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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 -
'Double jointed'? You may be at a higher risk of long COVID
BMJ Public Health
UK and US researchers say people who are 'double jointed' - a condition formally known as generalised joint hypermobility, may be at a heightened risk of long COVID. The researchers say these bendy people were 30% more likely to not have fully Read more about 'Double jointed'? You may be at a higher risk of long COVID
InternationalBrighton and Sussex Medical School, UK -
Unravelling the mysteries of the presynapse with super resolution microscopy
Nature Communications
Researchers from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) have revealed the pivotal role played by Synapsin 2a proteins in orchestrating the organisation and mobility of synaptic vesicles within live neurons. Researchers from UQ’s Queensland Brain Read more about Unravelling the mysteries of the presynapse with super resolution microscopy
Australia; International; QLDQueensland Brain Institute -
What do team-building exercises do to a group's brain activity?
PLOS Biology
Team-building exercises could help groups of strangers communicate more freely and even synchronise their brain activity, according to international researchers who measured the brain activity of strangers interacting in groups of three. The groups Read more about What do team-building exercises do to a group's brain activity?
InternationalBeijing Normal University, China -
Income and education tied to alcohol abuse
PLOS Medicine
A Swedish study has tied income and education levels to one's likelihood to develop problems related to alcohol abuse. These two factors were consistent despite changes in mental health, genetics and marital status, offering important insight into Read more about Income and education tied to alcohol abuse
InternationalVirginia Commonwealth University, Lund University -
High pornography exposure among young Australians helps fuel violence against women
Australia and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
Public health strategies among young people must address violence against women and risky sexual practices associated with pornography exposure, QUT researchers say. QUT researchers from the QUT School of Justice Professor Michael Flood and PhD Read more about High pornography exposure among young Australians helps fuel violence against women
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Alcohol retailers exploiting pregnancy warning loophole, putting babies at risk
Drug and Alcohol Review
A study by The George Institute shows Australia’s largest alcohol retailers are not displaying mandatory pregnancy warnings on their websites, potentially putting customers’ unborn children at risk of permanent brain damage. Virtually none (0. 1% Read more about Alcohol retailers exploiting pregnancy warning loophole, putting babies at risk
Australia; NSW; VIC; WAGeorge Institute for Global Health|The University of Melbourne... -
WMO says 2023 was hottest year on record - by a lot
A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) shows that we smashed previous records for greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, Antarctic sea ice cover and our glaciers retreating. Read more about WMO says 2023 was hottest year on record - by a lot
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor
Advanced Sensor Research
For decades, people with diabetes have relied on finger pricks to withdraw blood or adhesive microneedles to measure and manage their glucose levels. Researchers have taken an important step towards eliminating this discomfort with the discovery of Read more about Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor
Australia; VICARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)... -
Taking back control - Economists warn of side-effects of raising the retirement age
The Economic Journal
Leaving paid work opens the door to potentially the best stage of life, and a new study confirms the health and wellbeing benefits which can stem from retirement via an individual’s increased ‘locus of control,’ a psychological trait Read more about Taking back control - Economists warn of side-effects of raising the retirement age
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Alternative tidal wetlands in plain sight overlooked Blue Carbon superstars
BioScience
In a new study, scientists from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Vietnam, the US and Mexico have highlighted the increasing opportunities for Blue Carbon projects for the conservation, restoration and improved management of highly Read more about Alternative tidal wetlands in plain sight overlooked Blue Carbon superstars
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University -
‘Climate rollercoaster’: strong weather fluctuations rocked Australia in 2023
2023 was a “year of opposites” for Australia’s environment, but despite conditions fluctuating between wet and dry, overall conditions remain stable following a bumper year in 2022, according to the latest Australia’s Environment Report, led Read more about ‘Climate rollercoaster’: strong weather fluctuations rocked Australia in 2023
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTThe Australian National University -
Hope for autoinflammatory disease treatment
Science Signalling
University of Queensland researchers have discovered how the ‘on-switch’ for the body’s inflammation machinery can get stuck, causing rare genetic inflammatory diseases. In these diseases, there are genetic mutations that stick the Read more about Hope for autoinflammatory disease treatment
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
Being poorer might age our brains faster
JNeurosci
Swiss and German researchers say they found a link between having a lower household income and the speed at which the white matter in our brains declines. White matter is important for our cognition as it relays information between different regions Read more about Being poorer might age our brains faster
InternationalGeneva University Hospitals, Switzerland -
Why do cancer patients lose weight?
