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…

Lincoln Tracy – Monash University Women with persistent pain displayed increased pain sensitivity following oxytocin administration, Melbourne researchers have found. The trial, run by Monash University, was the first to look at the effects of oxytocin – a hormone produced by the human body – on the perception of acute pain in people with persistent…

High tech cling wraps that ‘sieve out’ carbon dioxide from waste gases can help save the world, says Melbourne University chemical engineer, Colin Scholes who developed the technology. The membranes can be fitted to existing chimneys where they capture CO2 for removal and storage. They are already being tested on brown coal power stations in…

A shoulder-joint implant, with the ball and socket on the opposite bones from nature, can significantly improve the quality of life of patients with severe arthritis and tendon tears, says medical engineer David Ackland from the University of Melbourne.