Articles
So you think you can dance your PhD? University of Sydney scientist wins international competition
A University of Sydney scientist has outclassed ballerinas, breakdancers and flaming hula hoops to dance his way to victory in the fifth annual ‘Dance your PhD’ competition. [ + ]
Travelling faster than the speed of light
University of Adelaide applied mathematicians have extended Einstein’s theory of special relativity to work beyond the speed of light. [ + ]
Take a laboratory management masterclass
The Laboratory Managers Conference 2012 will be opened by Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt. Other keynote speakers include Professor David de Kretser, the ex-governor of Victoria; and Professor Graham Mitchell, Chief Scientist Victoria. [ + ]
Do you remember your first slime?
Everyone has their own special method of remembering things. Some use rhymes, some use acronyms and others use good old-fashioned repetition. But when it comes to the brainless slime mould Physarum polycephalum (plasmodium), it relies on the chemicals it excretes. [ + ]
Outwitting the drug counterfeiters
Drug counterfeiting is so common in some developing countries that there is a greater probability of getting a fake drug than a real one, but new technology may put an end to this global pandemic. [ + ]
New chemistry technique reproduces nature’s elusive complexity
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have shown how to synthesise in the laboratory an important set of natural compounds known as terpenes. The largest class of chemicals made by living organisms, terpenes are made within cells by some of the most complex chemical reactions found in biology. [ + ]
We need to integrate research and health services: McKeon
Simon McKeon, Chairman of the Strategic Review into Health and Medical Research, outlines the vision presented in the draft discussion paper and how it will transform health and medical research in this country. [ + ]
Using mass spectrometry to identify proteins at pg/mL levels
By combining two well-established analytic techniques and adding a twist, researchers have been able to identify proteins from blood with as much accuracy and sensitivity as the antibody-based tests used clinically. The technique should be able to speed up development of diagnostic tests and treatments based on proteins specific to certain diseases. [ + ]
Fat science - Wollongong Uni and AB SCIEX form lipid analysis partnership
The University of Wollongong (UOW) and AB SCIEX have formed a research partnership to develop lipid analysis capabilities, including the most definitive and comprehensive identification of double bond position in lipids. [ + ]
Studying super-cold proteins
Lithium chloride enables neutron studies of protein/solvent interactions at super-cold temperatures. [ + ]
Forensic DNA evidence clears man after 24 years
After 24 years in gaol, DNA evidence has been used to prove a Texan man innocent of a 1988 assault of a 14-year-old girl. [ + ]
Monitoring post-flood water quality with mass spectrometry
AB SCIEX has announced that the University of Queensland (UQ) is using the company’s mass spectrometry technology to analyse how the devastating floods of 2011 have affected water quality in Australia. Two of 12 AB SCIEX instruments installed at UQ are dedicated to environmental monitoring efforts. [ + ]
What happened to the ‘junk’ in my DNA?
80% of human DNA comprises genetic regulatory elements according to a new human genome map. [ + ]
Taking your genes to vote
It is becoming increasingly evident that genetics plays a much larger role in political behaviour than was previously thought. [ + ]
SIMS allows scientists to fish for facts
Hidden on the foreshores of Chowder Bay, Mosman, the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) has recently completed a 12-month upgrade at the cost of over $20 million, thanks to federal and state government funding. Once crammed into one small space, the facility now boasts seven laboratories, upgraded aquaria facilities, offices, conference rooms and more. [ + ]
