Raging storms may favour raging spiders

Publicly released: Tue 20 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Ecology & Evolution

Spider colonies that are more aggressive than shy have higher rates of survival and reproduction following tropical cyclones, according to research from the US. To see the colonies response to the cyclones, the researchers recorded the number of Read more about Raging storms may favour raging spiders - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Mum's fluoride exposure might affect bub's IQ

Publicly released: Tue 20 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Pediatrics

An observational study of 512 mother-child pairs across six Canadian cities has hinted at an apparent association between fluoride exposure during pregnancy and lower IQ scores in children aged three to four. The researchers used two measurements: Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Mum's fluoride exposure might affect bub's IQ - Scimex

Private hospital rooms reduce spread of superbugs

Publicly released: Tue 20 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Internal Medicine

Canadian doctors used the opportunity of a move to a new hospital building to test whether moving from shared rooms to single-patient rooms reduced the spread of superbugs. They found the new hospital had significantly fewer superbugs three years Read more about Private hospital rooms reduce spread of superbugs - Scimex

Kids with gut problems need mental health support

Publicly released: Tue 20 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Pediatrics

Kids diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease should get accompanying psychological support say Swedish researchers. Using data from a Swedish cohort study, the researchers found that childhood diagnosis of inflammatory bowel makes kids under 18 Read more about Kids with gut problems need mental health support - Scimex

Wave climate projections predict risks to Aussie coastlines

Publicly released: Tue 20 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Climate Change

A team of researchers led by Griffith University has mapped out how much waves are likely to change around the globe under climate change and found that if we can limit warming to 2 degrees, signals of wave climate change are likely to stay within Read more about Wave climate projections predict risks to Aussie coastlines - Scimex

Wired for sound: a third wave emerges in integrated circuits

Publicly released: Tue 20 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Photonics

A research renaissance into chip-based control of light-sound interactions could transform our 5G networks, satellite communications and defence industries. These interactions, known as Brillouin scattering, are set to underpin new designs in Read more about Wired for sound: a third wave emerges in integrated circuits - Scimex

Those European heatwaves could last even longer with climate change

Publicly released: Tue 20 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Climate Change

Europe's summer weather extremes, such as heatwaves, drought and heavy rainfall, are expected to last longer if global temperatures rise by 2° C above pre-industrial levels, say international scientists. Most areas of Europe and North America are Read more about Those European heatwaves could last even longer with climate change - Scimex

Why did the party on the exoplanet suck? Because there was no atmosphere!

Publicly released: Tue 20 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature

A nearby exoplanet - named LHS 3844b - does not appear to have an atmosphere, according to international researchers, supporting the theory that hot, rocky planets orbiting small stars do not retain atmospheres and therefore are unlikely to support Read more about Why did the party on the exoplanet suck? Because there was no atmosphere! - Scimex

These birds are prepared to risk their lives for a good nap and honestly, same

Publicly released: Tue 20 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Current Biology

Even though their comfy sleeping position could leave them blissfully unaware as impending danger approaches, tired Garden Warblers which are low on fat reserves like to tuck their heads under their feathers for a snug snooze as a rest stop on their Read more about These birds are prepared to risk their lives for a good nap and honestly, same - Scimex

Different vowels for different folks: How the roof of your mouth could shape your vowels

Publicly released: Tue 20 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Human Behaviour

Differences in the shape of the hard palate - the bony roof of the mouth - in people from different ethnic backgrounds, may influence small differences in the way we pronounce vowel sounds which get amplified across generations, according to Read more about Different vowels for different folks: How the roof of your mouth could shape your vowels - Scimex

New projects tap the pulse of northern Australia

Publicly released: Tue 20 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Millions of dollars in investment will support the development of a northern Australian broadacre cropping industry, following a new agreement between the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) and the Grains Research Read more about New projects tap the pulse of northern Australia - Scimex

Stopping superbugs in their tracks

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 1700 AEST | 1900 NZST

Antibiotics

A team of researchers led by the University of South Australia has discovered a way to find and beat superbugs, providing a critical breakthrough against many deadly infectious diseases. Media Release. From:University of South Australia. A team of Read more about Stopping superbugs in their tracks - Scimex

Witnessing the collision between a black hole and a possible neutron star

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 1500 AEST | 1700 NZST

Scientists may have witnessed the end of a neutron star as it was engulfed by a black hole. They know very precisely where in the sky this event occurred. So over the next few days, they will stare at this patch of sky, and will either observe a Read more about Witnessing the collision between a black hole and a possible neutron star - Scimex

Wimmera orchid introductions thriving

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 1400 AEST | 1600 NZST

Concerted efforts by scientists, volunteers and landholders are leading to threatened orchids being successfully introduced into the wild. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s (RBGV) Orchid Conservation Program, led by Research Scientist Dr Noushka Read more about Wimmera orchid introductions thriving - Scimex

Aussies who believe in fate and luck more likely to become gambling addicts

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 1144 AEST | 1344 NZST

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization

Australians who believe their lives are subject to uncontrollable external forces are more likely to become problem gamblers than those who directly link their actions with tangible results, according to a new study published in Journal of Economic Read more about Aussies who believe in fate and luck more likely to become gambling addicts - Scimex

Cut antibiotic use in animals for the sake of our health

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

MJA

Large volumes of antibiotics are used in food-producing animals in Australia, say Australian experts, who argue that reducing this amount is critical to addressing antibiotic resistance in humans. The researchers found that an average of 182 tonnes Read more about Cut antibiotic use in animals for the sake of our health - Scimex

Feral cats are not just deadly predators, they may also spread disease

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Wildlife Research

Feral cats are not only savage hunters, they may be spreading unwanted parasitic diseases to our native wildlife, according to Australian researchers. Toxoplasma gondii is a cat-borne parasite that causes disease in a range of species, but kangaroos Read more about Feral cats are not just deadly predators, they may also spread disease - Scimex

uSEE unlocks the nanoscale world on standard biology lab equipment

Publicly released: Sun 18 Aug 2019 at 1518 AEST | 1718 NZST

Nature Communications

The ability to observe how life works at a nanoscale level is a grand challenge of our time. Standard optical microscopes can image cells and bacteria but not their nanoscale features which are blurred by a physical effect called diffraction. Now, Read more about uSEE unlocks the nanoscale world on standard biology lab equipment - Scimex

Doctors can help parents talk to their teens about sex and alcohol

Publicly released: Sat 17 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

There's little that makes parents and teens squirm more than a chat about 'the birds and the bees', but having this chat guided by a doctor may help to reduce the awkwardness and increase its effectiveness, according to research from the US. Talking Read more about Doctors can help parents talk to their teens about sex and alcohol - Scimex

A new global research agenda to advance primary health care and achieve Universal Health Care

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 2000 AEST | 2200 NZST

BMJ Global Health

More than 75 policymakers, implementers, and researchers map the gaps in global knowledge and prioritize key questions in new BMJ Global Health special issue. Globally, primary health care is finally getting the attention it deserves. With the Read more about A new global research agenda to advance primary health care and achieve Universal Health Care - Scimex