Make way for megamarsupials: the migration of Australia’s extinct megafauna

Diprotodon was the largest marsupial ever to live. New evidence shows it migrated annually – and could make us reassess what we know of other extinct marsupials

Perhaps nowhere is the debate regarding the causes of megafaunal extinction more prominent than in Australia. During the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs, a magnificent suite of giant marsupials (mammals who carry their young in a pouch), reptiles and birds roamed Australia, only to meet their demise at the end of the Pleistocene. Why these behemoths disappeared has been, and continues to be, the subject of extensive discussions.

Much of the debate revolves around the timings of megafaunal extinctions, the arrival and spread of modern humans in Australia, and the role of climate change. Read more.

Shining a light on drug development: Revolutionizing radiolabeling

Researchers have developed a revolutionary method for making radioactive molecules. Until now, tracing the exact pathway a potential drug candidate takes within the body has been a challenging and time-consuming task. This new technique means that new medicines may reach patients much faster than ever before. Read more.

Climate detectives use kauri tree clues to uncover secrets from Antarctica

New evidence suggests an atmospheric bridge originating in Antarctica could have influenced global climate patterns during the last ice age

A long-dead New Zealand kauri tree is helping scientists reconstruct the timeline of a 30,000-year-old climate mystery. By using the kauri to line up clues, researchers found Antarctica could be the unexpected culprit behind puzzling climate changes during the last ice age. Read more.

New treatment option for men with prostate cancer may reduce long-term risks

Study shows one type of seed may reduce long-term symptoms, side effects

Every year in the United States, as many as 161,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Treatments include surgery, radiation or both. One type of radiation is brachytherapy, or the planting of radioactive seeds inside the prostate. Now, a new study shows one type of seed may reduce long-term symptoms and side effects. Read more.

CERN’s findings in the battle against cancer

The new MEDICIS facility of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) produced for the first time radioisotopes for hospitals and research centers in Europe. The MEDICIS unit is aimed at providing a wide range of radioisotopes, some of which can only be produced at CERN thanks to its unique ISOLDE nuclear physics facility. Read more.

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