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What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
PLOS ONE
Doing regular exercise over the long term may help the health and mental health of Aussie teens as they transition to young adults, according to Australian research, but there are some factors which make getting enough exercise less likely. The Read more about What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
PLOS ONE
Australia's grey-headed flying-foxes are flying high, with numbers remaining stable despite the species being listed as vulnerable. The researchers have analysed data from Australia's National Flying-fox Monitoring Program (NFFMP) and found that Read more about Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SACSIRO -
Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
Communications Earth & Environment
Global warming could cause an inflation of food prices by up to 3. 2% a year in a decade's time, according to international research. The researchers used data on weather and consumer price indices across the world to see how they have been related Read more about Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
InternationalPotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany -
Does your teen smell like sandalwood or more like a goat?
Communications Chemistry
German researchers compared the chemical composition and smell of body odour samples taken from 18 infants with samples taken from 18 teenagers, finding that they're similar but there were some differences. They identified two compounds found Read more about Does your teen smell like sandalwood or more like a goat?
InternationalFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany -
Concussions in the first 6 years of life can have lingering side effects
JAMA Network Open
Kids who experience a concussion between the ages of six months and six years can experience symptoms for up to three months after the injury, according to Canadian research. The researchers compared symptoms among a group of kids with concussions Read more about Concussions in the first 6 years of life can have lingering side effects
InternationalUniversité de Montréal, Canada -
"I still have to show up and drug up" - Migraines take a toll on Kiwis' work and home lives
NZMJ
A qualitative survey of New Zealanders living with chronic or episodic migraines shows the deep toll the condition can take. One respondent said their broken elbow was less painful and debilitating than their migraines, while another said they don't Read more about "I still have to show up and drug up" - Migraines take a toll on Kiwis' work and home lives
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand -
Should the coroner collect menstrual cycle data during suspected suicide autopsies?
NZMJ
There is very little research on women's suicidal behaviours, particularly regarding menstruation’s impact on mental health, say New Zealand researchers. In a research letter, they point out there is no consistency on whether menstrual cycle data Read more about Should the coroner collect menstrual cycle data during suspected suicide autopsies?
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Hearts not sharks are a major killer on Aussie beaches
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
While you might be afraid of sharks at the beach, marine creatures make up only 5% of non-drowning deaths on Aussie coastlines, with cardiac conditions and traumatic injuries the major culprits. The research conducted by Surf Life Saving Australia Read more about Hearts not sharks are a major killer on Aussie beaches
AustraliaSurf Life Saving Australia -
Motorcycle injuries on the rise, bicycle injuries falling
NZMJ
The number of motorcyclists going to hospital with serious injuries is on the rise in New Zealand, according to a study by health researchers between 2017 and 2021. The motorcyclist injury rate was over 10% higher by the end of the study, despite Read more about Motorcycle injuries on the rise, bicycle injuries falling
Australia; New ZealandMonash University|Deakin University|Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission -
After whaling, scientists weigh up current status of blue whale populations around the world
Animal Conservation
The largest living animal, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) which averages about 27 metres in length, has slowly recovered from whaling only to face the rising challenges of global warming, pollution, disrupted food sources, shipping, and Read more about After whaling, scientists weigh up current status of blue whale populations around the world
Australia; Pacific; International; SA; WA; TASFlinders University -
Mixed messaging for mums on breast milk storage guidelines
Breastfeeding Medicine
Expressing or pumping breast milk is an important tool for mothers, especially those who face challenges with direct breastfeeding, but new research from Flinders University has found conflicting advice in the age of social media could be leading to Read more about Mixed messaging for mums on breast milk storage guidelines
Australia; VIC; SAFlinders University|Deakin University -
Antibiotic resistance in treating UTIs highest in aged care facilities
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
New data on antibiotic resistance patterns in UTIs could help guide future treatment decisions. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli from aged care facilities show higher resistance to antibiotics compared to cases collected from Read more about Antibiotic resistance in treating UTIs highest in aged care facilities
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Neighbourhood connection improves mental health
Personality and Social Psychology Review
University of Queensland research has found building a sense of community is key to improving people’s mental health, particularly in low socio-economic suburbs. University of Queensland research has found building a sense of community is key to Read more about Neighbourhood connection improves mental health
Australia; QLD; ACTThe University of Queensland|The Australian National University -
3 in 4 countries could be below a replacement level of fertility by 2050
The Lancet
By 2050, 76% of countries and territories around the world will not be having enough babies to sustain their population size, according to projections by international and Australian researchers. The researchers forecasted the fertility of countries Read more about 3 in 4 countries could be below a replacement level of fertility by 2050
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; ACTUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The Australian National University... -
Chance sighting reveals new species of fluffy beetle
Australian Journal of Taxonomy
