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University of Adelaide


Diagnosis just a breath away with new laser

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new type of laser that can detect very low concentrations of gases in exhaled breath and the atmosphere. The laser's high power and efficiency make it suitable for detecting gases such as methane and ethane, which are important in global warming.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 30, 2014

$23 million to create a 'window into the body'

The University of Adelaide has been awarded $23 million to establish a new Center of Excellence that will explore the boundaries of biology, lasers, and nanoscience to create a 'window into the body'. The center will focus on three main themes: sensing in developing embryos, immune signals linked to touch and pain, and exploring the ro...

Gene plays major role in suppressing cancer

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a gene that plays a crucial role in suppressing lymphoma, a type of blood cell cancer. Caspase-2 helps maintain healthy chromosome numbers in cells, preventing them from becoming cancerous.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

Gene linked to common intellectual disability

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation leading to a reduction in proteins in the brain, causing intellectual disability. The study highlights the importance of unraveling the causes of these conditions, with potential implications for up to 3% of the population affected.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 13, 2013

New drug to help common bowel disease

A new drug, Linaclotide, has been found to effectively relieve abdominal pain in IBS-C patients through a novel physiological pathway. The study's findings provide significant relief for approximately one-third of IBS-C sufferers who have struggled with this debilitating condition.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 28, 2013

Ancient DNA unravels Europe's genetic diversity

A recent study reconstructed the first detailed genetic history of modern-day Europeans using ancient DNA from 364 prehistoric skeletons. The research found dramatic population changes with waves of migration from Western and Eastern Europe, contradicting previous assumptions about the Near East's role in shaping European genetics.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2013

Turning plastic bags into high-tech materials

Researchers have developed a process to transform non-biodegradable plastic grocery bags into carbon nanotube membranes, offering potential solutions for environmental pollution and producing high-added value products. The innovative method uses waste plastic as a carbon source, eliminating the need for complex processes and equipment.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCarbon·DateSep 25, 2013

Shining light on neurodegenerative pathway

University of Adelaide researchers have identified a likely molecular pathway that causes neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's and Lou Gehrig's. The team found that RNA plays a key role in the development of these diseases, which share similar genetic mutation mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateSep 18, 2013

Obese stomachs tell us diets are doomed to fail

Research suggests that obese individuals' stomachs become desensitized to fullness signals, making it difficult to maintain weight loss. This could explain why many people regain weight after dieting. The study's findings have strong implications for those struggling with obesity and weight management.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 16, 2013

Biologists measure evolution's Big Bang

Researchers measured evolution rates during the Cambrian explosion, resolving 'Darwin's dilemma' and explaining the sudden appearance of modern animal groups. The study found that moderately accelerated evolution was sufficient to explain the emergence of arthropods.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 12, 2013

Dingo wrongly blamed for extinctions

A University of Adelaide study finds that Aboriginal populations and climate change were more likely responsible for the extinction of Tasmanian tigers and devils on the mainland. The research used complex models to recreate the dynamic interaction between dingoes, climate, and human populations.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEcology·DateSep 9, 2013

Breakthrough in sensing at the nanoscale

The discovery enables rapid localization and measurement of cells within living environments at the nanoscale, such as changes to a single cell in response to chemical signals. The ultra-sensitive nanoparticles, or SuperDots, can detect individual particles with thousand times more sensitivity than existing materials.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 1, 2013

Trapping T-rays for better security scanners

Scientists at the University of Adelaide have created a novel structure that traps terahertz waves in tiny holes to produce higher contrast imaging. This breakthrough has the potential to enhance the sensitivity of medical diagnostic and security scanners, leading to more accurate cancer detection and improved homeland security.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJul 10, 2013

Nanomaterial to help reduce CO2 emissions

Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial that can separate carbon dioxide from nitrogen in flue gas mixtures, reducing CO2 emissions from coal-fired power stations. This material has remarkable selectivity and is energy-efficient, allowing for easy regeneration and reuse.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 8, 2013

Iodine in bread not enough for pregnant women

A study from the University of Adelaide found South Australian women are mildly iodine deficient despite the inclusion of iodized salt in bread. Women taking an iodine supplement during pregnancy received healthy levels of iodine, while those not taking a supplement suffered from deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNutrition Journal·DateJun 18, 2013

Incontinence takes mental toll on younger women

A study by the University of Adelaide found that middle-aged women with urinary incontinence are more likely to experience depression and lower quality of life. The condition can affect family, sexual relationships, and physical activities, making it essential for younger women to seek medical advice.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Urology·DateJun 14, 2013

New DNA test on roo poo identifies species

A new DNA test has been developed to identify kangaroo species from their droppings, providing valuable information for population management and conservation. The test has already identified several species outside of their known range, with implications for biodiversity management and climate change impacts.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalWildlife Research·DateJun 6, 2013

New 1-step process for designer bacteria

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new one-step process called 'clonetegration' that simplifies the production of designer bacteria. This faster method enables multiple rounds of genetic engineering on the same bacteria and simultaneous integration of multiple genes, accelerating therapeutic drug development.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateMay 26, 2013

Ancient DNA reveals Europe's dynamic genetic history

Researchers reconstructed modern Europe's genetic history using ancient DNA from skeletons in central Germany, revealing dramatic migrations and a mysterious genetic turnover around 4000-5000 years ago. The study provides a high-resolution record of human DNA evolution over 4000 years, shedding light on the demographic history of Europe.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2013

Chicken pox vaccine saving children's lives

A national study of chicken pox admissions found a 68% drop in hospitalizations since the introduction of the vaccine in 2006. The results show that unvaccinated children were more likely to require intensive care treatment, highlighting the importance of herd immunity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateMar 13, 2013

Ancient DNA solves 320-year-old mystery

Researchers from the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA extracted ancient DNA from two specimens and compared it to extinct relatives. They found that the Falkland Islands wolf diverged from its closest living relative around 16,000 years ago, revealing a 16,000-year-old island colonization process.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2013

New findings on debated authorship

New findings from a 10-year project led by Professor Derek Abbott reveal that the US Federalist Papers are written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay with some collaboration. The Letter to the Hebrews is attributed to Saint Paul but shares similarities with other authors like Luke and Barnabas.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2013