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Teen internet addicts who don't sleep or exercise enough more likely to miss school
Archives of Disease in Childhood
Teens who compulsively spend too much time online and don't get enough sleep or exercise are more likely to skip school or miss classes because of illness, with girls affected by internet 'addiction' more than boys, say Finnish researchers. They Read more about Teen internet addicts who don't sleep or exercise enough more likely to miss school
InternationalWestern Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, Finland, Åbo Akademi University, Finland -
EXPERT REACTION: COVID-19 vaccines likely prevented nearly 18,000 deaths in NSW's early Omicron era
PLOS ONE
Australia's COVID-19 vaccination campaign likely prevented 17,760 deaths in NSW over-50s between August 2021 and July 2022, according to Australian research based on computer simulations. The team used a simulation of NSW's vaccination and COVID-19 Read more about EXPERT REACTION: COVID-19 vaccines likely prevented nearly 18,000 deaths in NSW's early Omicron era
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLDRMIT University|Monash University -
What motivates someone to manipulate their partner's reproductive choices?
PLOS ONE
Reproductive coercion and abuse - using abusive tactics to manipulate a partner's reproductive choices - may often but not always be driven by a wider pattern of coercive control, according to a small Australian study. The team conducted in-depth Read more about What motivates someone to manipulate their partner's reproductive choices?
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Could your sweat one day charge your fitness tracker?
Device
Your fitness tracker could one day be powered by your own sweat, according to Australian researchers who have developed tiny, sweat-powered nanogenerators that can be stored in clothing. The team say their hydroelectric nanogenerators, which they Read more about Could your sweat one day charge your fitness tracker?
Australia; NSW; VICDeakin University|Monash University|The University of New South Wales -
Bacteria behind meningitis in babies explained
eLife
Australian researchers have identified the types of E. coli responsible for neonatal meningitis – around 50 per cent of infections are caused by two types of E. coli. The study was the largest to date, examining genomes of E. coli bacteria across Read more about Bacteria behind meningitis in babies explained
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
There is a mishmash of water theft laws and penalties across the Murray Darling Basin
Nature Water
Australian researchers have explored the mishmash of water theft laws and penalties that exist across the Murray Darling Basin states and territories and have found that there is a lack of consistency which is driving poor regulatory outcomes and Read more about There is a mishmash of water theft laws and penalties across the Murray Darling Basin
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Last whistle: Tackling tough issues athletes faced when they retire from sport
Frontiers in Psychology
Life changes radically and can be rough on athletes who are forced to retire, and a new study has found women and younger people are more prone to experience symptoms of anxiety than more mature sportsmen. Flinders University researchers surveyed Read more about Last whistle: Tackling tough issues athletes faced when they retire from sport
Australia; SAFlinders University -
How do Australia's desert animals avoid inbreeding during dry spells?
PNAS
Australia's desert-dwelling animals have vastly different ways of surviving the harsh conditions from generation to generation, according to Australian researchers. The team monitored two species - the sandy inland mouse and the lesser hairy-footed Read more about How do Australia's desert animals avoid inbreeding during dry spells?
Australia; NSW; ACTUniversity of Canberra|The University of Sydney -
Program aims to break down dementia stigma in Chinese Australian communities
Stigma about dementia is deterring Chinese Australians from seeking early diagnosis and support. University of Sydney researchers are working with the Chinese community to change that. A team of researchers is encouraging Chinese Australians to Read more about Program aims to break down dementia stigma in Chinese Australian communities
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Food and fibre sector boost needed to support NZ’s ageing population
With an ageing population placing increased strain on New Zealand’s public services, the country must earn more to maintain current living standards in the years ahead, a new discussion paper has found. The just-released paper calls for Read more about Food and fibre sector boost needed to support NZ’s ageing population
New ZealandNew Zealand Institute of Economic Research; Helen Clark Foundation -
Australian media need generative AI policies to help navigate misinformation and disinformation
Digital Journalism
New research into generative AI images shows only over a third of media organisations surveyed at the time of research have an image-specific AI policy in place. New research into generative AI images shows only over a third of media organisations Read more about Australian media need generative AI policies to help navigate misinformation and disinformation
Australia; International; VIC; QLDRMIT University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT)... -
Climate change is putting NZ’s own alpine grasshoppers at risk
Diversity and Distributions
The North Island is home to just one species of alpine grasshopper, known as Sigaus piliferus. Researchers found there are two sub-groups that adapted to different local conditions across the North Island. The two “ecotypes” are likely to Read more about Climate change is putting NZ’s own alpine grasshoppers at risk
New ZealandMassey University -
'Global blunder': Many people with breast cancer 'systematically left behind'
The Lancet
