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Ladies fare worse after a divorce
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
It is likely that women find it harder to emotionally adjust after a divorce or breakup, suggest international researchers who tracked the antidepressant use of close to 230,000 people aged 50 to 70 who had lost a partner one way or another. The Read more about Ladies fare worse after a divorce
InternationalChongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China -
For those with type 2 diabetes, an hour of exercise goes a long way for your kidneys
British Journal of Sports Medicine
People with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity could lower their risk of kidney disease by adding an hour more of serious exercise a week, according to international research. The team used activity trackers to monitor the exercise of 1746 Read more about For those with type 2 diabetes, an hour of exercise goes a long way for your kidneys
InternationalSouthern Medical University, China -
Covid-19 vaccines saved thousands of lives in Aotearoa
Vaccine
Aotearoa had one of the lowest Covid-19 pandemic mortality rates in the world, thanks to its elimination strategy that meant most people were vaccinated before being exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. By modelling scenarios with different levels of Read more about Covid-19 vaccines saved thousands of lives in Aotearoa
New ZealandNational Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)... -
Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines protect kids and teens from infections
JAMA
Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, which contain both the original strain of the virus and the Omicron variant, protected kids and teens from infections and COVID-19 symptoms better than the first, single-strain vaccines during a period when Omicron BA. 4 Read more about Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines protect kids and teens from infections
InternationalUS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -
How does COVID-19 impact the placenta and lead to a 'pre-eclampsia-like sydrome' ?
Clinical & Translational Immunology
For some women, having COVID-19 during pregnancy can impact their placenta and lead to a ‘preeclampsia-like syndrome’, and now Australian experts have identified some of the changes taking place in the placenta that might explain this syndrome. Read more about How does COVID-19 impact the placenta and lead to a 'pre-eclampsia-like sydrome' ?
Australia; NSW; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|The University of Queensland... -
For people who smoke, early stage melanomas are more likely to become deadly
JAMA Network Open
People with stage I and II melanoma who smoke are at higher risk of dying from their melanoma than those who don't smoke or who have already quit, according to Australian research. The study found that patients who smoked at the time of melanoma Read more about For people who smoke, early stage melanomas are more likely to become deadly
Australia; International; QLDMelanoma Institute Australia|Saint John’s Cancer Institute, USA -
Nitrogen pollution may threaten 1/3 of the world's drinking water supplies by 2050
Nature Communications
Nitrogen pollution may threaten a third of the world's natural water reservoirs by 2050, potentially causing severe drinking water scarcity for 3 billion people, according to a computer simulation study by Dutch and German researchers. They Read more about Nitrogen pollution may threaten 1/3 of the world's drinking water supplies by 2050
InternationalWageningen University & Research, The Netherlands -
Stopping smoking at any age helps reduce cancer risk, but quitting younger helps even more
JAMA Network Open
Fifteen years after stopping smoking, a person's cancer risk drops to 50% of the risk associated with continued smoking. A population-based study following almost three million participants in Korea found that quitting smoking at any age helps Read more about Stopping smoking at any age helps reduce cancer risk, but quitting younger helps even more
InternationalDepartment of Cancer Control and Population Health, National Cancer Center GraduateSchool of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang, Republic of Korea. -
WHO's tobacco treaty linked to drop in young smokers
Nature Medicine
About 24 million fewer young people are smoking as a result of the World Health Organization's anti-smoking treaty, according to international research. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control came into force in the mid 2000s, and is a set Read more about WHO's tobacco treaty linked to drop in young smokers
InternationalUniversidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Chile -
Treating and preventing abnormal heart beats with stem cell muscle grafts
Nature Cardiovascular Research
New research conducted at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) has solved a complication that could occur following an experimental procedure to repair damaged heart muscle. Currently, when a heart muscle is repaired with stem cells, Read more about Treating and preventing abnormal heart beats with stem cell muscle grafts
Australia; NSWThe Westmead Institute for Medical Research|The University of Queensland... -
Discovery may enable an effective long-term lupus treatment
Nature Communications
Australian researchers have worked out how to fix a defect that causes lupus, and hope their discovery will offer effective long-term treatment. Published in Nature Communications, the Monash University-led study found a way to reprogram the Read more about Discovery may enable an effective long-term lupus treatment
Australia; VICMonash University -
BIENCO researchers unite in bid to cure corneal blindness
University of Melbourne researchers are working with a consortium to address the global challenge of corneal blindness – caused by disorders that damage and scar the transparent layer of our eyes. They are working to support the development of a Read more about BIENCO researchers unite in bid to cure corneal blindness
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Males born to obese mothers more likely to suffer health issues as adults, primate study shows
Life Sciences
Males born to obese mothers are more likely to be overweight at birth and develop metabolic complications in later life, including liver disease and diabetes, according to a study in primates. That's the finding from a new study led by the Read more about Males born to obese mothers more likely to suffer health issues as adults, primate study shows
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
New pterosaur discovered
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology
UK researchers have uncovered the fossilised remains of a new species of pterosaur - the famous extinct clade of flying reptiles. The skeleton is incomplete, but three-dimensionally preserved, which helped the researchers learn more about pterosaur Read more about New pterosaur discovered
InternationalUniversity of Bristol, UK -
An ancient Australian air-breathing fish from 380m years ago
Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology
Alice Spring’s Finke River (Larapinta), often cited as one of the oldest rivers in the world, once hosted waters teeming with bizarre animals – including a sleek predatory lobe-finned fish with large fangs and bony scales. The newly described Read more about An ancient Australian air-breathing fish from 380m years ago
Australia; International; NSW; SA; NT; ACTFlinders University|The Australian National University -
Time’s up for body-clock disruption
Sleep has become the holy grail of health and well-being. But for some people, particularly shift workers and others with a chronically mistimed body clock, getting a good night’s sleep can be a constant battle that significantly disrupts their Read more about Time’s up for body-clock disruption
Australia; SAFlinders University -
PCOS linked to higher suicide risk
Annals of Internal Medicine
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were eight times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers without the condition, say Taiwanese researchers. PCOS affects 10% of women during their reproductive years, and can often cause infertility, Read more about PCOS linked to higher suicide risk
InternationalE-DA Hospital, Taiwan -
Fatty acids hold clue to creating memories
EMBO Journal
Researchers at the University of Queensland have revealed the crucial role of saturated fatty acids in the brain’s consolidation of memories. Researchers at the University of Queensland have revealed the crucial role of saturated fatty acids in Read more about Fatty acids hold clue to creating memories
Australia; NSW; QLDQueensland Brain Institute|The University of Queensland... -
EXPERT REACTION: Faster tropical cyclones in a warming world
PNAS
In some parts of the world, a Category 5 hurricane signifies the most extreme wind speeds starting at 252 km/h. New research looks into why creating a new Category 6 could help capture just how much more intense the biggest tropical cyclones are Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Faster tropical cyclones in a warming world
Pacific; InternationalLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, US; First Street Foundation, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA -
NEWS BRIEFING and EXPERT REACTION: We may have already passed 1.5°C of global warming
Nature Climate Change
BRIEFING RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE Global temperatures may have already risen by 1. 5°C since the pre-industrial period, according to an Australian-led team of researchers. Aiming to limit temperature rises to 1. 5°C or below was a goal of the Paris Read more about NEWS BRIEFING and EXPERT REACTION: We may have already passed 1.5°C of global warming
Australia; International; VIC; WA; ACTThe University of Western Australia -
New warning: South Australia needs to gear up for more climate extremes
Water
As temperature records tumble, and the threat of bushfires and dry conditions looms large, an international study by Flinders University and Argentinian researchers renews the urgency of calls to make more concerted efforts to prepare for climate Read more about New warning: South Australia needs to gear up for more climate extremes
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Targeted lung health strategies needed in the Top End
Medical Journal of Australia
New research published in the Medical Journal of Australia has investigated the burden of the chronic lung disease bronchiectasis among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in the Northern Territory Top End for the first time. Bronchiectasis Read more about Targeted lung health strategies needed in the Top End
Australia; SA; NTFlinders University -
Southern pygmy perch starts coming back from the brink
Conservation Science and Practice
An endangered fish has returned to Bendigo, Victoria thanks to the help of Flinders University research in collaboration with local community groups. Five years after the community hatched a plan to bring them back, they are showing signs of local Read more about Southern pygmy perch starts coming back from the brink
Australia; VIC; SA; WAFlinders University|Edith Cowan University -
Mild COVID-19 linked to insomnia, especially for people with anxiety or depression
Frontiers in Public Health
A survey of around 1,000 Vietnamese people diagnosed with COVID-19 but never hospitalised found around three-in-four reported insomnia, especially people with pre-existing chronic conditions and anxious or depressed people. The researchers found Read more about Mild COVID-19 linked to insomnia, especially for people with anxiety or depression
InternationalPhenikaa University, Vietnam -
‘Speckles’ the piebald dolphin makes a splash as Australian first
Aquatic Mammals
University of the Sunshine Coast researchers believe they have recorded one of the world’s most unusually coloured dolphins for the first time in Australian waters. It is one of only six cases in the world where there is photographic evidence of Read more about ‘Speckles’ the piebald dolphin makes a splash as Australian first
Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
Unveiling strategies to shield breast cancer patients from lymphoedema after surgery
eClinicalMedicine
In a global effort to improve the lives of breast cancer survivors, new health research has looked at strategies that can help prevent lymphoedema for millions of cancer survivors as a result of damage or removal of their lymph nodes during cancer Read more about Unveiling strategies to shield breast cancer patients from lymphoedema after surgery
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
COVID-19 researchers discover hidden natural immune defence pathway
Journal of Proteome Research
An international cohort of scientists researching COVID-19 has uncovered a hidden part of the human immune system that creates anti-viral agents. The discovery, published in the Journal of Proteome Research, will enable the development of new tests Read more about COVID-19 researchers discover hidden natural immune defence pathway
Australia; New Zealand; International; WAMurdoch University|Victoria University of Wellington... -
New drug halts growth of aggressive breast cancer in early-stage tests
Oncogene
A promising drug could lead to a new treatment for the most aggressive form of breast cancer, which affects thousands of women each year, according to tests in animals, cells and tissue. A pre-clinical study led by the University of Adelaide found Read more about New drug halts growth of aggressive breast cancer in early-stage tests
Australia; International; SAThe University of Adelaide|University of South Australia -
Identifying potentially dangerous drugs for older people in Australian healthcare
Internal Medicine Journal
Researchers have developed an Australian-first list of 16 potentially dangerous medications for over-65's used in healthcare and their safer alternatives. Researchers have developed an Australian-first list of 16 potentially dangerous medications Read more about Identifying potentially dangerous drugs for older people in Australian healthcare
Australia; VIC; WARMIT University|The University of Western Australia -
Te Puninga Fault can cause infrequent but large earthquakes in Hauraki Plains
New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics
The Te Puninga Fault in the Hauraki Plains was initially considered part of another faultline but new mapping and field data suggest that it is independent. The fault has the potential to generate large earthquakes every 3000-11,500 years, and when Read more about Te Puninga Fault can cause infrequent but large earthquakes in Hauraki Plains
New ZealandGNS Science|University of Waikato -
Marine heatwaves have significant impact on microorganisms
Communications Biology
Prolonged oceanic warm water events are altering the microorganism communities that form the base of the marine food chain. A new study led by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, shows that marine heatwaves (MHWs) are altering the Read more about Marine heatwaves have significant impact on microorganisms
AustraliaCSIRO|University of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
Child marriage a key factor in Laos adolescent pregnancy
PLOS
Australian researchers have found child marriages contribute to Laos having the highest rate of adolescent pregnancies in Southeast Asia. Laos has the highest rate of young female pregnancies in Southeast Asia, but until recently the underlying Read more about Child marriage a key factor in Laos adolescent pregnancy
Australia; International; VICBurnet Institute|Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)... -
New tree just dropped: rare 3D fossil shines light on 350-million-year old form
Current Biology
If a tree fell in the forest 350 million years ago, can we tell what its canopy looked like? If it's preserved just right, we can - and this is exactly what researchers are doing with specimens from New Brunswick, Canada. A recent paper examines a Read more about New tree just dropped: rare 3D fossil shines light on 350-million-year old form
InternationalColby College, NMNH Smithsonian, UNC Chapel Hill, Field Museum Chicago, USA -
Queer women and gender minorities experience high rates of online abuse as minors
JAMA Network Open
US researchers surveyed 2500 young adults about their experiences with digital abuse and harassment when they were minors. Cis-women who identified as a sexual minority (e. g. , bisexual, lesbian, pansexual) and people who identified as a gender Read more about Queer women and gender minorities experience high rates of online abuse as minors
InternationalUniversity of New Hampshire, USA -
Fake news for wallabies (and elephants): animals 'led by the nose' to leave plants alone
Nature Ecology & Evolution
It seems fake news works for wallabies and elephants. Herbivores can cause substantial damage to crops or endangered or protected plants, with traditional methods to deter foraging lethal, expensive or ineffective. Biologists from the University of Read more about Fake news for wallabies (and elephants): animals 'led by the nose' to leave plants alone
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
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 -
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