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WMO says 2023 was hottest year on record - by a lot
A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) shows that we smashed previous records for greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, Antarctic sea ice cover and our glaciers retreating. Read more about WMO says 2023 was hottest year on record - by a lot
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor
Advanced Sensor Research
For decades, people with diabetes have relied on finger pricks to withdraw blood or adhesive microneedles to measure and manage their glucose levels. Researchers have taken an important step towards eliminating this discomfort with the discovery of Read more about Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor
Australia; VICARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)... -
Taking back control - Economists warn of side-effects of raising the retirement age
The Economic Journal
Leaving paid work opens the door to potentially the best stage of life, and a new study confirms the health and wellbeing benefits which can stem from retirement via an individual’s increased ‘locus of control,’ a psychological trait Read more about Taking back control - Economists warn of side-effects of raising the retirement age
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Alternative tidal wetlands in plain sight overlooked Blue Carbon superstars
BioScience
In a new study, scientists from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Vietnam, the US and Mexico have highlighted the increasing opportunities for Blue Carbon projects for the conservation, restoration and improved management of highly Read more about Alternative tidal wetlands in plain sight overlooked Blue Carbon superstars
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University -
‘Climate rollercoaster’: strong weather fluctuations rocked Australia in 2023
2023 was a “year of opposites” for Australia’s environment, but despite conditions fluctuating between wet and dry, overall conditions remain stable following a bumper year in 2022, according to the latest Australia’s Environment Report, led Read more about ‘Climate rollercoaster’: strong weather fluctuations rocked Australia in 2023
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTThe Australian National University -
Hope for autoinflammatory disease treatment
Science Signalling
University of Queensland researchers have discovered how the ‘on-switch’ for the body’s inflammation machinery can get stuck, causing rare genetic inflammatory diseases. In these diseases, there are genetic mutations that stick the Read more about Hope for autoinflammatory disease treatment
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
Being poorer might age our brains faster
JNeurosci
Swiss and German researchers say they found a link between having a lower household income and the speed at which the white matter in our brains declines. White matter is important for our cognition as it relays information between different regions Read more about Being poorer might age our brains faster
InternationalGeneva University Hospitals, Switzerland -
Why do cancer patients lose weight?
Nature Metabolism
About 20% of cancer deaths can be attributed to weight loss caused by the disease, and international researchers believe they have discovered a way cancer-related weight loss happens. The researchers screened the levels of metabolites - substances Read more about Why do cancer patients lose weight?
InternationalPeking University, China -
Animal activity changed in unexpected ways during lockdown
Nature Ecology and Evolution
Using data from global wildlife camera traps, researchers have outlined how various types of mammals took advantage of the "anthropause": the sudden decrease in human activity during the pandemic. Despite the popular meme that "nature is healing", Read more about Animal activity changed in unexpected ways during lockdown
InternationalUniversity of British Columbia, Canada -
Which anti-seizure medications are safest to take while pregnant?
JAMA Neurology
Some common anti-seizure medications are much safer to take while pregnant, according to Australian and international research. Many women with epilepsy need to continue taking anti-seizure medications while pregnant, despite these medications Read more about Which anti-seizure medications are safest to take while pregnant?
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Monash University -
Sustainable solution for wastewater polluted by dyes (and it's 'golden')
Solar RRR
Water pollution from dyes used in textile, food, cosmetic and other manufacturing is a major ecological concern with industry and scientists seeking biocompatible and more sustainable alternatives to protect the environment. A new study led by Read more about Sustainable solution for wastewater polluted by dyes (and it's 'golden')
Australia; International; QLD; SAFlinders University|Griffith University -
Alarm bells ring as scientists uncover major flaws in ability to track changes to global conservation areas
One Earth
An international team of researchers has identified a method to carefully monitor changes in Conserved Areas. In a significant stride towards safeguarding global biodiversity, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has set a target Read more about Alarm bells ring as scientists uncover major flaws in ability to track changes to global conservation areas
Australia; VICMonash University|WWF Australia -
Re"pee"t urine testing recommended for more accurate kidney disease diagnosis
American Journal of Kidney Diseases
A team of Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute researchers has found that repeated measurement of albuminuria would provide a far more accurate measure of the progression of diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) than current practices. A team of our Read more about Re"pee"t urine testing recommended for more accurate kidney disease diagnosis
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|Monash University... -
Patient-paramedic trust can help free up emergency departments
The professionalism and compassion of paramedics attending emergency calls can reduce unnecessary presentations at hospital emergency departments, according to University of the Sunshine Coast research by a veteran ambulance officer. The Read more about Patient-paramedic trust can help free up emergency departments
Australia; NSW; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
For 3 days, the quantum world centred on Australia
Quantum Australia 2024
Business is ignoring the hype and preparing for moon-shot applications. THERE WAS A REAL buzz at Quantum Australia 2024 conference: the panels had diverse representatives from four corners of the globe, international heavy hitters appeared in Read more about For 3 days, the quantum world centred on Australia
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Biodiversity Council slams environmental law carve out for offshore oil and gas industry
Proposed amendments, hidden within the government’s Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Safety and Other Measures) Bill 2024, would carve out the offshore oil and gas industry from needing to comply with national Read more about Biodiversity Council slams environmental law carve out for offshore oil and gas industry
Australia; VIC; ACTBiodiversity Council|The University of Melbourne|The Australian National University -
Excessive gaming causing health issues
Computers in Human Behaviour
University of Queensland research has found gaming for more than three hours a day can lead to health problems. University of Queensland research has found gaming for more than three hours a day can lead to health problems. Dr Daniel Read more about Excessive gaming causing health issues
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Queensland|The University of New South Wales... -
Getting to the heart of the problem: New approach to preventing age-induced cardiovascular disease
The FASEB Journal
Melbourne researchers have advanced evidence to support the development of a new class of drugs to regulate blood pressure and age-associated changes in cardiovascular function. Melbourne researchers, led by Monash University, have advanced evidence Read more about Getting to the heart of the problem: New approach to preventing age-induced cardiovascular disease
Australia; VICMonash University|Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute... -
Small but mighty: Marine zooplankton bring global meeting to Hobart
7th ICES-PICES International Zooplankton Production Symposium
Marine zooplankton are the most abundant and diverse (and beautiful) ‘eco-influencers’ on the planet. Hundreds of scientists are gathering to discuss the future of zooplankton in a changing world. More than 340 scientists from 38 countries Read more about Small but mighty: Marine zooplankton bring global meeting to Hobart
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania -
Diabetes drug helps weight loss regardless of how overweight or obese a patient is, and for how long
European Congress on Obesity
Diabetes drug Tirzepatide is able to help a person with overweight/obesity lose weight regardless of how long they have had the weight and how overweight or obese they are, according to two conference presentations set for the European Congress on Read more about Diabetes drug helps weight loss regardless of how overweight or obese a patient is, and for how long
InternationalUniversity College Dublin, Ireland (Presentation 1), University of Naples Federico II, Italy (Presentation 2) -
Protein discovery sparks treatment hope for aggressive cancer
Science Advances
Researchers have found a new way to potentially treat one of the most common forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Researchers have found a new way to potentially treat one of the most common forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The study, led Read more about Protein discovery sparks treatment hope for aggressive cancer
Australia; VIC; QLD; SAWEHI|Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Dogs could leave you less stressed and help you concentrate
PLOS ONE
Feeling stressed? Can’t concentrate? Try pawsing and hanging out with a dog, suggests a small international study. The team asked 30 participants to perform eight activities with a well-trained dog, including playing with a toy, giving her treats, Read more about Dogs could leave you less stressed and help you concentrate
InternationalKonkuk University, South Korea -
Snow-go areas: ski fields in NZ and Australia will be drastically affected by climate change
PLOS One
Ski areas in Australia and New Zealand will soon have much less snow due to climate change. Researchers predict that by 2071–2100 average annual snow cover days will decline 78% in the Australian Alps and 51% in the Southern Alps of Aotearoa, Read more about Snow-go areas: ski fields in NZ and Australia will be drastically affected by climate change
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany -
Take a deep breath: the Wim Hof method seems to work
PLOS ONE
The first full review of work on the Wim Hof breathing method suggests that it does help reduce inflammation. The method's impact on athletic performance was less clear. The Wim Hof method may reduce inflammation, per systematic reviewThe Wim Hof Read more about Take a deep breath: the Wim Hof method seems to work
InternationalWarwick Medical School -
"What’s gonna happen to the dog?” Photos reveal struggles of people and pets living with homelessness
PLOS ONE
A photo project has documented the lives of people and their pets who are living with homelessness. The project as a Photovoice project—a research method that invites community members to take photos that can help deepen understanding of a certain Read more about "What’s gonna happen to the dog?” Photos reveal struggles of people and pets living with homelessness
InternationalUniversity of Washington, USA -
Serious racial and sexual discrimination in Aussie university leadership
PLOS ONE
Racism against non-Europeans is extreme, and levels of sexism are still strong when it comes to who is appointed to Vice-Chancellor (VC) roles at Australian universities, according to new research. The team used statistics to look at whether biases Read more about Serious racial and sexual discrimination in Aussie university leadership
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
What whales can teach us about menopause
Nature
Menopause is extremely rare outside of humans; most female animals spend virtually their entire lifespan pre-menopause. But several species of toothed whales have independently evolved menopause. Why? A new study suggests that transitioning to Read more about What whales can teach us about menopause
InternationalUniversity of Exeter, University of York, Center for Whale Research Friday Harbor -
Drought might make overnight burning wildfires a bigger problem
Nature
Overnight burning of wildfires is likely to increase during drought conditions, according to international researchers, who say the increased availability of extremely dry fuel that comes with drought conditions is the most important factor for Read more about Drought might make overnight burning wildfires a bigger problem
InternationalUniversity of Alberta, Canada -
Teens who have used psychedelics may have lower rates of psychotic symptoms
JAMA Psychiatry
A study of twins has found that the use of psychedelics may be linked to lower rates of psychotic symptoms at age 15, although for teens with a higher genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder, it was linked to more manic Read more about Teens who have used psychedelics may have lower rates of psychotic symptoms
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Karolinska Institutet, Sweden -
Covid rebound could have different causes
JAMA Network Open
Chinese researchers studied Covid rebound rates after people with mild or moderate Covid took either Paxlovid or a new kind of antiviral called VV116. In both cases, roughly one out of every five patients saw their viral loads bounce back, and a Read more about Covid rebound could have different causes
InternationalNational Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, China; See PDF for full list of author affiliations -
New device targets affordable mobile community tests for kidney disease
Methods
Kidney disease is a growing global problem, with a new portable device developed by Flinders University showcasing some of the science and innovation being thrown at the issue. With World Kidney Day highlighting how chronic kidney disease affects Read more about New device targets affordable mobile community tests for kidney disease
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Call to improve challenging behaviour support services under the NDIS
Australian Journal of Social Issues
The Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme funds positive behaviour support (PBS) for people living with disabilities with challenging behaviour support needs. Led by Flinders University, a new study of 392 NDIS-registered behaviour Read more about Call to improve challenging behaviour support services under the NDIS
Australia; VIC; SAFlinders University|Deakin University -
Hope for treating sleep disorders, no pills required
Frontiers in Sleep
Are sleeping pills the only solution for insomnia? Not according to Flinders University’s Dr Alexander Sweetman, who says that using self-guided digital behavioural therapy is an alternative solution that should be considered. Are sleeping pills Read more about Hope for treating sleep disorders, no pills required
Australia; International; SA; WAFlinders University|The University of Western Australia -
Maternal health support critical in the development of children born to mothers with pre-existing diabetes
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found that intrauterine exposure to diabetes could be a crucial factor in the mental and psychomotor development of children, particularly those younger than 12 months. Maternal health support critical Read more about Maternal health support critical in the development of children born to mothers with pre-existing diabetes
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
Record efficiency for next-gen roll-to-roll printed solar cells
Nature Communications
This clean energy discovery is set to expand the boundaries of where solar cells can be used, in ways that were previously unimaginable. Scientists from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, have led an international team to a clean energy Read more about Record efficiency for next-gen roll-to-roll printed solar cells
AustraliaCSIRO -
The coral is listening
Royal Society Open Science
Coral larvae were drawn to settle in sites with attractive soundscapes, according to a new paper. The custom solar-powered soundscapes mimicked those of healthy reef ecosystems, and saw markedly higher rates (up to seven times) of larval settlement Read more about The coral is listening
InternationalWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution, USA; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA -
Smart magpies are thanks to nurture more than nature
Royal Society Open Science
We all know how smart Aussie magpies are, but Aussie researchers wanted to test whether those smarts were mostly inherited, or something the bird brains learned from their flock. The researchers tested maggies and their fledglings' ability to learn Read more about Smart magpies are thanks to nurture more than nature
Australia; NSW; WAThe University of Western Australia|Macquarie University -
Emperor penguin populations are in decline
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
The global population of emperor penguins is declining by around −1. 3% per year, according to Australian, NZ and international researchers, although they don't yet know the reason why. The researchers found that in 2018 there were around 24,000 Read more about Emperor penguin populations are in decline
Australia; New Zealand; TASUniversity of Canterbury|Australian Antarctic Division -
Are journals too focused on publishing research in English?
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Most scientific journals are making minimal effort to overcome the barriers non-English speakers face when it comes to publishing peer-reviewed research, according to an Australian study. The team surveyed policies of 736 biological sciences Read more about Are journals too focused on publishing research in English?
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLDThe University of Queensland|The University of New South Wales... -
Fishing gear is trapping whales and causing problems, even when it's minor
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
North Atlantic right whales are getting stuck in fishing gear, according to Aussie researchers who say even if they survive it can cause all kinds of issues. The team used information about 199 females sighted between 1977 and 2018, combined with Read more about Fishing gear is trapping whales and causing problems, even when it's minor
Australia; NSW; QLDMacquarie University|Griffith University -
EXPERT REACTION: Apple cider vinegar may help young obese people to lose weight
BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health
A small study has found that a small amount of apple cider vinegar every day may help overweight or obese people lose weight and reduce their BMI. The study included 120 people aged between 12 and 25, split into groups that either drank a placebo Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Apple cider vinegar may help young obese people to lose weight
Australia; International; NSW; QLD; SAHoly Spirit University of Kaslik, Lebanon -
Unlocking the secrets to animals’ speed
Nature Communications
How does nature dictate how fast an animal can go? An international team of physicists, biologists and palaeontologists think they have an answer. One that could even change our understanding of extinct animals, and how robots might move in the Read more about Unlocking the secrets to animals’ speed
Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast|The University of Queensland... -
Craving inclusion: Revealing barriers to eating out for people with disability
Public Health Research and Practice
Many people with disability feel isolated and excluded from eating out, research shows. Eating out is a highly valued everyday social activity, as well as a great way to celebrate, catch up with family and friends, and conduct business. A recent Read more about Craving inclusion: Revealing barriers to eating out for people with disability
Australia; NSW; ACTUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The Australian National University -
New approach to understanding extent of lung cancer at diagnosis
Lancet Respiratory Medicine
An Australian study has highlighted a way to improve pre-treatment testing of lung cancer patients, to better detect cancers that may have unknowingly spread. An Australian study has highlighted a way to improve pre-treatment testing of lung cancer Read more about New approach to understanding extent of lung cancer at diagnosis
Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Most male mammals are not larger than females
Nature Communications
Males are not larger than females in most mammal species, contrary to common belief, according to international researchers. The team compared male and female body masses of 429 species in the wild, and found that in most cases, such as lemurs, Read more about Most male mammals are not larger than females
InternationalPrinceton University, USA -
Soft wearable throat patch could help people with voice disorders to speak
Nature Communications
A soft, wearable, non-invasive patch may help people with voice disorders to speak, according to international researchers, who developed a magnetoelastic patch that adheres to the throat and uses AI to translate muscle movements into words. The Read more about Soft wearable throat patch could help people with voice disorders to speak
InternationalUniversity of California, USA -
DNA protecting gene’s crucial role in brain disorders revealed
Nature Communications
University of Adelaide researchers now know more about a mysterious gene’s role in maintaining healthy DNA – a crucial development that could lead to new treatments for life-threatening illnesses including neurodevelopmental disorders, some Read more about DNA protecting gene’s crucial role in brain disorders revealed
Australia; International; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Could ADHD medication be linked to lower death rates?
JAMA
The initiation of ADHD medication could reduce death rates in those who need it, according to international researchers. The team looked at data from 148,578 people diagnosed with ADHD in Sweden, and found the initial dispensation of ADHD medication Read more about Could ADHD medication be linked to lower death rates?
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
Our furry friends caused 12,000 human hospitalisations in Australia in a year
From mid 2021 to mid 2022, 12,000 Australians were hospitalised with an injury related to pet cats and dogs, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that says 53% of all injuries related to animal contact are caused Read more about Our furry friends caused 12,000 human hospitalisations in Australia in a year
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Census data reveals stark gap in asthma risk for inner and outer city kids
The journal of allergy and clinical immunology (JACI)
Children who live in the outer suburbs of Australia’s four biggest cities are twice as likely to have asthma as those living in inner city areas, according to a new study based on health data captured in the last Australian Census. The data was Read more about Census data reveals stark gap in asthma risk for inner and outer city kids
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; WATelethon Kids Institute|Curtin University