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Monash University


The challenges facing the vulnerable Antarctic

The Antarctic faces numerous challenges from human activity and climate change, including marine system impacts, invasive species, and pollution. The existing Antarctic Treaty System is being tested by growing tourism and resource use, highlighting the need for swifter decision-making and increased collaboration to conserve the region.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2012

Disarming disease-causing bacteria

Research discovered a protein complex called the Translocation and Assembly Module (TAM), which forms a molecular pump allowing bacteria to shuttle disease-causing molecules from inside to outside the bacterial cell. This finding paves the way for designing new drugs that inhibit this process, potentially preventing antibiotic resistance.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 4, 2012

Clot-busting enzyme plays 'peek-a-boo' with blood clots

Researchers at Monash University have discovered how a blood clot-busting enzyme is switched on, revealing a 'peek-a-boo' mechanism that could lead to new treatments for clotting and bleeding disorders. The findings also provide insights into the molecular details of current plasminogen-activating drugs.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 8, 2012

Sexual healing? Not likely

Research by Monash University reveals that producing high-quality sperm comes with significant health costs for males. The study found a negative correlation between sperm quality and immune function, suggesting males invest energy strategically to produce better sperm.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2012

Saving the snow leopard with stem cells

Researchers generated induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from ear tissue of adult snow leopards, paving the way for cryopreservation and cloning techniques to save endangered species. This breakthrough raises hopes for the conservation of the snow leopard and other cat family members.

SourceMonash University·JournalTheriogenology·DateJan 22, 2012

Stop signal discovered for skin cancer

Researchers at Monash University discovered a gene that helps protect against squamous cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. The absence of this gene is a profound driver of SCC tumours, leading to unchecked cell growth and cancer.

SourceMonash University·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 15, 2011

Another clue to how obesity works

Researchers at Monash University have discovered how leptin-resistance develops in overweight and obese individuals. The study reveals that targeting only one of the negative regulators won't be enough to increase leptin-sensitivity in obesity, suggesting that all three regulators might need to be switched off.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 14, 2011

Helping preterm babies get the best start

A landmark study from Monash University found that preterm babies have fewer nephrons and underdeveloped kidneys, increasing their risk of renal disease. The research aims to develop strategies to minimize the consequences of preterm birth and improve kidney development in these babies.

Major malaria drug research award

Researchers from Monash University and international partners have developed a potential new malaria drug candidate targeting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase enzyme. The team's work has been hailed as significant in combating malaria, which kills up to one million people annually worldwide.

Universe's not-so-missing mass

A 22-year-old undergraduate student has made a groundbreaking discovery of the Universe's 'missing mass' by detecting filaments in X-ray data. This finding is significant as it proves the prediction that the mass should be low in density but high in temperature, providing valuable insights into large-scale cosmic structures.

SourceMonash University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 23, 2011

Winding back the clock with kidney stem cells

Researchers at Monash University have successfully reprogrammed healthy adult kidney cells into embryonic-like stem cells, offering a new approach to modeling genetic kidney disorders and developing personalized medicine. The breakthrough enables the creation of limitless patient-specific stem cell lines for drug testing and disease mo...

SourceMonash University·JournalAmerican Journal of Nephrology·DateMay 15, 2011

Time lived with obesity linked with mortality

A Monash University study has found a direct link between time lived with obesity and the risk of mortality. Participants who experienced medium to long durations of obesity had significantly higher mortality rates compared to those who were never obese.

SourceMonash University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 21, 2011

A crucial link in immune development and regulation unearthed

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a protein called pre-T alpha that guides the correct expression of T cell receptors, enabling the immune system to effectively destroy harmful viruses and bacteria. The finding has significant implications for understanding immune development and potential treatments for childhood leukemia.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2010

Mount Etna's mystery explained?

Researchers have developed a dynamic model to explain Mount Etna's existence, suggesting it resulted from decompression melting of upper mantle material. The theory provides an alternative explanation for the volcano's geological environment and surrounding volcanism.

SourceMonash University·JournalGeology·DateOct 6, 2010

Bees warm up with a drink, too!

A study by Monash University researchers reveals that bees use a 'hot' drink to warm up on cold days and a 'cool' drink in warmer weather. The bees preferred feeding from artificial flowers with warmer nectar, which helped them maintain an optimal body temperature for flight.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 2010

Effective prostate cancer treatment discovery

Monash University scientists have identified a new way to treat castrate-resistant prostate cancer cells using estrogen receptors. The study shows that activating these receptors can cause cell death in patients with advanced prostate cancer.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2010

Winning the war on weight

A Monash University-led nationwide study found that severely obese individuals feel powerless to change their weight due to internalized stigma and shame. In contrast, mildly to moderately obese individuals believed they could lose weight if needed, but felt no urgent need to do so.

SourceMonash University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 4, 2010

Milestone discovery in cell behaviors

A team of international molecular scientists has discovered a fast mechanism by which cells communicate changes, such as location during cancer spread, to adjacent cells. This discovery sheds light on cell behavior and could lead to the development of new drugs for diseases like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 2009

Lessons learned from H1N1 virus pandemic

A comprehensive study on H1N1 virus impact in Australia and New Zealand reveals 20% ICU bed occupancy during peak epidemic. The study shares critical illness patterns, including unexpected effects on middle-aged individuals and pregnant patients.

SourceMonash University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 8, 2009

Australian study sheds light on kidney repair and disease

A Monash University study has identified the role of microscopic antennas in the kidney's repair process, shedding light on a potentially fatal disease. The research, led by Dr. James Deane, showed how hair-like structures called cilia change their length in response to injury, amplifying signals that turn off the repair process.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 29, 2009

Study predicts effect of global warming on spring flowers

An international study predicts a 50-day shift in flowering times of certain plants in specific climates by 2080, driven by global warming. The research used climate records from the past century and plant responses to air temperatures, predicting changes in spring blooming dates across different regions.

SourceMonash University·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateSep 17, 2009

Evolution still scientifically stable

Researchers discovered molecular evidence supporting Darwin's theory of evolution, finding that complex machines evolved through a process of combination and modification of existing proteins. The study provides a blueprint for understanding the evolution of cellular machinery, contradicting Intelligent Design explanations.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2009

Link between obesity and diabetes discovered

A Monash University study has discovered a critical link between obesity and Type 2 diabetes, revealing that fat cells release PEDF, which triggers insulin resistance. Blocking PEDF reverses these effects, suggesting a potential breakthrough in treating the disease.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 7, 2009