Rare deep-sea Bigfin Squid filmed in Aussie waters for the first time

Publicly released: Thu 12 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS One

Scientists have announced multiple sightings of the elusive Bigfin Squid in the Great Australian Bight. The squid, which have extremely long arms and tentacles, were filmed at depths of 2 to 3 kilometres during a program of deep-sea survey voyages Read more about Rare deep-sea Bigfin Squid filmed in Aussie waters for the first time

New tractor beam has potential to tame lightning

Publicly released: Thu 12 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Nature Communications

Lightning never strikes twice, so the saying goes, but new technology may allow us to control where it hits the ground, reducing the risk of catastrophic bushfires. Read more about New tractor beam has potential to tame lightning

Meth use in Victoria shows Melbourne is different from the regions

Publicly released: Thu 12 Nov 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Drug and Alcohol Review

People who use methamphetamine in Melbourne differ to those in the regions in terms of the sociodemographic characteristics and in how they use the drug, according to Australian research. The study found higher rates of methamphetamine dependence Read more about Meth use in Victoria shows Melbourne is different from the regions

You could get 'hot tub lung' from a pool, if it's humid enough

Publicly released: Thu 12 Nov 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Respirology Case Reports

Ever dreamt of a big house with a fancy indoor pool? This might change your dream home design: Aussie researchers have described the first case of ‘hot tub lung’ originating from a Queensland family’s indoor swimming pool. Hot tub lung is a Read more about You could get 'hot tub lung' from a pool, if it's humid enough

Investigating the causes of stuttering

Publicly released: Thu 12 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New Zealand is participating in an international study that is searching for the genes that cause stuttering. Researchers are recruiting 1000 New Zealanders who stutter for the largest study of its kind into stuttering that aims to help develop Read more about Investigating the causes of stuttering

Older adults at greater risk of heart disease, and cholesterol meds might help

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 2000 AEDT | 2200 NZDT

The Lancet

The risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease is highest in people aged 70 and over with elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, compared to younger age groups, according to an observational study which estimates the number needed to treat with Read more about Older adults at greater risk of heart disease, and cholesterol meds might help

Legal avenues to Tobacco Endgame goal

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 1600 AEDT | 1800 NZDT

A multi-stranded strategy is needed to reach the lofty goal of the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame (CREATE), says a chief investigator and co-director of the project’s legal dimension, QUT Professor Matthew Read more about Legal avenues to Tobacco Endgame goal

Cane toads are getting harder, better, faster, stronger

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Cane toads have become faster and more efficient as they’ve spread across Australia, according to Aussie researchers who looked at how they’ve evolved in leaps and bounds as they’ve spread into new regions. Researchers measured toads in Read more about Cane toads are getting harder, better, faster, stronger

Distancing age groups could reduce COVID-19 deaths

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Open Biology

COVID-19 deaths could be significantly reduced if people are only allowed to socialise within their own age group in places such as movie theatres or restaurants, according to new modelling. The study authors modelled the pandemic under these rules, Read more about Distancing age groups could reduce COVID-19 deaths

New seal species named after Middle-Earth’s Great Sea

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Researchers have found a new species of extinct monk seal which lived in the Tasman Sea around New Zealand. The discovery has forced an rethink of the evolutionary history of seals, as it shows ‘true seals’ evolved in the Southern Hemisphere far Read more about New seal species named after Middle-Earth’s Great Sea