Childhood lead exposure may corrode brains later in life

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA

Lead exposure has been linked to disrupted brain development, and new research shows it may have long-term consequences for structural brain integrity too. Researchers used data from participants in The Dunedin Study, who have been tracked from Read more about Childhood lead exposure may corrode brains later in life

Weka: Pest controller or apex predator?

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

There’s a controversial predator in New Zealand forests, and it’s not your tabby - it’s a native flightless bird. Weka are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on invasive predators like rats and mice as well as the eggs and chicks of other native Read more about Weka: Pest controller or apex predator?

NEWS BRIEFING: What is stopping us winning the war on waste? ATSE report

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0005 AEDT | 0205 NZDT

Australians create around 67 million tonnes of waste each year, that's 2. 7 tonnes for every person. At the moment we only recycle just over half of this waste; the rest ends up in landfill. But if we recycled it all, we could also create an extra Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: What is stopping us winning the war on waste? ATSE report

Love goes on in lockdown, but is less physical for some

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexual activity and dating app use declined among Australian adults during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, although chatting on dating apps increased, University of Melbourne research has found. The national online survey looked at the impact Read more about Love goes on in lockdown, but is less physical for some

Kids mount a COVID-19 immune response without detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Nature Communications

Children in a Melbourne family developed a COVID-19 immune response after chronic exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus from their parents, a new case report has found. Read more about Kids mount a COVID-19 immune response without detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus

Mastering the art of nanoscale construction to breathe easy and bust fraud

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1600 AEDT | 1800 NZDT

Advanced Functional Materials

A new way to arrange very small materials with perfect control could lead to more secure banknotes and passports, and quicker detection of harmful gas through a clever use of light. Read more about Mastering the art of nanoscale construction to breathe easy and bust fraud

Exploring the brain’s ‘unknown zone’

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1300 AEDT | 1500 NZDT

A mystery region of the brain associated with learning and memory is set to reveal its secrets in a new study exploration at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Described as one of the least studied regions of the brain, the Read more about Exploring the brain’s ‘unknown zone’

Queensland suicide rate unaffected during first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Lancet Psychiatry

Up until the end of August there was no overall change in Queensland’s suspected suicide rate between since the declaration of a public health emergency declaration (PHED) on January 29. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to some Read more about Queensland suicide rate unaffected during first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Let's talk about sex(bots)... for the elderly and disabled

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Journal of Medical Ethics

Service bots are available to assist with eating, dressing and bathing, so why not sexytime too? The sexbot industry should market their products to older adults and those with disabilities, according to a US ethicist who points out these groups of Read more about Let's talk about sex(bots)... for the elderly and disabled

Night shift could leave you short of breath

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Thorax

Shift workers, especially those working permanent night shifts, may be at a heightened risk of moderate to severe asthma, say UK and US researchers. The team explains that, after taking account of potentially influencing factors, people on permanent Read more about Night shift could leave you short of breath