Articles
Why do people with Down syndrome have less cancer?
Most cancers are rare in people with Down syndrome, whose overall cancer mortality is below 10% of that in the general population. Since they have an extra copy of chromosome 21, it’s been proposed that people with Down syndrome may be getting an extra dose of one or more cancer-protective genes.
[ + ]The science and media disconnect
The prevailing wisdom among many scientists and scientific organisations is that, as a rule, scientists are press shy, and those who aren’t are mavericks.
[ + ]Optical chip detects blood molecules
A portable ‘lab on a chip’ that can identify target molecules in blood samples has been created by European researchers. It is being used to measure fertility hormones and detect the genes associated with certain types of cancer.
[ + ]Science and the global food crime fight
Australian Earth Scientists have joined forces with food scientists and chemists in an international effort to fight global food crime using new tamper-proof technology that pinpoints exactly where in the world particular foods have been produced.
[ + ]Feature: Microscopy in the third dimension
Dr Nicole Bryce is applying her experience in 3-D imaging to see just how far fluorescent drugs can penetrate into live tumour-cell masses. [ + ]
Stunning images captured through light microscopes
More than 2000 light microscope images and movies were entered in the 2009 Olympus Bioscapes competition. The stunning winners and honourable mentions included the University of Melbourne's Dr Jeremy Packett-Heaps, whose movie titled 'Sexual Attraction in Spyrogyra' was awarded third place.
[ + ]Feeding the clock
The body’s circadian clock may not be as controlling as previously thought. Researchers have established that feeding time determines the activity of a large number of genes completely independent of the circadian clock.
[ + ]LabTech Systems undergoes name change, now LBT Innovations
Name changed to give company "more distinct corporate identity". [ + ]
Why Israeli rodents are more cautious than Jordanian ones
A series of studies carried out at the University of Haifa has found that rodent, reptile and ant lion species behave differently on either side of the Israel-Jordan border. "The border line, which is only a demarcation on the map, cannot contain these species, but the line does restrict humans and their diverse impact on nature," says Dr Uri Shanas.
[ + ]Molecular basis for global warming
A new study indicates that major chemicals most often cited as leading causes of climate change, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are outclassed in their warming potential by compounds receiving less attention.
[ + ]Nanoparticle safety questioned
With two million tons of titanium dioxide nanoparticles being produced each year, the risk of titanium dioxide nanoparticle-induced genotoxicity could be a serious health threat to the community.
[ + ]Convert mobile phones to data collectors for free
Mobile phones are on the verge of becoming powerful tools to collect data on many issues, ranging from global health to the environment.
[ + ]Feature: Regulatory headache for IVDs
The long delayed regulation of in vitro diagnostics is on its way, possibly as early as this year. Manufacturers should prepare themselves to face the TGA. [ + ]
Diagnosis emerges from complete sequencing of patient's genes
Scientists have used high-throughput DNA sequencing technology to diagnose a genetic disease by completely sequencing all of a patient’s genes.
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