Industry News
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
One-hour test for antibiotic resistance developed
The Fast Antibiotic Susceptibility Test (FAST) means doctors will be able to find out up to 10 times faster which antibiotics can still affect their patients and which cannot. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
