Industry News
Continents were weak, prone to destruction in their infancy
Mathematical modelling shows that continents remain weak and prone to destruction in their infancy, then progressively melt and differentiate to become stable continents. [ + ]
'Off switch' may prevent CRISPR's unwanted genetic changes
A new method allows researchers to turn off CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing until it reaches key cell cycle phases where more accurate repairs are likely to happen. [ + ]
Melbourne Uni and Illumina partner on genomics hub
The hub is set to elevate local genomics research and clinical trials to a global scale by establishing three core platforms in clinical genomics, bioinformatics and health economics. [ + ]
Former triathlete wins 2020 GSK Award for Research Excellence
Professor Mark Febbraio won the award for leading the development of a potential new treatment for obesity, type 2 diabetes and muscle mass loss. [ + ]
Specific gut bacteria linked to irritable bowel syndrome
Researchers have detected a connection between Brachyspira, a genus of bacteria in the intestines, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — especially the form that causes diarrhoea. [ + ]
New gene therapy for eye disease developed
A new gene therapy approach could one day treat an eye disease that leads to a progressive loss of vision and affects thousands of people across the globe. [ + ]
Moderna vaccine reports 100% efficacy against severe COVID-19
Primary efficacy analysis of the Phase 3 study of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine candidate, mRNA-1273, has confirmed a vaccine efficacy of 94.1%. [ + ]
WHO advises against remdesivir use in COVID-19 patients
The antiviral drug remdesivir is not recommended for patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, regardless of how severely ill they are. [ + ]
Mini kidneys bioprinted in the lab
The bioprinting method is faster and more reliable than previous methods, with the ability to create about 200 mini kidneys in 10 minutes without compromising quality. [ + ]
Machine learning used to map gamba grass from space
Researchers used field data to 'train' a machine-learning model to detect gamba grass from high-resolution, multispectral satellite imagery. [ + ]
'Egg-cess' consumption linked to diabetes
The health benefits of the humble egg might not be all they're cracked up to be, as a longitudinal study has shown that excess egg consumption increased the risk of diabetes in Chinese adults. [ + ]
Gut microbiome linked to deadly lung disease
Australian researchers have shown for the first time a link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an often fatal lung condition, and the gut microbiome. [ + ]
Nasal spray developed to protect against SARS-Cov-2
A nasal spray that can provide effective protection against the SARS-Cov-2 virus has been developed, using materials already cleared for use in humans. [ + ]
Alzheimer's drug could help fight antibiotic resistance
An experimental Alzheimer's disease treatment is proving effective at treating some of the most persistent, life-threatening antibiotic-resistant bacteria. [ + ]
Coral 'tumours' affect reproduction and growth
A tumour-like coral disease is prevalent in the reef systems around the Cocos Keeling Islands, affecting the coral's ability to reproduce and grow effectively. [ + ]