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Youth community spaces help make cities mental health friendly
Nature
Access to free and safe community hubs is the most important factor in improving mental health for youth living in cities, according to a survey of 500 experts from across the globe including Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea. Read more about Youth community spaces help make cities mental health friendly
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Orygen|Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA -
Acupuncture may help veterans with PTSD
JAMA Psychiatry
A US 'gold standard' clinical trial comparing acupuncture with sham acupuncture for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 71 combat veterans found receiving genuine acupuncture was effective as a treatment and had positive Read more about Acupuncture may help veterans with PTSD
InternationalTibor Rubin VA Medical Center, USA -
Newly discovered prehistoric dolphin may have used its jaw to imprison fish
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
New Zealand scientists have discovered a new species of ancient dolphin with splayed out teeth, suggesting it hunted its prey in a very unique way. The researchers theorise the dolphin could have swept through schools of small fish in shallow waters, Read more about Newly discovered prehistoric dolphin may have used its jaw to imprison fish
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|Moulton College, UK -
A specialised larynx allows humpbacks to sing, but they're being drowned out by shipping noise
Nature
Exactly how baleen whales, including humpbacks, sing to each other over such long distances has long puzzled scientists, but now an international team has discovered that specific vocal structures in the larynx convert aerodynamic vibrations into Read more about A specialised larynx allows humpbacks to sing, but they're being drowned out by shipping noise
InternationalUniversity of Southern Denmark, Denmark -
Get your nan moving to protect her heart
JAMA Cardiology
US researchers investigating the heart health of close to 6,000 women aged 63 to 99 say regular physical activity and less time sitting around was linked to better heart health. The team strapped fitness trackers to the women and found those who had Read more about Get your nan moving to protect her heart
InternationalUniversity at Buffalo, USA -
Path to lower emissions demands a smarter grid
Cell Reports Physical Science
Researchers at the University of Adelaide believe the global investment being made in smart metering infrastructure could fall short of fulfilling promised benefits to customers if key systems issues are not addressed. Researchers at the University Read more about Path to lower emissions demands a smarter grid
InternationalThe University of Adelaide -
Revealing what makes bacteria life-threatening
Nature Communications
Researchers have discovered that 'bad' bacteria can't make cellulose on their cell surface, ultimately leading to severe disease. Queensland researchers have discovered that a mutation allows some E. coli bacteria to cause severe disease in people Read more about Revealing what makes bacteria life-threatening
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
Too much TV might make you have to wee
Neurourology and Urodynamics
Have you ever found yourself needing to wee in the night after a hearty netflix binge? Well, you might not be alone, after international researchers found adults who spent five or more hours a day watching TV and/or videos were more likely to Read more about Too much TV might make you have to wee
InternationalWenzhou Medical University(The First People's Hospital of Wenling), China -
Small study suggests yoga may help chronic back pain
Journal of Orthopaedic Research
A small study of 10 women with chronic back pain and 11 without found an eight-session yoga program over four weeks led those with pain to report a decrease in its intensity and found they had measurably more flexible spines following the program. Read more about Small study suggests yoga may help chronic back pain
InternationalUniversity of Catanzaro, Italy -
Dangerous snoring and sleep apnoea linked to an unhealthy diet
ERJ Open Research
People who eat a healthy, plant-based diet that is high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and nuts are less likely to suffer with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), according to a new study led by Flinders University. The new study is one of the first Read more about Dangerous snoring and sleep apnoea linked to an unhealthy diet
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Could ADHD have evolved because it makes us better explorers?
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more likely to take a risk and explore new options, according to US and Indian scientists, which may make them better foragers, and possibly explorers, than people without ADHD. That Read more about Could ADHD have evolved because it makes us better explorers?
InternationalUniversity of Pennsylvania, USA -
Monarch caterpillars drink 'toxic sap' from swan plants to stay safe
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Caterpillars of the iconic Monarch butterfly may drink toxic latex from swan plants for their own self-defense. Monarch caterpillars are known to sever swan plant veins to stop toxic latex from flowing into the parts of leaves that they eat. However, Read more about Monarch caterpillars drink 'toxic sap' from swan plants to stay safe
InternationalUniversity of Hohenheim, Germany -
Mating strategies of male Wellington tree wētā
Royal Society Open Science
Male Wellington tree wētā have three different mating strategies related to the size of their jaw-like weapons, according to new research. While male wētā that matured early had smaller weaponry, their head start allowed them to circumvent Read more about Mating strategies of male Wellington tree wētā
New ZealandUniversité du Québec à Montréal, Canada -
Boosting potassium is key for blood pressure control
Journal of Human Hypertension
More than two-thirds of the blood pressure-lowering effect of salt substitutes may be due to the added potassium. While reducing salt intake has been the focus of dietary advice to control high blood pressure (hypertension), a new study suggests Read more about Boosting potassium is key for blood pressure control
Australia; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health -
Does a healthy life mean a healthy gut?
Gut
Researchers from China and Hong Kong say there is a strong link between adopting a healthy lifestyle and a lower risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They say, of the 'big five' healthy behaviours, not smoking, a high level of vigorous physical Read more about Does a healthy life mean a healthy gut?
InternationalThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong -
Unravelling the genetic and environmental influences on trust
Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization
Trust, a cornerstone of human interaction, has a significant genetic component, according to new research. Trust, a cornerstone of human interaction, has a significant genetic component, with around 33% of the variation between individuals Read more about Unravelling the genetic and environmental influences on trust
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The University of Sydney -
Examining the medical mystery of a child hepatitis outbreak
Journal of Infection
An analysis of a sudden global outbreak of hepatitis in children that occurred in 2022 finds although the primary suspect is highly likely to be an infection by multiple viruses, many questions still puzzle researchers. A University of Sydney study Read more about Examining the medical mystery of a child hepatitis outbreak
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Ancient DNA reveals Down syndrome in past human societies
Nature Communications
By analysing ancient DNA, an international team of researchers have uncovered cases of chromosomal disorders, including what could be the first case of Edwards syndrome ever identified from prehistoric remains. By analysing ancient DNA, an Read more about Ancient DNA reveals Down syndrome in past human societies
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|The Australian National University... -
Prosthetic limbs may soon be able to 'feel'
Nature Communications
International researchers have created a brain-robot connection that provides more naturalistic sensations to amputees when they are walking on their prosthetics. The researchers tested their new system on three lower-limb amputees with brain Read more about Prosthetic limbs may soon be able to 'feel'
InternationalETH Zürich, Switzerland -
Will 'asking our parents for money' to pay off a home loan lead to abusing them?
Australian Journal of Social Issues
A couple of Australian researchers have suggested that more focus be put on the possibility that the now common need of younger Australians to ask their parents for assistance in buying a house could lead to the financial abuse of the parents. They Read more about Will 'asking our parents for money' to pay off a home loan lead to abusing them?
Australia; NSW; TASThe University of Newcastle|University of Tasmania -
A better peanut on your plate? New findings reveal potential for peanut crop improvement
Nature Genetics
Global population growth has led to rapidly increasing food demand, but a new international study, published in Nature Genetics, has found a way to accelerate crop improvements, specifically in peanuts. Global population growth has led to rapidly Read more about A better peanut on your plate? New findings reveal potential for peanut crop improvement
Australia; International; WAMurdoch University -
Check your heart’s health with the prick of a pin
Analytical Chemistry
Researchers at Murdoch University’s Australian National Phenome Centre have delivered a self-administered blood test that that will revolutionise the landscape of cardiovascular risk assessment. Tests usually performed to detect heart disease and Read more about Check your heart’s health with the prick of a pin
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
Mapping potential pathways to MND treatment
Nature Communications
For the first time, researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) have mapped out the proteins implicated in the early stages of motor neurone disease (MND). Building on the mapping project, UQ Queensland Brain Institute researcher Dr Rebecca Read more about Mapping potential pathways to MND treatment
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Queensland Brain Institute... -
High cost of vaping in Australia revealed
Australian Health Review
QIMR Berghofer researchers have warned that the increased prevalence of vaping could ultimately cost the Australian health system upwards of $180 million each year, just from a portion of users taking up tobacco smoking. QIMR Berghofer researchers Read more about High cost of vaping in Australia revealed
Australia; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute -
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Deepfakes are here to stay - so where to next?
RECORDING AVAILABLEFrom fake audio impersonating politicians to fake pornographic videos of celebrities including Taylor Swift, deepfakes have been in the news a lot lately and advances in artificial intelligence (AI) mean it's about to get a whole Read more about BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Deepfakes are here to stay - so where to next?
Australia; NSW; SAAustralian Science Media Centre|The University of Adelaide... -
Protecting Science in Times of Crisis: How do we stop being reactive, and become more proactive?
Protecting Science in Times of Crisis is a comprehensive report addressing the urgent need for a new approach to safeguard science and its practitioners during global crises. With many conflicts spread over geographical zones, increasing extreme Read more about Protecting Science in Times of Crisis: How do we stop being reactive, and become more proactive?
InternationalAustralian Academy of Science|International Science Council, Centre for Science Futures, International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific led by the Australian Academy of Science. -
A nerve protecting drug combination could improve stroke outcomes
JAMA Neurology
A fast-acting drug combination that works to protect the cells in the brain, could help improve patients' symptoms after a stroke, according to a study from China. The study found that the combination of edaravone and dexborneol, which together Read more about A nerve protecting drug combination could improve stroke outcomes
Australia; International; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health|Peking University Third Hospital, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited China, -
Giant new snake species identified in the Amazon
Diversity
A team of scientists on location with a film crew in the remote Amazon has uncovered a previously undocumented species of giant anaconda. A team of scientists on location with a film crew in the remote Amazon has uncovered a previously undocumented Read more about Giant new snake species identified in the Amazon
InternationalThe University of Queensland -
Could climate change increase the risk of thunderstorm asthma events?
JAMA
In 2016, a thunderstorm in Melbourne triggered a 672% increase in asthma-related hospital admissions and caused 10 deaths, and Australian researchers say there is a possibility that events like this could increase or become more severe under climate Read more about Could climate change increase the risk of thunderstorm asthma events?
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
Women who exercise regularly have lower risk of early death than men
Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC)
Women who exercise regularly have a lower risk of an early death or fatal heart attack or stroke than men who exercise regularly, even when women put in less effort, according to international researchers. The team analysed data from more than Read more about Women who exercise regularly have lower risk of early death than men
InternationalTsinghua University, China -
Brain activity 'mismatch' could be an early warning of dementia
JNeurosci
A 'mismatch' in brain activity visible through a non-invasive brain imaging tool is associated with an accelerated decline in brain function that could indicate dementia, according to Australian and international researchers. The team used data from Read more about Brain activity 'mismatch' could be an early warning of dementia
Australia; International; QLDBond University|University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA -
Monster black hole devouring one sun every day
Nature Astronomy
The fastest-growing black hole ever recorded – devouring the equivalent of one sun every day – has been discovered by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU). Associate Professor Christian Wolf said it’s a record he doesn’t Read more about Monster black hole devouring one sun every day
Australia; VIC; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Melbourne -
Protein lovers beware: High protein diet linked to fatty arteries
Nature Metabolism
A high protein diet has been linked to atherosclerosis - the build-up of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls - in mice by Canadian and US researchers, who also experimented with high protein diets in humans. The Read more about Protein lovers beware: High protein diet linked to fatty arteries
InternationalUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, USA -
Too much vitamin B3 could harm your heart
Nature Medicine
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is used as both a dietary supplement and to fortify our flour and cereals, and might be linked to an increased risk of heart disease, say international researchers who sampled the blood of over 4300 people. They say Read more about Too much vitamin B3 could harm your heart
InternationalLerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA -
Prescription opioids increase the risk of falls, especially in the over 85s
JAMA Internal Medicine
Taking prescription opioids could increase your chances of also taking a tumble, with new Australian research showing a link between the drugs and a higher risk of falls. The large study, of over 3. 2 million adults, found that taking prescription Read more about Prescription opioids increase the risk of falls, especially in the over 85s
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) -
More coral may not equal more fish on our reefs
Nature Ecology & Evolution
Fish numbers on our reefs may not be as dependent on coral as we thought, according to Australian research. It is often assumed that there is a strong link between fish numbers and corals on our reefs but this new Australian research suggests that Read more about More coral may not equal more fish on our reefs
Australia; QLDJames Cook University -
Diving into the secret life of mixed-species dolphin groups in Australia
Animal Behaviour
In-depth research of two of Australia’s dolphin species shows how their behaviours have evolved to co-exist and form mixed species groups in northwestern Australia. In the first extensive study of its kind, published in the journal Animal Behaviour Read more about Diving into the secret life of mixed-species dolphin groups in Australia
Australia; International; SA; WAFlinders University -
Microplastics enter agricultural land through wastewater
Water Research
A research team quantified and characterised microplastics (MPs) in 146 biosolid samples collected from 13 wastewater treatment plants across three Australian states (four in New South Wales, four in South Australia and five in Queensland). The Read more about Microplastics enter agricultural land through wastewater
Australia; NSW; QLD; SAGriffith University|Flinders University -
Microplastics present in muscles, intestines of SEQ sharks
Chemosphere
Researchers have discovered not only microplastics but also a higher abundance of cellulose-based fibres in the intestine samples of four apex shark species caught off the coast of South East Queensland (SEQ). The study marks the first investigation Read more about Microplastics present in muscles, intestines of SEQ sharks
Australia; QLDGriffith University -
Communities must be better prepared for flooding in their homes and businesses, an expert warns
Communities must be better prepared for flooding in their homes and businesses, an expert warns, as climate change predictions suggest more extreme flooding globally. The book, Flood Risk and Community Resilience, by the UK's Professor Lindsey Read more about Communities must be better prepared for flooding in their homes and businesses, an expert warns
InternationalUniversity of the West of England, Bristol, UK. -
Four real: quantum computing engineers perform multiple control methods in just one atom
Nature Communications
UNSW researchers have demonstrated multiple ways to write quantum information in silicon for more flexible quantum chips design. Quantum computing engineers at UNSW Sydney have shown they can encode quantum information – the special data in a Read more about Four real: quantum computing engineers perform multiple control methods in just one atom
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|RMIT University|The University of Melbourne -
Giant step forward to treat chronic foot ulcers and internal wounds
Advanced Functional Materials
A team of international scientists has developed a more effective treatment for chronic wounds that does not involve antibiotics or silver-based dressings, but an ionized gas called plasma. The natural, environmentally friendly alternative is a Read more about Giant step forward to treat chronic foot ulcers and internal wounds
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia|The University of Adelaide -
Research leaves smoking stereotypes up in smoke
Medical Journal of Australia
A first-of-its-kind national study from The Australian National University (ANU) has debunked common myths about who smokes in Australia and will help provide better support and potentially life-saving interventions for 2. 5 million daily smokers. A Read more about Research leaves smoking stereotypes up in smoke
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University -
Twice-a-year jab could help lower your blood pressure
JAMA
Keep forgetting to take your blood pressure medication? A new clinical trial may have the answer after it showed that a single injection of a drug called zilebesiran can significantly lower blood pressure for up to 6 months. The drug works through Read more about Twice-a-year jab could help lower your blood pressure
InternationalThe University of Chicago, USA -
How much exercise should a child or teen be doing after a concussion?
JAMA Network Open
Children and teens should target up to four hours of moderate to vigorous exercise in the week after a concussion and up to 9. 5 hours in the first two weeks, according to international researchers who say this exercise can help reduce Read more about How much exercise should a child or teen be doing after a concussion?
InternationalEastern Ontario Research Institute, Canada -
Turning health research into health gains
A symposium highlighted previous and upcoming research that will equitably improve some of New Zealand’s most pressing health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Turning health research into health gains Read more about Turning health research into health gains
New ZealandHealthier Lives National Science Challenge -
Most people's conspiracy beliefs stay the same
Scientific Reports
Even over the Covid-19 pandemic, people were mostly consistent in whether they believed in conspiracy theories or not. That's according to new research looking at the conspiracy beliefs of nearly 500 New Zealanders and Australians over six months in Read more about Most people's conspiracy beliefs stay the same
Australia; New Zealand; VICMassey University|Deakin University|University of Otago... -
People were less stressed after NZ's successful Covid-19 response
Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology
Stress levels decreased over the first six months of the pandemic in New Zealand, according to researchers who analysed the hair of 44 Kiwis. The stress hormone cortisol can show up in hair as a record of a person's past stress levels. The findings Read more about People were less stressed after NZ's successful Covid-19 response
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland -
Coughs aren't all the same - and should be treated differently
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine
This study explored different types of coughs among middle-aged people – including minimal cough, cough with colds only, cough with allergies, intermittent productive cough, chronic dry cough and chronic productive cough. It found that different Read more about Coughs aren't all the same - and should be treated differently
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; TAS; NTThe University of Melbourne|Queensland University of Technology (QUT)... -
Australian government approves release of a genetically modified variety of Cavendish bananas
The Australian Government has issued QUT a licence to commercially release QCAV-4, a genetically modified (GM) variety of Cavendish banana designed to help save the world’s Cavendish banana production. The Australian Government has issued QUT a Read more about Australian government approves release of a genetically modified variety of Cavendish bananas
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)