Headlines

How cells turn mechanical forces into biochemical signals

Cells constantly probe their environments, searching for physical cues that guide their behavior. And yet a cell's response to its environment is always biochemical, mediated by the chemistry of its internal protein machinery. So how does a cell convert mechanical information

A new route for plasma-based particle accelerators

Plasma, the fourth state of matter, consists of a gas in which electrons are no longer bound to atoms, which allows electricity to flow freely. When beams of particles moving close to the speed of light travel through plasma, they disturb electrons and drive so-called plasma

New technology helps flat-faced dogs breathe easy

Australian scientists have developed an injectable therapy that helps clear blocked airways in flat-faced dogs. Melbourne-based biotechnology company Snoretox and RMIT University have shown early success using the first therapy from a new technology, known as Snoretox-1.

Hidden virus in your gut may be linked to colon cancer

A newly discovered virus hiding inside a common gut bacterium could help explain one of medicine’s long-standing mysteries: why a microbe found in both healthy people and cancer patients is linked to colorectal cancer. The research suggests that the interaction between bacteria

Using escape rooms to promote student engagement

A group of Monash University researchers have come up with a novel and highly successful way to get tertiary students to engage with both the course content and their peers, revealing that using an escape room scenario led to significant participation, particularly among those

A simple blood test could reveal Alzheimer’s risk years early

A routine blood marker tied to inflammation may reveal Alzheimer’s risk years in advance. Scientists found that higher neutrophil levels—part of the body’s first immune response—were linked to a greater chance of developing dementia. The discovery suggests this common lab value