Space rocks reveal secrets of the solar system
31 October, 2012 by Lauren DavisThe history of our solar system is being uncovered using Australia’s only nuclear reactor. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has partnered with Germany’s prestigious Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC) in order to analyse chondrules - multibillion-year-old particles from outer space.
Reducing the immunity of cancer cells
29 October, 2012Recently published research by a team based at La Trobe University Bendigo shows partial success in bringing the fight against cancer one small step closer to success.
Beautiful physics: tying knots in light
29 October, 2012Dr Anton Desyatnikov from the Nonlinear Physics Centre at The Australian National University is part of an international team of scientists who are designing knots in light.
Size does matter - well it does for beetles
26 October, 2012Microscale laser surgery on male beetles’ genitalia has been used to establish that for beetles size actually does matter.
Breakthrough research into pancreatic cancer gene mutations
26 October, 2012A large-scale international study into pancreatic cancer has discovered that the cancer is not just one disease, but many.
Birth of calf expected after ‘handmade cloning’
26 October, 2012Professor Gábor Vajta has been working on a handmade cloning technique in collaboration with Australian Reproductive Technologies.
Destructive pea weevils on the way out
25 October, 2012Farmers around the world are a step closer to eliminating the chemical spraying of field peas for the destructive pea weevil, thanks to research by agricultural scientists from The University of Western Australia (UWA).
Infectious disease control in space
22 October, 2012On a long spaceflight, unique conditions including microgravity could give microbes the upper hand, but not if astronauts and their spacecraft are properly prepared. Brown University’s Dr Leonard Mermel brings together a broad base of research to come up with specific recommendations for keeping astronauts safe in deep space.
Cracking the epigenetic code
22 October, 2012A team of researchers at The Australian National University is one step closer to better understanding how organisms function after discovering how epigenetic information is transmitted from one generation of cells to the next.
Naturally occurring compounds could fight ovarian cancer
19 October, 2012A University of Canterbury (UC) research project, in collaboration with the University of Otago, Christchurch (formerly known as Christchurch School of Medicine), has shown some promising signs in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Volunteers sought for edible vaccine trials
18 October, 2012Researchers from The University of Western Australia, Ondek and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital are continuing a study into how the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori, can be used as a carrier for ingestible vaccines.
Thermo Fisher Scientific and Immundiagnostik collaborate on mass spectrometry-based clinical and research tools
17 October, 2012Thermo Fisher Scientific and Immundiagnostik have announced a collaboration to develop novel mass spectrometry-based assays for qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins and peptides. The goal is development of commercial assays to be widely applicable in research and routine clinical analysis.
Non-invasive test for colorectal cancer shows promise
17 October, 2012A new non-invasive test for colorectal cancer screening has demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer; in particular, precancers that are most likely to develop into cancer.
Sea sponges offer hope for new medicines
16 October, 2012Flinders University researcher Dr Jan Bekker is on a mission to chemically fingerprint South Australia’s marine sponges, with the wider aim of identifying new compounds that could ultimately play an important role in the fight against cancer and infectious diseases.
Odours of mass deception: how rats learn to ignore native birds
16 October, 2012Rats’ keen sense of smell can be exploited to dramatically reduce their attacks on native birds, researchers from the University of Sydney have shown. The technique could be adapted to protect vulnerable species worldwide.