A researcher from The University of Queensland has discovered a remarkable new genus of fluffy longhorn beetle while camping within rainforest in the Gold Coast hinterland. Download images via DropboxA researcher from The University of Queensland Read more about Chance sighting reveals new species of fluffy beetle
Australia; QLD; ACTThe University of Queensland|CSIRO -
Many AI tools lack adequate safeguards to prevent mass health disinformation
The BMJ
Many publicly accessible artificial intelligence (AI) assistants lack adequate safeguards to consistently prevent the mass generation of health disinformation across a broad range of topics, warn Flinders University’s experts. In a study published Read more about Many AI tools lack adequate safeguards to prevent mass health disinformation
Australia; SAFlinders University|University of South Australia -
Hair-straightening cream might leave your kidneys in a hairy situation
The New England Journal of Medicine
French researchers following up the curly case of a Tunisian woman becoming sick after having her hair straightened, has found that the glyoxylic acid in many of the products can be absorbed and travel to our kidneys, potentially causing harm, in a Read more about Hair-straightening cream might leave your kidneys in a hairy situation
InternationalHôpital de la Conception, Marseille, France -
‘‘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 -
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 -
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) -
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)... -
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 -
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 -
Alarm bells ring as scientists uncover major flaws in ability to track changes to global conservation areas
One Earth
An international team of researchers has identified a method to carefully monitor changes in Conserved Areas. In a significant stride towards safeguarding global biodiversity, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has set a target Read more about Alarm bells ring as scientists uncover major flaws in ability to track changes to global conservation areas
Australia; VICMonash University|WWF Australia -
Re"pee"t urine testing recommended for more accurate kidney disease diagnosis
American Journal of Kidney Diseases
A team of Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute researchers has found that repeated measurement of albuminuria would provide a far more accurate measure of the progression of diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) than current practices. A team of our Read more about Re"pee"t urine testing recommended for more accurate kidney disease diagnosis
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|Monash University... -
Patient-paramedic trust can help free up emergency departments
The professionalism and compassion of paramedics attending emergency calls can reduce unnecessary presentations at hospital emergency departments, according to University of the Sunshine Coast research by a veteran ambulance officer. The Read more about Patient-paramedic trust can help free up emergency departments
Australia; NSW; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
For 3 days, the quantum world centred on Australia
Quantum Australia 2024
Business is ignoring the hype and preparing for moon-shot applications. THERE WAS A REAL buzz at Quantum Australia 2024 conference: the panels had diverse representatives from four corners of the globe, international heavy hitters appeared in Read more about For 3 days, the quantum world centred on Australia
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Biodiversity Council slams environmental law carve out for offshore oil and gas industry
Proposed amendments, hidden within the government’s Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Safety and Other Measures) Bill 2024, would carve out the offshore oil and gas industry from needing to comply with national Read more about Biodiversity Council slams environmental law carve out for offshore oil and gas industry
Australia; VIC; ACTBiodiversity Council|The University of Melbourne|The Australian National University -
Excessive gaming causing health issues
Computers in Human Behaviour
University of Queensland research has found gaming for more than three hours a day can lead to health problems. University of Queensland research has found gaming for more than three hours a day can lead to health problems. Dr Daniel Read more about Excessive gaming causing health issues
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Queensland|The University of New South Wales... -
Getting to the heart of the problem: New approach to preventing age-induced cardiovascular disease
The FASEB Journal
Melbourne researchers have advanced evidence to support the development of a new class of drugs to regulate blood pressure and age-associated changes in cardiovascular function. Melbourne researchers, led by Monash University, have advanced evidence Read more about Getting to the heart of the problem: New approach to preventing age-induced cardiovascular disease
Australia; VICMonash University|Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute... -
Small but mighty: Marine zooplankton bring global meeting to Hobart
7th ICES-PICES International Zooplankton Production Symposium
Marine zooplankton are the most abundant and diverse (and beautiful) ‘eco-influencers’ on the planet. Hundreds of scientists are gathering to discuss the future of zooplankton in a changing world. More than 340 scientists from 38 countries Read more about Small but mighty: Marine zooplankton bring global meeting to Hobart
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania -
Diabetes drug helps weight loss regardless of how overweight or obese a patient is, and for how long
European Congress on Obesity
Diabetes drug Tirzepatide is able to help a person with overweight/obesity lose weight regardless of how long they have had the weight and how overweight or obese they are, according to two conference presentations set for the European Congress on Read more about Diabetes drug helps weight loss regardless of how overweight or obese a patient is, and for how long
InternationalUniversity College Dublin, Ireland (Presentation 1), University of Naples Federico II, Italy (Presentation 2) -
Protein discovery sparks treatment hope for aggressive cancer
Science Advances
Researchers have found a new way to potentially treat one of the most common forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Researchers have found a new way to potentially treat one of the most common forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The study, led Read more about Protein discovery sparks treatment hope for aggressive cancer
Australia; VIC; QLD; SAWEHI|Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Melbourne...