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ABC News
ABC News
Health

Medical gels made from spinifex grass to provide 'safer' treatments, jobs for Indigenous Australians

Scientists are harvesting spinifex from north-west Queensland for use in new medical gels. (ABC Esperance: Emily Smith)

Scientists are using traditional Indigenous knowledge of native spinifex grass to potentially create "stronger, more reliable" medical treatments and foster STEM-related careers for Indigenous people. 

Covering nearly a third of Australia, spinifex grass has previously been harvested for its thin, strong nanofibres that are used to reinforce latex and rubber products. 

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