Securing Australia's future in food, energy, water and carbon
07 December, 2010
The Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council has released two expert scientific reports on serious issues facing the nation: Australia and Food Security in a Changing World and Challenges at Energy-Water-Carbon Intersections.
New microscopic life aboard the RMS Titanic
07 December, 2010
The greatest piece of material evidence regarding the sinking of the Titanic - the wreck itself - may soon be lost, says a researcher at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who has been examining the bacteria eating away at the so-called 'unsinkable ship' as it sits on the ocean bottom.
Erythromycin A produced in E. coli for first time
30 November, 2010
In a biosynthetic breakthrough that paves the way for other pharmaceuticals, researchers have announced the first successful production of the antibiotic erythromycin A, and two variations, using E. coli as the production host.
E.T. phone home, from Japan
30 November, 2010
Extraterrestrial asteroid particles have been discovered in the sample catcher on board the Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa.
The secret life of blood
22 November, 2010
What triggers cancer? That is the question Melbourne scientist Dr Benjamin Kile is determined to answer.
Scientists discover the complexities of attractive female bodies
17 November, 2010
The results are in - young, tall and long-armed women are considered the most attractive according to a recent, cross-cultural study.
Centre targets epidemic battles
03 November, 2010
The early identification of biomarkers to aid in the fight against diabetes, depression and other epidemic diseases will be the focus of a new Australian-German centre launched at The Australian National University.
Researchers find a 'liberal gene'
03 November, 2010
Liberals may owe their political outlook partly to their genetic make-up, according to new research from the University of California, San Diego, and Harvard University.
Organic solvent system improves catalyst recycling
03 November, 2010
A combination of organic solvents in different proportions has been found to differentially dissolve a range of noble metals, making recycling of the metal catalysts easier.
Evolutionary tinkering
02 November, 2010
By reconstructing an ancient protein and tracing how it subtly changed over vast periods of time to produce scores of modern-day descendants, scientists have shown how evolution tinkers with early forms and leaves the impression that complexity evolved many times.
Newly discovered DNA repair mechanism
02 November, 2010
Repairing damage and maintaining the integrity of its DNA is one of the cell’s highest priorities. A newly discovered mechanism has been found that detects and repairs alkylation, which can be caused by a number of environmental toxins and chemotherapy drugs.
Obtaining the unobtainium
02 November, 2010 by Lori J Keesey
Imagine building a car chassis without a blueprint or even a list of recommended construction materials. In a sense, that’s precisely what a team of engineers at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, Md., did when they designed a one-of-a-kind structure that is one of nine key new technology systems of the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM).
Helpful hints for better aseptic technique
02 November, 2010
Aseptic technique is a set of principles and practices used by cell culture workers to reduce the potential of unwanted microorganisms or other cell lines from being introduced into cell cultures, sterile solutions and supplies and, most importantly, the technician and coworkers.
Fungal spores reduce drag
02 November, 2010 by Robert Sanders
Long before geese started flying in chevron formation or cyclists learned the value of drafting, fungi discovered an aerodynamic way to reduce drag on their spores so as to spread them as high and as far as possible.
Lab tests point to better outcome for human blood cancers
26 October, 2010
The treatment of a range of human blood cancers, such as chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, may be improved as a result of international research involving The University of Western Australia.
