Industry News
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
Antidepressants found to inhibit tumour growth in mice
When combined with immunotherapy the drugs managed to stop the cancer growth long term, and in some cases the tumours disappeared completely. [ + ]
Immune cells in the brain can cooperate when needed
To break down toxic proteins more quickly, immune cells in the brain can join together to form networks when needed. [ + ]
Antibiotic levels can be measured in the breath
The concentration of antibiotics in the body can be determined using a biosensor that measures breath samples. [ + ]
A healthy microbiome may be necessary for muscle growth
Researchers have found that, in order for muscles to grow following exercise in mice, an intact microbiome is necessary. [ + ]
TGA supports at-home COVID-19 testing from 1 November
At-home rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 will be available in Australia from 1 November 2021, subject to individual tests being approved as safe and effective. [ + ]
