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New findings could be life-changing for genetic syndrome sufferers
JCO Precision Oncology
An international research team led by QIMR Berghofer and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has discovered that people with the hereditary cancer disorder, Li Fraumeni Syndrome, are at greater risk of a much broader spectrum of cancers than previously Read more about New findings could be life-changing for genetic syndrome sufferers
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TASQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute|The University of New South Wales... -
Cutting-edge tracking technology proves Australian whale shark tourism leads the world
Journal of Sustainable Tourism
Using technology akin to a ‘fitbit’ for sharks, a team of researchers has tagged and tracked whale sharks to study the effects of tourism at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia for the first time. In a resounding endorsement of local tourism Read more about Cutting-edge tracking technology proves Australian whale shark tourism leads the world
Australia; QLD; WAMurdoch University|The University of Queensland|University of the Sunshine Coast -
Resistance to social robots futile
Technological Forecasting and Social Change
While the rise of artificial intelligence is proving to be a contentious issue, new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found that the use of social robots in a commercial setting would likely be met with less resistance. Resistance to Read more about Resistance to social robots futile
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
Silver tourism an avenue for industry growth
Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management
There is a significant opportunity to take advantage of the untapped market of silver tourism, paving the way to not only grow the economy but also offer an ever-increasing ageing population the opportunity to maintain quality of life. Silver Read more about Silver tourism an avenue for industry growth
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University|Curtin University -
Livestock guardian dogs safeguarding livelihoods and biodiversity
Ecological Solutions and Evidence
A landmark study has revealed how Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are changing predator behaviour and supporting conservation efforts in the process. A landmark study has revealed how Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are changing predator behaviour and Read more about Livestock guardian dogs safeguarding livelihoods and biodiversity
Australia; VIC; TASUniversity of Tasmania|The University of Melbourne... -
BRIEFING ALERT: Making sense of summer's weird weather, and what's coming next
This summer, the weather has had many of us scratching our heads. The idea that El Niño = hot and dry seems to have gone out the window, as rain lashed the east coast. But if you are struggling to sort your ENSO and Indian Ocean Dipole from your Read more about BRIEFING ALERT: Making sense of summer's weird weather, and what's coming next
Australia; VIC; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Culturally diverse boards the key to sustainability
Sustainability
Research has revealed the positive impact culturally diverse boards have on the sustainability practices of Australia’s largest companies. However, the study also provides a word of caution on the ability of powerful CEOs to negate this influence. Read more about Culturally diverse boards the key to sustainability
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
Kangaroos and drag queens help an Aussie scientist win the global 'Dance your PhD' competition
Science
The global 'Dance your PhD' competition has been won by an Aussie researcher, who brought all different types of dancers together to help explain his research on eastern grey kangaroos. The video, which includes babies, drag queens, ballroom and Read more about Kangaroos and drag queens help an Aussie scientist win the global 'Dance your PhD' competition
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University -
Silence broken on gender pay gaps but we must hold organisations to account
The exposure of the gender pay gaps in large Australian organisations is a turning point for gender equality, but more must be done to hold employers to account, says a University of South Australia researcher. The exposure of the gender pay gaps Read more about Silence broken on gender pay gaps but we must hold organisations to account
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Protecting South Australian first responders against mental health impacts
Research shows emergency service personnel are twice as likely to develop anxiety, depression, and PTSD but a new Flinders University support program is aiming to prevent the onset of mental health conditions for first responders. Flinders Read more about Protecting South Australian first responders against mental health impacts
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Using AI to enhance satellite imagery to monitor our planet
Remote Sensing Letters
A new method to assess different satellite designs using a powerful AI technique to more cheaply monitor our planet from space has been released. A new method to assess different satellite designs using a powerful AI technique to more cheaply Read more about Using AI to enhance satellite imagery to monitor our planet
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology -
Gut-brain communication turned on its axis
Cell and Tissue Research
The mechanisms by which antidepressants and other emotion-focused medications work could be reconsidered due to an important new development in the understanding of how the gut communicates with the brain. New research led by Flinders University has Read more about Gut-brain communication turned on its axis
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Extreme heat while pregnant could lead to preterm births, but green spaces might help
JAMA Pediatrics
