Kids born from frozen embryo IVF may be at higher cancer risk

Publicly released: Wed 11 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA

Kids born from IVF with frozen embryos may at a small but statistically significant increased risk of childhood cancer, according to Danish research. The study of more than 1 million kids found that there were 17.5 cases of cancer per 100, 000 Read more about Kids born from frozen embryo IVF may be at higher cancer risk - Scimex

Key reason why influenza is so effective at infecting you found

Publicly released: Wed 11 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Cell Reports

Researchers at the Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney have discovered a key reason as to why the influenza virus is so effective at establishing infection and causing damage in the lungs. Funder: N/A. Media Release. From:Centenary Read more about Key reason why influenza is so effective at infecting you found - Scimex

The impact of ultra-fast broadband on workers and firms

Publicly released: Wed 11 Dec 2019 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Some workers receive wage increases when their firms adopt Ultra-fast Broadband, but these effects differ by gender, qualifications and skill type. Those most likely to benefit are men with STEM qualifications, or men with other university-level Read more about The impact of ultra-fast broadband on workers and firms - Scimex

Global review calls for integrated mental health services for people who use methamphetamine

Publicly released: Wed 11 Dec 2019 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

EClinicalMedicine

For the first time, researchers from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) at UNSW Sydney have conducted a global review of the evidence on methamphetamine use and mental health. Funder: NDARC. Media Release. From:National Drug and Read more about Global review calls for integrated mental health services for people who use methamphetamine - Scimex

Common asbestos lung disease does not increase risk of lung cancer

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 1630 AEDT | 1830 NZDT

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine

People who are diagnosed with the most common form of asbestos-related lung disease are not at an increased risk of developing lung cancer later in life, a new study led by Curtin University has found. Funder: N/A. Media Release. From:Curtin Read more about Common asbestos lung disease does not increase risk of lung cancer - Scimex

Probiotics might help hayfever symptoms

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Genes

Griffith University research indicates that the beneficial effects of probiotics for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as hay fever, may depend on specific immune profiles. Griffith’s research team at the Menzies Health Read more about Probiotics might help hayfever symptoms - Scimex

Research hopes to help mend a broken heart

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Every 12 minutes, a person dies from heart disease in Australia, making it the single leading cause of death in this country. But what if all those damaged hearts could be repaired with the flick of a switch? A $1 million international study led by Read more about Research hopes to help mend a broken heart - Scimex

The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2019

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 1300 AEDT | 1500 NZDT

2019 was a year of exciting firsts for space science, as the world pored over an 'impossible' image of a black hole, and China conquered the Moon's dark side, as well as growing the first ever plant there. Spectacular medical breakthroughs included Read more about The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2019 - Scimex

Dry-cleaners at risk of eye irritation

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 1140 AEDT | 1340 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Workers in the dry cleaning industry have changes in the tear film that covers the eye and stops it from drying, and these changes may lead to a condition known as evaporative dry eye, with workers showing the signs and symptoms that are typical of Read more about Dry-cleaners at risk of eye irritation - Scimex

When penguins ruled after dinosaurs died

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Palaeontologia Electronica

What waddled on land but swam like kings in subtropical seas more than 60 million years ago, after the dinosaurs were wiped out on sea and land? Fossil records show giant human-sized penguins flew through Southern Hemisphere waters – alongside Read more about When penguins ruled after dinosaurs died - Scimex

Bridge protection during catastrophic earthquakes

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

To mitigate the impacts of major earthquakes, a team of researchers at University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have a developed an application for ground anchors as the main seismic resisting system for ultimate protection of bridges against Read more about Bridge protection during catastrophic earthquakes - Scimex

Trump puts young US doctors in a bad mood

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

Major conservative wins in US politics, like the 2016 presidential election, put young US doctors in a bad mood, finds a study in the Christmas issue of The BMJ. Other politically conservative gains - like the Muslim travel ban and the appointment Read more about Trump puts young US doctors in a bad mood - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Tourists were present on White Island when its volcano erupted at 2.11pm Monday 9 December. Australians are believed to be among the dead and injured. A report from GeoNet duty volcanologist Geoff Kilgour states the short-lived eruption generated an Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption - Scimex

Floral foam adds to microplastic pollution problem

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Science of the Total Environment

As the cut flower industry hits one of its busiest periods, new research has shown that the water-absorbing green floral foam used by florists is contributing to the world’s microplastic problem. Funder: Charlene Trestrail receives an Australian Read more about Floral foam adds to microplastic pollution problem - Scimex

Benefits and risks for marine life from CO2 removal approaches

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Frontiers in Climate

A new IMAS study has identified potential benefits and risks for marine ecosystems from two of the key approaches for carbon removal proposed to cut atmospheric carbon levels and slow climate change. Carbon removal will be necessary to meet the Read more about Benefits and risks for marine life from CO2 removal approaches - Scimex

Spying on hippos with drones to help conservation efforts

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

PLoS ONE

A new UNSW study has shown that using a drone to film hippos in Africa is an effective, affordable tool for conservationists to monitor the threatened species’population from a safe distance, particularly in remote and aquatic areas. Funder: Read more about Spying on hippos with drones to help conservation efforts - Scimex

‘Junk DNA’ hides useful compounds

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

PNAS

Sifting through the genes of a grass fungus, New Zealand researchers have discovered a set of enzymes which produce bioactive compounds that may have medical or agricultural value. The genes were in a section of the fungus genome that was written Read more about ‘Junk DNA’ hides useful compounds - Scimex

Climate change costs US fishing jobs

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

PNAS

Many commentators warn about the wider social impacts of climate change, such as job losses, but the extent of those impacts is not always clear. A new study of the New England fishing industry in the US (which employs 20 per cent of US commercial Read more about Climate change costs US fishing jobs - Scimex

Going, going... gone: West-Pacific glaciers

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

PNAS

The 5, 000-year-old glaciers near Puncak Jaya, Indonesia, are the only tropical glaciers in the West Pacific - and they are about melt away forever, according to an international team of researchers. Documenting the decline of the glaciers over the Read more about Going, going... gone: West-Pacific glaciers - Scimex

‘Reverse racism’ beliefs not rife

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Human Behaviour

Do white people face greater discrimination than black people in America? Do white people think they face greater discrimination? The answer is ‘no’on both counts, according to new research which pours cold water on claims that perceptions of Read more about ‘Reverse racism’ beliefs not rife - Scimex

Higher BMI in kids linked to brain changes

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Pediatrics

Kids aged 9 and 10 with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) - a measure of obesity - tend to have a thinner outer layer of the brain, known as the cortex, according to US research. In particular kids with higher BMIs tend to have a thinner prefrontal Read more about Higher BMI in kids linked to brain changes - Scimex

Glacier waters critical to life, but under threat

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

Mountain glaciers act as the world’s water towers, storing up and releasing water to billions of people. A new study has taken a stocktake of these water systems worldwide, including those in New Zealand. The researchers report that many are at Read more about Glacier waters critical to life, but under threat - Scimex

James Bond-like tech sees blueprints encoded into plastic Bunny DNA

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Biotechnology

International researchers have found a way to store a 3D-printed bunny blueprint in synthetic DNA, a storage method they hope will one day replace traditional storage, like hard drives and magnetic tapes. The researchers encoded the blueprint into Read more about James Bond-like tech sees blueprints encoded into plastic Bunny DNA - Scimex

'Uncontested lands' could help Australia meet its Sustainable Development Goals

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Sustainability

Conservation and agriculture often clash over contested spaces and yet there are many 'uncontested lands', where low modern agricultural productivity and degradation make them potentially easier acquisitions that can be restored for long-term Read more about 'Uncontested lands' could help Australia meet its Sustainable Development Goals - Scimex

Preventing US kids from importing measles back home

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Pediatrics

The US is experiencing a resurgence of measles this year, but most outbreaks aren't homegrown - they start when people bring the disease back from overseas (including from NZ). US doctors say they can reduce these importations if they ensure Read more about Preventing US kids from importing measles back home - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Current GM food labels no longer fit for purpose - FSANZ report

Publicly released: Tue 10 Dec 2019 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Current definitions of 'food produced using gene technology’and ‘gene technology’in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code are not are no longer fit for purpose – they lack clarity, are outdated, and do not reflect the diversity of Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Current GM food labels no longer fit for purpose - FSANZ report - Scimex

HydroAtlas maps Earth’s river and catchment systems to enhance understanding and protection

Publicly released: Mon 9 Dec 2019 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Nature Scientific Data

Two friends from opposite ends of the Earth have created a high spatial resolution atlas that maps the environmental characteristics of all the globe's rivers and catchments. HydroATLAS assists researchers and practitioners - such as country Read more about HydroAtlas maps Earth’s river and catchment systems to enhance understanding and protection - Scimex

Whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy boosts mums’ antibodies to protect babies

Publicly released: Mon 9 Dec 2019 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Vaccine

A Phase IV randomized, placebo-controlled multi-country study has confirmed the safety and immunogenicity of a single dose diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in pregnant women. The studies showed the protective antibodies against Read more about Whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy boosts mums’ antibodies to protect babies - Scimex

Key risk factors for teenage suicide

Publicly released: Mon 9 Dec 2019 at 0101 AEDT | 0301 NZDT

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica

New Australian research has found that young people who report suicidal thoughts and who also experience auditory hallucinations and psychological distress are at the greatest risk of future suicide attempts. Funder: Australian Research Council Read more about Key risk factors for teenage suicide - Scimex

Essential oil poisoning on the rise

Publicly released: Mon 9 Dec 2019 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

Poisoning by essential oil exposure is frequent and on the rise in Australia, with 63 per cent of cases occurring in children under 15, according to Australian research. The study of calls to the NSW Poisons Information Centre between 2011 and 2018 Read more about Essential oil poisoning on the rise - Scimex

Christmas confetti killers: watch out for the sparkly stars

Publicly released: Mon 9 Dec 2019 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

Celebrating the silly season with sparkly confetti stars might be fun, but researchers warn parents to keep an eye on their little ones this silly season, as the decorations can be a Christmassy choking hazard. In an MJA letter to the editor, the Read more about Christmas confetti killers: watch out for the sparkly stars - Scimex

Have your health and eat meat too: Making a Mediterranean diet work Down Under

Publicly released: Mon 9 Dec 2019 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Nutrients

Barbecued, stir-fried or roasted, there’s no doubt that Aussies love their meat. Consuming on average nearly 100 kilograms of meat per person per year, Australians are among the top meat consumers worldwide. But with statistics showing that most Read more about Have your health and eat meat too: Making a Mediterranean diet work Down Under - Scimex

Alcohol floor price linked to drop in hospital admissions for acute alcohol misuse

Publicly released: Mon 9 Dec 2019 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

After an floor price was introduced in the Northern Territory, presentations for acute alcohol misuse at Alice Springs Hospital’s intensive care unit dropped more than half, according to Australian research. There was no significant decline in the Read more about Alcohol floor price linked to drop in hospital admissions for acute alcohol misuse - Scimex

Rethinking plastics in Aotearoa

Publicly released: Sun 8 Dec 2019 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

When it comes to reducing the environmental impact of plastic, there is no silver bullet – we need to pull every lever, write the authors of a new wide-ranging report. The 'Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand' report lays out a number of Read more about Rethinking plastics in Aotearoa - Scimex

Peace of mind for expectant parents

Publicly released: Sat 7 Dec 2019 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS

A team led by Adelaide-based researchers has taken an important step towards validating the safety of intravenous magnesium sulphate as a treatment during pregnancy. Funder: Research Foundation of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Australia. Media Release Read more about Peace of mind for expectant parents - Scimex

Hire more LGBTQ and disabled astronomers or risk falling behind, review finds

Publicly released: Sat 7 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Astronomy

Analysis finds gender equity among star scientists improving, but big challenges remain. Ensuring research opportunities for indigenous, disabled and LGBTQ astronomers is essential if Australian research is to succeed in the new era of Read more about Hire more LGBTQ and disabled astronomers or risk falling behind, review finds - Scimex

Saving the ozone layer in 1987 slowed global warming

Publicly released: Fri 6 Dec 2019 at 2300 AEDT | Sat 7 Dec 2019 at 0100 NZDT

Environmental Research Letters

It may have been an accidental side effect but new research shows that when the world's nations signed the Montreal Protocol in 1987 to ban CFCs and save the ozone layer they also signed an agreement that has already done more to slow global warming Read more about Saving the ozone layer in 1987 slowed global warming - Scimex

Symposium focuses on hot cities

Publicly released: Fri 6 Dec 2019 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Adelaide – and cities around the world – are facing similar challenges: higher population density, reduced open spaces, rising urban heat, increasing need for cooling to combat the heat, and urban pollution. The Heat and Habitat in Cities Read more about Symposium focuses on hot cities - Scimex

Reducing chronic disease: we have the tools, but we're not using them

Publicly released: Fri 6 Dec 2019 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Lancet Global Health

