HIV can hide out in the brain, protected from the immune system and antiviral drugs, Dr Lachlan Gray and his colleagues at Monash University and the Burnet Institute have found. [Read more…] about Understanding the link between HIV and dementia
Printing solar cells
Australian researchers have invented nanotech solar cells that are thin, flexible and use 1/100th the materials of conventional solar cells. [Read more…] about Printing solar cells
WiSE detailed communiqué
The Women in Science and Engineering Summit brought together scientists, engineers, business leaders, research funders, policy makers and the media to discuss tangible solutions to the female brain drain in science and engineering. This report from the Summit comprises the brief communiqué issued on the day, and a more detailed communiqué written after the event. It sets the scene for action. A Powerpoint presentation outlining the WiSE Summit’s goals and achievements can be downloaded at www.sta.org.au. [Read more…] about WiSE detailed communiqué
Fire, carbon capture and the NT
Soil has the answer to burning climate questions
Decreasing the frequency of wild fires in northern Australia would lead to an increase in the amount of carbon stored in the soil, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions, according to CSIRO ecologist, Dr Anna Richards. [Read more…] about Fire, carbon capture and the NT
A little lupin improves the bread of life
In flour it reduces heart disease risk say Melbourne and WA researchers
You can lower your risk of heart disease significantly, just by using flour containing 40 per cent lupin beans in the place of conventional wholemeal flour, according to research by Victoria University dietitian Dr Regina Belski and colleagues from the University of Western Australia. [Read more…] about A little lupin improves the bread of life
Seeding the regrowth of nerves with tamarind
Melbourne scientists have developed an injectable material that encourages nerves in the brain and spinal cord to regrow. Their work could lead to new ways of treating nerve-based injuries or conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.
[Read more…] about Seeding the regrowth of nerves with tamarind
A planet going the wrong way
Waste heat slashes fuel consumption
A minor modification to your car could reduce fuel consumption by over seven per cent.
The Deakin University invention uses waste heat to reduce friction by warming the engine oil. A prototype has been built and tested and the inventors are now talking to the car manufacturers and developing an aftermarket conversion kit. [Read more…] about Waste heat slashes fuel consumption
A smart bandage reveals healing
Melbourne researchers have developed smart bandages that change colour to reveal the state of the wound beneath.
Their invention could reduce the $500 million cost of chronic wound care in Australia. [Read more…] about A smart bandage reveals healing
2011 Fresh Scientists announced
Here are the Fresh Scientists of 2011.
You can meet this year’s Fresh Scientists on Monday 6 June over a beer at the Duke of Kent, more information here. Feel free to share this event with friends and colleagues, a flyer can be downloaded here.
The details of the discoveries are embargoed until we release each of their stories over the coming weeks. You can keep up to date via this website, twitter or facebook.
For more information or to arrange an interview email AJ Epstein, or phone +61 (3) 9078 5398
Fresh Scientists of 2011:
- Daniel Bayliss, an astronomer working at ANU/Mt Stromlo Observatory looking for extra-solar planets
- Regina Belski, a lecturer at Victoria University exploring lupins and heart health
- Lachlan Gray, a NHMRC fellow working at Monash University/Burnet Institute who is looking into HIV dementia
- Lina Happo, a PhD student at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute who is tracking down suicide genes
- Stephen Redmond, a biomedical engineer at UNSW who is finding out how to keep our elderly upright
- Anna Richards, a postdoctoral fellow at CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences who is looking at the relationship between fire management and climate change
- Vijaya Singh, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Queensland who is looking at root systems and droughts
- Charis Teh, a PhD student at the John Curtin School of Medical Research at ANU who is looking at a human system restore point
- Barbara Wueringer, a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland who is asking what sawfish do with their saw
- Morgan James, a PhD student at the University of Newcastle who is looking into cocaine addiction
- Emily Wong, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sydney who is looking into how baby marsupials survive in dirty pouches
- Frank Will, PhD student and senior lecturer at Deakin University who is improving fuel consumption
- Prasanth Divakaran, a PhD student at the University of Melbourne who is looking into ocean circulation
- Brandon MacDonald, a PhD student at the University of Melbourne/CSIRO who is developing solar inks
- Andrew Rodda, a postgraduate research student at Monash University who is looking into medical applications of plant based gels
- Louise van der Werff, a PhD student at Monash University/CSIRO is researching how smart fabrics can be used in medical treatment.