Detect swine flu in hours
15 June, 2009The RETCIF test is able to detect viruses, including swine flu, within hours. The test, developed by Melbourne virologist Dr Robert Alexander, is expected to be available internationally within two years.
Portable forensic tool identified for human hair analysis
12 May, 2009Analysis of human hair at a crime scene may be possible with a portable technique adapted by Queensland University of Technology researcher Sarina Brandes.
Developing a genetic test for pregnancy risks
12 May, 2009University of Adelaide researchers are developing a world-first genetic test that can predict which pregnancies are at risk of complications long before symptoms arise.
CSIRO patents new microscopy method
06 April, 2009CSIRO has patented an improved microscopy method that could help scientists create better targeted pharmaceuticals by allowing them to accurately measure the size and shape of proteins.
Minimising the spread of Hendra virus
01 April, 2009Groundbreaking CSIRO research into how the deadly Hendra virus spreads promises to save the lives of both horses and humans in the future.
Guidelines to help detect and study counterfeit medicines
23 March, 2009A significant proportion of drugs consumed in the developing world are of poor quality, many of which are counterfeit, according to a group of international experts who have published guidelines to help detect these questionable drugs.
Universal influenza virus vaccine becoming a reality
03 March, 2009The Holy Grail of influenza vaccinology — the development of a durable and cross-protective universal influenza virus vaccine — may be within grasp.
Metabolomic profiles predict prostate cancer
12 February, 2009Analysis of the metabolite levels in human tumours has lead to the identification of a new biological marker present in the urine of patients with prostate cancer that indicates whether the cancer is progressing and spreading.
NSW and Victoria make stem-cell research breakthrough
02 February, 2009Understanding Type 1 Diabetes and infertility is a step closer now NSW and Victorian researchers have developed Australia’s first human-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell line.
Differentiating normal and cancer stem cells
07 January, 2009Canadian researchers have demonstrated the difference between normal stem cells and cancer stem cells in humans. It is anticipated that this research will help scientists target cancer cells and leave healthy cells untouched during cancer treatment.
Stem cell therapy used to reverse brain birth defects
06 January, 2009Brain birth defects in animal models have been reversed using mouse embryonic neural stem cells by scientists at the Hebrew University.
Controlled drug delivery in gut
01 January, 2009Philips Research has recently announced its intelligent pill technology iPill, targeted at assisting drug development and enabling new therapies for digestive tract disorders such as Crohn’s disease, colitis and colon cancer.
Point of care lab-on-a-chip cancer diagnostic
18 December, 2008Smart-Biomems is developing a comparatively inexpensive, easy-to-use and portable point-of-care system which will detect cancer at a very early stage.
Alzheimer’s disease breakthrough
17 November, 2008Scientists working within CSIRO’s Preventative Health Flagship have discovered a rapid screening system to identify inhibitors of toxic multimer formation which is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease progression. It is hoped that this may lead to the discovery of new agents which may prove useful in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.
Excellence in Biomedical Research Award for Prof Ian Frazer
14 November, 2008The 2006 Australian of the Year, Professor Ian Frazer, has been awarded a further honour, the Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence in Biomedical Research.
