“HOW did life evolve? There are different factors that can determine whether a female or male creature develops.
In some species, sex is determined by the temperature in which their eggs grow. However, in mammals it is the sex chromosomes, and specific genes on these sex chromosomes, that control whether an embryo develops as a female or a male.

The search is now on to find exactly what does control male development in the platypus, as it seems the strange platypus chromosomes have a lot to offer. Through studying the platypus, we will unlock more secrets about how the evolution of sex determination occurred in mammals.

To find out more about Genetics The XX (or XY) factor read Megan Wright‘s newspaper article, PhD student from the School of Molecular and Biomedical Science. Alternatively head to the University of Adelaide‘s 10 Big Questions to access further questions about our future….”

“School of Molecular and Biomedical Science: Showcasing the work of MBS Postgraduate Students in the 2nd and 3rd year of their program

“Biology professor, Andrew Lowe, from the University of Adelaide said DNA can be used to trace individual logs or wood products back to the forests they came from.

This technology is the latest weapon in the fight against illegal logging and Adelaide scientists are leading the charge.

The Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity at the University of Adelaide is working with Singapore company Double Helix Tracking Technologies.

The research is published today in the journal of the International Association of Wood Anatomists. To read further head to Professor Lowe’s Advertiser article…”

“South Australia’s Sunday Mail ran an insightful article about the hope stem cells provide and the exciting research happening here at the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Institute using adult stem cells.

The article focuses on our innovative Stroke Research Program, lead by Associate Professor Simon Koblar (right), which is using adult stem cells from teeth as a potential therapy for brain repair in stroke victims.

Research to date has indicated that dental pulp stem cells have an intrinsic ability to produce neurons (brain cells) and make a range of growth factors which are likely to help repair the brain.

Read full article

Learn more about supporting Stem Cell for Stroke Research through the Peter Couche Foundation…”

“A diagnostic test is being developed by the Robinson Institute that will identify couples at high risk of pregnancy problems, helping to alleviate complications that occur in 20% of first pregnancies.

The study sought couples planning to become pregnant, or those less than 12 weeks pregnant.

Couples involved in the study underwent a blood test checking their folate, vitamin B and D levels, hormonal levels and immune system. A confidential dietary and medical health questionnaire was also completed and was able to be provided to the participants GPs on request. The researchers also examined any genes associated with blood clotting, which are known to cause pregnancy complications….”

“How Did Life Evolve on Earth?

All living organisms need an energy source. For plants, that energy source comes from harvesting sunlight and turning carbon dioxide into sugar molecules.

Read more about this 10 Big Question from the latest ‘Can you Believe it?’ article by Ass. Professor Grant Booker – ‘Evolution from one cell‘  in The Advertiser …”

“Find out about some of the interesting research University of Adelaide scientists undertake to answer this question. ‘The Flip side to antibiotics‘ by Thomas Tu explores our current research into different ways of combatting disease with “bugs” becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics….”

“Professor Alastair MacLennan has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his 40 years’ work in women’s and children’s health, in particular unravelling the causes of cerebral palsy.

The 2009 South Australian Scientist of the Year for Public Good has an international reputation for leading the world’s largest research group into the causes of cerebral palsy, which affects more than 30,000 people in Australia…”

“Listen to 10 minutes of edited highlights from the December 22nd iPad ‘Enhanced Learning for First-Year Sciences’ night…”