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Australian National University


Finding new ways to make drugs

Chemists developed a new way to manufacture natural chemicals by clipping smaller molecules together, enabling the efficient assembly of scarce anti-inflammatory drugs like pseudopterosin. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper ways to produce rare drugs in large quantities.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 18, 2014

Spiral laser beam creates quantum whirlpool

Physicists at Australian National University have created a spiral laser beam that generates a stable vortex of polaritons, which are hybrid particles exhibiting both matter-like and light-like behavior. This achievement could enable the development of novel technology linking conventional electronics with photonics.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 16, 2014

Ocean primed for more El Niño

A new study using coral samples from a remote Pacific island in Kiribati reveals the ocean has warmed over the last sixty years, priming it for stronger El Niáo events. This warming trend could have a major impact on Australia's weather, particularly during El Niáo events when warm waters move eastward and bring droughts.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPaleoceanography·DateNov 13, 2014

Physicists build reversible laser tractor beam

Researchers created a reversible laser tractor beam that can repel and attract particles, moving them up to 20 centimeters with a single laser beam. The technique uses energy heating and polarization control to manipulate particles, offering new possibilities for atmospheric pollution control and tiny particle retrieval.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 20, 2014

Water and sunlight the formula for sustainable fuel

A team of researchers at Australian National University has successfully replicated a crucial step in photosynthesis, paving the way for biological systems powered by sunlight to manufacture hydrogen as a fuel. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of a zero-carbon replacement for petroleum products and transform the economy.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics·DateAug 20, 2014

Laser makes microscopes way cooler

Researchers at Australian National University developed a technique to cool nanowire probes with lasers, increasing their sensitivity 20 times and enabling detection of tiny forces. This could improve the resolution of atomic force microscopes, measuring nanoscopic structures and molecular interactions.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2014

Mars mineral could be linked to microbes

Researchers have found microbes create an environment that allows stevensite to form, raising new questions about the Martian deposits and their possible links to life on Mars. Microbialites are the earliest large-scale evidence of life on Earth, demonstrating how microscopic organisms join together to build enormous structures.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalGeology·DateMay 19, 2014

Droplet lens

Researchers from Australian National University developed a simple and cheap way to make high-powered lenses that can transform smartphones into high-resolution microscopes. The lenses are made by using the natural shape of liquid droplets, promising revolution in science and medicine in developing countries and remote areas.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateApr 24, 2014

VC predicts the motion of the ocean

Research led by ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young uses satellite data to track wave decay and develop a mathematical formula for predicting swell action. The study provides comprehensive data on the rate of decay, which will increase the accuracy of wave predictions for industries such as shipping and surfing.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Physical Oceanography·DateNov 5, 2013