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Increasing disability employment could boost national economy by billions
A new report by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre at Curtin University reveals there has been no improvement in employment rates for people with disability in Australia over the last two decades, despite extensive policy reforms and greatly Read more about Increasing disability employment could boost national economy by billions
Australia; WACurtin University -
Mars attracts: how Earth’s interactions with the red planet drive deep-sea circulation
Nature Communications
Research from the University of Sydney and Sorbonne University suggests that giant whirlpools in warming oceans could run counter to ocean stagnation that some have predicted could impact the Gulf Stream. The team used the geological record of the Read more about Mars attracts: how Earth’s interactions with the red planet drive deep-sea circulation
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
More than half of aged care residents are on antidepressants
Journal of American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA)
A new study by the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), based at SAHMRI, has found six out of ten Australian aged care residents are taking antidepressant medication. A new study by the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), based at SAHMRI, has Read more about More than half of aged care residents are on antidepressants
Australia; SASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) -
Mixed results for older women taking calcium and vitamin D supplements
Annals of Internal Medicine
Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements in older age is linked to mixed long term health outcomes in women, according to an international study that found the supplements were associated in a reduced risk of dying of cancer but an almost equal Read more about Mixed results for older women taking calcium and vitamin D supplements
InternationalUniversity of Arizona, USA -
Love on the land: Helping farmers grow healthy relationships
Life on the land can be great, but it can also put a lot of pressure on romantic relationships. Now, rural health experts from the University of South Australia have launched a new online resource to help farmers build and maintain a healthy Read more about Love on the land: Helping farmers grow healthy relationships
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Helping reduce the global shortage of diabetes and weight loss drug semaglutide
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Semaglutide is part of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor targeting family of peptide drugs which are mainly used to treat diabetes but are difficult and expensive to make. An international team of researchers led by Professor Akhter Read more about Helping reduce the global shortage of diabetes and weight loss drug semaglutide
Australia; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health -
Can good sleep make us more empathetic?
JNeurosci
Lack of sleep makes us less helpful and altruistic, according to a small study by international researchers. The team measured sleep activity in the brain during a normal night of sleep, then asked them to play a game where participants were given Read more about Can good sleep make us more empathetic?
InternationalUniversity of Bern, Switzerland -
Indigenous fire management started 11,000 years ago
Nature Geoscience
James Cook University researchers have discovered Indigenous fire management in northern Australia was being practiced at least 11,000 years ago – and it has implications for fire management practices today. JCU’s Distinguished Professor Michael Read more about Indigenous fire management started 11,000 years ago
Australia; QLD; SAJames Cook University|Flinders University|ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH) -
Hauraki Gulf saw heatwave conditions for 85% of 2022
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
The sea surface temperature in the Hauraki Gulf has been measured since 1967, showing a steady and abnormal rise reflected in other global datasets. Marine Heat Waves (MHWs) have significant impacts on coastal ecosystems, and the current rate of MHW Read more about Hauraki Gulf saw heatwave conditions for 85% of 2022
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|University of Waikato|National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) -
Could AI be used to make discharge summaries easier for patients to understand
JAMA Network Open
Hospital patients can access their discharge summary, which contains all the information about their hospital stay, through their health record, however, these summaries are often full of technical language and difficult to understand. A team of Read more about Could AI be used to make discharge summaries easier for patients to understand
InternationalNew York University, USA -
Metabolic syndrome, such as high blood sugar and blood pressure, linked to increased risk of cancer
Cancer
People with persistent and worsening metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol, may be at higher risk of developing various types of cancer, according Read more about Metabolic syndrome, such as high blood sugar and blood pressure, linked to increased risk of cancer
InternationalBeijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University, China -
EXPERT REACTION: Can we bring coral reefs back from the brink?
Current Biology
The majority of the world's coral reefs are under threat or have been damaged potentially beyond repair, but UK and Indonesian researchers suggest that efforts to restore coral not only increases their cover, but might bring back important ecosystem Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Can we bring coral reefs back from the brink?
International; NSW; QLDUniversity of Exeter, UK -
A fresh warning from experts on the dangers of posting your kids online
JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Parents considering posting pictures and information of their children online should re-think how they go about it, in a new warning from Edith Cowan University (ECU) data experts. A scoping review noted that every digital post parents make about Read more about A fresh warning from experts on the dangers of posting your kids online
Australia; InternationalEdith Cowan University|University of Wollongong -
Reptile roadkill reveals new threat to endangered lizard species
Australian Zoologist
The chance sighting of a dead snake beside a sandy track in remote Western Australia, and the investigation of its stomach contents, has led Curtin University researchers to record the first known instance of a spotted mulga snake consuming a pygmy Read more about Reptile roadkill reveals new threat to endangered lizard species
Australia; WACurtin University -
Video consults for chronic knee pain as effective as in-person care
The Lancet
Australians experiencing chronic knee pain achieve similar pain reduction whether they consult with physiotherapists via video or attend in-person physiotherapy sessions, new research shows. Australians experiencing chronic knee pain achieve similar Read more about Video consults for chronic knee pain as effective as in-person care
Australia; VIC; QLDThe University of Melbourne|The University of Queensland... -
Rising shark and ray extinction risk
Science
A new analysis has found one in seven deepwater sharks and rays are threatened with extinction, with the biggest threat coming from overfishing. Deepwater sharks and rays - species that spend most of their life at depths greater than 200m - are Read more about Rising shark and ray extinction risk
Australia; International; QLDJames Cook University -
How do we get more women into healthcare and medical leadership?
Medical Journal of Australia
Cultural change is needed to increase the number of women in healthcare and medical leadership in Australia, according to Australian researchers. In a perspective piece, the authors outline how women are continually underrepresented in leadership Read more about How do we get more women into healthcare and medical leadership?
Australia; VICMonash University|Swinburne University of Technology... -
Mass fish deaths at salmon farms are becoming more common
Scientific Reports
Mass deaths at salmon farms became more common between 2012 and 2022, according to a Canadian and US study of the industry in Norway, Canada, the UK, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand, which together account for more than 92% of the world's farmed Read more about Mass fish deaths at salmon farms are becoming more common
InternationalUniversity of Victoria, Canada -
Air rifles can reliably cause lethal injuries
New Zealand Medical Journal
After encountering two life-threatening thoracic injuries in their own practice, two surgeons conducted a study to assess the injuries that a commonly available air rifle could cause. They tested. 22 calibre spring-loaded airguns in a series of Read more about Air rifles can reliably cause lethal injuries
New ZealandTe Whatu Ora Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley; Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland -
Foot-eye coordination: how our vision changes in rhythm with our walking
Nature Communications
Dr Matthew Davidson and colleagues have found our visual perception dips as our feet hit the ground. Further understanding this could help develop early diagnostics for neuromuscular or psychiatric illness; understand changes in mobility as we age; Read more about Foot-eye coordination: how our vision changes in rhythm with our walking
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
On International Women's Day, spare a thought for the aged care burden
Frontiers in Public Health
Women make up more than 60% of the older adult population in the Asia-Pacific, where the challenges associated with one of the fastest ageing population clusters in the world are emerging in social, political, healthcare and economic significance. A Read more about On International Women's Day, spare a thought for the aged care burden
Australia; International; QLD; SAFlinders University -
Short-sighted children may suffer from disrupted sleep
Sleep
Near-sightedness or myopia is projected to affect half of the world’s population by 2050, and it’s on the rise among children who increasingly spend time indoors away from sunlight and on screens. Poor sleep may also be a detrimental Read more about Short-sighted children may suffer from disrupted sleep
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Online toolkit helps experts protect themselves from online abuse
The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) has developed an online toolkit to help experts both prepare for, and respond to, trolling and harassment online, after a survey of more than 100 scientists found that one in three reported experiencing Read more about Online toolkit helps experts protect themselves from online abuse
Australia; NSW; SAAustralian Science Media Centre -
Tiny plastic fragments found in the plaques of more than half of clogged artery patients
New England Journal of Medicine
A study of 257 patients with carotid artery disease, where fatty clumps called plaques form in the arteries, found the plastic polyethylene in the artery plaques of 150 of them (58. 4%), and another plastic, polyvinyl chloride, in the plaques of 31 Read more about Tiny plastic fragments found in the plaques of more than half of clogged artery patients
InternationalThe University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy -
World’s largest radio telescope takes big step forward in WA’s outback
One of Earth’s biggest science facilities, destined to provide an unparalleled view of the Universe, is today a step closer to reality. The first of more than 130,000 two-metre-tall, Christmas tree-shaped antennas that will make up the SKA-Low Read more about World’s largest radio telescope takes big step forward in WA’s outback
Australia; WACSIRO|SKA Observatory -
Can too many carbs make you less attractive?
PLOS ONE
If you're looking for love, you might want to cut the carbs, according to French researchers. They asked heterosexual people to rate the attractiveness of 104 members of the opposite sex, and looked for links between attractiveness and participants' Read more about Can too many carbs make you less attractive?
InternationalUniversity of Montpellier, France -
What might contribute to you losing your hearing differs between men and women
PLOS ONE
Korean researchers say our weight, whether we smoke, and what hormones we have been exposed to may have a part to play in age-related hearing loss, but that depends on our gender assigned at birth. The researchers investigated the lives of just shy Read more about What might contribute to you losing your hearing differs between men and women
InternationalChungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea -
High BMIs might mean a high chance of depression
PLOS ONE
Irish researchers have suggested that having a higher BMI and waist-height ratio has a significant association with having depression. The researchers took a random selection of close to 2000 people aged 46-73 years, and measured their BMI, how Read more about High BMIs might mean a high chance of depression
InternationalUniversity College Cork, Cork, Ireland -
Eating fish and eggs during pregnancy could help your child develop at a healthy weight
PLOS ONE
Fish and eggs are likely both important foods to eat during pregnancy to give a child the best chance of growing up at a healthy weight, according to Australian research. The team used data from a study that looked at the weight of children Read more about Eating fish and eggs during pregnancy could help your child develop at a healthy weight
Australia; QLDUniversity of Southern Queensland -
Men may be biologically more susceptible to COVID-19 symptoms
PLOS ONE
Men may have different, and possibly worse, responses to a COVID-19 infection, according to international research. The team used data from a wearable medical device worn by 82 people who developed COVID-19. The researchers say comparing the Read more about Men may be biologically more susceptible to COVID-19 symptoms
InternationalPrivate University in the Principality of Liechtenstein -
Aussie licenced venues are clinging to cigarette vending machines
ANZJPH
One hundred years after the introduction of cigarette vending machines in Australia, Aussie researchers have found businesses have no plans to consign them to history. The research, conducted with over 800 owners and managers of alcohol-licenced Read more about Aussie licenced venues are clinging to cigarette vending machines
Australia; NSW; QLD; WAThe University of Sydney|Western Sydney University... -
Documentary series showcases the science of sleep
Australian sleep experts were given just eight weeks to develop and run a sleep treatment program that diagnosed and treated more than 30 volunteers and achieved a >80 per cent success rate. In a world first, Australian sleep experts were given just Read more about Documentary series showcases the science of sleep
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Birds, beetles and spiders can be a useful alternative to pesticides
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Birds, beetles and spiders that are natural predators for crop-damaging pests can be a successful alternative to pesticides, according to international researchers. The team conducted a meta-analysis of studies testing the effectiveness of a variety Read more about Birds, beetles and spiders can be a useful alternative to pesticides
InternationalFederal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil -
New technique could make it easier to manufacture cell therapies
Royal Society Interface
Cell therapies - medicines made from human cells - are an important part of treating conditions including cancer, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases, but current ways of manufacturing these medicines are generally slow or expensive. Read more about New technique could make it easier to manufacture cell therapies
InternationalHeriot-Watt University, UK -
More for less: A smarter way to protect biodiversity
Global Change Biology
University of Queensland research has revealed that protecting smaller but more strategic parcels of land will result in better and more cost-effective biodiversity conservation outcomes globally. University of Queensland research has revealed that Read more about More for less: A smarter way to protect biodiversity
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Even a little activity in your free time may help stave off a stroke
The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
Even people whose physical activity levels fall short of recommended guidelines, but who manage to do some during their leisure time, have a lower risk of stroke than sedentary people, according to international scientists. They brought together and Read more about Even a little activity in your free time may help stave off a stroke
InternationalUniversity of L’Aquila, Italy -
9,000 - 10,000 steps daily may help highly sedentary people stave off death
British Journal of Sports Medicine
Taking 9,000 to 10,000 steps daily may counteract the risk of death and cardiovascular disease in highly sedentary people, according to Australian-led research. The team looked at data on 72,174 Brits fitted with fitness trackers for a week, and Read more about 9,000 - 10,000 steps daily may help highly sedentary people stave off death
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Can green spaces keep your bones strong?
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Living close to more greenery is linked to a lower risk of osteoporosis, according to international researchers using long-term data from the UK Biobank study. They used data on the bone mineral density of almost 400,000 people and whether they Read more about Can green spaces keep your bones strong?
InternationalCentral South University, China -
National survey finds Australians want government to spend much more on nature conservation
The Biodiversity Council has undertaken a national survey of attitudes to biodiversity conservation issues, revealing that Australians’ connection to, and concern for, our natural environment remains strong and that 95% of Australians support Read more about National survey finds Australians want government to spend much more on nature conservation
AustraliaBiodiversity Council|RMIT University|Monash University... -
NEWS BRIEFING and EXPERT REACTION: Are we over-medicalising menopause?
The Lancet
Briefing recording now available Viewing menopause as a health problem to be solved with hormone therapy is an over-simplified narrative and not based on evidence, according to Australian researchers. A series of literature reviews and opinion Read more about NEWS BRIEFING and EXPERT REACTION: Are we over-medicalising menopause?
Australia; VIC; QLDThe University of Melbourne|The University of Queensland -
‘The Tjakuṟa has got dreaming’ - Indigenous rangers join forces to protect the culturally significant Great Desert Skink from extinction
This March, Traditional Owners and Indigenous desert ranger groups from across an area spanning 500,000 km2 – seven times the size of Tasmania – are joining forces with scientists, land managers and the Federal Government to search for Tjakuṟa: Read more about ‘The Tjakuṟa has got dreaming’ - Indigenous rangers join forces to protect the culturally significant Great Desert Skink from extinction
Australia; SA; WA; NTIndigenous Desert Alliance, The National Environmental Science Program's Resilient Landscapes Hub. -
Less than 6 hours' sleep daily linked with higher risk of type 2 diabetes
JAMA Network Open
Are you a short sleeper? You could be at higher risk of type 2 diabetes even if you’re a healthy eater, according to international researchers. The team looked at data from 247,867 adults in the UK, and found that people sleeping less than six Read more about Less than 6 hours' sleep daily linked with higher risk of type 2 diabetes
InternationalUppsala University, Sweden -
Ice cores suggest 16th century pandemics may have caused declines in atmospheric CO2
Nature Communications
A pandemic-driven population decline in the 16th century may have led to declines in atmospheric CO2 levels, according to international researchers, who used ice cores from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to determine the CO2 levels Read more about Ice cores suggest 16th century pandemics may have caused declines in atmospheric CO2
InternationalBritish Antarctic Survey, UK -
‘Like a lab in your pocket’ – new test strips raise game in gene-based diagnostics
Nature Communications
Biosensing technology developed by UNSW engineers has made it possible to create gene test strips that rival conventional lab-based tests in quality. According to the team, the test can easily detect specific gene sequences in a sample, but unlike Read more about ‘Like a lab in your pocket’ – new test strips raise game in gene-based diagnostics
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Could a digital replica of the Earth help us predict natural disasters?
Frontiers in Science
A digital replica of the Earth could help us test how climate change and human impacts could influence natural disasters, according to international research. The team looked at the common engineering strategy of the 'digital twin- - a virtual model Read more about Could a digital replica of the Earth help us predict natural disasters?
InternationalNational Research Council, Italy -
WMO says El Niño has weakened but impacts continue
This year's El Niño, one of the five strongest on record, peaked in December 2023 and is gradually weakening, but will continue to influence global climate in the coming months, according to an update from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO Read more about WMO says El Niño has weakened but impacts continue
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
Very low proportion of young people seeking gender-affirming care subsequently reidentify with their birth-registered sex
JAMA Pediatrics
An Australian study has found that a very low proportion of young people who initiate gender-affirming treatment at a gender clinic end up reidentifying back with their birth-registered sex. The study of 548 patients referred to paediatric gender Read more about Very low proportion of young people seeking gender-affirming care subsequently reidentify with their birth-registered sex
Australia; WATelethon Kids Institute|The University of Western Australia... -
Gen Z’s climate anxiety is real and needs action — for everyone’s wellbeing
Sustainable Earth Reviews
Australian young people have major concerns about climate change, which is having a significant impact on their lives and could have broader consequences decades into the future. New Curtin University research has shown Australian young people have Read more about Gen Z’s climate anxiety is real and needs action — for everyone’s wellbeing
Australia; WACurtin University -
Being a manager improves job satisfaction, but not stress levels
PLOS ONE
Being the manager improves your job satisfaction but not your stress levels according to Aussie and international research. The study of more than 700 workers and bosses found that levels of stress were similar among managers and employees but being Read more about Being a manager improves job satisfaction, but not stress levels
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology|Universite´ Clermont Auvergne, France -
NEWS BRIEFING: Toddlers' screen time replacing vital language opportunities
JAMA Pediatrics
The average three-year-old could be missing out on more than 1,100 adult words, 840 vocalisations, and 194 conversations per day thanks to modern screen use, according to Aussie researchers. The team used Fitbit-like devices, worn by kids for Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: Toddlers' screen time replacing vital language opportunities
Australia; International; SA; WATelethon Kids Institute|The University of Adelaide...