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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 -
Blood test could determine diabetes risks
Journal of Translational Medicine
A blood test could potentially be used to assess a patient’s risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found. Blood test could determine diabetes risks A blood test could potentially be used to assess a Read more about Blood test could determine diabetes risks
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
The Life of Brain? 'Movies' with sound illuminate patterns of brain activity
PLOS ONE
US scientists have translated complex brain imaging data into 'movies', or short videos with accompanying musical soundtracks to be more precise (there's not much of a plot). They say their approach could potentially help interpret what happens in Read more about The Life of Brain? 'Movies' with sound illuminate patterns of brain activity
InternationalColumbia University, USA -
Too much TV might make you have to wee
Neurourology and Urodynamics
Have you ever found yourself needing to wee in the night after a hearty netflix binge? Well, you might not be alone, after international researchers found adults who spent five or more hours a day watching TV and/or videos were more likely to Read more about Too much TV might make you have to wee
InternationalWenzhou Medical University(The First People's Hospital of Wenling), China -
Small study suggests yoga may help chronic back pain
Journal of Orthopaedic Research
A small study of 10 women with chronic back pain and 11 without found an eight-session yoga program over four weeks led those with pain to report a decrease in its intensity and found they had measurably more flexible spines following the program. Read more about Small study suggests yoga may help chronic back pain
InternationalUniversity of Catanzaro, Italy -
Dangerous snoring and sleep apnoea linked to an unhealthy diet
ERJ Open Research
People who eat a healthy, plant-based diet that is high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and nuts are less likely to suffer with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), according to a new study led by Flinders University. The new study is one of the first Read more about Dangerous snoring and sleep apnoea linked to an unhealthy diet
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Monarch caterpillars drink 'toxic sap' from swan plants to stay safe
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Caterpillars of the iconic Monarch butterfly may drink toxic latex from swan plants for their own self-defense. Monarch caterpillars are known to sever swan plant veins to stop toxic latex from flowing into the parts of leaves that they eat. However, Read more about Monarch caterpillars drink 'toxic sap' from swan plants to stay safe
InternationalUniversity of Hohenheim, Germany -
Could ADHD have evolved because it makes us better explorers?
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more likely to take a risk and explore new options, according to US and Indian scientists, which may make them better foragers, and possibly explorers, than people without ADHD. That Read more about Could ADHD have evolved because it makes us better explorers?
InternationalUniversity of Pennsylvania, USA -
Boosting potassium is key for blood pressure control
Journal of Human Hypertension
More than two-thirds of the blood pressure-lowering effect of salt substitutes may be due to the added potassium. While reducing salt intake has been the focus of dietary advice to control high blood pressure (hypertension), a new study suggests Read more about Boosting potassium is key for blood pressure control
Australia; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health -
Mating strategies of male Wellington tree wētā
Royal Society Open Science
Male Wellington tree wētā have three different mating strategies related to the size of their jaw-like weapons, according to new research. While male wētā that matured early had smaller weaponry, their head start allowed them to circumvent Read more about Mating strategies of male Wellington tree wētā
New ZealandUniversité du Québec à Montréal, Canada -
Does a healthy life mean a healthy gut?
Gut
Researchers from China and Hong Kong say there is a strong link between adopting a healthy lifestyle and a lower risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They say, of the 'big five' healthy behaviours, not smoking, a high level of vigorous physical Read more about Does a healthy life mean a healthy gut?
InternationalThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong -
Unravelling the genetic and environmental influences on trust
Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization
Trust, a cornerstone of human interaction, has a significant genetic component, according to new research. Trust, a cornerstone of human interaction, has a significant genetic component, with around 33% of the variation between individuals Read more about Unravelling the genetic and environmental influences on trust
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The University of Sydney -
Examining the medical mystery of a child hepatitis outbreak
Journal of Infection
An analysis of a sudden global outbreak of hepatitis in children that occurred in 2022 finds although the primary suspect is highly likely to be an infection by multiple viruses, many questions still puzzle researchers. A University of Sydney study Read more about Examining the medical mystery of a child hepatitis outbreak
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Ancient DNA reveals Down syndrome in past human societies
Nature Communications
By analysing ancient DNA, an international team of researchers have uncovered cases of chromosomal disorders, including what could be the first case of Edwards syndrome ever identified from prehistoric remains. By analysing ancient DNA, an Read more about Ancient DNA reveals Down syndrome in past human societies
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|The Australian National University... -
Prosthetic limbs may soon be able to 'feel'
Nature Communications
International researchers have created a brain-robot connection that provides more naturalistic sensations to amputees when they are walking on their prosthetics. The researchers tested their new system on three lower-limb amputees with brain Read more about Prosthetic limbs may soon be able to 'feel'
InternationalETH Zürich, Switzerland -
Will 'asking our parents for money' to pay off a home loan lead to abusing them?
Australian Journal of Social Issues
A couple of Australian researchers have suggested that more focus be put on the possibility that the now common need of younger Australians to ask their parents for assistance in buying a house could lead to the financial abuse of the parents. They Read more about Will 'asking our parents for money' to pay off a home loan lead to abusing them?
Australia; NSW; TASThe University of Newcastle|University of Tasmania -
A better peanut on your plate? New findings reveal potential for peanut crop improvement
Nature Genetics
Global population growth has led to rapidly increasing food demand, but a new international study, published in Nature Genetics, has found a way to accelerate crop improvements, specifically in peanuts. Global population growth has led to rapidly Read more about A better peanut on your plate? New findings reveal potential for peanut crop improvement
Australia; International; WAMurdoch University -
Check your heart’s health with the prick of a pin
Analytical Chemistry
Researchers at Murdoch University’s Australian National Phenome Centre have delivered a self-administered blood test that that will revolutionise the landscape of cardiovascular risk assessment. Tests usually performed to detect heart disease and Read more about Check your heart’s health with the prick of a pin
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
Mapping potential pathways to MND treatment
Nature Communications
For the first time, researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) have mapped out the proteins implicated in the early stages of motor neurone disease (MND). Building on the mapping project, UQ Queensland Brain Institute researcher Dr Rebecca Read more about Mapping potential pathways to MND treatment
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Queensland Brain Institute... -
High cost of vaping in Australia revealed
Australian Health Review
QIMR Berghofer researchers have warned that the increased prevalence of vaping could ultimately cost the Australian health system upwards of $180 million each year, just from a portion of users taking up tobacco smoking. QIMR Berghofer researchers Read more about High cost of vaping in Australia revealed
Australia; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute -
Protecting Science in Times of Crisis: How do we stop being reactive, and become more proactive?
Protecting Science in Times of Crisis is a comprehensive report addressing the urgent need for a new approach to safeguard science and its practitioners during global crises. With many conflicts spread over geographical zones, increasing extreme Read more about Protecting Science in Times of Crisis: How do we stop being reactive, and become more proactive?
InternationalAustralian Academy of Science|International Science Council, Centre for Science Futures, International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific led by the Australian Academy of Science. -
A nerve protecting drug combination could improve stroke outcomes
JAMA Neurology
A fast-acting drug combination that works to protect the cells in the brain, could help improve patients' symptoms after a stroke, according to a study from China. The study found that the combination of edaravone and dexborneol, which together Read more about A nerve protecting drug combination could improve stroke outcomes
Australia; International; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health|Peking University Third Hospital, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited China, -
Could climate change increase the risk of thunderstorm asthma events?
JAMA
In 2016, a thunderstorm in Melbourne triggered a 672% increase in asthma-related hospital admissions and caused 10 deaths, and Australian researchers say there is a possibility that events like this could increase or become more severe under climate Read more about Could climate change increase the risk of thunderstorm asthma events?
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
Turning health research into health gains
A symposium highlighted previous and upcoming research that will equitably improve some of New Zealand’s most pressing health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Turning health research into health gains Read more about Turning health research into health gains
New ZealandHealthier Lives National Science Challenge -
People were less stressed after NZ's successful Covid-19 response
Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology
Stress levels decreased over the first six months of the pandemic in New Zealand, according to researchers who analysed the hair of 44 Kiwis. The stress hormone cortisol can show up in hair as a record of a person's past stress levels. The findings Read more about People were less stressed after NZ's successful Covid-19 response
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland -
Coughs aren't all the same - and should be treated differently
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine
This study explored different types of coughs among middle-aged people – including minimal cough, cough with colds only, cough with allergies, intermittent productive cough, chronic dry cough and chronic productive cough. It found that different Read more about Coughs aren't all the same - and should be treated differently
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; TAS; NTThe University of Melbourne|Queensland University of Technology (QUT)... -
New genetic therapy in mice holds promise for MND and dementia
Neuron
Macquarie University neuroscientists have developed a single-dose genetic medicine that has been proven to halt the progression of both motor neurone disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in mice – and may even offer the potential to Read more about New genetic therapy in mice holds promise for MND and dementia
Australia; NSW; QLDMacquarie University|University of Wollongong|The University of Queensland... -
Data science shown to expedite return of ancestral Indigenous remains
Social Science Computer Review
The search for Indigenous human ancestral remains held by museums and other institutions so they can be returned for reburial back home could soon be much easier thanks to computer science. The return of the ancestral human remains of Australian Read more about Data science shown to expedite return of ancestral Indigenous remains
Australia; QLD; TAS; ACTQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|The Australian National University... -
Mosquitoes and marsupials are driving Ross River Virus spread across Australia
PLOS Pathogens
The presence of two mosquito species, along with kangaroos, possums, and seasonal factors are driving the spread of Ross River Virus across Australia, according to new research, which also found that 43% of infections may go unreported. Ross River Read more about Mosquitoes and marsupials are driving Ross River Virus spread across Australia
Australia; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NTUniversity of Tasmania|CSIRO|The University of Melbourne... -
How does the brain process an echo?
PLOS Biology
Why don’t we hear echoes as garbled nonsense? According to Chinese researchers, the human brain separates sounds into direct speech and its echo. The team used magnetic fields to record the brain activity of 48 people listening to a story with or Read more about How does the brain process an echo?
InternationalZhejiang University, China -
Tiny bugs could be key to the tastiest tea
Current Biology
The tiny bug communities on the roots of tea plants could play a big role in how delicious the tea is, according to international researchers. Previous research has shown collections of microbes on tea roots influence the way the plants absorb Read more about Tiny bugs could be key to the tastiest tea
InternationalFujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China -
One step closer to reversing liver failure
Developmental Cell
Researchers at Peter Mac have made a key discovery in liver regeneration that may have important implications for liver cancer. Joint research between Associate Professor Andrew Cox and Professor Mark Dawson, published this week in Developmental Cell Read more about One step closer to reversing liver failure
Australia; InternationalPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre -
Breast screening no more than 20 minutes away for 9 in 10 Aussie women
Nine in ten Australian women live no more than a 20 minute drive away from a permanent breast screening service, or a visiting service that comes at least once every two years, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Read more about Breast screening no more than 20 minutes away for 9 in 10 Aussie women
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Antidepressant use lower for mums who have grandparent support
Population Studies
Mums are less likely to take antidepressants if their own parents and parents-in-law are healthy and live close by, according to international researchers. The team tracked Finnish 488,000 mums for 14 years and also found antidepressant use was Read more about Antidepressant use lower for mums who have grandparent support
InternationalUniversity of Helsinki, Finland -
Our cultural upbringing changes how we read others' emotional facial expressions
Frontiers in Psychology
Different cultures may interpret different emotions from the same facial expression, according to international research. The team measured the brain activity of two groups of people - a group of US residents born and raised in China and a group of Read more about Our cultural upbringing changes how we read others' emotional facial expressions
InternationalUniversity of North Carolina, USA -
Planned burn-offs help avoid wildfires, but could expose more to smoke
Earth's Future
California's skies have turned orange and black several times in recent years due to smoke from major wildfires, and now authorities want to use scheduled fires to reduce the amount of fuel available for wildfires. However, new research suggests Read more about Planned burn-offs help avoid wildfires, but could expose more to smoke
InternationalCalifornia Department of Public Health, USA -
This is Perth’s perfect verge – and it comes with huge social and environmental benefits
Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
Environmental researchers have surveyed almost 1,000 Perth residents to identify what the perfect Perth verge looks like, as part of a project looking at how we can improve urban greening. “The land along streets and roads can make up more than 30% Read more about This is Perth’s perfect verge – and it comes with huge social and environmental benefits
Australia; VIC; WAMurdoch University|The University of Melbourne -
Are companies co-opting female empowerment messages to market unnecessary health products?
The BMJ
Some health companies are using female empowerment messaging to market health screening products to women who do not have an evidence-based reason for needing them, according to Australian researchers. The researchers analysed two specific examples Read more about Are companies co-opting female empowerment messages to market unnecessary health products?
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Sydney|The University of Queensland -
Exercising your way out of depression
BMJ
Exercise can be a powerful tool to fight depression and should be routinely prescribed as part of treatment plans, according to University of Queensland research. Exercise can be a powerful tool to fight depression and should be routinely prescribed Read more about Exercising your way out of depression
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Queensland|University of the Sunshine Coast... -
Revealing global barriers to curative hep C treatment access
Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Access to curative hepatitis C treatments depends on where you live, new research shows. Almost 90 per cent of the 57 million people living with hepatitis C live in low- and middle-income countries, but only half of these countries currently provide Read more about Revealing global barriers to curative hep C treatment access
Australia; International; NSWThe University of New South Wales|Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney -
Trapping sulfate to benefit health, industry and waterways
Nature Chemistry
Scientists have developed a new method to measure and remove sulfate from water, potentially leading to cleaner waterways and more effective nuclear waste treatments. Scientists have developed a new method to measure and remove sulfate from water, Read more about Trapping sulfate to benefit health, industry and waterways
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Revealing the gut’s crucial role in lung disease
Gut
Research led by the Centenary Institute, the University of Technology Sydney and the Hunter Medical Research Institute suggests that the gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), paving Read more about Revealing the gut’s crucial role in lung disease
Australia; NSWCentenary Institute|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
EXPERT REACTION: Smokers are more likely to quit cigarettes if they switch to vapes
New England Journal of Medicine
People who are trying to quit smoking tobacco are more likely to be successful if nicotine vapes are part of their strategy, according to international research. The team recruited 1,246 would-be quitters, and assigned 622 to receive free Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Smokers are more likely to quit cigarettes if they switch to vapes
Australia; International; NSW; VICUniversity of Bern, Switzerland -
Nanodiamonds could hold key to cool clothing
Polymers for Advanced Technologies
Researchers from RMIT University are using nanodiamonds to create smart textiles that can cool people down faster. Researchers from RMIT University are using nanodiamonds to create smart textiles that can cool people down faster. The study found Read more about Nanodiamonds could hold key to cool clothing
Australia; VICRMIT University -
Nature vs. nurture: shedding light on heritable brain activity
Human Brain Mapping
A twin study has revealed the complex interplay between genetics and environment in how our brains navigate emotional and cognitive tasks. The way our brain processes different emotional and cognitive tasks may be underpinned by common factors, find Read more about Nature vs. nurture: shedding light on heritable brain activity
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) -
A 63 year old man is in remission from HIV after a stem cell transplant to treat cancer
New England Journal of Medicine
A 63 year old man has been in remission from HIV for 5 years after he received a stem cell transplant to treat his leukaemia. The patient needed a stem cell transplant to treat his cancer, so the team looked for a donor with a mutation in a gene Read more about A 63 year old man is in remission from HIV after a stem cell transplant to treat cancer
InternationalCity of Hope National Medical Center, USA -
This hot spring bacteria may be endemic to NZ, 'like a microbial kiwi'
Nature Communications
Researchers suspect they've uncovered a world-first: a whole genus of bacteria that's only found in one country, Aotearoa-New Zealand. Microorganisms aren't subject to the same restrictions that other creatures are – they can ride on air currents Read more about This hot spring bacteria may be endemic to NZ, 'like a microbial kiwi'
New ZealandUniversity of Canterbury|University of Waikato|University of Otago...