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Huntington’s disease families may benefit from a high-fibre diet
Brain Behavior and Immunity
Florey researchers have shown for the first time that high-fibre intake has a positive effect on Huntington’s disease in animal models. The Florey’s Professor Anthony Hannan, Head of the Epigenetics and Neural Plasticity Group, and Research Read more about Huntington’s disease families may benefit from a high-fibre diet
Australia; VIC; SAFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health... -
Machine learning to battle COVID-19 bacterial co-infection
Microbe
University of Queensland researchers have used machine learning to help predict the risk of secondary bacterial infections in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. The machine learning technique can help detect whether antibiotic use is critical for Read more about Machine learning to battle COVID-19 bacterial co-infection
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Queensland|The University of Sydney -
Biomarkers discovered for difficult-to-diagnose breast tumour
The Journal of Pathology
Researchers are a step closer to improved diagnosis for rare breast tumours called phyllodes tumours, thanks to new findings from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. The epigenetic ‘signature’ of a rare, hard-to-diagnose breast tumour has Read more about Biomarkers discovered for difficult-to-diagnose breast tumour
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLDGarvan Institute of Medical Research|The University of New South Wales... -
Vending machines help Brits self-test for STIs
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Vending machines are an effective way to get people to test for STIs who might not normally do so, according to a UK research pilot. Eleven machines in the cities of Brighton, Hove and Bristol supplied STI self-test kits to the over 2,000 people Read more about Vending machines help Brits self-test for STIs
InternationalUniversity of Bristol, UK; University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, UK; Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK; The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West, UK -
Schoolboy rugby players have more injuries the older they get
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
Researchers analysed data from 66 schoolboy teams from 35 secondary schools in England. Boys playing in under 18s had more injuries (and therefore more lost practice and game time) than their peers in under 15s and under 13s. The study, funded by Read more about Schoolboy rugby players have more injuries the older they get
InternationalUniversity of Bath, UK; University of Gloucestershire, UK; Rugby Football Union, UK -
Lab-grown tumours predict treatment outcomes
Cell Reports Medicine
Researchers have grown tumours in the lab to accurately predict what drugs will work for people with bowel cancer – before they begin treatment. Researchers have grown tumours in the lab to accurately predict what drugs will work for people with Read more about Lab-grown tumours predict treatment outcomes
Australia; VICWEHI|The University of Melbourne|Monash University -
How do you find Nemo? Count the stripes on his side
Journal of Experimental Biology
Finding Nemo may be easier than we thought, as Japanese and Taiwanese scientists say clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) identify members of their own species by counting the number of vertical white stripes on their sides. Common clownfish don't like Read more about How do you find Nemo? Count the stripes on his side
InternationalOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan -
Which dogs live the longest?
Scientific Reports
All dogs go to heaven, but which ones live the longest? According to UK researchers, small, long-nosed dogs such as (Whippets and Miniature Daschunds) have the highest life expectancy, while male flat-faced dogs (such as English Bulldogs) have the Read more about Which dogs live the longest?
InternationalDogs Trust, UK; Liverpool John Moores University, UK -
Policy shifts a big concern for Māori health - Editorial
New Zealand Medical Journal
Researchers argue in a NZMJ editorial that the current government’s proposed changes to legislation will unfairly have huge negative impacts on Māori health. They write that the impending shifts that have been signalled so far – including the Read more about Policy shifts a big concern for Māori health - Editorial
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|University of Auckland -
Māori and Pasifika teens more likely to see vape ads online
New Zealand Medical Journal
Young New Zealanders are regularly exposed to online ads that promote vaping as an appealing product, according to a survey of more than 3500 people aged 14-20. Half of the sample said they had seen vape marketing on at least one social media Read more about Māori and Pasifika teens more likely to see vape ads online
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|Massey University|The University of Queensland... -
Blind spots: impacts for half the world’s mines are undocumented, risking global harm
Nature
Australia has joined other large mining nations such as Russia, China and Brazil at the top of a list of countries with the biggest areas of undocumented or undermeasured mine impacts, according to a satellite image analysis of the world’s mines. Read more about Blind spots: impacts for half the world’s mines are undocumented, risking global harm
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Understanding rapid weight loss in older women: Message from the heart
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology
Unexplained rapid weight loss in older people could be a sign of underlying disease and can be linked with increased risk of falls and fractures, as well as a poorer long-term prognosis. Unexplained rapid weight loss in older people could be a sign Read more about Understanding rapid weight loss in older women: Message from the heart
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
New genus of ‘alien-faced’ multi-legged forest dwellers discovered
European Journal of Taxonomy
University of the Sunshine Coast researchers have uncovered a new genus and five new species of millipedes in remote African jungles – and say the many-legged creatures could hold important clues to whether woody vines are choking or protecting Read more about New genus of ‘alien-faced’ multi-legged forest dwellers discovered
Australia; International; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
Diagnostic tests needed for 2,500 patients exposed to hormone treatment
Leading Alzheimer’s disease researcher Professor Colin Masters of The Florey is warning of a serious public health issue following recent confirmation that patients in the UK contracted Alzheimer’s disease through medical procedures in the 1970s. Read more about Diagnostic tests needed for 2,500 patients exposed to hormone treatment
Australia; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health -
Industrial-era northern England: gloomy enough to give you bone disease
PLoS ONE
It's not always sunny in northern England. Industrial-era dental tissue from 25 individuals showed that males and females experienced similar seasonal shortages of vitamin D at far higher rates than previously thought. Simply put: they weren't Read more about Industrial-era northern England: gloomy enough to give you bone disease
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Otago|The University of Queensland|Durham University, -
EXPERT REACTION: Our mood on Twitter takes up to three weeks to recover from a global shock
PLOS ONE
A wide survey of X (Twitter) posts has suggested that global happiness levels take about two weeks to rebound following a global crisis, or "shock". Two events (the initiation of pandemic lockdowns and the invasion of Ukraine) were studied by Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Our mood on Twitter takes up to three weeks to recover from a global shock
New Zealand; InternationalAUT University|University of Johannesburg -
Not so great, Danes? Many Danish dog owners dose their mutts with unlicensed cannabinoids
PLOS ONE
A survey of around 2,000 Danish dog owners found nearly two in five (38%) give their pooches cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis is illegal for veterinary use in Denmark, as well as many other countries, so these pet owners are Read more about Not so great, Danes? Many Danish dog owners dose their mutts with unlicensed cannabinoids
InternationalUniversity of Copenhagen, Denmark -
People with hard-to-treat schizophrenia have different gut bugs, and medication may be to blame
JAMA Psychiatry
People with hard-to-treat, or treatment-resistant, schizophrenia have significantly different gut bugs making up their microbiome compared to people who respond well to treatment and those without the disorder, according to Australian research. Read more about People with hard-to-treat schizophrenia have different gut bugs, and medication may be to blame
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Futuristic fibres promise new yarns
Nature
New fibres may be able to receive electronic inputs, offering the possibility of programmable clothing. The authors note that this technology, if improved upon, could lead to developments like more flexible heart-monitors and hats that can detect Read more about Futuristic fibres promise new yarns
InternationalNanyang Technological University, Jilin University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences -
2.5 hours or more of exercise weekly could reduce the risk of falls in older women
JAMA Network Open
For older women, exercising as little as 2. 5 hours a week could reduce the risk of falls and subsequent injury, according to Australian research. The researchers surveyed over 7000 women aged 65-70 years about how much they exercised, and three Read more about 2.5 hours or more of exercise weekly could reduce the risk of falls in older women
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of Newcastle -
Vast majority of vaping shops in WA are near schools or in poorer areas
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
Vape stores in WA are densely located around schools and in disadvantaged areas, according to Australian research, which found 88% of stores are within 1km of a school. They also found there are seven times as many vape shops in poorer areas, Read more about Vast majority of vaping shops in WA are near schools or in poorer areas
Australia; WAThe University of Notre Dame Australia|The University of Western Australia... -
Floating algae a raft for juvenile pelagic fish
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
Floating macroalgal acts as a raft that provides habitat for a diverse array of juvenile oceanic fish a new Griffith University-led study has found. Floating macroalgal acts as a raft that provides habitat for a diverse array of juvenile oceanic Read more about Floating algae a raft for juvenile pelagic fish
Australia; QLDGriffith University|James Cook University -
Smaller dog breeds may also have a smaller risk of getting cancer
Royal Society Open Science
Small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are likely to have less risk of developing cancer than bigger breeds, according to a US study. The study found that larger breeds tend to have higher cancer risks although the risk drops in the Read more about Smaller dog breeds may also have a smaller risk of getting cancer
InternationalUniversity of California Riverside, USA -
As the climate warms, some reef fish prove more adaptable than others
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Australian and Japanese scientists say many fish species are moving to new environments as the climate changes and some are more adaptable to these new homes than others. They found tropical fish species that change the most to adapt to new Read more about As the climate warms, some reef fish prove more adaptable than others
Australia; NSW; QLD; SAThe University of Adelaide|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
Kimchi three times a day could keep the kilos at bay
BMJ Open
Men who eat kimchi 1-3 times a day could be at a lower risk of obesity, according to research funded by the Korean government-backed World Institute of Kimchi. The team analysed the self-reported diets of over 100,000 middle-aged Koreans and Read more about Kimchi three times a day could keep the kilos at bay
InternationalChung Ang University, South Korea -
Increasing your fitness could improve your odds of avoiding prostate cancer
British Journal of Sports Medicine
Men who improve their fitness could be reducing their risk of getting prostate cancer in the process, according to Swedish research led by a now Australia-based researcher. The team say there is little research on how your fitness over time impacts Read more about Increasing your fitness could improve your odds of avoiding prostate cancer
Australia; InternationalSwedish School of Sport and Health Sciences GIH, Sweden -
Diet rich in fish and veggies for infants may reduce risk of inflammatory bowel disease
Gut
A diet rich in fish and vegetables and low in meat, sweets, and sugary drinks, at the age of one may reduce the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease, according to international researchers. The team analyzed data collected from surveys Read more about Diet rich in fish and veggies for infants may reduce risk of inflammatory bowel disease
InternationalUniversity of Gothenburg, Sweden -
Australia’s quantum prowess kindling global attention
Defence and global technology heavyweights taking an interest in Australian quantum know-how. QUANTUM ENTREPRENEURS and researchers in Australia are attracting growing attention internationally, most recently from the defence sector. Just look at Read more about Australia’s quantum prowess kindling global attention
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Favourite Australian foods linked to Alzheimer's
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
A study has found a strong link between Alzheimer's disease and the daily consumption of meat-based and processed foods. Researchers at Bond University came to the conclusion after examining the diets of 438 Australians - 108 with Alzheimer's and Read more about Favourite Australian foods linked to Alzheimer's
Australia; QLDBond University|Griffith University -
Black summer bushfires wiped $2.8 billion from tourism supply chain
Economics of Disaster and Climate Change
First input-output economic analysis of 2019-20 fires also found 7300 jobs were lost. The study, by PhD student Vivienne Reiner from the Centre of Integrated Sustainability Analysis, highlights economic vulnerabilities to extremes of climate change. Read more about Black summer bushfires wiped $2.8 billion from tourism supply chain
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of Queensland -
What happens when you let a predator loose in a conservation area? These quolls were put to the task
Animal Conservation
Reintroduced western quolls eat a whole range of prey, rather than just hunting the small threatened species to extinction, researchers have shown. In the first reintroduction of western quolls to a fenced conservation reserve, researchers from UNSW Read more about What happens when you let a predator loose in a conservation area? These quolls were put to the task
Australia; NSW; SAThe University of New South Wales -
Australia’s largest ‘living biobank’ to preserve our unique wildlife
Australia’s precious wildlife biodiversity will be preserved and species safeguarded against extinction thanks to a new ‘living biobank’ being developed by the University of Melbourne and Museums Victoria Research Institute. Australia’s Read more about Australia’s largest ‘living biobank’ to preserve our unique wildlife
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Death toll shows extreme air pollution events a growing urban threat
Heliyon
New Curtin University-led research has estimated that 1454 avoidable deaths (one person every five days) occurred in Australian capital cities in the past 20 years because of fine particle air pollution from extreme events such as bushfires and dust Read more about Death toll shows extreme air pollution events a growing urban threat
Australia; WACurtin University|The University of Sydney|CSIRO|The Australian National University -
Nature’s DNA traps: Spider webs put new spin on wildlife research
iScience
Spiders might be silent heroes in helping us understand and keep track of animals, with new Curtin research revealing their webs act like natural traps for tiny bits of environmental DNA (eDNA) from vertebrates, which could change how we learn about Read more about Nature’s DNA traps: Spider webs put new spin on wildlife research
Australia; WACurtin University -
Why can't insects resist the allure of lights at night?
Nature Communications
Why there's always a cloud of insects buzzing around your outside lights at night has remained a bit of a mystery since the Romans noticed they could use lights to trap insects, but now international scientists have shed some light on the reason. Read more about Why can't insects resist the allure of lights at night?
InternationalImperial College London, UK, Florida International University, USA -
Trial shows promise in addressing unnecessary caesarean sections
Nature Medicine
Unnecessary caesarean sections can cause avoidable harm to mothers and their babies. In a new study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found implementing the WHO Labour Care Guide can help improve women’s care during childbirth and reduce Read more about Trial shows promise in addressing unnecessary caesarean sections
Australia; VICBurnet Institute|Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS-CONICET), India; Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Science Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, India -
Powerful video amplifies End-of-Life patient voices
The release of a new video - The Patient's Perspective - marks an important advancement in end-of-life care – acknowledging that a patient’s voice provides the essential key to guide improved patient care. Associate Professor Devery believes Read more about Powerful video amplifies End-of-Life patient voices
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Link between family dog ownership and girls’ physical activity
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Researchers have found a clear link between the acquisition or loss of a family dog and the level of physical activity undertaken by children in the family, with the impact most noticeable in girls. The first study to examine the longitudinal Read more about Link between family dog ownership and girls’ physical activity
Australia; WATelethon Kids Institute|The University of Western Australia... -
How have abortions changed in Victoria over the past decade
Medical Journal of Australia
The rate of abortions in Victoria appears to have declined over the past decade and the proportion of women having medication abortions instead of surgical abortions in hospitals is on the rise, according to two Australian studies. In the first paper Read more about How have abortions changed in Victoria over the past decade
Australia; NSW; VICThe University of Melbourne|La Trobe University|The University of Sydney... -
Get down and get dirty - how soundwaves appear to stimulate soil
bioRxiv
A new study has found fungi respond to noise in soil, unlocking the potential for improved ecosystem recovery. Humans are energised by dance music and now new Flinders University research has recorded rapid acceleration in soil fungi growth when Read more about Get down and get dirty - how soundwaves appear to stimulate soil
Australia; SAFlinders University -
This is your brain on ADHD
JNeurosci
US scientists say they've found patterns of connectivity between brain cells that accompany the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The team analysed brain scans of more than 6,000 kids using a new technique that allowed Read more about This is your brain on ADHD
InternationalOregon Health & Science University, USA -
Aussies cutting back on more than meals as cost of living crisis bites
Australian Journal of Social Issues
Australian researchers surveyed 1,248 Tasmanians to investigate the strategies we're adopting to cope with the cost of living crisis, and found it's not just food we're cutting back on. As well as buying less and cheaper food, respondents also said Read more about Aussies cutting back on more than meals as cost of living crisis bites
Australia; NSW; TASUniversity of Tasmania|University of Wollongong -
What can be done to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads?
Australian Journal of Social Issues
Over 60% of Indigenous dads need further support, according to Aussie researchers who used survey data from 149 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fathers. Of the supports required, the highest-ranking areas included money, support and social Read more about What can be done to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads?
Australia; VIC; SA; WA; TAS; NTUniversity of Tasmania|Edith Cowan University|The University of Western Australia... -
5 UK patients 'caught' Alzheimer's from deceased growth hormone donors
Nature Medicine
Five people in the UK who were given growth hormones sourced from deceased people during childhood (which is now banned) developed early-onset Alzheimer's disease, according to UK scientists. The findings suggest that Alzheimer’s disease may have Read more about 5 UK patients 'caught' Alzheimer's from deceased growth hormone donors
InternationalUniversity College London (UCL), UK -
Potassium-enriched salt is the missing ingredient in hypertension guidelines
Hypertension
This small change could have a big impact on high blood pressure control, Australian and international experts say. A call to include recommendations on low-sodium potassium-enriched salt in hypertension treatment guidelines has been made by a group Read more about Potassium-enriched salt is the missing ingredient in hypertension guidelines
Australia; International; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health -
Lack of support for pet owners in crisis
Pet owners facing crisis situations, including those who are victims of domestic violence, are suffering from a lack of support services needed to protect them. Pet owners facing crisis situations, including those who are victims of domestic violence Read more about Lack of support for pet owners in crisis
Australia; QLDJames Cook University -
Room for social supermarket model to expand as cost of living rises
Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly
A new model of ‘social supermarket’ providing affordable food and social support for people experiencing financial stress in South Australia should be expanded, experts say. As the cost-of-living crisis affects a growing number of Australians, Read more about Room for social supermarket model to expand as cost of living rises
Australia; SAFlinders University|Government of South Australia|The University of Adelaide -
Unpacking the cost of healthy school lunchboxes
Health Promotion International
A new study shows the pinch families can face when packing a school lunchbox, finding families are spending about $25 per child per week. New analysis by Flinders University in South Australia, University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Read more about Unpacking the cost of healthy school lunchboxes
Australia; NSW; SAFlinders University|The University of Newcastle|Hunter New England Population Health Service -
High-achieving high school girls need more help finding their ‘dream’ jobs
Gifted Child Quarterly
Compared to boys, girls often excel in their secondary education results – but even the most gifted students may struggle to find their ‘dream job’ and follow the best career path, pay grades and workplace progression to become leaders in Read more about High-achieving high school girls need more help finding their ‘dream’ jobs
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Setting a new standard of precision in making quantum computer chips
Advanced Quantum Technologies
Aussie researchers have broken a new record in precision manufacturing, in the quest to fabricate the silicon chips of future quantum computers. The team showed that phosphorous ions can be implanted in silicon crystal with 99. 95 confidence, while Read more about Setting a new standard of precision in making quantum computer chips
Australia; NSW; VICThe University of New South Wales|The University of Melbourne