Archived News for Research Sector Professionals - June, 2013
The next minerals boom could come from outer space, with collaboration between two companies bringing asteroid mining closer.
Mangoes for the heart, says new research
New research from the United States has hailed mangoes as a possible wonder-food.
Australian astronomers investigate baby galaxies
CSIRO scientists have managed to stare into the soup that spawns stars and galaxies, using the Australia Telescope Compact Array near Narrabri in NSW.
Getting it dung; Australian scientists breed better beetles
Picky Australian dung beetles could lose some ground to European imports. Some Australian scientists are working to breed French dung beetles for our soil; the continental coprophytes do not share their Australian counterparts’ distaste for cow droppings.
LNP promises warily welcomed by researchers
The Coalition’s proposed policies on science, health and medical funding have been welcomed by research authorities.
New report pushes high-tech farming practice
Broadband access and ICT implementation could help Australian farmers tackle a future full of hungry people, according to a new report.
WA farmers jump on GM wagon in spades
Despite global protests with millions turning out, Western Australian farmers have bought record amounts of genetically-modified canola from breeder-under-fire Monsanto.
Australian scientist to Chair global future initiative
An Australian scientist will Chair the Science Committee of the new international Future Earth initiative. CSIRO researcher Dr Mark Stafford-Smith has been appointed as the inaugural committee’s Chair, he will be joined by fellow Australian scientist Prof Xuemei Bai who was also named as a member.
Microchip organs lessen the need for lab rats
Some laboratory rats may be looking for work soon, with reports researchers have developed a way to test medicines and compounds on silicon chips rather than live subjects.
New nano-transistor demonstrated
Researchers have created the highest reported drive current on a transistor, using a newly developed monolayer tungsten diselenide channel material.
Robots trialled as treatment for dementia
Following recent reports of ever-increasing rates of dementia in Australia, a joint study between US, Australian, British and German scientists may provide some help to sufferers now and in the future.
Sea sponges give out new anti-cancer compounds
The next big development in cancer treatments could be just drifting around in the ocean right now. Researchers have identified two new anticancer compounds inside the innocuous sea sponge, which has strong natural chemical defence capabilities.
Australian researchers create advanced anti-doping test
Researchers in Queensland believe they’ve found a new technique for drug testing in sport, which could lead to advanced anti-doping tests.
Carrot And Stick: Key To Stopping Cancer Mestasis?
Scientists made a discovery that could lead them to a way to stop cancer cells before they metastasise and move through the body. It’s a cell movement process they’re calling “chase and run”.
IBM Loses Jobs In Oz
Asia and New Zealand will benefit as IBM slashes 1,500 jobs from Australia as part of a global restructuring plan announced earlier this year.
Chemo Blocker Identified By Aussie Researchers
Australian researchers played a big part in a discovery that could lead to more effective treatment against “triple negative breast cancer”, a disease that usually requires much more aggressive treatment than other forms of breast cancer.
China Commences Carbon-Trading
China is launching its first carbon-trading scheme today in the city of Shenzhen. The plan is to increase it to seven cities by 2014 and take it nationwide after 2015.
Pesticides Gutting Dragonfly Populations In VIC
Pesticides are shattering a vital link in the food chain by significantly reducing the populations of Dragonflies. The effect was found in streams in Germany, France, and Australia.
Re-Deploy CSIRO Researchers, Don't Cut: CSPU
Bad news in Hobart, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is losing as many as 17 jobs as part of the national cost-cutting measure.
Rising Tides Threaten Real Estate Values
Act now to bolster properties and infrastructure: Because the value of low-lying homes in South-East Queensland could take a nasty hit because of rising sea levels and more powerful storms caused by global climate change.
Save The Trees To Save The Reefs
To better protect the Great Barrier Reef, Australia must also pay attention to how to better use and maintain the mainland to prevent further damage to these great ocean treasures.