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BRIEFING ALERT: Making sense of summer's weird weather, and what's coming next
This summer, the weather has had many of us scratching our heads. The idea that El Niño = hot and dry seems to have gone out the window, as rain lashed the east coast. But if you are struggling to sort your ENSO and Indian Ocean Dipole from your Read more about BRIEFING ALERT: Making sense of summer's weird weather, and what's coming next
Australia; VIC; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Culturally diverse boards the key to sustainability
Sustainability
Research has revealed the positive impact culturally diverse boards have on the sustainability practices of Australia’s largest companies. However, the study also provides a word of caution on the ability of powerful CEOs to negate this influence. Read more about Culturally diverse boards the key to sustainability
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
Kangaroos and drag queens help an Aussie scientist win the global 'Dance your PhD' competition
Science
The global 'Dance your PhD' competition has been won by an Aussie researcher, who brought all different types of dancers together to help explain his research on eastern grey kangaroos. The video, which includes babies, drag queens, ballroom and Read more about Kangaroos and drag queens help an Aussie scientist win the global 'Dance your PhD' competition
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University -
Silence broken on gender pay gaps but we must hold organisations to account
The exposure of the gender pay gaps in large Australian organisations is a turning point for gender equality, but more must be done to hold employers to account, says a University of South Australia researcher. The exposure of the gender pay gaps Read more about Silence broken on gender pay gaps but we must hold organisations to account
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Protecting South Australian first responders against mental health impacts
Research shows emergency service personnel are twice as likely to develop anxiety, depression, and PTSD but a new Flinders University support program is aiming to prevent the onset of mental health conditions for first responders. Flinders Read more about Protecting South Australian first responders against mental health impacts
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Using AI to enhance satellite imagery to monitor our planet
Remote Sensing Letters
A new method to assess different satellite designs using a powerful AI technique to more cheaply monitor our planet from space has been released. A new method to assess different satellite designs using a powerful AI technique to more cheaply Read more about Using AI to enhance satellite imagery to monitor our planet
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology -
Gut-brain communication turned on its axis
Cell and Tissue Research
The mechanisms by which antidepressants and other emotion-focused medications work could be reconsidered due to an important new development in the understanding of how the gut communicates with the brain. New research led by Flinders University has Read more about Gut-brain communication turned on its axis
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Why older people slow down
JNeurosci
We slow down as we approach old age because it takes more effort to move, not necessarily because we have less desire to move, according to US researchers. They measured energy use in 84 people aged between 22 and 78, and found that older people Read more about Why older people slow down
InternationalUniversity of Colorado Boulder, USA -
Trying to lose weight? 40g of resistant starch per day could help
Nature Metabolism
Supplementing your diet with foods that contain resistant starch - such as legumes, chickpeas, and lentils - may help with weight loss and insulin sensitivity, according to a small international trial, which found that diets supplemented by 40g of Read more about Trying to lose weight? 40g of resistant starch per day could help
InternationalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China -
Extreme heat while pregnant could lead to preterm births, but green spaces might help
JAMA Pediatrics
Australian researchers have found a link between being exposed to extreme heat while pregnant and the likelihood of having a preterm birth, but being around green spaces or greenness in general might mitigate the negative effects of the heat. The Read more about Extreme heat while pregnant could lead to preterm births, but green spaces might help
Australia; VICMonash University -
When we knocked that asteroid moon off course, we may have completely changed its shape
Nature Astronomy
The asteroid moon Dimorphos may have been reshaped after NASA smashed a spacecraft called the DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) planetary defence demonstrator into it back in 2022, according to international scientists. As well as knocking Read more about When we knocked that asteroid moon off course, we may have completely changed its shape
InternationalUniversity of Bern, Switzerland -
Patch treatment shows promise for treating milk allergies in children
JAMA Pediatrics
An immunotherapy patch could help treat milk allergies in children, according to international research. The Viaskin platform - also currently being investigated for peanut allergies - involves applying a patch daily that delivers a small amount of Read more about Patch treatment shows promise for treating milk allergies in children
InternationalSeattle Allergy and Asthma Research Institute, USA -
What do we know about why young people are drinking less?
Drug and Alcohol Review
There's been a decline in the drinking of alcohol among young people in recent years, and Australian researchers say there's a lot we still don't know about why, and what impact it will have. In an editorial, the researchers discuss a range of Read more about What do we know about why young people are drinking less?
Australia; VIC; WACurtin University|La Trobe University|Burnet Institute... -
New gene-screening technology to boost crop disease resistance
Nature Plants
Decades of research in synthetic biology, genetics and molecular plant pathology have yielded an advancement in molecular plant pathology. Scientists at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have achieved an advancement in molecular plant Read more about New gene-screening technology to boost crop disease resistance
AustraliaCSIRO -
Antibody combo shows promise for hard to treat cancers
CANCER
A combination of two antibodies which target and boost the immune system, have shown promising results against hard to treat solid tumours in an early-stage clinical trial. The drugs, called CS1002 and CS1003 (or nofazinlimab), were trialled in Read more about Antibody combo shows promise for hard to treat cancers
Australia; NSW; VIC; SAThe University of Adelaide|The Alfred|Southern Medical Day Care Centre, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Box Hill Hospital, Albury‐Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre, Orange Health Service, CStone Pharmaceuticals -
Pacific field tips lead to discoveries about the birds and bees of Fiji
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
Eight new Pacific bee species and new insights into Fijian bird behaviour on Viti Levu Island have been described in new scientific studies led by Flinders University. The studies, both funded by field work supported by the Australian Government’s Read more about Pacific field tips lead to discoveries about the birds and bees of Fiji
Australia; Pacific; International; NSW; SAFlinders University|University of South Australia|The University of the South Pacific -
Corporate race to use AI puts public at risk
AI and Ethics
A rush by Australian companies to use generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is escalating the privacy and security risks to the public as well as to staff, customers and stakeholders, according to a new study. The University of the Sunshine Coast Read more about Corporate race to use AI puts public at risk
Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
Looking for ways to stem the rise of microplastics
1st Nano and Microplastics Australian Conference
The amount of plastic entering the oceans is expected to triple 2040, with 14 million tonnes already impacting marine ecosystems according to the United Nations. In the environment, plastic waste breaks down into micro- and nano-size particles or Read more about Looking for ways to stem the rise of microplastics
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Good things don’t come in threes for Antarctic sea ice
Journal of Climate
As this month marks the third consecutive summer with extremely low sea-ice cover around Antarctica, new statistical research points to fundamental changes taking place in the polar Southern Ocean. As this month marks the third consecutive summer Read more about Good things don’t come in threes for Antarctic sea ice
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Bureau of Meteorology|Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)... -
Targeting inflammatory protein could help treat severe asthma
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Australian scientists have developed a promising new treatment for asthma, targeting an inflammatory protein that is often resistant to steroids. The finding comes in the wake of a national spike in asthma deaths, with South Australia recording the Read more about Targeting inflammatory protein could help treat severe asthma
AustraliaUniversity of South Australia|RMIT University|The University of Adelaide... -
3D printed titanium structure shows supernatural strength
Advanced Materials
A 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ boasting levels of strength for weight not normally seen in nature or manufacturing could change how we make everything from medical implants to aircraft or rocket parts. A 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ boasting Read more about 3D printed titanium structure shows supernatural strength
Australia; VICRMIT University -
A step closer to understanding hydrogen’s greatest challenge
Nature Communications
Why hydrogen causes steels to become brittle and crack is the great conundrum of engineers and researchers looking to develop large-scale transport and storage solutions for the hydrogen age – an era Australia hopes to lead by 2030. Solving Read more about A step closer to understanding hydrogen’s greatest challenge
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of New South Wales -
CSIRO helps Heritage NSW solve 120-year maritime mystery of the SS Nemesis
An investigation by CSIRO, conducted for Heritage NSW, has helped identify the wreck of a steamship that disappeared off Australia’s east coast in 1904. A CSIRO team aboard research vessel (RV) Investigator has helped Heritage NSW solve a 120-year Read more about CSIRO helps Heritage NSW solve 120-year maritime mystery of the SS Nemesis
Australia; NSWCSIRO|NSW Government -
Drug shows promise for treating multiple food allergies
New England Journal of Medicine
A drug called omalizumab is safe and an effective treatment for multiple food allergies, according to clinical trials of the treatment in 462 people aged between one and 55, including 180 who took part in a 'gold standard' randomised controlled Read more about Drug shows promise for treating multiple food allergies
InternationalJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA -
What do Australia's scientists think of the Universities Accord final report?
The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the Australian Universities Accord Final Report released today. Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish said the report warns that unless the nation continues to produce more knowledge, skills, Read more about What do Australia's scientists think of the Universities Accord final report?
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Science -
Aussies are using social media to normalise some of our problematic drinking behaviours
PLOS ONE
Young fathers are some of the most common types of Aussies who are talking about their alcohol on social media, according to Australian research. The team used data from a social media analytics platform to analyse how much Aussies talk about Read more about Aussies are using social media to normalise some of our problematic drinking behaviours
Australia; VICLa Trobe University -
Legalised weed linked to more workplace injuries among younger people
JAMA Health Forum
US researchers say there's an uptick in workplace injuries for younger people in states with legalised recreational marijuana. Since 2012, 24 states and Washington, DC have legalised possession and sales of small quantities of the drug, so the Read more about Legalised weed linked to more workplace injuries among younger people
InternationalSan Diego State University, USA -
Australian experiment on-board Swedish rocket launch
A new type of electromagnetic shield designed and manufactured at RMIT will be launched into space in the three-day launch window opening on 25 February, Central European Time. A new type of electromagnetic shield designed and manufactured at RMIT Read more about Australian experiment on-board Swedish rocket launch
Australia; International; VICRMIT University -
'Cruel wellbeing’ approach adds to teachers’ stress
British Journal of Sociology of Education
New Curtin research has found the challenges and problems faced by overworked teachers are being compounded by expectations placed on them to manage their own wellbeing, while the impact of working conditions and broader policies on teacher welfare Read more about 'Cruel wellbeing’ approach adds to teachers’ stress
Australia; WACurtin University -
Wake-up call for us all to establish regular healthy sleeping patterns
Sleep Health
It’s official. Getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night is currently out of reach for almost one-third of the population as Flinders University experts found 31% of adults had average sleep durations outside the recommended range. The Read more about Wake-up call for us all to establish regular healthy sleeping patterns
Australia; International; NSW; SAFlinders University|The University of New South Wales -
Is ChatGPT a better person than you?
PNAS
US scientists say ChatGPT-4 has aced their Turing test, proving itself indistinguishable from a real human, even when statistical methods were used to try and detect it. In fact, ChatGPT-4 displayed more humanity than some of the humans it was Read more about Is ChatGPT a better person than you?
InternationalUniversity of Michigan, USA, Stanford University, USA -
Smartphone videos of your baby could help detect cerebral palsy
PLOS Digital Health
Those cute videos you have on your phone of your baby squirming and rolling could be used to help detect cerebral palsy, according to new Australian research. Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood, and while Read more about Smartphone videos of your baby could help detect cerebral palsy
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Melbourne -
Friend or foe, how do food inspectors maintain safety standards in Australia?
Food Control
Australia’s high standards of food safety inspections set the bar high for cafes, restaurants and other shop owners to maintain hygiene standards but new research by environmental health experts promotes the potential for more uniform and possible Read more about Friend or foe, how do food inspectors maintain safety standards in Australia?
Australia; New Zealand; International; VIC; SAFlinders University|La Trobe University -
No clear link between weather and common muscle and joint symptoms
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
There is no clear connection between the weather and back, knee or hip pain, a University of Sydney led study has found, challenging a common belief that changes in weather parameters, such as temperature and humidity can trigger musculoskeletal Read more about No clear link between weather and common muscle and joint symptoms
Australia; International; NSW; VICThe University of Sydney|Monash University -
Zinc discovery holds promise for people with cystic fibrosis
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
Researchers found that in people with CF, immune cells called macrophages are defective in a zinc pathway that the body uses to kill bacteria - it may partly explain why they’re more susceptible to bacterial infections. The researchers also Read more about Zinc discovery holds promise for people with cystic fibrosis
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
Fitter female Aussie rules footy players may be more skilful, but not less likely to be injured
PLOS ONE
An Australian study of 223 female Australian football players across five competition levels found fitter players tend to be more technically skilled, but are not necessarily less likely to injure themselves. The researchers measured physical Read more about Fitter female Aussie rules footy players may be more skilful, but not less likely to be injured
Australia; New Zealand; VIC; QLDBond University|AUT University|Victoria University -
The effects of trauma can be very different for men and women
JAMA Network Open
US and Danish scientists investigated the outcomes for 1. 3 million Danish people in the five years that followed a traumatic experience, and found men were more likely to turn to drink and drugs to cope, while women were more likely to develop Read more about The effects of trauma can be very different for men and women
InternationalUniversity of California, USA -
Transgender men who don't get periods may still need to be using contraception
Cell Reports Medicine
Some transgender men who no longer have periods as a result of their gender-affirming hormone treatment could still be at risk of pregnancy, according to international research. The team looked at the ovaries of 52 trans men after gender-affirming Read more about Transgender men who don't get periods may still need to be using contraception
InternationalAmsterdam UMC, The Netherlands -
Reading mouse minds lets scientists know where they are and where they're looking
Biophysical Journal
Using artificial intelligence (AI), US scientists have been able to decode the brain activity of a mouse to tell where it was located and which direction it was facing. The work was funded by and involved the US army, but before you freak out about Read more about Reading mouse minds lets scientists know where they are and where they're looking
InternationalUniversity of Tennessee Knoxville, USA -
EXPERT REACTION: Big data detects COVID-19 vaccine safety signals
Vaccine
International researchers have linked very rare neurological, blood and heart related medical conditions to COVID-19 vaccines by using big data to better understand and monitor vaccine safety. However, the findings translated to an extremely small Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Big data detects COVID-19 vaccine safety signals
Australia; NSW; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Sydney... -
Experts warn of 'short term gain and long term pain' in public-private partnership hospitals
New Zealand Medical Journal
Experts have warned that public-private partnerships for hospitals could result in unacceptable disparities in standards of care. In a NZMJ editorial, they write that while private, user-pays hospital systems can 'exist happily and productively' Read more about Experts warn of 'short term gain and long term pain' in public-private partnership hospitals
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Mice surprise: researchers discover new native species
Molecular Ecology
Australia can lay claim to two new species of native rodent thanks to a study from The Australian National University (ANU). The aptly named delicate mouse was previously thought to be a single species spanning a massive stretch of the country from Read more about Mice surprise: researchers discover new native species
Australia; NSW; QLD; SA; WA; NT; ACTThe Australian National University|CSIRO|Macquarie University... -
Long Covid brain fog may be due to a failure of your brain's defences against your blood
Nature Neuroscience
Irish scientists say the brain fog some people experience as part of Long Covid is linked to disruptions in the blood-brain barrier, which usually protects your brain from anything potentially damaging in your blood. They used brain imaging Read more about Long Covid brain fog may be due to a failure of your brain's defences against your blood
InternationalSt James’s Hospital, Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland -
First reports of severe coral bleaching this summer as the Great Barrier Reef warms up
As ocean temperatures continue to warm over the Great Barrier Reef this summer, James Cook University scientists have reported areas of moderate to severe coral bleaching around the Keppel Islands, offshore from Rockhampton. As ocean temperatures Read more about First reports of severe coral bleaching this summer as the Great Barrier Reef warms up
Australia; QLDJames Cook University|Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) -
Eavesdropping on endangered pink cockatoos with AI and bioacoustics
AI and bioacoustics are helping QUT researchers understand and protect endangered species like Qld’s Eastern Pink Cockatoo – they’ve identified hotspots of calling activity and a breeding hollow on an Australian Wildlife Conservancy sanctuary Read more about Eavesdropping on endangered pink cockatoos with AI and bioacoustics
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|Australian Wildlife Conservancy -
Men with fertility problems and their families at increased risk of several cancers
Human Reproduction
US scientists say men with fertility problems and their families are more likely than those without such issues to develop a range of different cancers. The study of 786 US men with fertility problems and 5,764 fertile men found the increased risk Read more about Men with fertility problems and their families at increased risk of several cancers
InternationalUniversity of Utah, USA -
There may be no safe level of air pollution for our heart and lungs
The BMJ
Two papers from the US and China suggest that there is no safe threshold for our air quality in respect to our heart and lung health. The team say both short and long term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2. 5) in our air is linked to an Read more about There may be no safe level of air pollution for our heart and lungs
InternationalHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA -
Immunotherapy could offer remission from autoimmune disease
New England Journal of Medicine
A small trial of immunotherapy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases including lupus, sclerosis and myositis, has found that treatment with CAR T-cells led to significant improvement and in some cases complete remission of the diseases. CAR Read more about Immunotherapy could offer remission from autoimmune disease
InternationalFriedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Germany -
Rhythm of your heart holds the key to treating trauma
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Knowing how your heart beats can help identify the best way to treat post-traumatic stress, according to Australian researchers. A team from Murdoch University have discovered that a simple measure of heart rate variability, taken at rest or during Read more about Rhythm of your heart holds the key to treating trauma
Australia; International; WAMurdoch University -
New insight into gene uncovers its link to incurable birth defect
eLife
Researchers have unravelled how mutations in a gene can lead to an incurable neurodevelopmental disorder that causes abnormal brain development in newborns and infants. Researchers have unravelled how mutations in a gene can lead to an incurable Read more about New insight into gene uncovers its link to incurable birth defect
Australia; VICWEHI|La Trobe University