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Spearheading changes to global anaemia guidelines
The Lancet Haematology
The way anaemia is diagnosed worldwide could change for the first time in 50 years, following a landmark study led by WEHI researchers. The findings have been used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to revamp their global guidelines for the Read more about Spearheading changes to global anaemia guidelines
Australia; VICWEHI|The University of Melbourne -
Hope, fear, and guilt: Your climate feelings may impact the solutions you support
PLOS Climate
The type of emotional reaction someone has to climate change is associated with the types of climate policies they're likely to support, a new survey shows. While hopeful people put faith in proactive policies like investing in infrastructure, Read more about Hope, fear, and guilt: Your climate feelings may impact the solutions you support
InternationalGeorge Mason University, USA -
Does a low heart rate mean a high life of crime?
PLOS ONE
Women with a low resting heart rate had a slightly higher chance of a criminal lifestyle, say US and Swedish researchers who investigated the criminal offence records of 12,500 women for up to 40 years. Additionally, the team say unintentional Read more about Does a low heart rate mean a high life of crime?
InternationalO¨ rebro University,O¨ rebro, Sweden -
Poverty is the main reason people are selling their kidneys
PLOS Global Public Health
Poverty is the main motivator prompting people to sell a kidney, according to Australian and international researchers who say many people who choose to sell a kidney are unaware of the potential health risks. The team reviewed previous research Read more about Poverty is the main reason people are selling their kidneys
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Center for Research on Education, Nepal -
How do caterpillars stop bleeding from their tiny wounds?
Frontiers in Soft Matter
Tobacco hornworm caterpillars can seal their wounds and stop bleeding within a minute, according to international researchers investigating the mystery of how the blood-like substance in many of the world's smallest critters works. Most animals that Read more about How do caterpillars stop bleeding from their tiny wounds?
InternationalClemson University, USA -
No evidence probiotics offer benefit during pregnancy
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
A systematic review of the use of probiotics during pregnancy on pregnancy-related conditions found no evidence that probiotics had any effect on the conditions. Published today in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Read more about No evidence probiotics offer benefit during pregnancy
Australia; VICBurnet Institute|Monash University -
Getting regular exercise may help with a good night sleep
BMJ Open
People who regularly exercise 2 - 3 times a week are less likely to have insomnia, and more likely to get the recommended 6-9 hours of sleep, according to Aussie and international researchers. The team analysed survey data from over 4,000 people Read more about Getting regular exercise may help with a good night sleep
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Climate change will see Australia’s soil emit CO2 and add to global warming
NPJ Climate and Atmospheric Science
New Curtin University research has shown the warming climate will turn Australia’s soil into a net emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2), unless action is taken. Soil helps to keep the planet cool by absorbing carbon, however as the climate gets warmer Read more about Climate change will see Australia’s soil emit CO2 and add to global warming
Australia; WACurtin University -
Astronomers discover 49 new galaxies in under three hours
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
An international team of astronomers has discovered 49 new gas-rich galaxies using the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa. Dr Marcin Glowacki, from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Read more about Astronomers discover 49 new galaxies in under three hours
Australia; New Zealand; International; WAInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)... -
How lizards avoid being killed by venomous snakes
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
A University of Queensland-led study has shed light on how some lizards have evolved to resist deadly neurotoxins from Australia’s most venomous snakes. The research, led by UQ’s Professor Bryan Fry, focused on the interactions between venomous Read more about How lizards avoid being killed by venomous snakes
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLDThe University of Queensland|Australian Museum -
Blood analysis predicts sepsis and organ failure in children
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health
University of Queensland researchers have developed a method to predict if a child is likely to develop sepsis and go into organ failure. The research involved more than 900 critically ill children in the emergency departments and intensive care Read more about Blood analysis predicts sepsis and organ failure in children
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Griffith University -
A once a year COVID-19 vax with an extra jab for high risk people could be the right vaccine strategy
Annals of Internal Medicine
A once a year COVID-19 jab for most of us, with a second jab five months later for those over 50 or under 2 could be an effective vaccine strategy, according to US research. The study compared five annual vaccination strategies and found that Read more about A once a year COVID-19 vax with an extra jab for high risk people could be the right vaccine strategy
InternationalYale Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, USA -
Call for more holistic management of epilepsy as gaps revealed
Epilepsia Open
