How algae evolved into land plants
30 May, 2014Japanese researchers have analysed the genome of a terrestrial alga, revealing the presence of genes that enable plants to cope with the extremes of life on land.
Carbon dating becomes more accurate
23 May, 2014Scientists from ANSTO and Thailand’s Naresuan University have helped to make carbon dating a more accurate chronological tool.
Male guppies produce faster sperm with their sisters
09 May, 2014In many species, in-built mechanisms are in place to prevent siblings from breeding with each other. Researchers from the University of Western Australia have investigated such mechanisms in the male guppy, a live-bearing freshwater fish - with unexpected results.
Alliance to treat childhood cancer
06 May, 2014The Children's Oncology Drug Alliance (CODA) has been formed to fast-track development of anticancer therapy for neuroblastoma - the most common form of cancer in infancy.
Scientists create a superheavy element
06 May, 2014An international research team has created and observed several atoms of the superheavy element with atomic number 117. The measured properties of the atoms strengthen the case for official recognition of 117 as a new element.
Australian tiger beetle ousted as world's fastest runner
02 May, 2014Californian researchers have recorded a new world record for the fastest running land animal - one which is no bigger than a sesame seed in size.
The molecular details of coeliac disease
01 May, 2014Australian, US and Dutch researchers have determined the molecular details of the interaction between the immune system and gluten that triggers coeliac disease.
The dangers of degrading plastic
30 April, 2014Australian researchers are using the tracer principle to confirm the presence of plastics and chemicals in the food chain. The research began when Professor Richard Banati and Dr Jennifer Laver found elements in the feathers of seabirds which were similar to those found in plastics in its gut.
Researchers regrow damaged nerve fibres
29 April, 2014Researchers have identified a possible mechanism for regrowing damaged nerve fibres in the central nervous system (CNS). Their discovery suggests it could one day be possible to chemically reprogram and repair damaged nerves after spinal cord injury or brain trauma.
Researchers on the storm
16 April, 2014 by Lauren DavisWhen it comes to studying thunderstorms, the best lab is the site of the storm itself. That's where Joshua Soderholm, a PhD student at the University of Queensland, has been conducting his research project into the collisions between thunderstorms and sea breezes.
Aerodynamic characteristics of a supersonic car
16 April, 2014An engineer working on the Bloodhound SSC (supersonic car) project has published a paper on the aerodynamic characteristics of travelling at 1000 mph (1609 km/h), increasing the current land speed record (LSR) by over 30%.
Australia and China form musculoskeletal research alliance
14 April, 2014A delegation of seven professors from Australian universities recently travelled to China to promote joint research in the musculoskeletal disciplines.
Fighting cancer with tobacco?
10 April, 2014Researchers from La Trobe University have found that the natural defence mechanisms of a tobacco plant could be harnessed to kill cancer cells in the human body.
Starpharma tech applied to AstraZeneca cancer drug
08 April, 2014Melbourne-based biotech company Starpharma has signed an expanded agreement with biopharma company AstraZeneca in the field of cancer medicine. The new agreement will see the application of Starpharma's dendrimer technology to a cancer drug from AstraZeneca's pipeline.
Botox may smooth out depression
03 April, 2014Researchers have conducted the largest randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to date on the effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA (OBA, or Botox) on depression.
