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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 -
Industrial-era northern England: gloomy enough to give you bone disease
PLoS ONE
It's not always sunny in northern England. Industrial-era dental tissue from 25 individuals showed that males and females experienced similar seasonal shortages of vitamin D at far higher rates than previously thought. Simply put: they weren't Read more about Industrial-era northern England: gloomy enough to give you bone disease
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Otago|The University of Queensland|Durham University, -
EXPERT REACTION: Our mood on Twitter takes up to three weeks to recover from a global shock
PLOS ONE
A wide survey of X (Twitter) posts has suggested that global happiness levels take about two weeks to rebound following a global crisis, or "shock". Two events (the initiation of pandemic lockdowns and the invasion of Ukraine) were studied by Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Our mood on Twitter takes up to three weeks to recover from a global shock
New Zealand; InternationalAUT University|University of Johannesburg -
Not so great, Danes? Many Danish dog owners dose their mutts with unlicensed cannabinoids
PLOS ONE
A survey of around 2,000 Danish dog owners found nearly two in five (38%) give their pooches cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis is illegal for veterinary use in Denmark, as well as many other countries, so these pet owners are Read more about Not so great, Danes? Many Danish dog owners dose their mutts with unlicensed cannabinoids
InternationalUniversity of Copenhagen, Denmark -
People with hard-to-treat schizophrenia have different gut bugs, and medication may be to blame
JAMA Psychiatry
People with hard-to-treat, or treatment-resistant, schizophrenia have significantly different gut bugs making up their microbiome compared to people who respond well to treatment and those without the disorder, according to Australian research. Read more about People with hard-to-treat schizophrenia have different gut bugs, and medication may be to blame
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Futuristic fibres promise new yarns
Nature
New fibres may be able to receive electronic inputs, offering the possibility of programmable clothing. The authors note that this technology, if improved upon, could lead to developments like more flexible heart-monitors and hats that can detect Read more about Futuristic fibres promise new yarns
InternationalNanyang Technological University, Jilin University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences -
2.5 hours or more of exercise weekly could reduce the risk of falls in older women
JAMA Network Open
For older women, exercising as little as 2. 5 hours a week could reduce the risk of falls and subsequent injury, according to Australian research. The researchers surveyed over 7000 women aged 65-70 years about how much they exercised, and three Read more about 2.5 hours or more of exercise weekly could reduce the risk of falls in older women
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of Newcastle -
Vast majority of vaping shops in WA are near schools or in poorer areas
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
Vape stores in WA are densely located around schools and in disadvantaged areas, according to Australian research, which found 88% of stores are within 1km of a school. They also found there are seven times as many vape shops in poorer areas, Read more about Vast majority of vaping shops in WA are near schools or in poorer areas
Australia; WAThe University of Notre Dame Australia|The University of Western Australia... -
Floating algae a raft for juvenile pelagic fish
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
Floating macroalgal acts as a raft that provides habitat for a diverse array of juvenile oceanic fish a new Griffith University-led study has found. Floating macroalgal acts as a raft that provides habitat for a diverse array of juvenile oceanic Read more about Floating algae a raft for juvenile pelagic fish
Australia; QLDGriffith University|James Cook University -
As the climate warms, some reef fish prove more adaptable than others
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Australian and Japanese scientists say many fish species are moving to new environments as the climate changes and some are more adaptable to these new homes than others. They found tropical fish species that change the most to adapt to new Read more about As the climate warms, some reef fish prove more adaptable than others
Australia; NSW; QLD; SAThe University of Adelaide|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
Kimchi three times a day could keep the kilos at bay
BMJ Open
Men who eat kimchi 1-3 times a day could be at a lower risk of obesity, according to research funded by the Korean government-backed World Institute of Kimchi. The team analysed the self-reported diets of over 100,000 middle-aged Koreans and Read more about Kimchi three times a day could keep the kilos at bay
InternationalChung Ang University, South Korea -
Diet rich in fish and veggies for infants may reduce risk of inflammatory bowel disease
Gut
A diet rich in fish and vegetables and low in meat, sweets, and sugary drinks, at the age of one may reduce the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease, according to international researchers. The team analyzed data collected from surveys Read more about Diet rich in fish and veggies for infants may reduce risk of inflammatory bowel disease
InternationalUniversity of Gothenburg, Sweden -
Australia’s quantum prowess kindling global attention
Defence and global technology heavyweights taking an interest in Australian quantum know-how. QUANTUM ENTREPRENEURS and researchers in Australia are attracting growing attention internationally, most recently from the defence sector. Just look at Read more about Australia’s quantum prowess kindling global attention
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Favourite Australian foods linked to Alzheimer's
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
A study has found a strong link between Alzheimer's disease and the daily consumption of meat-based and processed foods. Researchers at Bond University came to the conclusion after examining the diets of 438 Australians - 108 with Alzheimer's and Read more about Favourite Australian foods linked to Alzheimer's
Australia; QLDBond University|Griffith University -
Black summer bushfires wiped $2.8 billion from tourism supply chain
Economics of Disaster and Climate Change
First input-output economic analysis of 2019-20 fires also found 7300 jobs were lost. The study, by PhD student Vivienne Reiner from the Centre of Integrated Sustainability Analysis, highlights economic vulnerabilities to extremes of climate change. Read more about Black summer bushfires wiped $2.8 billion from tourism supply chain
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of Queensland -
What happens when you let a predator loose in a conservation area? These quolls were put to the task
Animal Conservation
Reintroduced western quolls eat a whole range of prey, rather than just hunting the small threatened species to extinction, researchers have shown. In the first reintroduction of western quolls to a fenced conservation reserve, researchers from UNSW Read more about What happens when you let a predator loose in a conservation area? These quolls were put to the task
Australia; NSW; SAThe University of New South Wales -
Death toll shows extreme air pollution events a growing urban threat
Heliyon
New Curtin University-led research has estimated that 1454 avoidable deaths (one person every five days) occurred in Australian capital cities in the past 20 years because of fine particle air pollution from extreme events such as bushfires and dust Read more about Death toll shows extreme air pollution events a growing urban threat
Australia; WACurtin University|The University of Sydney|CSIRO|The Australian National University -
Nature’s DNA traps: Spider webs put new spin on wildlife research
iScience
Spiders might be silent heroes in helping us understand and keep track of animals, with new Curtin research revealing their webs act like natural traps for tiny bits of environmental DNA (eDNA) from vertebrates, which could change how we learn about Read more about Nature’s DNA traps: Spider webs put new spin on wildlife research
Australia; WACurtin University -
Why can't insects resist the allure of lights at night?
Nature Communications
Why there's always a cloud of insects buzzing around your outside lights at night has remained a bit of a mystery since the Romans noticed they could use lights to trap insects, but now international scientists have shed some light on the reason. Read more about Why can't insects resist the allure of lights at night?
InternationalImperial College London, UK, Florida International University, USA -
Trial shows promise in addressing unnecessary caesarean sections
Nature Medicine
Unnecessary caesarean sections can cause avoidable harm to mothers and their babies. In a new study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found implementing the WHO Labour Care Guide can help improve women’s care during childbirth and reduce Read more about Trial shows promise in addressing unnecessary caesarean sections
Australia; VICBurnet Institute|Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS-CONICET), India; Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Science Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, India -
Link between family dog ownership and girls’ physical activity
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Researchers have found a clear link between the acquisition or loss of a family dog and the level of physical activity undertaken by children in the family, with the impact most noticeable in girls. The first study to examine the longitudinal Read more about Link between family dog ownership and girls’ physical activity
Australia; WATelethon Kids Institute|The University of Western Australia... -
Lack of support for pet owners in crisis
Pet owners facing crisis situations, including those who are victims of domestic violence, are suffering from a lack of support services needed to protect them. Pet owners facing crisis situations, including those who are victims of domestic violence Read more about Lack of support for pet owners in crisis
Australia; QLDJames Cook University -
Unpacking the cost of healthy school lunchboxes
Health Promotion International
A new study shows the pinch families can face when packing a school lunchbox, finding families are spending about $25 per child per week. New analysis by Flinders University in South Australia, University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Read more about Unpacking the cost of healthy school lunchboxes
Australia; NSW; SAFlinders University|The University of Newcastle|Hunter New England Population Health Service -
What can we look out for to prevent suicidal thoughts in our teens?
JAMA Network Open
This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to data about mental health, suicide and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on Read more about What can we look out for to prevent suicidal thoughts in our teens?
InternationalThe University of Tokyo Hospital, Japan -
New community resources to tackle extremism and disinformation
Important new online resources aimed at tackling extremism and disinformation in the community have been launched in Western Australia. Important new online resources aimed at tackling extremism and disinformation in the community have been launched Read more about New community resources to tackle extremism and disinformation
Australia; WACurtin University -
Camera system allows us to see the world through an animal's eyes
PLOS Biology
International researchers have developed a camera system that can produce videos that replicate the colours different animals see the world with. Different animals see a different range of colours, and sometimes can see colours we can't, such as Read more about Camera system allows us to see the world through an animal's eyes
InternationalQueen Mary University of London, UK -
Few patients successfully treat their type 2 diabetes through weight loss alone
PLOS Medicine
Very few patients with type 2 diabetes are able to control their blood sugar levels through weight loss alone, according to international researchers. The team looked at 37,326 people in Hong Kong who were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to see Read more about Few patients successfully treat their type 2 diabetes through weight loss alone
InternationalChinese University of Hong Kong -
Social isolation and loneliness could worsen the health of those with obesity
JAMA Network Open
Obesity is linked to an increased risk of death from any cause, but the effect is worse if you’re feeling lonely and socially isolated, according to international researchers. The team used data from the UK Biobank which included 398,972 Read more about Social isolation and loneliness could worsen the health of those with obesity
InternationalTulane University, USA -
‘No added sugar’ rule is a good step – but the job’s not done
Current Developments in Nutrition
Australia’s food regulators must develop a comprehensive definition for ‘added sugars’ in processed foods so consumers can make healthy choices, according to new research from The George Institute for Global Health. In December, Food Standards Read more about ‘No added sugar’ rule is a good step – but the job’s not done
Australia; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health -
Tobacco experts praise vaping law loophole closure
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
In an editorial, Australian experts praise the Federal Government’s plans to close vaping law loopholes and call for the proposed reforms to be introduced urgently to end the youth vaping epidemic. They highlight how easy it is for young people to Read more about Tobacco experts praise vaping law loophole closure
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|University of Wollongong|Cancer Council NSW...