Industry News
Protein discovery provides a target to treat IBD
The protein BECLIN1 appears to be integral to gut health, providing an important lead in the search for a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). [ + ]
Underground nuclear tests now 99% detectable, scientists say
It has previously been tricky to differentiate between nuclear explosions and other seismic sources, such as naturally occurring earthquakes or man-made noise above ground. [ + ]
Fluorescent spray detects fingerprints at crime scenes
Scientists have developed a water-soluble, non-toxic fluorescent spray that makes fingerprints visible in just a few seconds, which should make forensic investigations safer, easier and quicker. [ + ]
Invasive weed could be a viable economic crop
The prickly paddy melon weed could have unexpected benefits for the construction, mining and forestry industries, as well as First Nations communities. [ + ]
Ultra-processed foods linked to 32 damaging health outcomes
Higher exposure to ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of 32 damaging health outcomes, including cancer, heart and lung conditions, mental health disorders and early death. [ + ]
Ultrasound found to boost motility of 'lazy' sperm
Exposing 'lazy' human sperm to 20 seconds of ultrasound at 800 mW and 40 MHz increased measures of sperm motility (their swimming ability) by up to 266%. [ + ]
Protein mutation linked to abnormal brain development
A protein called Trabid helps control neuronal development, and mutations to this protein can lead to a condition where a baby's brain is smaller than expected. [ + ]
Database of 'forever chemicals' will help scientists monitor pollution
It has previously been difficult to maintain a central database that collects and organises the scientific community's knowledge about known and unknown PFAS chemical structures. [ + ]
Blood test can predict risk of imminent heart attack
A new online tool lets users input their blood test results along with other basic information to discover if they are at increased risk of having a heart attack within six months. [ + ]
Artificial 'worm gut' used to break down plastics
By feeding worms with plastics and cultivating microbes found in their guts, researchers have found a way to accelerate plastic biodegradation. [ + ]
Plasma treatment used to heal chronic wounds
The treatment involves boosting the plasma activation of hydrogel dressings with a unique mix of different chemical oxidants that decontaminate and help heal chronic wounds. [ + ]
The temperature difference between day and night is widening
While night-time temperatures have typically increased at a faster pace than daytime temperatures, researchers recently found that this pattern had reversed. [ + ]
COVID vaccine found to prevent neonatal complications
COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy is not associated with any increased risks in newborn infants — while COVID-19 infection puts pregnant women at risk. [ + ]
Stem cell breakthrough: repairing heart attack damage
Researchers have solved a complication that could occur following an experimental procedure to repair damaged heart muscle. [ + ]
Cannabis extract found to slow melanoma cell growth
A cannabis extract has shown positive results in slowing down melanoma cell growth and increasing cell death rates, according to an in vitro study. [ + ]