Australian researchers have found a link between being exposed to extreme heat while pregnant and the likelihood of having a preterm birth, but being around green spaces or greenness in general might mitigate the negative effects of the heat. The Read more about Extreme heat while pregnant could lead to preterm births, but green spaces might help
Australia; VICMonash University -
New gene-screening technology to boost crop disease resistance
Nature Plants
Decades of research in synthetic biology, genetics and molecular plant pathology have yielded an advancement in molecular plant pathology. Scientists at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have achieved an advancement in molecular plant Read more about New gene-screening technology to boost crop disease resistance
AustraliaCSIRO -
Antibody combo shows promise for hard to treat cancers
CANCER
A combination of two antibodies which target and boost the immune system, have shown promising results against hard to treat solid tumours in an early-stage clinical trial. The drugs, called CS1002 and CS1003 (or nofazinlimab), were trialled in Read more about Antibody combo shows promise for hard to treat cancers
Australia; NSW; VIC; SAThe University of Adelaide|The Alfred|Southern Medical Day Care Centre, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Box Hill Hospital, Albury‐Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre, Orange Health Service, CStone Pharmaceuticals -
Looking for ways to stem the rise of microplastics
1st Nano and Microplastics Australian Conference
The amount of plastic entering the oceans is expected to triple 2040, with 14 million tonnes already impacting marine ecosystems according to the United Nations. In the environment, plastic waste breaks down into micro- and nano-size particles or Read more about Looking for ways to stem the rise of microplastics
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Good things don’t come in threes for Antarctic sea ice
Journal of Climate
As this month marks the third consecutive summer with extremely low sea-ice cover around Antarctica, new statistical research points to fundamental changes taking place in the polar Southern Ocean. As this month marks the third consecutive summer Read more about Good things don’t come in threes for Antarctic sea ice
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Bureau of Meteorology|Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)... -
Targeting inflammatory protein could help treat severe asthma
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Australian scientists have developed a promising new treatment for asthma, targeting an inflammatory protein that is often resistant to steroids. The finding comes in the wake of a national spike in asthma deaths, with South Australia recording the Read more about Targeting inflammatory protein could help treat severe asthma
AustraliaUniversity of South Australia|RMIT University|The University of Adelaide... -
3D printed titanium structure shows supernatural strength
Advanced Materials
A 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ boasting levels of strength for weight not normally seen in nature or manufacturing could change how we make everything from medical implants to aircraft or rocket parts. A 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ boasting Read more about 3D printed titanium structure shows supernatural strength
Australia; VICRMIT University -
A step closer to understanding hydrogen’s greatest challenge
Nature Communications
Why hydrogen causes steels to become brittle and crack is the great conundrum of engineers and researchers looking to develop large-scale transport and storage solutions for the hydrogen age – an era Australia hopes to lead by 2030. Solving Read more about A step closer to understanding hydrogen’s greatest challenge
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of New South Wales -
CSIRO helps Heritage NSW solve 120-year maritime mystery of the SS Nemesis
An investigation by CSIRO, conducted for Heritage NSW, has helped identify the wreck of a steamship that disappeared off Australia’s east coast in 1904. A CSIRO team aboard research vessel (RV) Investigator has helped Heritage NSW solve a 120-year Read more about CSIRO helps Heritage NSW solve 120-year maritime mystery of the SS Nemesis
Australia; NSWCSIRO|NSW Government -
Drug shows promise for treating multiple food allergies
New England Journal of Medicine
A drug called omalizumab is safe and an effective treatment for multiple food allergies, according to clinical trials of the treatment in 462 people aged between one and 55, including 180 who took part in a 'gold standard' randomised controlled Read more about Drug shows promise for treating multiple food allergies
InternationalJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA -
What do Australia's scientists think of the Universities Accord final report?
The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the Australian Universities Accord Final Report released today. Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish said the report warns that unless the nation continues to produce more knowledge, skills, Read more about What do Australia's scientists think of the Universities Accord final report?
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Science -
Legalised weed linked to more workplace injuries among younger people
JAMA Health Forum
US researchers say there's an uptick in workplace injuries for younger people in states with legalised recreational marijuana. Since 2012, 24 states and Washington, DC have legalised possession and sales of small quantities of the drug, so the Read more about Legalised weed linked to more workplace injuries among younger people
InternationalSan Diego State University, USA -
Wake-up call for us all to establish regular healthy sleeping patterns
Sleep Health
It’s official. Getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night is currently out of reach for almost one-third of the population as Flinders University experts found 31% of adults had average sleep durations outside the recommended range. The Read more about Wake-up call for us all to establish regular healthy sleeping patterns
Australia; International; NSW; SAFlinders University|The University of New South Wales -
Is ChatGPT a better person than you?
PNAS
US scientists say ChatGPT-4 has aced their Turing test, proving itself indistinguishable from a real human, even when statistical methods were used to try and detect it. In fact, ChatGPT-4 displayed more humanity than some of the humans it was Read more about Is ChatGPT a better person than you?
InternationalUniversity of Michigan, USA, Stanford University, USA -
No clear link between weather and common muscle and joint symptoms
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
There is no clear connection between the weather and back, knee or hip pain, a University of Sydney led study has found, challenging a common belief that changes in weather parameters, such as temperature and humidity can trigger musculoskeletal Read more about No clear link between weather and common muscle and joint symptoms
Australia; International; NSW; VICThe University of Sydney|Monash University -
Fitter female Aussie rules footy players may be more skilful, but not less likely to be injured
PLOS ONE
An Australian study of 223 female Australian football players across five competition levels found fitter players tend to be more technically skilled, but are not necessarily less likely to injure themselves. The researchers measured physical Read more about Fitter female Aussie rules footy players may be more skilful, but not less likely to be injured
Australia; New Zealand; VIC; QLDBond University|AUT University|Victoria University -
Men with fertility problems and their families at increased risk of several cancers
Human Reproduction
US scientists say men with fertility problems and their families are more likely than those without such issues to develop a range of different cancers. The study of 786 US men with fertility problems and 5,764 fertile men found the increased risk Read more about Men with fertility problems and their families at increased risk of several cancers
InternationalUniversity of Utah, USA -
There may be no safe level of air pollution for our heart and lungs
The BMJ
Two papers from the US and China suggest that there is no safe threshold for our air quality in respect to our heart and lung health. The team say both short and long term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2. 5) in our air is linked to an Read more about There may be no safe level of air pollution for our heart and lungs
InternationalHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA -
Immunotherapy could offer remission from autoimmune disease
New England Journal of Medicine
A small trial of immunotherapy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases including lupus, sclerosis and myositis, has found that treatment with CAR T-cells led to significant improvement and in some cases complete remission of the diseases. CAR Read more about Immunotherapy could offer remission from autoimmune disease
InternationalFriedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Germany -
Rhythm of your heart holds the key to treating trauma
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Knowing how your heart beats can help identify the best way to treat post-traumatic stress, according to Australian researchers. A team from Murdoch University have discovered that a simple measure of heart rate variability, taken at rest or during Read more about Rhythm of your heart holds the key to treating trauma
Australia; International; WAMurdoch University -
New insight into gene uncovers its link to incurable birth defect
eLife
Researchers have unravelled how mutations in a gene can lead to an incurable neurodevelopmental disorder that causes abnormal brain development in newborns and infants. Researchers have unravelled how mutations in a gene can lead to an incurable Read more about New insight into gene uncovers its link to incurable birth defect
Australia; VICWEHI|La Trobe University -
Blood test could determine diabetes risks
Journal of Translational Medicine
A blood test could potentially be used to assess a patient’s risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found. Blood test could determine diabetes risks A blood test could potentially be used to assess a Read more about Blood test could determine diabetes risks
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
The Life of Brain? 'Movies' with sound illuminate patterns of brain activity
PLOS ONE
US scientists have translated complex brain imaging data into 'movies', or short videos with accompanying musical soundtracks to be more precise (there's not much of a plot). They say their approach could potentially help interpret what happens in Read more about The Life of Brain? 'Movies' with sound illuminate patterns of brain activity
InternationalColumbia University, USA -
Too much TV might make you have to wee
Neurourology and Urodynamics
Have you ever found yourself needing to wee in the night after a hearty netflix binge? Well, you might not be alone, after international researchers found adults who spent five or more hours a day watching TV and/or videos were more likely to Read more about Too much TV might make you have to wee
InternationalWenzhou Medical University(The First People's Hospital of Wenling), China -
Small study suggests yoga may help chronic back pain
Journal of Orthopaedic Research
A small study of 10 women with chronic back pain and 11 without found an eight-session yoga program over four weeks led those with pain to report a decrease in its intensity and found they had measurably more flexible spines following the program. Read more about Small study suggests yoga may help chronic back pain
InternationalUniversity of Catanzaro, Italy -
Dangerous snoring and sleep apnoea linked to an unhealthy diet
ERJ Open Research
People who eat a healthy, plant-based diet that is high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and nuts are less likely to suffer with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), according to a new study led by Flinders University. The new study is one of the first Read more about Dangerous snoring and sleep apnoea linked to an unhealthy diet
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Monarch caterpillars drink 'toxic sap' from swan plants to stay safe
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Caterpillars of the iconic Monarch butterfly may drink toxic latex from swan plants for their own self-defense. Monarch caterpillars are known to sever swan plant veins to stop toxic latex from flowing into the parts of leaves that they eat. However, Read more about Monarch caterpillars drink 'toxic sap' from swan plants to stay safe
InternationalUniversity of Hohenheim, Germany -
Could ADHD have evolved because it makes us better explorers?
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more likely to take a risk and explore new options, according to US and Indian scientists, which may make them better foragers, and possibly explorers, than people without ADHD. That Read more about Could ADHD have evolved because it makes us better explorers?
InternationalUniversity of Pennsylvania, USA -
Boosting potassium is key for blood pressure control
Journal of Human Hypertension
More than two-thirds of the blood pressure-lowering effect of salt substitutes may be due to the added potassium. While reducing salt intake has been the focus of dietary advice to control high blood pressure (hypertension), a new study suggests Read more about Boosting potassium is key for blood pressure control
Australia; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health -
Mating strategies of male Wellington tree wētā
Royal Society Open Science
Male Wellington tree wētā have three different mating strategies related to the size of their jaw-like weapons, according to new research. While male wētā that matured early had smaller weaponry, their head start allowed them to circumvent Read more about Mating strategies of male Wellington tree wētā
New ZealandUniversité du Québec à Montréal, Canada -
Does a healthy life mean a healthy gut?
Gut
Researchers from China and Hong Kong say there is a strong link between adopting a healthy lifestyle and a lower risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They say, of the 'big five' healthy behaviours, not smoking, a high level of vigorous physical Read more about Does a healthy life mean a healthy gut?
InternationalThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong -
Unravelling the genetic and environmental influences on trust
Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization
Trust, a cornerstone of human interaction, has a significant genetic component, according to new research. Trust, a cornerstone of human interaction, has a significant genetic component, with around 33% of the variation between individuals Read more about Unravelling the genetic and environmental influences on trust
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The University of Sydney -
Examining the medical mystery of a child hepatitis outbreak
Journal of Infection
An analysis of a sudden global outbreak of hepatitis in children that occurred in 2022 finds although the primary suspect is highly likely to be an infection by multiple viruses, many questions still puzzle researchers. A University of Sydney study Read more about Examining the medical mystery of a child hepatitis outbreak
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Ancient DNA reveals Down syndrome in past human societies
Nature Communications
By analysing ancient DNA, an international team of researchers have uncovered cases of chromosomal disorders, including what could be the first case of Edwards syndrome ever identified from prehistoric remains. By analysing ancient DNA, an Read more about Ancient DNA reveals Down syndrome in past human societies
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|The Australian National University... -
Prosthetic limbs may soon be able to 'feel'
Nature Communications
International researchers have created a brain-robot connection that provides more naturalistic sensations to amputees when they are walking on their prosthetics. The researchers tested their new system on three lower-limb amputees with brain Read more about Prosthetic limbs may soon be able to 'feel'
InternationalETH Zürich, Switzerland -
Will 'asking our parents for money' to pay off a home loan lead to abusing them?
Australian Journal of Social Issues
A couple of Australian researchers have suggested that more focus be put on the possibility that the now common need of younger Australians to ask their parents for assistance in buying a house could lead to the financial abuse of the parents. They Read more about Will 'asking our parents for money' to pay off a home loan lead to abusing them?
Australia; NSW; TASThe University of Newcastle|University of Tasmania -
A better peanut on your plate? New findings reveal potential for peanut crop improvement
Nature Genetics
Global population growth has led to rapidly increasing food demand, but a new international study, published in Nature Genetics, has found a way to accelerate crop improvements, specifically in peanuts. Global population growth has led to rapidly Read more about A better peanut on your plate? New findings reveal potential for peanut crop improvement
Australia; International; WAMurdoch University -
Check your heart’s health with the prick of a pin
Analytical Chemistry
Researchers at Murdoch University’s Australian National Phenome Centre have delivered a self-administered blood test that that will revolutionise the landscape of cardiovascular risk assessment. Tests usually performed to detect heart disease and Read more about Check your heart’s health with the prick of a pin
Australia; WAMurdoch University