‘Naked Darth Vader’ approach could tame antibiotic-resistant superbugs
29 August, 2012Rather than trying to kill bacteria outright with drugs, Université de Montréal researchers have discovered a way to disarm bacteria that may allow the body’s own defence mechanisms to destroy them.
Artificial tissues with embedded nanoscale sensors
28 August, 2012A multi-institutional research team has developed a method for embedding networks of biocompatible nanoscale wires within engineered tissues. These networks - which mark the first time that electronics and tissue have been truly merged in 3D - allow direct tissue sensing and potentially stimulation, a potential boon for development of engineered tissues that incorporate capabilities for monitoring and stimulation, and of devices for screening new drugs.
Advances in decades-old dream of mining seawater for uranium
22 August, 2012Scientists have reported progress towards a 40-year-old dream of extracting uranium for nuclear power from seawater, which holds at least four billion tonnes of the precious material.
Researchers develop DNA sequencing tests for hereditary diseases
22 August, 2012Scientists at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School (UMDNJ-NJMS) have developed DNA sequencing tests that hold significant promise for decreasing costs associated with diagnosing cancer and hereditary diseases, including cystic fibrosis.
Scientists’ gold discovery sheds light on catalysis
21 August, 2012A physicist at the University of York has played a key role in international research which has made an important advance in establishing the catalytic properties of gold at a nano level.
Accidental breakthrough on the puzzle of atmospheric acids
17 August, 2012In a classic example of an accidental scientific breakthrough, a University of Sydney research team may have solved the mystery of why there is more non-industrial acid in air than anyone can explain.
Botany student proves ‘New England Banksia’ a distinct species
17 August, 2012Research by Margaret Stimpson, a postgraduate student of botany at the University of New England, has given the New England region its very own species of banksia: Banksia neoanglica.
Novel nanostructures to realise hydrogen’s energy potential
16 August, 2012For the first time, engineers at the University of New South Wales have demonstrated that hydrogen can be released and reabsorbed from a promising storage material, overcoming a major hurdle to its use as an alternative fuel source.
Scientists can now block heroin, morphine addiction
15 August, 2012In a major breakthrough, an international team of scientists has proved that addiction to morphine and heroin can be blocked, while at the same time increasing pain relief.
Olympic lab leaves life sciences legacy
14 August, 2012The London 2012 anti-doping facilities, operated by King’s College London, will be developed after the Olympic and Paralympic Games into a world-class resource that could help revolutionise healthcare.
Major breakthrough in hepatitis C vaccine development
14 August, 2012Researchers at the Burnet Institute have solved a hepatitis C vaccine mystery which, once developed, could be the first ever preventative vaccine for the virus.
Busselton people help type 2 diabetes world research
13 August, 2012Busselton residents and researchers from The University of Western Australia have contributed to a worldwide scientific collaboration that has identified new genetic links in the quest to map the biological pathways that cause diabetes.
UNCOVER: unlocking Australia’s hidden mineral wealth
13 August, 2012The Australian Academy of Science has welcomed the launch of UNCOVER: Searching the deep earth, a visionary new project to unlock Australia’s enormous potential mineral wealth.
Rice study could save farmers billions
09 August, 2012Breeding rice plants that retain more phosphorus in the straw, which is returned to the soil after harvest, could reduce the use of phosphorus fertiliser and save farmers billions of dollars, according to Southern Cross University researcher Dr Terry Rose.
New bat virus could hold key to Hendra virus
08 August, 2012Australian scientists have discovered a new virus in bats that could help shed light on how Hendra and Nipah viruses cause disease and death in animals and humans.
