Archived News for Research Sector Professionals - July, 2015
The first female and first Australian principal investigator on a mission to Mars says Australia should embrace the opportunity to inspire - and retain - the next generation of home-grown scientists, engineers and technologists by joining the space exploration game.
Deep depression mechanism found
New research has shed light on the mechanisms in the brain that can lead depressed people to dwell on negative thoughts.
Donations counted in life-saving study
A new report card for global aid reveals Australians are an altruistic bunch, saving the lives of 230,000 children since the year 2000.
Antibiotic resistance jumps species
Antibiotic resistance genes are spreading to Australian wildlife, including captive sea lions and rock wallabies, and the little penguins of Sydney Harbour.
Choice circuits spotted in fly brains
New research suggests that just like humans, fruit flies show self-awareness of their actions.
Humpback uptick brings reclassification call
Studies on the recovery of Australia’s humpback whale populations have revealed that they are increasing at a remarkable rate, among the highest documented worldwide.
Pot stats show blunt opposition
Despite Australia’s relatively high rate of cannabis use, new figures show most are strongly opposed to it.
Rich countries care less about climate risks
A global survey has found that the world’s wealthiest people understand climate change, but only half see it as a threat.
ANSTO microscopy takes big leap forward
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is celebrating the launch of its brand new Electron Microscopy Facility.
Expert launching new studies from local base
An international expert has come to Australia to make air travel faster and cheaper.
Experts give AI warning to global gun-slingers
Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk and about 1,000 robotics experts have signed a letter to ensure that in the future of warfare- human fingers are on the trigger.
Rail CRC to put future on track
A new rail manufacturing cooperative research centre (CRC) has been launched to help Australia’s rail manufacturers expand into overseas markets and global supply chains.
Unmanned advance gets eyes on nature
Local research engineers have developed a flotilla of robot boats to monitor the effects of major weather events and provide early warning on potential environmental disasters.
Experts say drug IP fights cost lives
Academics have slammed pharmaceutical giants for squabbling over intellectual property for new life-saving medicines, while victims of disease are dying.
NHMRC looks at egg issues and gender choices
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is looking at changes to its ethical guidelines for assisted reproduction technology (ART).
Salt mandate and other smart heart moves
Experts say a nationwide salt reduction target could cut rates of cardiovascular disease.
Semi-effective malaria vaccine moves forward
The World Health Organisation is investigating when and where to use an exciting new malaria vaccine.
Top chiropractor resigns in hospital access scandal
The Chiropractors Association of Australia has been rocked by the resignation of one of its top people, after claims of unauthorised hospital visits to treat a baby.
Anti-swearing may not make sense
There is a lot of sensitivity around swearing and other language conventions in modern culture, but some academics wonder if it is really warranted.
Music tunes young minds
A new study suggests music training for kids and teens helps improve their brains’ responses to sound and sharpen learning skills.
New home on horizon but holidays still far off
An international team of astronomers have announced the discovery of a near-Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone of a Sun-like star – the most appropriate replacement for Earth ever spotted.