Nicotine exposure in the womb harms breathing in newborn rats

Publicly released: Tue 12 Nov 2019 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

eNeuro

Exposure to nicotine during development inhibits the function of neurons controlling the tongue, according to US research in newborn rats. The team measured the electrical activity of the neurons during normal breathing and when breathing was Read more about Nicotine exposure in the womb harms breathing in newborn rats - Scimex

Deer departed is found again clinging on for dear life

Publicly released: Tue 12 Nov 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Ecology & Evolution

A species of tiny deer called the silver-backed chevrotain that had not seen by scientists for 30 years has been found again in the wilds of Vietnam. Since 1990, there have been no scientifically validated sightings of the deer and it was thought Read more about Deer departed is found again clinging on for dear life - Scimex

43% of Aussies risk food poisoning after handling raw eggs

Publicly released: Tue 12 Nov 2019 at 0100 AEDT | 0300 NZDT

The Food Safety Information Council today released Omnipoll research for Australian Food Safety Week that shows 43 per cent of Australians are taking a food poisoning risk by not always washing their hands after handling raw eggs compared with fewer Read more about 43% of Aussies risk food poisoning after handling raw eggs - Scimex

Vaccine reduces likelihood of severe pneumonia

Publicly released: Tue 12 Nov 2019 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

World Congress of the World Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases

A new study has found severe pneumonia decreases by 35 per cent in children who receive a vaccine against a pneumonia-causing bacteria. Funder: The research is funded by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the World Health Organization, the Read more about Vaccine reduces likelihood of severe pneumonia - Scimex

Australian women turning to cannabis to treat endometriosis symptoms

Publicly released: Tue 12 Nov 2019 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Journal of Obstetrics Gynaecology Canada

A new study published today in Journal of Obstetrics Gynaecology Canada has found one in eight Australian women with endometriosis use cannabis to alleviate pain and other symptoms, rating the plant based medicine as the most effective way to Read more about Australian women turning to cannabis to treat endometriosis symptoms - Scimex

Finding Nemo's cousins

Publicly released: Mon 11 Nov 2019 at 2101 AEDT | 2301 NZDT

Scientific Reports

New research reveals anemonefish can see UV light and may use it as a secret channel to find their friends and food, while evading predators. Funder: n/a. Media Release. From:The University of Queensland. The fish made famous in Finding Nemo can see Read more about Finding Nemo's cousins - Scimex

Researchers discover potential therapeutic approach to treat ME / CFS

Publicly released: Mon 11 Nov 2019 at 1630 AEDT | 1830 NZDT

Journal Frontiers in Immunology

Researchers have discovered the pharmacological drug, Naltrexone, significantly restored the function of faulty receptors associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). TRP receptors are widely found in Read more about Researchers discover potential therapeutic approach to treat ME / CFS - Scimex

Quitting Facebook could boost exam results

Publicly released: Mon 11 Nov 2019 at 1627 AEDT | 1827 NZDT

Computers & Education

In research that validates what many parents and educators suspect, students whose grades are below average could boost their results if they devote less time to Facebook and other social networking sites. Funder: This research did not receive any Read more about Quitting Facebook could boost exam results - Scimex

Too much sugar doesn’t put the brakes on turbocharged crops

Publicly released: Mon 11 Nov 2019 at 1541 AEDT | 1741 NZDT

Journal of Experimental Botany

Plants make sugars to form leaves to grow and produce grains and fruits through the process of photosynthesis, but sugar accumulation can also slow down photosynthesis. Researching how sugars in plants control photosynthesis is therefore an Read more about Too much sugar doesn’t put the brakes on turbocharged crops - Scimex

Burns units need to cater for Indigenous kids

Publicly released: Mon 11 Nov 2019 at 1042 AEDT | 1242 NZDT

Burns

Aboriginal health workers in burn units, and greater cultural competence in clinicians and health services, are urgently needed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander burns patients who have the highest burn injury rates of all Australians. Read more about Burns units need to cater for Indigenous kids - Scimex

Are we overestimating lifetime cancer risks?

Publicly released: Mon 11 Nov 2019 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

The method employed in Australia to calculate the lifetime risks of cancer diagnosis and mortality overestimates these risks, especially for men, according to the authors of research published online today by the Medical Journal of Australia. Funder: Read more about Are we overestimating lifetime cancer risks? - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Bushfires raging in NSW and QLD

Publicly released: Sat 9 Nov 2019 at 1402 AEDT | 1602 NZDT

Bushfires raging in NSW and Queensland have caused the loss of more than 100 homes and at least two deaths (according to media reports). Below experts respond to the devastation and discuss the science behind this years' bushfire season. Expert Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Bushfires raging in NSW and QLD - Scimex

E-skin that can heal and stretch like the real thing

Publicly released: Sat 9 Nov 2019 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science Advances

A group of international engineers have created an electronic skin that mimics the sensitivity, stretchability and self-healing properties of real skin. The film of skin can even detect strain, so could allow machines to 'feel' their surroundings Read more about E-skin that can heal and stretch like the real thing - Scimex

Aussie Drs not correctly using antibiotics for surgery more than half the time

Publicly released: Sat 9 Nov 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

Aussie doctors are not correctly using antibiotics during and after surgery, according to research which found that antibiotics and other antimicrobials were used as recommended only 48 per cent of the time. The main issue the research found was Read more about Aussie Drs not correctly using antibiotics for surgery more than half the time - Scimex

Ok boomer, keep exercising for a healthy heart

Publicly released: Fri 8 Nov 2019 at 1105 AEDT | 1305 NZDT

European Heart Journal

Doing less exercise, or less intense exercise, as you age can significantly increase your risk of heart or blood vessel problems, according to a Korean study of adults aged 60 and over. The study looked at the exercise habits of more than 1.1 Read more about Ok boomer, keep exercising for a healthy heart - Scimex

Treat harassment like scientific misconduct, women ask

Publicly released: Fri 8 Nov 2019 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Science

Sexual misconduct in the workplace should be treated as seriously as scientific misconduct, according to a group of female scientists in the US. The women, many of whom work in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), looked at the Read more about Treat harassment like scientific misconduct, women ask - Scimex

Modern family values, incest taboos come from Catholic Church

Publicly released: Fri 8 Nov 2019 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Science

The Western Catholic Church’s influence on marriage and family structures during the Middle Ages shaped beliefs and behaviours now common among Western Europeans and their offspring, researchers say. An international study finds cultural changes Read more about Modern family values, incest taboos come from Catholic Church - Scimex

Leading conservation scientists call for reverse to biodiversity loss with ‘net positive’ goals

Publicly released: Fri 8 Nov 2019 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Nature Ecology & Evolution

A group of international conservationists is urging governments across the globe to adopt a new approach to address the impact of economic development on the natural world. Renowned researchers, including University of Queensland scientists, aim to Read more about Leading conservation scientists call for reverse to biodiversity loss with ‘net positive’ goals - Scimex

Vaping may harm the heart

Publicly released: Fri 8 Nov 2019 at 1020 AEDT | 1220 NZDT

Cardiovascular Research

There is growing evidence that vaping may harm the heart and circulatory system, according to US scientists. They compiled the available research on the health effects of e-cigarettes, and say proof of harmful effects on the heart and blood vessels Read more about Vaping may harm the heart - Scimex

Saving Australia’s sea lion population

Publicly released: Fri 8 Nov 2019 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Every sea lion pup in Australia contracts hookworm. Veterinary scientist Rachael Gray is conducting a trial at Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, with a topical treatment that could help the endangered species' population recover. Funder: Department for Read more about Saving Australia’s sea lion population - Scimex