Blogs

A Week In Science – 17 May 2013

[ By James Byrne on May 17, 2013 ]

http://vimeo.com/66302490 Media coverage of this week’s stories Skin cells cloned into embryonic cells - Article from ABC Science Apes and monkeys go way back - Article from news.com.au Pollution may increase kids’ risk for diabetes - Article from Fox News Common plants, animals threatened by climate change, ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 10 May 2013

[ By James Byrne on May 10, 2013 ]

https://vimeo.com/65801294 Media coverage of this week’s stories Brain Scans can identify psychopaths even in childhood Article from Daily Mail UK Climate change killed off megafauna Article from The Australian No, really- Don’t shop when you’re hungry Article from Reuters Health DNA reveals that most Europeans are closely ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 3 May 2013

[ By James Byrne on May 3, 2013 ]

http://vimeo.com/65281819 H7N9 flu confirmed as being transmitted from birds to humans Article from The Australian Early detection of Alzheimer’s using a blood test Article from ABC News 2 doses of HPV vaccine as effective as 3 doses Article from Science Daily EU bans use of 3 ... Continue Reading »

Smallpox: a Vaccination Success Story

[ By James Byrne on May 1, 2013 ]

What do Abraham Lincoln, Josef Stalin and Ramses the fifth of Egypt all have in common? The answer is all contracted smallpox, a disease with a special place in our medical history. Smallpox – one of the deadliest diseases known to man - was the first disease for which ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 26 April 2013

[ By James Byrne on April 26, 2013 ]

http://vimeo.com/64703358 Australia’s Aboriginal population descended from just 1000-2000 original inhabitants Article from ABC Science Asthma worsened by low fibre and high fat diets Article from DailyRx Genital Warts diagnoses drop by 59% Article from Eureka Science News Marijuana pills more effective for pain ... Continue Reading »

Are needles really necessary?

[ By James Byrne on April 23, 2013 ]

You roll up your sleeve. The nurse flicks the needle twice. Now your heart is racing and you feel a little dizzy. Turning your head away, you resolve to wait. It won’t be long. And then there it is: a sudden and sharp sensation in your upper arm. The injection ... Continue Reading »

Media release – Vaccination Café (23 April 2013)

[ By James Byrne ]

Get your 2013 flu vaccination for just $10 at the first RiAus Vaccination Café. Grab a free coffee or tea and chat with roving scientists to find out more about vaccinations and how the body fights illness and disease. In association with the Australasian Society for Immunology to mark the World ... Continue Reading »

Flu vax shot third time lucky

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on April 20, 2013 ]

Pregnant women are at greater risk of the flu, because their immune system is compromised and their lung capacity is reduced, so the government offers the vaccine for free. Health authorities including the World Health Organisation strongly recommend vaccination against influenza for all pregnant women, in any trimester. Why then, ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 19 April 2013

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on April 19, 2013 ]

http://vimeo.com/64290509 Ancient Hobbits had a larger brain than previously thought Article from the Royal Society Baby brains mapped to understand when they understand Article from Science Short term hearing loss is protective, not due to damage Article from Health Canal Fainting runs in ... Continue Reading »

Immunising before you travel – Why is it so important?

[ By James Byrne on April 18, 2013 ]

A renewed bird flu epidemic is imminent. There have been 28 reported cases of infection from the bird flu strain H7N9 in eastern China since February this year, in which 9 people have died. There is scientific evidence to suggest that bird flu is a fatal, but preventable disease. ... Continue Reading »

Lost In Translation: Evidence-based healthcare

[ By James Byrne on April 15, 2013 ]

Could changing the timing of a baby's first bath save its life?  Is it better for your health to have a private or shared hospital room?  Research is constantly discovering better health care solutions, but is often not adopted into best practice and policy. Somewhere these answers are lost in translation. In ... Continue Reading »

What would happen if we stopped immunising?

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on April 11, 2013 ]

Imagine yourself in the year 1900. You would be wearing a lovely period costume which would have included a hat, your house may still be without electricity and a toilet and you probably left school before your teen years to work to help support your family. If you were particularly affluent ... Continue Reading »

What is Immunisation?

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on April 4, 2013 ]

If you are like me, the most persistent memory of your childhood immunisations is the jelly beans or lollipop that you were given as a trade-off for sitting still. A lolly as a bribe for a needle hardly seems like a fair trade when you think back on it… But ... Continue Reading »

Vaccination Café

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on March 28, 2013 ]

Get your 2013 flu vaccination for just $10 at the first RiAus Vaccination Café. Grab a free coffee or tea and chat with roving scientists to find out more about vaccinations and how the body fights illness and disease. SOLD OUT - DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND - APOLOGIES TO ... Continue Reading »

Science behind the headlines – Drugs in Sport (21 March 2013)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on March 22, 2013 ]

With doping scandals shaking the world of sport and some of our greatest heroes being exposed as bullies, cheats and liars it makes us wonder how deep it all goes. How can we believe that an athlete's will and stamina alone is getting them to the top of their game? RiAus ... Continue Reading »

Driven to Dope: Drugs in Sport

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on March 15, 2013 ]

"This is my body and I can do whatever I want to it. I can push it and study it, tweak it, listen to it. Everybody wants to know what I am on. What am I on? I'm on my bike busting my ass six hours a day. What are ... Continue Reading »

A Week in Science – 15 March 2013

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova ]

http://vimeo.com/61779998 GOCE satellite ‘hears’ 2011 Japanese earthquake Article from news.com.au Russian scientists claim discovery of new bacterial species Article from news.com.au Article published at RiAus Blog: Everyday Science Doubts arise over accuracy of Russian claim Article from AFP Neanderthal brains were ... Continue Reading »

Jason Mazanov

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on March 8, 2013 ]

Dr. Jason Mazanov's PhD was in Mathematical/Health Psychology for the examination of nonlinear models in the context of adolescent smoking behaviour. In previous careers, he worked for the Australian Public Service (ATO/CSA and DVA), an Executive Management Consultant and Consultant Psychometrician. Jason's main research interest is looking at the causes and ... Continue Reading »

Robert Robergs

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova ]

Prof Robert Robergs' research is multifaceted, spanning topics that assess exercise performance, fatigue, muscle metabolism and sports nutrition. Prof Robergs is most noted for his work on the biochemistry of exercise-induced metabolic acidosis, the kinetics of recovery from metabolic acidosis, and exercise at altitude or during hypoxia. At Charles Sturt ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 8 March 2013

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova ]

http://vimeo.com/61243220 Fluoride provides dental benefits Article from AdelaideNow Further evidence of link between CO2 and global temperatures Article from New York Times Global temperatures at the highest levels for 11,300 years Article from LA Times BPA from plastic food containers may increase the risk of childhood asthma ... Continue Reading »

Top Trends in Medicine in 2013

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on February 25, 2013 ]

med i cine noun    /ˈmɛds(ə)n, ˈmɛdɪsɪn/ The science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease Medicine is moving so fast it’s hard to keep up. Once the product of science fiction, the treatments now emerging at the forefront of research are revolutionising modern medicine. This article takes ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 22 February 2013

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on February 22, 2013 ]

http://vimeo.com/60145306 Russian city witnesses a meteorite strike, Article from Space.com, More from the European Space Agency Arctic sea ice is thinning at an accelerated rate, Article from Forbes Climate change may lead to more extreme rain events Researchers witness the development of a foetal human brain, Article from New Scientist Mosquitoes ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 15 February 2013

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on February 15, 2013 ]

http://vimeo.com/59635485   Asteroid DA14 gives Earth a close shave Article from Space.com Rehabilitated mining sites may not be attracting the return of wildlife Article from Phys.org Antibiotics used in farming may be promoting growth of drug-resistant superbugs More information on ABC Online Manuka honey has an antibiotic effect without ... Continue Reading »

Andrew Vogler

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on January 30, 2013 ]

Dr Andrew Vogler is an Accredited Sports Scientist (Physiology) and has a PhD in Exercise Physiology. Andrew has previously worked with elite Australian athletes at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and currently operates a sports physiology practice called Adelaide Human Performance. In his current role, Andrew provides advanced exercise ... Continue Reading »

Cycling Season

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on January 25, 2013 ]

It’s that time of year in Adelaide. When our cafes hum with the sound of a million clickety-clackety shoes and we share the roads with swarms of lycra-clad super-athletes. Santos Tour Down Under 2013. Professionals aside, the massive upswing in the number of cyclists on our roads can ... Continue Reading »

The Science of Sunscreen

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on January 15, 2013 ]

When passing the sunscreen shelves of the supermarket aisle this summer, you will begin to see a new sunscreen product-Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50 sunscreen. But, before rushing to put this product into your trolley (even if the price is good) here are some facts to consider first. What does SPF50 mean? Any ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 7 December 2012

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on December 7, 2012 ]

http://vimeo.com/55000615 Curiosity discovers life-supporting molecules on Mars Article from News.com.au NASA to launch new Mars Rover in 2020 Article from NASA JPL More premature babies survive, however health-problems persist Article from The Telegraph Breath test may be able to diagnose colorectal cancer Article from news.com.au Longer use of ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 30 November 2012

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on November 30, 2012 ]

http://vimeo.com/54507543 Systems developed to predict influenza outbreaks Article from ABC Science Super-massive black hole found Article from The Conversation Future climate treaties should focus on consumption, not emissions argues UK expert Article from Nature Traffic pollution may increase autism risk Article from BBC Female birds feed their young less ... Continue Reading »

History of the X-ray

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on November 27, 2012 ]

It could be argued that the discovery of the X-ray was one of the most pivotal steps in medical technology - and yet like Alexander Fleming’s penicillin, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen made the find almost completely by accident. The year was 1895, and the German physicist Röntgen was ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 16 November 2012

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on November 16, 2012 ]

http://vimeo.com/53574479 Contagious itching - nervous people are more likely to 'catch' it from others Article from The Telegraph Super strong muscles made from a yarn of carbon nanotubes Article from The Conversation Teenage girls report dancing improves their mental and physical health Article from MedPage Today Motivational mobile ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 9 November 2012

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on November 9, 2012 ]

http://vimeo.com/53059854 Great Barrier Reef suffered a collapse in coral coverage between 1920 and 1955 Article from NBC News Intestinal worms may help fight autoimmune diseases Article from ABC Regular exercise increases life span Article from Herald Sun Drought may have led to Mayan downfall Article from Nature Pacemaker ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 2 November 2012

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on November 2, 2012 ]

http://vimeo.com/52600014 Colour test for detecting diseases Article from MedGadget Anticipation of doing maths activates brain activity in region which processes pain Article from CNN Health Two super-bright supernovae detected allowing insight into the death of some of the oldest stars Article from Cosmos Genetic links for uterine ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 19 October 2012

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on October 19, 2012 ]

http://vimeo.com/51662107 Water found on the moon that may have come from the Sun Article from ABC Science Ancient fish show origins of teeth Article from the London Natural History Museum Cranberries may not prevent UTI’s Article from BBC Milk developed which may prevent HIV infection Article ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 5 October 2012

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on October 5, 2012 ]

http://vimeo.com/50740422 The Great Barrier Reef has lost nearly 50% of its coral cover in last 27 years. Article from the New York Times Roman and Chinese empires 2000 years ago caused significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions Article from the Sydney Morning Herald Compound found in Black Mamba snake ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 21 September 2012

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on September 21, 2012 ]

http://vimeo.com/49817866 Some species are already moving polewards as global temperatures increase, more species are predicted to Article from Nature Australian researchers make first working qubit - reading and writing data by controlling electron spin Article from The Register GM corn developed to produce an enzyme which may help fight ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 14 September 2012

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on September 14, 2012 ]

http://vimeo.com/49363978 The Earth has enough wind energy to provide 10-20 times the amount of power we currently consume Article from Sydney Morning Herald A recurrent infection by RSV virus during early life increases risk of asthma later in life Article from BBC Marijuana use may increase risk of testicular ... Continue Reading »

A Week In Science – 7 September 2012

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on September 7, 2012 ]

http://vimeo.com/48935907 Cigarette packaging affects customer attraction Article from Otago Daily Times Little nutritional difference between organic and conventional foods Article from ABC Science Vision is different between sexes Article from Daily Mail Deep seafloor trawling changes marine landscape Article from ABC Science Benign malaria species drives evolution ... Continue Reading »

Prof Peter Andrews AO

[ By editor on August 27, 2012 ]

Professor Andrews is an eminent scientist and bio-entrepreneur. He was appointed as Queensland’s first Chief Scientist in 2003, retiring in December 2010. Professor Andrews completed his PhD in the pharmacological applications of quantum chemistry at the University of Melbourne in 1969. He has since led multidisciplinary scientific teams at several Australian ... Continue Reading »

You and your skin – the price of beauty

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on August 24, 2012 ]

Good skin can make you feel young, alive and supermodel-esque. But good skin is not just about good aesthetics, far more important is the role of skin in keeping us healthy. Unfortunately, our beauty-obsessed culture has helped to overlook this fact, and now we may be doing our skin more ... Continue Reading »

Martyn Myer AO

[ By editor on August 19, 2012 ]

Martyn Myer is a non-executive director of three publicly listed companies: Cogstate Ltd; SP Ausnet Group (Singapore Power's Australian listed subsidiary which owns electricity and gas transmission and distribution assets) since 2005, and Diversified United Investments Ltd (a listed equity investment company) since 1991. He was also a director of ... Continue Reading »

Artist’s Inspiration: Cheryl Hutchens

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on July 31, 2012 ]

I’m inspired by technologies for imaging the inside of the human body. I wonder if the more we understand about how our bodies work, will it change the way we see ourselves? I know my view of my own body has changed a great deal since starting my research. Micrograph images [caption ... Continue Reading »

The Science of Fiction Introduction

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on July 30, 2012 ]

Imagine a world where time travel, teleportation and extra dimensions all exist. Where clones are commonplace, and where new alien civilisations are often encountered. Okay, at the moment it all seems a little far-fetched, but there are elements from the long-running hit TV-program Doctor Who which may be at least ... Continue Reading »

Leonardo da Vinci @ Queen’s Gallery

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on July 28, 2012 ]

Recently, we tagged along on a tour of the Queen’s Gallery’s current exhibition, Leonardo da Vinci – Anatomist, led by its impressively knowledgeable curator, Martyn Clayton. We highly recommend this exhibition, but for those who can’t make it, here’s what we learned. The exhibition begins with a short introductory film. Nature(watch ... Continue Reading »

The Hips Are Getting Bigger

[ By freya on July 12, 2012 ]

"We fancy ourselves at the very apogeè of civilisation, yet we are sure we eat too much." These words, written by the French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in 1825 in his seminal text The physiology of taste echo our predicament some 200 years later as westerners in ... Continue Reading »

Forever Young

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on June 27, 2012 ]

Your skin is one of the most visible indicators of age - so what can you do to keep looking young? We watched an advance screening of Catalyst TV's special ‘Skin Deep’, focusing on sun damage and the search for eternal youth. We then continued the live discussion, hosted by ... Continue Reading »

Behind the Shock Machine – Did Science Go Too Far?

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on June 26, 2012 | Filed under: Uncategorized ]

In 1961 an ambitious young psychologist named Stanley Milgram embarked on one of the most controversial yet fascinating psychological experiments ever conducted. Milgram wanted to find out just how obedient regular people were to authority figures. His idea – conduct an experiment in which volunteers would ask questions to another ... Continue Reading »

Personal experience

[ By freya on April 26, 2012 ]

Last week I had the magical experience of driving across the Hay Plain, reputed to be both the flattest place on Earth (which begs the question “how do you calculate that?”) and the most boring drive in the country. But the magic happened for me as I left Balranald heading ... Continue Reading »

Medical uncertainties

[ By freya on March 28, 2012 ]

Let’s put my bias up front; I’m a signatory to the letters of the Friends of Science In Medicine (FSM), a group of concerned citizens who speak out against the practice of some universities teaching non-scientific modalities as part of their courses in medicine. On the surface, that ... Continue Reading »

Behind the Shock Machine – Did Science Go Too Far?

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on March 23, 2012 | Filed under: Uncategorized ]

In 1961 a psychologist named Stanley Milgram embarked on one of the most controversial yet fascinating psychological experiments ever conducted. Milgram wanted to find out just how obedient regular people were to authority figures. His idea was to conduct an experiment in which volunteers would ask questions to another test ... Continue Reading »

Donating organs: donating life and changing lives

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on February 29, 2012 ]

Conversations about organ donation are often over before they have begun.  It's an uncomfortable topic to discuss at the best of times. Wednesday night's informal panel discussion at the Science Exchange gave us an opportunity to talk freely about organ donation. Experts Toby Coates, a renal transplant ... Continue Reading »