Articles
Breakthrough antibiotic for mycobacterial infections
The antibiotic candidate, named COE-PNH2, has been optimised to target Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) — one of the most prevalent mycobacteria species. [ + ]
Coin-sized device can isolate plasma, replacing centrifuges
Named ExoArc, the coin-sized chip can achieve high blood plasma purity by removing more than 99.9% of blood cells and platelets precisely and gently in just one step. [ + ]
Maternal obesity may promote liver cancer in offspring
The offspring of obese female mice were found to have an 80% risk of developing cancer, compared with 20% for the control group. [ + ]
Clinical Trial Transformation: Recent Changes and Future Predictions
Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a shift in clinical trials, with changes to the way they are conducted, regulated and perceived. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
