Industry News
Lethal viruses hijack cellular defences against cancer
Australian researchers have identified a new mechanism used by Henipaviruses in infection, and potential new targets for antivirals to treat them. [ + ]
New stem cell transplantation method for CF
The fight against cystic fibrosis (CF) has taken a major step forward, with researchers showing that cells causing this genetic disorder could be successfully replaced with healthy ones. [ + ]
The gene that controls the human heart beat
Using human pluripotent stem cells, researchers have shown that a gene called NKX2-5 is responsible for regulating heart rhythm and heart muscle cell development. [ + ]
$180m in funding to advance 132 research projects
The funding will support ARC Future Fellowships, Australian Laureate Fellowships, Linkage Projects, and Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Training Centres. [ + ]
Drugging cancer cells to sleep
Australian researchers have discovered a new type of anticancer drug that is said to be able to put cancer cells into a permanent sleep. [ + ]
More effective chemo for lung cancer patients
A naturally occurring hormone called follistatin could help make chemotherapy much more effective for lung cancer patients, while also preventing kidney damage. [ + ]
40 new genetic markers for glaucoma found
Researchers have identified 40 new genetic markers that increase a person's risk of developing glaucoma — the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. [ + ]
Molecular mechanism prevents cancer cells from multiplying
A disruption of a fine balance in the composition of ribosomes results in a shutdown of cancer cell proliferation, triggering a process called senescence. [ + ]
Complex pathways control the shape of plant cells
Professor Daniel Szymanski used the model plant Arabidopsis to analyse how intracellular signalling networks pattern cell walls to generate particular cell shapes and sizes. [ + ]
Ebola virus allegedly re-emerges in survivor, infects family
Ebola virus may have re-emerged in a woman a year after she survived an acute infection, potentially leading to the infection of her husband and two of their sons. [ + ]
Four in five lung cancers are preventable: study
The majority of lung cancer cases in Australia can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours, such as quitting smoking, boosting fruit intake and being physically active. [ + ]
Improving P. vivax malaria treatment
A modest increase in the dose of chloroquine for P. vivax malaria reduces recurrences. [ + ]
Why do telomeres turn unhealthy as we age?
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in telomere biology, with implications for conditions ranging from cancer to ageing and heart disease. [ + ]
Virtual reality makes plant science fun
A virtual reality program created by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology takes students on an immersive journey through the cells of plants. [ + ]
Royal Society announces 2018 award winners
The Royal Society has announced the winners of its 2018–19 medals and awards — 24 prizes that recognise exceptional researchers who make outstanding contributions to science. [ + ]
