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Legalised weed linked to more workplace injuries among younger people
JAMA Health Forum
US researchers say there's an uptick in workplace injuries for younger people in states with legalised recreational marijuana. Since 2012, 24 states and Washington, DC have legalised possession and sales of small quantities of the drug, so the Read more about Legalised weed linked to more workplace injuries among younger people
InternationalSan Diego State University, USA -
Australian experiment on-board Swedish rocket launch
A new type of electromagnetic shield designed and manufactured at RMIT will be launched into space in the three-day launch window opening on 25 February, Central European Time. A new type of electromagnetic shield designed and manufactured at RMIT Read more about Australian experiment on-board Swedish rocket launch
Australia; International; VICRMIT University -
'Cruel wellbeing’ approach adds to teachers’ stress
British Journal of Sociology of Education
New Curtin research has found the challenges and problems faced by overworked teachers are being compounded by expectations placed on them to manage their own wellbeing, while the impact of working conditions and broader policies on teacher welfare Read more about 'Cruel wellbeing’ approach adds to teachers’ stress
Australia; WACurtin University -
Wake-up call for us all to establish regular healthy sleeping patterns
Sleep Health
It’s official. Getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night is currently out of reach for almost one-third of the population as Flinders University experts found 31% of adults had average sleep durations outside the recommended range. The Read more about Wake-up call for us all to establish regular healthy sleeping patterns
Australia; International; NSW; SAFlinders University|The University of New South Wales -
Is ChatGPT a better person than you?
PNAS
US scientists say ChatGPT-4 has aced their Turing test, proving itself indistinguishable from a real human, even when statistical methods were used to try and detect it. In fact, ChatGPT-4 displayed more humanity than some of the humans it was Read more about Is ChatGPT a better person than you?
InternationalUniversity of Michigan, USA, Stanford University, USA -
Smartphone videos of your baby could help detect cerebral palsy
PLOS Digital Health
Those cute videos you have on your phone of your baby squirming and rolling could be used to help detect cerebral palsy, according to new Australian research. Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood, and while Read more about Smartphone videos of your baby could help detect cerebral palsy
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Melbourne -
Friend or foe, how do food inspectors maintain safety standards in Australia?
Food Control
Australia’s high standards of food safety inspections set the bar high for cafes, restaurants and other shop owners to maintain hygiene standards but new research by environmental health experts promotes the potential for more uniform and possible Read more about Friend or foe, how do food inspectors maintain safety standards in Australia?
Australia; New Zealand; International; VIC; SAFlinders University|La Trobe University -
No clear link between weather and common muscle and joint symptoms
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
There is no clear connection between the weather and back, knee or hip pain, a University of Sydney led study has found, challenging a common belief that changes in weather parameters, such as temperature and humidity can trigger musculoskeletal Read more about No clear link between weather and common muscle and joint symptoms
Australia; International; NSW; VICThe University of Sydney|Monash University -
Zinc discovery holds promise for people with cystic fibrosis
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
Researchers found that in people with CF, immune cells called macrophages are defective in a zinc pathway that the body uses to kill bacteria - it may partly explain why they’re more susceptible to bacterial infections. The researchers also Read more about Zinc discovery holds promise for people with cystic fibrosis
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
Fitter female Aussie rules footy players may be more skilful, but not less likely to be injured
PLOS ONE
An Australian study of 223 female Australian football players across five competition levels found fitter players tend to be more technically skilled, but are not necessarily less likely to injure themselves. The researchers measured physical Read more about Fitter female Aussie rules footy players may be more skilful, but not less likely to be injured
Australia; New Zealand; VIC; QLDBond University|AUT University|Victoria University -
Transgender men who don't get periods may still need to be using contraception
Cell Reports Medicine
Some transgender men who no longer have periods as a result of their gender-affirming hormone treatment could still be at risk of pregnancy, according to international research. The team looked at the ovaries of 52 trans men after gender-affirming Read more about Transgender men who don't get periods may still need to be using contraception
InternationalAmsterdam UMC, The Netherlands -
The effects of trauma can be very different for men and women
JAMA Network Open
US and Danish scientists investigated the outcomes for 1. 3 million Danish people in the five years that followed a traumatic experience, and found men were more likely to turn to drink and drugs to cope, while women were more likely to develop Read more about The effects of trauma can be very different for men and women
InternationalUniversity of California, USA -
Reading mouse minds lets scientists know where they are and where they're looking
Biophysical Journal
Using artificial intelligence (AI), US scientists have been able to decode the brain activity of a mouse to tell where it was located and which direction it was facing. The work was funded by and involved the US army, but before you freak out about Read more about Reading mouse minds lets scientists know where they are and where they're looking
InternationalUniversity of Tennessee Knoxville, USA -
EXPERT REACTION: Big data detects COVID-19 vaccine safety signals
Vaccine
International researchers have linked very rare neurological, blood and heart related medical conditions to COVID-19 vaccines by using big data to better understand and monitor vaccine safety. However, the findings translated to an extremely small Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Big data detects COVID-19 vaccine safety signals
