Combing our DNA for the roots of hair colour

Publicly released: Tue 17 Apr 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Genetics

The genes linked with different hair colour have been found by an international team of scientists, including Australians. The study analysed genetic data from almost 300, 000 people of European descent with black, blonde, dark brown, light brown or Read more about Combing our DNA for the roots of hair colour - Scimex

Long-lasting HIV protection in monkeys from single injection

Publicly released: Tue 17 Apr 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Medicine

Despite decades of research, there's still no vaccine for HIV. But a new study has found that one injection of HIV-targeting antibodies can protect monkeys from the simian version of HIV infection (SIV) for up to 20 weeks. These antibodies — which Read more about Long-lasting HIV protection in monkeys from single injection - Scimex

Immune cells help the brain lining heal after head injuries

Publicly released: Tue 17 Apr 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Immunology

After a head injury, the protective lining around the brain heals with help from two waves of immune cells, according to a new US study in mice. First, the immune system sends in the clean-up crew to get rid of dead cells. Then after four days, the Read more about Immune cells help the brain lining heal after head injuries - Scimex

Who knows where the water goes? Water monitoring falls globally

Publicly released: Tue 17 Apr 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Sustainability

Efforts to monitor and track freshwater resources have decreased globally, with over 50 per cent less stream gauges operating now compared to 1979, according to US scientists. Stream gauges help determine how much water is available for people, Read more about Who knows where the water goes? Water monitoring falls globally - Scimex

New blood pressure guidelines could put lives at risk, say experts

Publicly released: Tue 17 Apr 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Internal Medicine

Recent recommendations from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) to lower thresholds defining hypertension and treating higher risk patients are sparking debate and could put people at risk, says a new Read more about New blood pressure guidelines could put lives at risk, say experts - Scimex

Teaching kids self-control at school boosts social and academic skills

Publicly released: Tue 17 Apr 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Pediatrics

Teaching kids and teens self-regulation (being able to control your emotions, avoid inappropriate or aggressive actions and carry out self-directed learning) can improve their academic performance, social skills and mental health, according to a new Read more about Teaching kids self-control at school boosts social and academic skills - Scimex

Kids hit hard by junk food advertising: new research

Publicly released: Tue 17 Apr 2018 at 0005 AEST | 0205 NZST

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health

Junk food ads are shown more frequently on TV at times when many children are watching, new Heart Foundation-funded research shows. Media Release. From:The University of Adelaide. Junk food ads are shown more frequently on TV at times when many Read more about Kids hit hard by junk food advertising: new research - Scimex

Beer and wine makes you feel fine after nerve agent poisoning

Publicly released: Mon 16 Apr 2018 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

eNeuro

A byproduct of the fermentation process in making beer and wine is more effective in combating seizures associated with exposure to a nerve agent than currently recommended treatments, say US authors in a study using rats. The anti-anxiety drug Read more about Beer and wine makes you feel fine after nerve agent poisoning - Scimex

'Flesh eating' ulcers on the rise

Publicly released: Mon 16 Apr 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

The Medical Journal of Australia

Buruli ulcers, an infectious disease caused by 'flesh eating' bacteria called Myobacterium ulcerans, are on the increase in Australia, and experts say urgent action is needed to curb an 'epidemic'. The problem is particularly severe in regional Read more about 'Flesh eating' ulcers on the rise - Scimex

Damp houses and gas stoves an asthma risk

Publicly released: Mon 16 Apr 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Medical Journal of Australia

Aussie kids are commonly exposed to damp housing and gas stove emissions, both of which are contributing to asthma in children, according to Australian research. The study found that damp housing accounts for almost 8 per cent of childhood asthma Read more about Damp houses and gas stoves an asthma risk - Scimex