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Tobacco experts praise vaping law loophole closure
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
In an editorial, Australian experts praise the Federal Government’s plans to close vaping law loopholes and call for the proposed reforms to be introduced urgently to end the youth vaping epidemic. They highlight how easy it is for young people to Read more about Tobacco experts praise vaping law loophole closure
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|University of Wollongong|Cancer Council NSW... -
What can ants tell us about biodiversity in biofuel crops?
Frontiers in Conservation Science
Studying ant communities shows that using diverse plant sources for bioenergy is crucial to protect ecosystems while making more eco-friendly fuel, according to international researchers, who say ants are a 'top candidate' for investigating how Read more about What can ants tell us about biodiversity in biofuel crops?
InternationalUniversity of Kentucky, US -
Routine health checks could prevent deaths
BMC Medicine
The UK's NHS Health Check appointments - a free, preventative screening program - are linked with a decreased risk of people dying from any cause, as well as a decreased risk of several diseases, say Hungarian and British researchers. The Read more about Routine health checks could prevent deaths
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, Oxford, UK -
Can acupuncture help people regain their speech after a stroke?
JAMA Network Open
Chinese researchers from a university that specialises in traditional Chinese medicine say that acupuncture was more effective than a sham procedure in helping stroke patients get their speech back. The team worked with 252 patients who had Read more about Can acupuncture help people regain their speech after a stroke?
InternationalFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China -
Protein blood test as effective as spinal fluid analysis for diagnosing Alzheimer's
JAMA Neurology
Testing people's blood for a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease called tau is just as effective for diagnosing the condition as analysing their spinal fluid, and less expensive and invasive, according to international scientists. They used a Read more about Protein blood test as effective as spinal fluid analysis for diagnosing Alzheimer's
InternationalGothenburg University, Sweden -
Ukraine war means we aren't getting accurate data on Arctic melting from Russia
Nature Climate Change
International research about the Arctic has had to continue without any data from Russia since the start of the Ukrainian invasion, say researchers from across the northern hemisphere. The team aimed to assess how well Arctic environmental Read more about Ukraine war means we aren't getting accurate data on Arctic melting from Russia
InternationalAarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark -
If milk makes you poo, it might protect you from diabetes type 2
Nature Metabolism
Ironically, for those who cannot produce lactase - a condition often referred to as lactose intolerance - drinking milk is associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), say US researchers. Lactase-deficient people are often in extreme Read more about If milk makes you poo, it might protect you from diabetes type 2
InternationalAlbert Einstein College of Medicine, USA -
More sport-based mental health interventions needed for young males
Psychology of Sport and Exercise
Sports-based interventions show great promise in supporting positive change in mental health outcomes – but few mental health interventions have specifically targeted young males in sport settings, and Flinders University researchers say this Read more about More sport-based mental health interventions needed for young males
Australia; SA; NTFlinders University -
Experts argue vaping crackdown should lead to tobacco endgame
Medical Journal of Australia
In a 'Perspective' article, Australian experts praise the Federal Government's vaping crackdown, but say it must be part of a wider plan to stamp tobacco out too. If tobacco is not targeted at the same time as vaping, there's a risk people who are Read more about Experts argue vaping crackdown should lead to tobacco endgame
Australia; VIC; QLDThe University of Melbourne|The University of Queensland -
Using virtual reality to get inside the criminal mind
Scientifc Reports
Edith Cowan University forensic psychology researchers have revealed new insights into the criminal mind thanks to virtual reality. It follows a study involving 101 participants who took part in mock crimes and subsequent interrogations, during VR Read more about Using virtual reality to get inside the criminal mind
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
Cleft palate treatment in Auckland: Understanding accessibility
NZMJ
Māori have one of the highest incidences of cleft palate in the world: over twice that of Pākehā. Specialist treatment can help curb some of the effects of this condition – but only if it’s accessible. A 5-year study of 79 children in the Read more about Cleft palate treatment in Auckland: Understanding accessibility
New ZealandTe Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand|University of Auckland -
The signs that could mean sleep apnoea is putting you at risk on the road
European Respiratory Journal
People with obstructive sleep apnoea who frequently use strategies such as winding down the window, drinking caffeine or turning up the radio to stay alert while driving could be most at risk of a road accident as a result of fatigue, according to Read more about The signs that could mean sleep apnoea is putting you at risk on the road
InternationalSt. James’s University Hospital, UK -
What are the dietary choices driving heart disease in Australia?
PLOS ONE
Too much red meat for women and not enough wholegrains for men are some of the biggest diet-related contributors to heart disease in Australia, according to Australian researchers. The team used data from a global disease burden study from 1990 to Read more about What are the dietary choices driving heart disease in Australia?
Australia; VICDeakin University -
Predicting other's preferences is cross cultural and uniquely human
PLOS ONE
Children across cultures can anticipate other individuals’ choices based on their preferences, according to an international study, but other great apes can't. The team tested 71 children aged 5 to 11 years from Namibia, Germany, and Samoa, and 25 Read more about Predicting other's preferences is cross cultural and uniquely human
InternationalUniversity of Portsmouth, UK -
Big doggos or small puppers: Which size faces higher risks of which diseases?
PLOS ONE
On average, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and US researchers looking into more than 25,000 dogs from 238 breeds say that may be due to different levels of risks of certain health conditions. They found bigger dogs were more Read more about Big doggos or small puppers: Which size faces higher risks of which diseases?
InternationalUniversity of Washington, USA -
Outgoing uni students more likely to feel like they belong
PLOS ONE
US researchers looking into the personality traits of 5,000 first-year university students say those who were more extroverted, agreeable and less neurotic were more likely to feel a greater sense of belonging at school. The team surveyed the Read more about Outgoing uni students more likely to feel like they belong
InternationalWake Forest University, USA -
Greenland has lost more than 1000 gigatonnes of ice since 1985
Nature
Ice sheets around the world have been retreating over the last few decades, but Greenland's ice sheet has been shrinking at a particularly fast clip since the '90s. New satellite observations have revealed the extent of this retreat, finding that Read more about Greenland has lost more than 1000 gigatonnes of ice since 1985
InternationalJet Propulsion Laboratory, USA -
Taking opioids while pregnant may cause immune issues in bub
JAMA Network Open
Australian researchers say they have found an association with mums taking opioids while pregnant and their kids having immune issues through their lives. The team looked at data from over 400,000 kids and say those kids whose mums had taken opioids Read more about Taking opioids while pregnant may cause immune issues in bub
Australia; WAThe University of Western Australia -
Relaxation techniques may not help your insomnia
JAMA Psychiatry
In a large review of previous studies on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) practices for counteracting insomnia, international researchers say relaxation procedures may actually be counterproductive to your sleep. They found the most beneficial Read more about Relaxation techniques may not help your insomnia
InternationalUniversity of Tokyo Hospital, Japan -
Federal Government’s interim AI response a sensible first step
The Australian Academy of Science supports the Australian Government’s interim response to the discussion paper for supporting responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI), including its plans to ensure AI is designed, developed and deployed safely Read more about Federal Government’s interim AI response a sensible first step
Australia; ACTAustralian Academy of Science -
Anonymisation for equity and diversity in Australian research
A multi-year study led by the office of Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador investigated the impact of anonymisation (removing identifying names and other information) on applications for access to research facilities in Australia. The results Read more about Anonymisation for equity and diversity in Australian research
AustraliaThe Australian Government's Women in STEM Ambassador, Anglo-Australian Telescope, The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, Australia Telescope National Facility, CSIRO, National Computational Merit Allocation Scheme -
Dogs may wag their tails because we like a rhythm
Biology Letters
International researchers have put forward two possible reasons as to why our dogs wag their tails: wagging might be connected to docility and tameness, or we selectively bred our puppers because we really like a rhythm. Have you ever wondered: "Why Read more about Dogs may wag their tails because we like a rhythm
InternationalMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, The Netherlands -
Cool kelp not feeling so hot under a warming ocean
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Cool edge kelp populations may be more susceptible to climate change and ocean warming than previously recognised, according to Aussie researchers who looked at Ecklonaia radiata, a kelp species common to Australia’s south coasts. The team studied Read more about Cool kelp not feeling so hot under a warming ocean
Australia; NSW; VIC; TASInstitute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)|CSIRO... -
Birds eavesdrop on other species to avoid danger, but noise pollution is making this harder
Biology Letters
Many animal species learn the alarm calls of other species living nearby and 'eavesdrop' to avoid danger, but Australian and international researchers say this could be harder to do when there's noise pollution around. To test this, the researchers Read more about Birds eavesdrop on other species to avoid danger, but noise pollution is making this harder
Australia; International; ACTThe Australian National University -
First-person listener: video gaming’s risk to hearing loss
BMJ Public Health
Playing video games is likely a source of unsafe listening and may put many gamers worldwide at risk of permanent sound-induced hearing loss and/or tinnitus, according to a new study. Researchers reviewed 14 peer-reviewed studies covering more than Read more about First-person listener: video gaming’s risk to hearing loss
Australia; InternationalUniversity of South Carolina, USA -
Australia's ageing workforce may mean an increased risk of workplace falls
Occupational & Environmental Medicine
The proportion of 50- to 64-year-olds in the Australian workforce has doubled since the mid-90s, and with this comes an increased risk of workplace falls, according to Aussie researchers who say employers need to recognise and minimise these risks. Read more about Australia's ageing workforce may mean an increased risk of workplace falls
Australia; VICMonash University -
Enlarged breasts in men linked with heightened risk of death
BMJ Open
Men with enlarged breast tissue that is not caused by excess weight could be at a heightened risk of dying before the age of 75, say Danish researchers. The condition, known as gynaecomastia, is often caused by a hormone imbalance, and the team says Read more about Enlarged breasts in men linked with heightened risk of death
InternationalCopenhagen University Hospital- Rigshospitalet Juliane Marie Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark -
Spider venom heart drug a step closer
The European Heart Journal
A spider venom molecule being investigated by a University of Queensland team has met critical benchmarks towards becoming a treatment for heart attack and stroke. A spider venom molecule being investigated by a University of Queensland team has met Read more about Spider venom heart drug a step closer
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
Healthy placenta helped clone a healthy monkey
Nature Communications
A healthy rhesus monkey has been successfully cloned and has survived for more than two years, according to international researchers who say this was achieved after providing the cloned embryo with a healthy placenta. The team analysed the Read more about Healthy placenta helped clone a healthy monkey
InternationalUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China -
Artificial light at night could be linked with an increased risk of blindness
JAMA Network Open
Outdoor artificial light at night could be linked to an increased risk of a kind of macular degeneration, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, according to Korean researchers. The team looked at 4,078 patients newly diagnosed with exudative age Read more about Artificial light at night could be linked with an increased risk of blindness
InternationalJeju National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea -
One glass of juice a day could be adding to weight gain in kids
JAMA Pediatrics
Drinking 100% fruit juice is linked to weight gain in children, according to an analysis of published studies, which included Australian data. The authors found just one serving per day of 100% fruit juice was linked to a body mass index (BMI) gain Read more about One glass of juice a day could be adding to weight gain in kids
Australia; InternationalUniversity of Toronto, Canada -
Exercise games can help prevent falls in older people
Nature Medicine
Gamified step exercises can help prevent falls in older people, according to an Australian study of over-65s. About 750 people were split into three groups and given either a training computer game aimed at preventing falls to be completed while Read more about Exercise games can help prevent falls in older people
Australia; NSW; SAThe University of New South Wales|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
DNA trawled from the oceans used to create largest catalogue of marine microbes
Frontiers in Science
Saudi and Spanish scientists have created a catalogue of marine microbes based on scanning DNA in thousands of water samples from the oceans, and say it's the largest study of ocean DNA yet. The catalogue links the microbes with their biological Read more about DNA trawled from the oceans used to create largest catalogue of marine microbes
InternationalKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia -
Taking cannabis for opioid addiction doesn't seem to help
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Cannabis is not an effective treatment for opioid addiction, according to an international study of people in the US being treated for opioid use disorder. The researchers combined the results of ten previous studies, involving a total of 8,367 Read more about Taking cannabis for opioid addiction doesn't seem to help
InternationalUniversity of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil -
Most sensitive radio image ever of ancient star cluster produced
The Astrophysical Journal
A global team of astronomers have created the most sensitive radio image ever of a globular cluster, an ancient ball of tightly-packed stars. A global team of astronomers have created the most sensitive radio image ever of a globular cluster, an Read more about Most sensitive radio image ever of ancient star cluster produced
Australia; WACurtin University|International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) -
Plants in the South Pacific began losing their diversity when humans arrived on the islands
Nature Ecology & Evolution
The arrival of humans on the islands of the South Pacific has been linked to reduced diversity of plant species in the area for thousands of years, according to international, NZ and Australian researchers. The team looked at trends in the diversity Read more about Plants in the South Pacific began losing their diversity when humans arrived on the islands
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; International; ACTThe Australian National University|University of Canterbury... -
Chemists identify 3 recreational drugs never before seen in Australia
Drug Testing and Analysis
Three new recreational drugs that have never been reported in Australia before have been identified by chemists at Australia’s only fixed-site drug checking service, CanTEST, located in Canberra. According to scientists and clinicians from The Read more about Chemists identify 3 recreational drugs never before seen in Australia
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University|CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service -
No ongoing lung issues in kids who were exposed to the Hazelwood coalmine fire as babies
Respirology
Australian researchers have found no evidence of ongoing lung function changes in children who were exposed as babies to the Hazelwood coalmine fire in Victoria. The coal mine fire produced extreme air pollution that lasted for six weeks, leading Read more about No ongoing lung issues in kids who were exposed to the Hazelwood coalmine fire as babies
Australia; VIC; WA; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Telethon Kids Institute|Curtin University... -
Cycling deaths on the decline, but not in all age groups
Injury Prevention
New research shows there is a stark contrast between fatality rates in younger and older cyclists in Australia. Cycling deaths are slowly declining in Australia, but fatalities involving single riders and older people are on the rise. Analysis of Read more about Cycling deaths on the decline, but not in all age groups
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
WMO confirms 2023 was the hottest year on record
Now that 2023 is over, the World Meteorological Organization has confirmed it was the hottest year globally since records began. Following their original declaration in November, the WMO has consolidated data from six leading global weather Read more about WMO confirms 2023 was the hottest year on record
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
Thirty percent of Kiwi cat owners are opposed to keeping their cats inside
PLOS One
Only a small number of NZ cat owners contain their cats, even though letting your feline friend roam outside can be harmful for the cat, native wildlife, and the wider environment. Kiwi researchers surveyed almost 400 cat owners to understand their Read more about Thirty percent of Kiwi cat owners are opposed to keeping their cats inside
New ZealandUniversity of Canterbury -
Males of newly described Australian burrowing scorpions have a big tail to tell
Australian Journal of Zoology
An Australian study has found some surprising features in two new species of burrowing scorpions, including a very strangely shaped ‘tail tip’ and some ‘sexy’ anatomy features. Terrestrial biologists from South Australia’s Flinders Read more about Males of newly described Australian burrowing scorpions have a big tail to tell
Australia; SA; WAFlinders University|Murdoch University -
People who die suddenly after exercising less likely to have drugs in their system than for other sudden deaths
JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology
People who die from sports-related sudden cardiac death are less likely to have drugs in their system than those who have a sudden cardiac death that isn't sports-related, according to Australian and international researchers. The team says it can Read more about People who die suddenly after exercising less likely to have drugs in their system than for other sudden deaths
Australia; International; NSW; VICThe University of Sydney|Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute... -
Higher waist circumference linked to higher risk of infertility in women
PLOS ONE
Women with higher waist circumference measurements have a higher risk of infertility, according to international researchers. The team compared the waist circumference of 3,239 women aged 18-45, 327 of whom were infertile. The researchers say those Read more about Higher waist circumference linked to higher risk of infertility in women
InternationalHuizhou Central People’s Hospital, China -
Steroid creams may increase the risk of osteoporosis
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
Topical corticosteroids, creams commonly used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, could increase your risk of osteoporosis over time, according to international research. The team matched nearly 130,000 osteoporosis Read more about Steroid creams may increase the risk of osteoporosis
InternationalNational Taiwan University College of Medicine -
Scientists to fight new spread of tropical disease
Scientists will use cutting-edge technology to determine and predict where the threat of the disease melioidosis is greatest, as the incidence of this dangerous condition increases. According to Aussie researchers, the disease is now appearing in Read more about Scientists to fight new spread of tropical disease
Australia; QLDJames Cook University|Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) -
Global heavyweights line up to attend Quantum Australia 2024 conference
Australia's #1 quantum conference is on again in February 2024, with top government officials from Australia, the UK and USA; quantum entrepreneurs from Australia, Canada, Finland, USA and Singapore; and leading researchers from across the country. Read more about Global heavyweights line up to attend Quantum Australia 2024 conference
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
New Zealand is consistently sucking up carbon, Australia less so
Global Biogeochemical Cycles
Researchers have measured the Australasia region's carbon emissions and storage over the last decade, finding that the Tasman Sea neighbours together nearly achieve net zero. New Zealand's forests suck up carbon dioxide, and the country has lower Read more about New Zealand is consistently sucking up carbon, Australia less so
Australia; New ZealandCSIRO|GNS Science|National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)... -
Oceanography, seafloor mapping and satellite combine to map world’s strongest current
RV Investigator has been working for the last five weeks to understand how this natural barrier contributes to melting Antarctic ice shelves - and the potential for sea-level rise. From space to the seafloor, an Australian and international research Read more about Oceanography, seafloor mapping and satellite combine to map world’s strongest current
Australia; TASCSIRO -
Hardships during youth may alter brain development
JNeurosci
Facing hardships in childhood could alter brain development, according to international researchers who analysed data from previous studies of 12,000 young teens. The team found that higher levels of family conflict was associated with increased Read more about Hardships during youth may alter brain development
InternationalKing’s College London, UK