Industry News
2019 Lasker Awards for biomedical research announced
Australia's own Jacques Miller is among the winners of the 2019 Lasker Awards, widely regarded as America's top biomedical research prize. [ + ]
Major diseases can be caused by depression
Researchers have found a causal relationship between depression and 20 distinct diseases, including asthma, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, oesophagitis, gastroenteritis, E. coli infections and urinary system disorders. [ + ]
Aspirin use may alter breast cancer outcomes
Women with specific DNA characteristics in certain areas of the genome may live longer if they take aspirin before they are diagnosed with breast cancer. [ + ]
Algorithm can predict outcomes of chemical reactions
The model achieves 90% accuracy in predicting the correct product of unseen chemical reactions, whereas the accuracy of trained human chemists is around 80%. [ + ]
Eye-tracking tests could predict Alzheimer's development
Eye-tracking technology could be used in future to predict if people with mild memory and thinking impairments will go on to develop Alzheimer's disease. [ + ]
ART affects babies' genes, but only temporarily
Events that occur as part of assisted reproduction technology can impact gene health or epigenetics in babies — but these effects are short lived. [ + ]
Abnormal gene expression linked to psychopathy
The abnormal expression of many genes, previously associated with autism, is also present in violent psychopathy, according to a new study from European researchers. [ + ]
Night vision enabled by nanoparticles
US scientists have used nanoparticles to confer a real superpower on ordinary mice: the ability to see near-infrared light. [ + ]
Test predicts cervical cancer risk in HPV-positive women
The 'two-in-one' test not only detects the type of HPV infection but also indicates precancerous markers. [ + ]
Retina research provides insight into eye diseases
German researchers have developed a so-called 'retina-on-a-chip', while Australian scientists have captured what is claimed to be the world's most detailed gene map of the retina. [ + ]
Portable DNA device could detect invasive species
Known as 'MinION', the portable device can sequence 'or scan' millions of DNA codes in minutes, compared to current lab-based systems which can take a couple of days. [ + ]
Drug transporters bring cancer medication to its destination
Researchers have transformed proteins and antibodies into stable, highly functional drug transporters with which tumour cells can be detected and killed. [ + ]
Osteoporosis drugs decrease premature mortality risk
Nitrogen-bisphosphonates — drugs commonly prescribed for osteoporosis — reduced the risk of premature mortality by 34% in a cohort of over 6000 individuals. [ + ]
Vaccine developed to target TB in the lungs
Created by Australian scientists, the early-stage vaccine was shown to provide substantial protection against tuberculosis in a preclinical laboratory setting. [ + ]
Chemical synthesis captured at atomic resolution
Researchers have succeeded in viewing previously inaccessible details of certain chemical processes, showing there are significant discrete stages to these processes. [ + ]