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Polyester pollution is disrupting life on the seafloor
Marine Pollution Bulletin
New Zealand and international researchers have found that tiny plastic fibres from polyester materials are messing with the way organic matter is usually broken down on the seafloor. The effects of these microplastics differed depending on the Read more about Polyester pollution is disrupting life on the seafloor
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|University of Otago|University of Florida, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of Cape Town -
Beep boop (signed)! Underwater robots can speak sign language now
Computer Networks
Divers rely on sign-based communication to rely information underwater. Increasingly, underwater robots share this space with human divers, and communication between the two is important. Using a pre-existing set of common dive signs, a team of Read more about Beep boop (signed)! Underwater robots can speak sign language now
Australia; New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|University of Zagreb, Croatia -
Trouble on the horizon: how to make an impact based warning
International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction
When a disaster looms, impact based warnings can be more useful for the public than outright likelihoods. It's one thing to hear "it might rain", but another to hear "we're expecting treefalls and slips in your neighborhood". To issue these warnings, Read more about Trouble on the horizon: how to make an impact based warning
New Zealand; InternationalGNS Science|Massey University -
Post-Covid kids aren't walking to school like they used to
Journal of Transport & Health
The Covid lockdown period has disrupted Kiwi kids who walk to school, with students 42% less likely to return to their usual walking commute, new research finds. It's potentially accelerated an existing trend, with the study authors saying that Read more about Post-Covid kids aren't walking to school like they used to
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|AGILE Research Ltd., Auckland University of Technology, -
Saving Queensland’s earless dragons
Remote cameras and conservation dogs will be deployed as part of a University of Queensland research project aiming to conserve four threatened Queensland reptile species. Remote cameras and conservation dogs will be deployed as part of a Read more about Saving Queensland’s earless dragons
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Displaced Ukrainians who remained in the country have increased anxiety and PTSD
PLOS Global Public Health
Displaced Ukrainians experience high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety, according to a survey of mental health of over 8000 people who were either refugees or people displaced within Ukraine. The participants Read more about Displaced Ukrainians who remained in the country have increased anxiety and PTSD
InternationalUniversity of Southampton, UK -
Extreme sea levels during heatwaves are becoming more frequent
Communications Earth & Environment
New international research has found that 40% of the world's coastlines saw a significant increase in simultaneous heatwaves and extreme sea level rise, especially in tropical regions such as the Pacific Islands. Under a high emissions scenario, the Read more about Extreme sea levels during heatwaves are becoming more frequent
Pacific; InternationalThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China -
More empathetic doctors may be better at treating chronic pain
JAMA Network Open
Doctors who are more empathetic towards their patients may be better at treating chronic pain, according to international researchers. The team asked 1,470 chronic pain patients to rate their doctor's empathy using a questionnaire, and followed Read more about More empathetic doctors may be better at treating chronic pain
InternationalUniversity of North Texas, USA -
Vaping took our youth by storm - will we let snus do the same?
NZMJ
As NZ's smokefree commitments dwindle, experts worry that youth-targeted, multi-flavoured, "freedom"-branded snus may resonate with young people the way vaping has. Snus, a tobacco pouch which is placed under the lip, has roots in 18th century Read more about Vaping took our youth by storm - will we let snus do the same?
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Older people often taking more meds than needed
NZMJ
Of 173 residents of a retirement village outside Auckland, researchers recommended that 135 (78%) change their prescription habits. Many of their prescriptions were outdated, with certain cardiac medications and PPIs most commonly recommended to be Read more about Older people often taking more meds than needed
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland