Brainwave to let Parkinson’s patients sleep through surgery
Melbourne scientists have discovered a unique brain signal that will act as a homing device, making deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson’s disease and other conditions more accurate, more effective, and less confronting for the patient.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=opD7RHIVuXY&rel=0
Deep brain stimulation has transformed the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease by reducing their tremors and other symptoms. Surgeons insert electrodes to stimulate a tiny part of the brain—the size of a grain of rice. To get the best results the patient has to be awake. And that’s scary for many patients. Now they can sleep through the surgery.
Bionics Institute clinicians and researchers have recorded and studied the brainwaves of 19 patients during surgery—14 with Parkinson’s disease and five with a condition called essential tremor. They discovered that the part that they’re targeting produces a unique brain signal that can be used to guide the surgeon.
This discovery will enable the surgery to be performed without the need for the patient to be awake.
[Read more…] about Brainwave to let Parkinson’s patients sleep through surgery
Are damselflies in distress?
How are insects responding to rapid climate change?
Molecular Ecology paper Monday, 30 April 2018
Damselflies are evolving rapidly as they expand their range in response to a warming climate, according to new research led by Macquarie University researchers in Sydney.
“Genes that influence heat tolerance, physiology, and even vision are giving them evolutionary options to help them cope with climate change. Other insects may not be so lucky,” says Dr Rachael Dudaniec, lead author of the paper.
The study, published in Molecular Ecology today, investigated the genetics of an insect’s capacity to adapt and survive in a changing world by looking at the blue-tailed damselfly (Ischnura elegans) in Sweden.
Science Communicator position – now closed
We’re looking for a science communicator to join our team at Science in Public. We need someone who is organised, loves science and wants to help scientists get their work into the public space.
[Read more…] about Science Communicator position – now closed
Tiny diamonds light the way for new quantum technologies
Nature Communications paper Tuesday, 31 October 2017
Macquarie University researchers have made a single tiny diamond shine brightly at room temperature, a behaviour known as superradiance.
[Read more…] about Tiny diamonds light the way for new quantum technologies
Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – dinner photos
Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – dinner photos
For hi-res versions please click on the photo and then right click to download the file.
[Read more…] about Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – dinner photos
A 3D printed rocket engine – made in Melbourne
Monash engineers have designed, printed, and test-fired a rocket engine.
Media call 9.30 am, Monday 11 September, Woodside Innovation Centre, New Horizons Building, 20 Research Way, Monash University, Clayton
HD footage of static rocket testing and metal printers at work
Media contact: Niall Byrne, 0417-131-977, niall@scienceinpublic.com.au
The new rocket engine is a unique aerospike design which turns the traditional engine shape inside out.
Two years ago, Monash University researchers and their partners were the first in the world to print a jet engine, based on an existing engine design. That work led to Monash spin-out company Amaero winning contracts with major aerospace companies around the world.
Now a team of engineering researchers have jumped into the Space Age. They accepted a challenge from Amaero to design a rocket engine, Amaero printed their design, and the researchers test-fired it, all in just four months. Their joint achievement illustrates the potential of additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) for Australian industry.
[Read more…] about A 3D printed rocket engine – made in Melbourne
3D printed rocket engine – backgrounder and links
Quick facts
- A joint Monash University/Amaero team of engineers successfully designed, built, and tested a rocket engine in just four months
- The engine is a complex multi-chamber aerospike design
- Additively manufactured with selective laser melting on an EOS M280
- Built from Hasteloy X; a high strength nickel based superalloy
- Fuel: compressed natural gas (methane); oxidiser: compressed oxygen
- Design thrust of 4kN (about 1,000 pounds), enough to hover the equivalent of five people (about 400 kg)
The 3D printed or Additive Manufactured aerospike rocket engine is the result of a collaboration between a group of Monash University engineers and Amaero Engineering, supported by Woodside Energy and Monash University.
Engineers at Amaero approached a team of Monash engineering PhD students, giving them the opportunity to create a new rocket design that could fully utilise the near limitless geometric complexity of 3D printing.
[Read more…] about 3D printed rocket engine – backgrounder and links
Science communicator role: Short term, immediate start
We’re looking for a science communicator to join our team at Science in Public for 3 to 6 months with an immediate start.
We need someone who is organised, loves science and wants to help scientists get their work into the public space. Ideally you’ve got a couple of years professional work experience and can hit the ground running.
[Read more…] about Science communicator role: Short term, immediate start
Gender in the lab: is science inclusive?; making more sustainable fertilisers
Friday 28 July 2017, at the RACI Centenary Chemistry Congress, Melbourne Convention Centre
Today at the Centenary Chemistry Congress
- Gender in the lab: is science inclusive and how do we stop women leaving academia?
- Using renewable energy to make more sustainable fertilisers
[Read more…] about Gender in the lab: is science inclusive?; making more sustainable fertilisers