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Sediment discovery unlocks Australia’s hidden net-zero resource potential
Geophysical Journal International
A new method of measuring sediment thickness across Australia’s interior offers a cost-effective and straightforward solution for estimating seismic hazard and resource potential while reducing carbon footprint. A new method of measuring sediment Read more about Sediment discovery unlocks Australia’s hidden net-zero resource potential
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University|Geoscience Australia -
Pregnant runners' pains differ by childbirth history
Sports Medicine
Exercise during pregnancy is a healthy habit, and running is one of the most common ways to stay active. Despite this, many runners cease during pregnancy due to associated pains - even amongst competitive runners, only a third continue training Read more about Pregnant runners' pains differ by childbirth history
New Zealand; InternationalAuckland University of Technology, University of Canterbury, University of Western Australia, University of Waikato -
Tree of life for modern birds revealed: The largest and most complete study pinpoints timing of evolution
Nature
In a world first, a team of international scientists including three Australians, Al-Aabid Chowdhury and Professor Simon Ho from University of Sydney, and Dr Jacqueline Nguyen from Australian Museum and Flinders University, have determined the Read more about Tree of life for modern birds revealed: The largest and most complete study pinpoints timing of evolution
Australia; InternationalAustralian Museum|Flinders University|The University of Sydney -
More Aussies are likely to die from bowel cancer as a result of COVID-era disruptions
PLOS ONE
COVID-related disruptions to bowel cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment in Australia are likely to lead to an additional 234 cancer cases and 1,186 deaths in Australia over 2020–2030, according to Aussie-led research. The researchers Read more about More Aussies are likely to die from bowel cancer as a result of COVID-era disruptions
Australia; NSWCancer Council NSW|The University of Sydney|The Daffodil Centre -
Blueprint for mandating indoor air quality for public buildings in form of standards
Science
A group of international experts led by QUT Professor Lidia Morawska has presented a blueprint for national indoor quality standards for public buildings, in an article in the prestigious journal Science. The experts addressed setting standards for Read more about Blueprint for mandating indoor air quality for public buildings in form of standards
Australia; InternationalQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
MRNA could be used to target Alzheimer’s disease
Brain Communications
Scientists at The Florey have developed an mRNA technology approach to target the toxic protein tau, which builds up in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Scientists at The Florey have developed an mRNA technology approach to Read more about MRNA could be used to target Alzheimer’s disease
Australia; International; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health... -
How older culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women handled COVID-19 in SA
PLOS ONE
Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women over 60 in South Australia were highly concerned about COVID-19 and becoming sick from its effects, according to Aussie researchers who conducted a survey and interviews of over 100 women over 60 Read more about How older culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women handled COVID-19 in SA
Australia; NSW; SAFlinders University|The University of Sydney -
Women with bad PMS may be at higher risk of perinatal depression, and vice versa
PLOS Medicine
Women who develop perinatal depression may be more likely to have a premenstrual disorder at some point in their life, and women with a premenstrual disorder may be more likely to develop perinatal depression, according to international research. Read more about Women with bad PMS may be at higher risk of perinatal depression, and vice versa
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
Around the world, Around the world, Around the world: Songs are getting more basic and repetitive
Scientific Reports
If Daft Punk's lyrics weren't enough of a clue, Austrian and German researchers have found the lyrics of English-language songs have become more repetitive and simpler over the last 40 years. They analysed the lyrics of 12,000 songs, across genres Read more about Around the world, Around the world, Around the world: Songs are getting more basic and repetitive
InternationalUniversity of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria -
Cutting back on the booze could help heavy drinkers avoid major cardiac issues
JAMA Network Open
Men who drink more than four drinks a day or more than 14 drinks per week, and women who drink more than three drinks per day or more than seven drinks per week could help lower their risk of major heart issues and strokes by cutting back on the Read more about Cutting back on the booze could help heavy drinkers avoid major cardiac issues
InternationalKorea University College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine -
PTSD assistance dogs could be trained to smell stress on people's breath
Frontiers in Allergy
Dogs can be trained to detect the scent of trauma reactions and stress in people's breath, according to international researchers, who say this could make PTSD assistance dogs more effective. The researchers were able to train two dogs to recognise Read more about PTSD assistance dogs could be trained to smell stress on people's breath
InternationalDalhousie University, CA -
Mobilising the private sector to help fund the restoration of Aotearoa’s coastal and marine environments
A changing climate and biodiversity loss has led to a financing gap in funding the conservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems. New research has created an impact investment framework to support and scale business and restorative Read more about Mobilising the private sector to help fund the restoration of Aotearoa’s coastal and marine environments
New ZealandSustainable Seas National Science Challenge -
Coastal dunes on the march in South Australia – and around the world
Geomorphology
Coastal transgressive dunefields are on the march in South Australia – retreating inland from an angry ocean at an alarming rate. Yet while this occurs in plain sight, communities are largely oblivious to long-term coastal changes, and Flinders Read more about Coastal dunes on the march in South Australia – and around the world
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Miscarriages linked to health risks in later pregnancies
eClinicalMedicine
New Curtin University research has revealed a link between miscarriage and the increased risk of developing complications of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure-related disorders in later pregnancies. New Curtin University research has Read more about Miscarriages linked to health risks in later pregnancies
Australia; WACurtin University -
Unlocking supernova stardust secrets
The Astrophysical Journal
Curtin University-led research has discovered a rare dust particle trapped in an ancient extra-terrestrial meteorite that was formed by a star other than our sun. The discovery was made using a technique called atom probe tomography which revealed Read more about Unlocking supernova stardust secrets
Australia; International; WACurtin University -
Mapping sovereign capability to build ‘foundational’ AI tech
Foundation models currently power multiple AI products, including ChatGPT, and represent a huge opportunity for Australia. This technology underpins the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), and could boost Australia’s productivity, Read more about Mapping sovereign capability to build ‘foundational’ AI tech
AustraliaCSIRO -
Highlighting global strategies for accelerating AI in science
A report from international and Australian researchers offers a comprehensive analysis of the integration of artificial intelligence in science and research across various countries including Australia. It addresses both the advancements made and Read more about Highlighting global strategies for accelerating AI in science
Australia; InternationalAustralian Academy of Science|CSIRO|International Science Council -
EXPERT REACTION: Common contraceptive hormone linked to increased brain tumour risk
The BMJ
A French study has found that prolonged use of progesterone-like hormones which are found in some contraceptive injections and hormone treatments, are linked to an increased risk of developing a type of brain tumour called a meningioma. The study Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Common contraceptive hormone linked to increased brain tumour risk
International; VIC; QLD; SAFrench National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety -
Quantum computing processors working at 20X warmer temperatures
Nature
Advanced quantum computer cooling techniques could lead to more powerful, cost-effective and energy-efficient systems sooner. The achievement demonstrates that ‘hot qubits’ are now a reality after the same engineers showed in an innovative paper Read more about Quantum computing processors working at 20X warmer temperatures
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|The University of Sydney -
Delirium a ‘strong risk factor’ for dementia among older people
The BMJ
Delirium is a strong risk factor for dementia and death among older people, according to Australian research. Delirium is a sudden change in a person’s usual mental state. Symptoms include agitation, confusion or being unable to stay focused when Read more about Delirium a ‘strong risk factor’ for dementia among older people
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Queensland|Macquarie University -
Spearheading changes to global anaemia guidelines
The Lancet Haematology
The way anaemia is diagnosed worldwide could change for the first time in 50 years, following a landmark study led by WEHI researchers. The findings have been used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to revamp their global guidelines for the Read more about Spearheading changes to global anaemia guidelines
Australia; VICWEHI|The University of Melbourne -
Hope, fear, and guilt: Your climate feelings may impact the solutions you support
PLOS Climate
The type of emotional reaction someone has to climate change is associated with the types of climate policies they're likely to support, a new survey shows. While hopeful people put faith in proactive policies like investing in infrastructure, Read more about Hope, fear, and guilt: Your climate feelings may impact the solutions you support
InternationalGeorge Mason University, USA -
Does a low heart rate mean a high life of crime?
PLOS ONE
Women with a low resting heart rate had a slightly higher chance of a criminal lifestyle, say US and Swedish researchers who investigated the criminal offence records of 12,500 women for up to 40 years. Additionally, the team say unintentional Read more about Does a low heart rate mean a high life of crime?
InternationalO¨ rebro University,O¨ rebro, Sweden -
Poverty is the main reason people are selling their kidneys
PLOS Global Public Health
Poverty is the main motivator prompting people to sell a kidney, according to Australian and international researchers who say many people who choose to sell a kidney are unaware of the potential health risks. The team reviewed previous research Read more about Poverty is the main reason people are selling their kidneys
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Center for Research on Education, Nepal -
How do caterpillars stop bleeding from their tiny wounds?
Frontiers in Soft Matter
Tobacco hornworm caterpillars can seal their wounds and stop bleeding within a minute, according to international researchers investigating the mystery of how the blood-like substance in many of the world's smallest critters works. Most animals that Read more about How do caterpillars stop bleeding from their tiny wounds?
InternationalClemson University, USA -
No evidence probiotics offer benefit during pregnancy
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
A systematic review of the use of probiotics during pregnancy on pregnancy-related conditions found no evidence that probiotics had any effect on the conditions. Published today in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Read more about No evidence probiotics offer benefit during pregnancy
Australia; VICBurnet Institute|Monash University -
Getting regular exercise may help with a good night sleep
BMJ Open
People who regularly exercise 2 - 3 times a week are less likely to have insomnia, and more likely to get the recommended 6-9 hours of sleep, according to Aussie and international researchers. The team analysed survey data from over 4,000 people Read more about Getting regular exercise may help with a good night sleep
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Climate change will see Australia’s soil emit CO2 and add to global warming
NPJ Climate and Atmospheric Science
New Curtin University research has shown the warming climate will turn Australia’s soil into a net emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2), unless action is taken. Soil helps to keep the planet cool by absorbing carbon, however as the climate gets warmer Read more about Climate change will see Australia’s soil emit CO2 and add to global warming
Australia; WACurtin University -
Astronomers discover 49 new galaxies in under three hours
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
An international team of astronomers has discovered 49 new gas-rich galaxies using the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa. Dr Marcin Glowacki, from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Read more about Astronomers discover 49 new galaxies in under three hours
Australia; New Zealand; International; WAInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)... -
How lizards avoid being killed by venomous snakes
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
A University of Queensland-led study has shed light on how some lizards have evolved to resist deadly neurotoxins from Australia’s most venomous snakes. The research, led by UQ’s Professor Bryan Fry, focused on the interactions between venomous Read more about How lizards avoid being killed by venomous snakes
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLDThe University of Queensland|Australian Museum -
Blood analysis predicts sepsis and organ failure in children
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health
University of Queensland researchers have developed a method to predict if a child is likely to develop sepsis and go into organ failure. The research involved more than 900 critically ill children in the emergency departments and intensive care Read more about Blood analysis predicts sepsis and organ failure in children
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Griffith University -
A once a year COVID-19 vax with an extra jab for high risk people could be the right vaccine strategy
Annals of Internal Medicine
A once a year COVID-19 jab for most of us, with a second jab five months later for those over 50 or under 2 could be an effective vaccine strategy, according to US research. The study compared five annual vaccination strategies and found that Read more about A once a year COVID-19 vax with an extra jab for high risk people could be the right vaccine strategy
InternationalYale Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, USA -
Call for more holistic management of epilepsy as gaps revealed
Epilepsia Open
Tuesday is Purple Day for Epilepsy. Researchers from the Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) at The Florey are calling for changes to the way epilepsy is managed after a pilot study in 172 people highlighted differences in quality of life. The Read more about Call for more holistic management of epilepsy as gaps revealed
Australia; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health... -
We donate to charity to feel good about ourselves, but we give more to look good for others
PLOS ONE
Deciding to donate to charity is mostly driven by the warm glow we get about ourselves, but social pressure can influence how much we give, according to Australian research. The study compared people's willingness to donate to charity when another Read more about We donate to charity to feel good about ourselves, but we give more to look good for others
Australia; NSW; VICMonash University|The University of Sydney -
EXPERT REACTION: Chemicals in some disinfectants and flame retardants damage supporting cells of the brain in the lab
Nature Neuroscience
Two classes of chemicals that are found in some disinfectants and flame retardants could impair the development of a type of cell in the brain, called oligodendrocytes, according to laboratory experiments. Oligodendrocytes are cells that wrap Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Chemicals in some disinfectants and flame retardants damage supporting cells of the brain in the lab
InternationalCase Western Reserve University, USA -
Greater job flexibility and security helps keep psychological distress and anxiety low
JAMA Network Open
People who have greater job flexibility and job security are less likely to experience serious psychological distress or anxiety, according to international researchers. The team collected data on over 18,000 employed adults in the US, finding that Read more about Greater job flexibility and security helps keep psychological distress and anxiety low
InternationalBoston University, USA -
Ukraine war takes 'substantial' toll on local teens' mental health
JAMA Pediatrics
An international study of 8,096 Ukrainian teens, around half of whom lived in Ukraine throughout the war with Russia and around half of whom lived abroad during the conflict, found exposure to the war was linked with worse mental health outcomes. Read more about Ukraine war takes 'substantial' toll on local teens' mental health
