What’s up Skip? Kangaroos really can ‘talk’ to us

Publicly released: Wed 16 Dec 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Biology Letters

New study shows kangaroos stare at humans to ‘ask’ for help. Animals that have never been domesticated, such as kangaroos, can intentionally communicate with humans, challenging the notion that this behaviour is usually restricted to Read more about What’s up Skip? Kangaroos really can ‘talk’ to us

Are we a vaccine hog? Nearly 1/4 of the world may miss out on COVID-19 vaccines until 2022

Publicly released: Wed 16 Dec 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

Nearly a quarter of the world’s population may not have access to a COVID-19 vaccine until at least 2022, warns an international study. The research highlights that Japan, Australia, and Canada have collectively reserved more than 1 billion Read more about Are we a vaccine hog? Nearly 1/4 of the world may miss out on COVID-19 vaccines until 2022

Testosterone can help prevent type 2 diabetes in men

Publicly released: Wed 16 Dec 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology

The largest investigation of testosterone treatment ever undertaken has shown that, over and above the effect of a lifestyle program, treatment with testosterone prevents or reverses newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in men. The study, known as T4DM Read more about Testosterone can help prevent type 2 diabetes in men

Researchers expose power of enzyme on key immune cells

Publicly released: Wed 16 Dec 2020 at 1018 AEDT | 1218 NZDT

Cell Reports

Communication, serendipity and an enzyme called DOT1L have all combined to produce some exciting findings into the immune system’s B cells and T cells by two groups of Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) scientists. These could result in Read more about Researchers expose power of enzyme on key immune cells

Covid 'traffic light' for NZ’s maritime borders might mean smoother sailing ahead

Publicly released: Wed 16 Dec 2020 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

Research has set sail to predict what kind of COVID-19 risk each international vessel might pose when it nears New Zealand’s borders. Currently, all ships arriving at our maritime border and their crew are treated as high risk, regardless of the Read more about Covid 'traffic light' for NZ’s maritime borders might mean smoother sailing ahead

Christmas and holiday entertaining – how to be food-safe and COVID-smart

Publicly released: Wed 16 Dec 2020 at 0615 AEDT | 0815 NZDT

The Food Safety Information Council today launched their Christmas and Summer entertaining food safety advice. This Summer and Christmas time is going to be a particular challenge as we also have to be aware of COVID-19 safety requirements as well Read more about Christmas and holiday entertaining – how to be food-safe and COVID-smart

Look after your heart in midlife and your brain will thank you later

Publicly released: Wed 16 Dec 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Medicine

Good cardiovascular health when you’re middle aged may lower the risk of dementia later on, a Finnish study has shown. Heart health was assessed among 1,449 middle-aged people enrolled in a study in the 1970’s, who were then followed for about Read more about Look after your heart in midlife and your brain will thank you later

Even mild depression may be bad for your heart

Publicly released: Wed 16 Dec 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA

International scientists, including Australians, brought together the data from 563,255 people and say they found depression may be linked to poorer heart health. Even at levels lower than are typically seen in clinical depression, depressive Read more about Even mild depression may be bad for your heart

Should meat be 2.5 times as pricey to reflect costs to the climate?

Publicly released: Wed 16 Dec 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Communications

German scientists say the prices we pay for meat and dairy products are too low as they fail to account for costs to society and the climate in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. The biggest polluter is conventionally-produced meat, they say, which Read more about Should meat be 2.5 times as pricey to reflect costs to the climate?

Nature’s 10 people who helped shape the science stories of 2020

Publicly released: Wed 16 Dec 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

Nature has released its annual list of 10 people who played a big part in the science stories of the year. The list focuses on COVID-19, highlighting the roles of: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization; Read more about Nature’s 10 people who helped shape the science stories of 2020

Combined probiotics use may help reduce pre-term infant mortality

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

Pediatrics

The combined use of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation may reduce the mortality rate of preterm infants if given in their first few months of life, a Griffith University study has found. Using advanced big data analysis to identify specific Read more about Combined probiotics use may help reduce pre-term infant mortality

Bacteria in the mouth linked to risk of non-smokers getting lung cancer

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Thorax

Fewer types of bacteria and high numbers of particular types in the mouth may make non-smokers more likely to develop lung cancer, according to US and Chinese scientists. The researchers compared the mouth bacteria of 114 non-smokers with lung Read more about Bacteria in the mouth linked to risk of non-smokers getting lung cancer

Study of 1.3 million people reveals the devastating impact and hidden danger of type 2 diabetes diagnosis in younger adults

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 1001 AEDT | 1201 NZDT

Diabetologia

Type 2 diabetes is often thought of as a problem that is part of getting older, but new Aussie led research shows that being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at a younger, rather than older, age is linked to a higher risk of mortality and Read more about Study of 1.3 million people reveals the devastating impact and hidden danger of type 2 diabetes diagnosis in younger adults

Survivors of child abuse twice as likely to die young

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 0842 AEDT | 1042 NZDT

Pediatrics

A study by the University of South Australia has found that survivors of child abuse are more than twice as likely to die young than children who have never come to the attention of child protection services. Globally the statistics are daunting. Read more about Survivors of child abuse twice as likely to die young

Hallucinations induced in lab could be key to better understanding and treatment

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 0717 AEDT | 0917 NZDT

Philosophical Transactions B

Neuroscientists say the best way to study hallucinations is via lab models where they can be induced in anyone, anytime. Inducing hallucinations in the general population using visual stimulation procedures works similarly to illusions, and enables Read more about Hallucinations induced in lab could be key to better understanding and treatment

Climate change threatens sustainability of Tītī

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLoS ONE

New NZ research has aimed to identify why Tītī populations (also known as the Sooty shearwater or mutton bird) have been in decline since the 1960s. Researchers looked at data from 1976 until 2005, finding that no single factor appeared to Read more about Climate change threatens sustainability of Tītī

Young Right-Wingers don't like to play by the COVID rules

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

Republican-oriented young adults in the US have a tendency to not obey social-distancing rules, and were more likely to participate in social recreational activities than their Centre- or Left-leaning peers, say US researchers. The team surveyed Read more about Young Right-Wingers don't like to play by the COVID rules

Isolating at home risks spreading COVID-19 to your family

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

US scientists say there's a high risk of spreading COVID-19 to others in your household while isolating at home following a diagnosis, especially if you're showing symptoms of the disease. They brought together the data from 54 previous studies, Read more about Isolating at home risks spreading COVID-19 to your family

Digital solutions may aid athletes’ mental health

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 0245 AEDT | 0445 NZDT

JMIR Formative Research

Elite athletes are an at-risk population for mental health problems but Griffith University researchers found they display a resilience which helps them to positively adjust after a period of overwhelming stress. After analysing available literature Read more about Digital solutions may aid athletes’ mental health

Vaccines alone won’t keep Australia COVID-safe

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences urges multi-pronged response for 2021. High levels of testing, efficient vaccine distribution and addressing pandemic mental health impacts are critical if Australia is to maintain control over Read more about Vaccines alone won’t keep Australia COVID-safe

NEWS BRIEFING: Is the Murray-Darling Basin Plan working? 2020 Evaluation Report 

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

BRIEFING RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE The Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) Plan was designed to rebalance the scales and bring water use back to more sustainable levels in the Murray-Darling Basin. Eight years on, after droughts, fish deaths and disputes, is Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: Is the Murray-Darling Basin Plan working? 2020 Evaluation Report 

E-liquid flavour names cloud toxicity levels

Publicly released: Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

American Journal of Physiology - Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology.

The flavour on the bottle of E-liquids is no indication of the potentially harmful effects of one compared with another. Dr Miranda Ween from the University of Adelaide and South Australia’s Royal Adelaide Hospital led a study, in collaboration Read more about E-liquid flavour names cloud toxicity levels

Slathering on the latest sunscreen science

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)

Canadian dermatologists have reviewed the latest evidence and guidelines on use of sunscreen. In addition to the known benefits of reducing the risk of skin cancer and preventing the aging effects of the sun, the study authors also point out what Read more about Slathering on the latest sunscreen science

Way forward in protecting health care workers from COVID-19

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 1458 AEDT | 1658 NZDT

The European Respiratory Journal

A new study by Monash University provides evidence that a simple ventilated headboard hood can stop the spread of SARS-CoV2 between patients and health care workers in hospital wards. A new study by Monash University provides evidence that a simple Read more about Way forward in protecting health care workers from COVID-19

