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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... -
Women are at higher risk of going into shock after a car crash
Frontiers in Public Health
Going into shock can be life-threatening, and an international study has found women are more susceptible to shock after a car crash than men. The team analysed the injury data of more than 56,000 car crash victims by gender, investigating how car Read more about Women are at higher risk of going into shock after a car crash
InternationalMedical College of Wisconsin, USA -
Sleep apnea solution could be right under your nose
The Journal of Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Australian researchers have discovered that a bedtime nasal spray has the potential to reduce the severity of sleep apnea in people and lower their blood pressure. The new research published in The Journal of Heart and Circulatory Physiology offers Read more about Sleep apnea solution could be right under your nose
Australia; SAFlinders University -
NZ scientists develop a low-cost way to scan animal brains
Neurophotonics
Neuro-imaging systems such as MRI scanners are hugely expensive, but NZ scientists report being able to build one for animal testing from off-the-shelf components for under USD$10,000. The scanner, or mesoscope, is a microscope enabling both a large Read more about NZ scientists develop a low-cost way to scan animal brains
New ZealandDodd-Walls Centre|University of Auckland -
2 in 5 people worldwide are experiencing some sort of neurological disorder
The Lancet Neurology
Conditions affecting the nervous system are the leading cause of poor health and disability globally, according to international researchers who say 43% of the world's population were impacted in some way in 2021. The researchers analysed the Read more about 2 in 5 people worldwide are experiencing some sort of neurological disorder
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SAThe University of New South Wales|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
EXPERT REACTION: Long COVID may be no different to other long term virus effects
European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Long COVID may be no different to other post-viral syndromes, according to Australian research which found that people who tested positive for COVID-19 a year ago were no more likely to report moderate-to-severe functional limitations than people Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Long COVID may be no different to other long term virus effects
Australia; QLDQueensland Government -
Snakes on a plate
Scientific Reports
Burmese pythons grow quickly, eat relatively little, harbour fewer diseases than mammals and birds, and can withstand extended fasting periods. All together, they offer a feasible source of meat for future consumers. According to a study of python Read more about Snakes on a plate
InternationalMacquarie University|The University of Adelaide|University of Oxford, UK; University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa -
How do we better talk about sex and gender in science?
Cell
Clearer language and more thought on whether categorising people by sex in science is needed to improve research related to sex and gender, according to a focus issue in Cell. The issue contains a series of opinion pieces and Q&As on sex and gender Read more about How do we better talk about sex and gender in science?
International -
Could the classic 'drinking bird' toy be our next electricity generator?
Device
Inspired by Dippy Bird, the classic drinking bird toy, international researchers have developed an engine that efficiently converts energy from water evaporation into electricity to power small electronics. The device produces energy outputs Read more about Could the classic 'drinking bird' toy be our next electricity generator?
InternationalSouth China University of Technology, China -
Common viruses trigger most cases of intussusception in children
Clinical Infectious Diseases
Viral infections trigger more cases ofintussusception, the common cause of bowel blockages in young children, than previously thought, according to a new study. Research at a Glance: A study led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has found Read more about Common viruses trigger most cases of intussusception in children
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Melbourne -
First gene therapy test in whole human liver
Nature Communication
Scientists from Children's Medical Research Institute in Sydney have, for the first time, tested novel gene therapies in a whole human liver - aiming to develop more effective treatments for inherited diseases. In a worldwide first-of-its-kind study Read more about First gene therapy test in whole human liver
Australia; NSWChildren's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) -
New ‘microcombs’ dreamt up under lockdown
Nature Photonics
While you were making lockdown sourdough, a NZ physicist was dreaming up a new way to transform laser beams. "Microcombs" are an emerging technology in which a miniscule ring made on a microchip (like the one inside your phone) can transform a Read more about New ‘microcombs’ dreamt up under lockdown
New Zealand; InternationalDodd-Walls Centre|University of Auckland -
Revealing the genetic code behind non-identical twins
Human Reproduction
A QIMR Berghofer-led international team of scientists has unlocked the genetic secrets behind why some mothers are more likely than others to conceive twins. The study, published in Human Reproduction, has identified seven genes that regulate the Read more about Revealing the genetic code behind non-identical twins
Australia; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute -
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|Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP)... -
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 -
Bright light therapy doesn’t seem to boost depression treatment
JAMA Psychiatry
Wearing morning bright light therapy glasses didn’t provide any additional edge for teenagers aiming to treat their moderate to severe depression. More than 220 young people ages 12 to 18 already receiving inpatient treatment in Germany were Read more about Bright light therapy doesn’t seem to boost depression treatment
InternationalUniversity Hospital Hamm for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Germany; see PDF for full list of author affiliations -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Covid vaccine linked to lower risk of heart complications after Covid infection
Heart
New research looking at data from 20 million people found that getting a Covid jab was linked to reduced risks of heart failure, clotting within the veins of a limb, and blood clotting in the artery for up to a year after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This Read more about Covid vaccine linked to lower risk of heart complications after Covid infection
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK; see PDF for full list of author affiliation -
GP visits for musculoskeletal problems linked to weight in primary school girls
Archives of Disease in Childhood
Primary school girls between age four and 11 are more likely to see a GP at least once about musculoskeletal problems, such as knee and back issues, if their BMI is considered overweight or obese compared to ‘healthy’ weight peers, according to Read more about GP visits for musculoskeletal problems linked to weight in primary school girls
InternationalQueen Mary University of London, UK -
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 -
JWST reveals a massive and ancient galaxy that challenges our models of the young Universe
Nature Astronomy
An international research team have made unprecedentedly detailed observations of the earliest merger of galaxies ever witnessed. They suggest stars developed much faster and more efficiently than we thought. They used the James Webb Space Telescope Read more about JWST reveals a massive and ancient galaxy that challenges our models of the young Universe
Australia; VICARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)... -
Who knew that eating poo was so vital for birds’ survival?
Biological Reviews
New research led by the University of South Australia and published in Biological Reviews explains how eating faeces (known as coprophagy) shapes wild birds’ digestive tracts, enabling them to absorb lost or deficient nutrients and adjust to Read more about Who knew that eating poo was so vital for birds’ survival?
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia|University of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
Women with depression might face higher heart health risks than men
JACC: Asia
People with depression face a higher risk of heart disease, but more women experience heart disease following a depression diagnosis than men, according to international researchers. The team looked at over 4. 1 million patients aged 36-52, Read more about Women with depression might face higher heart health risks than men
InternationalUniversity of Tokyo, Japan
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