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Monash University


New ammunition in the fight against type 2 diabetes

A new study by Monash University has shown that gastric banding can lead to remission of diabetes in people who are overweight but not obese. The research, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, found that weight loss surgery significantly improved the condition in over half of participants.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateApr 7, 2014

Good diet boosts health but not wealth

A healthy diet may improve health outcomes in older adults, reducing hospital stays, but increases spending on outpatient services and preventive care. The study highlights the need for nutrition policies that address socioeconomic disparities.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateApr 2, 2014

Diet quality links old and young

A Taiwanese study found that high-quality diets among children are correlated with those of their elders, regardless of factors such as household income and parental education. The researchers suggest that grandparents may play a significant role in influencing food habits across generations.

SourceMonash University·JournalEcology of Food and Nutrition·DateDec 17, 2013

Global map to predict giant earthquakes

Researchers have developed a new global map to predict giant earthquakes at subduction zones, including the Australian region. The study identified several regions capable of producing massive earthquakes, while others are not predicted to experience such events.

SourceMonash University·JournalPhysics of The Earth and Planetary Interiors·DateDec 12, 2013

A step closer to muscle regeneration

Researchers at Monash University have isolated muscle precursor cells from pluripotent stem cells using a purification technique, allowing them to differentiate into muscle cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for degenerative diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy and Parkinson's disease.

SourceMonash University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateDec 9, 2013

Himalayan flowers shed light on climate change

Researchers from Monash University and RMIT University found that Himalayan flowers evolved to attract bees as pollinators in response to bee colour vision. The study reveals the impact of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions in mountainous environments.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateDec 2, 2013

Dual protein knockout could lead to new male contraceptive

Researchers have found that blocking two proteins on smooth muscle cells can cause complete male infertility without affecting long-term sexual behavior. A potential oral male contraceptive drug could be developed within ten years, offering a safe and reversible alternative to current methods.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2013

New discovery in quest for better drugs

Researchers at Monash University have combined computer modelling with pharmacology to gain new insights into how the body interacts with novel drug treatments. The study reveals alternative drug recognition sites on G protein-coupled receptors, which play a role in virtually every biological process and most diseases.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2013

A first in front line immunity research

Researchers have characterised the binding of IFNβ proteins to cells, providing a breakthrough in understanding immune response mechanisms. This study offers new avenues for developing treatments with reduced side effects and improved effectiveness.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 21, 2013

After millennia of mining, copper nowhere near 'peak'

Researchers from Monash University have compiled and analyzed worldwide copper resources, finding existing supplies can meet growing demand for a long time. The extensive database provides detailed information on ore grades, allowing for more informed geological exploration and improved industry practices.

SourceMonash University·JournalEconomic Geology·DateJul 3, 2013

New 'embryonic' subduction zone found

A new subduction zone has been detected off the coast of Portugal, marking the beginning of a cycle that will close the Atlantic Ocean. The Iberian subduction zone will pull Iberia towards the United States over approximately 220 million years.

SourceMonash University·JournalGeology·DateJun 17, 2013

Sexual selection in the sea

Female southern bottletail squid consume male ejaculates, using nutrients for egg growth, and target larger females to minimize consumption. This strategic behavior affects males' chances of fertilizing eggs.

SourceMonash University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 4, 2013

Good kidney health begins before birth

Research found that low birth weight and prematurity are linked to low nephron numbers, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. The study suggests clinicians use birth weight as a parameter for screening patients.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 30, 2013

New possibilities for prostate cancer treatment revealed

Researchers at Monash University have identified a sub-group of cells that can contribute to prostate cancer recurrence, opening up new treatment options. These previously unidentified cells are potential targets for future therapies and may be targeted before the cancer reaches an incurable stage.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 29, 2013

Do salamanders hold the solution to regeneration?

Researchers from Monash University found that macrophages play a crucial role in salamander regeneration. Without them, salamanders lose their ability to regenerate and form scar tissue instead. The study brings scientists closer to understanding the conditions needed for human regeneration.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2013

For birds, red means 'go'

Certain Australian native flowers have shifted from using insects as pollinators and evolved flower colour to the red hues favoured by birds. The study found that bird-pollinated flowers have spectral signatures that are best discriminated by those birds.

SourceMonash University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 4, 2013

Carbon sponge could soak up coal emissions

Researchers have discovered a photosensitive metal organic framework (MOF) that can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from coal power stations. The MOF can release stored CO2 when exposed to sunlight, making it a promising new tool for reducing emissions.

SourceMonash University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 11, 2013

Kidney failure under the microscope

Researchers at Monash University used advanced microscopy techniques to visualize the movements of white blood cells in healthy and diseased kidneys. They found that leukocytes are constantly circulating through and patrolling blood vessels within healthy kidneys, but become agitated during disease, causing inflammation and kidney damage.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 16, 2012

Cork the key to unlocking the potential of graphene

Researchers have successfully formed graphene into useful three-dimensional structures by mirroring the structure of cork, enabling record-breaking strength and elasticity. The breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, has opened up new avenues for investigations of graphene's potential applications.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2012

Shifting the safety balance for overnight workers

A new screening tool has been developed to help identify individual vulnerability to health and safety impacts of shift work. The tool, for a condition known as shift work disorder, aims to reduce workplace accidents and illnesses caused by shift work, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

SourceMonash University·JournalSLEEP·DateDec 2, 2012

Fertility discovery a sperm's tail

Researchers have discovered a key protein, RABL2, that affects sperm tail length and motility, potentially leading to new avenues for male infertility treatment. A mutation in this protein can result in significantly shorter sperm tails and decreased production.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 6, 2012

New ways to protect female fertility

Researchers found that blocking the activity of PUMA and NOXA proteins may lead to new strategies to protect women's fertility. The study also showed that missing these proteins can provide protection against radiation damage, potentially delaying menopause and prolonging female fertility.

SourceMonash University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 21, 2012

Advancing the treatment of trauma

A new series published in The Lancet presents laboratory research and clinical trial results on traumatic brain injury, haemorrhagic shock and major musculoskeletal injuries. Researchers identified promising avenues for improving patient outcomes, including innovative treatments for these complex conditions.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 20, 2012

Study gives new insight on inflammation

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a mechanism that shuts down the body's inflammatory response after injury. This finding has significant implications for treating inflammation and may lead to new treatments for conditions such as myeloperoxidase deficiency.

SourceMonash University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 30, 2012

It's in our genes: Why women outlive men

Research by Monash University scientists found that genetic variation in mitochondrial DNA can predict male life expectancy, but not female. The study suggests that these mutations, which affect males' aging speed and lifespan, are passed down from mothers due to the unique inheritance pattern of mitochondria.

SourceMonash University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 2, 2012

New recruits in the fight against disease

Scientists at Monash University have deciphered the atomic structure of PlyC, a powerful anti-bacterial lysin that kills bacteria causing infections from sore throats to pneumonia. PlyC's unique 'saucer' shape and eight docking sites make it 100 times more efficient than other lysins at killing certain bacteria.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2012

Better management of traumatic brain injury

Researchers identified two enzymes, t-PA and MMP-3, that promote injury severity following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Inhibiting these enzymes may protect the brain from TBI by blocking the activation of MMP-3, which causes damage. The study provides a promising therapeutic target for treating human TBI.

SourceMonash University·JournalBrain·DateJul 19, 2012