New institute to lead the way on climate change research
05 April, 2012A new research institute at the University of Western Sydney (UWS) will use world-class facilities to deliver research that will help Australia tackle the impacts of climate change.
Study identifies optimal gene targets for new colon cancer test
04 April, 2012A study presented by Mayo Clinic researchers at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2012 in Chicago has identified two genes that are optimal targets to be analysed in a new noninvasive test for colorectal cancer.
Newcastle scientists one step closer to Alzheimer’s blood test
03 April, 2012An interdisciplinary team of scientists at the University of Newcastle has shown the potential of a simple blood-based test to identify people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, before any symptoms appear.
Research opens way for tailoring medications to patients
27 March, 2012International research co-authored by the University of Otago, Christchurch (UOC) has unravelled a century-old scientific mystery, opening the way to significant improvements in the way drugs are delivered to the body.
Research aims to reduce side effects of cancer treatment
23 March, 2012The painful side effects of cancer treatment, including nausea and hair loss, could be a thing of the past, thanks to groundbreaking chemical research being conducted at the University of Canterbury.
Gold used as safe driver of cancer drug
22 March, 2012Gold nanoparticles can be used as delivery vehicles for platinum anticancer drugs, improving targeting and uptake into cells, according to research published in this month’s edition of the international journal Inorganic Chemistry.
Scientific innovation in the ‘green world’
16 March, 2012 by Janette WoodhouseWe’ve all been brought up to believe that scientific innovation is ‘good’ - that it will ultimately result in a better, safer, happier world. But some are now considering that such innovation may not be the vanguard of a sustainable future.
Future of cotton research boosted by $35 million
14 March, 2012CSIRO and Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) have announced a five-year, $35 million extension to their existing agreement to fund projects through the Cotton Breeding Australia joint venture.
Salt-resistant wheat developed by CSIRO
13 March, 2012A salt-tolerant variety of durum wheat that outperforms other varieties by 25% on salty soils has been developed by CSIRO scientists using traditional crop breeding techniques.
Australian Synchrotron discovers how plasminogen is activated in the body
09 March, 2012Researchers at Monash University have used X-ray beams created by the Australian Synchrotron (AS) to discover how enzymes work to dissolve blood clots and clean up damaged tissue in the body - a finding that could ultimately lead to a reduction in the number of heart disease-related deaths occurring each year as a result of blood clots.
Sturdy Scandinavian conifers survived the ice age
08 March, 2012A Murdoch University researcher has helped rewrite history after radiocarbon dating and genetic analysis proved that Scandinavian conifers in the high arctic survived the last ice age for several thousands of years. Until now, it was presumed that the Scandinavian landscape was devoid of trees during the ice age.
Consortium converts water into chemical fuels
08 March, 2012University of Wollongong scientists are behind the establishment of a global consortium which is using sunlight to convert water into important chemical fuels such as hydrogen gas. The research promises a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by reducing CO2 from fossil fuel use.
Study reveals contraceptive cancer risks
07 March, 2012A study has revealed that injectable contraceptives that are widely used around the world influence the risk of developing several types of cancer. The study builds on previous research which found that women using oral contraception have a temporarily increased risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer and a decreased risk of ovarian cancer and cancer of the lining of the womb.
Shark blood holds potential for new antibody technology
05 March, 2012Australian research into shark antibodies that holds out the potential for new drugs and diagnostic agents is a step closer to realising its goal following an agreement with international diagnostic and pharmaceutical giant Roche. The pioneering work, which has attracted worldwide interest, is based on research led by Associate Professor Michael Foley at the La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science (LIMS).
Mitochondrial dysfunction precedes memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease
02 March, 2012 by Brian KilenMitochondria - subunits inside cells that produce energy - have long been thought to play a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Now, Mayo Clinic researchers using genetic mouse models have discovered that mitochondria in the brain are dysfunctional early in the disease.