Tuesday is Purple Day for Epilepsy. Researchers from the Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) at The Florey are calling for changes to the way epilepsy is managed after a pilot study in 172 people highlighted differences in quality of life. The Read more about Call for more holistic management of epilepsy as gaps revealed
Australia; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health... -
We donate to charity to feel good about ourselves, but we give more to look good for others
PLOS ONE
Deciding to donate to charity is mostly driven by the warm glow we get about ourselves, but social pressure can influence how much we give, according to Australian research. The study compared people's willingness to donate to charity when another Read more about We donate to charity to feel good about ourselves, but we give more to look good for others
Australia; NSW; VICMonash University|The University of Sydney -
EXPERT REACTION: Chemicals in some disinfectants and flame retardants damage supporting cells of the brain in the lab
Nature Neuroscience
Two classes of chemicals that are found in some disinfectants and flame retardants could impair the development of a type of cell in the brain, called oligodendrocytes, according to laboratory experiments. Oligodendrocytes are cells that wrap Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Chemicals in some disinfectants and flame retardants damage supporting cells of the brain in the lab
InternationalCase Western Reserve University, USA -
Greater job flexibility and security helps keep psychological distress and anxiety low
JAMA Network Open
People who have greater job flexibility and job security are less likely to experience serious psychological distress or anxiety, according to international researchers. The team collected data on over 18,000 employed adults in the US, finding that Read more about Greater job flexibility and security helps keep psychological distress and anxiety low
InternationalBoston University, USA -
Ukraine war takes 'substantial' toll on local teens' mental health
JAMA Pediatrics
An international study of 8,096 Ukrainian teens, around half of whom lived in Ukraine throughout the war with Russia and around half of whom lived abroad during the conflict, found exposure to the war was linked with worse mental health outcomes. Read more about Ukraine war takes 'substantial' toll on local teens' mental health
InternationalThe University of Tokyo Hospital, Japan -
We're wasting over half our supply of this non-renewable fertiliser ingredient
Nature Food
NZ and UK scientists are warning we need to be much more careful in how we use phosphorus, if we want future generations to continue using the wonder fertiliser ingredient. Phosphorus stores are limited, and researchers calculate we could run out Read more about We're wasting over half our supply of this non-renewable fertiliser ingredient
New Zealand; InternationalOur Land and Water National Science Challenge|AgResearch... -
Gene discovery offers new hope for Aussies living with chronic skin disease
Nature Communications
Scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) have discovered a gene mutation is responsible for causing psoriasis – a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes patients to develop red, scaly and itchy patches across their body. Read more about Gene discovery offers new hope for Aussies living with chronic skin disease
Australia; International; ACTThe Australian National University -
Persian plateau unveiled as crucial hub for early human migration out of Africa
Nature Communications
A new study combining genetic, palaeoecological, and archaeological evidence has unveiled the Persian Plateau as a pivotal geographic location serving as a hub for Homo sapiens during the early stages of their migration out of Africa. Published in Read more about Persian plateau unveiled as crucial hub for early human migration out of Africa
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University -
Risk prediction using our genes and gut bacteria can improve early detection of diseases
Nature Aging
A new study has shown that risk scores based on our genes and gut bacteria can improve the prediction of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and prostate cancer over traditional risk factors alone. And when it comes to prediction of a person’s risk Read more about Risk prediction using our genes and gut bacteria can improve early detection of diseases
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|University of Cambridge, Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare. -
Bleaching can hamper reproduction and recovery in corals
Coral Reefs
Bleaching can suppress reproduction in a common coral species found in the Great Barrier Reef, hampering future reef replenishment, new research led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and James Cook University (JCU) has identified. Read more about Bleaching can hamper reproduction and recovery in corals
Australia; Pacific; International; QLDAustralian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)|James Cook University... -
Micro-Lisa! Low-power light laser makes it mark in low-cost polymer
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
High-power lasers are often used to modify polymer surfaces to make high-tech biomedical products, electronics and data storage components. Now Flinders University researchers have discovered a light-responsive, inexpensive sulfur-derived polymer is Read more about Micro-Lisa! Low-power light laser makes it mark in low-cost polymer
Australia; New Zealand; SAFlinders University -
3D mapping tech blasts off for International Space Station
A powerful package of 3D mapping technology designed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has reached the International Space Station (ISS). The payload has reached astronauts on board and will be fitted onto a NASA robot platform that Read more about 3D mapping tech blasts off for International Space Station
AustraliaCSIRO -
Did tightened PBS restrictions on opioid supply reduce their use in Australia?
