Australian researchers discovered a protein that prevents NK cells from fighting cancer and found that blocking it with the naturally occurring hormone Follistatin turbocharges the immune system. This discovery may lead to a new and highly potent immune-therapeutic drug for the eradication of cancers like melanoma.
A new international study found a link between air pollution and increased mortality rates, particularly among Australians who are more sensitive to particulate matter. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, analyzed data from 652 cities across 24 countries and regions.
Scientists have studied the Vela Pulsar, a neutron star 1,000 light years away, to understand its behavior during a glitch. The team found that the star's spin increased before slowing down, providing a glimpse into its interior structure, which consists of three different components.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered an antibiotic that can prevent the life-threatening diarrhea caused by C. difficile. The treatment strategy could also counter diseases caused by other similar bacteria, including anthrax. Studies show that cephamycins can reduce spore production of C. difficile and Bacillus cereus.
A global study found that frailty affects 4.3% of people over 60 annually, with women more likely to develop the condition. Interventions like muscle strength training and protein supplementation may help prevent or delay frailty progression.
Researchers found that mature AML cells can become immature again, challenging traditional therapeutic strategies. This discovery highlights the need to eradicate all tumour cells, regardless of maturation state.
Research reveals inbreeding depression significantly impacts Helmeted Honeyeater population, with the most inbred birds producing fewer offspring. Gene pool mixing is proposed as a solution to reduce harm caused by inbreeding.
A new study reveals that Mycobacterium tuberculosis can use carbon monoxide to survive inside the human host. This discovery could pave the way for new strategies to fight communicable diseases like TB.
Researchers discover that visible prosocial punishment, where individuals can punish those who don't cooperate, is key to promoting large-scale cooperation. The study suggests that the perception of punishment, not just its implementation, is essential for sustaining cooperative interactions.
A solar steam generation system has been developed to produce clean water from salty ocean water with almost 100 per cent salt removal, providing a solution to water shortages in regional areas. The technology uses photothermal materials and the power of the sun, achieving efficient and continuous clean water production.
Repetitive knee stress and inadequate rest are key factors behind the rapid rise in ACL injuries, which can lead to chronic health conditions like osteoarthritis. The study provides new evidence that submaximal forces can cause damage to the ACL, contradicting the common view of single force events.
A world-first study has discovered a new technique to create stronger, lightweight magnesium alloys using atomic-resolution X-ray mapping. The finding significantly improves the structural integrity of automotive and aerospace industries by increasing the boundary pinning effect and strengthening the alloy.
A recent study found that kissing is a significant route of transmission for gonorrhoea, with rates of infection higher among men who kiss their partners compared to those who do not. The researchers argue that increased awareness and control measures are needed to address the rising global incidence of gonorrhoea.
Australopithecus africanus mothers breastfed their infants continuously from birth to about one year of age. The research team analyzed over two-million-year-old teeth and found that nursing appears to continue in a cyclical pattern, with the mother supplementing gathered foods with breastmilk during seasonal changes and food shortages.
Researchers have identified key factors behind the decline of thymus function with age, which affects T cell production. The findings provide a new target for developing treatments to combat infections and cancers in older adults.
A recent study found that nearly half of America's firefighters experience high levels of physical and emotional burnout, with insomnia and PTSD linked to increased risks. Researchers emphasize the need for fire departments to prioritize sleep and mental health to reduce burnout and improve response times.
A Monash University study shows that sexualised imagery in advertising can lead to a desire for personal hygiene products. The research found that participants who visualised casual sex were more likely to want to take a shower or use soap.
A new international study by Monash University and Parisien Laboratory of Social Psychology found a positive link between alcohol sponsorship and attitudes, as well as exposure to specific brands. The research suggests that incidental exposure to alcohol marketing messages influences participants' drinking attitudes.
Researchers at Monash University have identified two new epigenetic regulators, TAF5L and TAF6L, that maintain the self-renewal of embryonic stem cells by activating the oncogene c-Myc. These findings have significant potential for regenerative biology and cancer research.
A Monash University study found that exposure to coffee-related cues can trigger cognitive benefits, such as increased alertness and energy levels, in participants from Western cultures. The research used mental construal theory and demonstrated the power of psychological associations in shaping our thinking and behavior.
A study published in Accident Analysis and Prevention found that marked on-road bicycle lanes and parked cars do not provide enough space for safe passing. The research, which analyzed over 18,000 vehicle passing events, suggests that a single stripe of paint is insufficient to protect cyclists.
A new Australian drug trial has achieved a remarkable result, clearing the bone marrow of leukemia in almost 60% of patients. The combination therapy, combining venetoclax with LDAC, led to a 54% response rate and half the study population surviving longer than 10 months.
Monash University expert predicts a 10% chance of breaking the two-hour mark in May 2032. The study suggests that elite female athletes face potential barriers, leading to a 'world record drought' since Paula Radcliffe's 2:15.25 mark in 2003.
A Monash University study reveals how helper T cells aid memory T cells in optimal functioning and generate a robust response against infection. The research sheds light on the mechanisms behind immunological memory and its potential applications in creating new vaccines and treatments for diseases.
