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Industrial-era northern England: gloomy enough to give you bone disease
PLoS ONE
It's not always sunny in northern England. Industrial-era dental tissue from 25 individuals showed that males and females experienced similar seasonal shortages of vitamin D at far higher rates than previously thought. Simply put: they weren't Read more about Industrial-era northern England: gloomy enough to give you bone disease
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Otago|The University of Queensland|Durham University, -
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 -
Not so great, Danes? Many Danish dog owners dose their mutts with unlicensed cannabinoids
PLOS ONE
A survey of around 2,000 Danish dog owners found nearly two in five (38%) give their pooches cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis is illegal for veterinary use in Denmark, as well as many other countries, so these pet owners are Read more about Not so great, Danes? Many Danish dog owners dose their mutts with unlicensed cannabinoids
InternationalUniversity of Copenhagen, Denmark -
People with hard-to-treat schizophrenia have different gut bugs, and medication may be to blame
JAMA Psychiatry
People with hard-to-treat, or treatment-resistant, schizophrenia have significantly different gut bugs making up their microbiome compared to people who respond well to treatment and those without the disorder, according to Australian research. Read more about People with hard-to-treat schizophrenia have different gut bugs, and medication may be to blame
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Futuristic fibres promise new yarns
Nature
New fibres may be able to receive electronic inputs, offering the possibility of programmable clothing. The authors note that this technology, if improved upon, could lead to developments like more flexible heart-monitors and hats that can detect Read more about Futuristic fibres promise new yarns
InternationalNanyang Technological University, Jilin University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences -
2.5 hours or more of exercise weekly could reduce the risk of falls in older women
JAMA Network Open
For older women, exercising as little as 2. 5 hours a week could reduce the risk of falls and subsequent injury, according to Australian research. The researchers surveyed over 7000 women aged 65-70 years about how much they exercised, and three Read more about 2.5 hours or more of exercise weekly could reduce the risk of falls in older women
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of Newcastle -
Vast majority of vaping shops in WA are near schools or in poorer areas
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
Vape stores in WA are densely located around schools and in disadvantaged areas, according to Australian research, which found 88% of stores are within 1km of a school. They also found there are seven times as many vape shops in poorer areas, Read more about Vast majority of vaping shops in WA are near schools or in poorer areas
Australia; WAThe University of Notre Dame Australia|The University of Western Australia... -
Floating algae a raft for juvenile pelagic fish
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
Floating macroalgal acts as a raft that provides habitat for a diverse array of juvenile oceanic fish a new Griffith University-led study has found. Floating macroalgal acts as a raft that provides habitat for a diverse array of juvenile oceanic Read more about Floating algae a raft for juvenile pelagic fish
Australia; QLDGriffith University|James Cook University -
Smaller dog breeds may also have a smaller risk of getting cancer
Royal Society Open Science
Small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are likely to have less risk of developing cancer than bigger breeds, according to a US study. The study found that larger breeds tend to have higher cancer risks although the risk drops in the Read more about Smaller dog breeds may also have a smaller risk of getting cancer
InternationalUniversity of California Riverside, USA -
As the climate warms, some reef fish prove more adaptable than others
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Australian and Japanese scientists say many fish species are moving to new environments as the climate changes and some are more adaptable to these new homes than others. They found tropical fish species that change the most to adapt to new Read more about As the climate warms, some reef fish prove more adaptable than others
Australia; NSW; QLD; SAThe University of Adelaide|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
Kimchi three times a day could keep the kilos at bay
BMJ Open
Men who eat kimchi 1-3 times a day could be at a lower risk of obesity, according to research funded by the Korean government-backed World Institute of Kimchi. The team analysed the self-reported diets of over 100,000 middle-aged Koreans and Read more about Kimchi three times a day could keep the kilos at bay
InternationalChung Ang University, South Korea -
Increasing your fitness could improve your odds of avoiding prostate cancer
British Journal of Sports Medicine
Men who improve their fitness could be reducing their risk of getting prostate cancer in the process, according to Swedish research led by a now Australia-based researcher. The team say there is little research on how your fitness over time impacts Read more about Increasing your fitness could improve your odds of avoiding prostate cancer
Australia; InternationalSwedish School of Sport and Health Sciences GIH, Sweden -
Diet rich in fish and veggies for infants may reduce risk of inflammatory bowel disease
Gut
A diet rich in fish and vegetables and low in meat, sweets, and sugary drinks, at the age of one may reduce the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease, according to international researchers. The team analyzed data collected from surveys Read more about Diet rich in fish and veggies for infants may reduce risk of inflammatory bowel disease
InternationalUniversity of Gothenburg, Sweden -
Australia’s quantum prowess kindling global attention
Defence and global technology heavyweights taking an interest in Australian quantum know-how. QUANTUM ENTREPRENEURS and researchers in Australia are attracting growing attention internationally, most recently from the defence sector. Just look at Read more about Australia’s quantum prowess kindling global attention
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Favourite Australian foods linked to Alzheimer's
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
A study has found a strong link between Alzheimer's disease and the daily consumption of meat-based and processed foods. Researchers at Bond University came to the conclusion after examining the diets of 438 Australians - 108 with Alzheimer's and Read more about Favourite Australian foods linked to Alzheimer's
Australia; QLDBond University|Griffith University -
Black summer bushfires wiped $2.8 billion from tourism supply chain
Economics of Disaster and Climate Change
First input-output economic analysis of 2019-20 fires also found 7300 jobs were lost. The study, by PhD student Vivienne Reiner from the Centre of Integrated Sustainability Analysis, highlights economic vulnerabilities to extremes of climate change. Read more about Black summer bushfires wiped $2.8 billion from tourism supply chain
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of Queensland -
What happens when you let a predator loose in a conservation area? These quolls were put to the task
Animal Conservation
Reintroduced western quolls eat a whole range of prey, rather than just hunting the small threatened species to extinction, researchers have shown. In the first reintroduction of western quolls to a fenced conservation reserve, researchers from UNSW Read more about What happens when you let a predator loose in a conservation area? These quolls were put to the task
Australia; NSW; SAThe University of New South Wales -
Australia’s largest ‘living biobank’ to preserve our unique wildlife
Australia’s precious wildlife biodiversity will be preserved and species safeguarded against extinction thanks to a new ‘living biobank’ being developed by the University of Melbourne and Museums Victoria Research Institute. Australia’s Read more about Australia’s largest ‘living biobank’ to preserve our unique wildlife
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Death toll shows extreme air pollution events a growing urban threat
Heliyon
New Curtin University-led research has estimated that 1454 avoidable deaths (one person every five days) occurred in Australian capital cities in the past 20 years because of fine particle air pollution from extreme events such as bushfires and dust Read more about Death toll shows extreme air pollution events a growing urban threat
Australia; WACurtin University|The University of Sydney|CSIRO|The Australian National University -
Nature’s DNA traps: Spider webs put new spin on wildlife research
iScience
Spiders might be silent heroes in helping us understand and keep track of animals, with new Curtin research revealing their webs act like natural traps for tiny bits of environmental DNA (eDNA) from vertebrates, which could change how we learn about Read more about Nature’s DNA traps: Spider webs put new spin on wildlife research
Australia; WACurtin University -
Why can't insects resist the allure of lights at night?
Nature Communications
Why there's always a cloud of insects buzzing around your outside lights at night has remained a bit of a mystery since the Romans noticed they could use lights to trap insects, but now international scientists have shed some light on the reason. Read more about Why can't insects resist the allure of lights at night?
InternationalImperial College London, UK, Florida International University, USA -
Trial shows promise in addressing unnecessary caesarean sections
Nature Medicine
Unnecessary caesarean sections can cause avoidable harm to mothers and their babies. In a new study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found implementing the WHO Labour Care Guide can help improve women’s care during childbirth and reduce Read more about Trial shows promise in addressing unnecessary caesarean sections
Australia; VICBurnet Institute|Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS-CONICET), India; Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Science Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, India -
Powerful video amplifies End-of-Life patient voices
The release of a new video - The Patient's Perspective - marks an important advancement in end-of-life care – acknowledging that a patient’s voice provides the essential key to guide improved patient care. Associate Professor Devery believes Read more about Powerful video amplifies End-of-Life patient voices
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Link between family dog ownership and girls’ physical activity
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Researchers have found a clear link between the acquisition or loss of a family dog and the level of physical activity undertaken by children in the family, with the impact most noticeable in girls. The first study to examine the longitudinal Read more about Link between family dog ownership and girls’ physical activity
Australia; WATelethon Kids Institute|The University of Western Australia... -
How have abortions changed in Victoria over the past decade
Medical Journal of Australia
The rate of abortions in Victoria appears to have declined over the past decade and the proportion of women having medication abortions instead of surgical abortions in hospitals is on the rise, according to two Australian studies. In the first paper Read more about How have abortions changed in Victoria over the past decade
Australia; NSW; VICThe University of Melbourne|La Trobe University|The University of Sydney... -
Get down and get dirty - how soundwaves appear to stimulate soil
bioRxiv
A new study has found fungi respond to noise in soil, unlocking the potential for improved ecosystem recovery. Humans are energised by dance music and now new Flinders University research has recorded rapid acceleration in soil fungi growth when Read more about Get down and get dirty - how soundwaves appear to stimulate soil
Australia; SAFlinders University -
This is your brain on ADHD
JNeurosci
US scientists say they've found patterns of connectivity between brain cells that accompany the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The team analysed brain scans of more than 6,000 kids using a new technique that allowed Read more about This is your brain on ADHD
InternationalOregon Health & Science University, USA -
Aussies cutting back on more than meals as cost of living crisis bites
Australian Journal of Social Issues
Australian researchers surveyed 1,248 Tasmanians to investigate the strategies we're adopting to cope with the cost of living crisis, and found it's not just food we're cutting back on. As well as buying less and cheaper food, respondents also said Read more about Aussies cutting back on more than meals as cost of living crisis bites
Australia; NSW; TASUniversity of Tasmania|University of Wollongong -
What can be done to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads?
