First adult stem cells from Friedreich's Ataxia patients give hope for new treatment
14 January, 2011 by Tim DeanResearchers at the Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) and the University of Melbourne have for the first time created adult induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with the rare genetic disorder, Friedreich's Ataxia.
Feature: Immune paradox
05 January, 2011 by Fiona WylieWhy is it that some HIV patients treated with antiretrovirals end up suffering from a new immunopathology? Martyn French is trying to solve this puzzling conundrum.
Feature: Cancer is a lean, mean, epigenetics machine
29 December, 2010 by Graeme O'NeillSusan Clark’s team at the Garvan Institute is revealing the complex epigenetic mechanisms that allow various cancers to stifle cellular defences.
Researchers lift the lid on placebos
24 December, 2010 by David BinningOf course even the most disappointing research student understands that the key to successfully conducting placebo-based studies is keeping your subjects in the dark.
Dairy-derived acids shown to ward off Type 2 diabetes
24 December, 2010 by Staff WritersResearchers at Harvard University have published a study showing that a group of fatty acids called trans-palmitoleate appears to be connected with decreased risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Malaria down but not out (yet)
17 December, 2010 by Tim DeanThe WHO report on malaria shows promising reductions in infections and deaths, but scientists warn malaria might be back with a vengeance unless efforts to eradicate it aren't maintained.
Feature: Antibody attack on acute myeloid leukaemia
16 December, 2010 by Staff WritersCLS Principal Scientist, Samantha Busfield, is working on CSL’s newly developed anti-interleukin-3 (IL3) receptor antibody in the hope that it will provide a new treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia.
LCT gets green light from Russia for Type 1 diabetes treatment Diabecell
10 December, 2010 by David BinningLiving Cell Technologies (LCT) announced today that Russia has become the first country in the world to approve the use and sale of its Diabecell porcine implant for Type 1 diabetics.
Could aspirin help to prevent deaths from cancer, or even cancer itself?
07 December, 2010 by David BinningBritish researchers have published the results of a study which shows that a small dose of aspirin daily could dramatically reduce incidences of cancer related death.
New class of HIV drug in the offing
02 December, 2010 by David BinningAustralian biotech Biotron has reaffirmed its commitment to its HIV drug program following the release of an independent international study demonstrating that the protein Vpu plays a key role in allowing the virus to proliferate.
Feature: Puzzling prions
29 November, 2010 by Fiona WyliePrions, which cause diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), are mysterious things. Andrew Hill’s research into how they spread might lead to new diagnostics and treatments.
Avexa to discuss HIV drug with FDA
27 November, 2010 by David BinningBeleaguered Australian HIV drug developer Avexa announced this week that it has booked time with the FDA to discuss opportunities for its ATC (apricitibane) program.
Universal flu vaccine in the offing
24 November, 2010 by David BinningCanberra-based biotech Gamma Vaccines reported today that it is ready to start human clinical trials of a universal flu vaccine which it hopes will one day do away with the need for new vaccines to be produced every year while being effective against any pandemic strains.
Infectious diseases targeted by new ithree institute
24 November, 2010 by Staff WritersThe University of Technology Sydney has launched the ithree institute, focusing on the understanding and control of infectious diseases in humans and animals.
Erectile dysfunction linked to higher risk of heart disease
24 November, 2010 by Staff WritersA team of international researchers has published the results of a study showing a connection between erectile dysfunction and increased risk of heart disease.