Terahertz radiation reveals ‘lost’ works of art
04 May, 2010
Research scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS are revealing the secrets of 'lost' paintings non-destructively using terahertz beams.
Diamond to become the blind’s best friend
04 May, 2010
A Melbourne Materials Institute team is developing a diamond electrode array that will be part of a chip embedded in the retina for use in the bionic eye. This device is designed to have sufficient resolution to allow the blind to recognise faces and read large print.
Biomarkers for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases
29 April, 2010
A team of researchers from McGill/MUHC validates a novel screening tool in the fight against Chagas disease.
Genetic tests may predict of hospital readmissions in newborns
29 April, 2010
The results of two separate research studies taking place at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics will help physicians predict which newborns may require readmission to the hospital shortly after birth. The studies will also help physicians identify which of their young patients are likely to respond well - or not - to steroid therapy for asthma.
Why water does not freeze in the clouds
22 April, 2010
Scientists have found an experimental explanation of the phenomenon of supercooling.
New biofuel process
22 April, 2010
A new method of converting biomass feedstock into sustainable fuel not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but doubles the amount of fuel that can be made from an acre of biomass feedstock.
The origin of different sexes
22 April, 2010
Coming straight from the pond - a multicellular green alga may have unlocked the secrets behind the evolution of different sexes.
Biomarker for liver cancer screening
13 April, 2010
Several medical diagnostic companies are in the process of developing automated serum tests for Golgi Protein-73. This protein could be used to screen for liver cancer and the test could be performed in routine hospital laboratories.
Element 117 - the latest of the superheavies
12 April, 2010
The last hole in row seven of the periodic table has been filled with the latest superheavy element to be discovered - element 117.
The scientific brain
07 April, 2010
There is a striking similarity between how the human brain determines what is going on in the outside world and the job of scientists. Both process predictable sensory input in an efficient manner but require more effort when predictions are not fulfilled.
Metal catalysts improve lightweight battery efficiency
07 April, 2010
Metal catalysts based on gold or platinum could facilitate the development of lithium-air batteries with up to three times the energy density of any battery that currently exists.
Gold nanoparticles used to detect melamine in milk
07 April, 2010
The interaction between gold nanoparticles and melamine has been found to cause a dramatic colour change indicating the presence of melamine in milk.
Polymer-based method for creating photovoltaic devices
06 April, 2010
Chemists have identified a polymer-based system that may improve the efficiency of photovoltaic devices.
New discovery is a significant boost to cancer research
06 April, 2010
Synthetic derivatives UDP-Galactose have been found to block the activity of glycosyltransferases and may have a significant role in the treatment of cancer, inflammation and infection.
Bio-marker for MS - the start of personalised medicine
30 March, 2010
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have found the first bio-marker for multiple sclerosis (MS) that might predict which patients will respond to a standard therapy and which will not.