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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 -
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 -
Corporations undermining independent science: The case of spinal cord stimulation
JAMA Internal Medicine
Responses to recent research on spinal cord stimulation show how corporations continue to undermine independent science, according to Australian experts. One of the authors of this opinion piece was part of an independent Cochrane review looking Read more about Corporations undermining independent science: The case of spinal cord stimulation
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
'Horizon scan' highlights 15 most pressing issues for conservation
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
International scientists, including an Australian, have released the 15th annual 'Horizon scan', identifying the 15 most pressing issues for conservation. Potential problems include the impacts on migratory birds of Saudia Arabia’s planned Read more about 'Horizon scan' highlights 15 most pressing issues for conservation
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|Cambridge University, UK -
Could consulting an algorithm help doctors prescribe fewer unnecessary antibiotics?
Nature Medicine
An algorithm-based digital tool could help doctors treat sick children without prescribing unnecessary antibiotics, according to international researchers who say their tool could help curb the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. The algorithm Read more about Could consulting an algorithm help doctors prescribe fewer unnecessary antibiotics?
InternationalUniversity of Lausanne, Switzerland -
Can AI predict what's going to happen in your life?
Computational Science
Danish researchers say they may have developed a machine learning process that could be able to predict different aspects of our lives, such as if we might die early or nuances about our personality. Whether a human life is predictable is hotly Read more about Can AI predict what's going to happen in your life?
InternationalTechnical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark -
Sexually transmissible infections are on the rise in Australia, with syphilis rates tripling over the decade
An annual report on STIs in Australia has revealed concerning trends. Over the past 10 years, Australian diagnoses of gonorrhoea have doubled, while diagnoses of syphilis have tripled, according to a new report released today by the Kirby Institute Read more about Sexually transmissible infections are on the rise in Australia, with syphilis rates tripling over the decade
Australia; NSWKirby Institute, UNSW Sydney -
How effective are opioid medications for cancer pain?
CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians today
The world’s largest review on opioid medicines for cancer pain has found it is unclear whether some commonly used opioid medicines are better than a placebo and suggests that non-opioid medicines, such as aspirin, may be at least as effective as Read more about How effective are opioid medications for cancer pain?
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of Newcastle -
New findings could help protect elite athletes from cardiac arrest
Circulation
A new study involving 281 elite athletes from Australia and Belgium has revealed one in six have measures that would normally suggest reduced heart function. The study conducted by scientists at the St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research in Read more about New findings could help protect elite athletes from cardiac arrest
Australia; VICVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI)|St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (SVI) -
Small trial suggests magic mushroom drug can help cancer patients overcome depression
Cancer
A US trial of psychotherapy sessions while on psilocybin - the active compound in magic mushrooms - which included 30 cancer patients who were suffering from major depression, found the drug lessened depressive symptoms and the patients spoke Read more about Small trial suggests magic mushroom drug can help cancer patients overcome depression
InternationalSunstone Therapies, USA, Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute, USA, Harvard Medical School, USA -
Tempting teens to vape – social media under the spotlight
A University of Queensland research project will investigate the online influences behind young people taking up vaping, and develop social media content to support them in quitting the habit. A University of Queensland research project will Read more about Tempting teens to vape – social media under the spotlight
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
'If in doubt, don't go out': the risks of swimming at unpatrolled beaches
N/A
Thinking of swimming at unpatrolled beaches this summer? Don't do it until you know the risks. Last summer, 54 people drowned in 90 days along the Australian coast. All of them occurred in unpatrolled locations, including 78 per cent on beaches. Read more about 'If in doubt, don't go out': the risks of swimming at unpatrolled beaches
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Popular news sites continue to stigmatise people's weight
Journal of Health Communication
The largest US and UK news outlets continue to stigmatise people’s weight with the pictures they use, according to international researchers who say while this could improve, it’s better than 10 years ago. The team assessed 445 obesity stories Read more about Popular news sites continue to stigmatise people's weight
InternationalUniversity of Connecticut, US -
Psilocybin has treatment potential for a range of psychiatric conditions but remains poorly understood
Journal of Neurochemistry
Medicinal psilocybin may prove to be an untapped therapeutic resource for a variety of psychiatric conditions identified by researchers at The Florey. Medicinal psilocybin may prove to Read more about Psilocybin has treatment potential for a range of psychiatric conditions but remains poorly understood
Australia; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health -
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... -
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 -
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 -
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