New method for coating microscopic materials
19 July, 2013Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a one-step method for coating microscopic materials, such as bacterial cells, with thin films that assemble themselves.
Weeing in space
19 July, 2013When Alan Shepard, the first American to fly in space (5 May 1961) was forced to wee in his spacesuit, his urine short-circuited his electronic biosensors. Eight hours of launch delays had not been factored into his 15-minute spaceflight and there was no provision for him to urinate once kitted out in his spacesuit.
Sperm pass down Dad’s obesity
18 July, 2013University of Adelaide research, published in The FASEB Journal, has shown that the sperm of obese fathers could increase the risk of both their children and their grandchildren inheriting obesity.
Both brains and genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease
15 July, 2013 by Lauren DavisAustralian research, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference this week, has highlighted the links between a person’s brain chemistry, genes and their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Milestone achieved in bio-based acrylic acid process
12 July, 2013In August 2012, BASF, Cargill and Novozymes announced their joint agreement to develop a process for the conversion of renewable raw materials into a 100% bio-based acrylic acid. Yesterday, they reached an important milestone.
A new form of liquid - when water isn’t water
12 July, 2013It seems that water, when chilled to a very low temperature, transforms into a new form of liquid.
Eyes in their stars: starfish and eye evolution
09 July, 2013A study has shown for the first time that starfish use primitive eyes at the tip of their arms to visually navigate their environment.
Urine test diagnoses kidney rejection before biopsies
05 July, 2013A study has found that the analysis of biomarkers in the urine samples of kidney transplant recipients can diagnose transplant rejection, even before it occurs.
Cheap antifreeze materials may lead to low-cost solar energy
05 July, 2013A process combining some comparatively cheap materials and the same antifreeze that keeps an automobile radiator from freezing in cold weather may be the key to making solar cells that cost less and avoid toxic compounds.
Making hydrogenation greener
02 July, 2013Instead of relying on heavy metals as catalysts, researchers have discovered a way to use iron which will make the process of hydrogenation both more environmentally friendly and less expensive.
Cane toad ingestion deadly for dwarf crocs
02 July, 2013 by Lauren DavisIt is well known that the toxins of the cane toad are often deadly when ingested by predators. Researchers from Charles Darwin University (CDU) have found that one such predator is the dwarf freshwater crocodile, whose population in northern Australia is diminishing as a result.
Taste genes linked to male fertility
02 July, 2013Taste and fertility may seem like two completely unrelated areas, but according to scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center, two proteins involved in oral taste detection also play an important role in sperm development.
Transistors without semiconductors - the death of silicon
01 July, 2013For decades, electronic devices have been getting smaller, and smaller, and smaller. It’s now possible - even routine - to place millions of transistors on a single silicon chip. But transistors based on semiconductors can only get so small.
Microfluidic chip can help identify unwanted particles in water and food
24 June, 2013A new process for making a three-dimensional microstructure that can be used in the analysis of cells could prove useful in counterterrorism measures and in water and food safety concerns.
The green energy lab of the future
21 June, 2013 by Lauren DavisWhen Curtin University’s renewable energy research centre CRESTA closed in 2004, the university found itself lacking a facility devoted to renewable energy. So when Dr Sumedha Rajakaruna was asked to design and build a new lab, he made sure the full use of expensive renewable energy sources could be achieved.