Nature Metabolism
About 20% of cancer deaths can be attributed to weight loss caused by the disease, and international researchers believe they have discovered a way cancer-related weight loss happens. The researchers screened the levels of metabolites - substances Read more about Why do cancer patients lose weight?
InternationalPeking University, China -
Animal activity changed in unexpected ways during lockdown
Nature Ecology and Evolution
Using data from global wildlife camera traps, researchers have outlined how various types of mammals took advantage of the "anthropause": the sudden decrease in human activity during the pandemic. Despite the popular meme that "nature is healing", Read more about Animal activity changed in unexpected ways during lockdown
InternationalUniversity of British Columbia, Canada -
Which anti-seizure medications are safest to take while pregnant?
JAMA Neurology
Some common anti-seizure medications are much safer to take while pregnant, according to Australian and international research. Many women with epilepsy need to continue taking anti-seizure medications while pregnant, despite these medications Read more about Which anti-seizure medications are safest to take while pregnant?
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Monash University -
Sustainable solution for wastewater polluted by dyes (and it's 'golden')
Solar RRR
Water pollution from dyes used in textile, food, cosmetic and other manufacturing is a major ecological concern with industry and scientists seeking biocompatible and more sustainable alternatives to protect the environment. A new study led by Read more about Sustainable solution for wastewater polluted by dyes (and it's 'golden')
Australia; International; QLD; SAFlinders University|Griffith University -
Alarm bells ring as scientists uncover major flaws in ability to track changes to global conservation areas
One Earth
An international team of researchers has identified a method to carefully monitor changes in Conserved Areas. In a significant stride towards safeguarding global biodiversity, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has set a target Read more about Alarm bells ring as scientists uncover major flaws in ability to track changes to global conservation areas
Australia; VICMonash University|WWF Australia -
Re"pee"t urine testing recommended for more accurate kidney disease diagnosis
American Journal of Kidney Diseases
A team of Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute researchers has found that repeated measurement of albuminuria would provide a far more accurate measure of the progression of diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) than current practices. A team of our Read more about Re"pee"t urine testing recommended for more accurate kidney disease diagnosis
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|Monash University... -
Patient-paramedic trust can help free up emergency departments
The professionalism and compassion of paramedics attending emergency calls can reduce unnecessary presentations at hospital emergency departments, according to University of the Sunshine Coast research by a veteran ambulance officer. The Read more about Patient-paramedic trust can help free up emergency departments
Australia; NSW; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
For 3 days, the quantum world centred on Australia
Quantum Australia 2024
Business is ignoring the hype and preparing for moon-shot applications. THERE WAS A REAL buzz at Quantum Australia 2024 conference: the panels had diverse representatives from four corners of the globe, international heavy hitters appeared in Read more about For 3 days, the quantum world centred on Australia
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Biodiversity Council slams environmental law carve out for offshore oil and gas industry
Proposed amendments, hidden within the government’s Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Safety and Other Measures) Bill 2024, would carve out the offshore oil and gas industry from needing to comply with national Read more about Biodiversity Council slams environmental law carve out for offshore oil and gas industry
Australia; VIC; ACTBiodiversity Council|The University of Melbourne|The Australian National University -
Excessive gaming causing health issues
Computers in Human Behaviour
University of Queensland research has found gaming for more than three hours a day can lead to health problems. University of Queensland research has found gaming for more than three hours a day can lead to health problems. Dr Daniel Read more about Excessive gaming causing health issues
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Queensland|The University of New South Wales... -
Getting to the heart of the problem: New approach to preventing age-induced cardiovascular disease
The FASEB Journal
Melbourne researchers have advanced evidence to support the development of a new class of drugs to regulate blood pressure and age-associated changes in cardiovascular function. Melbourne researchers, led by Monash University, have advanced evidence Read more about Getting to the heart of the problem: New approach to preventing age-induced cardiovascular disease
Australia; VICMonash University|Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute... -
Small but mighty: Marine zooplankton bring global meeting to Hobart
7th ICES-PICES International Zooplankton Production Symposium
Marine zooplankton are the most abundant and diverse (and beautiful) ‘eco-influencers’ on the planet. Hundreds of scientists are gathering to discuss the future of zooplankton in a changing world. More than 340 scientists from 38 countries Read more about Small but mighty: Marine zooplankton bring global meeting to Hobart
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania -
Diabetes drug helps weight loss regardless of how overweight or obese a patient is, and for how long
European Congress on Obesity
Diabetes drug Tirzepatide is able to help a person with overweight/obesity lose weight regardless of how long they have had the weight and how overweight or obese they are, according to two conference presentations set for the European Congress on Read more about Diabetes drug helps weight loss regardless of how overweight or obese a patient is, and for how long
InternationalUniversity College Dublin, Ireland (Presentation 1), University of Naples Federico II, Italy (Presentation 2) -
Protein discovery sparks treatment hope for aggressive cancer
Science Advances
Researchers have found a new way to potentially treat one of the most common forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Researchers have found a new way to potentially treat one of the most common forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The study, led Read more about Protein discovery sparks treatment hope for aggressive cancer
Australia; VIC; QLD; SAWEHI|Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Dogs could leave you less stressed and help you concentrate
PLOS ONE
Feeling stressed? Can’t concentrate? Try pawsing and hanging out with a dog, suggests a small international study. The team asked 30 participants to perform eight activities with a well-trained dog, including playing with a toy, giving her treats, Read more about Dogs could leave you less stressed and help you concentrate
InternationalKonkuk University, South Korea -
Snow-go areas: ski fields in NZ and Australia will be drastically affected by climate change
PLOS One
Ski areas in Australia and New Zealand will soon have much less snow due to climate change. Researchers predict that by 2071–2100 average annual snow cover days will decline 78% in the Australian Alps and 51% in the Southern Alps of Aotearoa, Read more about Snow-go areas: ski fields in NZ and Australia will be drastically affected by climate change
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany -
Take a deep breath: the Wim Hof method seems to work
PLOS ONE
The first full review of work on the Wim Hof breathing method suggests that it does help reduce inflammation. The method's impact on athletic performance was less clear. The Wim Hof method may reduce inflammation, per systematic reviewThe Wim Hof Read more about Take a deep breath: the Wim Hof method seems to work
InternationalWarwick Medical School -
"What’s gonna happen to the dog?” Photos reveal struggles of people and pets living with homelessness
PLOS ONE
A photo project has documented the lives of people and their pets who are living with homelessness. The project as a Photovoice project—a research method that invites community members to take photos that can help deepen understanding of a certain Read more about "What’s gonna happen to the dog?” Photos reveal struggles of people and pets living with homelessness
InternationalUniversity of Washington, USA -
Serious racial and sexual discrimination in Aussie university leadership
PLOS ONE
Racism against non-Europeans is extreme, and levels of sexism are still strong when it comes to who is appointed to Vice-Chancellor (VC) roles at Australian universities, according to new research. The team used statistics to look at whether biases Read more about Serious racial and sexual discrimination in Aussie university leadership
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
What whales can teach us about menopause
Nature
Menopause is extremely rare outside of humans; most female animals spend virtually their entire lifespan pre-menopause. But several species of toothed whales have independently evolved menopause. Why? A new study suggests that transitioning to Read more about What whales can teach us about menopause
InternationalUniversity of Exeter, University of York, Center for Whale Research Friday Harbor -
Drought might make overnight burning wildfires a bigger problem
Nature
Overnight burning of wildfires is likely to increase during drought conditions, according to international researchers, who say the increased availability of extremely dry fuel that comes with drought conditions is the most important factor for Read more about Drought might make overnight burning wildfires a bigger problem
InternationalUniversity of Alberta, Canada -
Teens who have used psychedelics may have lower rates of psychotic symptoms
JAMA Psychiatry
A study of twins has found that the use of psychedelics may be linked to lower rates of psychotic symptoms at age 15, although for teens with a higher genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder, it was linked to more manic Read more about Teens who have used psychedelics may have lower rates of psychotic symptoms
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Karolinska Institutet, Sweden -
Covid rebound could have different causes
JAMA Network Open
Chinese researchers studied Covid rebound rates after people with mild or moderate Covid took either Paxlovid or a new kind of antiviral called VV116. In both cases, roughly one out of every five patients saw their viral loads bounce back, and a Read more about Covid rebound could have different causes
InternationalNational Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, China; See PDF for full list of author affiliations -
New device targets affordable mobile community tests for kidney disease
Methods
Kidney disease is a growing global problem, with a new portable device developed by Flinders University showcasing some of the science and innovation being thrown at the issue. With World Kidney Day highlighting how chronic kidney disease affects Read more about New device targets affordable mobile community tests for kidney disease
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Call to improve challenging behaviour support services under the NDIS
Australian Journal of Social Issues
The Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme funds positive behaviour support (PBS) for people living with disabilities with challenging behaviour support needs. Led by Flinders University, a new study of 392 NDIS-registered behaviour Read more about Call to improve challenging behaviour support services under the NDIS
Australia; VIC; SAFlinders University|Deakin University