Where there’s a wee there’s a way
03 August, 2009
Chemical analysis of the wastewater in 96 communities in Oregon has been used to map methamphetamine, cocaine and ‘ecstasy’ drug use. This methodology could be used as a proactive tool by health authorities.
Not all blood and tissue cells are created equal
03 August, 2009
Important questions have been raised about genetic research based only on blood samples with the discovery of major differences between BAK genes in blood cells and tissue cells coming from the same individuals.
New map of human genomic variations
03 August, 2009
Benchmarking copy number variations in healthy people will assist with diagnosis and studies of gene disorders.
'Copernicium' proposed as name for element 112
16 July, 2009
Element 112's existence has been officially confirmed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and now the name 'copernicium' (Cp) has been proposed as its name.
DB Nanopatches to join the fight against swine flu
14 July, 2009
Nanopatch technology may replace the needle and facilitate the delivery of vaccines with lower doses.
Genetic modification and salt-tolerant crops
08 July, 2009
A research team based at the University of Adelaide's Waite Campus has developed salt-tolerant plants using a new type of genetic modification, bringing salt-tolerant cereal crops a step closer to reality.
Differences between induced pluripotent and embryonic stem cells
03 July, 2009
Embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells have been found to have inherent molecular differences, making it possible to clearly distinguish between the two cell types.
A quicker, cheaper way to sort isotopes
01 July, 2009
Stanford chemists have developed a new method of isotopic analysis that does not use mass spectroscopy so it is much less expensive.
UQ generates first Australian swine flu vaccine
29 June, 2009
The University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology has created a vaccine matched to the virus found in the first US case of swine flu.
Sniffing out cancer
23 June, 2009
Researchers have been able to differentiate not only between healthy and cancerous cells but also between metastatic and non-metastatic cancer cells using an array of nanoparticles and polymers.
Detect swine flu in hours
15 June, 2009
The 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.
Developing a genetic test for pregnancy risks
12 May, 2009
University of Adelaide researchers are developing a world-first genetic test that can predict which pregnancies are at risk of complications long before symptoms arise.
Portable forensic tool identified for human hair analysis
12 May, 2009
Analysis of human hair at a crime scene may be possible with a portable technique adapted by Queensland University of Technology researcher Sarina Brandes.
Carbon nanotube can detect the entire visible spectrum
05 May, 2009
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created the first carbon nanotube device that can detect the entire visible spectrum of light, a feat that could soon allow scientists to probe single molecule transformations, study how those molecules respond to light, observe how the molecules change shapes, and understand other fundamental interactions between molecules and nanotubes.
A virologist's perspective on Influenza A (H1N1)
05 May, 2009
Soon after scientists first isolated influenza A type viruses from pigs in 1931 and humans in 1933, they watched it break evolutionary barriers with alarming ease — infecting not only humans, but also aquatic birds, poultry, pigs, horses, dogs and other species. Now, with an intensifying outbreak driven by the emergence of a new strain of influenza A(H1N1), scientists once again have a unique opportunity to study viral evolution in action.
