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Scientists unlock key to breeding ‘carbon gobbling’ plants with a major appetite
Science Advances
The discovery of how a critical enzyme 'hidden in nature’s blueprint' works sheds new light on how cells control key processes in carbon fixation, a process fundamental for life on Earth. The discovery, made by scientists from The Australian Read more about Scientists unlock key to breeding ‘carbon gobbling’ plants with a major appetite
Australia; NSW; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Newcastle -
Byte-size lies: AI has mastered the art of deception
Patterns
If an android tells you it dreams of electric sheep, it may be trying to pull the steel wool over your eyes, as international and Aussie researchers say artificial intelligence (AI) systems are already adept at deception. The team says AIs trained Read more about Byte-size lies: AI has mastered the art of deception
Australia; International; VICAustralian Catholic University|Massachusetts Institute of Technology , USA -
Global analysis of 30m hydrogen energy tweets shows increase from 2015 Paris Agreement
Social Network Analysis and Mining
Australia’s hydrogen energy-related discussion on Twitter (now X), ranked seventh globally, according to an analysis of 30. 7 million tweets conducted by QUT researchers. Japan came in number one. Analysis of tweets on hydrogen energy-related Read more about Global analysis of 30m hydrogen energy tweets shows increase from 2015 Paris Agreement
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Further retractions issued for Australian concussion in sport publications
British Journal of Sports Medicine
The British Journal of Sports Medicine has retracted six articles related to concussion in sport authored by its Australian former editor, Dr Paul McCrory and corrected another two as a results of an investigation of the researcher's sole authored Read more about Further retractions issued for Australian concussion in sport publications
Australia; VICBritish Journal of Sports Medicine -
Running under a four-minute mile could be the key to a long and healthy life
British Journal of Sports Medicine
A new study released to mark this week's 70th anniversary of Sir Roger Bannister’s sub-four-minute mile record has revealed the first 200 runners to follow in his footsteps also share another remarkable trait. A new study released to mark this week Read more about Running under a four-minute mile could be the key to a long and healthy life
Australia; NSWVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI)|St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (SVI) -
Elephants say g'day with more stink than you'd think
Communications Biology
Elephants like to make full use of their impressive noses when greeting each other – even if their partner's choice of perfume is questionable. Researchers watching African elephants in a Zimbabwean reserve found most greetings involved one or Read more about Elephants say g'day with more stink than you'd think
InternationalUniversity of Vienna, Austria -
Women with gestational diabetes through 2 pregnancies at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later
JAMA Network Open
Canadian scientists say women who have gestational diabetes during two pregnancies are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes after the second pregnancy. They looked at health records for 431,980 women who had given birth twice, 10,920 of whom Read more about Women with gestational diabetes through 2 pregnancies at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later
InternationalMcGill University, Canada -
Bilbies could hop back into mild climate zones
Animal Behaviour
Bilbies bred in a sanctuary in Dubbo have provided researchers with vital clues about how they would fare in temperate Australia where they once thrived. A study of greater bilbies at Taronga Western Plains Zoo has provided some new ideas about how Read more about Bilbies could hop back into mild climate zones
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|Taronga Conservation Society Australia -
Discovery made into which children will outgrow their peanut allergy
Allergy / The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Australian researchers have discovered how changes in antibody levels over time can predict which children are likely to outgrow their peanut allergy. Research at a Glance: A Murdoch Children’s Research Institute led study has discovered how Read more about Discovery made into which children will outgrow their peanut allergy
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Melbourne... -
Too much screen time causing problems for Kiwi kids
New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy
Kids spending long stretches of time in front of screens can end up with dry eyes, back pain, poor sleep, and anxiety, a New Zealand-led review of the research finds. New Zealand students have among the world’s highest digital device use, and the Read more about Too much screen time causing problems for Kiwi kids
New ZealandAUT University|University of Auckland|Massey University -
Can environmental carers agree on the best way to look after nature?
PLOS One
A review of 77 studies found there are a wide variety of environmental "stewards" taking action to protect nature in Aotearoa. These groups include farmers, white-water rafters, Māori youth, and many others. However, the research authors found the Read more about Can environmental carers agree on the best way to look after nature?
New ZealandUniversity of Canterbury|University of Waikato|Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research -
Getting dirty to clean up the chemical industry’s environmental impact
Journal of the American Chemical Society
The global chemical industry is a major fossil fuel consumer and climate change contributor; however, new Curtin University research has identified how the sector could clean up its green credentials by getting dirty. The global chemical industry is Read more about Getting dirty to clean up the chemical industry’s environmental impact
Australia; WACurtin University|The University of Western Australia -
Rapid oyster reef restoration gives hope for repairing the sea
Restoration Ecology
After a century of functional extinction on the Australian mainland, a Flat oyster reef has been successfully restored along a metropolitan Adelaide coastline. After a century of functional extinction on the Australian mainland, a Flat oyster reef Read more about Rapid oyster reef restoration gives hope for repairing the sea
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|Government of South Australia -
New drug for sepsis shows promise in mouse and blood tests
Science Translational Medicine.
A new drug could prevent sepsis-related organ failure and death by restoring the health of a patient’s blood vessels, tests in mice and blood samples suggest. A new drug could prevent sepsis-related organ failure and death by restoring the Read more about New drug for sepsis shows promise in mouse and blood tests
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
The spread of misinformation varies by topic and by country
PLOS ONE
When it comes to combatting misinformation, it’s important to change your strategy depending on the country, according to international researchers. The team looked at news activity on Twitter (now X) in France, Germany, Italy, and the UK between Read more about The spread of misinformation varies by topic and by country
InternationalUniversity of Venice, Italy -
Ancient, endangered lamprey fish found in Queensland, 1400km north of its previous known range
Endangered Species Research
Scientists from Griffith University and the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have confirmed the identity of an unusual, ancient and Endangered species of fish that is living in the coastal rivers of Queensland, Read more about Ancient, endangered lamprey fish found in Queensland, 1400km north of its previous known range
Australia; QLDThe National Environmental Science Program's Resilient Landscapes Hub... -
Are wild pigs spreading kauri dieback disease?
New Zealand Journal of Zoology
New research finds we're "flying blind" on whether feral pigs are responsible for the spread of kauri dieback. It has been theorised that pigs could directly spread the fungus by moving infected soil around, or they could make healthy kauri more Read more about Are wild pigs spreading kauri dieback disease?
New ZealandManaaki Whenua - Landcare Research -
Is toad toxin the next antidepressant?
Nature
Modifying the psychedelic compounds found in the toxin of a poisonous toad could be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety, say US researchers who trialled the toxic toad drug on mice. Recent research has found that certain psychedelics Read more about Is toad toxin the next antidepressant?
InternationalIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA -
Pollution and climate change are just some of the ways humans are increasing infectious disease risks
Nature
Humans are contributing to the rise in emerging infectious diseases, and biodiversity loss, chemical pollution, climate change and introduced species are some of the key factors that may be driving this increase, according to international research. Read more about Pollution and climate change are just some of the ways humans are increasing infectious disease risks
InternationalUniversity of Notre Dame, USA -
Childhood maltreatment responsible for up to 40% of mental health conditions
JAMA Psychiatry
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 (Aus) on 131 114 or Beyond Blue Read more about Childhood maltreatment responsible for up to 40% of mental health conditions
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
What health messaging can help us make better choices at the vending machine?
JAMA Network Open
Labels reminding us of the healthiness (or lack thereof) and the calorie count of items at the vending machine may help us make healthier choices with our drinks but not our snacks, according to an international study. The researchers tested four Read more about What health messaging can help us make better choices at the vending machine?
InternationalUniversity of Pennsylvania, USA -
Should Medicare support genetic screening for Asian Australians at risk of reacting to epilepsy medication?
JAMA Dermatology
A specific gene is associated with an increased risk of a life threatening reaction to an epilepsy medication in many Asian populations, and an Australian study has found genetic screening for new Asian-Australian epilepsy patients is a Read more about Should Medicare support genetic screening for Asian Australians at risk of reacting to epilepsy medication?
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|The University of Sydney -
Could bad sleep during your childhood spell a risk of early adulthood psychosis?
JAMA Psychiatry
In a study involving over 12,000 kids and close to 4000 young adults, UK and Aussie researchers say they found a link between persistent shorter sleep in childhood and psychosis in young adulthood. Sleep duration was collected at multiple intervals Read more about Could bad sleep during your childhood spell a risk of early adulthood psychosis?
