EPO doping in elite cycling: no evidence of benefit but high risk of harm
07 December, 2012The drug erythropoietin, often called EPO, is banned from sports because it is believed to enhance an athlete’s performance and give people who use it an unfair advantage over unenhanced competitors. A new systemic review of existing research reveals that there is no scientific evidence that it does enhance performance, but that its use in sport could place a user’s health and life at risk.
Marine robot completes trans-Pacific journey to set new world record
06 December, 2012US-based Liquid Robotics, an ocean data service provider and developer of the Wave Glider, today announced that the first Pacific Crossing (PacX) Wave Glider, ‘Papa Mau’, has completed its 9000 nautical mile (16,668 km) scientific journey across the Pacific Ocean to set a new world record for the longest distance travelled by an autonomous vehicle.
Breath test could possibly diagnose colorectal cancer
06 December, 2012A new study published in the British Journal of Surgery (BJS) has demonstrated for the first time that a simple breath analysis could be used for colorectal cancer screening.
Placebos provide pain relief … for some people
06 December, 2012Why is it that the placebo effect - the idea that taking fake medicine can make someone feel better - seems to work for some people but not others? According to researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M), it all comes down to the personality of the person taking it.
Faster, safer method for producing stem cells
06 December, 2012A new method for generating stem cells from mature cells promises to boost stem cell production in the laboratory, helping to remove a barrier to regenerative medicine therapies that would replace damaged or unhealthy body tissues.
Curtin investigates new treatments for diabetes
05 December, 2012A group of Curtin University researchers has been awarded a Diabetes Australia Research Trust Grant for research to improve diabetes treatment, potentially eliminating the need for insulin injection.
‘Retired’ scientists unmask bush graffiti artist
03 December, 2012In a remarkable piece of detective work, a team of ‘retired’ CSIRO scientists have revealed the group of artists responsible for the iconic scribbles found on smooth-barked Eucalyptus trees in south-eastern Australia.
Scientists identify depression and anxiety biomarker in youths
01 December, 2012Scientists from the University of Cambridge have discovered a cognitive biomarker - a biological indicator of a disease - for young adolescents who are at high risk of developing depression and anxiety. Their findings have been published in the journal PLoS ONE.
Pairing blood test and gene sequencing to detect cancer
30 November, 2012Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have combined the ability to detect cancer DNA in the blood with genome sequencing technology in a test that could be used to screen for cancers, monitor cancer patients for recurrence and find residual cancer left after surgery.
Four is the ‘magic’ number
29 November, 2012According to psychological lore, when it comes to items of information the mind can cope with before confusion sets in, the ‘magic’ number is seven. But a new analysis by a leading Australian psychiatrist challenges this long-held view, suggesting the number might actually be four.
New method for diagnosing malaria
28 November, 2012Danish researchers have developed a new and sensitive method that makes it possible to diagnose malaria from a single drop of blood or saliva.
Demonstration of simple, robust fission reactor prototype
28 November, 2012A team of researchers, including engineers from Los Alamos National Laboratory, has demonstrated a new concept for a reliable nuclear reactor that could be used on space flights.
Ions are cooled during collisions with cold atoms
28 November, 2012Scientists have demonstrated in an experiment that captured ions can be cooled through contact with cold atoms and may thus be stored in so-called ion traps in a stable condition for longer periods of time.
Best early-detection formula for breast cancer identified
27 November, 2012La Trobe University researchers have identified the formula that works best in early detection of breast cancer.
Cut-and-paste zeolites: new, faster method for developing custom microporous materials
26 November, 2012Researchers at KU Leuven, Ghent University and the University of Antwerp have discovered a way to make new zeolites quickly. They have experimentally demonstrated that it is possible to cut zeolite building blocks and rearrange them into a new structure.
