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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... -
More than 1/3 illicit drugs sold on the dark web contain unexpected substances
Drug and Alcohol Review
Testing of illicit drugs bought online found 35% were not what they said they were, highlighting the urgent need for more local drug testing facilities in Australia to prevent harm and overdose. Testing of illicit drugs bought online found 35% were Read more about More than 1/3 illicit drugs sold on the dark web contain unexpected substances
Australia; NSW; VIC; ACTRMIT University|The Australian National University... -
Humanity must start living within its means
UN Environment Programme
Rich countries use six times more resources, and generate 10 times the climate impacts than low-income ones, far exceeding human needs and nature’s capacity, according to a new report by the UN Environment Programme. The 2024 Global Resource Read more about Humanity must start living within its means
InternationalUN Environment Programme -
Obesity is linked to a higher risk of stillbirth, especially as the baby approaches full term
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Obesity is linked to a higher risk of stillbirth, and that risk increases as the baby approaches full term, according to international researchers. The team say the link between obesity and stillbirth is well-known, however, less is known about how Read more about Obesity is linked to a higher risk of stillbirth, especially as the baby approaches full term
InternationalHarvard University, USA -
Nanothin printing of electronics hardware could slash costs
Small
Engineering researchers have developed a 2D printing process using liquid metals that they say could create new ways of creating more advanced and energy efficient computing hardware that is manufactured at the nanoscale. Nanothin printing of Read more about Nanothin printing of electronics hardware could slash costs
Australia; International; NSW; VICThe University of Sydney|The University of Melbourne... -
Few hospitals include stop smoking services in their lung cancer care
Respirology
Only 4. 5% of Australian and NZ lung cancer care centres include services to help people stop smoking, according to new research. The survey of lung cancer doctors, which covers about 85% of the centres treating lung cancer in Australia and 100% Read more about Few hospitals include stop smoking services in their lung cancer care
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; VIC; QLD; WACurtin University|The University of Melbourne|The University of New South Wales... -
National registry to improve the health of deaf and hard of hearing children
The health and well-being of deaf and hard-of-hearing children will significantly improve under the first national system that can track their care. Research at a Glance:The health and well-being of deaf and hard of hearing children will Read more about National registry to improve the health of deaf and hard of hearing children
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) -
Killer whale observed hunting great white sharks solo for the first time
African Journal of Marine Science
A solo orca (killer whale) has been observed by scientists individually hunting and eating a great white shark, a feat that scientists say has never been seen before. According to the orca researchers who witnessed the event, orcas have been Read more about Killer whale observed hunting great white sharks solo for the first time
InternationalRhodes University, South Africa -
Healthy sleep needs a healthy day: boost exercise to beat your bedtime blues
Sleep Health
Research from the University of South Australia shows that getting a good night’s sleep is tied to how you structure your day, with exercise at the heart of sleep quality. Early riser or night owl, everyone appreciates a good night’s sleep. But Read more about Healthy sleep needs a healthy day: boost exercise to beat your bedtime blues
Australia; VIC; QLD; SAUniversity of South Australia|Griffith University|Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) -
AI-informed avatar to improve child protection
An avatar collaborative project involving Griffith University researchers, led by SimulaMet and OsloMet in Norway, will use AI to improve child protection. An avatar collaborative project involving Griffith University researchers, led by SimulaMet Read more about AI-informed avatar to improve child protection
Australia; QLDGriffith University|OsloMet, SimulaMet, Research Council of Norway -
NZ politicians might under-estimate the influence of gifts
International Journal of Drug Policy
Ten New Zealand MPs were interviewed about their perceptions of gift-giving in the political sphere. Attitudes varied, but the most constant theme was a consistent downplaying of the importance and impacts of gifts. The study found that the MPs Read more about NZ politicians might under-estimate the influence of gifts
New Zealand -
Bottlenecks and beehives: how an invasive bee colony defied genetic expectations
Current Biology
A single bee colony has broken through a 'genetic bottleneck' to display genomic variation. Adaptability despite low genetic diversity could be a good sign for threatened species. For more than a decade, invasive Asian honeybees have defied Read more about Bottlenecks and beehives: how an invasive bee colony defied genetic expectations
Australia; NSW; QLD; ACTThe University of Sydney|CSIRO -
El Niño likely to cause record-breaking average temps in the first half of 2024
Scientific Reports
In the first half of 2024, many areas of the world are likely to experience record-breaking average surface air temperatures, according to international researchers. The team say that coastal areas in Asia such as the Bay of Bengal and the South Read more about El Niño likely to cause record-breaking average temps in the first half of 2024
InternationalChinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, China -
Building a healthier state from the inside out
Applied Health Economics and Health Policy
If Australia wants better results from its annual $180 billion dollars healthcare services expenditure, health economists must play a key role in decision making to improve the efficiency of local hospitals and health networks. Greater input from Read more about Building a healthier state from the inside out
Australia; SAFlinders University -
A lightweight fish pen to move farms to deeper seas
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
The University of Queensland has co-led a project to design a cost effective yet robust pen to expand fish farming into deeper ocean areas to help feed the growing global population. The University of Queensland has co-led a project to design a cost Read more about A lightweight fish pen to move farms to deeper seas
Australia; QLD; TASThe University of Queensland|Griffith University|University of Tasmania -
EXPERT REACTION: Junk food linked to over 30 physical, mental health and sleep problems
The BMJ
Eating more junk foods such as soft drinks, packaged snacks and sugary cereals is associated with a higher risk of over 30 different health problems both physical and mental, according to an umbrella review by Australian and international researchers Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Junk food linked to over 30 physical, mental health and sleep problems
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SADeakin University|Monash University|The University of Sydney... -
New online platform to improve disaster preparedness using community-sourced data, resource mapping and AI
A new online platform aims to better prepare communities for disasters with the use of community sourced data, resource mapping and artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The report Towards Resilient Communities released today, provides details on the Read more about New online platform to improve disaster preparedness using community-sourced data, resource mapping and AI
Australia; VIC; QLDARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society... -
Chimps and gorillas will experience more frequent extreme climate events in the next 30 years
PLOS ONE
African great apes, including gorillas and chimpanzees, are going to experience extreme events such as wildfires, heatwaves and flooding more frequently in the next 30 years, according to international researchers. The team used past temperature and Read more about Chimps and gorillas will experience more frequent extreme climate events in the next 30 years
InternationalHaramaya University, Ethiopia -
Radio waves can tune up bacteria to become life-saving medicines
Nano Letters
Scientists from Australia and the United States have found a new way to alter the DNA of bacterial cells – a process used to make many vital medicines including insulin – more efficiently than standard industry techniques, by using radio waves. Read more about Radio waves can tune up bacteria to become life-saving medicines
Australia; NSW; VICRMIT University|University of Wollongong|Swinburne University of Technology... -
Losing our tails and walking upright was worth the genetic risks
Nature
The same gene that made our ancestors lose their tails may also lead to spinal cord defects, according to a new study that altered mice DNA. Researchers suggest that whatever advantage we got from losing our tails (such as becoming bipedal) must Read more about Losing our tails and walking upright was worth the genetic risks
InternationalNew York University, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Harvard University, Pennsylvania State University -
New JWST low-mass galaxy observations could help settle scientific debate about early universe origins
Nature
International researchers have made a major astronomical discovery, revealing that small galaxies are very likely at the origin of reionization – a crucial period in the early universe where neutral hydrogen transformed into ionized gas. Read more about New JWST low-mass galaxy observations could help settle scientific debate about early universe origins
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology -
Climate extremes in Australia: new report analyses major events of 2023
Climate extremes in Australia were particularly intense in 2023 which saw a number of records tumble. Co-written by more than 30 of Australia’s leading climate scientists and researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, the Read more about Climate extremes in Australia: new report analyses major events of 2023
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; TAS; NT; ACTARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (CLEx) -
New findings could be life-changing for genetic syndrome sufferers
JCO Precision Oncology
An international research team led by QIMR Berghofer and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has discovered that people with the hereditary cancer disorder, Li Fraumeni Syndrome, are at greater risk of a much broader spectrum of cancers than previously Read more about New findings could be life-changing for genetic syndrome sufferers
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TASQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute|The University of New South Wales... -
Cutting-edge tracking technology proves Australian whale shark tourism leads the world
Journal of Sustainable Tourism
Using technology akin to a ‘fitbit’ for sharks, a team of researchers has tagged and tracked whale sharks to study the effects of tourism at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia for the first time. In a resounding endorsement of local tourism Read more about Cutting-edge tracking technology proves Australian whale shark tourism leads the world
Australia; QLD; WAMurdoch University|The University of Queensland|University of the Sunshine Coast -
Resistance to social robots futile
Technological Forecasting and Social Change
While the rise of artificial intelligence is proving to be a contentious issue, new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found that the use of social robots in a commercial setting would likely be met with less resistance. Resistance to Read more about Resistance to social robots futile
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
Silver tourism an avenue for industry growth
Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management
There is a significant opportunity to take advantage of the untapped market of silver tourism, paving the way to not only grow the economy but also offer an ever-increasing ageing population the opportunity to maintain quality of life. Silver Read more about Silver tourism an avenue for industry growth
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University|Curtin University -
Livestock guardian dogs safeguarding livelihoods and biodiversity
Ecological Solutions and Evidence
A landmark study has revealed how Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are changing predator behaviour and supporting conservation efforts in the process. A landmark study has revealed how Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are changing predator behaviour and Read more about Livestock guardian dogs safeguarding livelihoods and biodiversity
Australia; VIC; TASUniversity of Tasmania|The University of Melbourne... -
BRIEFING ALERT: Making sense of summer's weird weather, and what's coming next
This summer, the weather has had many of us scratching our heads. The idea that El Niño = hot and dry seems to have gone out the window, as rain lashed the east coast. But if you are struggling to sort your ENSO and Indian Ocean Dipole from your Read more about BRIEFING ALERT: Making sense of summer's weird weather, and what's coming next
Australia; VIC; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Culturally diverse boards the key to sustainability
Sustainability
Research has revealed the positive impact culturally diverse boards have on the sustainability practices of Australia’s largest companies. However, the study also provides a word of caution on the ability of powerful CEOs to negate this influence. Read more about Culturally diverse boards the key to sustainability
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
Kangaroos and drag queens help an Aussie scientist win the global 'Dance your PhD' competition
Science
The global 'Dance your PhD' competition has been won by an Aussie researcher, who brought all different types of dancers together to help explain his research on eastern grey kangaroos. The video, which includes babies, drag queens, ballroom and Read more about Kangaroos and drag queens help an Aussie scientist win the global 'Dance your PhD' competition
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University -
Silence broken on gender pay gaps but we must hold organisations to account
The exposure of the gender pay gaps in large Australian organisations is a turning point for gender equality, but more must be done to hold employers to account, says a University of South Australia researcher. The exposure of the gender pay gaps Read more about Silence broken on gender pay gaps but we must hold organisations to account
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Protecting South Australian first responders against mental health impacts
Research shows emergency service personnel are twice as likely to develop anxiety, depression, and PTSD but a new Flinders University support program is aiming to prevent the onset of mental health conditions for first responders. Flinders Read more about Protecting South Australian first responders against mental health impacts
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Using AI to enhance satellite imagery to monitor our planet
Remote Sensing Letters
A new method to assess different satellite designs using a powerful AI technique to more cheaply monitor our planet from space has been released. A new method to assess different satellite designs using a powerful AI technique to more cheaply Read more about Using AI to enhance satellite imagery to monitor our planet
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology -
Gut-brain communication turned on its axis
Cell and Tissue Research
The mechanisms by which antidepressants and other emotion-focused medications work could be reconsidered due to an important new development in the understanding of how the gut communicates with the brain. New research led by Flinders University has Read more about Gut-brain communication turned on its axis
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Extreme heat while pregnant could lead to preterm births, but green spaces might help
JAMA Pediatrics
Australian researchers have found a link between being exposed to extreme heat while pregnant and the likelihood of having a preterm birth, but being around green spaces or greenness in general might mitigate the negative effects of the heat. The Read more about Extreme heat while pregnant could lead to preterm births, but green spaces might help
Australia; VICMonash University -
New gene-screening technology to boost crop disease resistance
Nature Plants
Decades of research in synthetic biology, genetics and molecular plant pathology have yielded an advancement in molecular plant pathology. Scientists at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have achieved an advancement in molecular plant Read more about New gene-screening technology to boost crop disease resistance
AustraliaCSIRO -
Antibody combo shows promise for hard to treat cancers
CANCER
A combination of two antibodies which target and boost the immune system, have shown promising results against hard to treat solid tumours in an early-stage clinical trial. The drugs, called CS1002 and CS1003 (or nofazinlimab), were trialled in Read more about Antibody combo shows promise for hard to treat cancers
Australia; NSW; VIC; SAThe University of Adelaide|The Alfred|Southern Medical Day Care Centre, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Box Hill Hospital, Albury‐Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre, Orange Health Service, CStone Pharmaceuticals -
Looking for ways to stem the rise of microplastics
1st Nano and Microplastics Australian Conference
The amount of plastic entering the oceans is expected to triple 2040, with 14 million tonnes already impacting marine ecosystems according to the United Nations. In the environment, plastic waste breaks down into micro- and nano-size particles or Read more about Looking for ways to stem the rise of microplastics
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Good things don’t come in threes for Antarctic sea ice
Journal of Climate
As this month marks the third consecutive summer with extremely low sea-ice cover around Antarctica, new statistical research points to fundamental changes taking place in the polar Southern Ocean. As this month marks the third consecutive summer Read more about Good things don’t come in threes for Antarctic sea ice
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Bureau of Meteorology|Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)... -
Targeting inflammatory protein could help treat severe asthma
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Australian scientists have developed a promising new treatment for asthma, targeting an inflammatory protein that is often resistant to steroids. The finding comes in the wake of a national spike in asthma deaths, with South Australia recording the Read more about Targeting inflammatory protein could help treat severe asthma
AustraliaUniversity of South Australia|RMIT University|The University of Adelaide... -
3D printed titanium structure shows supernatural strength
Advanced Materials
A 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ boasting levels of strength for weight not normally seen in nature or manufacturing could change how we make everything from medical implants to aircraft or rocket parts. A 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ boasting Read more about 3D printed titanium structure shows supernatural strength
Australia; VICRMIT University -
A step closer to understanding hydrogen’s greatest challenge
Nature Communications
Why hydrogen causes steels to become brittle and crack is the great conundrum of engineers and researchers looking to develop large-scale transport and storage solutions for the hydrogen age – an era Australia hopes to lead by 2030. Solving Read more about A step closer to understanding hydrogen’s greatest challenge
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of New South Wales -
CSIRO helps Heritage NSW solve 120-year maritime mystery of the SS Nemesis
An investigation by CSIRO, conducted for Heritage NSW, has helped identify the wreck of a steamship that disappeared off Australia’s east coast in 1904. A CSIRO team aboard research vessel (RV) Investigator has helped Heritage NSW solve a 120-year Read more about CSIRO helps Heritage NSW solve 120-year maritime mystery of the SS Nemesis
Australia; NSWCSIRO|NSW Government -
Drug shows promise for treating multiple food allergies
New England Journal of Medicine
A drug called omalizumab is safe and an effective treatment for multiple food allergies, according to clinical trials of the treatment in 462 people aged between one and 55, including 180 who took part in a 'gold standard' randomised controlled Read more about Drug shows promise for treating multiple food allergies
InternationalJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA -
What do Australia's scientists think of the Universities Accord final report?
The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the Australian Universities Accord Final Report released today. Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish said the report warns that unless the nation continues to produce more knowledge, skills, Read more about What do Australia's scientists think of the Universities Accord final report?
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Science -
Legalised weed linked to more workplace injuries among younger people
JAMA Health Forum
US researchers say there's an uptick in workplace injuries for younger people in states with legalised recreational marijuana. Since 2012, 24 states and Washington, DC have legalised possession and sales of small quantities of the drug, so the Read more about Legalised weed linked to more workplace injuries among younger people
InternationalSan Diego State University, USA