Taking the pill could be linked to reduced asthma severity

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Thorax

Taking the Pill may cut the risk of severe bouts of asthma, according to international researchers, however this effect is relatively small and doesn’t include the progesterone-only pill. The team looked at a database of six million patients, and Read more about Taking the pill could be linked to reduced asthma severity

Common form of food poisoning still comes mainly from chicken

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0921 AEDT | 1121 NZDT

International Journal of Infectious Diseases

Kiwi scientists looked at recent data to re-visit which food sources are responsible for Campylobacter infections, a common form of food poisoning caused by bacteria. Poultry still remains the lead culprit, with 84% of Campylobacter infections in Read more about Common form of food poisoning still comes mainly from chicken

Mother’s touch lingers in her child’s genes

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0910 AEDT | 1110 NZDT

eLife

Mothers leave their mark on their children in many ways – and Melbourne researchers have discovered a protein called SMCHD1 is involved in this ‘imprinting’ process. SMCHD1 switches certain genes off, altering how a cell behaves. The new Read more about Mother’s touch lingers in her child’s genes

Sound waves power new advances in drug delivery and smart materials

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0845 AEDT | 1045 NZDT

Advanced Science

Researchers have revealed how high-frequency sound waves can be used to build new materials, make smart nanoparticles and even deliver drugs to the lungs for painless, needle-free vaccinations. Read more about Sound waves power new advances in drug delivery and smart materials

Next generation drones could learn from bumblebees’ amazing flight

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

PNAS

An international study, led by researchers from UNSW Canberra, has discovered the secret of bumblebees’ self-aware dexterous flight, that could have applications for the next generation of drones and autonomous vehicles. Read more about Next generation drones could learn from bumblebees’ amazing flight

Isolation makes us literally hungry for company

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Neuroscience

Social isolation can evoke a craving response in the human brain, US research finds. Scientists restricted the in-person and online social interactions of 40 people for ten hours and measured their brain response. Showing the participants pictures Read more about Isolation makes us literally hungry for company

Candy with a chance of meatballs: Movie food and drinks fail the health test

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

Popular US movies depict an unhealthy diet, with the majority showing unhealthy foods and drinks, according to US research. The study looked at the 250 top-grossing US films between 1994 and 2018 and found that 73 per cent would be unhealthy enough Read more about Candy with a chance of meatballs: Movie food and drinks fail the health test

Study reveals true origin of oldest evidence of animals

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Ecology & Evolution

Two teams of scientists have resolved a longstanding controversy surrounding the origins of complex life on Earth. The joint studies found molecular fossils extracted from 635-million-year-old rocks aren’t the earliest evidence of animals, but Read more about Study reveals true origin of oldest evidence of animals

Using cutting edge technology to bioprint mini-kidneys

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Materials

Researchers have used cutting edge technology to bioprint miniature human kidneys in the lab, paving the way for new treatments for kidney failure and possibly lab-grown transplants. Similar to the process used to 3D print materials like metal and Read more about Using cutting edge technology to bioprint mini-kidneys

Greenhouse gas is still at record levels despite COVID-19 lockdowns, according to WMO

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin

The WMO says COVID-19 has not curbed record levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, despite the industrial slowdown as a result of the pandemic. The WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin reports that the reduction in CO2 emissions in 2020 will be Read more about Greenhouse gas is still at record levels despite COVID-19 lockdowns, according to WMO