Industry News
New analytical technique uncovers >100 fatty acids
Researchers have uncovered 103 new unsaturated fatty acids in human-derived samples, doubling the number previously reported in human blood plasma. [ + ]
Adipocytes help to hold back breast cancer
Healthy fat cells in the breast, known as adipocytes, secrete a potent factor known as IGFBP2, which acts as a barrier against invasive breast cancer progression. [ + ]
Powerful mRNA vaccine to tackle malaria
The mRNA-based vaccine can effectively target and stimulate protective immune cell responses against the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium in preclinical models. [ + ]
Genetic basis found for asymptomatic COVID-19 infection
A person who carries one copy of the HLA-B15 gene is twice as likely to remain asymptomatic, while someone with two copies of the gene is eight times more likely to show no symptoms. [ + ]
2023 Gruber Genetics Prize awarded for mRNA quality control
Molecular biologists Dr Allan Jacobson and Dr Lynne Maquat received the prize for their contributions to identifying and describing the mechanism of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. [ + ]
Pharmacists develop a cheeky solution for drug delivery
Researchers have developed a novel oral film that discreetly releases drugs into the bloodstream via the mucosal membrane — the moist, inner lining of the mouth. [ + ]
Cold plasma boosts the power of antibiotics
Researchers have found an innovative way to amplify the power of antibiotics, using cold atmospheric-pressure plasma as a weapon to enhance their strength. [ + ]
Astronomers find a planet that shouldn't exist
As the first known close-in planet around a core-helium burning star, Halla shows that exoplanet discoveries might still surprise us by appearing where they are least expected. [ + ]
26 new STEM Ambassadors appointed for 2023
To accommodate the growing need for expert advice amongst parliamentarians, Science & Technology Australia has appointed 26 new STEM Ambassadors. [ + ]
FDA approves gout medication to treat heart disease
Colchicine, a widely available gout medication, has been approved by the FDA to be used in low doses to prevent cardiovascular events in patients with coronary disease. [ + ]
Extra oxygen could overcome radiotherapy resistance in tumours
Researchers have devised a strategy that combines ultrasound with microbubbles to deliver both oxygen and cancer drugs to tumours. [ + ]
DNA data storage on a 'biological camera'
A so-called 'biological camera' harnesses living cells and their inherent biological mechanisms to encode and store data in DNA, bypassing the constraints of current DNA storage methods. [ + ]
Medigrowth and Deakin Uni partner on medicinal cannabis centre
Medigrowth, a fully licensed Australian medicinal cannabis biotech, has announced plans to build a Centre of Excellence in Geelong in partnership with Deakin University. [ + ]
Retinal biomarker enables earlier MS diagnosis
Researchers have demonstrated that diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can be significantly improved by measuring the thickness of retinal layers in the eye. [ + ]
Residual antibiotics found in cooked food
Hong Kong researchers have been examining the use of antibiotics and their impact in the context of local environmental ecology, food safety and children's health. [ + ]