The scientific brain
07 April, 2010
There is a striking similarity between how the human brain determines what is going on in the outside world and the job of scientists. Both process predictable sensory input in an efficient manner but require more effort when predictions are not fulfilled.
Metal catalysts improve lightweight battery efficiency
07 April, 2010
Metal catalysts based on gold or platinum could facilitate the development of lithium-air batteries with up to three times the energy density of any battery that currently exists.
Gold nanoparticles used to detect melamine in milk
07 April, 2010
The interaction between gold nanoparticles and melamine has been found to cause a dramatic colour change indicating the presence of melamine in milk.
Polymer-based method for creating photovoltaic devices
06 April, 2010
Chemists have identified a polymer-based system that may improve the efficiency of photovoltaic devices.
New discovery is a significant boost to cancer research
06 April, 2010
Synthetic derivatives UDP-Galactose have been found to block the activity of glycosyltransferases and may have a significant role in the treatment of cancer, inflammation and infection.
Bio-marker for MS - the start of personalised medicine
30 March, 2010
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have found the first bio-marker for multiple sclerosis (MS) that might predict which patients will respond to a standard therapy and which will not.
Australia substantially increases research collaboration with China
18 March, 2010
A Thomson Reuters study reveals that Australia's share of world research publication is increasing and that collaboration with China is the fastest growing area.
A different look at science and the periodic table
17 March, 2010
According to uncyclopedia, the periodic table was invented in 1974 by Mendeleev, a science teacher in Wellington, New Zealand. (On a related note, Mendeleev also insists he invented the Occasional Table, but this claim occasionally goes into great dispute.)
Thieves need to beware as bacterial ‘signatures’ linger
17 March, 2010
Skin bacteria left behind on keyboards and computer mice can be used to identify who was using the object. Human microbiome researchers are testing if such leftovers can be used forensically or by law enforcement agencies.
Mathematical innovation turns blood draw into information goldmine in Stanford study
10 March, 2010
Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a software algorithm that could enable a common laboratory device to virtually separate a whole-blood sample into its different cell types and detect medically important gene-activity changes specific to any one of those cell types.
Detecting fish disease
10 March, 2010
A new test is available for the nervous necrosis virus - a serious disease affecting more than 35 species of fish worldwide. The new PCR method was first achieved through research and development funded by the Australian Research Council at the University of Sydney.
Blood test for rheumatoid arthritis
04 March, 2010
Researchers from University Hospital in Umea, Sweden, have identified several cytokines, cytokine-related factors and chemokines that increase significantly prior to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease onset; confirming earlier studies which suggested that the risk of developing RA can be predicted and disease progression may be prevented.
Genetic link between misery and death
01 March, 2010
Most people who are exposed to adverse life events strong enough to trigger depression have an increased risk of dying for the following 11 years. However, some people have a varient gene that makes them immune to this risk.
New invention set to unlock environmental secrets
19 February, 2010
IRMS++, invented by Dr Mike Hotchkis and Dr Chris Waring at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, uses a newly developed, patented microwave-driven plasma source to generate large signals directly from very small volumes of liquid or gas for measurement of their isotopic composition.
Nanomagnetics enhances green chemistry
18 February, 2010
McGill University researchers have developed a nanotech catalyst which uses magnetics that may reduce the need for heavy metals in processes.
