Size does matter - well it does for beetles
26 October, 2012Microscale laser surgery on male beetles’ genitalia has been used to establish that for beetles size actually does matter.
Destructive pea weevils on the way out
25 October, 2012Farmers around the world are a step closer to eliminating the chemical spraying of field peas for the destructive pea weevil, thanks to research by agricultural scientists from The University of Western Australia (UWA).
Infectious disease control in space
22 October, 2012On a long spaceflight, unique conditions including microgravity could give microbes the upper hand, but not if astronauts and their spacecraft are properly prepared. Brown University’s Dr Leonard Mermel brings together a broad base of research to come up with specific recommendations for keeping astronauts safe in deep space.
Cracking the epigenetic code
22 October, 2012A team of researchers at The Australian National University is one step closer to better understanding how organisms function after discovering how epigenetic information is transmitted from one generation of cells to the next.
Naturally occurring compounds could fight ovarian cancer
19 October, 2012A University of Canterbury (UC) research project, in collaboration with the University of Otago, Christchurch (formerly known as Christchurch School of Medicine), has shown some promising signs in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Volunteers sought for edible vaccine trials
18 October, 2012Researchers from The University of Western Australia, Ondek and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital are continuing a study into how the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori, can be used as a carrier for ingestible vaccines.
Thermo Fisher Scientific and Immundiagnostik collaborate on mass spectrometry-based clinical and research tools
17 October, 2012Thermo Fisher Scientific and Immundiagnostik have announced a collaboration to develop novel mass spectrometry-based assays for qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins and peptides. The goal is development of commercial assays to be widely applicable in research and routine clinical analysis.
Non-invasive test for colorectal cancer shows promise
17 October, 2012A new non-invasive test for colorectal cancer screening has demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer; in particular, precancers that are most likely to develop into cancer.
Sea sponges offer hope for new medicines
16 October, 2012Flinders University researcher Dr Jan Bekker is on a mission to chemically fingerprint South Australia’s marine sponges, with the wider aim of identifying new compounds that could ultimately play an important role in the fight against cancer and infectious diseases.
Odours of mass deception: how rats learn to ignore native birds
16 October, 2012Rats’ keen sense of smell can be exploited to dramatically reduce their attacks on native birds, researchers from the University of Sydney have shown. The technique could be adapted to protect vulnerable species worldwide.
Do you remember your first slime?
12 October, 2012 by Lauren DavisEveryone has their own special method of remembering things. Some use rhymes, some use acronyms and others use good old-fashioned repetition. But when it comes to the brainless slime mould Physarum polycephalum (plasmodium), it relies on the chemicals it excretes.
Partnership boosts research on new-generation biofuels
09 October, 2012RMIT University has signed a multimillion-dollar partnership with World Wide Carbon Credits Australia to develop an algae-based biofuel at a commercial scale.
Search for element 113 concluded at last
08 October, 2012The most unambiguous data to date on the elusive 113th atomic element has been obtained by researchers at the RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science (RNC).
Scientists find new way to up safety factor of stem cell therapy
04 October, 2012Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found a way to detect and purge stem cells at risk of developing into tumours.
Algae bioreactors in pipes
03 October, 2012Engineers at GF Piping Systems have succeeded in finding the balance between light permeability and durability. They have developed a piping system made of transparent PVC, which allows sufficient light to pass through in the right wavelength for microalgae to be grown in the interior of the pipe.
