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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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Are there negatives to taking shroomies for the gloomys?
JAMA Network Open
Researchers from the US, investigating the effect of psilocybin in the treatment of depression and anxiety, say that the mushroom-derived compound can cause a few adverse side effects, but are tolerable overall. The team analysed six previous Read more about Are there negatives to taking shroomies for the gloomys?
InternationalUniversity of Georgia, USA -
A new drug helps prevent severe flu symptoms in mice
Nature
A new drug has been found to help reduce lung damage and increase survival rates in mice infected with influenza A. Severe influenza A infection can cause severe inflammation, lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome, for which there are Read more about A new drug helps prevent severe flu symptoms in mice
InternationalFox Chase Cancer Center, USA, Tufts University School of Medicine, USA -
Are gaming and computer use causing psychotic episodes in our kids?
JAMA Psychiatry
Canadian researchers checking up on the TV, computer, and video game use of kids during their teenage years suggest a potential link to psychotic experiences. The researchers say teens who played video games a lot and those who increased and then Read more about Are gaming and computer use causing psychotic episodes in our kids?
InternationalMcGill University, Canada -
An immune cell in the lung may be an unexpected trigger for developing severe COVID-19
Journal of Experimental Medicine
A type of immune cell known as an interstitial macrophage, may be involved in the development of severe COVID-19, according to US research. Interstitial macrophages are found deep in the lungs and are part of the body's way of protecting itself Read more about An immune cell in the lung may be an unexpected trigger for developing severe COVID-19
InternationalStanford University, USA -
Are the world's cultures growing apart?
Nature Communications
Cultural values may have become more different globally, but more similar regionally, over the past 40 years, according to US researchers who analysed the data from the 'World Values Survey', which includes more than 400,000 people from 76 countries. Read more about Are the world's cultures growing apart?
InternationalUniversity of Chicago, USA -
Blood protein could help detect delayed concussion recovery in children
Journal of Neurotrauma
Melbourne researchers have discovered a blood protein that could help detect which children will experience ongoing concussion symptoms more than two weeks after an injury. Research at a Glance: A Murdoch Children’s Research Institute led study Read more about Blood protein could help detect delayed concussion recovery in children
Australia; NSW; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Melbourne... -
Hepatitis deaths are increasing across the world
Globally, viral hepatitis infections claim 3,500 lives each day and deaths from the disease are increasing, according to a report from the World Health Organization. New data from 187 countries show that the estimated number of deaths from viral Read more about Hepatitis deaths are increasing across the world
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO) -
Young 'teachers' help native wildlife avoid deadly cane toads
Conservation Letters
Scientists from Macquarie University have come up with an innovative way to stop cane toads killing native wildlife by training goannas to avoid eating the deadly amphibians. Read more: Young 'teachers' help native wildlife avoid deadly cane toads A Read more about Young 'teachers' help native wildlife avoid deadly cane toads
Australia; NSW; WAMacquarie University -
With flu season approaching, does wearing a face mask make you seem more or less trustworthy?
Perception
Researchers have found that the correlation between face masks and perceptions of trustworthiness may be linked to social norms rather than how they impact appearance. Researchers at Swinburne University of Technology have found that the correlation Read more about With flu season approaching, does wearing a face mask make you seem more or less trustworthy?
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology -
Dietary fibre critical in managing hypertension
Hypertension
In an international review led by Monash University scientists and published today in Hypertension, biologists highlight the pivotal role of dietary fibre in managing hypertension and reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and call for the Read more about Dietary fibre critical in managing hypertension
Australia; VICMonash University -
Transplant hearts could survive for a full day using new techniques
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
Improvements to a technique for keeping a heart alive outside the body can work on a pig heart for a full 24 hours, according to international researchers who say this technique could one day help with human heart transplants. Human hearts are Read more about Transplant hearts could survive for a full day using new techniques
InternationalUniversity of Michigan, USA -
Deep parts of Great Barrier Reef ‘insulated’ from global warming – for now
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Some deeper areas of the Great Barrier Reef are insulated from harmful heatwaves but that protection will be lost if global warming continues, according to research by The University of Queensland and University of Exeter, UK. Some deeper areas of Read more about Deep parts of Great Barrier Reef ‘insulated’ from global warming – for now
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Ultra-processed foods pose risk for respiratory diseases
European Journal of Nutrition
New research has shown a diet high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) significantly increases the risk of death from chronic respiratory diseases. New research by SAHMRI and the University of Adelaide has shown a diet high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) Read more about Ultra-processed foods pose risk for respiratory diseases
Australia; International; VIC; SASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)... -
Which exercises are best for hip osteoarthritis?
Annals of Internal Medicine
When it comes to improving functional performance, hip pain, or hip-related quality of life in people with hip osteoarthritis, it seems progressive resistance training (PRT, which focuses on weight training and improving muscle) is no better than Read more about Which exercises are best for hip osteoarthritis?
InternationalAarhus University Hospital, Denmark -
Salt substitutes could help us cut down and reduce deaths
Annals of Internal Medicine
Using a salt substitute could be a simple, effective way to reduce deaths associated with high salt intake, according to Aussie researchers. The team looked at 16 studies of people using regular table salt or salt substitutes for at least six months. Read more about Salt substitutes could help us cut down and reduce deaths
Australia; NSW; QLD; ACTBond University|The Australian National University... -
Melbourne public transport services sit idle while apartment numbers boom
New research shows the number of apartments in Melbourne has almost doubled in the past two decades, while public transport services have barely increased at all. New research shows the number of apartments in Melbourne has almost doubled in the Read more about Melbourne public transport services sit idle while apartment numbers boom
VICRMIT University -
Legalised recreational marijuana in the USA led to a drop off in medical use
Annals of Internal Medicine
Most US states that legalised recreational use of marijuana saw a reduction in the number of people enrolled in medical cannabis programs, according to US scientists. They looked at data on medical cannabis, tracking registered use in 39 US Read more about Legalised recreational marijuana in the USA led to a drop off in medical use
InternationalUniversity of Michigan, USA -
Sleep apnoea mouthguard could be just as effective for lowering blood pressure as a CPAP machine
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
A specialised mouthguard could be just as effective at lowering blood pressure for people with sleep apnoea as a CPAP machine, according to Australian and international researchers who compared the results of using the two devices in a group of 220 Read more about Sleep apnoea mouthguard could be just as effective for lowering blood pressure as a CPAP machine
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney|National University of Singapore, Singapore -
Interest in news is high in Aotearoa, but trust has rapidly declined
A national online survey of over 1000 New Zealanders shows that trust in news in general fell significantly from 42% in 2023 to 33% (-9 percentage points) in 2024, and the proportion of those who actively avoid the news grew from 69% to 75% (6 Read more about Interest in news is high in Aotearoa, but trust has rapidly declined
New ZealandAUT University -
Sick of UTIs? Spraying this vaccine in your mouth could help prevent them for 9 years
European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be prevented for up to nine years in more than half of people given an oral spray-based vaccine, according to research being presented at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Paris. The Read more about Sick of UTIs? Spraying this vaccine in your mouth could help prevent them for 9 years
InternationalRoyal Berkshire Hospital, UK -
A loo that autoflushes only when the lid is down could reduce bacteria on bathroom surfaces
European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2024)
Korean researchers have created an automatic toilet flushing device that only works with the lid down in an effort to keep nasty microbes from leaving the bowl and spraying all over the place. The researchers fitted eight hospital toilets with the Read more about A loo that autoflushes only when the lid is down could reduce bacteria on bathroom surfaces
InternationalAsan Medical Center, South Korea -
Heat stress from ocean warming harms octopus vision
Global Change Biology
While climate change has led to an increase in the abundance of octopuses, heat stress from projected ocean warming could impair their vision and impact the survivability of the species. While climate change has led to an increase in the abundance Read more about Heat stress from ocean warming harms octopus vision
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
New guide for conservationists to help save our frogs
Austral Ecology
Frogs belong to a group of animals called amphibians – the most endangered group of species on the planet. Two out of every five amphibian species are currently threatened with extinction, and this figure is rising. In a bid to help save a Read more about New guide for conservationists to help save our frogs
Australia; NSW; VIC; SAFlinders University|The Australian National University... -
Pandemic motherhood and mental overload in Aotearoa
Frontiers in Sociology
Researchers interviewed a diverse group of 24 mothers living in Aotearoa during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand their shared and varied experiences. While some mothers with older children, without stressful jobs, some financial security and Read more about Pandemic motherhood and mental overload in Aotearoa
New ZealandUniversity of Waikato -
Global prostate cancer rates set to double as life expectancy increases
The Lancet Commissions
Annual prostate cancer cases around the world are projected to nearly double from 1. 4 million in 2020 to 2. 9 million in 2040, according to Australian and international researchers as part of The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer, to be launched Read more about Global prostate cancer rates set to double as life expectancy increases
Australia; International; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|Institute of Cancer Research, UK -
Scientists create 3D map of universe
An international team of researchers has created the world's largest and most detailed 3D map of the universe – measuring the expansion of the cosmos over the past 11 billion years. An international team of researchers has created the world's Read more about Scientists create 3D map of universe
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland