Did the end of smallpox vaccination cause the explosive spread of HIV?
19 May, 2010
Researchers suggest that the end of smallpox vaccination in the mid-20th century may have caused a loss of protection that contributed to the rapid contemporary spread of HIV.
Beetle DNA holds key to evolutionary puzzle
18 May, 2010
Researchers at The University of Western Australia have moved a step closer to understanding the fundamental evolutionary question of variation within a species by studying the genetics of a small brown beetle.
Gene test identifies subtypes of breast cancer
10 May, 2010
A simple genetic test that uses just three genes is among the most effective means of classifying breast cancer into sub-types.
Taking a close look at unique diamonds
06 May, 2010
The song says "diamonds are a girl's best friend", but scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) are finding that diamonds are a researcher's best friend too. The NRL, which has been involved in pioneering work involving chemical vapour deposition of diamonds and the use of diamond materials in advanced technologies relevant to the Department of Defence since 1987, has undertaken some new projects in diamond research.
New ways to kill TB
05 May, 2010
Researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have found two novel ways of killing the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB), a disease responsible for an estimated two million deaths each year. The findings could lead to a potent TB therapy that would also prevent resistant TB strains from developing.
Cool blood from extinct mammoth
05 May, 2010
Researchers at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA at the University of Adelaide have determined the genetic sequences of mammoth haemoglobin and brought to light some cool facts.
Terahertz radiation reveals ‘lost’ works of art
04 May, 2010
Research scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS are revealing the secrets of 'lost' paintings non-destructively using terahertz beams.
Diamond to become the blind’s best friend
04 May, 2010
A Melbourne Materials Institute team is developing a diamond electrode array that will be part of a chip embedded in the retina for use in the bionic eye. This device is designed to have sufficient resolution to allow the blind to recognise faces and read large print.
Biomarkers for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases
29 April, 2010
A team of researchers from McGill/MUHC validates a novel screening tool in the fight against Chagas disease.
Genetic tests may predict of hospital readmissions in newborns
29 April, 2010
The results of two separate research studies taking place at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics will help physicians predict which newborns may require readmission to the hospital shortly after birth. The studies will also help physicians identify which of their young patients are likely to respond well - or not - to steroid therapy for asthma.
Why water does not freeze in the clouds
22 April, 2010
Scientists have found an experimental explanation of the phenomenon of supercooling.
New biofuel process
22 April, 2010
A new method of converting biomass feedstock into sustainable fuel not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but doubles the amount of fuel that can be made from an acre of biomass feedstock.
The origin of different sexes
22 April, 2010
Coming straight from the pond - a multicellular green alga may have unlocked the secrets behind the evolution of different sexes.
Biomarker for liver cancer screening
13 April, 2010
Several medical diagnostic companies are in the process of developing automated serum tests for Golgi Protein-73. This protein could be used to screen for liver cancer and the test could be performed in routine hospital laboratories.
Element 117 - the latest of the superheavies
12 April, 2010
The last hole in row seven of the periodic table has been filled with the latest superheavy element to be discovered - element 117.
