A new gold-based drug can slow tumour growth in animals by 82 percent and target cancers more selectively than standard chemotherapy drugs based on platinum, according to a study by RMIT University. Published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, the study found a new gold-based compound 27 times more potent against cervical cancer cells…
Research programs developing new metamaterials, higher-quality long-life lithium batteries, and novel thermal energy storage approaches are among those supported in a new round of Australian Research Council Discovery Projects. Announced on Tuesday, the round allocated $342 million in funding to 536 projects supporting basic and applied research. “Discovery grants support individual researchers and research teams…
Scrap carpet fibres can be a key ingredient in stronger, crack-resistant concrete, a research team from RMIT University is proving. The team is currently engaging with partners including Textile Recyclers Australia, Godfrey Hirst Australia and councils in Victoria, conducting field studies of on-ground slabs incorporating reclaimed textiles, according to a statement from the university of…
A satellite imagery tool developed by RMIT University scientists and able to spot plastic rubbish beaches has been successfully field tested on a remote stretch of coastline, according to the university. In a statement on Thursday, RMIT said the satellite imagery tool “picks up differences in how sand, water and plastics reflect light,” and is…
A study by composites manufacturer Quickstep Technologies and RMIT University has concluded that braiding technology offers an opportunity to enhance the production rate of composite structures for eVTOL UAS applications. A collaboration between Quickstep, RMIT and the Defence Science Institute studied the use of advanced composite manufacturing methodology — braiding — to produce the primary…
An innovation developed at RMIT University has been used for the first time in a major infrastructure project, with coffee concrete being laid into a footpath along a busy road in Pakenham as part of Victoria’s Big Build. Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) and project contractor BildGroup used concrete mixed with biochar made from spent…
CSIRO researchers have successfully developed a next-generation uniform prototype that employs nanofibres to safeguard Australian troops from chemical and biological threats. The innovative material is a lightweight fabric that effectively filters out harmful particles while remaining light-weight and breathable, keeping the wearer comfortable in extreme temperatures. CSIRO Manufacturing Research Unit Director Dr Marcus Zipper said…
Engineers at RMIT University have designed an innovative tubular structural system that can be packed flat for easier transport and pop up into strong building materials. This breakthrough is made possible by a self-locking system inspired by curved-crease origami — a technique that uses curved crease lines in paper folding. Lead researchers, Dr Jeff (Ting-Uei)…
New research commissioned by the Australian Fashion Council has revealed that Victoria’s fashion manufacturing industry has reached a critical point in its evolution. While the sector’s current and potential value was estimated at almost $1 billion, the state’s textile, clothing and footwear manufacturing has shed 18 percent of its value in the past five years.…
By Charlie Huang, RMIT University Australia is at the forefront of efforts to turn steelmaking green. Earlier this year Australian iron ore producers Rio Tinto teamed up with Australian steelmaker BlueScope to develop “near-zero emission-intensity” pathways for making steel from Pilbara iron ore. Renewable electricity and hydrogen would replace coking coal. Iron ore miner Fortescue…