Industry News
Mapping the epigenetic signatures of pain
Scientists carried out a complete epigenomic study to define specific biomarkers for each type of pain, in order to be able to categorise the various types of pain quickly. [ + ]
Stress of COVID-19 taking its toll on Aus scientists
The Professional Scientists Employment and Remuneration Report found that over 70.6% of scientists said worker fatigue had increased. [ + ]
Oxytocin shows no benefit as autism treatment
Oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone that acts as a chemical messenger in the brain, has shown no evidence of helping children with autism gain social skills. [ + ]
Biomarker for anorexia discovered
Australian and Canadian researchers have discovered what they believe is the first biomarker for anorexia nervosa. [ + ]
Unexpected radio signals detected from distant stars
Scientists have discovered stars unexpectedly blasting out radio waves, possibly indicating the existence of hidden planets. [ + ]
New infectious disease transmitted by tick bites in Japan
A previously unknown virus that can infect and cause disease in humans has been identified by scientists in Japan. [ + ]
New Hendra virus variant found in southern, western Aus
Hendra virus can be found across a broad region of Australia, with a previously unidentified type of the virus found in flying foxes in the southern and western states. [ + ]
CO2 converted into a diesel blend fuel
A new method converts carbon dioxide into a diesel-range fuel and has the potential to produce a net-zero liquid fuel alternative to power cars more sustainably. [ + ]
A single gene helps regulate the sleep–wake cycle
Using the genetic model organism Drosophila melanogaster, researchers discovered that the Nf1 gene is essential for the regulation of the sleep–wake cycle. [ + ]
Breakthrough in droplet navigation and manipulation
Researchers make a breakthrough in droplet manipulation, discovering a way to navigate liquids on a surface in the absence of external force or energy. [ + ]
COVID-19 booster shots for the severely immunocompromised
Australians who are severely immunocompromised will be offered the option to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine dose to boost their protection. [ + ]
Malaria vaccine for children officially recommended by WHO
The World Health Organization is recommending widespread use of the breakthrough RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa. [ + ]
2021 Nobel Prize winners announced
The Nobel Prizes are this year celebrating their 120th anniversary, with several new laureates being announced during the week of 4–11 October. [ + ]
Breastfeeding hormone causes fatigue during pregnancy
The hormone prolactin — critical for milk production — acts in specific parts of the brain to reduce engagement in sustained periods of voluntary exercise in pregnancy. [ + ]
Aus buys 300K courses of Merck's oral COVID-19 treatment
The Australian Government will purchase 300,000 courses of the company's promising oral COVID-19 treatment, should it receive approval from the TGA. [ + ]
