruster valve in space
Brisbane startup company Valiant Space, which has been supported by the Queensland Government's Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub, has sent a component from its new rocket thruster into orbit. [ + ]
NHMRC announces Ideas Grants, NSW launches R&D acceleration program
Over 200 projects will share in $241m through the latest NHMRC Ideas Grants, while NSW's Innovation Research Acceleration Program will improve vital infrastructure and equipment for scientists. [ + ]
Decrypting the 'mechanical code' of DNA
Researchers have revealed new ways in which nature encodes biological information in a DNA sequence. [ + ]
Immune cells linked to leukaemia drive autoimmune diseases
Scientists had previously noticed that leukaemia patients were also likely to develop an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or aplastic anaemia. [ + ]
Tiny hidden galaxy provides a peek into the past
Astronomers have uncovered a nearby galaxy with characteristics that are more like galaxies in the distant, early universe. [ + ]
Microbiome linked to depression in major studies
Dutch researchers say they have delivered the most extensive evidence to date of a relationship between the composition of the microbiome and instances of depression. [ + ]
Scientists find the key to cellular movement
Scientists say that a key to cellular movement is to regulate the electrical charge on the interior side of the cell membrane, paving the way for understanding various types of cell motion. [ + ]
2022 GSK Award recognises cancer genetics researcher
Professor Georgia Chenevix-Trench won the GSK Award for Research Excellence for her research investigating genetic predispositions to breast and ovarian cancer. [ + ]