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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 -
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 -
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 -
How did closing pubs at 6pm impact alcohol-related harm in the 20th century?
Drug and Alcohol Review
For much of the early 20th century, pubs in some Australian states were only allowed to stay open until 6pm, a move that Australian researchers now say had positive impacts on alcohol-related harms, especially before World War II. The researchers Read more about How did closing pubs at 6pm impact alcohol-related harm in the 20th century?
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne|La Trobe University -
Early investment key to ending disadvantage
Increased spending on health and social support for parents over the first five years of a child's life would be the most cost-effective measures to end the cycle of disadvantage, a New Zealand report suggests. The researchers say mothers' mental Read more about Early investment key to ending disadvantage
New Zealand -
First fossil finds show shark species swam in NZ waters millions of years ago
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Two extinct shark species related to Great Whites have been identified for the first time in New Zealand, from fossils estimated to date back to the Miocene Epoch around 20 to 5 million years ago. One tooth from Carcharodon hubbelli was found at Read more about First fossil finds show shark species swam in NZ waters millions of years ago
New ZealandMuseum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa|University of Otago -
How did the first building blocks of life survive the radiation of early Earth?
Nature Communications
Cell-like structures containing specific antioxidants that are resistant to radiation could have allowed some of the earliest building blocks of life on Earth to survive the harsh conditions. Early Earth is known to have had much higher gamma Read more about How did the first building blocks of life survive the radiation of early Earth?
InternationalZhejiang University, USA -
We could be using our existing forecasting tools to accidentally harm fewer marine animals
Nature Communications
Existing forecasting and marine management tools could be used to predict and prevent accidents with vulnerable marine animals caused by climate extremes, according to Australian and international researchers. When climate extremes disrupt marine Read more about We could be using our existing forecasting tools to accidentally harm fewer marine animals
Australia; International; QLDCSIRO -
Almost four out of five young Kiwis support smokefree generation policy
The ITC Youth and Young Adult Tobacco and Vaping Survey
New survey research shows young New Zealanders aged 16-29 strongly support the smokefree 2025 goal and the three key policies of limiting retail stores, nicotine reduction, and creating a smokefree generation. The authors say this fits in with Read more about Almost four out of five young Kiwis support smokefree generation policy
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Otago -
Post COVID elective surgery wait times longer than ever
Since the 2021-22 return to allowing elective surgeries in Australia, the 2022-23 period saw an increase of non-emergency surgeries by 18%, says the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), but many patients are still facing long wait times Read more about Post COVID elective surgery wait times longer than ever
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Genetically engineered stem cell treatment for Parkinson's restores movement in rats
Nature Communications
An international research team has genetically engineered stem cells to improve a potential treatment for Parkinson's, restoring movement in rats. Lead researcher Mark Denham, originally from Australia, says stem cells are a promising treatment for Read more about Genetically engineered stem cell treatment for Parkinson's restores movement in rats
Australia; InternationalDanish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Denmark -
Promising results for a new bowel cancer treatment
Nature Medicine
A new tablet treatment called divarasib has shown it is very effective in treating a challenging type of bowel (colorectal) cancer associated with the KRAS G12C mutation. Research, published in Nature Medicine today, has shown remarkable results Read more about Promising results for a new bowel cancer treatment
Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre -
Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruits
BMC Sport, Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
New Edith Cowan University (ECU) research has revealed that up to one in four military recruits would seek medical assistance for injury in one training period. Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruitsNew Edith Cowan Read more about Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruits
Australia; QLD; SA; WAEdith Cowan University|Flinders University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Sugar permeation discovered in plant aquaporins
Journal of Biological Chemistry
Aquaporins, which move water through membranes of plant cells, were not thought to be able to permeate sugar molecules, but University of Adelaide researchers have observed sucrose transport in plant aquaporins for the first time, challenging this Read more about Sugar permeation discovered in plant aquaporins
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Graphene oxide strengthens the case for smart concrete
Additive Manufacturing Letters
Engineers have added graphene oxide to cement mixture to make stronger 3D printed concrete that is easier to print, paving the way to create potential ‘smart’ walls that can monitor cracks. Engineers have added graphene oxide to cement mixture Read more about Graphene oxide strengthens the case for smart concrete
Australia; VICRMIT University|The University of Melbourne -
NEWS BRIEFING: Fossil fuel emissions reach record high - Global Carbon Budget
Earth System Science Data
Global emissions from fossil use are projected to hit a record high in 2023, rising 1. 1% according to the latest Global Carbon Budget. The report has found there is no sign of the rapid and deep decrease in total emissions that is needed to tackle Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: Fossil fuel emissions reach record high - Global Carbon Budget
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; International; ACTCSIRO|The Australian National University|Australian Science Media Centre -
New implants linked to less infection and better recovery from orthopaedic surgery
Advanced Functional Materials
Superior knee and hip replacements are a step closer after Flinders University and Chinese researchers further test and develop a new orthopaedic implant coating which has the strong ability to ward off infection – as well as stimulate bone growth. Read more about New implants linked to less infection and better recovery from orthopaedic surgery
Australia; International; SAFlinders University|Shandong First Medical University -
Emerging challenges of AI and Automated Decision-Making in News and Media
A new report released by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, AI and Automated Decision-Making in News and Media describes the latest phase of media automation, driven by recent advances in artificial intelligence. Read more about Emerging challenges of AI and Automated Decision-Making in News and Media
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society -
Lower amount of certain microplastics on Auckland's coast could be due to plastic bag ban
Science of the Total Environment
Researchers analysed samples from coastal areas in Auckland, finding that microplastics are widespread. They found that in beach sediments and seawater, a kind of plastic often used in plastic bottles, food packaging, and polyester was the most Read more about Lower amount of certain microplastics on Auckland's coast could be due to plastic bag ban
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|Eurofins Environment Testing Australia and New Zealand, Australia, Auckland Transport, Auckland -
How are WA's heavy drinkers using online alcohol delivery?
Drug and Alcohol Review
High-risk alcohol drinkers are using online delivery services to get drinks more often and are more frequently ordering same-day delivery to keep a session going, according to Australian researchers who say the convenience of online alcohol delivery Read more about How are WA's heavy drinkers using online alcohol delivery?
Australia; NSW; VIC; WADeakin University|National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)... -
Australia's magic mushrooms could help breed tomorrow's 'designer shrooms'
Current Biology
Australia's magic mushroom population contains greater genetic diversity than the world's commercially available shrooms, according to Australian researchers who say this diversity could be harnessed to breed 'designer shrooms' as a potential mental Read more about Australia's magic mushrooms could help breed tomorrow's 'designer shrooms'
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland -
We should be measuring blood pressure at all life stages
JAMA Pediatrics
It might be worth monitoring blood pressure at all life stages including infancy, not just as adults, according to Aussie researchers. The team used data from a Finnish study which looked at blood pressure and other measurements of 534 participants Read more about We should be measuring blood pressure at all life stages
Australia; VIC; SA; TASBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|Menzies Institute for Medical Research... -
Boys suck(ed)! Male mozzies may have once sucked blood too
Current Biology
Nowadays female mosquitos are only the ones that bite, but that may not have always been the case, according to international researchers. The team found the earliest known fossil mosquitoes – 30 million years older than the previously known Read more about Boys suck(ed)! Male mozzies may have once sucked blood too
InternationalChinese Academy of Sciences, China -
Deep brain stimulation could help treat traumatic brain injury
Nature Medicine
Deep brain stimulation could help restore brain function in patients who have experienced traumatic brain injury, according to a small study of five people. International researchers surgically implanted electrodes into specific areas of the Read more about Deep brain stimulation could help treat traumatic brain injury
InternationalWeill Cornell Medicine, USA -
The amount of screen time and the type of content can affect a kindergartener's mental health
JAMA Pediatrics
More screen time and more exposure to content not tailored for children is associated with mental health problems in kindergarten-aged children, according to international research. The team collected data on the amount and type of screen use for Read more about The amount of screen time and the type of content can affect a kindergartener's mental health
InternationalShanghai Jiao Tong University, China -
Lift-off! SpIRIT nanosatellite launches aboard a SpaceX rocket
The University of Melbourne and the Italian Space Agency have announced the successful launch of SpIRIT, a landmark nanosatellite mission supported by the Australian Space Agency. The University of Melbourne and the Italian Space Agency have Read more about Lift-off! SpIRIT nanosatellite launches aboard a SpaceX rocket
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Australian Space Agency -
About 40% of the world's power generation is now renewable
83% of new power capacity created in 2022 was renewable, according to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The report takes stock of the world's renewable energy resources, and Read more about About 40% of the world's power generation is now renewable
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO)|International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) -
People may support climate action more strongly if they understand how their health is at risk
If people understand the message that climate change poses a threat to their health, they may be more likely to support action on climate change, according to a review of research both globally and in Australia on the understanding of the link Read more about People may support climate action more strongly if they understand how their health is at risk
InternationalGeorge Mason University, USA -
“Shared care” preferred by patients, cheaper, just as effective
eClinicalMedicine
A Peter Mac-led study has found sharing follow-up care between a GP and hospital-based specialists was preferred by bowel cancer patients, was cheaper for the healthcare system and was just as effective as standard hospital-based care. “Shared Read more about “Shared care” preferred by patients, cheaper, just as effective
Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Australia making progress but more needs to be done to eliminate hepatitis C
Australia has made great progress towards hepatitis C elimination, but more work is needed for Australia to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030, Australia’s progress towards hepatitis C elimination: annual report 2023 by Burnet Read more about Australia making progress but more needs to be done to eliminate hepatitis C
Australia; VICBurnet Institute|Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney -
A specialised health service helped catch WA refugee children up with their COVID-19 vaccinations
Medical Journal of Australia
A specialist health service for refugees was able to turn vaccination rates around for their cohort of refugee children during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Australian research. The team looked at the vaccination rates among children eligible Read more about A specialised health service helped catch WA refugee children up with their COVID-19 vaccinations
Australia; WAThe University of Western Australia -
Abuse and falsehoods erode the public square of science, AusSMC/COSMOS survey finds
A survey of more than 100 scientists conducted by Cosmos and the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) sought to learn how scientists in Australia and New Zealand were using social media a year after Elon Musk shifted the digital landscape Read more about Abuse and falsehoods erode the public square of science, AusSMC/COSMOS survey finds
Australia; New ZealandAustralian Science Media Centre|COSMOS Magazine -
The case of a persistent bully: from victim to perpetrator
Pastoral Care in Education
In a unique case study, UniSA researchers have explored the lived experiences of a self-identified persistent bully – a voice that is scarce in literature – to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that may contribute to this anti-social Read more about The case of a persistent bully: from victim to perpetrator
Australia; International; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Being overweight hampers body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2
Clinical & Translational Immunology
University of Queensland-led research shows being overweight can impair the body’s antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection but not to the protection offered by vaccination. University of Queensland-led research shows being overweight can impair Read more about Being overweight hampers body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLDThe University of Queensland|Monash University|QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute... -
Two new lineages of coronavirus detected in NZ bats
New Zealand Journal of Ecology
New research has identified two new lineages of coronavirus in New Zealand native bats, with over 60% of long-tailed bats infected during the study period. Researchers say the new viruses are not at the highest risk of transferring into human Read more about Two new lineages of coronavirus detected in NZ bats
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|Department of Conservation|Université de La Réunion -
Multiple chemicals in engineered stone could be a silicosis risk, raising questions about alternatives
Respirology
Australian researchers have found that it may not just be the quartz, or silica, in engineered stone that is causing the lung disease silicosis, raising questions about the safety of alternative products. The researchers found that aluminium and Read more about Multiple chemicals in engineered stone could be a silicosis risk, raising questions about alternatives
Australia; SA; TASThe University of Adelaide|University of Tasmania -
Fewer First Nations children are developing hearing problems in Australia
The amount of First Nations children in Australia with an ear or hearing problem nearly halved from 2001 to 2018-19, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report looked at hearing problems in children aged Read more about Fewer First Nations children are developing hearing problems in Australia
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
'Silent devastation' of drought set to increase globally under climate change
Droughts will become more frequent and more severe under climate change, according to a report launched at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The report outlines how different regions are already experiencing more numerous and intense Read more about 'Silent devastation' of drought set to increase globally under climate change
InternationalUN Convention to Combat Desertification
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