Fresh Science

Alexander Mueller – PhD candidate, University of Queensland Developing safe and effective painkillers from tarantula venom A new painkiller developed from tarantula spider venom holds potential for relieving pain without causing side-effects. The painkiller, developed by University of Queensland scientists, has the potential to reduce the huge social and economic impacts of pain which costs…

Dr Mostafa Rahimi Azghadi – Senior Lecturer, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, James Cook University Smart robot learns to detect and spray weeds A smart robotic tool that automatically identifies and kills weeds in their natural environment may reduce the $5billion impact that weeds currently have on Australia’s economy. James Cook University scientists developed the tool…

Dr Shiwanthi Ranasinghe – Research Assistant, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Tapeworm protein promises new cancer treatment A new protein discovered from dog tapeworms has been found to decrease the effect of enzymes secreted by cancer cells and significantly reduce the growth of breast and skin cancers in mice. Cancer cells secrete enzymes called proteases…

Dr Louisa Parkinson – Research Officer, Centre for Horticultural Science, University of Queensland Smashing avocados diseases with rapid tests A new rapid field test can detect fungal disease called black root rot in avocado tree roots, meaning growers can take a quick response to the disease and reduce their production losses. Black root rot causes…