Australia; NSW; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Sydney... -
Experts warn of 'short term gain and long term pain' in public-private partnership hospitals
New Zealand Medical Journal
Experts have warned that public-private partnerships for hospitals could result in unacceptable disparities in standards of care. In a NZMJ editorial, they write that while private, user-pays hospital systems can 'exist happily and productively' Read more about Experts warn of 'short term gain and long term pain' in public-private partnership hospitals
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Mice surprise: researchers discover new native species
Molecular Ecology
Australia can lay claim to two new species of native rodent thanks to a study from The Australian National University (ANU). The aptly named delicate mouse was previously thought to be a single species spanning a massive stretch of the country from Read more about Mice surprise: researchers discover new native species
Australia; NSW; QLD; SA; WA; NT; ACTThe Australian National University|CSIRO|Macquarie University... -
Long Covid brain fog may be due to a failure of your brain's defences against your blood
Nature Neuroscience
Irish scientists say the brain fog some people experience as part of Long Covid is linked to disruptions in the blood-brain barrier, which usually protects your brain from anything potentially damaging in your blood. They used brain imaging Read more about Long Covid brain fog may be due to a failure of your brain's defences against your blood
InternationalSt James’s Hospital, Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland -
First reports of severe coral bleaching this summer as the Great Barrier Reef warms up
As ocean temperatures continue to warm over the Great Barrier Reef this summer, James Cook University scientists have reported areas of moderate to severe coral bleaching around the Keppel Islands, offshore from Rockhampton. As ocean temperatures Read more about First reports of severe coral bleaching this summer as the Great Barrier Reef warms up
Australia; QLDJames Cook University|Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) -
Eavesdropping on endangered pink cockatoos with AI and bioacoustics
AI and bioacoustics are helping QUT researchers understand and protect endangered species like Qld’s Eastern Pink Cockatoo – they’ve identified hotspots of calling activity and a breeding hollow on an Australian Wildlife Conservancy sanctuary Read more about Eavesdropping on endangered pink cockatoos with AI and bioacoustics
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|Australian Wildlife Conservancy -
Men with fertility problems and their families at increased risk of several cancers
Human Reproduction
US scientists say men with fertility problems and their families are more likely than those without such issues to develop a range of different cancers. The study of 786 US men with fertility problems and 5,764 fertile men found the increased risk Read more about Men with fertility problems and their families at increased risk of several cancers
InternationalUniversity of Utah, USA -
There may be no safe level of air pollution for our heart and lungs
The BMJ
Two papers from the US and China suggest that there is no safe threshold for our air quality in respect to our heart and lung health. The team say both short and long term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2. 5) in our air is linked to an Read more about There may be no safe level of air pollution for our heart and lungs
InternationalHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA -
Immunotherapy could offer remission from autoimmune disease
New England Journal of Medicine
A small trial of immunotherapy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases including lupus, sclerosis and myositis, has found that treatment with CAR T-cells led to significant improvement and in some cases complete remission of the diseases. CAR Read more about Immunotherapy could offer remission from autoimmune disease
InternationalFriedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Germany -
Rhythm of your heart holds the key to treating trauma
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Knowing how your heart beats can help identify the best way to treat post-traumatic stress, according to Australian researchers. A team from Murdoch University have discovered that a simple measure of heart rate variability, taken at rest or during Read more about Rhythm of your heart holds the key to treating trauma
Australia; International; WAMurdoch University -
New insight into gene uncovers its link to incurable birth defect
eLife
Researchers have unravelled how mutations in a gene can lead to an incurable neurodevelopmental disorder that causes abnormal brain development in newborns and infants. Researchers have unravelled how mutations in a gene can lead to an incurable Read more about New insight into gene uncovers its link to incurable birth defect
Australia; VICWEHI|La Trobe University -
Climate change increases the risk of preterm births by 60% and will devastate children’s health without fast global action
Science of the Total Environment
Increased numbers of preterm births, higher incidence of respiratory disease and death, and more children in hospitals are some of the stark health outcomes the world is facing from the impacts of extreme climate change. This morbid reality will Read more about Climate change increases the risk of preterm births by 60% and will devastate children’s health without fast global action
Australia; International; SA; WAFlinders University|ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH)... -
Blood test could determine diabetes risks
Journal of Translational Medicine
A blood test could potentially be used to assess a patient’s risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found. Blood test could determine diabetes risks A blood test could potentially be used to assess a Read more about Blood test could determine diabetes risks
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
High blood pressure still biggest killer of Australians
PLOS ONE
New research led by The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Sydney confirms that high blood pressure (hypertension) persists as the leading cause of death in Australia, reinforcing the need for a concerted national effort to shift the dial Read more about High blood pressure still biggest killer of Australians
Australia; NSW; VIC; WAGeorge Institute for Global Health|The University of New South Wales... -
Which of the world's favourite meals have the biggest impact on biodiversity?
PLOS ONE
A range of steak dishes popular in Brazil are some of the meals with the highest impact on local biodiversity, while several vegetarian dishes from India also have a large impact, according to international research. The team used online lists of Read more about Which of the world's favourite meals have the biggest impact on biodiversity?
InternationalNational University of Singapore -
The Life of Brain? 'Movies' with sound illuminate patterns of brain activity
PLOS ONE
US scientists have translated complex brain imaging data into 'movies', or short videos with accompanying musical soundtracks to be more precise (there's not much of a plot). They say their approach could potentially help interpret what happens in Read more about The Life of Brain? 'Movies' with sound illuminate patterns of brain activity
InternationalColumbia University, USA -
Youth community spaces help make cities mental health friendly
Nature
Access to free and safe community hubs is the most important factor in improving mental health for youth living in cities, according to a survey of 500 experts from across the globe including Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea. Read more about Youth community spaces help make cities mental health friendly
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Orygen|Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA -
Acupuncture may help veterans with PTSD
JAMA Psychiatry
A US 'gold standard' clinical trial comparing acupuncture with sham acupuncture for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 71 combat veterans found receiving genuine acupuncture was effective as a treatment and had positive Read more about Acupuncture may help veterans with PTSD
InternationalTibor Rubin VA Medical Center, USA -
Get your nan moving to protect her heart
JAMA Cardiology
US researchers investigating the heart health of close to 6,000 women aged 63 to 99 say regular physical activity and less time sitting around was linked to better heart health. The team strapped fitness trackers to the women and found those who had Read more about Get your nan moving to protect her heart
InternationalUniversity at Buffalo, USA -
A specialised larynx allows humpbacks to sing, but they're being drowned out by shipping noise
Nature
Exactly how baleen whales, including humpbacks, sing to each other over such long distances has long puzzled scientists, but now an international team has discovered that specific vocal structures in the larynx convert aerodynamic vibrations into Read more about A specialised larynx allows humpbacks to sing, but they're being drowned out by shipping noise
InternationalUniversity of Southern Denmark, Denmark -
Newly discovered prehistoric dolphin may have used its jaw to imprison fish
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
New Zealand scientists have discovered a new species of ancient dolphin with splayed out teeth, suggesting it hunted its prey in a very unique way. The researchers theorise the dolphin could have swept through schools of small fish in shallow waters, Read more about Newly discovered prehistoric dolphin may have used its jaw to imprison fish
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|Moulton College, UK -
Path to lower emissions demands a smarter grid
Cell Reports Physical Science
Researchers at the University of Adelaide believe the global investment being made in smart metering infrastructure could fall short of fulfilling promised benefits to customers if key systems issues are not addressed. Researchers at the University Read more about Path to lower emissions demands a smarter grid
InternationalThe University of Adelaide -
Revealing what makes bacteria life-threatening
Nature Communications
Researchers have discovered that 'bad' bacteria can't make cellulose on their cell surface, ultimately leading to severe disease. Queensland researchers have discovered that a mutation allows some E. coli bacteria to cause severe disease in people Read more about Revealing what makes bacteria life-threatening
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
Too much TV might make you have to wee
Neurourology and Urodynamics
Have you ever found yourself needing to wee in the night after a hearty netflix binge? Well, you might not be alone, after international researchers found adults who spent five or more hours a day watching TV and/or videos were more likely to Read more about Too much TV might make you have to wee
InternationalWenzhou Medical University(The First People's Hospital of Wenling), China -
Small study suggests yoga may help chronic back pain
Journal of Orthopaedic Research
A small study of 10 women with chronic back pain and 11 without found an eight-session yoga program over four weeks led those with pain to report a decrease in its intensity and found they had measurably more flexible spines following the program. Read more about Small study suggests yoga may help chronic back pain
InternationalUniversity of Catanzaro, Italy -
Dangerous snoring and sleep apnoea linked to an unhealthy diet
ERJ Open Research
People who eat a healthy, plant-based diet that is high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and nuts are less likely to suffer with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), according to a new study led by Flinders University. The new study is one of the first Read more about Dangerous snoring and sleep apnoea linked to an unhealthy diet
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Could ADHD have evolved because it makes us better explorers?
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more likely to take a risk and explore new options, according to US and Indian scientists, which may make them better foragers, and possibly explorers, than people without ADHD. That Read more about Could ADHD have evolved because it makes us better explorers?
InternationalUniversity of Pennsylvania, USA -
Monarch caterpillars drink 'toxic sap' from swan plants to stay safe
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Caterpillars of the iconic Monarch butterfly may drink toxic latex from swan plants for their own self-defense. Monarch caterpillars are known to sever swan plant veins to stop toxic latex from flowing into the parts of leaves that they eat. However, Read more about Monarch caterpillars drink 'toxic sap' from swan plants to stay safe
InternationalUniversity of Hohenheim, Germany -
Mating strategies of male Wellington tree wētā
Royal Society Open Science
Male Wellington tree wētā have three different mating strategies related to the size of their jaw-like weapons, according to new research. While male wētā that matured early had smaller weaponry, their head start allowed them to circumvent Read more about Mating strategies of male Wellington tree wētā
New ZealandUniversité du Québec à Montréal, Canada -
Boosting potassium is key for blood pressure control
Journal of Human Hypertension
More than two-thirds of the blood pressure-lowering effect of salt substitutes may be due to the added potassium. While reducing salt intake has been the focus of dietary advice to control high blood pressure (hypertension), a new study suggests Read more about Boosting potassium is key for blood pressure control
Australia; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health -
Does a healthy life mean a healthy gut?
Gut
Researchers from China and Hong Kong say there is a strong link between adopting a healthy lifestyle and a lower risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They say, of the 'big five' healthy behaviours, not smoking, a high level of vigorous physical Read more about Does a healthy life mean a healthy gut?
InternationalThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong -
Unravelling the genetic and environmental influences on trust
Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization
Trust, a cornerstone of human interaction, has a significant genetic component, according to new research. Trust, a cornerstone of human interaction, has a significant genetic component, with around 33% of the variation between individuals Read more about Unravelling the genetic and environmental influences on trust
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The University of Sydney -
Examining the medical mystery of a child hepatitis outbreak
Journal of Infection
An analysis of a sudden global outbreak of hepatitis in children that occurred in 2022 finds although the primary suspect is highly likely to be an infection by multiple viruses, many questions still puzzle researchers. A University of Sydney study Read more about Examining the medical mystery of a child hepatitis outbreak
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Ancient DNA reveals Down syndrome in past human societies
Nature Communications
By analysing ancient DNA, an international team of researchers have uncovered cases of chromosomal disorders, including what could be the first case of Edwards syndrome ever identified from prehistoric remains. By analysing ancient DNA, an Read more about Ancient DNA reveals Down syndrome in past human societies
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|The Australian National University... -
Will 'asking our parents for money' to pay off a home loan lead to abusing them?
Australian Journal of Social Issues
A couple of Australian researchers have suggested that more focus be put on the possibility that the now common need of younger Australians to ask their parents for assistance in buying a house could lead to the financial abuse of the parents. They Read more about Will 'asking our parents for money' to pay off a home loan lead to abusing them?
Australia; NSW; TASThe University of Newcastle|University of Tasmania -
Prosthetic limbs may soon be able to 'feel'
Nature Communications
International researchers have created a brain-robot connection that provides more naturalistic sensations to amputees when they are walking on their prosthetics. The researchers tested their new system on three lower-limb amputees with brain Read more about Prosthetic limbs may soon be able to 'feel'
InternationalETH Zürich, Switzerland -
A better peanut on your plate? New findings reveal potential for peanut crop improvement
Nature Genetics
Global population growth has led to rapidly increasing food demand, but a new international study, published in Nature Genetics, has found a way to accelerate crop improvements, specifically in peanuts. Global population growth has led to rapidly Read more about A better peanut on your plate? New findings reveal potential for peanut crop improvement
Australia; International; WAMurdoch University