A 20 year old mystery was solved this week with the discovery that an epilepsy that affects infants is caused by the change of a single letter in one gene. Seizures in infancy are not rare, but this familial epilepsy occurs in probably 60 families across Australia. It can also cause a movement disorder later in life.
[Read more…] about One unlucky letter causes an infant epilepsy
Who’s the boss? Melbourne research shows cells influence their own destiny
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers, with the help of NICTA’s Victoria ICT Laboratory, are a step closer to being able to model the complexity of our immune system in a computer thanks to research published in Science today. This will be a critical tool in developing new vaccines and better therapies for autoimmune diseases.
[Read more…] about Who’s the boss? Melbourne research shows cells influence their own destiny
Back for business on 9 January 2012
The Science in Public office reopens on 9 January. For anything urgent over the holiday please call Niall on 0417 131 977.
One of the best resolutions you’ll ever hear
Call for millions of Australians to take control of their hearing – and transform their lives
One in six Australians couldn’t experience the full impact of the popping corks and fireworks to see in the New Year.
[Read more…] about One of the best resolutions you’ll ever hear
It’s a Merry Christmas. Can you hear it?
If you can’t, it’s time to take control and act!
Global recognition for Melbourne epilepsy pioneer
L’Oréal and UNESCO have just announced that Australian paediatric neurologist Professor Ingrid Scheffer is the Asia-Pacific L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate for 2012.
She is one of five international winners who will each receive US$100,000 in recognition of their contribution to the advancement of science at the Awards Ceremony on 22 March 2012 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
For more information:
- The L’Oreal Australia media release
- An overview on Ingrid’s work – see below
- A overview of past Australian winners
[Read more…] about Global recognition for Melbourne epilepsy pioneer
L’Oreal Australia: Five women moving science forward
Issued by L’Oreal Australia
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science grants Australian Scientist US$100,000 in one of the world’s most prestigious Science prizes:
The 14th Annual L’ORÉAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Award
Honouring five women who are moving science forward, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science partnership announces its five exceptional women scientists from around the world who will receive the 2012 L’Oréal-UNESCO Awards in Life Sciences.
[Read more…] about L’Oreal Australia: Five women moving science forward
Thursday’s stories at the Botanic Congress
At the Botanical Congress today
- Secrets of a voodoo plant revealed – it could reshape Australian crops, and rescue African farmers from a disastrous plant parasite
- How cotton was born: a million year-old mating opens up an improved future
- Is there too much cyanide in imported cassava products?
- Sister Water Lily meets the Big Bad Banksia Man – do they hold the key to a new era in botany education?
- Why life depends on plants and what we need to do to for biodiversity and humanity – an op ed from Peter H. Raven, President Emeritus,MissouriBotanical Garden. [Read more…] about Thursday’s stories at the Botanic Congress
What’s living in your street?
The Atlas of Living Australia will tell you.
Within 5 km of News Limited in Holt Street, Sydney for example there are reports of at least 3,500 different animal species, and 2,400 plant species.
ABC Southbank in Melbourne is a neighbour to more than1200 animals and 519 plants. In the coming months the records will be more detailed as institutions add their records. [Read more…] about What’s living in your street?
Fighting famine with botany
[Read more…] about Fighting famine with botany