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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 -
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 -
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 -
EXPERT REACTION: New insight into ancient Earth's climate
Science
New Zealand researchers say they have rewritten the deep time history of Earth’s temperature record. The findings disprove ideas that early oceans were hot with temperatures greater than 60°C prior to approximately half a billion years ago, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: New insight into ancient Earth's climate
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Waikato -
EXPERT REACTION: Icelandic magma moved at unprecedented speed
Science
New research has found that the magma that flowed into a dike beneath the Icelandic town of Grindavík in November 2023, was moving at an unprecedented 7,400 cubic metres per second. The resulting lava flow caused widespread damage. Vertical magma Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Icelandic magma moved at unprecedented speed
New Zealand; InternationalGNS Science|University of Iceland, Iceland; Iceland Meteorological Office, Iceland; University of Leeds, UK; Uppsala University, Sweden -
Teaching Indigenous knowledge alongside science in the classroom
Science
Evidence supports the teaching of Indigenous knowledge alongside sciences in the classroom, argue two Aotearoa New Zealand researchers in a new policy analysis in Science. According to the authors, many arguments used to defend science by presenting Read more about Teaching Indigenous knowledge alongside science in the classroom
New ZealandLincoln University|University of Canterbury|Bioprotection Aotearoa -
EXPERT REACTION: Tanning beds resurface as 'collariums' despite ban
There are reports that collarium sunbeds are being advertised for commercial use in parts of Australia, despite sunbeds or tanning beds being banned for commercial use in Australia for close to 10 years. Below Australian experts comment. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Tanning beds resurface as 'collariums' despite ban
Australia; VIC; SA; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre -
Problematic ‘zombie leadership’ lives on
The Leadership Quarterly
Outdated perceptions of leadership persist across society despite being repeatedly debunked, University of Queensland research has found. Outdated perceptions of leadership persist across society despite being repeatedly debunked, University of Read more about Problematic ‘zombie leadership’ lives on
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland -
What turned Earth into a giant snowball 700m years ago? Scientists now have an answer
Geology
Inspired during field work in South Australia's Flinders Ranges, Australian geoscientists have proposed that all-time low volcanic carbon dioxide emissions triggered a 57 million year-long global 'Sturtian' ice age. Australian geologists have used Read more about What turned Earth into a giant snowball 700m years ago? Scientists now have an answer
Australia; International; NSW; SAThe University of Sydney -
Driving the WHO guidelines on preventing maternal deaths
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology,
New analysis by Burnet researchers has shown how care bundles can help improve health outcomes for women experiencing postpartum haemorrhage. Published today in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the study undertook a systematic review Read more about Driving the WHO guidelines on preventing maternal deaths
Australia; VICBurnet Institute -
EXPERT REACTION: No single solution for changing people's climate beliefs and behaviours
Science Advances
In order to reduce climate change, people's behaviour needs to change on a global level. Researchers tested 11 interventions on almost 60,000 participants from 63 countries, including New Zealand and Australia, to see what effect they had on Read more about EXPERT REACTION: No single solution for changing people's climate beliefs and behaviours
Australia; New Zealand; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; ACTUniversity of Canterbury|University of Auckland|Macquarie University... -
A move away from meat could help free up land for carbon removal
One Earth
Replacing half of our animal consumption with alternative protein sources over the next 25 years could free up farming land for renewable energy generation and carbon removal, according to international research. The team looked at the viability of Read more about A move away from meat could help free up land for carbon removal
InternationalLeiden University, The Netherlands -
Quantum research sheds light on the mystery of high-temperature superconductivity
Nature
An international team of scientists have made a new discovery that may help to unlock the microscopic mystery of high-temperature superconductivity and address the world’s energy problems. An international team of scientists have made a new Read more about Quantum research sheds light on the mystery of high-temperature superconductivity
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology -
Can we reliably predict sleepiness using voice recordings alone?
PLOS Computational Biology
International researchers think they may have found a way to detect sleep deprivation through voice recordings. The team studied 22 healthy women aged 30-50, who were sleep-deprived in a lab setting – with no more than three hours of sleep – and Read more about Can we reliably predict sleepiness using voice recordings alone?
InternationalPSL University, France -
How to provide effective falls prevention in aged care
Age and Ageing Journal
New research from Flinders University has revealed that devastating falls in residential aged care homes could be prevented by using gold standard approaches of regular exercise and a personalised falls prevention plan. Falls in older adults cost Read more about How to provide effective falls prevention in aged care
Australia; International; NSW; SAFlinders University|University of South Australia|The University of Sydney -
Ladies fare worse after a divorce
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
It is likely that women find it harder to emotionally adjust after a divorce or breakup, suggest international researchers who tracked the antidepressant use of close to 230,000 people aged 50 to 70 who had lost a partner one way or another. The Read more about Ladies fare worse after a divorce
InternationalChongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China -
An ancient Australian air-breathing fish from 380m years ago
Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology
Alice Spring’s Finke River (Larapinta), often cited as one of the oldest rivers in the world, once hosted waters teeming with bizarre animals – including a sleek predatory lobe-finned fish with large fangs and bony scales. The newly described Read more about An ancient Australian air-breathing fish from 380m years ago
Australia; International; NSW; SA; NT; ACTFlinders University|The Australian National University -
Time’s up for body-clock disruption
Sleep has become the holy grail of health and well-being. But for some people, particularly shift workers and others with a chronically mistimed body clock, getting a good night’s sleep can be a constant battle that significantly disrupts their Read more about Time’s up for body-clock disruption
Australia; SAFlinders University -
‘Speckles’ the piebald dolphin makes a splash as Australian first
Aquatic Mammals
University of the Sunshine Coast researchers believe they have recorded one of the world’s most unusually coloured dolphins for the first time in Australian waters. It is one of only six cases in the world where there is photographic evidence of Read more about ‘Speckles’ the piebald dolphin makes a splash as Australian first
Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
Marine heatwaves have significant impact on microorganisms
Communications Biology
Prolonged oceanic warm water events are altering the microorganism communities that form the base of the marine food chain. A new study led by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, shows that marine heatwaves (MHWs) are altering the Read more about Marine heatwaves have significant impact on microorganisms
AustraliaCSIRO|University of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
Fake news for wallabies (and elephants): animals 'led by the nose' to leave plants alone
Nature Ecology & Evolution
It seems fake news works for wallabies and elephants. Herbivores can cause substantial damage to crops or endangered or protected plants, with traditional methods to deter foraging lethal, expensive or ineffective. Biologists from the University of Read more about Fake news for wallabies (and elephants): animals 'led by the nose' to leave plants alone
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Vending machines help Brits self-test for STIs
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Vending machines are an effective way to get people to test for STIs who might not normally do so, according to a UK research pilot. Eleven machines in the cities of Brighton, Hove and Bristol supplied STI self-test kits to the over 2,000 people Read more about Vending machines help Brits self-test for STIs
InternationalUniversity of Bristol, UK; University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, UK; Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK; The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West, UK -
Schoolboy rugby players have more injuries the older they get
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
Researchers analysed data from 66 schoolboy teams from 35 secondary schools in England. Boys playing in under 18s had more injuries (and therefore more lost practice and game time) than their peers in under 15s and under 13s. The study, funded by Read more about Schoolboy rugby players have more injuries the older they get
InternationalUniversity of Bath, UK; University of Gloucestershire, UK; Rugby Football Union, UK -
Lab-grown tumours predict treatment outcomes
Cell Reports Medicine
Researchers have grown tumours in the lab to accurately predict what drugs will work for people with bowel cancer – before they begin treatment. Researchers have grown tumours in the lab to accurately predict what drugs will work for people with Read more about Lab-grown tumours predict treatment outcomes
Australia; VICWEHI|The University of Melbourne|Monash University -
How do you find Nemo? Count the stripes on his side
Journal of Experimental Biology
Finding Nemo may be easier than we thought, as Japanese and Taiwanese scientists say clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) identify members of their own species by counting the number of vertical white stripes on their sides. Common clownfish don't like Read more about How do you find Nemo? Count the stripes on his side
InternationalOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan -
Which dogs live the longest?
Scientific Reports
All dogs go to heaven, but which ones live the longest? According to UK researchers, small, long-nosed dogs such as (Whippets and Miniature Daschunds) have the highest life expectancy, while male flat-faced dogs (such as English Bulldogs) have the Read more about Which dogs live the longest?
InternationalDogs Trust, UK; Liverpool John Moores University, UK -
Policy shifts a big concern for Māori health - Editorial
New Zealand Medical Journal
Researchers argue in a NZMJ editorial that the current government’s proposed changes to legislation will unfairly have huge negative impacts on Māori health. They write that the impending shifts that have been signalled so far – including the Read more about Policy shifts a big concern for Māori health - Editorial
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|University of Auckland -
Māori and Pasifika teens more likely to see vape ads online
New Zealand Medical Journal
Young New Zealanders are regularly exposed to online ads that promote vaping as an appealing product, according to a survey of more than 3500 people aged 14-20. Half of the sample said they had seen vape marketing on at least one social media Read more about Māori and Pasifika teens more likely to see vape ads online
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|Massey University|The University of Queensland... -
Blind spots: impacts for half the world’s mines are undocumented, risking global harm
Nature
Australia has joined other large mining nations such as Russia, China and Brazil at the top of a list of countries with the biggest areas of undocumented or undermeasured mine impacts, according to a satellite image analysis of the world’s mines. Read more about Blind spots: impacts for half the world’s mines are undocumented, risking global harm
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Understanding rapid weight loss in older women: Message from the heart
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology
Unexplained rapid weight loss in older people could be a sign of underlying disease and can be linked with increased risk of falls and fractures, as well as a poorer long-term prognosis. Unexplained rapid weight loss in older people could be a sign Read more about Understanding rapid weight loss in older women: Message from the heart
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
New genus of ‘alien-faced’ multi-legged forest dwellers discovered
European Journal of Taxonomy
University of the Sunshine Coast researchers have uncovered a new genus and five new species of millipedes in remote African jungles – and say the many-legged creatures could hold important clues to whether woody vines are choking or protecting Read more about New genus of ‘alien-faced’ multi-legged forest dwellers discovered
Australia; International; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
Diagnostic tests needed for 2,500 patients exposed to hormone treatment
Leading Alzheimer’s disease researcher Professor Colin Masters of The Florey is warning of a serious public health issue following recent confirmation that patients in the UK contracted Alzheimer’s disease through medical procedures in the 1970s. Read more about Diagnostic tests needed for 2,500 patients exposed to hormone treatment
Australia; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health