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Discovering hidden structure in networks like Twitter
PNAS Nexus
New findings could help explain how social media content appears in our feeds. Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered new structural relationships in complex networks, such as X (formerly Twitter) and political blogs, that could Read more about Discovering hidden structure in networks like Twitter
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
New perspective on limits of survival and liveability in extreme heat
Nature Communications
Record-breaking heatwaves have made headlines during 2023, raising questions about how humans will survive and function in a warming world. A new study challenges recommended thresholds for survivability in the heat, suggesting the outlook may be Read more about New perspective on limits of survival and liveability in extreme heat
Australia; VICThe University of Sydney|Arizona State University -
Rapid decarbonisation can steer Australia to net zero before 2050
Existing technologies will enable Australia to halve emissions by 2030 from 2020 levels, under a rapid decarbonisation scenario led by a renewable electricity sector. A new report by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, shows existing Read more about Rapid decarbonisation can steer Australia to net zero before 2050
AustraliaCSIRO -
Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategy
Science
New research has revealed new ways to remove immune cells that cause skin autoimmune diseases without affecting protective cells that fight infection and cancer. Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategynew research Read more about Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategy
Australia; International; VICThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity... -
Involuntary temporary employment could negatively affect women more than men
PLOS Global Public Health
Long-term involuntary temporary employment – having a temporary contract but wanting a permanent position – could have negative effects on women, but not so much men, according to Danish research. The team combined survey data with Read more about Involuntary temporary employment could negatively affect women more than men
InternationalVIVE–The Danish Center for Social Science Research, Denmark -
Depression and anxiety was higher for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic
JAMA Network Open
More than a third of young adults had anxiety or depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey of over 3 million US adults which found rates were much higher than in older people. The surveys taken between April 2020 and August 2022 Read more about Depression and anxiety was higher for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic
InternationalNorthwestern University, USA -
Dishing the dirt on human evolution: Why scientific techniques matter in archaeology
Nature Ecology & Evolution
Scientists should seek answers hidden in the dirt using proven and state-of-the-art archaeological science techniques to support new discoveries about human evolution following recent controversies at a cave site in Africa, says a group of Read more about Dishing the dirt on human evolution: Why scientific techniques matter in archaeology
International; SAFlinders University -
Brains of those with PTSD process sad and traumatic memories differently
Nature Neuroscience
The brains of people with PTSD process traumatic memories differently than sad, non-traumatic memories, according to international researchers. The team recruited 28 participants with PTSD, and scanned their brains with MRI machines while they Read more about Brains of those with PTSD process sad and traumatic memories differently
InternationalYale University School of Medicine, USA -
Identical twins test the health benefits of a vegan diet
JAMA Network Open
A healthy vegan diet can assist in lowering cholesterol, weight and insulin levels, according to an international study of identical twins. 22 pairs of identical twins were recruited, with one of each pair eating a healthy vegan diet and the other a Read more about Identical twins test the health benefits of a vegan diet
InternationalStanford University, USA -
"End of century" extreme heat and drought conditions in Europe could occur much earlier
Nature Communications
In Europe, heat and drought levels virtually impossible 20 years ago may reach 1-in-10 likelihoods as early as the 2030s, according to new modelling by international researchers. Typically, under a 'moderate' climate warming scenario, such extreme Read more about "End of century" extreme heat and drought conditions in Europe could occur much earlier
InternationalMax Planck Institute for Meteorology, Germany -
Making menstrual pads from succulents could improve access to sanitary products
Communications Engineering
A drought-tolerant succulent plant could be used to make menstrual pads, according to international researchers who believe it could be a useful alternative in semi-arid, low and middle-income countries where sanitary products can be hard to come by. Read more about Making menstrual pads from succulents could improve access to sanitary products
InternationalStanford University, USA -
Comprehensive data on common cancers among Pacific Peoples in Aotearoa
New Zealand Medical Journal
Breast, prostate, lung and uterine cancers were the most commonly diagnosed cancers among Pacific peoples in Aotearoa between the years 2007 and 2019, according to new research in the New Zealand Medical Journal. Pacific peoples had higher rates of Read more about Comprehensive data on common cancers among Pacific Peoples in Aotearoa
New Zealand; PacificUniversity of Otago|Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand -
Emergency Department overcrowding isn’t caused by unnecessary visits
New Zealand Medical Journal
Patients who should have gone elsewhere aren’t to blame for overcrowding in Emergency Departments, according to a Viewpoint article in the New Zealand Medical Journal. Instead, there appears to have been an increase in the proportion of more Read more about Emergency Department overcrowding isn’t caused by unnecessary visits
New Zealand -
Small survey indicates high levels of depression and burnout among NZ medical and postgraduate students
New Zealand Medical Journal
In a survey of 140 postgraduate and medical students at the University of Otago’s Christchurch campus, roughly one third reported clinical symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress, and over three quarters reported experiencing burnout. Read more about Small survey indicates high levels of depression and burnout among NZ medical and postgraduate students
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
2023 has been the warmest year since records began
2023 will claim the title as the warmest year ever recorded, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Releasing its provisional State of the Global Climate report, the WMO says data up to October indicates 2023 has been about 1. 4 degrees Read more about 2023 has been the warmest year since records began
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
Economic crashes linked to rise in male suicides, and lower mental health overall
Journal of Mental Health
This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to data about mental health, suicide and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on Read more about Economic crashes linked to rise in male suicides, and lower mental health overall
Australia; InternationalEdge Hill University, UK -
Rice and newspaper could be used to make a greener insulation material
Frontiers in Built Environment
Researchers in Panama have developed an insulation material made from rice husks and shredded newspaper, in an attempt to create new building materials that re-use waste rather than creating more of it. In Panama, the amount of rice husk being Read more about Rice and newspaper could be used to make a greener insulation material
InternationalTechnological University of Panama, Panama -
It's going to be an especially risky fire season for much of Eastern and Central Australia
Most of Queensland, NSW and southern NT will be at an increased risk of fire this summer, along with some locations in Tasmania, Victoria, SA and WA, according to the AFAC Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for the summer of 2023. AFAC, the national council Read more about It's going to be an especially risky fire season for much of Eastern and Central Australia
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; ACTBureau of Meteorology|Victorian Government|AFAC, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT Emergency Services Agency, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Country Fire Authority, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Victoria, Tasmania Fire Service, SA Country Fire Service, Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA, Bushfires NT -
When ants go marching one by one, they sync to avoid traffic jams
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Much like us, ants also like to avoid traffic jams. The team studied the fast paced, 20-minute activity and rest cycles of Leptothorax ants, with resting ants acting like immobile objects and blocking the path of other ants. They found that when Read more about When ants go marching one by one, they sync to avoid traffic jams
InternationalTexas Tech University, USA -
AI inspires new approach to adaptive control systems
IEEE Access
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are used around the world to conduct difficult environmental, remote, oceanic, defence and rescue missions in often unpredictable and harsh conditions. A new study led by Flinders University and French researchers Read more about AI inspires new approach to adaptive control systems
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Social media use linked to risky behaviour in young people
The BMJ
Young people who use social media daily are more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as drug use, unprotected sex and fighting, according to an international systematic review and meta-analysis. The team analysed the results of 126 previous Read more about Social media use linked to risky behaviour in young people
InternationalUniversity of Glasgow, UK -
Fossil fuels account for 5 million extra air pollution deaths per year
The BMJ
International researchers say that fossil fuels in industry, power generation, and transportation account for over five million extra deaths a year across the globe. This would equate to 61% of the total estimated 8. 3 million air pollution deaths Read more about Fossil fuels account for 5 million extra air pollution deaths per year
InternationalMax Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany -
140 minutes of vigorous exercise a week is ideal for reducing Alzheimer's risk
The Lancet Healthy Longevity
140 minutes of vigorous exercise a week is the optimal amount for reducing your Alzheimer's risk, according to Australian and international researchers. The team used data from a long-term health survey in the US, looking at how moderate and Read more about 140 minutes of vigorous exercise a week is ideal for reducing Alzheimer's risk
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Very high levels of ‘good cholesterol’ may be associated with dementia risk
The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific
Abnormally high levels of HDL-C, colloquially known as ‘good cholesterol’, are associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults, a Monash University-led study has found. Researchers said very high levels of HDL-C linked to dementia Read more about Very high levels of ‘good cholesterol’ may be associated with dementia risk
Australia; VICMonash University -
Identifying Australia's most elusive birds
Emu
University of Queensland scientists have analysed more than 3. 8 million volunteer hours of birdwatching data to identify Australia’s most elusive species. University of Queensland scientists have analysed more than 3. 8 million volunteer hours of Read more about Identifying Australia's most elusive birds
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Digital camera and AI algorithm can now detect facial palsy
BioMedInformatics
Facial palsy can now be detected using a digital camera and an algorithm, thanks to a new tool developed by researchers from the University of South Australia and Middle Technical University in Iraq. The tool promises to reduce diagnostic errors Read more about Digital camera and AI algorithm can now detect facial palsy
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Engineering ancestral antibiotics for the future
Nature Communications
Going ‘back to the future’ to understand how natural antibiotics evolve could unlock new and effective treatments for potentially deadly superbugs. Researchers are confident that the vital new information, published in Nature Communications, Read more about Engineering ancestral antibiotics for the future
Australia; VICMonash University|University of Tübingen -
Unanswered plea by scientists as off-the-scale marine heat looms
Amidst the forecast of a severe marine heatwave, leading marine scientists have called for immediate action and funding to support a national monitoring program for Australia's kelp forests. Despite urgent calls to Environment and Climate Change Read more about Unanswered plea by scientists as off-the-scale marine heat looms
Australia; NSW; VIC; SA; WA; TASGreat Southern Reef Foundation -
Moderate exercise might reduce postpartum depression
PLOS ONE
Exercise that gets your heart pumping might reduce postpartum depression, according to international researchers. The team analysed 26 studies representing 2,867 participants and found aerobic exercise, or cardio, is effective in preventing and Read more about Moderate exercise might reduce postpartum depression
InternationalChina University of Geosciences (Wuhan), China -
The real tax rate paid by multinational corporations in 47 countries revealed
PLOS ONE
Multinational corporations are paying vastly different effective tax rates around the world, and Australia has one of the highest effective tax rates, according to a new analysis. The study found that although many countries have similar tax rates Read more about The real tax rate paid by multinational corporations in 47 countries revealed
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUtrecht University, The Netherlands, Charles University, Czechia -
More young people are living with their parents into adulthood, and it's not good for their mental health
PLOS ONE
The rate of young adults who are living with their parents into their adulthood has increased by about 18% in the past 20 years and this is associated with poorer mental health, according to Australian researchers. The team used a large Australian Read more about More young people are living with their parents into adulthood, and it's not good for their mental health
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Landscape dynamics determine the evolution of biodiversity on Earth
Nature
A landmark Nature study into the geological timescale distribution of sediment and nutrients over 500 million years shows that species biodiversity on Earth is driven by landscape dynamics. Movement of rivers, mountains, oceans and sediment Read more about Landscape dynamics determine the evolution of biodiversity on Earth
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Eureka moments could be less likely if scientists aren't in the room together
Nature
Disruptive, breakthrough scientific ideas and discoveries are less likely to come from teams collaborating remotely, according to an international analysis of 20 million research articles and 4 million patent applications. The research team looked Read more about Eureka moments could be less likely if scientists aren't in the room together
InternationalUniversity of Pittsburgh, USA -
One Bitcoin transaction could cost as much water as your backyard pool
Cell Reports Sustainability
A Dutch researcher says that cryptocurrency mining uses a significant amount of water, and that is set to grow in the future. He says that, along with the immense energy consumption, the Bitcoin mining also requires large volumes of water to cool Read more about One Bitcoin transaction could cost as much water as your backyard pool
InternationalVrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands -
Look but don't touch: training could help kea living near humans to stay away from new objects
New Zealand Journal of Zoology
Kea living near humans are more likely to investigate new foods and objects, making them vulnerable to poisoning from lead building materials or baits used to control predators. Researchers waited until kea came close to them, then placed blue Read more about Look but don't touch: training could help kea living near humans to stay away from new objects
New ZealandUniversity of Canterbury|University of Otago -
Six planets found by nearby star
Nature
International astronomers have discovered a half-dozen planets orbiting one of our nearby bright stars. The star, called HD 110067 lives in the Coma Berenices constellation, and is around 100 light-years away from us. The planets are referred to as Read more about Six planets found by nearby star
InternationalUniversity of Chicago, USA -
More than one hundred scholarships awarded to boost diversity in STEM
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has today announced 116 scholarships to support women and diverse people to thrive in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. The Australian Academy of Read more about More than one hundred scholarships awarded to boost diversity in STEM
Australia; ACTAustralian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE)... -
Having a baby is getting more expensive in Queensland
Medical Journal of Australia
The cost of maternity care in Queensland has risen in recent years, according to Australian researchers who say adverse birth outcomes are also on the rise. The team analysed data on all births in Queensland from July 2012 to June 2018, and say the Read more about Having a baby is getting more expensive in Queensland
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLDUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|Monash University -
No evidence found that cannabis reduces long term opioid use
American Journal of Psychiatry
A 20-year Australian study has found no evidence to suggest cannabis reduces illicit opioid use, and it may not be an effective long-term method of reducing harm for those with an opioid use disorder or problematic use of opioids. A 20-year Read more about No evidence found that cannabis reduces long term opioid use
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Remote work, reduced pay: are we willing to make a trade?
Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape the workforce, with almost half of Australian workers willing to sacrifice part of their annual salary to work from home. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape the workforce, with almost half of Read more about Remote work, reduced pay: are we willing to make a trade?
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Translating global theories of change into tangible steps for conservation of ecosystems
Nature Sustainability
A new Griffith-led study has developed a framework to operationalise global ‘theories of change’, coordinating local and global actions to secure a future where humans live in harmony with nature. Published in Nature Sustainability, the research Read more about Translating global theories of change into tangible steps for conservation of ecosystems
Australia; QLD; TASGriffith University|University of Tasmania -
EXPERT REACTION: Contaminated saline in hospitals
Dozens of infections and a death in Queensland has been linked to contaminated saline. Below, Australian experts respond to the ongoing situation. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Contaminated saline in hospitals
Australia; NSW; SAAustralian Science Media Centre -
Uncovering the bacteria living in human ear-piercings
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Scientists in Canada have uncovered the bacteria that inhabit human ear piercings. They found that even though people have their skin sterilised before a piercing, these sites quickly end up with a greater diversity of bacteria living there than on Read more about Uncovering the bacteria living in human ear-piercings
InternationalMcGill University, Canada -
City-dwelling bees have bigger brains
Biology Letters
Hey bee fans, do you like big brains and you cannot lie? If so, buzzing about the city is best, according to international researchers who say city-dwelling bees have bigger brains than their rural friends. The team measured the brain and body size Read more about City-dwelling bees have bigger brains
InternationalEstación Biológica de Doñana, Spain -
Increase your walking speed to decrease your risk of diabetes
British Journal of Sports Medicine
Dust your joggers off, as international researchers say a walking speed of only 4 km+/hour has been linked to a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, they found every 1 km/h increase in your speed is associated with a Read more about Increase your walking speed to decrease your risk of diabetes
InternationalSemnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran -
An inactive lifestyle could increase your risk of fibroids
BMJ Open
Clocking up six or more hours of sedentary leisure time every day could double a woman’s risk of uterine fibroids before she’s gone through menopause, according to a study of 6,623 women in China aged 30 to 55. Uterine fibroids are growths in Read more about An inactive lifestyle could increase your risk of fibroids
InternationalKunming Medical University, China -
Five times as many people in the UK identify as transgender compared to the start of the century
The BMJ
The rates of people identifying as transgender in the UK have risen 5-fold since 2000, with the highest rise observed among 16 to 29 year olds, although the overall numbers are still small, according to UK research. The researchers found that one Read more about Five times as many people in the UK identify as transgender compared to the start of the century
InternationalUniversity College London -
Tobacco industry likely going to give the environment a $40B kick in the cigarette butt
Tobacco Control
Thai and Filipino researchers say plastic pollution to our environment from cigarette butts and packaging is likely to cost close to AU$40 billion. The team looked at data from cigarette sales, clean-up costs and plastic waste from the land and sea, Read more about Tobacco industry likely going to give the environment a $40B kick in the cigarette butt
InternationalGlobal Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, Thailand -
Sexual assault survivors deserve a gold standard reporting experience
A world-first report examining alternative ways for victim-survivors to report sexual assault says under-reporting could be reduced if moved away from law enforcement, but it will need greater support and funding to be sustainable and secure. A world Read more about Sexual assault survivors deserve a gold standard reporting experience
Australia; NSW; VICRMIT University|University of Wollongong|La Trobe University -
A handheld fan can help relieve chronic breathlessness, so why isn't it implemented more?
PLOS ONE
People with chronic breathlessness can help relieve their symptoms by using a handheld, battery-operated fan, however this practice is not as common as it could be, according to international and Australian researchers. The team interviewed 12 Read more about A handheld fan can help relieve chronic breathlessness, so why isn't it implemented more?
Australia; International; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|University of Hull, UK
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