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Reptile roadkill reveals new threat to endangered lizard species
Australian Zoologist
The chance sighting of a dead snake beside a sandy track in remote Western Australia, and the investigation of its stomach contents, has led Curtin University researchers to record the first known instance of a spotted mulga snake consuming a pygmy Read more about Reptile roadkill reveals new threat to endangered lizard species
Australia; WACurtin University -
Video consults for chronic knee pain as effective as in-person care
The Lancet
Australians experiencing chronic knee pain achieve similar pain reduction whether they consult with physiotherapists via video or attend in-person physiotherapy sessions, new research shows. Australians experiencing chronic knee pain achieve similar Read more about Video consults for chronic knee pain as effective as in-person care
Australia; VIC; QLDThe University of Melbourne|The University of Queensland... -
Rising shark and ray extinction risk
Science
A new analysis has found one in seven deepwater sharks and rays are threatened with extinction, with the biggest threat coming from overfishing. Deepwater sharks and rays - species that spend most of their life at depths greater than 200m - are Read more about Rising shark and ray extinction risk
Australia; International; QLDJames Cook University -
How do we get more women into healthcare and medical leadership?
Medical Journal of Australia
Cultural change is needed to increase the number of women in healthcare and medical leadership in Australia, according to Australian researchers. In a perspective piece, the authors outline how women are continually underrepresented in leadership Read more about How do we get more women into healthcare and medical leadership?
Australia; VICMonash University|Swinburne University of Technology... -
Mass fish deaths at salmon farms are becoming more common
Scientific Reports
Mass deaths at salmon farms became more common between 2012 and 2022, according to a Canadian and US study of the industry in Norway, Canada, the UK, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand, which together account for more than 92% of the world's farmed Read more about Mass fish deaths at salmon farms are becoming more common
InternationalUniversity of Victoria, Canada -
How ‘the food of the gods’ chocolate spread 5000 years ago
Scientific Reports
The modern cacao tree - whose scientific name means 'the food of the gods' - likely spread from the Amazon basin to other regions of South and Central America along trade routes, at least 5000 years ago, say international researchers. Residues found Read more about How ‘the food of the gods’ chocolate spread 5000 years ago
InternationalCIRAD, AGAP Institut, Montpellier, France -
Most GP practices in NZ have “closed books”
New Zealand Medical Journal
Most general practices in NZ have been selectively enrolling new patients or stopping new enrolments altogether, according to a survey of more than 220 GP staff. In 2022, only 28% of respondents said they freely enrolled new people. Researchers say Read more about Most GP practices in NZ have “closed books”
New ZealandVictoria University of Wellington -
Air rifles can reliably cause lethal injuries
New Zealand Medical Journal
After encountering two life-threatening thoracic injuries in their own practice, two surgeons conducted a study to assess the injuries that a commonly available air rifle could cause. They tested. 22 calibre spring-loaded airguns in a series of Read more about Air rifles can reliably cause lethal injuries
New ZealandTe Whatu Ora Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley; Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland -
Foot-eye coordination: how our vision changes in rhythm with our walking
Nature Communications
Dr Matthew Davidson and colleagues have found our visual perception dips as our feet hit the ground. Further understanding this could help develop early diagnostics for neuromuscular or psychiatric illness; understand changes in mobility as we age; Read more about Foot-eye coordination: how our vision changes in rhythm with our walking
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
On International Women's Day, spare a thought for the aged care burden
Frontiers in Public Health
Women make up more than 60% of the older adult population in the Asia-Pacific, where the challenges associated with one of the fastest ageing population clusters in the world are emerging in social, political, healthcare and economic significance. A Read more about On International Women's Day, spare a thought for the aged care burden
Australia; International; QLD; SAFlinders University -
Short-sighted children may suffer from disrupted sleep
Sleep
Near-sightedness or myopia is projected to affect half of the world’s population by 2050, and it’s on the rise among children who increasingly spend time indoors away from sunlight and on screens. Poor sleep may also be a detrimental Read more about Short-sighted children may suffer from disrupted sleep
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Online toolkit helps experts protect themselves from online abuse
The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) has developed an online toolkit to help experts both prepare for, and respond to, trolling and harassment online, after a survey of more than 100 scientists found that one in three reported experiencing Read more about Online toolkit helps experts protect themselves from online abuse
Australia; NSW; SAAustralian Science Media Centre -
Tiny plastic fragments found in the plaques of more than half of clogged artery patients
New England Journal of Medicine
A study of 257 patients with carotid artery disease, where fatty clumps called plaques form in the arteries, found the plastic polyethylene in the artery plaques of 150 of them (58. 4%), and another plastic, polyvinyl chloride, in the plaques of 31 Read more about Tiny plastic fragments found in the plaques of more than half of clogged artery patients
InternationalThe University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy -
World’s largest radio telescope takes big step forward in WA’s outback
One of Earth’s biggest science facilities, destined to provide an unparalleled view of the Universe, is today a step closer to reality. The first of more than 130,000 two-metre-tall, Christmas tree-shaped antennas that will make up the SKA-Low Read more about World’s largest radio telescope takes big step forward in WA’s outback
Australia; WACSIRO|SKA Observatory -
Can too many carbs make you less attractive?
PLOS ONE
If you're looking for love, you might want to cut the carbs, according to French researchers. They asked heterosexual people to rate the attractiveness of 104 members of the opposite sex, and looked for links between attractiveness and participants' Read more about Can too many carbs make you less attractive?
InternationalUniversity of Montpellier, France -
What might contribute to you losing your hearing differs between men and women
PLOS ONE
Korean researchers say our weight, whether we smoke, and what hormones we have been exposed to may have a part to play in age-related hearing loss, but that depends on our gender assigned at birth. The researchers investigated the lives of just shy Read more about What might contribute to you losing your hearing differs between men and women
InternationalChungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea -
High BMIs might mean a high chance of depression
PLOS ONE
Irish researchers have suggested that having a higher BMI and waist-height ratio has a significant association with having depression. The researchers took a random selection of close to 2000 people aged 46-73 years, and measured their BMI, how Read more about High BMIs might mean a high chance of depression
InternationalUniversity College Cork, Cork, Ireland -
Eating fish and eggs during pregnancy could help your child develop at a healthy weight
PLOS ONE
Fish and eggs are likely both important foods to eat during pregnancy to give a child the best chance of growing up at a healthy weight, according to Australian research. The team used data from a study that looked at the weight of children Read more about Eating fish and eggs during pregnancy could help your child develop at a healthy weight
Australia; QLDUniversity of Southern Queensland -
Men may be biologically more susceptible to COVID-19 symptoms
PLOS ONE
Men may have different, and possibly worse, responses to a COVID-19 infection, according to international research. The team used data from a wearable medical device worn by 82 people who developed COVID-19. The researchers say comparing the Read more about Men may be biologically more susceptible to COVID-19 symptoms
InternationalPrivate University in the Principality of Liechtenstein -
ADHD medication linked with small increase in heart risk
JAMA Network Open
ADHD medication methylphenidate (commonly sold as Ritalin and Concerta) could be associated with a small increase in risk of heart problems, according to international research. The team looked at heart problems including heart disease, abnormal Read more about ADHD medication linked with small increase in heart risk
InternationalÖrebro University, Sweden -
Earliest European human tools found in Ukraine
Nature
Artefacts from an archaeological site at Korolevo in Ukraine estimated to be around 1. 4 million years old are the earliest securely dated evidence for the presence of early humans - known as hominins - in Europe, according to international Read more about Earliest European human tools found in Ukraine
Australia; International; VICLa Trobe University|Czech Academy of Sciences, Czechia -
Chimps can learn to solve puzzles by watching each other
Nature Human Behaviour
Chimpanzees can learn from watching each other (known as social learning) according to international researchers who say the findings suggest that chimps may have the capacity for cultural evolution, previously thought to be uniquely human. The team Read more about Chimps can learn to solve puzzles by watching each other
InternationalUtrecht University, The Netherlands -
Kids with eczema may be more likely to have learning and memory difficulties
JAMA Dermatology
Kids with atopic dermatitis often referred to as eczema, may be more likely to have learning and memory difficulties, according to a US study, however, this link was primarily in kids with neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD. The study of Read more about Kids with eczema may be more likely to have learning and memory difficulties
InternationalJohns Hopkins University, USA -
Hive mind! Bees can teach their friends to solve complex puzzles
Nature
Bumblebees can teach each other new behaviours that are too complex for them to learn alone, according to international researchers who made a two-step puzzlebox, which required bees to move an obstacle, then open a lid to reveal a sweet reward. Read more about Hive mind! Bees can teach their friends to solve complex puzzles
InternationalUniversity of Sheffield, UK -
Sinking US cities vulnerable to sea-level rises
Nature
A considerable amount of land in 32 US coastal cities, including Boston, New Orleans, and San Francisco, could be at risk of flooding by 2050, according to international researchers. The findings, which are supported by flooding models and also take Read more about Sinking US cities vulnerable to sea-level rises
InternationalVirginia Tech, USA -
How does makeup affect our skin during exercise?
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
For skin health, it might be best to remove your makeup before working out, according to a small study by Korean researchers. The team put cream foundation on half the faces of 43 college students (20 males and 23 females), including the forehead Read more about How does makeup affect our skin during exercise?
InternationalKorea National University of Education, South Korea -
Improving women’s fertility choices: avoiding environmental catastrophe caused by population growth
Frontiers in Public Health
Declining fertility rates and ageing populations in Western nations have recently set off alarm bells, but continued global population growth will actually raise the pressure billions more people place on a destroyed environment, according to new Read more about Improving women’s fertility choices: avoiding environmental catastrophe caused by population growth
Australia; International; SA; WAFlinders University|Telethon Kids Institute|The University of Western Australia -
Aussie licenced venues are clinging to cigarette vending machines
ANZJPH
One hundred years after the introduction of cigarette vending machines in Australia, Aussie researchers have found businesses have no plans to consign them to history. The research, conducted with over 800 owners and managers of alcohol-licenced Read more about Aussie licenced venues are clinging to cigarette vending machines
Australia; NSW; QLD; WAThe University of Sydney|Western Sydney University... -
Documentary series showcases the science of sleep
Australian sleep experts were given just eight weeks to develop and run a sleep treatment program that diagnosed and treated more than 30 volunteers and achieved a >80 per cent success rate. In a world first, Australian sleep experts were given just Read more about Documentary series showcases the science of sleep
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Birds, beetles and spiders can be a useful alternative to pesticides
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Birds, beetles and spiders that are natural predators for crop-damaging pests can be a successful alternative to pesticides, according to international researchers. The team conducted a meta-analysis of studies testing the effectiveness of a variety Read more about Birds, beetles and spiders can be a useful alternative to pesticides
InternationalFederal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil -
New technique could make it easier to manufacture cell therapies
Royal Society Interface
Cell therapies - medicines made from human cells - are an important part of treating conditions including cancer, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases, but current ways of manufacturing these medicines are generally slow or expensive. Read more about New technique could make it easier to manufacture cell therapies
InternationalHeriot-Watt University, UK -
More for less: A smarter way to protect biodiversity
Global Change Biology
University of Queensland research has revealed that protecting smaller but more strategic parcels of land will result in better and more cost-effective biodiversity conservation outcomes globally. University of Queensland research has revealed that Read more about More for less: A smarter way to protect biodiversity
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Even a little activity in your free time may help stave off a stroke
The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
Even people whose physical activity levels fall short of recommended guidelines, but who manage to do some during their leisure time, have a lower risk of stroke than sedentary people, according to international scientists. They brought together and Read more about Even a little activity in your free time may help stave off a stroke
InternationalUniversity of L’Aquila, Italy -
9,000 - 10,000 steps daily may help highly sedentary people stave off death
British Journal of Sports Medicine
Taking 9,000 to 10,000 steps daily may counteract the risk of death and cardiovascular disease in highly sedentary people, according to Australian-led research. The team looked at data on 72,174 Brits fitted with fitness trackers for a week, and Read more about 9,000 - 10,000 steps daily may help highly sedentary people stave off death
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Can green spaces keep your bones strong?
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Living close to more greenery is linked to a lower risk of osteoporosis, according to international researchers using long-term data from the UK Biobank study. They used data on the bone mineral density of almost 400,000 people and whether they Read more about Can green spaces keep your bones strong?
InternationalCentral South University, China -
National survey finds Australians want government to spend much more on nature conservation
The Biodiversity Council has undertaken a national survey of attitudes to biodiversity conservation issues, revealing that Australians’ connection to, and concern for, our natural environment remains strong and that 95% of Australians support Read more about National survey finds Australians want government to spend much more on nature conservation
AustraliaBiodiversity Council|RMIT University|Monash University... -
NEWS BRIEFING and EXPERT REACTION: Are we over-medicalising menopause?
The Lancet
Briefing recording now available Viewing menopause as a health problem to be solved with hormone therapy is an over-simplified narrative and not based on evidence, according to Australian researchers. A series of literature reviews and opinion Read more about NEWS BRIEFING and EXPERT REACTION: Are we over-medicalising menopause?
Australia; VIC; QLDThe University of Melbourne|The University of Queensland -
‘The Tjakuṟa has got dreaming’ - Indigenous rangers join forces to protect the culturally significant Great Desert Skink from extinction
This March, Traditional Owners and Indigenous desert ranger groups from across an area spanning 500,000 km2 – seven times the size of Tasmania – are joining forces with scientists, land managers and the Federal Government to search for Tjakuṟa: Read more about ‘The Tjakuṟa has got dreaming’ - Indigenous rangers join forces to protect the culturally significant Great Desert Skink from extinction
Australia; SA; WA; NTIndigenous Desert Alliance, The National Environmental Science Program's Resilient Landscapes Hub. -
Less than 6 hours' sleep daily linked with higher risk of type 2 diabetes
JAMA Network Open
Are you a short sleeper? You could be at higher risk of type 2 diabetes even if you’re a healthy eater, according to international researchers. The team looked at data from 247,867 adults in the UK, and found that people sleeping less than six Read more about Less than 6 hours' sleep daily linked with higher risk of type 2 diabetes
InternationalUppsala University, Sweden -
Child screen time returned to pre-pandemic levels quickly, except for children in poverty
JAMA Network Open
The amount of time young children spent in front of screens increased during the pandemic in 2020 and while that increase subsided for most in 2021 it has remained high for children in poverty, according to international research. The team used data Read more about Child screen time returned to pre-pandemic levels quickly, except for children in poverty
InternationalNorthwestern University, USA -
Ice cores suggest 16th century pandemics may have caused declines in atmospheric CO2
Nature Communications
A pandemic-driven population decline in the 16th century may have led to declines in atmospheric CO2 levels, according to international researchers, who used ice cores from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to determine the CO2 levels Read more about Ice cores suggest 16th century pandemics may have caused declines in atmospheric CO2
InternationalBritish Antarctic Survey, UK -
‘Like a lab in your pocket’ – new test strips raise game in gene-based diagnostics
Nature Communications
Biosensing technology developed by UNSW engineers has made it possible to create gene test strips that rival conventional lab-based tests in quality. According to the team, the test can easily detect specific gene sequences in a sample, but unlike Read more about ‘Like a lab in your pocket’ – new test strips raise game in gene-based diagnostics
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Could a digital replica of the Earth help us predict natural disasters?
Frontiers in Science
A digital replica of the Earth could help us test how climate change and human impacts could influence natural disasters, according to international research. The team looked at the common engineering strategy of the 'digital twin- - a virtual model Read more about Could a digital replica of the Earth help us predict natural disasters?
InternationalNational Research Council, Italy -
WMO says El Niño has weakened but impacts continue
This year's El Niño, one of the five strongest on record, peaked in December 2023 and is gradually weakening, but will continue to influence global climate in the coming months, according to an update from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO Read more about WMO says El Niño has weakened but impacts continue
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
Audit of food donations prompts call for new nutrition and safety standards
food policy and nutrients
New Curtin University research that analysed a whopping 85,000 kilograms of food donated to Foodbank WA over five days has prompted calls for an overhaul of laws and policies to ensure safe and nutritious food is available for its vulnerable clients. Read more about Audit of food donations prompts call for new nutrition and safety standards
Australia; WACurtin University -
Very low proportion of young people seeking gender-affirming care subsequently reidentify with their birth-registered sex
JAMA Pediatrics
An Australian study has found that a very low proportion of young people who initiate gender-affirming treatment at a gender clinic end up reidentifying back with their birth-registered sex. The study of 548 patients referred to paediatric gender Read more about Very low proportion of young people seeking gender-affirming care subsequently reidentify with their birth-registered sex
Australia; WATelethon Kids Institute|The University of Western Australia... -
Transforming early learning through curiosity and interest
Early Child Development and Care
The key to boosting a child’s cognitive and emotional development lies in promoting an active interest in topics or activities, Griffith University researchers have found. The key to boosting a child’s cognitive and emotional development lies in Read more about Transforming early learning through curiosity and interest
Australia; QLDGriffith University -
Shift in lesser-known blood types linked to Australia’s increasing ethnicity
Pathology - The Journal of the Royal College of Pathologists Australia
The first study to determine the prevalence of lesser-known blood groups within the Australian population that need to be “matched” during a blood transfusion shows they have changed, most likely due to increasing ethnic diversity. While the Read more about Shift in lesser-known blood types linked to Australia’s increasing ethnicity
Australia; NSW; ACTAustralian Red Cross -
Gen Z’s climate anxiety is real and needs action — for everyone’s wellbeing
Sustainable Earth Reviews
Australian young people have major concerns about climate change, which is having a significant impact on their lives and could have broader consequences decades into the future. New Curtin University research has shown Australian young people have Read more about Gen Z’s climate anxiety is real and needs action — for everyone’s wellbeing
Australia; WACurtin University -
Next-gen printed flexible solar cells launched into space
ACS Applied Energy Materials
Australian-made flexible solar cells will orbit the Earth in a test to evaluate them as a reliable energy source for future space endeavours. State-of-the-art printed flexible solar cell technology developed by Australia’s national science agency, Read more about Next-gen printed flexible solar cells launched into space
Australia; VICCSIRO