A Monash University study found that recreational cannabis sales led to an average of one additional traffic fatality per million residents in US states where it was legalized. The increase was short-lived, lasting about a year after legalization. The study also reported spillover effects on neighboring jurisdictions.
Researchers have solved a 20-year riddle of how crucial step in antibiotic biosynthesis occurs, opening way to potentially redesigning antibiotics. The team structurally characterised the peptide bond forming domain in Ebony enzyme, revealing its novel types of condensation domain and its role in regulating neurotransmitters.
Monash researchers found that autophagy receptors are not the main trigger for cellular cleanup, but rather the membranes themselves recruit more receptors to speed up the process. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting protein build-up linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists at Monash University have identified a new immune brake called CD96 that enables tumors to evade the immune system. Blocking this receptor may lead to more effective cancer treatments. The research has significant implications for cancer immunotherapy.
A study by Monash researchers has revealed the molecular mechanism behind Candida albicans' transformation into its deadly hyphal form. This process is crucial in understanding how to develop effective treatments for this fatal infection, which affects patients with weakened immune systems and has a high mortality rate.
Researchers identify significant impact of genetic diversity on peptide binding to HLA molecules, with implications for understanding HIV elite control and drug hypersensitivity. The study may also aid in the development of personalized vaccines.
A Monash University study found a strong link between air pollution and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) from vehicle exhausts, industrial emissions, and other sources increased the risk of ASD by up to 78%. The study adds to previous research on prenatal air pollution ex...
A new study from Monash University and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has found a previously overlooked group of obese individuals may be at risk of developing deadly liver cancer. The research explains how obesity is linked to liver cancer, with current screening guidelines potentially missing these high-risk patients.
A landmark study published in JAMA found that brain cooling, a long-debated treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), offers no benefits to patients. The POLAR trial involved 511 patients across six countries and showed that neither group had significantly better outcomes in terms of living independently after TBI recovery.
A landmark study of over 19,000 participants aged 70+ found that taking low-dose aspirin daily does not prolong life free of disability or significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study also showed an increased risk of serious bleeding among aspirin-takers.
Scientists have discovered how bacteria, including Clostridium perfringens, pass genetic information to resist antibiotics and produce toxins. The new gene tcpK plays a critical role in this process, allowing bacteria to share genetic instructions with each other.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered structural capacitance elements in mutated proteins associated with human diseases, particularly cancers. These elements enable mutations to trigger a gain-of-function, shedding light on protein evolution and the engineering of highly evolvable proteins.
Researchers identify a new mechanism used by Henipaviruses to hijack the DNA-damage response machinery, allowing them to prosper in cells. This discovery may lead to the development of new anti-viral therapies.
A new study predicts a significant increase in heatwave-related deaths globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries, with Australia, Europe, and the US expected to be among the hardest hit. The study suggests that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, heatwaves will become more frequent, intense, and deadly.
A team of scientists has developed a faster and more accurate way to test new treatments for the most aggressive form of prostate cancer. Lab-grown tumours derived from donor patient tumours enable researchers to test drug combinations quickly and efficiently, identifying those that cause the most striking reduction in tumour growth.
New guidelines and resources have been published globally to address the complexities of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), affecting up to 13% of reproductive-age women. The initiative aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes for women with PCOS.
Monash researchers have created a computer model that can predict which combination of drugs will be most effective in treating triple negative breast cancer. The model, developed using genetic and treatment data from hundreds of patients, reveals a previously unknown combination of two drugs that may be successful.
A Monash University study found that older people's reduced immune responses to cancer and vaccines are due to the accumulation of dysfunctional immune cells. The researchers discovered two types of T cells that lose their ability to fight diseases with age, leading to lower success rates for cancer immunotherapy in the elderly.
Monash researchers have discovered a unique set of 'super' receptors on immune cells capable of killing HIV across genetically diverse populations. These killer CD4+ T cells can recognize HIV fragments in people with different HLA molecules, a feature that may help control the spread of the disease.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a hand-made super-microscope capable of seeing the building blocks of bacterial cell walls. This discovery has shed light on how bacteria evade the immune system, providing key knowledge to disarm superbug resistance.
Researchers have developed a new class of biosensors that can study biomembrane interactions and reveal how cells respond to disease molecules. This technology has significant implications for designing more effective anti-infective drugs and novel cancer treatments.
A Monash University study has identified a lethal fungus that destroys the immune cell responsible for killing it by depleting its source of nutrients. The research found that Candida albicans competes with macrophages for glucose, leading to their death.
Researchers have developed a way to detect gravitational waves from faint black hole mergers, allowing them to study populations of black holes at vast distances. The new method is estimated to be one thousand times more sensitive than previous techniques, and will enable the detection of thousands of previously hidden black holes.
Gonorrhoea superbugs have developed resistance to all known antibiotics, targeting human immune cells called macrophages. Monash researchers discovered the mechanism of evasion, which could lead to new strategies for combating gonorrhea infection.
A series of papers warns that low back pain is a major health burden globally, with over 540 million people affected. The condition is poorly understood and being mismanaged medically, leading to unnecessary harm and costly treatments.
The World Mosquito Program launches a self-sustaining program in La Paz, Mexico, using Wolbachia mosquitoes to provide long-lasting protection against dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. The initiative aims to strengthen community resilience against emerging health threats.