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Over half of us think our pets deserve the same healthcare as us
PLOS ONE
International researchers surveyed pet owners across a number of European countries and found that 58. 4% of them believed their pets should have access to the same treatment options as we have. Additionally, they say that just over half of the Read more about Over half of us think our pets deserve the same healthcare as us
InternationalUniversity of Glasgow, Scotland -
Tweeting about your science paper might not give it the citation rate bump you were hoping for
PLOS ONE
A group of scientists with large followings on X (formally Twitter) has conducted a 3-year-long experiment which showed that tweeting about a scientific study does not significantly increase its chances of being referenced by other research, known Read more about Tweeting about your science paper might not give it the citation rate bump you were hoping for
Australia; New Zealand; International; WACurtin University|University of Canterbury|University of Washington, USA -
1 in 5 autistic Kiwis, and 1 in 6 autistic Aussies feel that society accepts them as an autistic person
PLOS One
For the first time ever, researchers surveyed more than 300 autistic adults from eight countries, including NZ and Australia, to study cross-cultural differences in autism-related stigma. They found differences in levels of autism acceptance, Read more about 1 in 5 autistic Kiwis, and 1 in 6 autistic Aussies feel that society accepts them as an autistic person
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|University of Birmingham, UK; see paper for full list of author affiliations -
People who frequently have musculoskeletal pain are more likely to retire earlier
PLOS ONE
People who frequently experience muscle, nerve or pain in their bones are more likely to retire earlier, according to a study of just over 1000 over-50s living in England. International researchers used data from an ageing study to compare how Read more about People who frequently have musculoskeletal pain are more likely to retire earlier
InternationalUniversity of Portsmouth, UK -
Killer whales use different tactics to hunt in deep, open water
PLOS ONE
Killer whales living and hunting in deep, open water have developed specialised hunting techniques, according to international researchers who compiled data from marine mammal surveys and eco-tours around Monterey Submarine Canyon in California. Read more about Killer whales use different tactics to hunt in deep, open water
InternationalUniversity of British Columbia, Canada -
Does gender influence our decision-making when we're scared?
PLOS ONE
When given a choice between a smaller reward now or a larger reward later, women are more likely to choose the smaller reward if they're scared, according to international researchers. The team tested the decision-making of 308 people by showing Read more about Does gender influence our decision-making when we're scared?
InternationalUniversity of Padua, Italy -
Gender discrimination linked to decline in women's wellbeing over time
PLOS ONE
Middle aged women who believe they have experienced gender discrimination are more likely to have poorer emotional wellbeing and also have a greater decline in their wellbeing over time, according to international research. The team surveyed just Read more about Gender discrimination linked to decline in women's wellbeing over time
InternationalKing’s College London, UK -
Twin stars reveal planet-eating habits
Nature
At least one in a dozen stars show evidence of planetary ingestion according to a paper published in Nature today. At least one in a dozen stars show evidence of planetary ingestion according to a paper published in Nature today. The international Read more about Twin stars reveal planet-eating habits
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; ACTARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)... -
AI could help predict floods where traditional methods struggle
Nature
International researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model they say can predict flood events at an accuracy equal to or better than current leading methods. The researchers say current forecasting methods are heavily reliant on Read more about AI could help predict floods where traditional methods struggle
InternationalGoogle Research, USA -
Arid migration out of Africa might have been thanks to 'blue highway' corridors
Nature
'Blue highway' corridors might have helped the most recent and widespread migration of humans out of Africa which occurred less than 100,000 years ago, according to international researchers, who say the migration happened during a particularly arid Read more about Arid migration out of Africa might have been thanks to 'blue highway' corridors
InternationalThe University of Texas, USA -
A positive mindset could really help older women stay strong and active
JAMA Psychiatry
Older women who are more optimistic are more likely to maintain some of their physical abilities in older age, according to international research. The team asked nearly 6000 women aged over 65 to complete a test assessing how optimistic they were, Read more about A positive mindset could really help older women stay strong and active
InternationalHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA -
‘‘What can we do?’’ Kids want to know about climate action not causes
One Earth
Climate action is the greatest concern for kids when it comes to climate change, according to researchers who asked 1,500 Aussie kids to tell them what they wanted to know about climate change. The study found that 40% of questions were centred Read more about ‘‘What can we do?’’ Kids want to know about climate action not causes
Australia; VIC; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Deakin University -
ADHD meds might help with other mental health issues
JAMA Network Open
Scandinavian researchers suggest there is a link between taking ADHD medication and a decreased risk of mental health related issues and death in adolescents and adults with ADHD. The team looked into the mental wellbeing of over 220,000 people with Read more about ADHD meds might help with other mental health issues
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden -
Can mRNA vaccines help boost livestock production?
