Articles
How plant leaves ensure optimal area for photosynthesis
The small RNA molecules in the cells of the growing leaf set in motion a genetic process that enables the cells to perceive and interpret their environment. [ + ]
Certain hormone drugs linked to increased brain tumour risk
Prolonged use of certain progestogen hormone drugs has been associated with an increased risk of developing a type of brain tumour known as an intracranial meningioma. [ + ]
Novel conductive material gets tougher when hit or stretched
Inspiration for the soft, flexible material came from a mixture commonly used in cooking — a corn starch slurry. [ + ]
Toxic metal particles found in cannabis vapes
Nano-sized toxic metal particles may be present in cannabis vaping liquids even before the vaping device is heated — and the effect is worse in unregulated products. [ + ]
A new pathway for reversible male birth control
Most experimental male birth control drugs use a hammer approach to block sperm production, but this one is much more subtle. [ + ]
CRISPR-Cas gene editing eliminates HIV in lab
Scientists deployed CRISPR-Cas molecular scissors and two gRNAs against 'conserved' HIV sequences, and achieved cure of HIV-infected T cells. [ + ]
What turned Earth into a giant snowball 700m years ago?
Australian geologists have used plate tectonic modelling to determine what most likely caused the Earth to experience an extreme ice-age climate more than 700 million years ago. [ + ]
Creating a genetic medicine manufacturing ecosystem: part 5
When it comes to the mission to democratise medicine, Australia has a material opportunity to affirm its destiny and be a global leader. [ + ]
Zika virus vaccine used to battle brain cancer
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have found a way to use the Zika virus to destroy brain cancer cells and inhibit tumour growth, while sparing healthy cells. [ + ]
Controlling root growth could help crops, combat climate change
A highly conserved ethylene signalling pathway can be targeted to control the direction of root growth, creating deeper root systems that hold on to carbon. [ + ]
$50m grant to power Artificial Heart Frontiers Program
The MRFF-funded Artificial Heart Frontiers Program will seek to develop and commercialise three key devices to treat the most common forms of heart failure. [ + ]
From lab to life: transformative applications of medical plastics
Demand for medical plastics is on the rise worldwide, due to their indispensable role in ensuring the safety and hygiene of healthcare settings. [ + ]
How lung cancer 'hijacks' immune cell metabolism
Lung adenocarcinoma cancer cells pull macrophages into the tumour microenvironment and alter their lipid metabolism to turn them into cancer fuel-suppliers. [ + ]
Self-driving needle steers its way through living lung tissue
Researchers have built a compact robotic system that can autonomously steer a flexible needle around anatomical obstacles within the lungs of live animals. [ + ]
Iron will: how plants deprive bacteria by depriving themselves
When plants feel threatened by harmful bacteria, they are willing to stop acquiring iron and stop growing. [ + ]
