UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

Microplastics in air linked to health issues including lung, colon cancers, and infertility. Tires and degrading garbage shed tiny plastic particles, contributing to air pollution. Researchers urge regulatory action to prevent exposures.

Even 1.5 to 4 minutes of daily vigorous physical activity in short bursts can halve a woman’s heart attack risk and reduce heart failure risk by 67%, according to a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. This benefit was not observed in men, highlighting the need for further research.

University of Sydney study shows DNA origami can create programmable nanostructures for targeted drug delivery and nanorobotics, using 'Velcro DNA' for precise assembly, with potential to transform cancer treatment and nanotechnology.

Endometriosis sufferers will have access to the new affordable treatment Visanne under the PBS, marking the first time in 30 years. The drug, costing $380 to $800 annually, suppresses abnormal tissue growth and is crucial for managing symptoms, which can significantly impact quality of life.

MS Australia launches EBV in MS National Collaborative Platform to unite top researchers, aiming to revolutionize MS treatment, prevention, and cure by exploring the link between Epstein-Barr virus and MS.

Semaglutide, known as Ozempic or Wegovy, initially for type 2 diabetes, shows potential in weight loss, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests it improves knee pain in obese individuals with osteoarthritis, with participants losing 13% body weight on average and reporting significant pain reduction.

Two randomized trials presented at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting found no significant benefits of colchicine or a cocktail of herbal supplements over placebo for treating knee and hand osteoarthritis, respectively. Both studies highlighted similar degrees of improvement in pain and functional capabilities between active treatment and placebo groups, with placebo showing slight numerical advantages. No major safety issues were reported, though some patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms.

Kindie Kastrissios' daughter Scarlett, who has had over 50 ambulance rides due to seizures, is part of a study testing spider venom as potential epilepsy treatment. The research, funded by the federal government, aims to develop personalized medications for specific types of epilepsy, using brain organoids created from patients' blood cells.

Adding just 5 minutes of exercise daily lowers blood pressure and reduces heart disease risk, according to a study published in Circulation. The research, led by Jo Blodgett from University College London, found that replacing less active behaviors with exercise activities could result in a significant drop in blood pressure. Even short bouts of higher intensity movement, such as cycling or stair climbing, were effective.

VTR Biotech announces the upgrade of its National Enterprise Technology Center, featuring five advanced platforms to enhance R&D capabilities in biotechnology, including genetic engineering and biosynthesis. The upgrade aims to boost research efficiency and practical application of outcomes, positioning VTR Biotech as a leader in biotechnological innovation.