Fresh Science

Hunting molecules that signal pain Researchers close in on an objective measure for physical distress. A new microscope-based method for detecting a particular molecule in the spinal cord could help lead to an accurate and independent universal pain scale, research from Australia’s Macquarie University suggests. An accurate way of measuring pain is of critical importance…

Device makes electric vehicle charging a two-way street New tech means cars can power houses, as well as the other way round. A new device turns electric vehicles into chargers for houses and stranded cars. Researchers led by Seyedfoad Taghizadeh from Australia’s Macquarie University are looking to commercialise the technology, which may significantly increase the…

Family matters in autism outcomes Cognition is influenced by siblings, researchers find. Autistic children with autistic siblings have better cognition than those who are the only family member with the condition, researchers have found. Importantly, the outcome does not depend on birth order. Although previous studies have identified that having autistic siblings leads to better…

Sugar found to boost lethal bacteria Adelaide researchers find how a bacteria digests a sugar can be key to new treatments The severity of a common and often lethal type of bacteria depends on its ability to process a type of sugar, research from the University of Adelaide reveals. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes diseases of the…