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Griffith University


Measuring times in billionths of a billionth of a second

Researchers at Griffith University develop novel technique to measure ultrafast processes with unprecedented time resolution, measuring time delay between H2 and D2 molecular hydrogen isotopes with zeptosecond precision. The study has implications for understanding HHG radiation dynamics.

SourceGriffith University·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2022

Elephant tweets highlight divide on conservation issues

A recent study found that social media platforms like Twitter do not accurately reflect the most pressing threats to wild elephant populations, such as habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. Local communities that live with elephants often face resentment due to their safety and livelihoods being at risk.

SourceGriffith University·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 11, 2022

Ultra-thin but tough implantable material could treat spinal cord injury and Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from Griffith University and UNSW Sydney developed a robust and functional material system that overcomes the challenges of long-term implantation in biofluids. The system consists of silicon carbide nanomembranes as the contact surface and silicon dioxide as the protective encapsulation, showing unrivalled stability.

SourceGriffith University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

Wave climate projections predict risks to Aussie coastlines

Researchers mapped out how much waves are likely to change around the globe under climate change, finding that limiting warming to 2 degrees would keep signals of wave climate change within natural variability. However, 48% of the world's coast is at risk if we don't limit warming, with changes in wave height, period, or direction.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 20, 2019

Electron caught in the act

Griffith University researchers used Australia's fastest camera to measure the time it takes for molecules to break apart, achieving a record-breaking 15 millionth of a billionth of a second. This breakthrough could help design new molecules for materials science and drug discovery.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2017

Dating expert ages oldest modern human

Researchers have discovered the oldest securely aged fossil evidence of modern humans in Africa, pushing back their origins by 100,000 years. The findings from Jebel Irhoud, Morocco, reveal a complex evolutionary history of mankind that likely involved the entire African continent.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature·DateJun 7, 2017

Engineering a new cancer detection tool

Scientists from Griffith University and partners have engineered a new tool to detect cancer by recognizing an unusual sugar present on tumor cells. The innovation utilizes the E. coli toxin, which binds to Neu5Gc, a substance produced by tumor cells.

SourceGriffith University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 7, 2017

Not survival of the fittest for Tassie devils

Researchers found that devils with higher fitness rates are more likely to contract devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), a transmissible cancer. The study suggests that socially dominant individuals may be more susceptible due to their aggressive behavior and mating encounters.

SourceGriffith University·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 11, 2017

Researchers uncover prehistoric art and ornaments from Indonesian 'Ice Age'

A team of researchers has discovered a unique assemblage of prehistoric artefacts, including disc-shaped beads and pendant objects, dated to between 30,000 to 22,000 years ago. The findings challenge the theory that Pleistocene human culture declined in sophistication as Homo sapiens ventured beyond India into Southeast Asia.

SourceGriffith University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2017

China's pristine parks get more merit

A large-scale study found China's smaller parks in warmer regions were more heavily modified, while larger parks in colder areas remained pristinely untouched. The research provides valuable insights into the conservation value of protected areas and will aid in achieving international recognition for China's conservation efforts.

SourceGriffith University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateDec 1, 2016

Efficient catalysts key to turning water into fuel

Researchers at Griffith University have made significant progress in developing highly efficient catalysts for turning water into clean chemical fuel like hydrogen. The project aims to address high overpotentials hindering gas evolution reactions, which are critical for clean energy generation and storage technologies.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 30, 2016

Researchers find new way to attack gastro bug

Scientists at Griffith University identified a unique sensory structure in bacteria that binds host-specific sugar and is present on virulent strains of Campylobacter jejuni. Disabling this sensor reduces the ability of campylobacteria to colonize chickens, offering a potential target for antimicrobial drugs.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2016

Ross River virus battle breakthrough

Researchers at Griffith University have discovered a potential new therapeutic treatment for mosquito-borne alphavirus infections, including Ross River Virus and Chikungunya Virus. Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) has shown promising results in treating acute and chronic disease manifestations of alphavirus infections.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateSep 7, 2016

Burning desire comes down to beetles

A Griffith University study found that high-frequency fires can disrupt nutrient cycling and modify beetle populations in some forest ecosystems. The research aims to improve fire frequency management by understanding the effects on soil, plant, animal, and microbial communities.

How we escaped from the Big Bang

Associate Professor Dr Joan Vaccaro's research resolves an anomaly in conventional physics by introducing 'T violation', forcing the universe and us into the future. This breakthrough reveals how time evolution and conservation laws emerged, allowing for aging and a flow of time.

Can you teach koalas new tricks?

A team from Griffith University monitored 130 koala crossings using retrofitted eco-passages and pinpointed individual koalas with RFID tags, camera traps, and audio radio transmitters. The study provides comprehensive insights into koala behavior and movements.

SourceGriffith University·JournalWildlife Research·DateAug 3, 2016

Griffith scientists unlock the 'Malaria box'

A global team of researchers has created and tested a panel of 400 chemical compounds, dubbed the 'Malaria Box', with potential application as therapeutic starting points for diseases like malaria, trypanosomiasis and toxoplasmosis. The collaboration opens new doors for international advances in drug discovery.

SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 1, 2016

Researchers uncover new light harvesting potentials

A quantum-confined bandgap narrowing mechanism has been found to extend UV absorption into the visible light range, enabling design of high-efficiency paintable solar cells and water purification using sunlight. The researchers mixed TiO2 particles with graphene quantum dots, resulting in a composite that absorbs visible light.

SourceGriffith University·JournalChemical Communications·DateJul 13, 2016

Deadly bug strikes in a day

A deadly bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, can travel to the brain and spinal cord within 24 hours, according to a new Griffith University study. The findings could lead to discoveries on how other common bacteria enter the spinal cord.

SourceGriffith University·JournalImmunity·DateJul 8, 2016

Research proves Aboriginal Australians were first inhabitants

Researchers from Griffith University's Research Centre for Human Evolution refuted a landmark study suggesting Mungo Man was an extinct lineage of modern humans. The team recovered the genomic sequence of an early inhabitant of Lake Mungo, supporting the argument that Aboriginal Australians were the first inhabitants of Australia.

SourceGriffith University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2016

Unlocking the gates to quantum computing

Researchers from Griffith University have successfully implemented a simplified version of the quantum Fredkin gate, a challenging circuit that enables efficient processing in quantum computers. This achievement could lead to more powerful and compact quantum computing systems.

SourceGriffith University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 25, 2016

Carbon leads the way in clean energy

Researchers have developed a nickel-carbon-based catalyst that replaces platinum in producing hydrogen from water, offering a cheaper alternative for renewable energy technologies. The new catalyst exhibits highly efficient hydrogen evolution performance and impressive durability.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2016

Can ecotourism save endangered species?

A new study from Griffith University uses population viability modelling to quantify the impact of ecotourism on threatened species. For seven out of nine species analysed, ecotourism provides net conservation gains through measures like private reserves and habitat restoration.

SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 17, 2016

Sweet and sticky: Bacteria use sugars to bind to human cells

Researchers at Griffith University have made a groundbreaking discovery about how bacteria interact with human cells, revealing high-affinity biomolecular interactions between glycans that were previously thought to be weak or non-existent. This finding opens up new avenues for developing vaccines and drugs to block infections.

SourceGriffith University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2015

New treatment potential for heart attack sufferers

A study published in International Journal of Cardiology found that mildly elevated levels of bilirubin, a bile pigment, can reduce damage and improve heart function during recovery from a heart attack. Higher levels of bilirubin have also been shown to protect the circulation from oxidative damage.

SourceGriffith University·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateNov 24, 2015