Molecule may hold key to melanoma progression
01 March, 2013The search for new pathways to treat melanoma has unearthed a molecular target that may play an important activation role in tumour growth, according to University of Newcastle researchers.
Birth order linked to increased risk of diabetes, metabolic disorders
21 February, 2013Long a source of sibling rivalry, birth order may raise the risk of first-born children developing diabetes or high blood pressure.
New hope for early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s
18 February, 2013Flinders University researchers have discovered that a protein in the brain may play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease, a common degenerative neurological disorder which affects the control of body movements.
New drug puts malaria under the pump
14 February, 2013Researchers have discovered how a new class of antimalarial drugs kills the malaria parasite, showing that the drugs block a pump at the parasite surface, causing it to fill with salt.
A ‘molecular fountain of youth’
04 February, 2013Sirtuin protein found to reverse age-related degeneration.
Immune cell death defects linked to autoimmune diseases
30 January, 2013Melbourne researchers have discovered that the death of immune system cells is an important safeguard against the development of diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
The genes that drive soft drink consumption and weight gain
17 January, 2013In a letter to the Editor of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), published online today, endocrinologists from Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research applauded a study in the 11 October issue showing a direct correlation between consumption of sugary soft drinks, obesity and genetic predisposition to weight gain.
Images of insulin in action could lead to better diabetes treatments
10 January, 2013An Australian-led research team has obtained the world’s first 3D pictures of insulin in the process of binding to cell surfaces so that the cells can take up sugar from the blood. The images solve the 20-year mystery of how insulin binds to the insulin receptor and will enable the development of improved forms of insulin for treating type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Immune system kill switch could be target for chemotherapy and infection recovery
10 December, 2012Researchers have discovered an immune system ‘kill switch’ that destroys blood stem cells when the body is under severe stress, such as that induced by chemotherapy and systemic infections.
Research reveals twist in the fight against malaria
10 December, 2012New research published in the prestigious journal Science has challenged previous notions about how the body fights against malaria infection. Scientists have discovered that platelets, normally known for their role in preventing bleeding, can actually target and kill the parasite that causes malaria as it grows inside red blood cells.
Faster, safer method for producing stem cells
06 December, 2012A new method for generating stem cells from mature cells promises to boost stem cell production in the laboratory, helping to remove a barrier to regenerative medicine therapies that would replace damaged or unhealthy body tissues.
Placebos provide pain relief … for some people
06 December, 2012Why is it that the placebo effect - the idea that taking fake medicine can make someone feel better - seems to work for some people but not others? According to researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M), it all comes down to the personality of the person taking it.
Curtin investigates new treatments for diabetes
05 December, 2012A group of Curtin University researchers has been awarded a Diabetes Australia Research Trust Grant for research to improve diabetes treatment, potentially eliminating the need for insulin injection.
Zooming down the tree of life, digitally
12 November, 2012Exploring the evolutionary tree of life is now as easy as navigating an online map, thanks to a new interactive website which does away with giant pieces of paper and confusion.
Gene find turns soldier beetle defence into biotech opportunity
08 November, 2012New antibiotic and anticancer chemicals may one day be synthesised using biotechnology, following CSIRO’s discovery of the three genes that combine to provide soldier beetles with their potent predator defence system.