Medical Journal of Australia
Subsidised opioid use dropped overall, but use of one opioid is still on the rise, a new big health data study shows. On 1 June 2020, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) introduced changes to the way prescription opioids are supplied: Read more about Did tightened PBS restrictions on opioid supply reduce their use in Australia?
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Going fishing this Easter? Keep your catch food-safe
There are 4. 2 million, or one in five Australian adults, estimated to take part in recreational fishing each year. Seafood is generally safe and healthy, but each year Australians are affected, and even hospitalised, from illnesses such as Read more about Going fishing this Easter? Keep your catch food-safe
AustraliaFood Safety Information Council -
Dogs may really understand the names of their toys
Current Biology
Dogs can really learn what their toys are called instead of just relying on context, according to international research. The researchers say dogs generally don't do well in tests where they're asked to fetch an object after hearing its name, but Read more about Dogs may really understand the names of their toys
InternationalEötvös Loránd University, Hungary -
Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
PLOS ONE
Australia's grey-headed flying-foxes are flying high, with numbers remaining stable despite the species being listed as vulnerable. The researchers have analysed data from Australia's National Flying-fox Monitoring Program (NFFMP) and found that Read more about Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SACSIRO -
What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
PLOS ONE
Doing regular exercise over the long term may help the health and mental health of Aussie teens as they transition to young adults, according to Australian research, but there are some factors which make getting enough exercise less likely. The Read more about What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
Communications Earth & Environment
Global warming could cause an inflation of food prices by up to 3. 2% a year in a decade's time, according to international research. The researchers used data on weather and consumer price indices across the world to see how they have been related Read more about Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
InternationalPotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany -
Does your teen smell like sandalwood or more like a goat?
Communications Chemistry
German researchers compared the chemical composition and smell of body odour samples taken from 18 infants with samples taken from 18 teenagers, finding that they're similar but there were some differences. They identified two compounds found Read more about Does your teen smell like sandalwood or more like a goat?
InternationalFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany -
Concussions in the first 6 years of life can have lingering side effects
JAMA Network Open
Kids who experience a concussion between the ages of six months and six years can experience symptoms for up to three months after the injury, according to Canadian research. The researchers compared symptoms among a group of kids with concussions Read more about Concussions in the first 6 years of life can have lingering side effects
InternationalUniversité de Montréal, Canada -
"I still have to show up and drug up" - Migraines take a toll on Kiwis' work and home lives
NZMJ
A qualitative survey of New Zealanders living with chronic or episodic migraines shows the deep toll the condition can take. One respondent said their broken elbow was less painful and debilitating than their migraines, while another said they don't Read more about "I still have to show up and drug up" - Migraines take a toll on Kiwis' work and home lives
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand -
Should the coroner collect menstrual cycle data during suspected suicide autopsies?
NZMJ
There is very little research on women's suicidal behaviours, particularly regarding menstruation’s impact on mental health, say New Zealand researchers. In a research letter, they point out there is no consistency on whether menstrual cycle data Read more about Should the coroner collect menstrual cycle data during suspected suicide autopsies?
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Hearts not sharks are a major killer on Aussie beaches
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
While you might be afraid of sharks at the beach, marine creatures make up only 5% of non-drowning deaths on Aussie coastlines, with cardiac conditions and traumatic injuries the major culprits. The research conducted by Surf Life Saving Australia Read more about Hearts not sharks are a major killer on Aussie beaches
AustraliaSurf Life Saving Australia -
Motorcycle injuries on the rise, bicycle injuries falling
NZMJ
The number of motorcyclists going to hospital with serious injuries is on the rise in New Zealand, according to a study by health researchers between 2017 and 2021. The motorcyclist injury rate was over 10% higher by the end of the study, despite Read more about Motorcycle injuries on the rise, bicycle injuries falling
Australia; New ZealandMonash University|Deakin University|Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission -
After whaling, scientists weigh up current status of blue whale populations around the world
Animal Conservation
The largest living animal, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) which averages about 27 metres in length, has slowly recovered from whaling only to face the rising challenges of global warming, pollution, disrupted food sources, shipping, and Read more about After whaling, scientists weigh up current status of blue whale populations around the world
Australia; Pacific; International; SA; WA; TASFlinders University -
Mixed messaging for mums on breast milk storage guidelines
Breastfeeding Medicine
Expressing or pumping breast milk is an important tool for mothers, especially those who face challenges with direct breastfeeding, but new research from Flinders University has found conflicting advice in the age of social media could be leading to Read more about Mixed messaging for mums on breast milk storage guidelines
Australia; VIC; SAFlinders University|Deakin University -
Antibiotic resistance in treating UTIs highest in aged care facilities
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
New data on antibiotic resistance patterns in UTIs could help guide future treatment decisions. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli from aged care facilities show higher resistance to antibiotics compared to cases collected from Read more about Antibiotic resistance in treating UTIs highest in aged care facilities
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Neighbourhood connection improves mental health
Personality and Social Psychology Review
University of Queensland research has found building a sense of community is key to improving people’s mental health, particularly in low socio-economic suburbs. University of Queensland research has found building a sense of community is key to Read more about Neighbourhood connection improves mental health
Australia; QLD; ACTThe University of Queensland|The Australian National University -
3 in 4 countries could be below a replacement level of fertility by 2050
The Lancet
By 2050, 76% of countries and territories around the world will not be having enough babies to sustain their population size, according to projections by international and Australian researchers. The researchers forecasted the fertility of countries Read more about 3 in 4 countries could be below a replacement level of fertility by 2050
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; ACTUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The Australian National University... -
Chance sighting reveals new species of fluffy beetle
Australian Journal of Taxonomy
A researcher from The University of Queensland has discovered a remarkable new genus of fluffy longhorn beetle while camping within rainforest in the Gold Coast hinterland. Download images via DropboxA researcher from The University of Queensland Read more about Chance sighting reveals new species of fluffy beetle
Australia; QLD; ACTThe University of Queensland|CSIRO -
Many AI tools lack adequate safeguards to prevent mass health disinformation
The BMJ
Many publicly accessible artificial intelligence (AI) assistants lack adequate safeguards to consistently prevent the mass generation of health disinformation across a broad range of topics, warn Flinders University’s experts. In a study published Read more about Many AI tools lack adequate safeguards to prevent mass health disinformation
Australia; SAFlinders University|University of South Australia -
Hair-straightening cream might leave your kidneys in a hairy situation
The New England Journal of Medicine
French researchers following up the curly case of a Tunisian woman becoming sick after having her hair straightened, has found that the glyoxylic acid in many of the products can be absorbed and travel to our kidneys, potentially causing harm, in a Read more about Hair-straightening cream might leave your kidneys in a hairy situation
InternationalHôpital de la Conception, Marseille, France -
‘‘What can we do?’’ Kids want to know about climate action not causes
One Earth
Climate action is the greatest concern for kids when it comes to climate change, according to researchers who asked 1,500 Aussie kids to tell them what they wanted to know about climate change. The study found that 40% of questions were centred Read more about ‘‘What can we do?’’ Kids want to know about climate action not causes
Australia; VIC; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Deakin University -
Move over worm farms, dung beetles can boost plant growth too
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Dung beetles increase plant growth by an average of 17%, according to a new Aussie analysis of previous research, which puts the beetle boost at a similar level to the increase in growth you get from earthworms. The researcher found that by burying Read more about Move over worm farms, dung beetles can boost plant growth too
Australia; WAThe University of Western Australia|CSIRO -
Our grossest memories are full of smells, tastes and touch
Royal Society Open Science
Our most icky memories, like that time you vomited non-stop, or accidentally drank that off milk, tend to feature our senses of smell, taste or touch, according to Australian research. The study asked people to remember their most disgusting, Read more about Our grossest memories are full of smells, tastes and touch
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
From the Poles to Everest, the Moon and now the stars
The TOLIMAN mission to discover planets – and perhaps life – around our nearest stellar neighbours in the Centauri system has been awarded a prestigious Explorers Club flag. The TOLIMAN team plans to etch a likeness of the flag onto the Read more about From the Poles to Everest, the Moon and now the stars
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
HIV virus elimated by gene editing in a lab
European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Gene editing has been used to eliminate all traces of HIV from infected immune cells in a laboratory, with the hope that it could one day be used to target the HIV DNA which acts as a reservoir for the virus in people with the condition. The gene Read more about HIV virus elimated by gene editing in a lab
InternationalUniversity of Amsterdam AMC, Netherlands -
A holistic approach is key to improving drought adaptation in crops
Nature Research Earth & Environment
More focus on integrating research into drought tolerance in crops is essential to prevent the threat to global food security, according to international researchers. The team from the Institute for Research and Development (IRD), the International Read more about A holistic approach is key to improving drought adaptation in crops
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland
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