Vaccines
University of Queensland researchers say mRNA vaccine technology could play an important role in boosting livestock production to meet global food demands. UQ’s Professor Tim Mahony said it was vital for the livestock industry to take advantage of Read more about Can mRNA vaccines help boost livestock production?
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
EXPERT REACTION: 'Per capita' needs to go, say researchers
Royal Society Open Science
Researchers say it's a fallacy to make global comparisons on a "per capita" basis. They say the approach overestimates values in countries with small populations - for example, the top ten countries by GDP per capita are all small countries. The Read more about EXPERT REACTION: 'Per capita' needs to go, say researchers
InternationalCharles University, Czech Republic -
Move over worm farms, dung beetles can boost plant growth too
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Dung beetles increase plant growth by an average of 17%, according to a new Aussie analysis of previous research, which puts the beetle boost at a similar level to the increase in growth you get from earthworms. The researcher found that by burying Read more about Move over worm farms, dung beetles can boost plant growth too
Australia; WAThe University of Western Australia|CSIRO -
Our grossest memories are full of smells, tastes and touch
Royal Society Open Science
Our most icky memories, like that time you vomited non-stop, or accidentally drank that off milk, tend to feature our senses of smell, taste or touch, according to Australian research. The study asked people to remember their most disgusting, Read more about Our grossest memories are full of smells, tastes and touch
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
From the Poles to Everest, the Moon and now the stars
The TOLIMAN mission to discover planets – and perhaps life – around our nearest stellar neighbours in the Centauri system has been awarded a prestigious Explorers Club flag. The TOLIMAN team plans to etch a likeness of the flag onto the Read more about From the Poles to Everest, the Moon and now the stars
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
HIV virus elimated by gene editing in a lab
European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Gene editing has been used to eliminate all traces of HIV from infected immune cells in a laboratory, with the hope that it could one day be used to target the HIV DNA which acts as a reservoir for the virus in people with the condition. The gene Read more about HIV virus elimated by gene editing in a lab
InternationalUniversity of Amsterdam AMC, Netherlands -
A holistic approach is key to improving drought adaptation in crops
Nature Research Earth & Environment
More focus on integrating research into drought tolerance in crops is essential to prevent the threat to global food security, according to international researchers. The team from the Institute for Research and Development (IRD), the International Read more about A holistic approach is key to improving drought adaptation in crops
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland -
'Double jointed'? You may be at a higher risk of long COVID
BMJ Public Health
UK and US researchers say people who are 'double jointed' - a condition formally known as generalised joint hypermobility, may be at a heightened risk of long COVID. The researchers say these bendy people were 30% more likely to not have fully Read more about 'Double jointed'? You may be at a higher risk of long COVID
InternationalBrighton and Sussex Medical School, UK -
Unravelling the mysteries of the presynapse with super resolution microscopy
Nature Communications
Researchers from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) have revealed the pivotal role played by Synapsin 2a proteins in orchestrating the organisation and mobility of synaptic vesicles within live neurons. Researchers from UQ’s Queensland Brain Read more about Unravelling the mysteries of the presynapse with super resolution microscopy
Australia; International; QLDQueensland Brain Institute -
What do team-building exercises do to a group's brain activity?
PLOS Biology
Team-building exercises could help groups of strangers communicate more freely and even synchronise their brain activity, according to international researchers who measured the brain activity of strangers interacting in groups of three. The groups Read more about What do team-building exercises do to a group's brain activity?
InternationalBeijing Normal University, China -
Income and education tied to alcohol abuse
PLOS Medicine
A Swedish study has tied income and education levels to one's likelihood to develop problems related to alcohol abuse. These two factors were consistent despite changes in mental health, genetics and marital status, offering important insight into Read more about Income and education tied to alcohol abuse
InternationalVirginia Commonwealth University, Lund University -
Could artificial intelligence be the future of soccer coaching?
Nature Communications
An artificial intelligence (AI) system named ‘TacticAI’ can predict the outcome of corner kicks and provide realistic and accurate tactical suggestions in soccer matches, according to international researchers, who found that experts from Read more about Could artificial intelligence be the future of soccer coaching?
InternationalGoogle DeepMind, UK -
How did Papua New Guinea communities survive when a deadly illness took most of the women?
The American Journal of Human Genetics
The survival of the Fore people, a community from the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, remains a mystery after a deadly illness ravaged the population in the mid-20th century. The Fore people had a cultural tradition of eating the bodies of Read more about How did Papua New Guinea communities survive when a deadly illness took most of the women?
Pacific; InternationalUniversity College London, UK -
It's time to look at the brain changes in middle age
Trends in Neurosciences
The middle-aged brain could provide a window into future brain health, according to international researchers who say more research should be dedicated to this period of life. The team reviewed evidence from human and animal studies which suggests Read more about It's time to look at the brain changes in middle age
InternationalUniversity College Cork, Ireland -
High pornography exposure among young Australians helps fuel violence against women
Australia and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
Public health strategies among young people must address violence against women and risky sexual practices associated with pornography exposure, QUT researchers say. QUT researchers from the QUT School of Justice Professor Michael Flood and PhD Read more about High pornography exposure among young Australians helps fuel violence against women
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Alcohol retailers exploiting pregnancy warning loophole, putting babies at risk
Drug and Alcohol Review
A study by The George Institute shows Australia’s largest alcohol retailers are not displaying mandatory pregnancy warnings on their websites, potentially putting customers’ unborn children at risk of permanent brain damage. Virtually none (0. 1% Read more about Alcohol retailers exploiting pregnancy warning loophole, putting babies at risk
Australia; NSW; VIC; WAGeorge Institute for Global Health|The University of Melbourne... -
WMO says 2023 was hottest year on record - by a lot
A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) shows that we smashed previous records for greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, Antarctic sea ice cover and our glaciers retreating. Read more about WMO says 2023 was hottest year on record - by a lot
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
AI psychotherapy could help those struggling to reach out
Lecture Notes in Computer Science (book)
New research from Murdoch University has revealed the potential of AI psychotherapy in providing treatment to people without access to traditional services. With staggering statistics about the mental health struggles facing Australians, there has Read more about AI psychotherapy could help those struggling to reach out
AustraliaMurdoch University -
Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor
Advanced Sensor Research
For decades, people with diabetes have relied on finger pricks to withdraw blood or adhesive microneedles to measure and manage their glucose levels. Researchers have taken an important step towards eliminating this discomfort with the discovery of Read more about Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor
Australia; VICARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)... -
New Zealand’s tertiary education ‘deserts’
Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online
Tertiary enrolment data from three regions reveals ‘educational deserts’ in NZ: areas with limited access and low participation, despite policies aiming for equitable access for rural and Māori communities. As NZ moves to dismantle its Read more about New Zealand’s tertiary education ‘deserts’
Australia; New ZealandSwinburne University of Technology|Wintec|Griffith University... -
Spent coffee grounds could be the next big thing in herbicide removal
Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology
Used coffee grounds could be repurposed to act as a powerful adsorbent of common herbicides used in agriculture, such as the highly neurotoxic herbicide bentazone, according to international researchers. The team used zinc chloride to activate the Read more about Spent coffee grounds could be the next big thing in herbicide removal
InternationalFederal Technological University of Paraná, Brazil -
Taking back control - Economists warn of side-effects of raising the retirement age
The Economic Journal
Leaving paid work opens the door to potentially the best stage of life, and a new study confirms the health and wellbeing benefits which can stem from retirement via an individual’s increased ‘locus of control,’ a psychological trait Read more about Taking back control - Economists warn of side-effects of raising the retirement age
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Alternative tidal wetlands in plain sight overlooked Blue Carbon superstars
BioScience
In a new study, scientists from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Vietnam, the US and Mexico have highlighted the increasing opportunities for Blue Carbon projects for the conservation, restoration and improved management of highly Read more about Alternative tidal wetlands in plain sight overlooked Blue Carbon superstars
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University -
‘Climate rollercoaster’: strong weather fluctuations rocked Australia in 2023
2023 was a “year of opposites” for Australia’s environment, but despite conditions fluctuating between wet and dry, overall conditions remain stable following a bumper year in 2022, according to the latest Australia’s Environment Report, led Read more about ‘Climate rollercoaster’: strong weather fluctuations rocked Australia in 2023
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTThe Australian National University -
Hope for autoinflammatory disease treatment
Science Signalling
University of Queensland researchers have discovered how the ‘on-switch’ for the body’s inflammation machinery can get stuck, causing rare genetic inflammatory diseases. In these diseases, there are genetic mutations that stick the Read more about Hope for autoinflammatory disease treatment
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
Being poorer might age our brains faster
JNeurosci
Swiss and German researchers say they found a link between having a lower household income and the speed at which the white matter in our brains declines. White matter is important for our cognition as it relays information between different regions Read more about Being poorer might age our brains faster
InternationalGeneva University Hospitals, Switzerland -
Why do cancer patients lose weight?