Breast cancer is now the world’s most common cancer; at the end of 2020, 7. 8 million women had been diagnosed in the past five years but survived, and in the same year, 685,000 women died from the disease. Despite improvements in research, Read more about 'Global blunder': Many people with breast cancer 'systematically left behind'
Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
The brain's reward system works to make others happy, not just ourselves
JNeurosci
The reward system in our brains can help us make others happy as well as making ourselves happy, according to international research. Forty-six participants were put through a challenge that involved rating their food preferences, observing others' Read more about The brain's reward system works to make others happy, not just ourselves
InternationalLudwig Maximilian University Munich, Germany -
New drug may slow rapid progression of Parkinson's disease
Nature Medicine
A drug called prasinezumab may slow signs of motor deterioration in people with rapidly progressing Parkinson’s Disease, according to an re-analysis of data from a large clinical trial by international researchers. The drug is designed to bind to Read more about New drug may slow rapid progression of Parkinson's disease
InternationalRoche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland -
Cold killer events may be on the rise in our warming oceans
Nature Climate Change
Weirdly, global warming may actually be increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme cold events in our oceans, according to Australian research. Climate change shifts ocean currents and pressure systems, and the researchers found that changes Read more about Cold killer events may be on the rise in our warming oceans
Australia; NSW; QLDJames Cook University|NSW Government|University of the Sunshine Coast... -
Legalising weed likely doesn't lead more teens to it
JAMA Pediatrics
Making cannabis legal in the US doesn't appear to have an effect on adolescents' use of the drug, say US researchers. The investigation looked into survey data over ten years, and, while the legalisation may be associated with modest decreases in Read more about Legalising weed likely doesn't lead more teens to it
InternationalBoston College, USA -
Pregnancy complications can put women at an increased risk of early death for the next 40 years
JAMA Internal Medicine
Women who had pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, high blood pressure, preeclampsia and having a small birthweight baby, may have an increased risk of dying prematurely that lasts for over 40 years. The research Read more about Pregnancy complications can put women at an increased risk of early death for the next 40 years
InternationalThe University of Texas, USA -
Hot weather may put more pressure on mental health services in emergency departments
Medical Journal of Australia
Hot weather could put pressure on the mental health services of emergency departments, with Australian researchers finding that women are more likely to visit an ED for mental health issues when temperatures are high. The study showed that while Read more about Hot weather may put more pressure on mental health services in emergency departments
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of New South Wales... -
New way found to treat early relapse in leukaemia
Journal of Clinical Oncology
Researchers at Peter Mac have found a new way to treat a form of leukaemia that stops the disease in its tracks to prolong remission. New research, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, has shown how a new combination of a molecular Read more about New way found to treat early relapse in leukaemia
Australia; International; VIC; SAPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Adelaide... -
Targeted liver cancer treatment kills cancer cells and could cut chemo side effects
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
Drug-loaded 3D printed films could change cancer treatments forever as research from the University of South Australia shows that new films not only kill more than 80% of liver cancer cells but could also significantly reduce recurrence rates Read more about Targeted liver cancer treatment kills cancer cells and could cut chemo side effects
Australia; International; SAUniversity of South Australia|The University of Adelaide -
Giant rogue waves: Southern Ocean expedition reveals wind as key cause
Physical Review Letters
A University of Melbourne expedition to the southernmost waters encircling Antarctica has discovered that wind drives the formation of colossal rogue waves, and that these unpredictable waves occur more frequently than scientists had previously Read more about Giant rogue waves: Southern Ocean expedition reveals wind as key cause
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Swinburne University of Technology -
Combatting disruptive ‘noise’ in quantum communication
Nature Communications
An experiment has demonstrated how networks can be leveraged to combat disruptive ‘noise’ in quantum communications. The international effort led by researchers from Griffith University’s Centre for Quantum Dynamics highlights the potential of Read more about Combatting disruptive ‘noise’ in quantum communication
Australia; International; NSW; QLDGriffith University|The University of New South Wales -
Private equity purchases of Aussie healthcare grew to $4.5 billion in 2022
Medical Journal of Australia
Private equity acquisitions of Australian health care have grown over the past fifteen years, reaching $4. 5 billion in 2022, according to new data. The researchers identified a total of 75 private equity acquisitions of health care delivery assets Read more about Private equity purchases of Aussie healthcare grew to $4.5 billion in 2022
Australia; International; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Harvard University, USA -
Melbourne radio wave exposure consistent over time
Environmental Research
Environmental exposure to radio waves from wireless technology has not changed significantly in Melbourne over the last decade, a study led by scientists at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) finds. Environmental Read more about Melbourne radio wave exposure consistent over time
Australia; VICAustralian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)... -
Three new giant kangaroos bound back from the past
Megataxa
Palaeontologists from Flinders University have described three unusual new species of giant fossil kangaroo from Australia and New Guinea, finding them more diverse in shape, range and hopping method than previously thought. The three new species Read more about Three new giant kangaroos bound back from the past
Australia; Pacific; NSW; SA; TAS; NTFlinders University -
Important health information missing in online food delivery menus
Public Health Nutrition
Many menu items on online food delivery services do not display important nutritional information. Researchers say current NSW menu labelling laws need to be updated and closer monitoring needed on online food delivery services. A University of Read more about Important health information missing in online food delivery menus
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
AI can write you a poem and edit your video. Now, it can help you be funnier
Association for Computing Machinery Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces - IUI 2024 Conference
University of Sydney researchers have developed an AI application using cartoons from The New Yorker to help people be funnier. University of Sydney researchers have used an AI-assisted application to help people write cartoon captions for cartoons Read more about AI can write you a poem and edit your video. Now, it can help you be funnier
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Our fur babies come with cuddles and a side of superbugs
ESCMID Global Congress
UK and Portuguese researchers presenting at ESCMID Global Congress say our pet kits and doggos could play a big part in spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They found evidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria being passed between sick cats and Read more about Our fur babies come with cuddles and a side of superbugs
InternationalUniversity of Lisbon, Portugal -
LGBTQ+ young people with childhood trauma are at higher risk of phone addiction
JAMA Network Open
Young people who are not heterosexual or don't conform to gender norms are more likely to have childhood trauma, which in turn increases their risk of phone addiction, according to Chinese research. The team investigated the links between queer or Read more about LGBTQ+ young people with childhood trauma are at higher risk of phone addiction
InternationalSun Yat-sen University, China -
Overturning US abortion rights prompted a surge in women getting their tubes tied
JAMA Health Forum
The overturning of the constitutional right to abortion in the US prompted a surge in permanent contraceptive surgery in both vasectomies and women getting their tubes tied, but the response for women was double that for men, according to Read more about Overturning US abortion rights prompted a surge in women getting their tubes tied
InternationalUniversity of Pittsburgh, USA -
Bonobos are less chill than we thought
Current Biology
New international research has debunked the idea that bonobos are less aggressive than chimpanzees. Over the course of the study, bonobos had three times as many physical aggressions as chimpanzees. However, while male bonobos were almost Read more about Bonobos are less chill than we thought
InternationalUniversité Toulouse Capitole -
Reducing cholesterol in kids with high levels may help prevent heart disease later in life
JAMA
Kids who have high levels of 'bad' cholesterol (non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) during childhood are at an increased risk of heart disease later in life, but Australian researchers have found that this risk is reduced if their cholesterol Read more about Reducing cholesterol in kids with high levels may help prevent heart disease later in life
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute -
Softer tumours may fuel more aggressive spread of triple-negative breast cancer
Advanced Science
Researchers have discovered how the mechanical properties of tumours can prime cancer cells to better survive their spread to other organs in a study using biomaterials that mimic the properties of tumours and experiments in mice. Softer tumours Read more about Softer tumours may fuel more aggressive spread of triple-negative breast cancer
Australia; NSWGarvan Institute of Medical Research -
Inflammation discovery to help fight liver disease
Science Signaling
QIMR Berghofer scientists have discovered the mechanism that causes severe inflammation among millions of people with chronic liver disease. In a world-first, QIMR Berghofer scientists have discovered the mechanism that causes severe inflammation Read more about Inflammation discovery to help fight liver disease
Australia; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute|The University of Queensland -
Polyester pollution is disrupting life on the seafloor
Marine Pollution Bulletin
New Zealand and international researchers have found that tiny plastic fibres from polyester materials are messing with the way organic matter is usually broken down on the seafloor. The effects of these microplastics differed depending on the Read more about Polyester pollution is disrupting life on the seafloor
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|University of Otago|University of Florida, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of Cape Town -
Beep boop (signed)! Underwater robots can speak sign language now
Computer Networks
Divers rely on sign-based communication to rely information underwater. Increasingly, underwater robots share this space with human divers, and communication between the two is important. Using a pre-existing set of common dive signs, a team of Read more about Beep boop (signed)! Underwater robots can speak sign language now
Australia; New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|University of Zagreb, Croatia -
Trouble on the horizon: how to make an impact based warning
International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction
When a disaster looms, impact based warnings can be more useful for the public than outright likelihoods. It's one thing to hear "it might rain", but another to hear "we're expecting treefalls and slips in your neighborhood". To issue these warnings, Read more about Trouble on the horizon: how to make an impact based warning
New Zealand; InternationalGNS Science|Massey University -
Post-Covid kids aren't walking to school like they used to
Journal of Transport & Health
The Covid lockdown period has disrupted Kiwi kids who walk to school, with students 42% less likely to return to their usual walking commute, new research finds. It's potentially accelerated an existing trend, with the study authors saying that Read more about Post-Covid kids aren't walking to school like they used to
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|AGILE Research Ltd., Auckland University of Technology, -
Saving Queensland’s earless dragons
Remote cameras and conservation dogs will be deployed as part of a University of Queensland research project aiming to conserve four threatened Queensland reptile species. Remote cameras and conservation dogs will be deployed as part of a Read more about Saving Queensland’s earless dragons
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Displaced Ukrainians who remained in the country have increased anxiety and PTSD
PLOS Global Public Health
Displaced Ukrainians experience high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety, according to a survey of mental health of over 8000 people who were either refugees or people displaced within Ukraine. The participants Read more about Displaced Ukrainians who remained in the country have increased anxiety and PTSD
InternationalUniversity of Southampton, UK -
Extreme sea levels during heatwaves are becoming more frequent
Communications Earth & Environment
New international research has found that 40% of the world's coastlines saw a significant increase in simultaneous heatwaves and extreme sea level rise, especially in tropical regions such as the Pacific Islands. Under a high emissions scenario, the Read more about Extreme sea levels during heatwaves are becoming more frequent
Pacific; InternationalThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China -
More empathetic doctors may be better at treating chronic pain
JAMA Network Open
Doctors who are more empathetic towards their patients may be better at treating chronic pain, according to international researchers. The team asked 1,470 chronic pain patients to rate their doctor's empathy using a questionnaire, and followed Read more about More empathetic doctors may be better at treating chronic pain
InternationalUniversity of North Texas, USA -
Vaping took our youth by storm - will we let snus do the same?
NZMJ
As NZ's smokefree commitments dwindle, experts worry that youth-targeted, multi-flavoured, "freedom"-branded snus may resonate with young people the way vaping has. Snus, a tobacco pouch which is placed under the lip, has roots in 18th century Read more about Vaping took our youth by storm - will we let snus do the same?
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Older people often taking more meds than needed
NZMJ
Of 173 residents of a retirement village outside Auckland, researchers recommended that 135 (78%) change their prescription habits. Many of their prescriptions were outdated, with certain cardiac medications and PPIs most commonly recommended to be Read more about Older people often taking more meds than needed
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland -
Young drinkers are ending up in ED less
New Zealand Medical Journal
Since 2017, the demographic of drinker that ends up in the Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department is getting older. People aged 18-24 dropped from 28% to 16% of all alcohol-related intakes, while the 65+ demographic rose from 12% to 24%. The Read more about Young drinkers are ending up in ED less
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Ketamine hurts your bladder, makes you pee more
NZMJ
Recreational ketamine use is rapidly rising in Aotearoa, with young people typically snorting the drug in powdered form. Alongside the drug's rise in popularity, two Kiwi urologists have noticed increasing rates of "ketamine bladder syndrome". They Read more about Ketamine hurts your bladder, makes you pee more
New ZealandCanterbury District Health Board (CHDB) -
New focus for chronic liver disease care
Hepatology
New research from Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University has provided evidence that improved models of care can benefit patients with decompensated cirrhosis - an acute deterioration in liver function in a patient with cirrhosis. The study Read more about New focus for chronic liver disease care
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Australian science key to a future made in Australia
The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement of his government’s intention to legislate a Future Made in Australia Act. President of the Australian Academy of Science Professor Chennupati Jagadish said, “A future Read more about Australian science key to a future made in Australia
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Science -
New platform to help understand how bushfire smoke harms the lungs and heart
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
A team of researchers led by Professor Jay Horvat and Dr Henry Gomez have developed a world-first platform to define the impact of exposure to landscape fire smoke on the heart and lungs. The researchers found that short and long-term exposure to Read more about New platform to help understand how bushfire smoke harms the lungs and heart
Australia; NSWThe University of Newcastle
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