There are plenty of evidence-based policy options for reducing chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease (like tobacco taxes or banning alcohol advertising). However, we are not doing a great job of using them, warns a new WHO Read more about Reducing chronic disease: we have the tools, but we're not using them - Scimex

Peanut allergy vaccine may help rewrite the immune system

Publicly released: Fri 6 Dec 2019 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Peanut allergies could become a thing of the past as a new vaccine which has proved successful in human blood samples gets a boost towards human trials. The vaccine uniquely uses a virus-based platform to rewrite the body’s natural response to Read more about Peanut allergy vaccine may help rewrite the immune system - Scimex

Seahorse breeding project aims to recover endangered species from near extinction

Publicly released: Fri 6 Dec 2019 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

To help recover declining populations of White’s seahorse, also known as the Sydney seahorse, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is implementing a breeding and conservation project in collaboration with organisations including the NSW Department of Primary Read more about Seahorse breeding project aims to recover endangered species from near extinction - Scimex

Changing eating behaviour may be as effective as drugs for reducing the nibbles, at least for rats

Publicly released: Fri 6 Dec 2019 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Biology

Want to do less nibbling? Changing your diet and eating behaviour between meals could be as effective as drugs designed to reduce appetite, at least if you are a rat, according to researchers from the UK. The team investigated the effect of appetite Read more about Changing eating behaviour may be as effective as drugs for reducing the nibbles, at least for rats - Scimex

Measles deaths surged worldwide in 2018

Publicly released: Fri 6 Dec 2019 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Worldwide more than 140, 000 people died from measles in 2018, according to new estimates from the World Health Organization. These deaths–mostly children–occurred as measles cases surged globally, amidst devastating outbreaks in all regions. Read more about Measles deaths surged worldwide in 2018 - Scimex

Gene network sparks future autism treatment

Publicly released: Fri 6 Dec 2019 at 0400 AEDT | 0600 NZDT

Neuron

A mutated gene found in people with intellectual disabilities that could be targeted for treatment has been identified by an international team including University of Queensland researchers. Funder: This work was supported by R01MH107182 to P.P. We Read more about Gene network sparks future autism treatment - Scimex

Burnt forests benefit bats

Publicly released: Fri 6 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

Some California bats thrive after wildfires, according to researchers who monitored bat populations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for three years. Of the 17 bat species in the area, six species flourished after forest fires, which the researchers Read more about Burnt forests benefit bats - Scimex

Not eating for 14 hours a day may come with many benefits

Publicly released: Fri 6 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Cell Metabolism

Time restricted eating (TRE) has been known to help reduce weight and blood pressure in mice, but now researchers in America have done a trial in humans that shows that TRE can have many other benefits for those with an increased risk of developing Read more about Not eating for 14 hours a day may come with many benefits - Scimex

Smartphone zombies: Distracted phone users rack up the head and neck injuries

Publicly released: Fri 6 Dec 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

The number of head and neck injuries has increased over the last 20 years with many cases resulting from distraction, especially after smartphones came into use around 2007, according to US research. The study of phone-related injuries found that Read more about Smartphone zombies: Distracted phone users rack up the head and neck injuries - Scimex

SCINEMA International Science Film Festival 2020 Entries Now Open!

Publicly released: Thu 5 Dec 2019 at 1530 AEDT | 1730 NZDT

Do you have an awesome science film to share with the world? SCINEMA, the largest science film festival in the southern hemisphere, is calling for entries for its 2020 festival. Media Release. From:RiAus. Now in its 20th year, SCINEMA (pronounced sci Read more about SCINEMA International Science Film Festival 2020 Entries Now Open! - Scimex

Call for disaster-specific pharmacy legislation

Publicly released: Thu 5 Dec 2019 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Australian Health Review

Pharmacists caught up in the Australian bushfire crisis are being hampered from providing timely and effective treatment to displaced people due to outdated laws, according to QUT researchers. Funder: N/A. Media Release. From:Queensland University Read more about Call for disaster-specific pharmacy legislation - Scimex

Mobile devices blur work and personal privacy raising cyber risks

Publicly released: Thu 5 Dec 2019 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

International Conference on Information Systems

Organisations aren’t moving quickly enough on cyber security threats linked to the drive toward using personal mobile devices in the workplace, warns a QUT privacy researcher. Dr Kenan Degirmenci from QUT’s Science and Engineering Faculty’s Read more about Mobile devices blur work and personal privacy raising cyber risks - Scimex