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T cell discovery tops Eureka Prize list

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Science Oscars The team that discovered an unknown immune system in the human gut, a pioneer in nanotechnology, and a conservation biologist have been recognised at tonight's Eureka Prizes - the 'Oscars' of Australian science.

The prizes, awarded by the Australian Museum, recognise the work of Australian scientists, engineers and science journalists.

One of the premier prizes, the 2013 Eureka Prize for Scientific Achievement, was awarded to a team of researchers from the University of Melbourne and Monash University for revealing the purpose of a 'mystery' T cell in the human gut.

Dr Lars Kjer-Nielsen and Professors James McClusky and Jamie Rossjohn made the discovery when they noticed that a protein made by these T cells only occurred in the presence of by-products of vitamin B produced by invasive bacteria and yeast.

"It's a world-first discovery as we showed how this abundant population of T cells recognised vitamin B," says Rossjohn. "Our discovery has implications for vaccine design, for example, and treatments for gut-associated disorders."

From little things

Professor Frank Caruso of the University of Melbourne has received the Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science for his work in the development of nano-materials for medicine.

Caruso leads a team of researchers examining the use of nano-materials for drug delivery, as well as better bioimaging. He has led the development of the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and the Melbourne Materials Institute, and is recognised as one of the top 100 material scientists in the world.

"I think the area of engineering materials at the nanoscale offers enormous promise for healthcare medicine into the future," Caruso told ABC Science in 2012.

More bang for conservation buck

University of Queensland researcher Dr Kerrie Wilson has been awarded the Eureka Prize for Outstanding Young Researcher for her pioneering work in conservation biology.

Previous conservation efforts have tried to stretch limited funds and resources as widely as possible in an effort to protect as many species as possible. Wilson's research has shown that targeting spending in certain areas provides better outcomes overall.

"Funds for conservation are very limited. Hence my research is focused on solving problems such as where to restore first in order to save the most money, and what is the role of unprotected areas in preserving biodiversity," says Wilson.

She is currently leading a team of researchers who are using her ideas to reconnect broken ecosystems in Western Australia, and protect biodiversity in south east Queensland from the impacts of climate change.

A full list of the Eureka Prize winners can be found on their website.