Victorian Government

A milk protein that encourages exercise?

Victorian scientists have discovered a milk protein with the potential to treat metabolic syndrome and chronic muscular and bone diseases.

The protein, when given daily to mice, caused them not only to build more muscle but also to want to exercise. The findings also showed an increase in muscle in mice not given exercise.

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Rugged electronic tags to track frozen cord blood and stem cells

Melbourne company bluechiip has invented tracking chips that survive cryogenic temperatures, high temperature sterilisation and irradiation.

Now they’re planning to use the chips to track submissions to cord blood and stem cell banks.

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Breast reconstruction using your own cells

Researchers in Melbourne will trial a new procedure to reconstruct breasts in patients following mastectomy. The procedure will use the women’s own stem cells instead of silicon.

Focusing on the treatment and recovery of women with breast cancer, the new technique known as Neopec involves the insertion of a customised biodegradable chamber which is contoured to match the woman’s natural breast shape. The chamber acts as a scaffold within which the woman’s own stem cells are used to grow permanent breast fat tissue.

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From plastic money to plastic electricity

Tomorrow’s solar panels could bear an uncanny likeness to Australia’s polymer banknotes.

In fact, the first prototypes of a new kind of solar panel are being printed on the same printing presses that print Australia’s money.

The research team are confident that within five years these plastic solar panels will start appearing on windows, shade clothes and roofs across Australia.

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