Researchers at Monash University have developed a new type of battery that can store more energy than traditional lithium-ion batteries. By adding sugar to the positive electrode, they were able to stabilize the battery and increase its lifespan by up to 1000 cycles.
A first-of-its-kind global study links short-term exposure to wildfire-related fine particulate matter to increased all-cause, respiratory, and cardiovascular mortalities. The research found that over 33,500 deaths annually are directly attributable to wildfire pollution in cities worldwide.
A massive study found that exposure to wildfire pollutants in Brazil leads to over 48,000 hospitalizations annually, mainly among children and the elderly. The research, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, reveals significant health impacts of wildfires on Brazilians.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a new mode of targeting the adenosine A1 receptor protein, which could lead to the development of non-opioid painkillers to treat chronic neuropathic pain. The study provides an opportunity for researchers to develop safer and more effective drugs.
A new study from Monash University has identified RNA released from damaged cells as a signal to initiate repair in the nervous system. The research found that blocking or enhancing this recruitment of immature neurons halted or sped up neural circuit recovery, demonstrating their power in boosting neural repair.
Monash University researchers have established a vast collection of living prostate cancer tumors from patients, enabling the testing of new treatments and advancing patient care. The PDX collection comprises 59 tumors collected from 30 patients between 2012-2020, providing a unique resource for scientists and pharmaceutical companies.
A global study found that abnormal hot and cold temperatures cause over 9.43% of global deaths, with most deaths caused by cold exposure. The study revealed geographic differences in temperature-related mortality, with Eastern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa having the highest heat and cold-related excess death rates.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered how Ebola virus evades the immune system by targeting the STAT3 protein. The virus uses a protein called VP24 to disable STAT3's messenger function, which is critical for regulating host immune and inflammatory responses.
Researchers found a correlation between intragrain planar defects and reduced solar cell performance in perovskite materials. Tuning the chemical composition of these films controlled the presence of defects, leading to improved solar cell efficiency.
New research shows that dense sweet pittosporum canopies reduce bird richness and abundance, leading to declines in ground-dwelling birds. Restoration projects must balance weed control with retention of structural value to support local plants and animals.
A team of Monash University scientists has discovered a new process based on phosphonium salts to produce green ammonia from renewable energy. The process represents a major contribution towards the development of a sustainable fuel for the future, with potential applications in fertiliser production and as an energy carrier.
Researchers from Monash University have made a fundamental advance in understanding how T cells become activated when encountering pathogens. The study found that T cells need to recognize pathogens in a particular orientation to receive a strong activating signal, revealing a critical mechanism for effective T cell immunity.
Researchers have identified 'pocket factors' as new therapeutic targets for flaviviruses, including dengue virus. The chimeric viruses mimic infectious particles with unprecedented detail, providing a universal path to structure determination and potential vaccines or diagnostic tools.
Researchers developed a portable saliva screening test that detects SARS-CoV-2 using infrared light technology, offering faster and more efficient testing than current gold standard RT-PCR. The new approach has significant advantages, including speed, ease of use, affordability, and reduced risk to patients and healthcare workers.
A study by Monash University found a significant reduction in all four HPV genotypes in gay/bisexual men after implementing the school-based HPV vaccination program. The results suggest that male vaccination may lead to a potential reduction in anal cancer among gay and bisexual men in Australia.
Scientists have discovered that plutonium particles from nuclear testing in Australia are more complex and varied than previously thought. The particles, which were dispersed after nine atomic bombs were detonated in remote areas of South Australia, persist in soils to this day, posing a risk to wildlife and the environment.
Researchers at Monash University have engineered a new antimicrobial surface that significantly reduces bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on medical instruments, including urinary catheters. The surface, with smooth 3D micro features, effectively combats the three most common UTI-causing bacteria.
A study published in PLOS One found that an ancient Australian Aboriginal memory technique significantly improved retention of facts among medical students compared to the 'memory palace' method. The Aboriginal technique, which used narrative and locations to facilitate recall, was also found to be more enjoyable for students.
Researchers have discovered a misinterpreted model of immature flavivirus particles, revealing an unexpected organisation that could lead to new and better vaccines. The study's findings define the exact wiring of the immature virus before it becomes infectious, providing a solid foundation for designing tomorrow's treatments.
A new laboratory method called TaqMan Array Card (TAC) has been validated for detecting a diverse range of bacteria that cause diarrheal disease. The TAC is faster and cheaper than traditional methods while delivering comparable results, enabling comprehensive monitoring of enteropathogens in informal settlements.
A new study from Monash University finds that some Victoria water catchments still behave like they're in a drought even after nearly eight years without rain. The research, published in Science, challenges the common view that rivers and underground water supplies eventually replenish following periods of severe drought or flood.
A study found that people in India blamed minorities and healthcare workers for the virus spread. However, when presented with accurate information, stigmatization decreased and people were more likely to get tested and seek medical help.
Scientists have discovered a crucial aspect of peptide machinery, providing a breakthrough in re-engineering peptides. The study sheds light on how selectivity is achieved in the assembly lines that produce peptides, enabling single amino acid changes without altering multiple components.
A Monash University-led study combines computer simulations with live seal footage to explain the origins of efficient swimming in seals. The research reveals that different swimming styles evolved within the same seal group, with some species using wing-like front flippers for speed and agility.