InternationalThe University of Tokyo Hospital, Japan -
We're wasting over half our supply of this non-renewable fertiliser ingredient
Nature Food
NZ and UK scientists are warning we need to be much more careful in how we use phosphorus, if we want future generations to continue using the wonder fertiliser ingredient. Phosphorus stores are limited, and researchers calculate we could run out Read more about We're wasting over half our supply of this non-renewable fertiliser ingredient
New Zealand; InternationalOur Land and Water National Science Challenge|AgResearch... -
Gene discovery offers new hope for Aussies living with chronic skin disease
Nature Communications
Scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) have discovered a gene mutation is responsible for causing psoriasis – a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes patients to develop red, scaly and itchy patches across their body. Read more about Gene discovery offers new hope for Aussies living with chronic skin disease
Australia; International; ACTThe Australian National University -
Persian plateau unveiled as crucial hub for early human migration out of Africa
Nature Communications
A new study combining genetic, palaeoecological, and archaeological evidence has unveiled the Persian Plateau as a pivotal geographic location serving as a hub for Homo sapiens during the early stages of their migration out of Africa. Published in Read more about Persian plateau unveiled as crucial hub for early human migration out of Africa
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University -
Risk prediction using our genes and gut bacteria can improve early detection of diseases
Nature Aging
A new study has shown that risk scores based on our genes and gut bacteria can improve the prediction of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and prostate cancer over traditional risk factors alone. And when it comes to prediction of a person’s risk Read more about Risk prediction using our genes and gut bacteria can improve early detection of diseases
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|University of Cambridge, Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare. -
Bleaching can hamper reproduction and recovery in corals
Coral Reefs
Bleaching can suppress reproduction in a common coral species found in the Great Barrier Reef, hampering future reef replenishment, new research led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and James Cook University (JCU) has identified. Read more about Bleaching can hamper reproduction and recovery in corals
Australia; Pacific; International; QLDAustralian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)|James Cook University... -
Micro-Lisa! Low-power light laser makes it mark in low-cost polymer
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
High-power lasers are often used to modify polymer surfaces to make high-tech biomedical products, electronics and data storage components. Now Flinders University researchers have discovered a light-responsive, inexpensive sulfur-derived polymer is Read more about Micro-Lisa! Low-power light laser makes it mark in low-cost polymer
Australia; New Zealand; SAFlinders University -
3D mapping tech blasts off for International Space Station
A powerful package of 3D mapping technology designed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has reached the International Space Station (ISS). The payload has reached astronauts on board and will be fitted onto a NASA robot platform that Read more about 3D mapping tech blasts off for International Space Station
AustraliaCSIRO -
Did tightened PBS restrictions on opioid supply reduce their use in Australia?
Medical Journal of Australia
Subsidised opioid use dropped overall, but use of one opioid is still on the rise, a new big health data study shows. On 1 June 2020, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) introduced changes to the way prescription opioids are supplied: Read more about Did tightened PBS restrictions on opioid supply reduce their use in Australia?
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Going fishing this Easter? Keep your catch food-safe
There are 4. 2 million, or one in five Australian adults, estimated to take part in recreational fishing each year. Seafood is generally safe and healthy, but each year Australians are affected, and even hospitalised, from illnesses such as Read more about Going fishing this Easter? Keep your catch food-safe
AustraliaFood Safety Information Council -
Dogs may really understand the names of their toys
Current Biology
Dogs can really learn what their toys are called instead of just relying on context, according to international research. The researchers say dogs generally don't do well in tests where they're asked to fetch an object after hearing its name, but Read more about Dogs may really understand the names of their toys
InternationalEötvös Loránd University, Hungary -
What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
PLOS ONE
Doing regular exercise over the long term may help the health and mental health of Aussie teens as they transition to young adults, according to Australian research, but there are some factors which make getting enough exercise less likely. The Read more about What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
PLOS ONE
Australia's grey-headed flying-foxes are flying high, with numbers remaining stable despite the species being listed as vulnerable. The researchers have analysed data from Australia's National Flying-fox Monitoring Program (NFFMP) and found that Read more about Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SACSIRO -
Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
Communications Earth & Environment
Global warming could cause an inflation of food prices by up to 3. 2% a year in a decade's time, according to international research. The researchers used data on weather and consumer price indices across the world to see how they have been related Read more about Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
InternationalPotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany