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Mapping sovereign capability to build ‘foundational’ AI tech
Foundation models currently power multiple AI products, including ChatGPT, and represent a huge opportunity for Australia. This technology underpins the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), and could boost Australia’s productivity, Read more about Mapping sovereign capability to build ‘foundational’ AI tech
AustraliaCSIRO -
Highlighting global strategies for accelerating AI in science
A report from international and Australian researchers offers a comprehensive analysis of the integration of artificial intelligence in science and research across various countries including Australia. It addresses both the advancements made and Read more about Highlighting global strategies for accelerating AI in science
Australia; InternationalAustralian Academy of Science|CSIRO|International Science Council -
EXPERT REACTION: Common contraceptive hormone linked to increased brain tumour risk
The BMJ
A French study has found that prolonged use of progesterone-like hormones which are found in some contraceptive injections and hormone treatments, are linked to an increased risk of developing a type of brain tumour called a meningioma. The study Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Common contraceptive hormone linked to increased brain tumour risk
International; VIC; QLD; SAFrench National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety -
Quantum computing processors working at 20X warmer temperatures
Nature
Advanced quantum computer cooling techniques could lead to more powerful, cost-effective and energy-efficient systems sooner. The achievement demonstrates that ‘hot qubits’ are now a reality after the same engineers showed in an innovative paper Read more about Quantum computing processors working at 20X warmer temperatures
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|The University of Sydney -
Delirium a ‘strong risk factor’ for dementia among older people
The BMJ
Delirium is a strong risk factor for dementia and death among older people, according to Australian research. Delirium is a sudden change in a person’s usual mental state. Symptoms include agitation, confusion or being unable to stay focused when Read more about Delirium a ‘strong risk factor’ for dementia among older people
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Queensland|Macquarie University -
Spearheading changes to global anaemia guidelines
The Lancet Haematology
The way anaemia is diagnosed worldwide could change for the first time in 50 years, following a landmark study led by WEHI researchers. The findings have been used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to revamp their global guidelines for the Read more about Spearheading changes to global anaemia guidelines
Australia; VICWEHI|The University of Melbourne -
Hope, fear, and guilt: Your climate feelings may impact the solutions you support
PLOS Climate
The type of emotional reaction someone has to climate change is associated with the types of climate policies they're likely to support, a new survey shows. While hopeful people put faith in proactive policies like investing in infrastructure, Read more about Hope, fear, and guilt: Your climate feelings may impact the solutions you support
InternationalGeorge Mason University, USA -
Does a low heart rate mean a high life of crime?
PLOS ONE
Women with a low resting heart rate had a slightly higher chance of a criminal lifestyle, say US and Swedish researchers who investigated the criminal offence records of 12,500 women for up to 40 years. Additionally, the team say unintentional Read more about Does a low heart rate mean a high life of crime?
InternationalO¨ rebro University,O¨ rebro, Sweden -
Poverty is the main reason people are selling their kidneys
PLOS Global Public Health
Poverty is the main motivator prompting people to sell a kidney, according to Australian and international researchers who say many people who choose to sell a kidney are unaware of the potential health risks. The team reviewed previous research Read more about Poverty is the main reason people are selling their kidneys
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Center for Research on Education, Nepal -
Telescope becomes stellar ‘speed camera’ in world-first measurement
Nature
For the first time, the super-fast speeds of a neutron star’s powerful jets have been recorded by CSIRO’s Australia Telescope Compact Array and the ESA’s Integral observatory. The research has been published in Nature. In a world first, Read more about Telescope becomes stellar ‘speed camera’ in world-first measurement
Australia; International; WACSIRO|International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)... -
Complete sugarcane genome sequence opens up new era in breeding
Nature
A major step forward has been taken in sugarcane research with the mapping of a complex genome, three times the size of humans. Sugarcane contributes $2. 2 billion to the Australian economy and accounts for 80 per cent of global sugar supply. The Read more about Complete sugarcane genome sequence opens up new era in breeding
InternationalCSIRO|The University of Queensland -
17 mountains at high risk of losing biodiversity under climate change
Nature
Species living in 17 mountains around the world are facing the risk of extinction due to the rapid rate of warming attributed to climate change. However, the establishment of additional meteorological monitoring stations in mountainous areas Read more about 17 mountains at high risk of losing biodiversity under climate change
InternationalAcademia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan -
Climate change may be messing with timekeeping
Nature
Melting polar caps are slowing the Earth's rotation by enough that we might have to make changes to the global clock later than expected. A US geophysicist used mathematical modelling to figure out that a negative "leap second" to be added to Read more about Climate change may be messing with timekeeping
InternationalUniversity of California - San Diego, USA -
New oxygen-powered battery raises hopes of permanent pacemakers
Chem
Implantable medical devices rely on batteries, which eventually run low and require invasive surgeries to replace. To solve this, Chinese researchers have just successfully tested a new battery on rats, which uses the body's oxygen to deliver a Read more about New oxygen-powered battery raises hopes of permanent pacemakers
InternationalTianjin University of Technology, China -
EXPERT REACTION: Less sitting could lower your blood pressure
JAMA Network Open
Spending less time sitting could help reduce blood pressure in people over 60, according to an Australian and international study. The study split around 280 people with high blood pressure into 2 groups, one group was given interventions to help Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Less sitting could lower your blood pressure
Australia; InternationalBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|Deakin University... -
Number of Aussie teens involved with the justice system continues to drop
Fewer and fewer Aussie teens are under supervision by the justice system on any given day, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The 2022-2023 instalment of the annual report shows an average of 4542 young people Read more about Number of Aussie teens involved with the justice system continues to drop
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Young Aussies leaving the justice system are at high risk of psychiatric hospitalisation
BMJ Mental Health
Teenagers and young adults who have been involved with the criminal justice system are at high risk of a psychiatric hospitalisation once they leave supervision, according to Australian research. This group is known to be at risk of mental health Read more about Young Aussies leaving the justice system are at high risk of psychiatric hospitalisation
Australia; NSW; WAKirby Institute, UNSW Sydney|The University of New South Wales... -
Science protected in Defence exports law passed by parliament
Australia’s scientists say the passage of the Defence Trade Control Amendment Bill 2023 today improves the balance between protecting Australia’s national security and enabling the benefits that open scientific collaboration offer Australia and Read more about Science protected in Defence exports law passed by parliament
Australia; InternationalAustralian Academy of Science -
How do caterpillars stop bleeding from their tiny wounds?
Frontiers in Soft Matter
Tobacco hornworm caterpillars can seal their wounds and stop bleeding within a minute, according to international researchers investigating the mystery of how the blood-like substance in many of the world's smallest critters works. Most animals that Read more about How do caterpillars stop bleeding from their tiny wounds?
InternationalClemson University, USA -
No evidence probiotics offer benefit during pregnancy
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
A systematic review of the use of probiotics during pregnancy on pregnancy-related conditions found no evidence that probiotics had any effect on the conditions. Published today in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Read more about No evidence probiotics offer benefit during pregnancy
Australia; VICBurnet Institute|Monash University