MND hope in stem cell discovery
A new method for researching motor neurone disease a ‘realistic hope’ for future sufferers of the incurable, untreatable disease.
Science
Type 2 diabetes blindness curbed by diet change
Macular oedema is one of the most feared side effects of diabetes, but a growing number of patients are putting it into remission through a new lifestyle.
‘Dangerous, irresponsible, quackery’: doctors slam Elle’s cancer claims
The supermodel says her ‘holistic’ approach means she is now in remission for her breast cancer but specialists warn alternative treatments increase the risk of death six-fold.
Made-to-match cells give hope to kids stuck in transplant queue
Children with blood diseases endure lengthy waitlists and side effects from imperfect transplants – but an Australian breakthrough in cell manufacturing could change that.
Seaweed solution to methane problem
Governments and companies around the world are cracking down on carbon emissions in their supply chain. A Fremantle business has come up with a solution for the livestock sector.
Plastics proven to devastate health
The finding that the chemicals in many common products are associated with a wide range of health risks is ‘a red flag for the world’, a researcher said.
What it’s like to remove a brain tumour
A neurosurgeon writes candidly about the moments that terrify him during surgery, and why he sometimes holds his breath.
Children of the Sun
Carl Sagan, the great American astronomer, was fond of pointing out that our bodies are “made of star-stuff”. It’s literally true.
Australian science strategy centres on defence, Indigenous knowledge
The first National Science Statement and Priorities in almost a decade prioritises Indigenous knowledge and Future Made in Australia objectives.
Meta’s AI fails basic maths tests that others pass
Meta’s new chatbot that it installs on Instagram and WhatsApp accounts is failing to make simple mathematical calculations, with the AI generator struggling with times tables and often reading decimals incorrectly.
Experts call for regulation of plastics linked to autism
Medical experts have called for an overhaul of plastics regulation in Australia as growing evidence indicates that neuroendocrine-disrupting chemicals are linked with the development of autism.
Cells being taught to fight cancer
Australian scientists are teaching cells in the body to fight brain cancer on their own, and hope to slash rates of recurrence in one of the most aggressive types of tumour.
Autism detectives link plastics chemical in mother’s womb to spectrum disorder
Boys with lower levels of a key brain enzyme who are born to mothers that have higher levels of plastic chemicals in their wombs are six times more likely to develop autism by the time they are a teenager, a world-first Australian study has found.
Death-defying tycoon seeks new age of ideas
Tech tycoon Peter Diamandis’s latest project is a competition to extend the human lifespan and reverse the effects of ageing.
Fire ant fight stalls amid sightings surge
Fire ant reports are surging but the national eradication program is struggling to keep up. It could be a $22bn mistake.
Scientists urge action on our ‘fragile’ soil
Leading soil scientists have called on the government to protect the ‘golden soil’ underneath an agricultural industry worth $78bn a year.
Vegan diet could reverse body clock in eight weeks
Switching to a ‘healthy’ plant-based diet low in junk food may reverse one of the biological hallmarks of ageing, a study suggests.
Inside the mission to make this Aussie the world’s fastest man
He was among the world’s best sailors but Glenn Ashby has sensationally turned his back on the water to chase unthinkable speed records — powered only by the wind.
Roundup ruling a relief for farmers
It’s an essential part of modern farming, but questions have been raised around the world about Roundup’s safety. The Federal Court has had its say.
Home-grown space startup to enter global hypersonic race
Australia’s largest space startup will offer a new test flight service for developers of hypersonic weapons and reusable spacecraft amid a global race to master the capabilities.
$218bn bill to meet climate commitments
For the first time, the cost of meeting the government’s various environment commitments has been revealed.
Net zero ‘impossible’ without nuclear, carbon capture
Nobel prize winner and Obama energy secretary Steven Chu believes all energy options, including nuclear, need to be used to beat climate change.
Backpack-sized scanner can detect strokes in minutes
Technology originally from the University of Queensland and developed by EMVision is set to be sold across Australia, changing the way suspected strokes are diagnosed and treated.
Single-shot vaccine could stop future pandemic
Scientists hail flu breakthrough that could confer lifetime immunity – ‘within five years’ – against future mutations after working on the influenza strain that killed millions after WWI.
Are the rich about to start breeding superbabies?
A startup is enabling prospective parents to screen their embryos for future health risks. ‘Your genetics is a lottery,’ says founder Noor Siddiqui, ‘why don’t we try to make it a little more fair?’
Art vs. Science: ‘Multisensory’ gallery breaks barriers
Few scientists would see the value of an artist in residence, but for Jamie Rossjohn it changed his lab.
Secrets of physics in ‘flywheel’ star
Earth has a new neighbour after Australian scientists uncovered the secrets of the closest pulsar neutron star, a rapidly spinning body on the brink of becoming a black hole.
$7m to detect and prevent bird flu
Australia is the only continent free of the H5N1 avian influenza virus causing havoc overseas. Authorities fear the spring migration of birds could change that.
DNA detection to alert public to nearby crocs
Scientists can detect whether a crocodile is present in a waterway through DNA particles. They hope it can help prevent attacks.
Infant respiratory virus vax in funding limbo
RSV cases have ballooned to more than 100,000 this year, but the federal government is playing coy with pharma bodies over treatment prices.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/page/4