The Shell Questacon Science Circus has been recognised with a Prime Minister's Excellence in Community Business Partnerships Award for its 21-year association with Questacon, Shell, and the Australian National University. The partnership has exposed countless students and families to science education in rural and remote Australia.
A study found that grape seed extract significantly inhibits the growth of colorectal tumors in both human cells and mice. The extract works by increasing the availability of a critical protein called Cip1/p21, which freezes the cell cycle and often pushes cancer cells to self-destruct.
Ultra-narrow superconducting wires show enhanced superconductivity when exposed to strong magnetic fields. Researchers developed a theory explaining this phenomenon, proposing that oxygen exposure forms magnetic moments on the wire surfaces.
A groundbreaking study shows that fishing can promote fluctuations in targeted fish populations, increasing uncertainty and risk of collapse. The study analyzed CalCOFI data to find that fishing selectively culls larger individuals, leaving a stock of near-juveniles less able to cope with environmental pulses.
The International Council on Nanotechnology (ICON) has reviewed existing efforts to develop best practices for handling nanomaterials in the workplace. The Phase 1 report highlights the need for better information on industry practices, with some documents not publicly available.
A clinical trial is underway to assess the effectiveness of Reparagen in treating moderate osteoarthritis, with findings that it 'silences' genes promoting joint damage while activating the repair gene IGF-1.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that newspaper articles tend to focus on young coma patients who are more likely to awaken and recover, creating a skewed public perception. The study also highlights the need for accurate representation of comas in media, noting that medical sources could provide more thorough information than police reports.
A new study found that using a visual imagery technique, specifically picturing oneself as an outsider, can significantly boost voter turnout. The technique, which involves viewing oneself from a third-person perspective, increased voter participation rates by up to 90%, compared to those who took a first-person viewpoint.
A new study will investigate how Australians navigate work-life balance, with a focus on parents and the role of family-friendly policies. The research, funded by the Australian Research Council, aims to provide insight into cross-cultural differences between Western individualistic societies and more collectivist Asian societies.
Scientists used high-resolution radar signals to create detailed images of the lunar south pole, finding abundant rocks but no evidence of ice sheets. The study suggests that any future lunar base should not rely on ice resources.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that MDMA can increase the survival of dopamine cells during fetal development. This may lead to better therapies for neurological diseases like Parkinson's. The study suggests that preventing dopamine cell death is key to finding lasting treatments.
A recent study highlights the need for increased female representation in clinical drug trials, as acknowledged gender differences in treatment effectiveness have not been adequately addressed. The European Medicines Agency's policies have been criticized for failing to develop gender-specific guidelines or strategies.
Researchers link stress to early puberty, citing public health consequences including poor health, unprotected sex, substance abuse, and self-harm. The authors advocate for society to recognize the importance of addressing earlier puberty with accurate information.
Shorter nightly sleep in childhood may be a contributing factor to the growing obesity epidemic. Research suggests that insufficient sleep can disrupt normal metabolism and increase the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers identified a key mechanism behind Rett Syndrome by pinpointing the S421 site on the MeCP2 protein responsible for its normal function. This specificity explains why mutations affecting that site target brain development, leading to delays in motor skills and speech loss.
Researchers discover that iron exposure causes a distinct metallic smell in humans, linked to skin oil and blood decomposition. The key compound responsible for this 'metallic' odor is identified as 1-octen-2-one, produced when oils on skin are oxidized by certain enzymes.
Researchers found that dopamine deficiency in Parkinson's causes loss of muscle control and paralysis due to disruption of coordinated activity in a particular neural circuitry. A new treatment pathway aims to restore this dopamine-regulated circuitry coordination.
Researchers found that people from preindustrial societies consistently classify colors into eight categories: red, green, yellow-or-orange, blue, purple, brown, pink, and grue. The study used data from the World Color Survey to analyze color names across 110 languages, revealing a universal framework for color perception.
A special set of proteins coordinates trafficking through cellular compartments, enabling quick entrance and exit. The mechanism may have applicability in the biomedical field due to its universality across species.
A new program has been launched to make books and reading more enjoyable for Chinese children, building an intrinsic motivation for literacy. The shared book approach involves significant time spent reading stories with students, laying a foundation for reading and promoting oral language facility.
A Mayo Clinic study of 144 participants found that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements had no effect on age-related changes in body composition, physical performance, or quality of life. The study's findings contradict previous reports and suggest that DHEA should be treated as a regulated drug.
Research published in the Journal of Foodservice found that hospital food can lose up to 86% of its Vitamin C content as it progresses from production to consumption, highlighting the need for improved cooking methods and nutritional assessment.
A new study found that short days increase estrogen's effects on male mice's aggression, while long days decrease it. The researchers identified the mechanisms behind this interaction, which may have implications for human aggression and cancer.
Research finds that commercial fishing causes significant variability in exploited fish populations, leaving them vulnerable to collapse. The study suggests that managing fish stocks must account for this increased variability to ensure their long-term sustainability.
Research by Arul Mishra and Dhananjay Nayakankuppam found that human judges are inconsistent in their assessments, rather than relying on data or calibration. This inconsistency arises from the use of causal stories to explain relationships between cues and qualities.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that stress triggers a relapse of methamphetamine abuse in mice, validating human studies. The researchers used a compound to mimic metabolic changes during stress and found it was effective in reinstating drug-seeking behavior.
A new diagnostic device, BioMAP, can identify a third of children aged 8-12 with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. Children identified through BioMAP receive auditory training that improves their academic learning skills.
Scientists identified SFLT-1 as the protein responsible for preventing blood vessel growth in corneas. Deactivating this protein allows angiogenesis to occur, leading to conditions such as macular degeneration and cancer. The discovery opens doors to new treatments by harnessing the natural anti-angiogenic properties of the eye.
A large study published in Environmental Health journal reveals that IBM factory workers in the US are more likely to die from cancer than the general population. The study confirms previous findings and highlights clear health risks for computer factory workers worldwide.
A new study published in Kidney International found that Fosrenol, a phosphate binder used to treat hyperphosphatemia in CKD Stage 5 patients, did not negatively impact cognitive function deterioration. The two-year trial compared Fosrenol with standard therapy and showed similar declines in cognitive function for both groups.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new type of miniature endoscope that produces high-definition, three-dimensional images. This technology, called spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE), allows for the creation of detailed images of areas previously inaccessible to medical diagnosis and treatment.
Research found that fairness judgments about fluctuating prices depend on time and price-setting involvement. Consumers perceive unfair prices when they're not involved in setting the price or experience rapid price changes.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is allocating $74 million to study the environmental causes of disease. The Exposure Biology Program will focus on developing innovative technologies to assess exposures to chemical and biological agents, dietary intake, physical activity, and psychosocial stress.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that cancer stem cells in brain tumors activate a 'repair switch' that enables them to continue growing unchecked after radiation treatment. A method to block this process has been identified, offering hope for developing therapies to overcome radiation resistance.
Monash PhD researcher Ms Fleur Tynan has been awarded a Victoria Fellowship to study advanced cellular imaging techniques at Stanford University. Her research focuses on the human immune response to viruses, which may lead to developing therapeutics that assist in the anti-viral immune response.
Researchers at CU-Boulder and Children's Hospital developed guidelines for safe earphone listening levels using iPods. Typically, individuals can safely listen to music for 4.6 hours a day at 70% volume without risking hearing loss.
Research finds that consumers who base their decisions on emotional responses are more satisfied with their purchases, both immediately and three weeks later. The study suggests that it can be beneficial for consumers to consider feelings when making purchasing decisions.
A new study from the University of Michigan finds that the brain chemical dopamine is involved in both pleasure and pain responses, with variations between individuals affecting vulnerability to drug addiction. The research may help explain why some people are more prone to developing addictions during times of stress or chronic pain.
Neuroscientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered that critical nerve cells in mice fire all at the same time, overwhelming the brain's ability to control movement. This finding contradicts current theories behind Parkinson's disease and may help develop new therapeutics.
A team of Stanford researchers conducted the first comprehensive survey of the USS Macon's final resting place, a 1,000-foot-deep site off Monterey Bay. The airship was one of only two 'flying aircraft carriers' ever built and went down in 1935 without seeing combat.
Researchers found that articulating the connection between a sponsor and event increases recall for incongruent sponsor-event pairings. The study suggests marketing managers can improve brand recognition by clearly explaining their relationship with an event.
Researchers at NIST have successfully purified entangled atom pairs using a nondestructive method, which could improve the quality of particles for practical applications in quantum computing and communications. The purification rate is significantly higher than previous experiments with photons.
Researchers found that marijuana-like compounds improved memory and reduced inflammation in older rats, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease. The study used synthetic compounds similar to marijuana to treat young and old rats, with the most notable improvement seen in older rats.
The University of Liverpool, Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology are merging to create a cancer research centre, enabling global clinical trials of new therapies. The centre will be funded by Cancer Research UK and will double the number of patients in early phase clinical trials.
A new study found that traumatic brain injury reduces potassium-chloride co-transporter 2 (KCC2) levels in the dentate gyrus, leading to abnormal activity and seizures. The research also suggests that this imbalance may impair memory formation, particularly antegrade memory.
Researchers found that nicotine delays tendon-to-bone healing, reducing cellular proliferation and collagen production. This can lead to weaker tissue and increased vulnerability to re-injury after surgery. The study used a rat shoulder model to investigate the effects of cigarette smoking on rotator cuff repair.
Researchers will examine the scientific, social, cultural and organizational contexts that have shaped embryology as a science. The project aims to provide a rich description of embryo research over key periods of its history and analyze agents of change.
A study by UCSF researchers found that 42% of elderly patients taking five or more medications were simultaneously taking an inappropriate drug and not taking a necessary one. The study also showed that underuse of medications was common, with an average of one missed medication per patient.
A soluble form of a receptor called sflt-1 traps factors that enable growth of vision-obstructing blood vessels in the cornea. By eliminating sflt-1, researchers found that mice corneas consistently developed blood vessels.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $4.5-million supplemental grant to UCLA's Center for HIV Prevention and Research to develop microbicides combatting HIV transmission. This funding will support collaborative work with Johns Hopkins University, University of Pittsburgh, and CONRAD.
A team of scientists reconstructed the early evolution of fungi, finding that ancestors may have lost flagellae and adapted to life on land in multiple instances. Fungi are believed to be animals' closest relatives and play a crucial role as decomposers in ecosystems.
A new intelligent sensor system could provide rapid and specific warnings of local flooding, reducing damage costs. The system uses grid computing to analyze data from sensors in flood-prone areas, making it possible to issue targeted warnings in time for action.
A 380 million-year-old fossil fish discovery in Western Australia rewrites land mammal evolution, tracing human adaptations to life on land further back in time than previously thought. The Gogonasus fossil reveals features of tetrapods evolved earlier than expected.
A Canadian oncologist warned doctors to be aware of the potential risk of suicide among cancer patients. The study found that American cancer patients are more than twice as likely to kill themselves as the general population. The risk varies according to factors such as gender, prognosis, and type of cancer.