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New software makes rapid inroads to find viral weapons for germ warfare
Bioinformatics
A new bioinformatics software program at Flinders University is paving the way for a rapid expansion of research into bacteriophages, the viruses or phages that play key roles in controlling bacteria. Experts at the Flinders University College of Read more about New software makes rapid inroads to find viral weapons for germ warfare
Australia; International; SAFlinders University|The University of Adelaide -
Identifying how Australia must grasp new workforce technologies
The future of work in Australia is placed under the microscope by leading Australian academics in an incisive new book that paints a realistic picture about the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies. Led by Flinders University Read more about Identifying how Australia must grasp new workforce technologies
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Cats like to fetch when they’re feline playful
Scientific Reports
Cats love to play fetch with their owners, especially if they're in charge, according to international research. The researchers surveyed nearly 1000 cat owners whose cats liked to play fetch to find out more about the behaviour. The researchers say Read more about Cats like to fetch when they’re feline playful
InternationalUniversity of Sussex, UK -
Disturbed sleep in preschoolers linked to emotional and behavioural problems
JAMA Network Open
Chinese scientists looked at data for 17,182 children with an average age of nearly four years, and say they found a link between disturbed sleep and emotional and behavioural problems. Kids with sleep disturbances were more likely to have Read more about Disturbed sleep in preschoolers linked to emotional and behavioural problems
InternationalShanghai Jiao Tong University, China -
2 in 5 Indigenous adults may have impaired lung function
Respirology
Almost 40% of adult Indigenous Australians have abnormal lung function, according to Australian research. The team used data from 686 Indigenous Australians involved in a study from birth, including information on childhood factors that could impact Read more about 2 in 5 Indigenous adults may have impaired lung function
Australia; VIC; QLD; WA; NTMenzies School of Health Research|Curtin University... -
Applying NZ’s Covid contact tracing system to STIs
New Zealand Medical Journal
A centralised system to contact trace sexually transmitted infections, similar to what NZ created for COVID-19, would bring a more consistent approach to what’s currently done at the clinic level, according to a small qualitative study of 12 Read more about Applying NZ’s Covid contact tracing system to STIs
New Zealand; PacificUniversity of Otago -
NZ experts say smokefree repeal is “public health vandalism”
New Zealand Medical Journal
In an editorial piece for the New Zealand Medical Journal, tobacco control researchers discuss lessons learned from the new coalition Government’s controversial decision to repeal world-first measures to stub out smoking in Aotearoa. They write Read more about NZ experts say smokefree repeal is “public health vandalism”
New Zealand; PacificUniversity of Otago|University of Auckland -
Mums are more likely to have their babies during their own birth month
Population Studies
Babies are more likely to be born during the month of their mum's birthday, according to international researchers. The team looked at data on more than 10 million births to investigate how the birth month of parents influences the time their Read more about Mums are more likely to have their babies during their own birth month
InternationalUniversity of Alcalá, Spain -
Why making things matters to Australia’s future
Australia’s ability to sustain its local manufacturing industry is under threat by a generational loss of crafts and hands-on making expertise, according to a UniSA research report. Australia’s ability to sustain its local manufacturing industry Read more about Why making things matters to Australia’s future
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
EXPERT REACTION: Final COP28 agreement signed, committing to 'transition away from fossil fuels'
There is now a final COP28 Agreement. The final agreement calls for countries to quickly shift energy systems away from fossil fuels in a just and orderly fashion, qualifications that helped convince those holding out. Under the deal, countries are Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Final COP28 agreement signed, committing to 'transition away from fossil fuels'
Australia; Pacific; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; WA; TAS; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre -
EXPERT REACTION: Kathleen Folbigg's convictions quashed
The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal has quashed the convictions of Kathleen Folbigg over the deaths of her four young children. This decision comes after she was pardoned following an inquiry led by Hon Thomas Bathurst AC KC which focused on new Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Kathleen Folbigg's convictions quashed
Australia; NSW; SA; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre -
Unravelling the association between neonatal proteins and adult health
Cell Genomics
Research led by Professor John McGrath from the University of Queensland found that the concentration of the C4 protein, an important part of the immune system, was not associated with risk of mental disorders. However, the research also showed that Read more about Unravelling the association between neonatal proteins and adult health
Australia; QLDQueensland Brain Institute|The University of Queensland -
Vaccination coverage in children continues to decline following easing of pandemic-related restrictions
A new report from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) shows vaccination coverage in children has continued to decrease since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A new report from the National Centre for Read more about Vaccination coverage in children continues to decline following easing of pandemic-related restrictions
Australia; NSWNational Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) -
Climate change threatens a quarter of Australia’s low-lying coral reef islands
Science of the Total Environment
University of Sydney researchers have found 25 percent of Australia’s coral islands, land masses formed by reefs, currently face high to very high risk of being wiped out by climate change. University of Sydney researchers have found 25 percent of Read more about Climate change threatens a quarter of Australia’s low-lying coral reef islands
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Moderna's mRNA vaccine for RSV appears to be safe and effective in older adults
New England Journal of Medicine
A gold standard clinical trial of Moderna's mRNA-1345 vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in more than 35,000 adults aged 60 or over found the vaccine was 83. 7% effective against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease with at Read more about Moderna's mRNA vaccine for RSV appears to be safe and effective in older adults
InternationalModerna, USA -
Vikings in Sweden suffered from tooth decay
PLOS ONE
Vikings may have conquered the seas and won many wars, but one battle they struggled with was tooth decay, according to international researchers. The team found thousands of Viking graves near the remains of a Christian church, dating to the Read more about Vikings in Sweden suffered from tooth decay
InternationalUniversity of Gothenburg, Sweden -
Mooving cattle away from a pure grass diet may reduce carbon footprint
PLOS ONE
Cattle farmers that keep their livestock on a lifelong grass-based diet create a larger carbon footprint than those who switch their cows to a grain-based diet partway through their lives, say US researchers. Past research has focused on how much Read more about Mooving cattle away from a pure grass diet may reduce carbon footprint
InternationalThe Breakthrough Institute, USA -
Animal tests suggest inhaled COVID-19 vaccine may prevent disease
Nature
Chinese and Australian scientists have developed an inhaled COVID-19 vaccine, and tests in animals found it triggers an immune response and confers strong protection against infection. The researchers hope their new vaccine, which is based on a Read more about Animal tests suggest inhaled COVID-19 vaccine may prevent disease
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, McMaster University, Canada -
Increased levels of this hormone may lie behind morning sickness
Nature
International scientists say increased levels of a hormone called growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) may explain nausea during pregnancy, including morning sickness. The team measured levels of GDF15 in expectant mothers in their first Read more about Increased levels of this hormone may lie behind morning sickness
InternationalUniversity of Cambridge, UK -
DNA discovery opens door to personalised medicine for Indigenous Australians
Nature
The most comprehensive analysis of Indigenous Australians’ genomes collected to date has revealed an “abundance” of DNA variations – some of which have never been reported anywhere else in the world – paving the way for new, personalised Read more about DNA discovery opens door to personalised medicine for Indigenous Australians
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Melbourne... -
Some dairy cows produce 15% fewer methane emissions, but just as much milk
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research
Cows produce methane emissions as a by-product of their digestion - and this methane is the largest contributor from the agricultural sector to greenhouse gases in both Ireland and New Zealand. Irish and Kiwi researchers ranked 45 Irish dairy cows Read more about Some dairy cows produce 15% fewer methane emissions, but just as much milk
New Zealand; InternationalMassey University|Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Co., Cork, Ireland -
ChatGPT named among top 10 science newsmakers of 2023
Nature
ChatGPT has been included in Nature's top 10 newsmaker list, aimed at recognising the people behind the biggest stories in science of the year. While not a person, the journal says ChatGPT has dominated science news in 2023 and it and artificial Read more about ChatGPT named among top 10 science newsmakers of 2023
InternationalSpringer Nature -
Mental health and addiction now second largest cause of disease in Australia
Mental health and substance use disorders are now the second largest group of diseases causing illness and premature death in Australia, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report, which looks at the burden Read more about Mental health and addiction now second largest cause of disease in Australia
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Melting permafrost could release vast quantities of methane into the atmosphere
Frontiers in Earth Science
Vast quantities of methane may be trapped beneath the Svalbard permafrost, and it could escape if the permafrost thaws, according to international researchers, who say its release could result in further global warming. The team say that methane is Read more about Melting permafrost could release vast quantities of methane into the atmosphere
InternationalThe University Centre in Svalbard, Norway -
You 'aorta' look beyond muscle and bone for falls and fracture risk: New AI algorithm identifies high risk older women
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research
A new automated machine-learning algorithm has been developed by researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) to accurately assess abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), which could increase the risk of fall-related hospitalisation and clinical Read more about You 'aorta' look beyond muscle and bone for falls and fracture risk: New AI algorithm identifies high risk older women
Australia; NSW; WAEdith Cowan University|The University of Sydney -
Why sea snakes have big ladies who have big babies
Royal Society Open Science
Two sea snake sssssstudies by Australian experts shed light on why females tend to be bigger than males and why they give birth to larger offspring than snakes on land. The first study suggests moving from land to sea meant the usual way snakes find Read more about Why sea snakes have big ladies who have big babies
Australia; NSW; NTMacquarie University|Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) -
A biting discovery about Tasmanian devils
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
A Tasmanian devil expert has uncovered an evolutionary quirk that sets carnivorous marsupials apart from the crowd – and the secret lies behind their smiles. A Tasmanian devil expert has uncovered an evolutionary quirk that sets carnivorous Read more about A biting discovery about Tasmanian devils
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania -
So-narked: Military sonar disrupts fin whales
Royal Society Open Science
US and UK researchers say that the use of sonar by the military is causing endangered fin whales to change how they dive and search for food. The team tagged and monitored groups of fin whales around the south coasts of California in the US and Read more about So-narked: Military sonar disrupts fin whales
InternationalUniversity of Santa Cruz, USA -
Tagged turtles and 3D ocean current maps reveal loggerheads loggerhead-ing north
Journal of the Royal Society Interface
International scientists tagged 25 loggerhead turtles as they migrated from Reunion Island in the Pacific and combined their movement data with 3D maps of ocean currents to investigate how the animals navigate on ocean voyages. They found the Read more about Tagged turtles and 3D ocean current maps reveal loggerheads loggerhead-ing north
InternationalLaboratoire de l’Atmosphère et des Cyclones, France -
First-in-human implantation of bionic device to halt Crohn’s disease
Researchers could be on the brink of transforming the treatment of Crohn’s disease using a bionic nerve stimulation device that uses electricity to trigger the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response, preventing damaging gut inflammation Read more about First-in-human implantation of bionic device to halt Crohn’s disease
Australia; International; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health... -
Riskiest skateboard wipeouts revealed
Injury Prevention
Canadian researchers have revealed the riskiest moves in the skatepark when it comes to injury and say it might be worth grading the different features based on the level of expertise needed to pull off those sick moves safely, fellow kids. They Read more about Riskiest skateboard wipeouts revealed
InternationalUniversity of Guelph, Canada -
Free electric vehicle charging at work? It’s possible with optimum solar
Renewable Energy
The global surge in electric vehicle sales has prompted an Australian university to explore how it could offer free or nominal EV charging facilities to staff and students by optimising its solar PV system and minimising workplace electricity costs. Read more about Free electric vehicle charging at work? It’s possible with optimum solar
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines show robust boosting potential
eBioMedicine
Two Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines have shown strong potential to be an improved approach for boosting immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants according to interim results of a Phase 1 clinical trial. Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines show robust boosting Read more about Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines show robust boosting potential
Australia; International; VIC; SAThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity... -
Free-ranging domestic cats may be cat-astrophic for wild species
Nature Communications
Our pointy-eared overlords are cat-astrophic for the environment, according to Aussie and international researchers who say free-ranging domestic cats eat more than 2,000 other animal species. The team compiled a database of scientific records of Read more about Free-ranging domestic cats may be cat-astrophic for wild species
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; NTThe University of Sydney|Charles Darwin University -
How to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from NZ's power system, while avoiding cold showers
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Greater use of electricity and more uptake of renewable energies such as wind and solar present challenges for power systems and distribution networks. It will be very expensive to upgrade infrastructure, but spreading out power use and therefore Read more about How to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from NZ's power system, while avoiding cold showers
New ZealandUniversity of Canterbury -
Cannabis use during pregnancy associated with higher risk of complications
JAMA
Exposure to cannabis during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of a range of complications including stillbirth and preterm birth, according to international researchers. The team collected data on over 9,000 women who had supplied urine Read more about Cannabis use during pregnancy associated with higher risk of complications
InternationalUniversity of Utah Health, USA -
Could bushfires be spreading carcinogenic dust?
Nature Communications
Wildfires might cause more health problems than smoke and dust inhalation, according to international researchers who say the fires also increase the abundance of toxic metals in the environment. The team analysed soils and ash produced from the Read more about Could bushfires be spreading carcinogenic dust?
InternationalStanford University, USA -
Trial may bring hope to children with rare muscle disorder
Australian researchers are at the forefront of a new clinical trial that may bring hope to children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and their families. Australian researchers are at the forefront of a new clinical trial that may bring hope to Read more about Trial may bring hope to children with rare muscle disorder
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) -
Blending the school curriculum to create eco warriors
Teaching Science
They’re among our youngest citizens, but when children learn about sustainability in their own backyard, they’re more likely to protect the environment, say University of South Australia researchers. They’re among our youngest citizens, but Read more about Blending the school curriculum to create eco warriors
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Discovering two new genetic variants for Alzheimer’s disease
Scientific Reports
Alzheimer’s disease is the most predominate form of dementia. With Australia's growing and ageing population dementia rates are predicted to double by 2058. Research scientists at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have used AI to Read more about Discovering two new genetic variants for Alzheimer’s disease
Australia; ACTCSIRO -
EXPERT REACTION: Draft COP28 agreement text criticised for fossil fuel omission
A draft agreement at the COP28 climate change summit was released overnight, and a group of countries including Australia have criticised the lack of a commitment within the draft to 'phase out' or 'phase down' fossil fuels. The agreement Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Draft COP28 agreement text criticised for fossil fuel omission
Australia; Pacific; VIC; QLD; WA; TAS; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre -
Ukraine may have lost 20% of its pre-war scientific research capacity
Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
Ukraine may have lost about 20% of its scientific research capacity – time directly spent by scientists on research activities – as a consequence of the Russia-Ukraine war, according to international researchers. The team surveyed 2,559 Read more about Ukraine may have lost 20% of its pre-war scientific research capacity
InternationalEcole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland -
Women need better long-term care after childbirth
The Lancet Global Health
Women are experiencing a range of health conditions following the birth of a child that could last months, years or even a lifetime, new research released in Lancet Global Health, has found. Women are experiencing a range of health conditions Read more about Women need better long-term care after childbirth
Australia; International; VICBurnet Institute -
Why the long face? Solving a major puzzle in mammal skull shape evolution
Biological Reviews
Horses have developed long faces simply ‘because they can,’ a team of evolutionary biologists say. In a major review of how mammalian heads evolve, scientists from Flinders University and The University of Adelaide found that adaptations to Read more about Why the long face? Solving a major puzzle in mammal skull shape evolution
Australia; SAFlinders University|The University of Adelaide -
Over half of NZ women report intimate partner violence
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
Almost two-thirds of Māori women and just over 60% NZ European women report having experienced any form of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetimes, according to data from more than 1400 women who had ever been in a partnership. IPV Read more about Over half of NZ women report intimate partner violence
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland -
Patients told to get pregnant to treat endometriosis
BMC Women's Health
Research shows patients with endometriosis are being told to plan a pregnancy to help manage or treat the condition, despite a lack of evidence to show it reduces symptoms. The controversial advice has prompted calls to improve medical education Read more about Patients told to get pregnant to treat endometriosis
Australia; NSW; SAThe University of Adelaide|The University of Sydney... -
Simulating 30,000 years of earthquakes in Aotearoa shows which coasts most at risk from big tsunamis
Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth
Tsunamis don't happen very often and we only have a few decades of modern data, so it's difficult to assess this infrequent but potentially deadly hazard. Computer modelling can help by producing "synthetic earthquake catalogues" that simulate Read more about Simulating 30,000 years of earthquakes in Aotearoa shows which coasts most at risk from big tsunamis
New Zealand; InternationalVictoria University of Wellington|GNS Science|National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)... -
That really shucks: Pesticide pollution threatens shellfish safety
Environmental Pollution
New research led by Southern Cross University has found a cocktail of nasty pesticides in oysters and water from one of the NSW North Coast’s dominant rivers. Samples taken from the Richmond River estuary reveal 21 different pesticides, including Read more about That really shucks: Pesticide pollution threatens shellfish safety
Australia; NSWSouthern Cross University|NSW Government -
Diet and air pollution among biggest contributors to global heart disease problem
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
19. 8 million people died around the world as a result of heart disease in 2022, according to a report on the global burden on heart disease by international and Australian researchers. The report breaks own death and disability trends from heart Read more about Diet and air pollution among biggest contributors to global heart disease problem
Australia; International; NSW; WABaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|The University of Western Australia... -
Tackling teen harms of social media health misinformation
JAMA Pediatrics
US researchers highlight the dangers of teens being exposed to misinformation about health on social media and suggest some measures that might help. Those include teaching teens at school to be more discerning about which information they trust and Read more about Tackling teen harms of social media health misinformation
InternationalBoston University School of Public Health, USA
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