Archived News for Research Sector Professionals - February, 2014
For about a billion years of Earth’s history all life consisted of little more than a layer of slime, but then about 550 million years ago evolution burst back into action and provided it with the stunning array of species from which humans have evolved.
Working toward uniform genetic data
Researchers have made progress on a major hurdle for next-level genetic treatments.
Shady secrets sought for solar night lights
Engineers are looking to Nature to work out how to make solar power in the shade.
Water moves improved by oceanic android
Researchers are working on a highly-mobile new robot with some astounding aquatic abilities.
New ways could mean clear skies for more clouded minds
The latest edition of the journal Current Psychiatry has detailed a range of new emerging treatments for depression, moving care beyond common antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft.
Science lights up the decisive mental switchboard
Research has shown how our brain combines internal and external information to create a complete view of the world.
Vitamin C seems to play a part stopping strokes
A new study says foods that contain vitamin C may reduce the risk of the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke.
Sleep science seeks pieces of mind
Everyone needs sleep - without it we risk high cholesterol, obesity and depression - but new research shows missing sleep may do long-term damage to the brain as well.
Elements come together for fusion forward step
Scientists are drawing closer to a goal they have sought for decades, which will provide the world with nearly limitless power supplies.
Cell structures formed in new, cheaper mould
Researchers in the US have developed a cheap and rapid way to build cell structures in the lab, which can then be used for a large range of experiments.
Dry times provide opportunity for river experts
Australia’s history of drought has given US scientists a glimpse of their future at home, with a team visiting drought-stricken areas to see what may lie ahead.
Finding effective checks for kids' mental health
Studies are looking into the effectiveness of mental health checklists filled out by parents when their child was aged 4-5 years, to see if they can accurately identify future risks.
Fires decimate scarce populations
Bushfires have cut a trail of destruction across large parts of South Australia and Victoria in recent weeks, destroying farm livestock and entire populations of threatened native birds.
New design to make protons flow for hydro-battery boost
Researchers have combined the best elements of hydrogen fuel cells and traditional battery-based electrical power, to create a concept battery using proton power.
Wheat resistance unlocked with new genetic key
Australian researchers have developed a new way to breed disease-resistant wheat, and say there appears to be no downside to the technique.
Young experts give 'little tiger' its stripes
A team of junior ichthyologists have determined the most appropriate taxonomy for a new species of reef fish.
Boss looks to blue skies for jetpack launch
An NZ-based company is drumming up funds to make every ten-year-old’s dream come true; developing the world’s first practical, commercial jetpack.
Cell-moving robots bring organ-building closer
Biomedical engineers in the United States have announced an advance in the field of tissue manufacture – bringing the likelihood of 3D-printed replacement organs even closer.
Old lens shines more light for solar efficiency
Micro-machining technologies could allow solar panels to wear contact lenses, enhancing their electrical efficiency.
Chip helps bring bionic hearing inside
New developments have been made in the quest for a fully-internal cochlear implant.
Experts unite for digital science upgrade
High definition 3D models and real scientific data will be used to create astounding virtual recreations of significant sites for students.