Stress linked to autoimmune disorders

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA

People with acute reactions to stress and other stress disorders such as PTSD are more likely to also develop autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and coeliac disease , according to research on Swedish people. The authors are not sure Read more about Stress linked to autoimmune disorders - Scimex

Fake genes 'switched on' by coffee could help diabetic mice

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Communications

An artificial genetic 'circuit' that can be switched on with caffeine can help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic mice, according to international researchers. The researchers designed the circuit to respond to the caffeine in coffee by making Read more about Fake genes 'switched on' by coffee could help diabetic mice - Scimex

Toothpaste and hand wash are causing antibiotic resistance

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1600 AEST | 1800 NZST

Environment International

A common ingredient in toothpaste and hand wash could be contributing to antibiotic resistance, according to University of Queensland research. Funder: Australian Research Council Future Fellowship, and the UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards. Read more about Toothpaste and hand wash are causing antibiotic resistance - Scimex

MCRI researcher discovers a new cause of physical deformity

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1420 AEST | 1620 NZST

American Journal of Human Genetics

A researcher from Murdoch Children’ s Research Institute (MCRI) has helped identify a rare genetic disorder which reduces the production of cholesterol in children and results in deformities. Media Release. From:Murdoch Children's Research Read more about MCRI researcher discovers a new cause of physical deformity - Scimex

Human stem cell research shows new genetic pathway controls the heartbeat

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1407 AEST | 1607 NZST

Nature Communications

New research into human heart development has shed light on the way heart muscle cells contract. A correctly beating heart is vital to a baby’ s growth during pregnancy, helping guard against heart defects at birth. Media Release. From:Murdoch Read more about Human stem cell research shows new genetic pathway controls the heartbeat - Scimex

Let’s dance: helping people living with Parkinson’s

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1405 AEST | 1605 NZST

QUT researchers have found that for people living with Parkinson’ s disease, dance improves walking, emotional wellbeing, and capacity to tackle cognitive challenges. Media Release. From:Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Queensland Read more about Let’s dance: helping people living with Parkinson’s - Scimex

Love inspires new species name

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1404 AEST | 1604 NZST

Love is in the air at The University of Queensland with entomologist Dr Errol Hassan naming a new species of wasp after his wife to celebrate more than 50 years of marriage. Dr Hassan from UQ’ s School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, has Read more about Love inspires new species name - Scimex

Fighting parents? Kids could get by with a little help from their sibs

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1401 AEST | 1601 NZST

Child Development

Being close with a sibling could help protect kids from their parents' arguments, according to a US study on 236 families. Children who are exposed to hostile, escalating conflicts between parents usually have a greater risk of developing mental Read more about Fighting parents? Kids could get by with a little help from their sibs - Scimex

Marine reserves are vital - but under pressure

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1230 AEST | 1430 NZST

PNAS

A massive study of nearly 1, 800 tropical coral reefs around the world has found that marine reserves near heavily populated areas are struggling to do their job, but are a vast improvement over having no protection at all. Funder: The Australian Read more about Marine reserves are vital - but under pressure - Scimex

Mysterious Martian rocks' volcanic origins

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1100 AEST | 1300 NZST

Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets

Explosive volcanic eruptions that shot jets of hot ash, rock and gas skyward likely created a mysterious Martian rock formation, according to new research. The Medusae Fossae Formation is an unusual deposit near Mars' equator, first seen by NASA's Read more about Mysterious Martian rocks' volcanic origins - Scimex

QUT project aims to reduce dental anxiety and pain

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1037 AEST | 1237 NZST

A trip to the dentist is not an experience many people look forward to, especially when major work is involved, but a world-first QUT-led project aims to take away some of the pain using the power of light. Australian Laureate Fellow Professor Read more about QUT project aims to reduce dental anxiety and pain - Scimex

People with whiplash sought for combined treatment study

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1019 AEST | 1219 NZST

Researchers at The University of Queensland’ s RECOVER Injury Research Centre are working to develop a combined physiotherapy and psychology treatment program for people with chronic whiplash. Media Release. From:The University of Queensland. Read more about People with whiplash sought for combined treatment study - Scimex

DNA holds road map to gene transfer

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1000 AEST | 1200 NZST

PLOS Genetics

Bacteria’s ability to transfer genes, including those associated with antibiotic resistance, are governed by a previously unknown set of rules that are written in DNA, a team led by a Kiwi researcher has discovered. In nature, bacteria are Read more about DNA holds road map to gene transfer - Scimex

APPRISE launches projects to fill critical research gaps for future infectious disease emergencies

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0929 AEST | 1129 NZST

A number of projects working towards preparing for influenza pandemics, including through a global research platform to share protocols, tools and information with researchers around the world, have been made possible by an Australian research centre Read more about APPRISE launches projects to fill critical research gaps for future infectious disease emergencies - Scimex

Having a ring on it could help ward off heart disease

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

Heart

Being married could be linked to a lower risk of developing heart disease or stroke, according to international researchers, including an Australian. The authors looked at 34 studies that included a total of over 2 million people and also found Read more about Having a ring on it could help ward off heart disease - Scimex

CSIRO app seeks people power

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0601 AEST | 0801 NZST

The national science agency is calling on all Australians to be part of its energy research by providing valuable information that will improve understanding of the way households consume, generate and interact with energy. Media Release. Read more about CSIRO app seeks people power - Scimex

Mental health recovery influenced by workplace values

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0601 AEST | 0801 NZST

Advances in Mental Health

Mental health law centres and advocates who uphold values of connectedness, hope, empowerment and identity can positively influence people with mental health issues, new research led by Curtin University has found. Media Release. From:Curtin Read more about Mental health recovery influenced by workplace values - Scimex

Overuse of agricultural chemicals on China’s small farms harms health and environment

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0500 AEST | 0700 NZST

PNAS

The size of farms in China is a key contributor to the overuse of agricultural chemicals, and as a result they may be too small to be environmentally sustainable, a new study has found. Media Release. From:The University of Melbourne. Overuse of Read more about Overuse of agricultural chemicals on China’s small farms harms health and environment - Scimex

Teen, binge-drinking mice have worse memories as adults

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

JNeurosci

Adolescent mice who binge-drink have worse working memories - the system responsible for reasoning and behaviour - as adults, according to US researchers. The adult mice are also more likely to stock up on alcohol quickly when it's available. The Read more about Teen, binge-drinking mice have worse memories as adults - Scimex

Video game 'loot boxes' could count as gambling

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Human Behaviour

Video game ‘loot boxes’ - boxes with randomised rewards inside that players can purchase - can meet the structural and psychological criteria for gambling, according to New Zealand and Australian researchers. The researchers analysed 22 games Read more about Video game 'loot boxes' could count as gambling - Scimex