University of Queensland – Page 3

First map of “Commander complex” could help fight diseases, dementia

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Michael Franco

Multi-colored spirals on a black background

Using AI, researchers have created the first map of a group of proteins known as the Commander complex, which function as the body’s “postal workers.” The new understanding opens the door to new drugs and modalities for fighting everything from Alzheimer’s to infectious diseases to cancer.

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: Protein, Microscopes, Medical Imaging, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cancer, Coronavirus (COVID-19), University of Queensland, University of Bristol

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Gene mutation that ups Parkinson’s risk also inhibits cellular cleanup

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Paul McClure

Queensland researchers have discovered that the gene mutation that increases the risk of Parkinson's disease also causes a build-up of debris in brain cells

Believed to be caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors, Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the central nervous system, particularly the motor system, resulting in tremors, rigidity, and difficulty walking. New research has found that a gene associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease also contributes to one of the hallmarks of the disease.

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: Parkinson’s Disease, Genetics, Debris, University of Queensland

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Magnetic solution removes toxic “forever chemicals” from water in seconds

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Michael Irving

Scientists in Australia have developed an intriguing new technique for removing toxic “forever chemicals” from water. Adding a solution to contaminated water coats the pollutants and makes them magnetic, so they can easily be attracted and isolated.Con… Continue reading Magnetic solution removes toxic “forever chemicals” from water in seconds→

Smartphone-connected device uses light to detect malaria – in 10 seconds

Posted on December 13, 2022 by Ben Coxworth

While it’s very important to track malaria infections in at-risk populations, drawing and analyzing blood samples can be problematic. A new device is designed to help, as it uses light to detect the disease within a matter of seconds.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading Smartphone-connected device uses light to detect malaria – in 10 seconds→

CBD oil proves no better than placebo for cancer pain and distress

Posted on December 5, 2022 by Rich Haridy

Newly published results from a clinical trial testing the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) oil on symptoms of pain and distress in cancer patients suggest the popular product may be no more effective than a placebo. The findings add to an inconclusive body… Continue reading CBD oil proves no better than placebo for cancer pain and distress→

CBD oil proves no better than placebo for cancer pain and distress

Posted on December 5, 2022 by Rich Haridy

Sleep apnea may be a causal factor for Alzheimer’s, study concludes

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Rich Haridy

A new study has added to a large body of observational evidence linking sleep apnea to Alzheimer's by demonstrating in mice how disordered sleep breathing affects the brain

New research in Nature Communications has strengthened the link between sleep apnea and dementia, by using novel preclinical models to demonstrate exactly how breathing disruptions during sleep can cause brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Category: Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle

Tags: Sleep, Sleeping, Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, Brain, University of Queensland

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New perennial rice promises less labor, lower costs and higher profits

Posted on November 8, 2022 by Ben Coxworth

Just like many of the flowers in your garden, rice has traditionally been an annual plant – that means new crops have to be sown every year. A perennial version is now available, however, which comes back on its own over multiple growing seasons.Contin… Continue reading New perennial rice promises less labor, lower costs and higher profits→

Trees tell tale of extreme, unexplained astronomical radiation storms

Posted on October 28, 2022 by Michael Irving

Tree rings are not just a great record of a tree’s life, but they can preserve a snapshot of the Earth and beyond at different times. Now Australian scientists analyzing these records have found evidence of huge radiation storms that periodically bathe… Continue reading Trees tell tale of extreme, unexplained astronomical radiation storms→

Superworms act like “mini recycling plants” to survive solely on plastic

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Nick Lavars

The magnitude of our plastic waste problem has scientists searching far and wide for answers, and for a team at Australia’s University of Queensland (UQ) this search has led them to hungry little critters known as “superworms.” These tiny creatures hav… Continue reading Superworms act like “mini recycling plants” to survive solely on plastic→