‘Boss’ genes could save human hearts – and the reef

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 1430 AEDT | 1630 NZDT

Cell Systems

UQ researchers have revealed rare decision-making genes in cells, which control how cells develop and respond to stress caused by disease or their environment. Researchers hope that in the future, they may be able to block a cell’s bad decisions Read more about ‘Boss’ genes could save human hearts – and the reef

Finding the best crop traits just got easier

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 1422 AEDT | 1622 NZDT

Journal of Experimental Botany

Crop breeders are always looking for faster and non-invasive methods to find traits that make crops more productive or resistant to drought or pests. This process just got easier, according to recent research, which found that measuring the colour Read more about Finding the best crop traits just got easier

Forgetfulness may be a sign of brain efficiency

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 1225 AEDT | 1425 NZDT

Frontiers in Psychology

Forgetfulness, often viewed negatively as an indication of brain dysfunction, can be a normal part of life and a sign of an efficient brain. Researchers looked specifically at how the brain reacts when people encounter a person or object out of Read more about Forgetfulness may be a sign of brain efficiency

When chemistry with green light mimics what happens in life

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 1102 AEDT | 1302 NZDT

Chemical Science

QUT and Ghent University researchers took inspiration from nature to create a green light-stabilised 3D polymer structure that unfolds itself when left in darkness - the first reported example of a reversible, light-triggered process to fold Read more about When chemistry with green light mimics what happens in life

Rewiring stroke survivors brains could alleviate depression

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 1046 AEDT | 1246 NZDT

Journal of Neurology

University of South Australia researchers have made major developments in the treatment of depression after stroke, using a high-frequency brain stimulation device to improve low moods. Read more about Rewiring stroke survivors brains could alleviate depression

New studies put health equity at centre of COVID-19 pandemic response

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) has today announced more than $6. 3 million in funding for 11 new research studies that put health equity at the centre of New Zealand's COVID-19 pandemic response. The new funding will help ensure Read more about New studies put health equity at centre of COVID-19 pandemic response

‘I’m their kaumātua and I couldn’t even be there’ - Kaumātua responses to COVID-19

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand

As community leaders, kaumātua have been influential in curbing the spread of COVID-19, but they are also among the most vulnerable to the disease. University of Auckland researchers interviewed 23 kaumātua over the course of six weeks about their Read more about ‘I’m their kaumātua and I couldn’t even be there’ - Kaumātua responses to COVID-19

Almost 300 people have died playing football in Australia over the past 150 years

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

There have been at least 295 deaths due to football-related injuries in the past 146 years, according to an analysis of media reports. The majority of deaths resulted from head, neck or abdominal injuries at the community level of the collision codes Read more about Almost 300 people have died playing football in Australia over the past 150 years

Kids who've experienced bushfires at long term mental health risk

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

Children exposed to bushfires appear to be at a higher risk of mental health symptoms in the short, medium and long term, according to an Australian review of research. The study found that the risk of kids developing mental health symptoms later in Read more about Kids who've experienced bushfires at long term mental health risk

Med school entrance test still favours men despite recent changes

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

A change in one of the ways to assess undergraduate students for acceptance into medical school appears to have increased the gender gap between men and women, according to new Australian and NZ research. The Undergraduate Medical and Health Read more about Med school entrance test still favours men despite recent changes

PJs are OK: Scientists working from home in their in pyjamas work just as effectively

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

A study of staff and students at five medical research institutes in NSW has found that wearing pyjamas while working from home during the COVID pandemic was not associated with lower productivity, but was linked with poorer mental health. Not Read more about PJs are OK: Scientists working from home in their in pyjamas work just as effectively

What the fork? Teaspoons the main victims our our workplace cutlery kleptomania

Publicly released: Mon 14 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

Teaspoons being taken from work lunchrooms appears to be a more substantial problem than fork disappearance, according to Australian research. The researchers marked 18 spoons, knives and forks, in the staff tearoom of a public teaching and research Read more about What the fork? Teaspoons the main victims our our workplace cutlery kleptomania

Genetics indicate why some people get more severe COVID

Publicly released: Sat 12 Dec 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

Genetic variants that are linked to the development of life-threatening illness in patients with COVID-19 have been identified and several are involved in inflammatory processes and the body’s response to invading viruses. The researchers looked Read more about Genetics indicate why some people get more severe COVID

A different kind of 27 club - Mass extinctions seem to follow a 27-million-year-cycle

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

Historical Biology

Mass extinctions of land-dwelling animals—including amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds— seem to follow a cycle of about 27 million years, according to researchers from the US, who found that major asteroid impacts and devastating volcanic Read more about A different kind of 27 club - Mass extinctions seem to follow a 27-million-year-cycle

On a "road to hell" at the current pace of action on climate change, say ex-UN climate leaders

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1300 AEDT | 1500 NZDT

Climate Policy

Four former senior members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, say that the global response to climate change is completely insufficient and leaves the world on a “road to hell”. In reviewing 30 Read more about On a "road to hell" at the current pace of action on climate change, say ex-UN climate leaders

Changes in breathing rate could signal COVID before symptoms start

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1255 AEDT | 1455 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Changes in peoples breathing rate overnight may help detect COVID-19 before sysmptoms start, say Australian researchers. They developed a model based on respiratory rate that was able to identify 20 per cent of COVID-19 positive individuals prior to Read more about Changes in breathing rate could signal COVID before symptoms start

Vitamin D the clue to more autism spectrum disorder in boys

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1230 AEDT | 1430 NZDT

Molecular Autism

A deficiency in Vitamin D on the mother’s side could explain why autism spectrum disorder is three times more common in boys, say researchers from The University of Queensland. In their latest study, Professor Darryl Eyles and Dr Asad Ali from Read more about Vitamin D the clue to more autism spectrum disorder in boys

EXPERT REACTION: UQ COVID vaccine abandoned after HIV antibody positives

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

UQ and CSL have this morning confirmed they are abandoning their trials of an Australian COVID-19 vaccine after recipients generated HIV antibodies during phase 1 tests. This means the antibodies produced by the vaccine can interfere with HIV Read more about EXPERT REACTION: UQ COVID vaccine abandoned after HIV antibody positives

The AusSMC's Top 10 WEIRD Science Stories 2020

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

2020 was certainly a weird year, so perhaps it's not surprising that it produced a bumper crop of weird and wonderful science yarns. We heard an unenthusiastic voice from beyond the grave when researchers recreated the vocal tract of an ancient Read more about The AusSMC's Top 10 WEIRD Science Stories 2020

Detecting SARS-CoV-2 with a smartphone camera

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

Cell

International researchers, including an Aussie, have developed a device that can, with the help of a smartphone camera, detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in a nasal swab. The test makes use of the gene-splicing CRISPR-Cas technology to be able to Read more about Detecting SARS-CoV-2 with a smartphone camera

EXPERT REACTION: Global Carbon Budget - unprecedented emissions slowdown thanks to COVID

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Earth System Science Data

Global emission could decline by around 7 per cent in 2020, according to the latest Global Carbon Budget. The report has found the decrease in emissions in 2020 appears more pronounced in the US, EU and India, partly due to pre-existing downward Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Global Carbon Budget - unprecedented emissions slowdown thanks to COVID

Music may help soothe post-op pain

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The British Medical Journal

Listening to soothing music and words while under general anaesthetic may lead to less pain following surgery. A trial conducted in Germany found that 191 patients who listened to background music and positive suggestions during their surgery had Read more about Music may help soothe post-op pain

Do not try to make George’s Marvellous Medicine at home

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

Do not try to make George’s Marvellous Medicine yourselves at home, it could be toxic and potentially dangerous say literature loving researchers from the UK. Two researchers and their five children read Roald Dahl's George’s Marvellous Read more about Do not try to make George’s Marvellous Medicine at home

Patient death rates higher on surgeons’ birthdays

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

Elderly patients going under the knife on their surgeon’s birthday appear to have a higher death rate than if they had the surgery on another day. US researchers looked at more than 980,000 common emergency procedures on over-65s. Of the 2,000 Read more about Patient death rates higher on surgeons’ birthdays

Too many treats? Dogs and owners share diabetes risk

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

You might have heard of dogs that look like their owners - now Swedish research has shown some owners eat and exercise like their dogs. The study found people who had a dog with diabetes were 38 per cent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes Read more about Too many treats? Dogs and owners share diabetes risk

Scientists call for robust goal for species in Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Conservation Letters

Scientists urge that a clear, unambiguous goal for preventing human-induced species extinctions and stabilising populations must be front and centre in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework – currently formulated draft iterations carry a Read more about Scientists call for robust goal for species in Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework