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Barriers to young adults seeking help for eating disorders
Early Intervention in Psychiatry
With only one in four young adults seeking help for an eating disorder, a new study by Flinders University experts flags a number of problems preventing more people from using an effective early intervention service program available in the community Read more about Barriers to young adults seeking help for eating disorders
Australia; SAFlinders University -
'You're such an ape!' Playful teasing seen in our primate cousins
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
US and German researchers say they have seen spontaneous playful teasing in four species of great apes. The team say they created a coding system that can identify when apes are being playful and teasing, and applied it to videos of apes in zoos. Read more about 'You're such an ape!' Playful teasing seen in our primate cousins
InternationalMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Germany -
Cane toad vs. lung worm: An arms race to see who has a leg-up
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
The battle between cane toads and a parasitic lungworm is an evolutionary arms race, and at the invasion front, it's the lungworms that may have a leg-up. Cane toads were introduced to Australia in the 1930s and they didn’t come alone. The toads Read more about Cane toad vs. lung worm: An arms race to see who has a leg-up
Australia; NSWMacquarie University|The University of New South Wales -
Mnemonics beat repetition for remembering word lists
Royal Society Open Science
Need to remember a long list of words? International researchers say adults are likely to use and adjust mnemonics to help, and this strategy beats simply repeating the words over and over. A mnemonic is a pattern of words, letters, or ideas that Read more about Mnemonics beat repetition for remembering word lists
InternationalÅbo Akademi University, Finland -
Wētā use wood to cross the ocean and settle on sub-Antarctic islands
Royal Society Open Science
Tokoriro or cave wētā (also known as cave crickets) aren't only found in Aotearoa. More than 800 recognised species are found worldwide, including on subantarctic islands near New Zealand. To find out how these island wētā species are related Read more about Wētā use wood to cross the ocean and settle on sub-Antarctic islands
New Zealand; PacificUniversity of Otago|Massey University -
When is an ant not an ant? When it is a spider
Biology Letters
Some spiders are just as good at looking like ants as other insects are, according to Aussie researchers, who found both ant-mimicking spiders and ant-mimicking insects had varying abilities to copy their anty cousins. Ants are well-armed, often Read more about When is an ant not an ant? When it is a spider
Australia; NSWMacquarie University|The University of New South Wales -
Why are women at higher risk of lung issues?
Thorax
A range of reproductive factors, including age when periods first start and early menopause, are linked to a heightened risk of COPD - the umbrella term for progressive lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties - according to Aussie and Read more about Why are women at higher risk of lung issues?
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Borderline personality disorder patients more likely to seek hospital care
The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders
A new study by Flinders University has uncovered links between a patient’s initial diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder, or BPD, and their recurrent visits to hospital. The study investigated associations between patients with BPD and Read more about Borderline personality disorder patients more likely to seek hospital care
Australia; SAFlinders University|The University of Adelaide -
In a time of risk and opportunity, science is critical
The President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Chennupati Jagadish, said the Australian Government cannot build a stronger, more resilient nation with a stagnant research and development system that relies on decades-old settings. The Read more about In a time of risk and opportunity, science is critical
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Science -
Smells may evoke memories just as well even when depression is impacting recollections
JAMA Network Open
Smells have a way of triggering specific memories, and international researchers say their power may be just as strong even in people whose memory is impacted by depression. The researchers say major depressive disorder can impact memory recall, so Read more about Smells may evoke memories just as well even when depression is impacting recollections
InternationalUniversity of Pittsburgh, USA -
Children exposed to tobacco in the womb face higher risk of learning problems
JAMA Network Open
Children who were exposed to tobacco in the womb are more likely to have language and memory development problems as they grow up, according to international research. The researchers recruited a group of over 11,000 children aged 9-10 to do a Read more about Children exposed to tobacco in the womb face higher risk of learning problems
InternationalUniversity of Nebraska, USA -
Polar bears at risk of starvation due to climate change
Nature Communications
Climate change's effect on Arctic sea ice is forcing polar bears to find food on land, putting the apex predators at risk of starvation, say North American researchers. The team attached trackers to 20 polar bears to track their daily energy Read more about Polar bears at risk of starvation due to climate change
InternationalU. S. Geological Survey, Anchorage, AK, USA -
Satellites unveil the size and nature of the world’s coral reefs
Cell Reports Sustainability
University of Queensland-led research has shown there is more coral reef area across the globe than previously thought, with detailed satellite mapping helping to conserve these vital ecosystems. The team, which included scientists from James Cook Read more about Satellites unveil the size and nature of the world’s coral reefs
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|James Cook University... -
High-tech spray prevents and cures rusty plant threat
Communications Biology
Researchers from The University of Queensland have developed a treatment that can both prevent and cure infection caused by an invasive fungal disease devastating native Australian plants. PhD candidate Rebecca Degnan, Dr Anne Sawyer and Professor Read more about High-tech spray prevents and cures rusty plant threat
Australia; New Zealand; QLDThe University of Queensland|The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland. -
Secrets of Night Parrot unlocked after first genome sequenced
Researchers at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have sequenced the first genome of the Night Parrot, one of the world’s rarest and most elusive birds. The development will answer questions about population genetics and biology that Read more about Secrets of Night Parrot unlocked after first genome sequenced
AustraliaCSIRO -
Better quality healthcare needed for children in detention
Children in detention and after they return to the community require better quality healthcare due to their ongoing, complex health needs, a new report has found. Research at a Glance: A report co-authored by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Read more about Better quality healthcare needed for children in detention
Australia; International; VIC; WAMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|Curtin University... -
Stopping HIV in its tracks
eLife
New anti-viral treatment hacks the virus’ protective shield. Just over a year ago, the European Union and the US Food and Drug Administration approved a new anti-retroviral drug to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Lenacapavir Read more about Stopping HIV in its tracks
Australia; International; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Toolkit to help employ people with an intellectual disability
Finding reliable, conscientious and efficient workers in hospitality can be a challenge for both small and large employers. To help, Flinders University experts have developed a new toolkit and resources for small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) Read more about Toolkit to help employ people with an intellectual disability
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Improving survival rates for deadly lung diseases
The latest discovery of asbestos in contaminated mulch around schools and playgrounds in Sydney highlights the ongoing dangerous issues that Australia faces from this potentially deadly material which remains prevalent in the built environment says Read more about Improving survival rates for deadly lung diseases
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Australia's most at-risk bird species share some common traits
EMU - AUSTRAL ORNITHOLOGY
Australian birds that live on islands are among the species most at risk of extinction, a first-of-its-kind study from The Australian National University (ANU) shows. Australia has over 750 native bird species. But lead author Dr George Olah said Read more about Australia's most at-risk bird species share some common traits
Australia; VIC; NT; ACTThe Australian National University|Charles Darwin University... -
Research to help people born preterm breathe easier
Curtin University will use sophisticated machine learning approaches to better understand the different types of lung disease affecting more than half of people born preterm, to create more effective treatments and better predict those at risk of Read more about Research to help people born preterm breathe easier
Australia; VIC; WACurtin University|Telethon Kids Institute|The University of Melbourne... -
Research finds no impairment on simulated driving performance from prescribed medical cannabis
Journal of Psychopharmacology
A new study conducted by researchers at Swinburne University of Technology’s Centre for Human Psychopharmacology has made significant findings in the field of medical cannabis use. Published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, the research Read more about Research finds no impairment on simulated driving performance from prescribed medical cannabis
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology -
Academy welcomes diversity in STEM review
The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the release of the final report of the Pathway to Diversity in STEM review. The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the release of the final report of the Pathway to Diversity in STEM review. “It is Read more about Academy welcomes diversity in STEM review
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Science -
Online cancel culture is fueled by strongly-held political beliefs
Acta Psychologica
People whose identities are strongly defined by political beliefs are more likely to engage in online cancel culture, new research finds. From a survey of around 460 people, researchers found that the desire to show off one's moral beliefs (virtue Read more about Online cancel culture is fueled by strongly-held political beliefs
New Zealand; InternationalAUT University -
Overpressured fluids played large role in Kaikōura quake
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors
A study on the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake shows how "overpressured" fluids underground – basically, lots of water molecules trapped under an impermeable layer of rock – likely facilitated the beginning of the quake. The researchers also found that Read more about Overpressured fluids played large role in Kaikōura quake
New ZealandGNS Science|University of Otago|Victoria University of Wellington... -
Salt substitute could reduce high blood pressure problems
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Replacing regular salt with a salt substitute could reduce incidences of high blood pressure in older adults, without increasing the risk of low blood pressure episodes, according to international researchers. The team included 611 participants 55 Read more about Salt substitute could reduce high blood pressure problems
InternationalPeking University Clinical Research Institute, China -
Tracking a preschoolers eye movements could help detect autism
PLOS ONE
Tracking the eye movement of preschoolers for as little as one minute could help with the early detection of autism spectrum disorder, according to Australian research. The study tracked the eye movements of children both with and without autism Read more about Tracking a preschoolers eye movements could help detect autism
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Using a substitute could be a cost-effective option to cut back on the salt
JAMA Network Open
Replacing regular salt with a salt substitute could be a potential cost-saving strategy, according to Aussie and international researchers. The team conducted a trial of 1,612 adults in 48 eldercare facilities across China, splitting the residents Read more about Using a substitute could be a cost-effective option to cut back on the salt
Australia; NSWWestern Sydney University|The University of New South Wales -
Some proteins in the blood could warn of dementia a decade before diagnosis
Nature Aging
Changes in the levels of specific proteins in the blood could predict a dementia diagnosis up to a decade early, according to international research. The team used data from the UK Biobank study to search for patterns in the blood of a large group Read more about Some proteins in the blood could warn of dementia a decade before diagnosis
InternationalFudan University, China -
Most Aussies who die of alcohol poisoning are older, experienced drinkers
Drug and Alcohol Review
Older, more experienced heavy drinkers are more likely to die of alcohol poisoning in Australia than younger drinkers, according to Australian research. The team identified 891 cases of fatal alcohol poisoning from the past decade and analysed them Read more about Most Aussies who die of alcohol poisoning are older, experienced drinkers
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|The University of Sydney -
When human bodies decay, they all share this interesting feature
Nature Microbiology
The kind of microbiome present when a human dies and decomposes – that is, the combination of microscopic organisms including bacteria and tiny fungi – is universal regardless of location or environmental conditions, according to international Read more about When human bodies decay, they all share this interesting feature
InternationalColorado State University, USA -
Conservatives and progressives both less likely to change their minds about drug stigma
Drug and Alcohol Review
People with moderate politics and values are more likely to change their minds when it comes to stigmatising views on people who inject drugs, according to Australian research. The team surveyed about 250 people about their social/political values Read more about Conservatives and progressives both less likely to change their minds about drug stigma
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Baby Mars had volcanic tantrums
Nature Astronomy
The early years of our celestial neighbour Mars' existence was likely followed by a period of volcanic eruptions and cycling crust, according to international researchers. The team looked at remote sensing data from a few orbiting satellites and say Read more about Baby Mars had volcanic tantrums
InternationalUniversity of Hong Kong, Hong Kong -
Famous athletes are the most common type of role model for Indigenous children
Australian Journal of Social Issues
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys overwhelmingly look up to their favourite athletes as role models, according to Australian research. The team surveyed 307 Indigenous children aged 10-12 from around Australia, asking them to name someone Read more about Famous athletes are the most common type of role model for Indigenous children
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania -
New sun safety advice tailored for Australia’s diverse population
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
A new paper led by researchers from QIMR Berghofer paves the way for more specific public health information to provide a better balance between the harms and benefits of sun exposure in Australia. The paper, published in ANZJPH, acknowledges that Read more about New sun safety advice tailored for Australia’s diverse population
Australia; New Zealand; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute -
EXPERT REACTION: UN report on migratory species shows shocking state of wildlife
Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14)
Nearly half (44%) of the world’s migratory species are showing population decline, according to the first-ever report on the State of the World’s Migratory Species by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), Read more about EXPERT REACTION: UN report on migratory species shows shocking state of wildlife
Australia; InternationalUnited Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals -
Physical activity could help with pain in cancer survivors
Cancer
Being physically active may help with the ongoing pain that people with cancer often experience, according to Aussie researchers. The team analysed information from 10,651 with past cancer diagnosis as well as 51,439 adults without a history of Read more about Physical activity could help with pain in cancer survivors
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Indigenous families' needs are not considered when trialling parenting programs in Australia
Medical Journal of Australia
The specific needs and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have not generally been considered in Australian trials of parenting programs that aim to improve the mental and physical health of children, according to new research Read more about Indigenous families' needs are not considered when trialling parenting programs in Australia
Australia; NSWThe University of Newcastle -
Monkey see, monkey do: how sideline sports behaviours affect kids
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
For children’s sports, there’s no doubt that parents are essential – they’re the free ferry service, the half-time orange supplier, and the local cheer squad. But when it comes to sideline behaviour, some parents can behave badly, and when Read more about Monkey see, monkey do: how sideline sports behaviours affect kids
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
LEGO® robotics therapy may be a pull for improving school attendance rates for autistic teenagers
Flinders University
A social development program based on LEGO® therapy, combined with robotics, may have the potential to reduce school absenteeism for autistic teenagers, which is currently three times higher than their peers. LEGO® therapy uses toy bricks as a Read more about LEGO® robotics therapy may be a pull for improving school attendance rates for autistic teenagers
Australia; QLD; SAFlinders University|Griffith University -
T cells team-up to protect the liver from infection
Nature Communications
Researchers at the Centenary Institute have made an important breakthrough in understanding how the immune system fights off infections in the liver – paving the way for more specific and effective therapies to treat and prevent liver diseases Read more about T cells team-up to protect the liver from infection
Australia; NSW; VICCentenary Institute|The University of Sydney|The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity... -
Strongest contender in decades in fight against breast cancer
The Lancet Oncology
For decades, hormonal treatment of breast cancer has been going in one direction – blocking estrogen. Now a global study involving researchers at the University of Adelaide has discovered there may be another, less toxic way to defeat the most Read more about Strongest contender in decades in fight against breast cancer
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|University of Liverpool, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute -
Dancing may be better than other exercise for improving mental health
Sports Medicine
A structured dance program may be better than other physical activities in improving well-being and cognitive capacity. A structured dance program of at least six weeks’ duration can significantly improve psychological and cognitive health Read more about Dancing may be better than other exercise for improving mental health
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Sydney|The University of New South Wales... -
Young people urged to wash their hands and follow food safety tips
As students return to University, the Food Safety Information Council is urging them to follow simple food safety tips to avoid being one of the estimated 4. 67 million cases of foodborne disease each year in Australia. A recent Australia-wide Read more about Young people urged to wash their hands and follow food safety tips
Australia; QLDFood Safety Information Council -
Need to lower your blood pressure? Try Tai Chi
JAMA Network Open
Want to reduce your blood pressure? Give tai chi a go, say Chinese researchers. The team conducted a trial with 342 participants aged 18 to 65 with prehypertension – a warning sign that they may get high blood pressure in the future. Participants Read more about Need to lower your blood pressure? Try Tai Chi
InternationalChina Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, China -
Temperature sensitive hand allows amputees to feel human touch again
Med
International researchers have developed a prosthetic that allows amputees to sense and respond to temperature. The ‘MiniTouch’ device, a temperature-sensitive prosthetic delivers thermal information from the prosthesis’ fingertip, right to Read more about Temperature sensitive hand allows amputees to feel human touch again
InternationalÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland -
Bariatric surgery could improve brain function in people with obesity
JAMA Network Open
People with obesity who get bariatric surgery to help with weight loss could see long-term improvement in their brain function, according to international research. The team monitored the health, activity and brain function of 133 people with Read more about Bariatric surgery could improve brain function in people with obesity
InternationalRadboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands -
Language barriers could contribute to higher aggression in people with dementia
BMC Geriatrics
Immigrants living with dementia were more likely to present with agitation and aggression compared with their non-immigrant counterparts, a new study by Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found. The team noted that loneliness, boredom, language Read more about Language barriers could contribute to higher aggression in people with dementia
Australia; NSW; WAEdith Cowan University|Curtin University|The University of Sydney -
Promoting positive change for women and girls in STEM
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February 2024) is an opportunity to examine the disparities and tackle the barriers facing women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). While gender gaps in engineering, Read more about Promoting positive change for women and girls in STEM
Australia; SA; NTFlinders University -
Climate change keeps NZ agriculture leaders and experts up at night
Climate change is the most pressing issue for the near future for more than 280 leaders in agribusiness and Māori enterprises, policymakers, and academics. Researchers asked them to identify and rank their three most "front of mind" issues, with Read more about Climate change keeps NZ agriculture leaders and experts up at night
New ZealandOur Land and Water National Science Challenge