Nature Metabolism
About 20% of cancer deaths can be attributed to weight loss caused by the disease, and international researchers believe they have discovered a way cancer-related weight loss happens. The researchers screened the levels of metabolites - substances Read more about Why do cancer patients lose weight?
InternationalPeking University, China -
Animal activity changed in unexpected ways during lockdown
Nature Ecology and Evolution
Using data from global wildlife camera traps, researchers have outlined how various types of mammals took advantage of the "anthropause": the sudden decrease in human activity during the pandemic. Despite the popular meme that "nature is healing", Read more about Animal activity changed in unexpected ways during lockdown
InternationalUniversity of British Columbia, Canada -
Which anti-seizure medications are safest to take while pregnant?
JAMA Neurology
Some common anti-seizure medications are much safer to take while pregnant, according to Australian and international research. Many women with epilepsy need to continue taking anti-seizure medications while pregnant, despite these medications Read more about Which anti-seizure medications are safest to take while pregnant?
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Monash University -
Mystery of 'Havana syndrome' continues as no clear clinical issues found
JAMA
Assessments of 86 US government staff and family members who developed mysterious symptoms after serving overseas, something often called “Havana syndrome”, have failed to find significant clinical differences between people with this syndrome Read more about Mystery of 'Havana syndrome' continues as no clear clinical issues found
InternationalNational Institutes of Health, USA -
Sustainable solution for wastewater polluted by dyes (and it's 'golden')
Solar RRR
Water pollution from dyes used in textile, food, cosmetic and other manufacturing is a major ecological concern with industry and scientists seeking biocompatible and more sustainable alternatives to protect the environment. A new study led by Read more about Sustainable solution for wastewater polluted by dyes (and it's 'golden')
Australia; International; QLD; SAFlinders University|Griffith University -
Very few fractures would be prevented by having more fracture prevention services in hospitals
Medical Journal of Australia
Increasing the number of fracture liaison services in Australian hospitals, which are designed to help prevent repeated fractures in people with fragile bone from osteoporosis, would prevent fewer than 1% of minimal trauma fractures but the costs Read more about Very few fractures would be prevented by having more fracture prevention services in hospitals
Australia; NSW; VICMonash University|Garvan Institute of Medical Research... -
Remote cognitive behavioural therapy seems to be just as good as in-person
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Based on 5,463 patients' experiences, remote cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) appears to be just as effective as in-person methods for treating a variety of conditions. Treatments were studied for depressive symptoms, insomnia, chronic pain or Read more about Remote cognitive behavioural therapy seems to be just as good as in-person
InternationalMcMaster University -
Flooded in 2022 or 2023? Share your experience to improve flood safety
A new research project seeks to learn from the experiences of people affected by flooding in South Australia, Victoria and south-western NSW to gather vital insights about the information, communication and response in their local communities. A new Read more about Flooded in 2022 or 2023? Share your experience to improve flood safety
Australia; NSW; VIC; SANatural Hazards Research Australia -
Use of implantable defibrillators is increasing but clearer guidance is needed
Medical Journal of Australia
In NSW, the use of implantable defibrillators to manage life‐threatening heart rhythms has increased since 2005, but clearer guidance on their appropriate use is needed, according to the authors of new research. The study found that a Read more about Use of implantable defibrillators is increasing but clearer guidance is needed
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Sydney|James Cook University|The University of Queensland -
Calls to end the restraining of prisoners receiving palliative care
Medical Journal of Australia
Australian experts have called for the practice of restraining dying prisoner patients to be reviewed and overhauled so that "prisoners can be granted the fundamental human right of a dignified death". The experts say the processes for getting the Read more about Calls to end the restraining of prisoners receiving palliative care
Australia; VICMonash University|St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne|The University of Melbourne -
AI tools and parent support could be keys to unlock perfectionism
Internet Interventions
The quest to find ideal therapy for perfectionism, a condition showing alarming growth among very young people, has moved online - with researchers believing that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools could provide a better, more convenient solution, Read more about AI tools and parent support could be keys to unlock perfectionism
Australia; International; SA; WAFlinders University|Curtin University