Posts tagged as:

genetics

Designer roots to counter drought

12 July 2011

Genetics can be used to shape plants underground so they absorb water better Recent discoveries by a University of Queensland agricultural scientist provide the basis for custom designing plant roots. Her discovery is already being used by plant breeders to develop drought-resistant sorghum crops.

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Multi-layered armour protects body against immune failure

6 July 2011

The human body incorporates multiple fail-safe mechanisms to protect it against the “friendly fire” from its immune system known as autoimmune disease, Charis Teh and colleagues at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) at the Australian National University have found.

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Match your treatment to your cancer

30 June 2011

Cell death genes essential for cancer therapy identified. New research has uncovered why certain cancers don’t respond to conventional chemotherapy, highlighting the need to match treatments to cancers better.

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How lobsters create their colours

26 July 2009

A team of Queensland researchers have discovered that lobsters, prawns and other crustaceans have evolved a unique way of making colours: making the complex patterns appreciated by biologists and connoisseurs of seafood. Their work will help with conservation, aquaculture and may even lead to a new food colourant. And all the colours come from just [...]

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One step closer to turning off cancer genes with gene-silencing

4 June 2009

Using this technology, Sherry and her colleagues observed a 70% reduction in tumour size in a cervical cancer mouse model.

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Owl CSI – feathers and DNA reveal night secrets

4 June 2009

…more than 2,000 feathers have been collected, some from highly threatened species, such as the elusive Rufous owl …

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Strangling tumours in bid to halt cancer

15 May 2009

It may be possible to halt cancer in its tracks by blocking a gene critical to building tumour supply lines, according to new research carried out at the University of Queensland. Most tumours need a blood supply to grow. Researchers at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience have found that when new blood vessels form – [...]

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Does my asinina look big in these genes?

15 July 2008

The world’s fastest growing abalone—the tropical donkey’s ear abalone, Haliotis asinina—can be bred to grow rapidly and reliably for aquaculture, Queensland biologists have found.

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Clue to anti-male gene action: an extra gene can stop boys being boys

5 July 2008

Researchers at Prince Henry’s Institute in Melbourne have discovered how an extra copy of a gene halts the process of becoming a boy.

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Female mice turn male with the help of a brain gene

20 August 2007

Edwina Sutton and colleagues at the University of Adelaide have been busily turning female mice into males.

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New research could PAC punch against arthritis

16 August 2006

RESEARCHERS in Sydney have discovered that an enzyme only found in immune cells plays a key role in promoting rheumatoid arthritis. The work raises the possibility of new and better treatments for the painful and debilitating condition, which affects about one in a thousand Australians of all ages.

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GeneBalls: barcoding DNA

31 August 2004

Millions of genetic tests using just one drop of blood Queensland PhD student Angus Johnston has invented a unique technology with the potential to test for hundreds of diseases, cancers and genes in one, cheap, test. He hopes that within five years the technology will be available in a desktop unit for less than $30,000. [...]

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Are cancer cells confused?

30 August 2004

Scientists have recently discovered that the gene EDD is implicated in the development of breast and ovarian cancer. And like the horse, this gene is into talking. “Cancer arises from defects in cell growth and division. We are now beginning to realise that defective cellular communication can also lead to cancer,” says Professor Rob Sutherland, [...]

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New genes mean cleaner, greener, better quality crops

23 August 2004

Two plant genes have been identified that could lead to new crop varieties resistant to fungal diseases, meaning increased productivity for farmers and improved quality and cheaper costs for consumers. These two genes can help plants boost their own immunity to disease, resulting in less need for chemical sprays, improved produce quality and increased shelf [...]

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Cause of a devastating immune disease found

19 August 2003

Researchers have shown how mutations in a key gene cause a rare but devastating inherited autoimmune disease – APS-1. They’ve revealed fundamental workings of our immune system – and how our bodies teach our defence systems not to engage in friendly fire.

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New gene culprit in clogged arteries and impotence

22 August 2002

Researchers at the Howard Florey Institute have discovered a new gene in the lining of arteries that makes them thicken or crack causing reduced blood flow which may lead to heart attacks, stroke or impotence.

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