Science
Analysis
Diet
The tiny dietary tweak with a giant health impact
Scientific studies show replacing regular table salt with potassium or “Cinderella” salt could arrest rising rates of cardiovascular disease. But will it work in our processed-food loving culture?
- by Angus Dalton
Latest
‘Like the Day of the Triffids’: How a researcher saved her friend’s life from the ‘monster’ among us
When Troy complained on Facebook about something weird in his shoulder, one of his friends who took notice was pandemic-famous epidemiologist Catherine Bennett.
- by Sherryn Groch
Astronomers may have got dark energy all wrong. It’s great news for the universe
Dark energy was assumed to be a constant force throughout cosmic history. New data suggests it’s more changeable, possibly upending long-standing doom predictions.
- by Dennis Overbye
Analysis
Drugs
Dogs can sniff out bombs, cancer and now PTSD. They don’t have the same success with drugs
A new study has found dogs can sniff out responses in people with post-traumatic stress disorder. But here’s why they can get it so wrong with drugs.
- by Angus Dalton
Asteroid that killed dinosaurs was a ‘big bang’ for bird evolution
Australian scientists have helped redraw the “tree of life” for almost every bird on earth, with a study finding their ancestors emerged after the dinosaurs disappeared.
- by Angus Dalton
Analysis
Research
A Christmas scandal sent scientists to war. Last week, they won
New legislation passed last week marks the end of a saga kicked off by the axing of six research projects by the Morrison government.
- by Angus Dalton
Sasha has a disease so rare, it doesn’t have a name
An ultra-rare genetic mutation has seven-year-old Sasha Lipworth regressing into infancy. Her diagnosis this month gives her a front-row seat to the future of medicine.
- by Angus Thomson
Exclusive
For subscribers
Virus volunteers to help Melbourne’s new human trials clinic prepare for the next pandemic
The flu, malaria and even gonorrhoea will be studied to help the first lab of its type in the southern hemisphere stay one step ahead of the prime candidate for the next pandemic.
- by Aisha Dow
Musk’s Neuralink brain chip allows paralysed patient to play chess
Noland Arbaugh, 29, was paralysed below the shoulder after a diving accident. He received his Neuralink brain implant in January.
Surgeons transplant gene-edited pig kidney into living human for first time
Previously, pig kidneys have been temporarily transplanted into brain-dead donors but this recipient is “robust” and expected to be discharged soon.
- by Mike Stobbe
Analysis
Weight loss
Three studies, hundreds of kilos: Did we find the weight loss silver bullet?
Scientists have linked three common and cheap pantry items with significant weight loss. But are these silver bullets as mythical as werewolves?
- by Angus Dalton