Teaching Them a Lesson at Ipswich: Reflections

Economics is a component of several programs offered at the new Ipswich campus of the University of Queensland. Class sizes are large by Ipswich standards (up to 360). The courses (with the same code) are also taught at the principal St Lucia campus. What 'new' methods were tried at Ipswich, what motivated trying these methods, were they viable, and could they be transferred to St Lucia campus where student numbers are higher (about 1000)? Experiences of one teacher with a customised course designed for new degree programs at a new campus could yield at least some insights of interest to practising teachers in other settings

Molecular dissection of box jellyfish venom cytotoxicity highlights an effective venom antidote

The box jellyfish Chironex fleckeri is extremely venomous, and envenoming causes tissue necrosis, extreme pain and death within minutes after severe exposure. Despite rapid and potent venom action, basic mechanistic insight is lacking. Here we perform molecular dissection of a jellyfish venom-induced cell death pathway by screening for host components required for venom exposure-induced cell death using genome-scale lenti-CRISPR mutagenesis. We identify the peripheral membrane protein ATP2B1, a calcium transporting ATPase, as one host factor required for venom cytotoxicity. Targeting ATP2B1 prevents venom action and confers long lasting protection. Informatics analysis of host genes required for venom cytotoxicity reveal pathways not previously implicated in cell death. We also discover a venom antidote that functions up to 15 minutes after exposure and suppresses tissue necrosis and pain in mice. These results highlight the power of whole genome CRISPR screening to investigate venom mechanisms of action and to rapidly identify new medicines

Decision support tools for site-specific fertilizer recommendations and agricultural planning in selected countries in sub-Sahara Africa

Peer Revie

The Scientific Method of Keynes

The great stimulus to macroeconomic theory provided by Keynes is well recognised, but much less is said about his views on scientific methodology and his influence there. There is a widespread belief among economists that Keynes was an a priori thinker who dealt with “facts” and empirical material in a cavalier and high‐handed manner. We question the validity of this interpretation and give evidence to show that Keynes' methodology was not hostile to empiricism