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Dynamic DNA structures and the formation of memory
An international collaborative research team, including scientists from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), has discovered a novel mechanism underlying memory involving rapid changes in a specific DNA structure. The team found that the DNA Read more about Dynamic DNA structures and the formation of memory
Australia; QLD; ACTQueensland Brain Institute|The Australian National University... -
How a father’s diet could shape the health of his offspring, in mice
Nature Communications
A mice study suggests a father’s diet may shape the anxiety of his sons and the metabolic health of his daughters before they are even conceived. New research, published in Nature Communications, finds that the macronutrient balance in the diet of Read more about How a father’s diet could shape the health of his offspring, in mice
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney|University of Copenhagen -
This poor soul had COVID-19 for almost 2 years, so long it mutated into a new variant
ESCMID Global Congress 2024
Dutch researchers report the case of an unfortunate 72-year-old immunocompromised man in The Netherlands who remained infected with COVID-19 for 613 days, a period so long the virus evolved into a new variant inside his body. The case is the Read more about This poor soul had COVID-19 for almost 2 years, so long it mutated into a new variant
InternationalAmsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC), University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands -
AI chatbots 'hallucinate' a research paper that doesn't exist
JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery
US researchers describe a weird case in which Google's Bard artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot 'hallucinated' a research paper that doesn't exist. Dr Hayley Born was using Bard to help prepare a presentation, and asked the chatbot to find Read more about AI chatbots 'hallucinate' a research paper that doesn't exist
InternationalColumbia University Irving Medical Center, USA -
Experiencing racism may set you on a path to heart disease via inflammation and sleep problems
JAMA Network Open
A US study of 322 young black adults found experiencing racial discrimination more frequently between the ages of 19 and 21 was linked with higher levels of inflammation, poorer sleep, and an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome - a Read more about Experiencing racism may set you on a path to heart disease via inflammation and sleep problems
InternationalLurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, USA -
Can tree microbiomes help trees survive a warmer future?
Trends in Plant Science
Trees are particularly vulnerable to climate change because of their long lifespans, slow reproduction rates, and the fact they’re fixed to one place, but a new research review says they might be able to adapt thanks to their short-lived but Read more about Can tree microbiomes help trees survive a warmer future?
New ZealandScion|Western Sydney University|Wright State University, USA -
Can turning climate data into music reach us on an emotional level?
iScience
A Japanese scientist has converted climate data into music using a process known as 'sonification', producing a six-minute-long composition entitled 'String Quartet No. 1: Polar Energy Budget'. The somewhat discordant piece is based on 30 years of Read more about Can turning climate data into music reach us on an emotional level?
InternationalRissho University, Japan -
VIDEO EXPERT REACTION: Space volcanoes older than we knew
Science
Jupiter's moon Io has been volcanically active for the solar system's entire 4. 57 billion-year lifespan, according to a new study co-authored by a Kiwi scientist. Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system and the findings offer Read more about VIDEO EXPERT REACTION: Space volcanoes older than we knew
New Zealand; InternationalGNS Science|California Institute of Technology, USA -
EXPERT REACTION: The Devil Comet is now visible in the sky as it passes Earth
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks - otherwise known as the 'Devil Comet' - is passing Earth, and has become visible in the southern sky at night. Although visible to the naked eye, the best view of this comet will be from cameras, binoculars, and telescopes. 12P Read more about EXPERT REACTION: The Devil Comet is now visible in the sky as it passes Earth
Australia; VIC; QLD; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre -
Shedding light on an elusive marine predator - the white shark
Researchers have discovered new white shark behaviours by attaching smart tags and cameras to their fins, revealing never-before-seen details of the lives of the elusive creatures. Researchers have discovered new white shark behaviours by attaching Read more about Shedding light on an elusive marine predator - the white shark
Australia; International; WAMurdoch University|The University of Western Australia... -
Long COVID patients show immunological improvement two years after infection
Nature Communications
Immune abnormalities have largely resolved at 24 months in a cohort of patients with long COVID, providing optimism that long COVID can resolve over time. Biomarkers for long COVID that were present in patients at eight months have largely resolved Read more about Long COVID patients show immunological improvement two years after infection
Australia; NSW; VICKirby Institute, UNSW Sydney|St Vincent's Hospital Sydney... -
Heart failure is the biggest risk for those who develop an irregular heartbeat
The BMJ
Heart failure is the most common complication at risk of arising in people diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, according to international researchers. Diagnoses of atrial fibrillation - a heart condition causing an irregular and often elevated Read more about Heart failure is the biggest risk for those who develop an irregular heartbeat
InternationalAalborg University, Denmark -
Antipsychotics for dementia patients linked to various health risks
The BMJ
Antipsychotic use in people with dementia could be associated with higher risks of a wide range of adverse outcomes, including stroke, blood clots, heart attack, heart failure, fracture, pneumonia, and acute kidney injury, according to international Read more about Antipsychotics for dementia patients linked to various health risks
InternationalUniversity of Manchester, UK -
First evidence of human occupation in lava tube cave in Saudi Arabia
PLOS ONE
New research has highlighted an area in Arabia that once acted as a key point for cultural exchanges and trades amongst ancient people - and it all took place in vast caves and lava tubes that have remained largely untapped reservoirs of Read more about First evidence of human occupation in lava tube cave in Saudi Arabia
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University|The University of Queensland -
Around 17% of teens have experienced online bullying about their weight
PLOS ONE
A survey has found that around 17% of teens reported experiencing online bullying related to their weight, with rates especially high for users of Twitter and Twitch. The survey, which includes teens from Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the UK Read more about Around 17% of teens have experienced online bullying about their weight
Australia; InternationalUniversity of Toronto, Canada -
Largest marine reptile may have been twice the length of a bus
PLOS ONE
International scientists have unearthed what may be the largest marine reptile ever to be described, Ichthyotitan severnensis, at an estimated 25 metres long. The team found and pieced together fragments of an ichthyosaur jawbone found in the UK, Read more about Largest marine reptile may have been twice the length of a bus
InternationalThe University of Manchester, UK -
Genetic drivers of autism could be stronger for men
JAMA Psychiatry
The degree to which genetics influence autism could be different for males and females, according to international researchers. The team analysed data from a study including over one million Swedish children, of which 12,226 received a diagnosis of Read more about Genetic drivers of autism could be stronger for men
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
Injuries landing many Aussie kids and teens in hospital
This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to data about self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline (Aus) on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or Read more about Injuries landing many Aussie kids and teens in hospital
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Breaking the chains: dismantling the illegal parrot trade
DNA databases are often used by police to place criminals at the scene of a crime, but scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) in collaboration with King’s Forensics in the UK are using cutting edge, low-cost genomic sequencing Read more about Breaking the chains: dismantling the illegal parrot trade
Australia; Pacific; International; ACTThe Australian National University -
EXPERT REACTION: Worst summer on record for the Great Barrier Reef
The Reef Snapshot: Summer 2023-24 has been released today, and it highlights some of the effects of the climate driven impacts across the Great Barrier Reef. The report notes widespread coral bleaching, two cyclones and several severe flood events. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Worst summer on record for the Great Barrier Reef
Australia; NSW; QLD; WA; TAS; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre|Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)... -
Could motherhood and a TED-talk help bring our increasingly divided world together?
Royal Society Open Science
Humans seem more divided than ever, but international scientists say we could help bring people together by focusing on common life events such as motherhood, and recognising common ancestry. The researchers found that US mothers were more "fused" Read more about Could motherhood and a TED-talk help bring our increasingly divided world together?
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK -
Fairy-wrens are more likely to help a mate in the harsh of winter
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Superb fairy-wrens are more cooperative during winter and are more likely to respond to calls of distress from other birds when the weather is at its harshest, according to Australian research. Superb fairy-wrens are social songbirds who live in Read more about Fairy-wrens are more likely to help a mate in the harsh of winter
Australia; VIC; ACTMonash University|The Australian National University... -
What motivates someone to manipulate their partner's reproductive choices?
PLOS ONE
Reproductive coercion and abuse - using abusive tactics to manipulate a partner's reproductive choices - may often but not always be driven by a wider pattern of coercive control, according to a small Australian study. The team conducted in-depth Read more about What motivates someone to manipulate their partner's reproductive choices?
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
EXPERT REACTION: COVID-19 vaccines likely prevented nearly 18,000 deaths in NSW's early Omicron era
PLOS ONE
Australia's COVID-19 vaccination campaign likely prevented 17,760 deaths in NSW over-50s between August 2021 and July 2022, according to Australian research based on computer simulations. The team used a simulation of NSW's vaccination and COVID-19 Read more about EXPERT REACTION: COVID-19 vaccines likely prevented nearly 18,000 deaths in NSW's early Omicron era
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLDRMIT University|Monash University -
Could your sweat one day charge your fitness tracker?
Device
Your fitness tracker could one day be powered by your own sweat, according to Australian researchers who have developed tiny, sweat-powered nanogenerators that can be stored in clothing. The team say their hydroelectric nanogenerators, which they Read more about Could your sweat one day charge your fitness tracker?
Australia; NSW; VICDeakin University|Monash University|The University of New South Wales -
Bacteria behind meningitis in babies explained
eLife
Australian researchers have identified the types of E. coli responsible for neonatal meningitis – around 50 per cent of infections are caused by two types of E. coli. The study was the largest to date, examining genomes of E. coli bacteria across Read more about Bacteria behind meningitis in babies explained
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
There is a mishmash of water theft laws and penalties across the Murray Darling Basin
Nature Water
Australian researchers have explored the mishmash of water theft laws and penalties that exist across the Murray Darling Basin states and territories and have found that there is a lack of consistency which is driving poor regulatory outcomes and Read more about There is a mishmash of water theft laws and penalties across the Murray Darling Basin
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SAThe University of Adelaide -
The brain's reward system works to make others happy, not just ourselves
JNeurosci
The reward system in our brains can help us make others happy as well as making ourselves happy, according to international research. Forty-six participants were put through a challenge that involved rating their food preferences, observing others' Read more about The brain's reward system works to make others happy, not just ourselves
InternationalLudwig Maximilian University Munich, Germany -
New drug may slow rapid progression of Parkinson's disease
Nature Medicine
A drug called prasinezumab may slow signs of motor deterioration in people with rapidly progressing Parkinson’s Disease, according to an re-analysis of data from a large clinical trial by international researchers. The drug is designed to bind to Read more about New drug may slow rapid progression of Parkinson's disease
InternationalRoche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland -
Cold killer events may be on the rise in our warming oceans
Nature Climate Change
Weirdly, global warming may actually be increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme cold events in our oceans, according to Australian research. Climate change shifts ocean currents and pressure systems, and the researchers found that changes Read more about Cold killer events may be on the rise in our warming oceans
Australia; NSW; QLDJames Cook University|NSW Government|University of the Sunshine Coast... -
Legalising weed likely doesn't lead more teens to it
JAMA Pediatrics
Making cannabis legal in the US doesn't appear to have an effect on adolescents' use of the drug, say US researchers. The investigation looked into survey data over ten years, and, while the legalisation may be associated with modest decreases in Read more about Legalising weed likely doesn't lead more teens to it
InternationalBoston College, USA -
Pregnancy complications can put women at an increased risk of early death for the next 40 years
JAMA Internal Medicine
Women who had pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, high blood pressure, preeclampsia and having a small birthweight baby, may have an increased risk of dying prematurely that lasts for over 40 years. The research Read more about Pregnancy complications can put women at an increased risk of early death for the next 40 years
InternationalThe University of Texas, USA -
Important health information missing in online food delivery menus
Public Health Nutrition
Many menu items on online food delivery services do not display important nutritional information. Researchers say current NSW menu labelling laws need to be updated and closer monitoring needed on online food delivery services. A University of Read more about Important health information missing in online food delivery menus
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
LGBTQ+ young people with childhood trauma are at higher risk of phone addiction
JAMA Network Open
Young people who are not heterosexual or don't conform to gender norms are more likely to have childhood trauma, which in turn increases their risk of phone addiction, according to Chinese research. The team investigated the links between queer or Read more about LGBTQ+ young people with childhood trauma are at higher risk of phone addiction
InternationalSun Yat-sen University, China -
Overturning US abortion rights prompted a surge in women getting their tubes tied
JAMA Health Forum
The overturning of the constitutional right to abortion in the US prompted a surge in permanent contraceptive surgery in both vasectomies and women getting their tubes tied, but the response for women was double that for men, according to Read more about Overturning US abortion rights prompted a surge in women getting their tubes tied
InternationalUniversity of Pittsburgh, USA -
Bonobos are less chill than we thought
Current Biology
New international research has debunked the idea that bonobos are less aggressive than chimpanzees. Over the course of the study, bonobos had three times as many physical aggressions as chimpanzees. However, while male bonobos were almost Read more about Bonobos are less chill than we thought
InternationalUniversité Toulouse Capitole -
Reducing cholesterol in kids with high levels may help prevent heart disease later in life
JAMA
Kids who have high levels of 'bad' cholesterol (non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) during childhood are at an increased risk of heart disease later in life, but Australian researchers have found that this risk is reduced if their cholesterol Read more about Reducing cholesterol in kids with high levels may help prevent heart disease later in life
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute -
Softer tumours may fuel more aggressive spread of triple-negative breast cancer
Advanced Science
Researchers have discovered how the mechanical properties of tumours can prime cancer cells to better survive their spread to other organs in a study using biomaterials that mimic the properties of tumours and experiments in mice. Softer tumours Read more about Softer tumours may fuel more aggressive spread of triple-negative breast cancer
Australia; NSWGarvan Institute of Medical Research -
Inflammation discovery to help fight liver disease
Science Signaling
QIMR Berghofer scientists have discovered the mechanism that causes severe inflammation among millions of people with chronic liver disease. In a world-first, QIMR Berghofer scientists have discovered the mechanism that causes severe inflammation Read more about Inflammation discovery to help fight liver disease
Australia; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute|The University of Queensland -
Beep boop (signed)! Underwater robots can speak sign language now
Computer Networks
Divers rely on sign-based communication to rely information underwater. Increasingly, underwater robots share this space with human divers, and communication between the two is important. Using a pre-existing set of common dive signs, a team of Read more about Beep boop (signed)! Underwater robots can speak sign language now
Australia; New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|University of Zagreb, Croatia -
Trouble on the horizon: how to make an impact based warning
International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction
When a disaster looms, impact based warnings can be more useful for the public than outright likelihoods. It's one thing to hear "it might rain", but another to hear "we're expecting treefalls and slips in your neighborhood". To issue these warnings, Read more about Trouble on the horizon: how to make an impact based warning
New Zealand; InternationalGNS Science|Massey University -
Post-Covid kids aren't walking to school like they used to
Journal of Transport & Health
The Covid lockdown period has disrupted Kiwi kids who walk to school, with students 42% less likely to return to their usual walking commute, new research finds. It's potentially accelerated an existing trend, with the study authors saying that Read more about Post-Covid kids aren't walking to school like they used to
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|AGILE Research Ltd., Auckland University of Technology, -
Saving Queensland’s earless dragons
Remote cameras and conservation dogs will be deployed as part of a University of Queensland research project aiming to conserve four threatened Queensland reptile species. Remote cameras and conservation dogs will be deployed as part of a Read more about Saving Queensland’s earless dragons
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
More empathetic doctors may be better at treating chronic pain
JAMA Network Open
Doctors who are more empathetic towards their patients may be better at treating chronic pain, according to international researchers. The team asked 1,470 chronic pain patients to rate their doctor's empathy using a questionnaire, and followed Read more about More empathetic doctors may be better at treating chronic pain
InternationalUniversity of North Texas, USA -
Young drinkers are ending up in ED less
New Zealand Medical Journal
Since 2017, the demographic of drinker that ends up in the Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department is getting older. People aged 18-24 dropped from 28% to 16% of all alcohol-related intakes, while the 65+ demographic rose from 12% to 24%. The Read more about Young drinkers are ending up in ED less
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Ketamine hurts your bladder, makes you pee more
NZMJ
Recreational ketamine use is rapidly rising in Aotearoa, with young people typically snorting the drug in powdered form. Alongside the drug's rise in popularity, two Kiwi urologists have noticed increasing rates of "ketamine bladder syndrome". They Read more about Ketamine hurts your bladder, makes you pee more
New ZealandCanterbury District Health Board (CHDB) -
Grouping the messenger: Indigenous Australian Message Stick Database launched
PLOS ONE
The first database of message sticks used in Indigenous Australia has been created, pulling together records and information on message sticks housed in museums and archives around the world. Message sticks are wooden objects used by First Read more about Grouping the messenger: Indigenous Australian Message Stick Database launched
Australia; NSW; ACTThe University of New England|The Australian National University -
Some of our favourite songs make us sad – and that could be why we like them
PLOS ONE
A new study proposes a novel theory of why listening to sad music can make us feel good. Many people report that the music they love can also make them feel sad. It’s something that has puzzled music researchers, who have long wondered how an Read more about Some of our favourite songs make us sad – and that could be why we like them
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Global 'Cybercrime Index' ranks countries by cybercrime threat level
PLOS ONE
Following three years of intensive research, an international and Australian team of researchers has compiled the first ever ‘World Cybercrime Index’, which identifies the globe’s key cybercrime hotspots by ranking the most significant sources Read more about Global 'Cybercrime Index' ranks countries by cybercrime threat level
Australia; NSW; VIC; ACTUNSW Canberra -
Greenspace could be great for mental health in early childhood
JAMA Network Open
Living near greenspaces could help reduce the risk of early anxiety and depression in early childhood, according to international researchers. The team looked at data from 2,103 kids across the US and found that living near more greenspaces was Read more about Greenspace could be great for mental health in early childhood
InternationalUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA