-
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 -
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 -
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 -
New approach needed to save Australia’s non-perennial rivers
Journal of Hydrology
Non-perennial rivers, which stop flowing at some point each year, dominate surface water movement across Australia, yet monitoring the continued health of these vital waterways demands a new type of research attention. Non-perennial rivers, which Read more about New approach needed to save Australia’s non-perennial rivers
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; NTFlinders University|Edith Cowan University|Monash University... -
UK and NZ EXPERT REACTION: Is it time to revisit guidelines for young people's gender-affirming care?
Archives of Disease in Childhood
Scientific evidence on the use of puberty blockers and hormones for children and young people experiencing gender-related distress is lacking, according to a series of reviews on treatments and international guidelines, and an editorial. The series Read more about UK and NZ EXPERT REACTION: Is it time to revisit guidelines for young people's gender-affirming care?
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of York, UK -
Working on your hip strength could help prevent falls in older age
PLOS ONE
Improving your hip abductor strength and hip flexor power could help prevent falls in older age, according to a study by international and Australian authors that looked at how strength in specific leg muscles impacts fall risk. In a group of 94 Read more about Working on your hip strength could help prevent falls in older age
Australia; International; NSWThe University of New South Wales|Universidade de Brasília, Brazil -
EXPERT REACTION: Prof Peter Higgs, who proposed the 'God particle', has died aged 94
Professor Peter Higgs, the Nobel prize-winning physicist who proposed the existence of the Higgs boson - also known as the 'God particle' - has died, aged 94. The existence of the Higgs boson was confirmed by the Large Hadron Collider in 2012. Prof Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Prof Peter Higgs, who proposed the 'God particle', has died aged 94
Australia; VIC; SAAustralian Science Media Centre -
Intense experiences while practising mindfulness can be similar to psychosis
PLOS ONE
Intense experiences may be frequent for those regularly practising mindfulness, and some of these experiences can be negative or potentially psychosis-like, according to a small study from Australian and international researchers. The team collected Read more about Intense experiences while practising mindfulness can be similar to psychosis
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|University of Cambridge, UK, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden -
Sepsis signature shifts speed of diagnosis
Journal of Proteome Research
Sepsis and septic shock patients could experience faster diagnosis and better outcomes thanks to new Western Australian research. Blood plasma metabolic phenotyping has been successfully used to accurately diagnose the conditions within one hour of Read more about Sepsis signature shifts speed of diagnosis
Australia; WAMurdoch University|The University of Western Australia -
Call for parents and youth sport coaches to get on the same page
International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Parents and youth sport coaches need to have positive relationships to foster positive sporting experiences and enable young people to reach their sporting potential – but there’s currently no clear direction about the best way for them to come Read more about Call for parents and youth sport coaches to get on the same page
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Does the time of day you move your body make a difference to your health?
Diabetes Care
Undertaking the majority of daily physical activity in the evening is linked to the greatest health benefits for people living with obesity, according to researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia who followed the trajectory of 30,000 Read more about Does the time of day you move your body make a difference to your health?
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|University of Wollongong -
At home care recipients spend double the time in hospital compared to aged care residents
Australian Health Review
New research from the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) at SAHMRI, has revealed senior people receiving home care packages spend more than twice the amount of days in hospital, compared to those living in residential aged care. New research from Read more about At home care recipients spend double the time in hospital compared to aged care residents
Australia; SASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)... -
Elephants show signs of acute stress while being tamed
Royal Society Open Science
Taming wild elephant calves increases their stress levels, which may have implications for their physical health, according to international research. A quarter of Asian elephants are captive, with greater than 90% of these tamed and cared for by Read more about Elephants show signs of acute stress while being tamed
InternationalUniversity of Turku, Finland, Myanma Timber Enterprise, Myanmar -
Ancient South Americans were buried with their pet foxes
Royal Society Open Science
Around the year 450, 18 adults and six younger relatives were buried in Northwest Patagonia, Argentina. They shared the grave with their canid companions, including the extinct Dusicyon avus, a type of fox. The authors of a new study describe the Read more about Ancient South Americans were buried with their pet foxes
InternationalInstituto de Evolución, Ecología Histórica y Ambiente (IDEVEA), Oxford University -
Swapping red meat for sardines could save 750,000 lives a year in 2050
BMJ Global Health
Swapping red meat for ‘forage fish’, such as sardines, herring, and anchovies, could save up to 750,000 lives a year in 2050 and significantly reduce the prevalence of disability from diet-related disease, suggests international and Australian Read more about Swapping red meat for sardines could save 750,000 lives a year in 2050
Australia; International; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|University of the Sunshine Coast... -
Job insecurity in early adulthood may lead to a higher risk of alcohol-related illness later
Occupational & Environmental Medicine
Experiencing job insecurity in early adulthood is linked to a heightened risk of a serious alcohol-related illness in later life, according to international researchers. Precarious employment, which is non-standard or temporary work that is often Read more about Job insecurity in early adulthood may lead to a higher risk of alcohol-related illness later
InternationalKarolinska Institute, Sweden -
Discovery of Australia's oldest pottery rewrites understanding of Aboriginal maritime history
Quaternary Science Reviews
Researchers and Traditional Owners have discovered Australia's oldest pottery, dating between 2000 and 3000 years old, at Jiigurru (Lizrad Island) on the Great Barrier Reef. This finding challenges the notion that Aboriginal Australian communities Read more about Discovery of Australia's oldest pottery rewrites understanding of Aboriginal maritime history
AustraliaARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH)... -
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) -
Avoidance, confusion, solitude: whales react to rising noise pollution
Movement Ecology
The impact of human-made ocean noise on whales may be greater than previously understood and could be slowing down migration times by up to 20%, potentially even trapping some behind a wall of noise if noise levels continue to rise, a new modelling Read more about Avoidance, confusion, solitude: whales react to rising noise pollution
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne -
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 -
Aussie and New Zealand risky drinkers more likely to booze at home than at the pub
Drug & Alcohol Review
Australian, New Zealand and international researchers looked at data on whether risky drinkers in Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and England are more likely to drink at licensed premises - bars or pubs - or in a private setting. They found risky Read more about Aussie and New Zealand risky drinkers more likely to booze at home than at the pub
Australia; New ZealandLa Trobe University|Massey University -
Could Vitamin C improve airway function for kids of mums who smoked?
JAMA Pediatrics
Smoking during pregnancy can lead to breathing issues in kids, especially wheezing, but in such cases, vitamin C could help reduce the effects, according to international researchers. The team analysed a previous trial, VCSIP (Vitamin C to Decrease Read more about Could Vitamin C improve airway function for kids of mums who smoked?
InternationalOregon Health & Science University, USA -
PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ above drinking water guidelines in global source water
Nature Geoscience
We’re likely underestimating the future impact of PFAS in the environment, new UNSW Sydney-led study shows. Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances – commonly known as PFAS – are a group of over 14,000 human-made chemicals that have been popular Read more about PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ above drinking water guidelines in global source water
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Mental health problems could be holding young people back from driving
JAMA Network Open
Young people with a mood disorder are less likely to get their driver's license when they become eligible and are more likely to crash if they do start driving, according to US research. The team looked at driver's license rates and driving outcomes Read more about Mental health problems could be holding young people back from driving
InternationalNationwide Children’s Hospital, USA -
Need a hug? It could boost your health, even if you're hugging a robot
Nature Human Behaviour
Physical touch from both humans and animals reduces pain, feelings of depression, and anxiety in both adults and children, according to Dutch and German researchers. They brought together and re-analysed the data from 212 previous studies of touch, Read more about Need a hug? It could boost your health, even if you're hugging a robot
InternationalRuhr University Bochum, Germany -
Undiscovered meteorites are sinking in soft Antarctic ice
Nature Climate Change
Meteorites are an extremely valuable piece of geology, offering insight into processes that are literally out of this world. Antarctica is one of the best places to find them, as they stand out against the white background. More than half of all Read more about Undiscovered meteorites are sinking in soft Antarctic ice
InternationalUniversité libre de Bruxelles, ETH Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, University of Liège -
New insights into the evolution of the moon's mantle
Nature Geoscience
International researchers have uncovered evidence of 'mantle overturn' on the early moon. Models suggest that the last dregs of the Moon's magma ocean crystallised into a dense, mineral layer between the crust and mantle, which cumulated in certain Read more about New insights into the evolution of the moon's mantle
InternationalUniversity of Arizona -
Telescope detects unprecedented behaviour from nearby magnetar
Nature Astronomy
Captured by cutting-edge radio telescope technology, a chance reactivation of a magnetar – the Universe’s most powerful magnets – has revealed an unexpectedly complex environment. Researchers using Murriyang, CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope, Read more about Telescope detects unprecedented behaviour from nearby magnetar
Australia; NSW; VICCSIRO|The University of Sydney|Swinburne University of Technology... -
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 -
Is Australia ready for genetic screening to be a part of every pregnancy?
Medical Journal of Australia
Genetic testing for three genetic conditions, cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X syndrome, has recently become available to Australians who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, but Australian experts are asking if the system is Read more about Is Australia ready for genetic screening to be a part of every pregnancy?
Australia; VIC; SAThe University of Adelaide|The University of Melbourne... -
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 -
Male caregivers are also at a higher risk of depressive symptoms
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
Current evidence shows women who take on an informal caregiver role for another adult are at a higher risk of depressive symptoms, and a study by Australian researchers has found a similar increased risk for men. The researchers say most studies Read more about Male caregivers are also at a higher risk of depressive symptoms
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
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 -
Semaglutide may help reduce heart failure symptoms in obese people with diabetes
New England Journal of Medicine
Semaglutide, the diabetes drug that has now become best known for its weight loss properties, can help reduce heart failure–related symptoms and physical limitations in obese people with diabetes, as well as increasing their weight loss, according Read more about Semaglutide may help reduce heart failure symptoms in obese people with diabetes
Australia; International; ACTThe Australian National University|Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, USA -
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 -
The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) Collaboration detected a remarkable gravitational-wave signal
In May 2023, shortly after the start of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run, the LIGO Livingston detector observed a gravitational-wave signal from the collision of what is most likely a neutron star with a compact object that is 2. 5 to 4. 5 Read more about The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) Collaboration detected a remarkable gravitational-wave signal
Australia; International; VICARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGRav)... -
Who is using oxycodone in NSW and why?
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
A demographic study of the use of Oxycodone in NSW has found the likelihood of first-time use increased with age and was more commonly used by people living outside major cities. Oxycodone (brand names include OxyContin®, Endone®) is a strong Read more about Who is using oxycodone in NSW and why?
Australia; NSWNational Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)|The University of New South Wales... -
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