Scientists have revealed an ‘artificial nose’ at a national meeting of the American Chemical Society. No, it's not a bionic nose - but a device that has the ability to detect odours released by blood-poisoning bacteria, potentially saving lives.

The 'nose' uses 36 pigment dots that change colour in response to different strains of bacteria within a blood sample, a process that could speed up the detection of blood poisoning by two days and provide more accurate results. 

(Picture courtesy of Davi Sommerfeld)

Scientists reveal 'artificial nose'

The Medical Journal of Australia has published a new approach for treating Chlamydia – the most common sexually transmitted disease in Australia. Under the new recommendation, individuals who are tested positive for Chlamydia can also receive treatment for their partner.

(Photo courtesy of gwilmore)

A new approach to treating Chlamydia

Research in the United States report that teenage use of e-cigarettes has more than doubled in previous years. Enthusiasts have touted e-cigarettes as 'harmless fun' and a healthy alternative to smoking tobacco, but experts warn that this could lead young people to start smoking when they otherwise wouldn't.

Little is known about e-cigarette use and further research will determine whether the electronic device that delivers vapourised nicotine can be used to help people quit smoking. Although the device can be sold legally in Australia, the nicotine capsules are banned. 

(Photo courtesy of Prive International)

E-cigarettes: 'harmless fun' or dangerous to public health?

Imagine this: you're driving on a country road, and you pass a young man running barefoot. He hasn't shaved for weeks and he's carrying everything he needs to survive on his back.

Aaron Morellini is an Environmental Science student at the University of Technology, Sydney. He decided to walk 600km from Tokyo to Sendai in a bid to raise awareness for the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, more than two years after the disaster. 

(Photo courtesy of Aaron Morellini)

Nuclear walk from Tokyo to Sendai

Is global warming on hiatus?  Air temperatures have cooled down over the past 15 years, according to weather data gathered from more than 1000 meteorological stations around the world.

(Photo courtesy of Captain Kimo)

Is global warming on hiatus?

This is my reflective podcast produced for 58310 Media Hub at the University of Technology, Sydney, Assessment 1: portfolio of work, following my internship at 2ser's "The Wire".

Reflective Podcast - Media Hub

Vertigo is an independent publication in many ways. Its only funding comes from the UTS Student Union, but its staff and contributors aren’t paid, and it doesn’t aim to make a profit. Moreover, anyone can participate, with external contributions making up around 40 per cent of the magazine’s content. 

However, Anna Watanabe, one of the editors of the magazine, reveals how the stresses of an independent publication can compromise the quality of work, and proves that it’s  not immune to the pressures of censorship.  

(Photo courtesy of ljfullofgrace)

Independent journalism and the price you pay: it's still not free from censorship

HRX Giving this month held a public sleepout to raise awareness for homelessness. Called the '101010 Sleepout,' around 300 people set up their tents at Centennial Park to raise money for homeless youth. Dacia Thai reports.

(Photo courtesy of zinetv)

101010 Sleepout raises funds for homeless youth

If you buy most of your food from the local Coles, Woolworths, or fast food chains you could be forgiven for thinking that food is something that comes neat and packaged. 

But a new exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Arts, In the Balance, features works that remind us that the major supermarket giants and takeaway joints aren't the 'be all and end all' to good food in the city.

Dacia Thai explores how artists are reconnecting us to the 'messier' ways of eating.

(Photo courtesy of MurderWithMirrors)

Artists show the 'messier' ways of eating

Anti-airport campaign produced for the Stop Wilton Airport Group (SWAG) by communication students at the University of Technology, Sydney as part of a university assessment. 

"We Love Wilton" radio podcast for Stop Wilton Airport Group (SWAG)

BA Communication (Journalism) and International Studies
University of Technology, Sydney. 

dthai

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