A large clinical trial has definitively shown that dexamethasone, a steroid commonly used during anaesthesia before surgery, does not increase the risk of surgical wound infections. The study enrolled over 8,700 patients and found no significant difference in wound infection rates between those receiving dexamethasone and placebo.
New research reveals TMEM126A gene mutations cause mitochondrial energy production issues, leading to impaired vision and hearing. Mitochondrial disease affects almost any part of the body due to reduced energy conversion and production.
A Monash University study has discovered a way to prevent and reverse the damage caused by broken-heart syndrome, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The breakthrough uses Suberanilohydroxamic acid to target genes and improve cardiac health.
Researchers at Monash University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the deleterious immune response in rheumatoid arthritis. By examining the molecular and cellular levels of T cell recognition, the team identified an immune signature that may provide a potential avenue for diagnostic development or therapeutic inter...
Researchers at Monash University developed a new technique to speed up bone implant recovery by altering the shape and nucleus of individual stem cells. The micropillar array 'tricks' the cells into becoming bone, increasing bone production by four times compared to current methods.
An interdisciplinary team at Monash University discovered a new universal rule of biological growth that explains surprising similarities in the shapes of sharp structures across the tree of life. The 'power cascade' rule applies to various animals, including teeth, horns, claws, and even plant thorns, following a power law pattern.
Researchers at Monash University have identified a novel T cell lineage, γμ T cells, which use a unique antibody-like structure to recognize pathogens. This discovery expands the immunology 'toolbox' and may lead to new approaches for fighting viral infections such as COVID-19.
Researchers have identified a way to reverse high blood sugar and muscle loss by targeting liver metabolism, which is disrupted in people with obesity-related type 2 diabetes. The study found that selectively silencing enzymes breaks down alanine can restore skeletal muscle protein synthesis, leading to improved muscle size and strength.
Researchers at Monash University developed a flow model to analyze public transport networks, identifying critical bottlenecks and suggesting solutions. The model improved commuter times by 23% on weekdays and up to 26% on weekends in Melbourne.
An international team of scientists has generated a model of a human embryo from skin cells, called iBlastoids, which can be used to study the biology of early human embryos in the laboratory. The breakthrough allows for extensive study into causes of very early miscarriage and effects of toxins and drugs on early development.
A recent study found that women artists are underrepresented in the art market, with 42 male artists occupying the top 0.03% of sales value. Despite commanding higher average prices, women artists face significant barriers to entry, including discrimination and lower visibility.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a biological process that prevents the human body from regenerating new cells or tissue after birth. By demethylating specific genes, they can reawaken progenitor cells to become insulin-producing beta cells, offering a potential breakthrough for treating Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a factor that triggers muscle stem cells to proliferate and heal, leading to the complete regeneration of muscle and normal movement. The protein, NAMPT, was found to stimulate muscle growth by 'cuddling' muscle stem cells, effectively replacing damaged tissue.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered two novel molecules that provide profound protection in experimental models of asthma and reduce the severity of asthma attacks. These molecules, including one commercially available as a dietary supplement, also show promise in treating respiratory illness associated with COVID-19.
Researchers at Monash University have created a new class of biosensors that can monitor the concentration of proteins in real-time, enabling faster and more effective treatments for chronic health complications. This breakthrough technology could provide invaluable insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy.
A breakthrough in optical neural networks accelerates computing speed and processing power to over 1000 times that of previous processors. The system can process record-sized images and achieve full facial image recognition.
The Phase 3 clinical trial showed a 30% improvement in survival for patients over 55 with AML. The drug, CC-486, significantly improved survival without impacting quality of life.
Researchers found that people infected with COVID-19 retain immunity for at least 8 months through virus-specific memory B cells. This discovery alleviates concerns about vaccine efficacy and provides real hope for long-term protection against the virus.
Two Monash University scientists found that the enzyme DOT1L plays a critical role in controlling T cell differentiation and function. Genetically eliminating DOT1L led to type 1 T cells dominating, which could lead to new treatments for asthma and allergies.
Researchers have developed an acoustofluidic process that can isolate sperm with normal head morphology and high DNA integrity from raw semen samples. The device selects over 60,000 high-quality sperm in under 50 minutes, providing a clinically-relevant number for IVF and ICSI.
The study reveals that the release of internal primordial heat caused large melting in the shallow mantle, extruding magma onto the Earth's surface. This led to the formation of keels of the first continents and made them weak and prone to destruction. The process resulted in the emergence of life on Earth.
Researchers have created a bioactive plant-based nanocellulose hydrogel to support organoid growth for biomedical applications. The gel is cheaper than current gold standard options, cost-effective and animal-free.
A new form of computerized brain-training called Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) has been shown to reduce early relapse by 17% in individuals undergoing inpatient alcohol withdrawal treatment. The CBM smartphone app SWiPE is designed to train the subconscious brain to avoid alcohol cues and promote healthier behaviors.
Engineers at Monash University developed a portable and cheap diagnostic that measures fibrinogen concentration in blood. This simple test can diagnose hypofibrinogenemia in critically bleeding patients anywhere in the world, reducing treatment time by up to five times.
A new study on genetic pathways in the common liverwort has significant implications for crop manipulation by revealing a unique role of ACC as a biologically active molecule. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of plant hormone ethylene production and suggests potential avenues for manipulating its signaling pathways
A new international study by Monash University reveals that Antarctica's ice loss is expected to continue unabated for a long time, even if climate change is brought under control. The study found that rapid ice loss rates in the recent geological past were similar to those observed in rapidly changing parts of Antarctica today.