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Pills no longer hard to swallow, with “natural drugs” in the making
Cancer and obesity among some of the health issues that Queensland researchers are trying to find a natural remedy for.
Potato chips and edible plants are among some of the “plant cures” under the microscope in efforts to treat cancer and obesity.
The unlikely “natural drugs” are part of world-first research conducted by 35 scientists from the university of Queensland.
Led by Professor David Craik, the team are working to find a cure for cancer and diabetes through somewhat unorthodox, yet gentle methods.
Additionally, the study is also looking at creating sustainable medications that are safer to consume.
“We’re engineering plants into super-efficient producers of next-generation medicines.”
Professor Craik told the ABC.
Professor Craik’s team is using the relationship between molecules and receptors in the brain to combat obesity-related illnesses.
As a result, appetite is reduced, with weight loss likely to occur.
“We have shown our molecules are very potent – a thousand millionth of a gram is enough to stimulate that receptor to effectively turn it off, so our appetite would be suppressed,” he said.
“So we want to put that molecule into, say, potatoes, so that effectively you can have your french fries and not worry about the consequences.”
Plants the key to pain relief
Professor Craik has also discovered that venom from plants and animals can be a key ingredient in pain-relief medications.
“The molecule from a Queensland cone snail is about 150 times more potent than morphine.
With alternate methods of medications being explored, Professor Craik and his team are also helping combat opioid addiction.
Natural treatments will mean patients who choose not to take medication because of their addiction, now have a substitute.
Researchers from the United States, United Kingdom, China, Sweden and Austria are also in on the project.
Clinical trials – which will see such cures tested on humans – are still five years away, but if successful could provide patients with cheaper and easier access to in-demand medications.
Written by Rebecca Borg
News
Big Tech earnings spark investor unease over AI spending
Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.
Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.
Investors are reacting sharply to Big Tech earnings this week, sending a clear signal that massive spending must translate into real growth. Markets are becoming less forgiving as companies pour billions into artificial intelligence, data centres and future tech while returns remain uncertain.
Meta has delivered a standout performance, posting a 24 percent jump in revenue for the December quarter, fuelled by AI-powered advertising. The company is doubling down on its strategy, with aggressive investment in AI and infrastructure expected to drive a further 33 percent growth this quarter.
Microsoft and Tesla tell a more cautious story. Microsoft reported only modest growth in its Azure cloud business, raising questions about its exposure to OpenAI, while Tesla plans to double spending on AI and autonomous driving. Analysts warn of a widening gap between bold AI ambitions and what investors expect in returns.
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Federal Reserve holds interest rates amid economic uncertainty
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut. #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut.
The Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged, marking the first pause since July. Officials are showing little urgency to resume cuts, even after previous rate reductions.
Two Fed governors opposed the decision, calling for a quarter-point cut, highlighting ongoing debates within the rate-setting committee, which includes both appointed governors and regional bank presidents.
Concerns over the job market and persistent inflation continue to weigh heavily on the Fed’s policy decisions, leaving economists and investors closely watching the next moves.
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#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy
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Trump warns Iran as U.S. naval forces approach amid rising tensions
Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and tensions rise.
Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and rising tensions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, warning that failure to do so could result in a far more severe military response. Posting on Truth Social, Trump signalled a hardening stance as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.
Trump confirmed that a U.S. naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln is moving towards Iran, as protests grow inside the country over alleged government repression.
The show of force comes amid heightened regional instability and mounting pressure on the Iranian leadership.
#Trump #Iran #USForeignPolicy
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