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Snapping shrimp create rowdy reef in Kimberley Marine Park
Underwater reefs are generally thought of as tranquil places — however some truly unruly residents make one such area off the coast of northwestern Australia anything but quiet. Underwater reefs are generally thought of as tranquil places — Read more about Snapping shrimp create rowdy reef in Kimberley Marine Park
Australia; International; SA; WACurtin University|Edith Cowan University|University of South Australia -
Advanced imaging predicts the recovery of children with brain injury
Journal of Neurotrauma
Researchers from The University of Queensland have used an advanced imaging technique to predict the recovery of children from a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) with an 87 per cent success rate. Researchers from The University of Queensland have Read more about Advanced imaging predicts the recovery of children with brain injury
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
We need to talk about social chatbots and their impact on neurodiverse people
Journal of Behavioural Addicitions
New research shows that social chatbots could be doing more harm than good for neurodiverse people, entrenching social isolation and reinforcing dysfunctional habits among many people with autism, anxiety and limited social skills. The UniSA Read more about We need to talk about social chatbots and their impact on neurodiverse people
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia|Flinders University -
How to enjoy the Festive Season on a budget and be food safe – Dollars and sense
The Food Safety Information Council today released their food safety tips about how to enjoy the Festive Season and Summer entertaining on a budget and also be food safe. We are all looking forward this summer to getting together with Read more about How to enjoy the Festive Season on a budget and be food safe – Dollars and sense
AustraliaFood Safety Information Council -
Are we asking the right questions about Predator Free New Zealand?
New Zealand Journal of Ecology
The Predator Free New Zealand programme has become hugely popular, inspired and driven by community action. However, an article in the New Zealand Journal of Ecology says that predators are just one of the pressures on Aotearoa's indigenous wildlife, Read more about Are we asking the right questions about Predator Free New Zealand?
New ZealandUniversity of Waikato -
World-first system to monitor the ‘seafood basket’ of Australia
A bio-rich region that provides much of the country’s seafood is the first site in Australia to demonstrate CSIRO's AquaWatch technology works. Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has completed initial testing of a ‘weather service’ Read more about World-first system to monitor the ‘seafood basket’ of Australia
AustraliaCSIRO -
Polyethylene waste could be a thing of the past
Science Advances
An international and Australian team of experts undertaking fundamental research has developed a way of using polyethylene waste (PE) as a feedstock and converted it into valuable chemicals, via light-driven photocatalysis. PE is the most widely Read more about Polyethylene waste could be a thing of the past
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
City living may be making more kids short-sighted
JAMA Network Open
A Chinese study of nearly 200,000 elementary school students found short-sightedness is more common among kids who live in cities than those who live in the countryside. However, the eyesight of shortsighted kids in cities deteriorated less quickly Read more about City living may be making more kids short-sighted
InternationalTianjin Eye Hospital, China -
Decades of data show warming and acidification of Atlantic Ocean
Frontiers in Marine Science
The Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda is now warmer and more acidic than it was 40 years ago, according to international researchers who have been monitoring the area since the late 1980s. Researchers have been collecting monthly data at a site 80 Read more about Decades of data show warming and acidification of Atlantic Ocean
InternationalArizona State University, USA -
Coral reefs in peril from record-breaking ocean heat
Science
Record breaking marine heatwaves will cause devastating mass coral bleaching worldwide in the next few years, according to a University of Queensland coral reef scientist. Record breaking marine heatwaves will cause devastating mass coral bleaching Read more about Coral reefs in peril from record-breaking ocean heat
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|James Cook University -
Even small amounts of physical activity could be valuable in late-stage lung cancer
Journal of Clinical Medicine
New research has found less than five minutes of daily physical activity could be linked with prolonged life in people living with inoperable forms of lung disease. Lung cancer kills more people globally each year than any other type of cancer, Read more about Even small amounts of physical activity could be valuable in late-stage lung cancer
Australia; SA; WACurtin University|Edith Cowan University|University of South Australia -
Suburban backyard home to more than 1,000 species
Ecology
A challenge among three housemates to identify species around their inner-Brisbane home has resulted in an academic research paper, showcasing the rich biodiversity in urban landscapes. A challenge among three housemates to identify species around Read more about Suburban backyard home to more than 1,000 species
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Transforming waste into strength: Graphene trend in concrete recycling
Resources, Conservation and Recycling
Amid the rubble of large-scale earthquake, war or other disaster – and as ageing buildings and infrastructure are replaced – mountains of concrete are often taken to landfill or pounded into rubble for roads. For a more sustainable approach, Read more about Transforming waste into strength: Graphene trend in concrete recycling
Australia; VIC; SAFlinders University|The University of Melbourne -
New therapeutic tool to selectively kill cancer cells
Cell Chemical Biology
Scientists have found a new way to impair cancer cell growth which they hope will lead to the development of new treatments. A team from Children’s Medical Research Institute has discovered a new way to impair cancer cell growth, which could lead Read more about New therapeutic tool to selectively kill cancer cells
Australia; NSWChildren's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) -
New Zealand's medical students not reflecting our diverse communities
BMJ Open
Māori and Pacific medical students are still underrepresented in our medical schools, as are students from low socioeconomic and rural backgrounds, according to a new analysis of New Zealand medical student data from 2016-2020. The authors say Read more about New Zealand's medical students not reflecting our diverse communities
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|University of Otago|AUT University... -
Medical research: The ones to watch in 2024
Nature Medicine
The medical journal Nature Medicine has featured 11 clinical trials that are likely to have an impact on medicine in 2024. This year’s feature highlights include an app allowing women with no prior experience to help other women in the community Read more about Medical research: The ones to watch in 2024
Australia; InternationalSpringer Nature -
Mediterranean green turtles set to expand their nesting area under climate change
Scientific Reports
The more the climate warms, the further green sea turtles will expand their nesting range along the Mediterranean Coast, according to international researchers who say their nesting range could expand by over 60% under worst-case climate scenarios. Read more about Mediterranean green turtles set to expand their nesting area under climate change
InternationalViale Dell’Università, Italy -
Can breast cancer gene carriers have children safely after having the disease?
JAMA
Young breast cancer survivors who carry a BRCA genetic mutation, which is linked to an increased risk of the disease, appear to be able to become pregnant safely after cancer treatment, according to Australian and international researchers. The Read more about Can breast cancer gene carriers have children safely after having the disease?
Australia; International; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Women wait for endometriosis diagnosis with multiple symptoms
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Australian women with endometriosis can experience symptoms including severe period pain, depression and back pain for around a decade before being diagnosed, a University of Queensland study has revealed. Australian women with endometriosis can Read more about Women wait for endometriosis diagnosis with multiple symptoms
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Monthly blood tests for clozapine patients unnecessary after two years
The Lancet Psychiatry
Researchers from The University of Queensland and the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research have shown that people using the antipsychotic clozapine do not need regular blood monitoring after two years. Researchers from The University of Read more about Monthly blood tests for clozapine patients unnecessary after two years
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
More than half of people working regular night shifts may have a sleep disorder
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Working regular night shifts is associated with a higher rate of sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnoea and restless leg syndrome, according to international research. Dutch researchers surveyed more than 37,000 shift workers about their Read more about More than half of people working regular night shifts may have a sleep disorder
InternationalGGZ Drenthe’s Mental Health Institute, Netherlands -
Hydroclimate records reveal how water cycle on Earth responds to temperature increases
Nature Geoscience
An international research collaboration including ANSTO has found that the global water cycle and atmospheric circulation patterns can adjust relatively quickly—within a few decades—in response to changes in the Earth's temperature and have done Read more about Hydroclimate records reveal how water cycle on Earth responds to temperature increases
Australia; InternationalAustralian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)... -
More ear checks needed to prevent hearing loss in remote Australia
BMC Health Services Research
A study led by Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) has found a large gap in ear health services provided in remote Northern Territory (NT) communities. Without hearing checks, infections like otitis media (OM) can go undetected. This can Read more about More ear checks needed to prevent hearing loss in remote Australia
Australia; NTMenzies School of Health Research -
Innovative drug can stop cancer growth, animal study suggests
Cancer Discovery
A new Peter Mac study using a pioneering drug has successfully controlled the growth of tumours and overcome existing drug resistance in multiple cancer types in animal models. An enzyme critically associated with tumour growth, called Read more about Innovative drug can stop cancer growth, animal study suggests
Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|Incyclix Bio, USA -
The AusSMC's Top 10 WEIRD Science Stories 2023
2023 was tough at times, but luckily there was plenty of weird science to offer us a little comic relief. Animals led the way, as we learned about a series of orca-strated attacks on boats, frogs faked their own deaths to avoid sex, birds built Read more about The AusSMC's Top 10 WEIRD Science Stories 2023
AustraliaAustralian Science Media Centre -
Over 4 hours on a smartphone daily linked to health risks for teens
PLOS ONE
Korean researchers investigating the smartphone habits of over 50,000 kids have found more than four hours scrolling away to be linked with adverse mental health and substance abuse. The team surveyed the kids on their daily use of their phone, as Read more about Over 4 hours on a smartphone daily linked to health risks for teens
InternationalHanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea -
Blood pressure medication helps pregnant woman with severe heart problem safely deliver her baby
JACC: Case Reports
A pregnant woman who was diagnosed with a severe heart problem during pregnancy was able to safely deliver her baby using a blood pressure treatment with a somewhat unknown safety profile for pregnancy, according to international researchers who say Read more about Blood pressure medication helps pregnant woman with severe heart problem safely deliver her baby
InternationalNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Japan -
Could light therapy help treat Alzheimer's?
PLOS ONE
Light therapy might improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, according to international researchers who analysed 15 studies published between 2005 and 2022. The analysis, which included a combined 598 patients in seven countries, found light Read more about Could light therapy help treat Alzheimer's?
InternationalWeifang Medical University, China -
Life was tough for Ancient Egyptian baboons in captivity
PLOS ONE
Life was not easy for sacred baboons in Ancient Egypt, according to international researchers who looked at the skeletal remains of 36 baboons from the Valley of the Monkeys. The team estimated the remains to be from between 800-500 BC and found Read more about Life was tough for Ancient Egyptian baboons in captivity
InternationalRoyal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Belgium -
Fungus-fighting protein could help overcome severe autoimmune disease and cancer
Science Advances
A protein in the immune system programmed to protect the body from fungal infections is also responsible for exacerbating the severity of certain autoimmune diseases such as irritable bowel disease (IBS), type 1 diabetes, eczema and other chronic Read more about Fungus-fighting protein could help overcome severe autoimmune disease and cancer
Australia; QLD; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Queensland -
Feathered friends can become unlikely helpers for tropical coral reefs facing climate change threat
Science Advances
Nutrients in seabird droppings are boosting coral growth rates in a remote reef system and helping them bounce back quicker from disturbances like bleaching. A new paper in Science Advances details how seabirds contribute to the growth via their Read more about Feathered friends can become unlikely helpers for tropical coral reefs facing climate change threat
Australia; International; WAAustralian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)|The University of Western Australia... -
EXPERT REACTION: Sport hunting deer doesn’t help restore forest regeneration
Journal of Applied Ecology
Two researchers studied a forest park in the North Island using six decades’ worth of data alongside 20 years of monitoring to see how different sika deer management methods impacted new mountain beech forest growth. Their own monitoring found Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Sport hunting deer doesn’t help restore forest regeneration
New Zealand; InternationalNew Zealand Forest Surveys; Trent University, Canada -
Want a better espresso? Add a splash of water to your grinder
Matter
Want your morning hot bean soup to taste better every time? Well, US and Korean researchers say, in a paper partially funded by coffee machine manufacturer Nuova Simonelli, a splash of water in your grind might do the trick. The team found that the Read more about Want a better espresso? Add a splash of water to your grinder
InternationalUniversity of Oregon, USA -
Major alcohol policy changes in the NT do not appear to have impacted the rate of sexual assault
Drug and Alcohol Review
Three major alcohol policy changes for the NT do not appear to have made a dent in the number of sexual assaults reported in the Territory, according to Australian research. The team looked at the rate of victim reports for sexual assault from 2014 Read more about Major alcohol policy changes in the NT do not appear to have impacted the rate of sexual assault
Australia; NSW; VIC; SA; WA; NTMenzies School of Health Research|La Trobe University... -
A simple blood test could detect if one of your organs is ageing faster than the others
Nature
A simple blood test could detect if one of your organs is ageing faster than the others, according to international researchers, who say that nearly one in five people may show strongly accelerated age in one organ, and 1. 7% of the population show Read more about A simple blood test could detect if one of your organs is ageing faster than the others
InternationalStanford University, USA -
Could anti-obesity meds help those with knee or hip osteoarthritis?
Arthritis & Rheumatology
A slow-to-moderate rate of weight loss, induced by anti-obesity medications, may lower the risk of death in overweight and obese people with osteoarthritis in their hips or knees, according to international researchers. The team analysed data from Read more about Could anti-obesity meds help those with knee or hip osteoarthritis?
InternationalCentral South University, China -
A non-invasive method to stimulate memory for people with schizophrenia
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports
A non-invasive method of brain stimulation could help improve some aspects of memory in people with schizophrenia, according to international research. The team conducted a randomized clinical trial, using alternating magnetic fields to induce an Read more about A non-invasive method to stimulate memory for people with schizophrenia
InternationalPeking University, China -
How do we keep cool as the climate warms without increasing emissions?
The power needed to keep people cool around the world is expected to more than double by 2050, according to a COP28 report which aims to address how we can cut emissions while also meeting the growing demand for cooling. The authors say air Read more about How do we keep cool as the climate warms without increasing emissions?
InternationalUnited Nations Environment Programme -
Adaptive optics project will further our view of the universe
The Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii will soon be able to see further and clearer under an ambitious project to apply adaptive optics to the telescope. Scientists in Australia, France, New Zealand and Portugal are collaborating to create a platform Read more about Adaptive optics project will further our view of the universe
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; InternationalMacquarie University|The Australian National University... -
Sleep can help us remember but it can also help us develop false memories
Royal Society Open Science
Sleep can help improve memory, but it can also impact how we develop false memories, according to international research. The team tested 488 participants on their ability to memorise a list of words, then recall them two and 12 hours later. At the Read more about Sleep can help us remember but it can also help us develop false memories
InternationalUniversity of York, UK -
Toxic blood protein could be partially responsible for traumatic brain injury and dementia link
Royal Society Open Biology
A blood protein found in bruised brain tissue after a traumatic brain injury could be part of the reason traumatic brain injuries are linked to a higher dementia risk, according to international researchers. Serum amyloid P (SAP) is a blood protein Read more about Toxic blood protein could be partially responsible for traumatic brain injury and dementia link
InternationalQueen Mary University of London, UK -
Babies could be immune to optical illusions
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Newborn babies may be able to see the world more clearly, while older humans get tricked by optical illusions, according to international researchers. The researchers showed babies a video with red and green dots moving up and down and monitored Read more about Babies could be immune to optical illusions
InternationalHokkaido University, Japan -
Starting your period before 13 linked to heightened diabetes risk
BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health
Getting your period before you hit 13 has been linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes during your mid-life, say US researchers. Additionally, they say it is also associated with an increased risk of stroke before you hit 65. The team Read more about Starting your period before 13 linked to heightened diabetes risk
InternationalTulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, USA -
Twice daily brain zaps could help the brains of people with Alzheimer's
General Psychiatry
A non-invasive electrical stimulation of the brain - known as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) - could boost the brain-power of people with Alzheimer's disease, suggest researchers from China. The tDCS functions by placing a device Read more about Twice daily brain zaps could help the brains of people with Alzheimer's
InternationalNingbo University, China -
MRIs can safely reduce the number of breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy
The Lancet
Some women with early-stage breast cancer may be able to skip radiotherapy if an MRI shows their cancer is localised to one area, according to Australian researchers. Breast radiotherapy is part of standard care for breast-conserving treatment, Read more about MRIs can safely reduce the number of breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy
Australia; NSW; VICThe University of Melbourne|Monash University|The University of Sydney... -
The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2023
Science hit the headlines in Australia time and again in 2023, as advances in DNA technology freed a mother convicted of murdering her children 20 years ago, we became the first country to legalise psychedelic therapies, the vaping epidemic led to a Read more about The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2023
AustraliaAustralian Science Media Centre -
Real connections trump virtual gatherings: The magic of in-person events
Event Management
Researchers at Flinders University and the University of South Australia examined whether attending an event virtually or in-person makes a difference to loneliness and social connectedness. From virtual dance parties and raves to virtual happy Read more about Real connections trump virtual gatherings: The magic of in-person events
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia|Flinders University -
Livestock, medtech and horticulture key AI opportunities for Australia
A new CSIRO report provides businesses, investors, government and research institutions with the most up-to-date analysis of Australia’s current AI ecosystem. Australia can cement its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by Read more about Livestock, medtech and horticulture key AI opportunities for Australia
AustraliaCSIRO -
New PCR test allows scientists to sex White Sharks
Conservation Genetics Resources
Sex determination varies widely in the animal kingdom. It is not always driven by sex chromosomes and is not known for most shark species. A new study led by CSIRO developed a statistical method to look for sex chromosomes in sharks and confirmed Read more about New PCR test allows scientists to sex White Sharks
AustraliaCSIRO -
Highlighting the potential of Mānuka honey as Rongoā for animals in agriculture
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research
A scientific literature review from AgResearch has highlighted the potential of Mānuka honey as Rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) in the context of animal health. Authors of the study say that there is good supporting peer-reviewed literature Read more about Highlighting the potential of Mānuka honey as Rongoā for animals in agriculture
New ZealandAgResearch