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Money might be more motivating for people in 'WEIRD' countries
Nature Human Behaviour
Money might be more motivating for people in people living in Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) countries, than for people from non-WEIRD countries, according to international researchers. The team compared how hard Read more about Money might be more motivating for people in 'WEIRD' countries
InternationalUniversity of Chicago, USA -
Women more resistant to anaesthetic than men
Neuroscience
Sex hormones may contribute to increased anaesthetic resistance in women compared with men. A new study showed that both female mice and human women are more resistant to the hypnotic effects of anaesthetics, taking longer to become anaesthetised Read more about Women more resistant to anaesthetic than men
InternationalUniversity of Pennsylvania, USA -
Nearly 1/4 of ICU transfers or deaths in hospital could be due to missed or delayed diagnoses
JAMA Internal Medicine
US researchers looked into close to 2500 patient records for people who were sent to the ICU or had died in hospital, and say doctors had missed the diagnosis or had given a delayed diagnosis 23% of the time. They add that 17% of these errors caused Read more about Nearly 1/4 of ICU transfers or deaths in hospital could be due to missed or delayed diagnoses
InternationalUniversity of California San Francisco, USA -
Losing a sibling may break your heart
JAMA Network Open
Looking at over two million people born in Denmark, Chinese researchers have found a link between having a sibling die and developing heart disease early in your life. Losing a sibling during childhood and early adulthood was associated with a 17% Read more about Losing a sibling may break your heart
InternationalFudan University, Shanghai, China -
Epigenetic therapy shows promise for endocrine-resistant breast cancer in mice
Nature Structural & Molecular Biology
Garvan researchers have revealed a reason why endocrine resistance develops in breast cancers and how to potentially treat it in patients. Endocrine resistance – a major cause of breast cancer deaths – can be underpinned by an epigenetic change Read more about Epigenetic therapy shows promise for endocrine-resistant breast cancer in mice
Australia; International; NSWGarvan Institute of Medical Research -
Data shows soaring demand for people skills in Aussie post-pandemic jobs market
Nature Human Behaviour
An analysis of over 12 million job ads shows interpersonal skills continue to grow in importance for employment in the post-pandemic, remote-work-friendly labour market. Key points: Australian employers’ demand for interpersonal skills, such as Read more about Data shows soaring demand for people skills in Aussie post-pandemic jobs market
Australia; VIC; QLD; ACTCSIRO -
Love scrambles the brain and scientists can now tell us why
Behavioural Sciences
Love is blind, the saying goes, and thanks to a new Australian study we are now a step closer to understanding why. Researchers have measured how a part of the brain is responsible for putting our loved one on a pedestal in that first flush of Read more about Love scrambles the brain and scientists can now tell us why
Australia; SA; ACTUniversity of South Australia|The Australian National University... -
Caution needed when reporting on health scares
Clinical Psychology in Europe
Stories that raise concerns about common household products, new technologies, or medical treatments frequently appear in the media or on social media. When the actual health risk turns out to be comparatively low or unfounded, the health scares Read more about Caution needed when reporting on health scares
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany, King’s College London, United Kingdom -
Stargazers’ new approach to reshape our understanding of the Universe
arXiv
An international project mapping millions of galaxies has provided a ‘tantalising’ insight into the mysteries of dark energy and could reshape our understanding of the history of the Universe, according to research from The University of Read more about Stargazers’ new approach to reshape our understanding of the Universe
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; ACTThe University of Queensland|The Australian National University... -
Women with perinatal depression are at higher risk of suicidal behaviour years after childbirth
JAMA Network Open
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 Women with perinatal depression are at higher risk of suicidal behaviour years after childbirth
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
A new platform to fast-track lifesaving brain research
Nature Methods
An international team of researchers led by Australian researchers has developed a new platform that will transform neuroimaging data analysis worldwide. An international team led by Australian researchers has developed a groundbreaking platform Read more about A new platform to fast-track lifesaving brain research
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLDSwinburne University of Technology|The University of Queensland... -
New AI tool accurately detects COVID-19 from chest X-rays
Nature Scientific Reports
Researchers have developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that can rapidly detect COVID-19 from chest X-rays with more than 98% accuracy. Researchers have developed a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that can rapidly detect Read more about New AI tool accurately detects COVID-19 from chest X-rays
Australia; International; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|Middle East University -
Climate change could be impacting babies’ birthweight for gestational age
Environmental Health Perspectives
Climate change could pose a big risk to Australians’ reproductive health with a new, large-scale Curtin University study revealing a possible link between extreme bioclimatic exposure during pregnancy and babies’ birthweights for gestational age. Read more about Climate change could be impacting babies’ birthweight for gestational age
Australia; International; WACurtin University -
RV Investigator’s longest voyage to try and solve the Southern Ocean puzzle
Scientists travelling as far as 65 degrees south will investigate why the deep ocean currents near Antarctica are slowing, whether the Southern Ocean will continue to absorb heat and carbon dioxide, and how clouds form over the Southern Ocean. Read more about RV Investigator’s longest voyage to try and solve the Southern Ocean puzzle
Australia; International; WA; TASCSIRO|Australian Antarctic Program Partnership -
Shaping the Future: 500 young Australians dive into far off galaxies, fight incurable diseases and everything in between at the NYSF
From January, high school students from across the nation will live and breathe science and technology at the 2024 NYSF Year 12 Program in Canberra and Brisbane. From January, high school students from across the nation will live and breathe science Read more about Shaping the Future: 500 young Australians dive into far off galaxies, fight incurable diseases and everything in between at the NYSF
Australia; QLD; ACTNational Youth Science Forum -
Surgical teams put on notice for poor behaviour
PLOS ONE
Australian researchers have successfully trialled a novel experiment to address offensive and rude comments in operating theatres by placing ‘eye’ signage in surgical rooms. The three-month experiment was undertaken to address a widespread Read more about Surgical teams put on notice for poor behaviour
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Aussie fossil suggests photosynthesis evolved at least 1.75 billion years ago
Nature
1. 75 billion-year-old microscopic fossils from the McDermott Formation in the southern McArthur Basin in the NT, contain the oldest photosynthetic structures ever discovered, shedding light on the origins of photosynthesis, according to Belgian Read more about Aussie fossil suggests photosynthesis evolved at least 1.75 billion years ago
Australia; InternationalUniversity of Liège, Belgium -
Cosmic chemistry unveils stellar dance: ALMA telescope discovers hidden orbit secrets
Nature Astronomy
A team of international scientists, armed with the powerful ALMA telescope array in Chile, has unravelled the cosmic mysteries surrounding a dying star, revealing an intricate celestial dance shaped by unusual chemistry. A team of international Read more about Cosmic chemistry unveils stellar dance: ALMA telescope discovers hidden orbit secrets
Australia; International; VICMonash University|ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D) -
Closing in on the ultimate quest to regenerate insulin in pancreatic stem cells
Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
Australian researchers are zeroing in on the ultimate quest to regenerate insulin in pancreatic stem cells and replace the need for regular insulin injections. Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute researchers have demonstrated that newly made insulin Read more about Closing in on the ultimate quest to regenerate insulin in pancreatic stem cells
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute -
Most of us can tell if a chicken is having a clucking good time
Royal Society Open Science
Seven out of 10 humans can correctly tell if a chicken is happy or not based on their clucks, according to Australian researchers. The team recruited nearly 200 people and played them recordings of different chicken calls - some where they were Read more about Most of us can tell if a chicken is having a clucking good time
Australia; QLD; WAThe University of Queensland -
Evidence asbestos ban working as DIY linked mesothelioma cases fall
Respirology
Data on 60 years' worth of WA cases of the lung disease mesothelioma, which is primarily caused by asbestos exposure, suggest that Australia-wide ban on asbestos may be working with a fall in the incidence of DIY/renovation exposure. The study Read more about Evidence asbestos ban working as DIY linked mesothelioma cases fall
Australia; WACurtin University -
Eight weeks to stress less
Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Journal.
A little compassion can go a long way. Just eight weeks of a new compassion and mindfulness-based group program has made a world of difference to those with post-traumatic stress symptoms, seeing them move from clinical to non-clinical conditions, Read more about Eight weeks to stress less
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
AI chatbots can tell you if your meal is healthy
JAMA Network Open
AI chatbots like ChatGPT are as accurate as a nutritionist at estimating the energy, carbohydrate, and fat contents of eight menus designed for adults, according to international research, but the AI tended to overestimate the protein content. The Read more about AI chatbots can tell you if your meal is healthy
InternationalTaipei Medical University, Taiwan -
Not all low carb diets are created equal for keeping the kilos at bay
JAMA
Research using data from three large studies has found that not all low-carb diets will help you keep the kilos off to the same degree. The study found low-carb diets that emphasised high-quality proteins, fats and carbohydrates from whole grains Read more about Not all low carb diets are created equal for keeping the kilos at bay
InternationalHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA -
Pets help ward off dementia in older people living alone
JAMA Network Open
Over-50s living alone are at high risk of developing dementia, but having a pet could help, according to new research. People living with no one but their pets had slower rates of decline in verbal memory and fluency than people living fully alone, Read more about Pets help ward off dementia in older people living alone
InternationalSun Yat-sen University, China -
High rates of kids in care among parents who inject drugs
Drug and Alcohol Review
There are high rates of involvement of child protection services and child removal to out-of-home-care among parents who inject drugs, according to an Australian study. The study of people who inject drugs found that women, Aboriginal and Torres Read more about High rates of kids in care among parents who inject drugs
Australia; NSW; VIC; WABurnet Institute|Monash University|Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney... -
Maintain Asian forest diversity to avoid climate change impact
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS).
A new study shows South East Asian forests resisted ‘savannisation’ during the Last Glacial Maximum, suggesting conservation now can help resist impacts from climate change. A team of international scientists led by Dr Rebecca Hamilton at the Read more about Maintain Asian forest diversity to avoid climate change impact
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Reindeer can sleep while chewing their cud
Current Biology
Reindeer seem to sleep whilst chewing the cud, according to international researchers, who say that when reindeer ruminate - also known as chewing the cud - their brain waves resemble non-REM sleep. Chewing the cud, or ruminating, is the Read more about Reindeer can sleep while chewing their cud
InternationalUniversity of Zurich, Switzerland -
Flying ‘dragon’ robot could fight fires from a distance
Frontiers in Robotics and AI
Japanese researchers have built the "Dragon Firefighter", a flying hose that could help put out fires that are too dangerous for humans to approach. The robot achieves liftoff through the pressure of eight controllable jets of water, and it has a Read more about Flying ‘dragon’ robot could fight fires from a distance
InternationalAkita Prefectual University, Japan -
Wood heaters responsible for dozens of avoidable deaths in the ACT each year
The Medical Journal of Australia
Smoke from wood heaters causes between 11 and 63 deaths per year in the ACT, according to a new study from researchers at The Australian National University (ANU), the HEAL National Research Network and the Centre for Safe Air. The study found the Read more about Wood heaters responsible for dozens of avoidable deaths in the ACT each year
Australia; NSW; TAS; ACTThe Australian National University|Menzies Institute for Medical Research... -
Astronomers detect seismic ripples in ancient galactic disk
Monthly Notice of the Royal Astronomical Society
A new snapshot of an ancient, far-off galaxy could help scientists understand how it formed and the origins of our own Milky Way. Aussie researchers were able to not only capture the motion of the gas around the 12 billion year old galaxy BRI Read more about Astronomers detect seismic ripples in ancient galactic disk
Australia; International; ACTThe Australian National University -
Organic compounds in asteroids formed in colder regions of space
Science
Analysis of organic compounds – called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – extracted from the Ryugu asteroid and Murchison meteorite has found that certain PAHs likely formed in the cold areas of space between stars rather than in hot Read more about Organic compounds in asteroids formed in colder regions of space
Australia; InternationalCurtin University -
Octopus DNA contains grave warning for sea level rise
Science
Aussie and NZ scientists have used octopus DNA to discover that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) likely collapsed during the Last Interglacial period around 120,000 years ago – when global temperatures were similar to today. The team compared Read more about Octopus DNA contains grave warning for sea level rise
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; QLD; WAJames Cook University|Western Australian Museum|Victoria University of Wellington -
Sniffing a women's tears may help reduce aggressive behaviour in men
PLOS Biology
Sniffing women’s tears may reduce aggressive behaviour in men, according to international research. The researchers had a group of men sniff either women’s emotional tears or saline while they played a two-person game designed to elicit Read more about Sniffing a women's tears may help reduce aggressive behaviour in men
InternationalWeizmann Institute of Science, Israel -
What makes your cheddar cheesy?
Nature Communications
European researchers say a combination of teeny-tiny bugs are responsible for the lovely flavours of the cheddar cheese on your toastie. The team spent a year doing what most of us dream about - making and eating specially made cheese. They added Read more about What makes your cheddar cheesy?
InternationalChr. Hansen A/S, Denmark -
Use of 'hype words" in medical research papers is increasing
JAMA Network Open
An analysis of medical journal paper abstracts from research found that the use of hype words such as "novel", "important", and "key" increased between 1985 and 2020. The researchers looked specifically at studies funded by the US National Read more about Use of 'hype words" in medical research papers is increasing
InternationalUniversity of Tsukuba, Japan -
Uncovering the hidden wonder of cells
Nature Cell Biology
Mesmerising voyage into the heart of cells tells a tale of intricate and surprising connections: Researchers have developed a new technique to see inside cells with unprecedented detail, revealing a complicated web of interactions that provide new Read more about Uncovering the hidden wonder of cells
Australia; International; WATelethon Kids Institute|The University of Western Australia... -
Why do dogs chew so much – and should we let them?
'Chew HQ' at the University of Sydney wants to hear from you about the private lives of your best friends. While this drives some owners mad, veterinary scientists suspect there must be functional reasons why your best friend chews bones, sticks, Read more about Why do dogs chew so much – and should we let them?
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
City living can pose developmental risks
Public Health Research and Practice
A new study highlights the wide range of urban exposures during early childhood that can influence growth and development. It is expected that by 2030, more than 60% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. New research highlights the Read more about City living can pose developmental risks
Australia; NSW; QLDUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The University of Queensland... -
Chatbot tech has potential to transform brain injury rehab
Clinical Rehabilitation
Using chatbot technology on the recovery journey after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) offers huge potential to keep at-home rehabilitation on track, especially between clinical therapy visits. A small-scale Flinders University study has identified Read more about Chatbot tech has potential to transform brain injury rehab
Australia; SAFlinders University -
WHO declares a new COVID19 variant of interest
The World Health Organization has declared a new COVID-19 variant of interest, known as JN. 1, due to its rapidly increasing spread. The variant JN. 1 was previously grouped under its 'parent' variant , known as BA. 2. 86, but has now been listed Read more about WHO declares a new COVID19 variant of interest
InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO) -
Citizen scientists can help nature survive in the summer holidays
Citizen scientists are invited to South Australia’s Kangaroo Island this summer to help monitor its recovery from the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20. The Flinders University citizen science ‘Passport 2 Recovery’ (P2R) phone app Read more about Citizen scientists can help nature survive in the summer holidays
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Blind drunk: A champagne cork to the eye is no reason to celebrate
The BMJ
Eye specialists warn the pressure in a champagne bottle is three times as high as a standard car tyre, and can launch a cork at speeds of up to 80km/h. This can take the cork from bottle to eye in less than 0. 05 seconds, faster than we can blink. Read more about Blind drunk: A champagne cork to the eye is no reason to celebrate
InternationalUniversity of Cambridge, UK -
Great British Bake Off recipes are actually very good for you (or at least some ingredients are)
The BMJ
If you're looking for a convoluted way to feel good about the nutritional value of your Christmas pud, international researchers say you should steal recipes off the Great British Bake Off. As part of The BMJ’s Christmas issue, the researchers Read more about Great British Bake Off recipes are actually very good for you (or at least some ingredients are)
InternationalEmory University, USA -
New Years contraception: Morning after pill sales spike from... the morning after
The BMJ
While old acquaintances may be forgot, the after-effect of the night's activities may not always be so forgettable, as US researchers say the sale of morning after pills is estimated to rise by 10% in the week after the New Year holiday. The team Read more about New Years contraception: Morning after pill sales spike from... the morning after
InternationalTexas Tech University, USA -
World record broken: new ultra-high speed processor to advance AI, driverless vehicles and more
Communications Engineering
A team of Aussie and international scientists have developed an ultra-high-speed signal processor that can analyse 400,000 real-time video images concurrently. The technology has profound implications for the safety and efficiency of driverless cars, Read more about World record broken: new ultra-high speed processor to advance AI, driverless vehicles and more
Australia; VIC; SASwinburne University of Technology|RMIT University... -
Your Facebook posts don't portray what you think they do
PLOS ONE
Posting to social media is supposed to be a means to tell our friends what is going on in our lives, but US researchers say that those friends don't always get what you're putting out. The researchers found Facebook posts were often isolated and Read more about Your Facebook posts don't portray what you think they do
InternationalCornell University, USA -
High cholesterol and high blood pressure early in life influences your heart even after you lower your levels
PLOS ONE
Having high cholesterol or high blood pressure before the age of 55 increases your risk of heart disease in later life - even if you're eventually able to lower your levels - according to Australian and international research. The team used a Read more about High cholesterol and high blood pressure early in life influences your heart even after you lower your levels
Australia; International; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health|The University of New South Wales... -
Being predisposed to high blood pressure and cholesterol is a heart risk at any age
PLOS ONE
People who are genetically predisposed to having higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels have a higher risk of coronary heart disease, regardless of their age, according to Aussie-led research. The study found that having high blood pressure Read more about Being predisposed to high blood pressure and cholesterol is a heart risk at any age
Australia; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health|The University of New South Wales... -
People who die suddenly after exercising less likely to have drugs in their system than for other sudden deaths
JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology
People who die from sports-related sudden cardiac death are less likely to have drugs in their system than those who have a sudden cardiac death that isn't sports-related, according to Australian and international researchers. The team says it can Read more about People who die suddenly after exercising less likely to have drugs in their system than for other sudden deaths
Australia; International; NSW; VICThe University of Sydney|Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute...