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Avoiding cloudy messaging: Vape prevention campaigns face challenges
Health Promotional International
Flinders University researchers say that cohesive and collaborative action from preventive health communicators and organisations is needed to inform young people about the devastating harms of vaping. Flinders University researchers investigated Read more about Avoiding cloudy messaging: Vape prevention campaigns face challenges
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Moderately or late preterm babies have higher risks of brain development disorders
The BMJ
Babies born moderately preterm (32-33 weeks) or late preterm (34-36 weeks) are more likely to be diagnosed with a range of brain development disorders into their teens, according to international research. The team looked at diagnoses of motor, Read more about Moderately or late preterm babies have higher risks of brain development disorders
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
Women still at risk even after breast cancer is caught early
The BMJ
Women who are diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) - a type of breast cancer that is localised and hasn't spread past the milk ducts - are around four times more likely to develop invasive breast cancer and to die from breast cancer than Read more about Women still at risk even after breast cancer is caught early
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK -
It’s time to address the high rate of Australians with disabilities addicted to smoking
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
According to a new analysis, almost a quarter of Australians with disabilities smoke, compared to just 12. 6% of the wider population. While the number of Australians smoking is declining, the barriers for people with disabilities mean targeted Read more about It’s time to address the high rate of Australians with disabilities addicted to smoking
Australia; NSW; VIC; SAFlinders University|Cancer Council NSW|The University of Newcastle... -
Obesity spiked in children during COVID-19 lockdowns—only the youngest bounced back
PLOS ONE
Obesity among UK primary school kids spiked during the COVID-19 lockdowns, according to international researchers who estimate that without reversals, increased obesity rates in Year 6 children alone will cost society an additional £800 million in Read more about Obesity spiked in children during COVID-19 lockdowns—only the youngest bounced back
InternationalUniversity of Southampton, UK -
How does HIV get into the cell’s centre to kickstart infection?
Nature
UNSW Sydney medical scientists have cracked a mystery whose solution has long eluded researchers. The team have discovered how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) breaches the cell nucleus to establish infection, a finding that has implications Read more about How does HIV get into the cell’s centre to kickstart infection?
Australia; International; NSW; QLDThe University of New South Wales -
Groundwater may be rapidly declining in aquifers globally
Nature
Groundwater stored in aquifers across the globe may face declines of over 0. 5 metres per year in the 21st century, according to international researchers who conducted an analysis of around 170,000 monitoring wells in over 40 countries. The team Read more about Groundwater may be rapidly declining in aquifers globally
InternationalUniversity of California, USA -
Lingering symptoms remain common six months after a sports-related concussion
JAMA Network Open
People who have a sports-related concussion are less likely to have prolonged mental health symptoms than those whose concussion was not sports-related, but they are similarly likely to have prolonged physical symptoms, according to international Read more about Lingering symptoms remain common six months after a sports-related concussion
InternationalUniversity of Stirling, UK -
SMC Taiwan News Briefing: Prior dengue and Japanese encephalitis exposure may offer protection against Zika virus
Communications Biology
Taiwanese researchers have reported the discovery of antibodies that can suppress the Zika virus in Taiwanese people who have been infected with dengue fever and vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis. These findings could help the development of Read more about SMC Taiwan News Briefing: Prior dengue and Japanese encephalitis exposure may offer protection against Zika virus
InternationalNational Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan -
What drives us to be anonymous online
Society for Personality and Social Psychology
University of Queensland researchers have found there are two key reasons people choose to be anonymous online – self-expression or toxic behaviour. University of Queensland researchers have found there are two key reasons people choose to be Read more about What drives us to be anonymous online
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Tropical cyclone-related deaths vary widely between countries, NZ sees most respiratory deaths
PLOS Medicine
An Australian-led analysis of deaths from all causes, heart problems, and respiratory conditions during tropical cyclones in 18 countries that experienced a total of 382 cyclones between 1980 and 2019 found the most deaths occurred in Guatemala, Read more about Tropical cyclone-related deaths vary widely between countries, NZ sees most respiratory deaths
Australia; New Zealand; VICMonash University|University of Otago -
Addressing coercion in mental healthcare
BJPsych Open
Finding a common goal for action to address coercion in mental healthcare is the goal of a new paper which identifies what the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Psychiatry Association (WPA) agree on. Coercive practices are widespread in Read more about Addressing coercion in mental healthcare
Australia; QLDGriffith University -
Centralised social networks potentially hinder innovation by making decision-making too similar
People and Nature
Social systems where influence is centred around one or two individuals can lead to pack mentality and groupthink in farming communities, according to new research at the University of Sydney and Stockholm University. Social systems where influence Read more about Centralised social networks potentially hinder innovation by making decision-making too similar
Australia; Pacific; InternationalThe University of Sydney|Stockholm University -
Detecting bowel cancer without a poo test
Nature Communications
An international team of researchers from Adelaide and the United States has opened the door to non-stool-based bowel cancer detection, by showing that a probiotic bacteria already being used to treat gut disorders, can be engineered to reveal the Read more about Detecting bowel cancer without a poo test
Australia; InternationalSouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)... -
EXPERT REACTION: Doomsday clock remains at 90 seconds to midnight
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, keepers of the iconic ‘Doomsday Clock’, has announced the clock will remain at 90 seconds to midnight, equal to last year and the closest to midnight it has ever been. Founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein, J. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Doomsday clock remains at 90 seconds to midnight
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SABulletin of the Atomic Scientists -
Want crispier carrots? Don't cut them lengthwise
Royal Society Open Science
Researchers from the UK carr-a-lot about your hummus it seems, as they have discovered why carrots curl up and become too weak to dip. The team found cut carrots to curl over time due to residual stresses from the circular layers they form as they Read more about Want crispier carrots? Don't cut them lengthwise
InternationalUniversity of Bath, UK -
Experts say livestock transport regulations in Australia and New Zealand are not fit for purpose
Royal Society Open Science
UK and Canadian experts reviewed livestock transportation regulations in five English-speaking Western jurisdictions (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the EU and the USA), and say laws are too vague or insufficient to be fit for purpose. The authors Read more about Experts say livestock transport regulations in Australia and New Zealand are not fit for purpose
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalEssex Law School, UK -
Humpback whales move back and forth so their songs are heard
Royal Society Open Science
The ocean is a party, and humpback whales like to move to quieter corners at night so they can be heard, according to international researchers (well, kinda). The team monitored the locations of singing whales off the coast of Maui, Hawaii using Read more about Humpback whales move back and forth so their songs are heard
Pacific; InternationalUniversity of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, USA -
Camera system allows us to see the world through an animal's eyes
PLOS Biology
International researchers have developed a camera system that can produce videos that replicate the colours different animals see the world with. Different animals see a different range of colours, and sometimes can see colours we can't, such as Read more about Camera system allows us to see the world through an animal's eyes
InternationalQueen Mary University of London, UK -
Few patients successfully treat their type 2 diabetes through weight loss alone
PLOS Medicine
Very few patients with type 2 diabetes are able to control their blood sugar levels through weight loss alone, according to international researchers. The team looked at 37,326 people in Hong Kong who were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to see Read more about Few patients successfully treat their type 2 diabetes through weight loss alone
InternationalChinese University of Hong Kong -
Unintentional weight loss linked to risk of certain cancers
JAMA
Weight loss within the prior two years is associated with a higher risk of cancer, according to a study of health professionals which found this risk is higher when the weight loss is unintentional. The team looked at data from 157,474 health Read more about Unintentional weight loss linked to risk of certain cancers
InternationalHarvard Medical School, USA -
New buzz about coffee genes
Nature Communications
Like its flavour profile, the genome of Arabica coffee is large and complex. This makes breeding and genetic survey work more difficult, but this diverse genetic background may have contributed to bean's popularity, practicality, and commercial Read more about New buzz about coffee genes
InternationalIGA Technology Services, Instituto di Genomica Applicata, University of Udine, University of Verona, illycaffè SpA -
Social isolation and loneliness could worsen the health of those with obesity
JAMA Network Open
Obesity is linked to an increased risk of death from any cause, but the effect is worse if you’re feeling lonely and socially isolated, according to international researchers. The team used data from the UK Biobank which included 398,972 Read more about Social isolation and loneliness could worsen the health of those with obesity
InternationalTulane University, USA -
Feeling like your walking ability is limited is a good indicator of future fracture risk
JAMA Network Open
Australian experts say feeling like your ability to walk is limited when covering less than a kilometre is a strong indicator you may be at risk of fracture sometime in the next five years. Their study of nearly a quarter of a million people found Read more about Feeling like your walking ability is limited is a good indicator of future fracture risk
Australia; NSWGarvan Institute of Medical Research|The University of New South Wales... -
‘No added sugar’ rule is a good step – but the job’s not done
Current Developments in Nutrition
Australia’s food regulators must develop a comprehensive definition for ‘added sugars’ in processed foods so consumers can make healthy choices, according to new research from The George Institute for Global Health. In December, Food Standards Read more about ‘No added sugar’ rule is a good step – but the job’s not done
Australia; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health -
Tobacco experts praise vaping law loophole closure
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
In an editorial, Australian experts praise the Federal Government’s plans to close vaping law loopholes and call for the proposed reforms to be introduced urgently to end the youth vaping epidemic. They highlight how easy it is for young people to Read more about Tobacco experts praise vaping law loophole closure
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|University of Wollongong|Cancer Council NSW... -
What can ants tell us about biodiversity in biofuel crops?
Frontiers in Conservation Science
Studying ant communities shows that using diverse plant sources for bioenergy is crucial to protect ecosystems while making more eco-friendly fuel, according to international researchers, who say ants are a 'top candidate' for investigating how Read more about What can ants tell us about biodiversity in biofuel crops?
InternationalUniversity of Kentucky, US -
Routine health checks could prevent deaths
BMC Medicine
The UK's NHS Health Check appointments - a free, preventative screening program - are linked with a decreased risk of people dying from any cause, as well as a decreased risk of several diseases, say Hungarian and British researchers. The Read more about Routine health checks could prevent deaths
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, Oxford, UK -
Energy drinks may be keeping students up at night
BMJ Open
Energy drinks are linked to poor sleep quality and insomnia in college students, according to a study of over 53,000 people in Norway. The team took data from participants aged 18-35 in a Students’ Health and Wellbeing study, which asked how often Read more about Energy drinks may be keeping students up at night
InternationalInnlandet Hospital Trust, Norway -
Can acupuncture help people regain their speech after a stroke?
JAMA Network Open
Chinese researchers from a university that specialises in traditional Chinese medicine say that acupuncture was more effective than a sham procedure in helping stroke patients get their speech back. The team worked with 252 patients who had Read more about Can acupuncture help people regain their speech after a stroke?
InternationalFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China -
Protein blood test as effective as spinal fluid analysis for diagnosing Alzheimer's
JAMA Neurology
Testing people's blood for a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease called tau is just as effective for diagnosing the condition as analysing their spinal fluid, and less expensive and invasive, according to international scientists. They used a Read more about Protein blood test as effective as spinal fluid analysis for diagnosing Alzheimer's
InternationalGothenburg University, Sweden -
Ukraine war means we aren't getting accurate data on Arctic melting from Russia
Nature Climate Change
International research about the Arctic has had to continue without any data from Russia since the start of the Ukrainian invasion, say researchers from across the northern hemisphere. The team aimed to assess how well Arctic environmental Read more about Ukraine war means we aren't getting accurate data on Arctic melting from Russia
InternationalAarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark -
If milk makes you poo, it might protect you from diabetes type 2
Nature Metabolism
Ironically, for those who cannot produce lactase - a condition often referred to as lactose intolerance - drinking milk is associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), say US researchers. Lactase-deficient people are often in extreme Read more about If milk makes you poo, it might protect you from diabetes type 2
InternationalAlbert Einstein College of Medicine, USA -
More sport-based mental health interventions needed for young males
Psychology of Sport and Exercise
Sports-based interventions show great promise in supporting positive change in mental health outcomes – but few mental health interventions have specifically targeted young males in sport settings, and Flinders University researchers say this Read more about More sport-based mental health interventions needed for young males
Australia; SA; NTFlinders University -
Experts argue vaping crackdown should lead to tobacco endgame
Medical Journal of Australia
In a 'Perspective' article, Australian experts praise the Federal Government's vaping crackdown, but say it must be part of a wider plan to stamp tobacco out too. If tobacco is not targeted at the same time as vaping, there's a risk people who are Read more about Experts argue vaping crackdown should lead to tobacco endgame
Australia; VIC; QLDThe University of Melbourne|The University of Queensland -
Low back pain heals the fastest in the first 6 weeks - then it gets harder
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Most people who experience severe and sudden back pain begin to improve within the first six weeks, but many will go on to have ongoing pain according to Australian research. The team combined the results of 95 studies looking at the typical course Read more about Low back pain heals the fastest in the first 6 weeks - then it gets harder
Australia; NSW; QLD; SA; WAUniversity of South Australia|South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)... -
'The Meg' was probably slimmer than in the movie
Palaeontologia Electronica
International scientists, including an Australian, say the extinct massive shark, the megalodon (Otodus megalodon or Carcharocles megalodon), may not have been as massive as we thought, as an analysis of a fossilised vertebral column found it had a Read more about 'The Meg' was probably slimmer than in the movie
Australia; WAWestern Australian Museum|Curtin University -
Office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from bushfire smoke
Environmental Pollution
Air conditioning in our workplaces doesn't just cool the air – it can also help trap particles from bushfire smoke and reduce our exposure to potentially harmful elements like soluble mercury, sulfate and nitrate. Air conditioning in our Read more about Office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from bushfire smoke
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
Lack of fluoridated water a health risk for disadvantaged Queenslanders
The Medical Journal of Australia
Researchers have found Queenslanders from lower socio-economic areas are at higher risk of dental disease due to a lack of fluoridated water. Researchers have found Queenslanders from lower socio-economic areas are at higher risk of dental disease Read more about Lack of fluoridated water a health risk for disadvantaged Queenslanders
QLDThe University of Queensland -
The rate of young people hospitalised with an injury has doubled over the past 20 years in the ACT
Injury Prevention
This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to data about mental health, suicide and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on Read more about The rate of young people hospitalised with an injury has doubled over the past 20 years in the ACT
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University|ACT Health -
Save money by preparing a lunch box for you and your family – food safety dollars and sense
As we start to return to work and school, the Food Safety Information Council is encouraging families to be both food safe and save money by preparing their own lunches. Cathy Moir, Council Chair, said that taking a lunchbox is a great way to reduce Read more about Save money by preparing a lunch box for you and your family – food safety dollars and sense
AustraliaFood Safety Information Council -
The secret life of CD4+ T cells: from helpers to melanoma fighters
Science Immunology
Researchers have revealed unprecedented insights into CD4+ T cells, a type of immune cell, which show promise for immunotherapies against melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer. The secret life of CD4+ T cells: from helpers to melanoma Read more about The secret life of CD4+ T cells: from helpers to melanoma fighters
Australia; NSW; VIC; WAThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity... -
How can we mitigate the health risks of sitting too much at work?
JAMA Network Open
People who sit for prolonged periods at work have a 16% higher risk of death from any cause and a 34% higher risk of heart disease, according to an international study that followed almost 500,000 people over 13 years. The study looked at how much Read more about How can we mitigate the health risks of sitting too much at work?
InternationalTaipei Medical University, Taiwan -
Unbearable humid heat is already hitting areas with the least ability to survive it
One Earth
Humid heat that passes the theoretical limit of human survival is already being recorded in some areas of the world, and it is set to become frequent in the areas that are least prepared to handle it, according to Australian and international Read more about Unbearable humid heat is already hitting areas with the least ability to survive it
Australia; New Zealand; International; VICMonash University|University of Otago -
Vines strangle forests in warm temperatures, threaten planet’s cooling ‘carbon sink’
Global Change Biology
New global research finds ‘tipping point’ climate conditions for woody vines to smother forests and identifies the world's most vulnerable forests, including Australia’s Wet Tropics. Spanning 44 countries across five continents, the study Read more about Vines strangle forests in warm temperatures, threaten planet’s cooling ‘carbon sink’
Australia; International; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
Using virtual reality to get inside the criminal mind
Scientifc Reports
Edith Cowan University forensic psychology researchers have revealed new insights into the criminal mind thanks to virtual reality. It follows a study involving 101 participants who took part in mock crimes and subsequent interrogations, during VR Read more about Using virtual reality to get inside the criminal mind
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
New risk modelling can support Aotearoa’s pāua industry adapt to climate change
New research from Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge has brought together various experts who have developed new risk modelling that’s created an innovative ‘PAU2 climate related risk’ bioeconomic model. The model is a tool for people Read more about New risk modelling can support Aotearoa’s pāua industry adapt to climate change
New ZealandSustainable Seas National Science Challenge -
Reversing type 2 diabetes can lower your risk of heart and kidney problems
Diabetologia
Reversing type 2 diabetes can lower your risk of heart and chronic kidney disease, according to international research. Type 2 diabetes patients can achieve remission through diet and lifestyle changes, and the researchers investigated how this Read more about Reversing type 2 diabetes can lower your risk of heart and kidney problems
InternationalRoyal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Ireland -
Male fruit flies really don't take rejection well
PLOS Genetics
Male fruit flies whose sexual advances are repeatedly rejected get frustrated and less able to handle stress, according to international research. The researchers exposed male fruit flies to females who were not interested in mating, and compared Read more about Male fruit flies really don't take rejection well
InternationalBar-Ilan University, Israel -
Reproductive healthcare services “fragmented” across NZ GP clinics
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
A new survey of 73 primary care GPs, nurses, and OBGYN clinical directors finds that the way that NZ provides sexual and reproductive health services is “fragmented” and lacking a strategic focus. Basic services that should be widely available Read more about Reproductive healthcare services “fragmented” across NZ GP clinics
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland