Science In Public
Science writers, communicators, media, training, and public relations
Despite the claims of some, commercially viable fuels from algae have not yet been developed. But newly trialled native algae species provide real hope, a Queensland scientist has found.
Dr Evan Stephens and the team at the University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, in collaboration with Germany’s Bielefeld University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, have identified fast-growing and hardy microscopic algae that could prove the key to cheaper and more efficient production of the alternative fuel.
With the help of these native species, Australia could potentially become an oil exporter like Middle East by devoting just 1% of its land to algae farms.
The discovery of a link between a specific gene and ageing in a species of worm could reveal valuable lessons for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.Low levels of the protein generated from the gene known as ‘tau’—also present in humans—not only hastens age-related changes in the brain of the worm, but also shortens the worm’s life, Sydney University PhD candidate Yee Lian Chew has found.
[Read more…] about Worms reveal link between dementia gene and ageing
Two tiny fossils are prompting an overhaul of theories about marsupial evolution after they revealed unexpected links to South America – and possibly Africa.One of the fossils, found at the Tingamarra site in south-eastern Queensland, is a 55 million-year-old ankle bone from a mouse-sized marsupial previously known only from South America. The second is a tooth, which derives from a formerly unknown species that shows similarities to fossils found in South America and, surprisingly, North Africa.
[Read more…] about Tiny fossils link ‘old bastard’ marsupials to South America and Africa
The invention was inspired by a boyhood interest in electric fishes, such as the black ghost knifefish.
The patented detection system, already being employed by local electricity companies, could help prevent the major discharges that lead to sparking and blackouts, says Dr. Alexe Bojovschi, a post-doctoral fellow in electrical and computer engineering at RMIT University.
[Read more…] about Electric fishes spark safer power line technology
Asthma inhalers could soon become much more effective, thanks to a clever new way of making the particles they deliver invented by a Melbourne chemical engineer and his team.
Current puffer designs and typical size ranges of particles mean a large portion of the medication propelled into a patient’s throat remains there. Only a fraction reaches the lungs.
[Read more…] about Mixing drugs and alcohol for better asthma inhalers
Can corals change their genes to adapt to climate change?
What causes seafood allergies?
Can DNA barcodes improve detection and treatment of tropical disease?
And, using sponges for new drugs, stem cell research and environmental monitoring.
At Science in the Club on Thursday night Townsville residents will have the chance to engage with local scientists and ask their questions over a beer.
[Read more…] about Talking nanotech and biotech over a beer in QLD
The 2013 L’Oréal Australia and New Zealand For Women in Science fellows, chosen from over 230 nominations, will be announced at an award ceremony in Melbourne on Tuesday 27 August. Then on Wednesday 28 August, 300 female high school students will meet the fellows at the the Girls in Science forum. We’ll have profiles, photos, and HD […]
They’ve each had to: write their own press release; practice radio and TV interviews; polish up their ‘elevator pitch’; come up with answers to tricky questions; and entertain a crowd over a glass of wine at the end of the day.
We’ve picked the top 12 from these state finals to come to Melbourne from 22-25 July for a further four days training in how to communicate their science with the public, government, industry, business and schools at the Fresh Science national final.
Here’s how you can meet them.
Join us for a beer and hear leading early-career scientists reveal their discoveries in a pub, using rhyme, reason and the odd firework.
Last year we learned how to interpretively dance video game addiction, describe milk without saying cow and what rhymes with galaxies.
It’s on from 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start, upstairs at the Duke of Kent – 293 La Trobe Street (between Elizabeth & Queen st), Melbourne, Victoria.
The event is open to the public, and the more the merrier. Drinks and meals at bar prices.
If you’re interested in coming, email AJ on aj@scienceinpublic.com.au
Teachers and students can learn about how a worm gene can regulate brain health and ageing; how studying electric fish can help prevent power outages; a 55-million-year-old fossil found in rural Queensland that is challenging theories about the origin of Australian marsupials; how maths can be used to predict the time it will take to make land from mud and more at the Fresh Science school forums.
At each of the forums students will hear six young scientists talk briefly about their discoveries. Then there will be 15 minutes or so for students to ask questions about the discoveries or how the researchers got into science or the challenges of being a scientist, whatever they want.
The scientists will be in Melbourne as a part of Fresh Science – a national competition that selects top early career researchers from around Australia to present their work to the media and public. The scientists work in a range of fields from botany and zoology to biotechnology, medicine and engineering.
The forums are on Thursday 25 July at the Melbourne Museum. The two options are:
The Fresh Science forums are free, but bookings are essential.
For bookings, contact the Melbourne Museum:
University of Melbourne, Tuesday 11 June
Understanding neurodegeneration is one of the big life science challenges. It’s attracting massive international investment but the complexity of the brain means there will be no simple answers.
That’s why we’ve chosen neurodegenerative diseases as the topic for the first Victorian Systems Biology Collaborative on Tuesday 11 June.
[Read more…] about Neurodegeneration: from lab to clinic with systems biology