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University of New South Wales


True colors are in the brain of the beholder

A University of New South Wales PhD student has discovered a way to measure brain waves to diagnose and monitor color perception diseases. The study found that brain activity patterns could be used to reveal the finest color discriminations individuals can make, potentially leading to a new visual health test.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalVision Research·DateAug 8, 2006

Plenty of nothing: A hole new quantum spin

Scientists at the University of New South Wales create a new type of quantum wire that uses holes to carry electrical current, enabling control over magnetic properties and paving the way for spin-based transistors. This discovery has significant implications for high-speed electronics and quantum information technologies.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 26, 2006

Found: Key 'go-between' in heart disease

Researchers have uncovered a complex network of how one bad guy regulates another bad guy, finding a key peptide hormone called angiotensin controls the expression of an important part of PDGF. This discovery could lead to specific inhibitors of growth factor production to reduce the incidence of common vascular disorders.

Hit-and-run injury to the brain

Researchers tracked individuals infected with EBV, RRV, or Q fever and found post-infective fatigue syndrome lasting six months or longer. The study suggests that brain damage during acute infection phase may be responsible for chronic fatigue symptoms.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 2006

A bathroom that cleans itself

UNSW researchers have created a new type of self-cleaning coating using titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The coating uses visible light to kill Escherchia coli and break down organic compounds, reducing the need for chemical agents. Lab trials show promising results, paving the way for further testing and potential industrial applications.

Breakthrough for stem cell research

Australian researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in stem cell research, producing the country's first human embryonic stem cell line without using animal products. The new line, named 'Endeavour 1', has the potential to lead to safer treatments for conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

Fat chance of becoming manic-depressive

A team of scientists from the University of New South Wales has identified a gene called FAT that is associated with an increased risk of bipolar disorder. The discovery was made using a multi-faceted approach that included studying families, patients, and therapeutic drug mouse models.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2006

Ships bring alien jellyfish invaders to our shores

Researchers used genetic data and computer simulations to reveal that moon jellyfish migration post-dates European global shipping and trade. The study found that up to 23% of marine species in international harbors are non-indigenous, posing threats to ecosystems and causing billions of dollars in damage.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2005

Vast new energy source almost here

A new energy source harnessing solar power could revolutionize the way we generate electricity, offering a cheap, clean, and abundant alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The technology uses special titanium oxide ceramics to split water into hydrogen fuel, producing only oxygen and water as by-products.

Why grandparents prefer certain kin to others

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that maternal grandmothers are closer to their grandchildren than other grandparents. The researchers discovered that preferential investment stems from genetic uncertainty, with maternal grandmothers being the closest followed by paternal grandfathers.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 9, 2004

Music's emotional pitch revealed: research

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have mathematically quantified the emotional impact of music, finding that arousal is associated with loudness and tempo. The study used a two-dimensional emotional space to analyze subjects' responses to four classical musical compositions.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalMusic Perception An Interdisciplinary Journal·DateMay 21, 2004