Unexpected discovery about stem cell immortality

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

A new paper out in Nature will upend 20 years of thinking on how stem cells protect their DNA. Telomeres are the protective caps at chromosome ends. In adult cells, telomeres shorten each time a cell divides and this contributes to ageing and cancer. Read more about Unexpected discovery about stem cell immortality

New wheat and barley genomes will help feed the world

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

An international research collaboration, including scientists from the University of Adelaide’s Waite Research Institute, has unlocked new genetic variation in wheat and barley – a major boost for the global effort in breeding higher-yielding Read more about New wheat and barley genomes will help feed the world

New insights into what makes massive stars shine

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

Scientists have gained new evidence into the way the Sun (and other more massive stars) produce energy. Stars are fuelled by the nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium, but there’s another fusion process, involving carbon, nitrogen and oxygen, Read more about New insights into what makes massive stars shine

COVID toes may point to an overactive immune response

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Dermatology

People coming to a clinic with a chilblain-like condition during the COVID-19 pandemic, often called 'COVID toes', have characteristics which indicate an overactive immune response called a type I interferonopathy, according to French research. Read more about COVID toes may point to an overactive immune response

Reach for the stars, but don't get burned - how spaceflight affects astronaut health

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Cell

As humanity continues to reach for the stars, we are discovering how space travel may affect our health. Loss of bone and muscle mass, immune dysfunction, as well as heart and liver problems have all been identified as existing issues resulting from Read more about Reach for the stars, but don't get burned - how spaceflight affects astronaut health

Tackling disadvantaged children's education post-COVID

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0101 AEDT | 0301 NZDT

COVID-19 has exposed fault lines in the education system for already disadvantaged students who are more likely to be severely impacted by the pandemic. Read more about Tackling disadvantaged children's education post-COVID

Fiji's vaccine program reduces childhood death and illness

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0101 AEDT | 0301 NZDT

The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific

Fiji’s national vaccine program against pneumonia, a serious lung condition, and rotavirus, a common disease which causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, has reduced illness and death, new research shows. Read more about Fiji's vaccine program reduces childhood death and illness

1 in 4 drowning deaths off Aussie beaches are in young men

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Injury Prevention

Young men make up a quarter of drowning deaths off Aussie beaches, and researchers say the data suggests they may be overestimating their swimming ability or engaging in risky behaviour like jumping into the water without precaution. The study Read more about 1 in 4 drowning deaths off Aussie beaches are in young men

Survival protein may prevent collateral damage during cancer therapy

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 2200 AEDT | Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0000 NZDT

EMBO Journal

WEHI researchers have identified a protein that could protect the kidneys from ‘bystander’ damage caused by cancer therapies. The ‘cell survival protein’, called BCL-XL, was required in laboratory models to keep kidney cells alive and Read more about Survival protein may prevent collateral damage during cancer therapy

New therapy to target the spread of bowel cancer

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 1645 AEDT | 1845 NZDT

Gastroenterology

For the first time, SAHMRI and University of Adelaide researchers are investigating gene therapy as an option to help people with metastatic bowel cancer. Read more about New therapy to target the spread of bowel cancer