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|University of Birmingham, UK -
Google AI Alphafold 3 could supercharge biological research and drug discovery
Nature
AlphaFold 3, an AI model for looking at protein and molecular structures, could open up exciting possibilities for drug discovery, agricultural research, biological research, genetics, and more, according to researchers at Google DeepMind and Read more about Google AI Alphafold 3 could supercharge biological research and drug discovery
InternationalGoogle DeepMind, UK -
Potential link between PTSD and autism found in mice
iScience
People on the autism spectrum may be predisposed to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a study of a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Queensland suggests. The Read more about Potential link between PTSD and autism found in mice
Australia; QLD; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Queensland -
Grandmothers could be the answer to adolescent angst
Scientific Reports
New research has found that investment by maternal grandmothers into grandchildren who have suffered multiple adverse early life experiences (AELE’s) could significantly reduce emotional and behavioural problems in these children. Grandmothers Read more about Grandmothers could be the answer to adolescent angst
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
Sleep apnea patients can breathe easy about CPAP therapy, computer simulations suggest
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
A new comprehensive evaluation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, based on computer simulations of the respiratory tract, has found no adverse impact from its use in any part of the respiratory system. Read more about Sleep apnea patients can breathe easy about CPAP therapy, computer simulations suggest
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
These dramatic snakes fake their own deaths, complete with oozing blood effects
Biology Letters
Dice snakes, which are found across Europe and into Asia, fake their own deaths to avoid predators, and now researchers have found that by including some convincing dramatic effects such as smearing themselves with poo and oozing blood from their Read more about These dramatic snakes fake their own deaths, complete with oozing blood effects
InternationalUniversity of Belgrade, Serbia -
Why getting in touch with our ‘gerbil brain’ could help machines listen better
Current Biology
Macquarie University researchers have debunked a 75-year-old theory about how humans determine where sounds are coming from, and it could unlock the secret to creating a next generation of more adaptable and efficient hearing devices ranging from Read more about Why getting in touch with our ‘gerbil brain’ could help machines listen better
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
New rock art discoveries in Eastern Sudan reaffirm catastrophic climate change
The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology
New archaeological findings from the hyper-arid Atbai Desert, in Eastern Sudan, indicate the Sahara Desert was once a lush and green environment. New archaeological findings from the hyper-arid Atbai Desert, in Eastern Sudan, indicate the Sahara Read more about New rock art discoveries in Eastern Sudan reaffirm catastrophic climate change
Australia; International; NSWMacquarie University -
Naltrexone offers hope for Long COVID patients
Frontiers in Immunology
Researchers from Griffith University’s National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) have made a discovery that could bring relief to those struggling with Long COVID. They've identified a way to restore the faulty function of Read more about Naltrexone offers hope for Long COVID patients
Australia; QLDGriffith University|Mater Research -
Testing high risk babies at 3 months of age could help identify cerebral palsy
JAMA Network Open
Early testing of three- or four-month-old babies who are at high risk of cerebral palsy was able to reliably predict the condition and its severity at two and three years old, according to Australian research. The study looked at 116 babies who were Read more about Testing high risk babies at 3 months of age could help identify cerebral palsy
Australia; VICMonash University|Hudson Institute of Medical Research... -
Over 30% of Aussies with difficult-to-treat asthma may be current smokers
Respirology
36. 2% of Aussies with difficult-to-treat asthma may also be current smokers, according to an Aussie survey of 6,048 people with asthma, which found that 21. 7% met the international criteria for difficult-to-treat asthma. The study also found that Read more about Over 30% of Aussies with difficult-to-treat asthma may be current smokers
Australia; NSWMacquarie University|The University of New South Wales... -
Relaxation therapy might help mums produce more milk
JAMA Pediatrics
British and Malaysian researchers reviewing 16 previous studies say that relaxation interventions were associated with an increase in milk production in mums, and subsequent additional weight to their bubs. The researchers say listening to music, Read more about Relaxation therapy might help mums produce more milk
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK -
Carrying 2 copies of a particular form of this gene may cause a distinct type of Alzheimer's
Nature Medicine
Spanish and US scientists say almost everyone they investigated who had two copies of a particular form of a gene called APOE, a form called APOE4, went on to develop signs of Alzheimer's disease, which may mean it's a distinct genetic form of the Read more about Carrying 2 copies of a particular form of this gene may cause a distinct type of Alzheimer's
InternationalHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau - Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Spain -
How Venus dried up
Nature
US researchers have proposed a new possible reason as to why our spicy celestial neighbour Venus lost most of its water. They say a chemical reaction called HCO+ dissociative recombination - a process that would double the loss of water into space Read more about How Venus dried up
InternationalUniversity of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA -
To boost quality of life while aging - stay active or get active by 55
PLOS Medicine
A new study of more than 10,000 Australian women showed a significant link between regular exercise during mid-age and physical health later in life, even when the exercise routine was not started until their mid-50s. New research from Charles Read more about To boost quality of life while aging - stay active or get active by 55
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Smart wild orangutan spotted treating a facial wound with medicinal plant
Scientific Reports
German and Indonesian scientists were lucky enough to witness the first known example of a wild animal using a plant with medicinal properties to treat a wound. The male Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) in question, named Rakus, was seen chewing up Read more about Smart wild orangutan spotted treating a facial wound with medicinal plant
InternationalMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Germany -
The near-collapse of Earth's magnetic field may have contributed to complex life
Communications Earth & Environment
An unusual reduction in the strength of the Earth’s magnetic field between 591 and 565 million years ago coincided with a significant increase in the oxygen levels in the atmosphere and oceans, according to international researchers who say this Read more about The near-collapse of Earth's magnetic field may have contributed to complex life
InternationalUniversity of Rochester, USA -
EXPERT REACTION: Examining the impact of IVF on childhood cancer risk
JAMA Network Open
Children conceived by IVF have no overall increased risk of childhood cancer, according to a large study by international researchers. The team looked at a cohort of about 8. 5 million children, 260,000 of whom had been born using medically assisted Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Examining the impact of IVF on childhood cancer risk
Australia; International; NSW; VICFrench National Health Insurance, France -
First head knock-linked brain disease in NZ rugby league player
NZMJ
A post-mortem of a NZ-representative rugby league player's brain has shown that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The disease can come from repeated head knocks due to contact sports, but the report authors say that his advanced age Read more about First head knock-linked brain disease in NZ rugby league player
New ZealandTe Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand|University of Auckland -
Tenfold increase in ADHD meds in NZ still not enough
NZMJ
A New Zealand study shows a tenfold increase in the amount of medication dispensed for adults with ADHD between 2006 and 2022. Those 2022 figures meant 0. 6% of the adult population was receiving treatment, which the authors say still falls short of Read more about Tenfold increase in ADHD meds in NZ still not enough
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
CORRECTION: What can current research tell us about psilocybin as an antidepressant?
The BMJ
CORRECTION: The journal has placed and expression of concern on this paper due to an error, details below. Psilocybin - the active ingredient in magic mushrooms - can be an effective treatment for depression, however many questions remain unanswered Read more about CORRECTION: What can current research tell us about psilocybin as an antidepressant?
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK -
There could be a chemical reason why we like our beer cold
Matter
Most of us like our beer cold and our sake warm, and international researchers say there could be a chemical reason why. Two Chinese researchers were having a beer together when they decided to investigate why specific alcohol concentrations were Read more about There could be a chemical reason why we like our beer cold
InternationalChinese Academy of Sciences, China -
A new method to clean up PFAS 'forever chemicals' from firefighting foams
Nature
Firefighting foams are a major source of environmental contamination with PFAS, a group of chemicals known as 'forever chemicals' because they are so hard to remove from the environment once they are there. Now US scientists have developed a way to Read more about A new method to clean up PFAS 'forever chemicals' from firefighting foams
InternationalClarkson University, USA -
Volcanoes and music feature in 2023 Prime Minister's Science Prizes
An innovative partnership that led to discovery of the gene causing inherited stomach cancer, a scientist uncovering the psychological underpinnings of music, and a volcanologist communicating both the wonder and risks of volcanoes have been Read more about Volcanoes and music feature in 2023 Prime Minister's Science Prizes
New Zealand -
Severe mental illness linked to alarmingly high rates of physical ailments
Lancet Psychiatry
A large-scale, international study conducted by University of Queensland researchers has found people with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, are up to four times more likely to have two or more chronic physical health Read more about Severe mental illness linked to alarmingly high rates of physical ailments
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Griffith University -
The popular kids in school may be sleeping less
Frontiers in Sleep
Popular teens sleep 27 minutes less than their less popular peers, according to international research, which also found that popular girls experience more insomnia symptoms than boys. The researchers asked a sample of over 1,300 Swedish teenagers Read more about The popular kids in school may be sleeping less
InternationalÖrebro University, Sweden -
Revised dating of the Liujiang skeleton renews understanding of human occupation of China
Nature Communications
In a new international study, researchers have provided new age estimates and revised provenance information for the Liujiang human fossils, shedding light on the presence of Homo sapiens in the region. Using advanced dating techniques including Read more about Revised dating of the Liujiang skeleton renews understanding of human occupation of China
Australia; QLDGriffith University|The Australian National University -
Keeping the noise down for critical patients
HERD: Health Environments Research & Digital Design Journal
New research by Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Fiona Stanley Hospital is aiming to decrease noise levels in intensive care units (ICUs) by implementing improvements in acoustic design. Keeping the noise down for critical patientsNew research by Read more about Keeping the noise down for critical patients
Australia; QLD; WAEdith Cowan University|The University of Queensland...