Mater researchers' cancer vaccine shows early promise

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

Clinical and Translational Immunolog

Mater University of Queensland researchers detail their work on a new cancer vaccine, which has shown promising signs in preclinical laboratory studies. Read more about Mater researchers' cancer vaccine shows early promise

Blood test can guide treatment for most aggressive prostate cancer

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

European Urology

Scientists have developed a simple blood test that can show which men with the most aggressive type of prostate cancer should respond to conventional therapy, and those who need other options. From as little as 10ml of blood, the test can Read more about Blood test can guide treatment for most aggressive prostate cancer

Probiotics may help treat depression

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health

A UK research review suggests that taking probiotics alone or with prebiotics may help reduce some symptoms of depression and anxiety. Foods and supplements that broaden the range of helpful bacteria in the gut are collectively known as probiotics, Read more about Probiotics may help treat depression

How to avoid being a backseat driver

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0737 AEST | 0937 NZST

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Talking on the phone might make you more likely to crash, but research shows you’re safer on the road if there’s a passenger in your car. Kiwi scientists filmed 22 driver-passenger pairs and conducted an online survey, finding passengers made Read more about How to avoid being a backseat driver

Mānuka honey may help activate immune cells

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0645 AEST | 0845 NZST

Food & Function

Kiwi scientists have found Mānuka honey may help immune cells respond to bacterial infections. Previous research has shown how the honey’s main antibacterial compound, MGO, works to disrupt bacteria. In a new study, scientists have found that MGO Read more about Mānuka honey may help activate immune cells

COVID-19 vaccine trial underway in Perth: First participants dosed after thousands register

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

An unprecedented number of people signed up to help in the fight against COVID-19 with more than 4000 registering for a vaccine trial at Perth’s Linear Clinical Research. Read more about COVID-19 vaccine trial underway in Perth: First participants dosed after thousands register

Being a mum overtakes the brain’s decision-making regions to put the pups first

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

eNeuro

Research on rats suggest that motherhood changes a decision-making part of the brain to prioritise offspring over other competing desires. The ability to make decisions requires a special part of the brain that filters and represses multiple streams Read more about Being a mum overtakes the brain’s decision-making regions to put the pups first

Understanding sea larvae is key to managing marine systems

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Ecology & Evolution

An international study led by Monash University scientists has found that the distance travelled by marine larvae is dictated by both biological and physical constraints – contradicting previous hypotheses based on biology or physics alone. Read more about Understanding sea larvae is key to managing marine systems

It took flowers about 50 million years to really bloom

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Ecology & Evolution

Flowering plants evolved about 100 million years ago - but it took them other 50 million years or so to diversify and bloom into the flowers we know today, say Aussie and international scientists. The researchers documented the evolution of families Read more about It took flowers about 50 million years to really bloom

Reassessing roadside pollution tests

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Sustainability

Roadside pollutant concentrations are exceeding air quality standards in many cities worldwide. This makes estimating the emission distribution within a vehicle fleet vital for setting air quality policies and standards. Read more about Reassessing roadside pollution tests

Lithium's secret life in Sun-like stars revealed: created, not just destroyed

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Astronomy

It is used in everything from medication to mobile phone batteries but where does Lithium come from? A new study involving a Monash astrophysicist provides a fresh understanding of both how Lithium is made, and how it is destroyed. Read more about Lithium's secret life in Sun-like stars revealed: created, not just destroyed

One-third of nitrogen emissions come from livestock sector

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Food and Nature Sustainability

The livestock sector emits about a third of current human-caused nitrogen emissions each year, according to an international study looking at 275 countries' emissions. Supply chains of grazing cattle (dairy and beef) and pigs each account for about Read more about One-third of nitrogen emissions come from livestock sector

Not getting enough REM sleep could be the death of you

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Neurology

US scientists looked at the data from two groups of middle-aged and older adults, including a total of 4,061 people, and found those who had less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep - characterised by rapid eye movements, more dreaming and bodily movement Read more about Not getting enough REM sleep could be the death of you

Hydroxychloroquine scripts skyrocketed as COVID spread

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Internal Medicine

Scripts for hydroxychloroquine jumped by 86 per cent from February 2020 to March 2020, according to US research. The researchers found that in one month, around 300,000 additional patients received hydroxychloroquine from retail pharmacies, Read more about Hydroxychloroquine scripts skyrocketed as COVID spread

Researchers explore promising novel approach to control wild radish weed

Publicly released: Mon 6 Jul 2020 at 1530 AEST | 1730 NZST

Frontiers in Plant Science

Wild radish is a major weed for Australian cereals, accounting for $53-72 million per year in crop losses. Now, Australian researchers are shedding light into an innovative molecular approach that, used in conjunction with improving weed management Read more about Researchers explore promising novel approach to control wild radish weed

EXPERT REACTION: Was COVID-19 in Europe in March 2019?

Publicly released: Mon 6 Jul 2020 at 1530 AEST | 1730 NZST

A recent pre-print study has claimed to have found traces of COVID-19 in Spain in March 2019, well before the first reported case in Europe. The yet to be peer-reviewed research tracked SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, in wastewater with Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Was COVID-19 in Europe in March 2019?

We ignore airborne spread of COVID-19 at our peril

Publicly released: Mon 6 Jul 2020 at 1230 AEST | 1430 NZST

Clinical Infectious Diseases

A plea issued by 239 scientists from around the world to recognise and mitigate airborne transmission of COVID-19 addressed to international health authorities is published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. Read more about We ignore airborne spread of COVID-19 at our peril

Asthma and allergies more common in teens who stay up late

Publicly released: Mon 6 Jul 2020 at 1230 AEST | 1430 NZST

ERJ Open Research

Teenagers who prefer to stay up late and wake later in the morning are more likely to suffer with asthma and allergies compared to those who sleep and wake earlier, according to international research. The study of around 1,600 teens living in India Read more about Asthma and allergies more common in teens who stay up late

Australian reptile research needs to move beyond university backyards

Publicly released: Mon 6 Jul 2020 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

Scientific Reports

A team of Griffith University researchers found the strongest predictor of study sites for reptile research in Australia is proximity to universities. The study is the first continent-wide investigation of factors that influenced the location Read more about Australian reptile research needs to move beyond university backyards

Water injections to relieve back pain in labour no longer ‘midwifery voodoo’

Publicly released: Mon 6 Jul 2020 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

EClinicalMedicine

Sterile water injections have been found to provide effective pain relief for women with labour back pain. In this new research led by The University of Queensland, women who received the water injections reported their pain reduced by at least half, Read more about Water injections to relieve back pain in labour no longer ‘midwifery voodoo’

Demand for COVID-19 rehab places could be the next strain on our health system

Publicly released: Mon 6 Jul 2020 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

MJA

Many rehabilitation units are not prepared to meet needs of survivors of COVID-19 and subsequent waves of the virus would strain the rehabilitation sector, say health experts. Hospital rehabilitation units are almost always working to capacity, Read more about Demand for COVID-19 rehab places could be the next strain on our health system

New guidelines for children and adolescents with T2D

Publicly released: Mon 6 Jul 2020 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Medical Journal of Australia

A team of paediatric specialists, including an expert from the University of Adelaide, has produced new guidelines regarding assessment and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Australian and New Zealand children and adolescents. Read more about New guidelines for children and adolescents with T2D

No time to be complacent about polio in Australia

Publicly released: Mon 6 Jul 2020 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

MJA

Polio is rare in Australia leading to a level of complacency among physicians, say Australian experts, who warn that recent outbreaks in Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Malaysia mean doctors need to step up their game. Although there are Read more about No time to be complacent about polio in Australia

Heatwave trends accelerate worldwide

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 1900 AEST | 2100 NZST

Nature Communications

Trends that have seen heatwaves become hotter, longer and more frequent in almost every region of the world are accelerating according to new research published in Nature Communications. The researchers have also developed a new heatwave metric, Read more about Heatwave trends accelerate worldwide

New nano-engineering strategy shows potential for improved advanced energy storage

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 1900 AEST | 2100 NZST

Nature Communications

Renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind and solar, needs large-scale energy storage systems. Recent promising research using beyond-lithium ion batteries have been hampered by a lack of suitable electrode materials. Scientists using a strategy Read more about New nano-engineering strategy shows potential for improved advanced energy storage

Novel biomarker discovery could lead to early diagnosis for deadly preeclampsia

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 1800 AEST | 2000 NZST

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition that worldwide kills over 70,000 women and 500,000 babies each year. The discovery of two new biomarkers has the potential to predict key underlying causes of the disease and could lead to the early diagnosis Read more about Novel biomarker discovery could lead to early diagnosis for deadly preeclampsia

New group of trapdoor spiders discovered in eastern Australia

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 1300 AEST | 1500 NZST

Cladistics

A new group of trapdoor spiders that builds burrows hidden by camouflaged doors has been discovered in eastern Australia. One of the almost 20 new species found in this group occurs in the suburbs of Brisbane. The research team from Griffith Read more about New group of trapdoor spiders discovered in eastern Australia

More caution needed to keep older adults safe from COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 1100 AEST | 1300 NZST

PLOS One

When it comes to measures to prevent COVID-19, older people aren't being as cautious as expected, according to new survey data from 27 countries, including Australia. Older adults might be expected to be more compliant with social distancing rules, Read more about More caution needed to keep older adults safe from COVID-19

Preprint about a 'more contagious strain' of coronavirus changed in peer review

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 1053 AEST | 1253 NZST

Cell

In early May, news broke about a reportedly more contagious variant of the COVID-19 virus, based on a piece of non-peer-reviewed research independently published online. The preprint stated a variant of the virus had a particular mutation to its Read more about Preprint about a 'more contagious strain' of coronavirus changed in peer review

Fish are far more vulnerable to global warming than previously thought

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

Science

A research review has found fish species around the world are at greater risk from climate change than previously realised. German scientists analysed published research on nearly 700 marine and freshwater fish species to understand which stages of Read more about Fish are far more vulnerable to global warming than previously thought

Testing tuberculosis vaccine combinations for COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 0600 AEST | 0800 NZST

Sydney researchers are taking an innovative approach to designing potential COVID-19 vaccines - using a tuberculosis vaccine to deliver components of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Early results from pre-clinical testing in mice are promising. Read more about Testing tuberculosis vaccine combinations for COVID-19

It's a dog's life: our furry friends are much older than we think

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 0500 AEST | 0700 NZST

Cell Systems

Scientists in the US have debunked the well-known 'rule of paw' that one dog year is the equivalent of seven human years. Instead, the researchers have devised a more accurate formula to calculate your pooch's age based on the chemical changes in Read more about It's a dog's life: our furry friends are much older than we think

Making and breaking friendships in Brazil

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS ONE

Being able to meet lots of people, pick your friends and dump romantic partners is a societal freedom Kiwis are used to, but not all cultures have. Now Kiwi and Japanese researchers have surveyed Brazilians in the first country-wide study of Read more about Making and breaking friendships in Brazil

Call for immunology to return to the wild

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

Science

Integrating a more diverse set of species and environments could enhance the biomedical research cycle, according to a 'Perspectives' article from more than 10 universities and research institutes, led by a University of Tasmania researcher. The Read more about Call for immunology to return to the wild

Those with COVID-19 could also be at increased risk of stroke

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Neurology

Patients with COVID-19 may also be at heightened risk of stroke, according to international researchers who looked at 3,402 patients at two hospitals in New York City. The researchers compared patients with COVID-19 at these hospitals to patients Read more about Those with COVID-19 could also be at increased risk of stroke

Compulsive internet use by teens linked to emotional issues

Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2020 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Emotion

A new study has found internet addiction in teenagers leads to difficulty regulating emotions. However there was no evidence that pre-existing emotional issues are a predictor of obsessive internet use. The paper is the first longitudinal study to Read more about Compulsive internet use by teens linked to emotional issues

Social distancing superstars helped slow US COVID-19 spread

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 1600 AEST | 1800 NZST

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

People who proactively started social distancing before government policies were in place may have helped slow the spread of COVID-19 in the US, according to international researchers who looked at real-world mobile phone data between January and Read more about Social distancing superstars helped slow US COVID-19 spread

Mothering in domestic violence: protecting children behind closed doors

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 1600 AEST | 1800 NZST

Qualitative Social Work

As emerging data shows an alarming rise of domestic violence during the pandemic, researchers at the University of South Australia are urging practitioners to look beyond clinical observations and focus on the strengths that mothers exercise to Read more about Mothering in domestic violence: protecting children behind closed doors

Hot flushes and night sweats linked to 70% increase in cardiovascular disease

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 1051 AEST | 1251 NZST

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

New research from The University of Queensland has found that women who have hot flushes and night sweats after menopause are 70 per cent more likely to have heart attacks, angina and strokes. Read more about Hot flushes and night sweats linked to 70% increase in cardiovascular disease

Review raises questions about family violence therapies

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 1000 AEST | 1200 NZST

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

A major University of Melbourne-led review has questioned whether women's ongoing need for safety, support and holistic healing following family violence are adequately addressed by current therapies. Read more about Review raises questions about family violence therapies

Climate change threat to tropical plants

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 0930 AEST | 1130 NZST

Global Ecology and Biogeography

Half of the world’s tropical plant species may struggle to germinate by 2070 because of global warming, a new UNSW study predicts. Their study analysed almost 10,000 records for more than 1300 species from the Kew Gardens’ global seed Read more about Climate change threat to tropical plants

'Immunity passport' test misses one in three COVID-19 cases on average

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

The BMJ

An international team of researchers have reviewed the evidence for using COVID-19 antibody tests, based on 40 published studies. When test results were pooled together, they ranged from 66 to 97. 8 per cent accurate at correctly detecting COVID-19 Read more about 'Immunity passport' test misses one in three COVID-19 cases on average

Meeting exercise guidelines may lower your risk of death

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

The BMJ

Meeting weekly exercise recommendations is linked to a lower risk of death, say international and Aussie researchers. The authors looked at the link between meeting the 2018 US physical activity guidelines – 150 minutes of moderate-intensity Read more about Meeting exercise guidelines may lower your risk of death

CSIRO uses lab-grown 'lungs' to fight respiratory viruses

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 0600 AEST | 0800 NZST

Viruses

Scientists have found that human airway cells grown in a laboratory can reliably be used to study respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, which could help to minimise animal testing and fast-track drugs for human clinical trials. Read more about CSIRO uses lab-grown 'lungs' to fight respiratory viruses

Deadly parrot virus rife in Aussie birds

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS ONE

Aussie researchers have found wild Australian parrots - including Crimson Rosellas, Eastern Rosellas, Galahs, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Blue-winged Parrots, Rainbow Lorikeets and Red-rumped Parrots - to be rife with a dangerous virus called Beak Read more about Deadly parrot virus rife in Aussie birds

Aboriginal artefacts reveal first ancient underwater cultural sites in Australia

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS ONE

The first underwater Aboriginal archaeological sites have been discovered off northwest Australia dating back thousands of years ago when the current seabed was dry land. Aboriginal artefacts discovered off the Plibara coast in WA represent Read more about Aboriginal artefacts reveal first ancient underwater cultural sites in Australia

Being told someone looks 'grumpy' makes them seem even grumpier

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS ONE

Australian and US researchers say telling us which emotion someone's face is expressing affects our judgement of that facial expression, partiuclarly for sad, angry and scared faces. The researchers say this suggests we don't simply read emotions Read more about Being told someone looks 'grumpy' makes them seem even grumpier

New weapons for fighting Devil disease

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

Science Advances

Researchers at the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research and the School of Medicine have added an arsenal of new tools to their repertoire for fighting the insidious Devil Facial Tumour Disease. Read more about New weapons for fighting Devil disease

Small study suggests Kawasaki-like COVID-19 syndrome may damage 1 in 7 kids' brains

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Neurology

UK scientists investigated 27 children with COVID-19-related pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome - the Kawasaki disease-like symptoms that can affect kids with the virus - and found four who were previously healthy developed nerve and brain Read more about Small study suggests Kawasaki-like COVID-19 syndrome may damage 1 in 7 kids' brains

Official US count may underestimate COVID-19 deaths by 28 per cent

Publicly released: Thu 2 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Internal Medicine

US and Danish scientists have estimated the number of deaths caused by COVID-19 in the USA between 1st March and 30th May 2020, and say there were 122,300 more deaths that would be expected were there no pandemic. That's 28 per cent higher than the Read more about Official US count may underestimate COVID-19 deaths by 28 per cent