Archived News for Research Sector Professionals - August, 2012
Bionic Vision Australia (BVA) has announced the first ever successful implantation of an early prototype bionic eye with 24 electrodes.
A team of researchers at BVA successfully implanted the bionic eye in patient Dianne Ashworth, who has profound vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited condition.
After years of hard work and planning, Ms Ashworth’s implant was switched on last month at the Bionics Institute, while researchers held their breaths in the next room, observing via video link.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but all of a sudden, I could see a little flash…it was amazing. Every time there was stimulation there was a different shape that appeared in front of my eye,” Ms Ashworth said.
$7.5 million for new mental health fellowship
The Federal Government has announced that the new $7.5 million John Cade Fellowship in Mental Health Research is now open for applications.
Black Dog Institute forms new mental health index
Mental health advocacy group Black Dog Institute has announced the formation of a new methodology to measure national mental health.
Research kindles hope for spinal cord injury patients
New research led by a team from Monash University has revealed that a simple antibody could reverse the damage caused by trauma to the central nervous system.
Sydney to host new prostate research centre
The Federal Government has announced that Sydney will host a new centre of excellence to research and treat prostate cancer.
Women in Science fellowships announced
The 2012 L’Oreal Australia and New Zealand For Women in Science Fellowships recipients have been announced, with three remarkable young women scientists sharing in $75,000.
Government announces climate change adaption funding
The Federal Government has announced $8 million in funding under the NRM Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Research Grants Program, aimed at fostering research projects between institutions and region Natural resource Management (NRM) organisations.
NSW launches Melanoma Genome Project
The New South Wales Government has launched an ambitious two-year national research project aimed at identifying the gene mutations that lead to melanoma.
UQ to research CSG water impact
The University of Queensland has announced a research project measuring the impact of the coal seam gas (GSG) industry on Australia’s underground water supplies.
GE announces clean tech innovation challenge
GE has announced a $10 million funding initiative to help find, fund and bring to market technological innovations that help the company reduce its carbon footprint.
Volcanic rocks could hold key for irrigation
Research being undertaken by the Central Queensland University (CQU) is using volcanic rocks to make salty and brackish water a viable source of water for for irrigators.
Australian team challenges Big Bang theory
A team of theoretical physicists the from the University of Melbourne and the RMIT has challenged the existing model of the formation of the universe, arguing it should be modelled on a big chill, rather than the Big Bang.
Commercialisation the key to biotechnology's future
Funding to secure continual commercialisation of research is the key to fostering continued growth in the country’s biotechnology industry, according to an expert advisory panel.
Professor Reynolds named SA Scientist of the Year
Leading biomedical engineer Professor Karen Reynolds has been named South Australia’s Scientist of the Year for her outstanding research in her field.
$10.6 million for Victorian grain productivity research
The Victorian Government has announced $10.6 million in funding to boost research that will accelerate productivity growth in the grains industry by developing superior varieties and management practices best suited for local conditions.
Australia Institute calls for more CSG research
A new report released by the Australia Institute has warned that the country risks significantly underestimating its contribution to global climate change if it fails to adequately measure fugitive emissions from coal seam gas wellheads.
CRCs a high brow cash cow
Cooperative Research Centres (CRCS) will have a combined total value of $14.5 billion to the Australian economy by 2017, with their technologies, products and processes equating to substantial boosts for the country.
JCU to investigate anti-cancer venom treatment
A team of researchers from Queensland’s James Cook University is undertaking research to determine if venom from funnel web spiders and tarantulas can be used to kill breast cancer cells.
Top ten research projects lauded
The Federal Government has released the Ten of the Best Research Projects 2012 paper, showcasing the work of some of the finest medical researchers in the country.
Ferguson appointed research manager at NCVER
The National Centre of Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has announced the appointment of Sue Ferguson as General Manager Research.
Oceans already changing finds CSIRO
The CSIRO has published a research study that shows that the country's oceans are already being significantly impacted on by climate change.