Australian Journal of Social Issues
Over 60% of Indigenous dads need further support, according to Aussie researchers who used survey data from 149 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fathers. Of the supports required, the highest-ranking areas included money, support and social Read more about What can be done to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads?
Australia; VIC; SA; WA; TAS; NTUniversity of Tasmania|Edith Cowan University|The University of Western Australia... -
5 UK patients 'caught' Alzheimer's from deceased growth hormone donors
Nature Medicine
Five people in the UK who were given growth hormones sourced from deceased people during childhood (which is now banned) developed early-onset Alzheimer's disease, according to UK scientists. The findings suggest that Alzheimer’s disease may have Read more about 5 UK patients 'caught' Alzheimer's from deceased growth hormone donors
InternationalUniversity College London (UCL), UK -
Potassium-enriched salt is the missing ingredient in hypertension guidelines
Hypertension
This small change could have a big impact on high blood pressure control, Australian and international experts say. A call to include recommendations on low-sodium potassium-enriched salt in hypertension treatment guidelines has been made by a group Read more about Potassium-enriched salt is the missing ingredient in hypertension guidelines
Australia; International; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health -
Lack of support for pet owners in crisis
Pet owners facing crisis situations, including those who are victims of domestic violence, are suffering from a lack of support services needed to protect them. Pet owners facing crisis situations, including those who are victims of domestic violence Read more about Lack of support for pet owners in crisis
Australia; QLDJames Cook University -
Room for social supermarket model to expand as cost of living rises
Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly
A new model of ‘social supermarket’ providing affordable food and social support for people experiencing financial stress in South Australia should be expanded, experts say. As the cost-of-living crisis affects a growing number of Australians, Read more about Room for social supermarket model to expand as cost of living rises
Australia; SAFlinders University|Government of South Australia|The University of Adelaide -
Unpacking the cost of healthy school lunchboxes
Health Promotion International
A new study shows the pinch families can face when packing a school lunchbox, finding families are spending about $25 per child per week. New analysis by Flinders University in South Australia, University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Read more about Unpacking the cost of healthy school lunchboxes
Australia; NSW; SAFlinders University|The University of Newcastle|Hunter New England Population Health Service -
High-achieving high school girls need more help finding their ‘dream’ jobs
Gifted Child Quarterly
Compared to boys, girls often excel in their secondary education results – but even the most gifted students may struggle to find their ‘dream job’ and follow the best career path, pay grades and workplace progression to become leaders in Read more about High-achieving high school girls need more help finding their ‘dream’ jobs
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Setting a new standard of precision in making quantum computer chips
Advanced Quantum Technologies
Aussie researchers have broken a new record in precision manufacturing, in the quest to fabricate the silicon chips of future quantum computers. The team showed that phosphorous ions can be implanted in silicon crystal with 99. 95 confidence, while Read more about Setting a new standard of precision in making quantum computer chips
Australia; NSW; VICThe University of New South Wales|The University of Melbourne -
Likelihood of more ambulance callouts as heatwave conditions continue
ANZJPH
As Australia swelters through a long, hot summer, the effects of heatwaves and the likelihood of ambulance callouts is at the heart of new Griffith University research. As Australia swelters through a long, hot summer, the effects of heatwaves and Read more about Likelihood of more ambulance callouts as heatwave conditions continue
Australia; QLDGriffith University|The University of Queensland -
Despite the harshest lockdowns, Victorian drinking habits were similar to other states during the pandemic
Drug and Alcohol Review
Victorian alcohol drinking habits did not change as much as expected during the pandemic in comparison to the rest of Australia, according to Australian experts. The researchers surveyed 775 adults about their drinking habits in six waves over April Read more about Despite the harshest lockdowns, Victorian drinking habits were similar to other states during the pandemic
Australia; VIC; WALa Trobe University|Curtin University -
‘Cancer-cooling’ protein puts bowel cancer on ice
Science Advances
A protein in the immune systemcan be manipulated to help overcome bowel cancer, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU). According to lead author Dr Abhimanu Pandey, from ANU, the protein, known as Ku70, can be Read more about ‘Cancer-cooling’ protein puts bowel cancer on ice
Australia; NSW; QLD; ACTThe Australian National University|QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute... -
Small steps from a robot with muscles is a giant leap for robotics
Matter
A two-legged biohybrid robot, which uses muscle tissue to improve movement, has been developed by Japanese researchers. The team designed a biohybrid robot that mimics human walking and operates in the water – with a foam buoy top and weighted Read more about Small steps from a robot with muscles is a giant leap for robotics
InternationalUniversity of Tokyo, Japan -
Want your studies to stick? Try writing by hand
Frontiers in Psychology
Writing by hand could be better for learning than typing on a keyboard, according to a small study by international researchers who say their findings highlight a need to expose students to more handwriting activities in an increasingly digital world Read more about Want your studies to stick? Try writing by hand
InternationalNorwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway -
Current water quality monitoring will take 20 years to show results
Nature Scientific Reports
Current rates of freshwater sampling will take 20 years to accurately capture changes in water quality, according to a new study funded by the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge. The authors suggest that funding for monitoring must Read more about Current water quality monitoring will take 20 years to show results
New ZealandAgResearch|Lincoln University|Griffith University|Headwaters Hydrology, Traverse Environmental -
A tiny Aussie mammal is sacrificing its sleep for its one chance at sex
Current Biology
A small Australian mammal has been caught sacrificing its sleep in a frantic hunt for sex, according to Australian researchers. The male dusky antechinus only reproduces once in his lifetime and generally dies soon after his three-week mating season Read more about A tiny Aussie mammal is sacrificing its sleep for its one chance at sex
Australia; VICLa Trobe University -
Stigma is preventing women who inject drugs from accessing healthcare
Drug & Alcohol Review
A survey of 232 women who inject drugs found four in five had experienced stigma in the past year, and three in four said health workers had treated them negatively because of their injecting drug use. Most of the women had adopted strategies to Read more about Stigma is preventing women who inject drugs from accessing healthcare
Australia; NSW; SAThe University of New South Wales -
What can we look out for to prevent suicidal thoughts in our teens?
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 What can we look out for to prevent suicidal thoughts in our teens?
InternationalThe University of Tokyo Hospital, Japan -
Birds of a feather: robo-dinosaurs, flightless feathers, and flashy hunting
Scientific Reports
Why would dinosaur feathers have evolved before flight? According to a new study out of Nature flightless feathers may have been used to flush out small prey. Many modern birds (like the roadrunner) use forelimb feathers for "flush-and-pursuit" Read more about Birds of a feather: robo-dinosaurs, flightless feathers, and flashy hunting
InternationalSeoul National University, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Sungkyunkwan University, Polish Academy of Sciences. -
New community resources to tackle extremism and disinformation
Important new online resources aimed at tackling extremism and disinformation in the community have been launched in Western Australia. Important new online resources aimed at tackling extremism and disinformation in the community have been launched Read more about New community resources to tackle extremism and disinformation
Australia; WACurtin University -
Avoiding cloudy messaging: Vape prevention campaigns face challenges
Health Promotional International
Flinders University researchers say that cohesive and collaborative action from preventive health communicators and organisations is needed to inform young people about the devastating harms of vaping. Flinders University researchers investigated Read more about Avoiding cloudy messaging: Vape prevention campaigns face challenges
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Moderately or late preterm babies have higher risks of brain development disorders
The BMJ
Babies born moderately preterm (32-33 weeks) or late preterm (34-36 weeks) are more likely to be diagnosed with a range of brain development disorders into their teens, according to international research. The team looked at diagnoses of motor, Read more about Moderately or late preterm babies have higher risks of brain development disorders
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
Women still at risk even after breast cancer is caught early
The BMJ
Women who are diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) - a type of breast cancer that is localised and hasn't spread past the milk ducts - are around four times more likely to develop invasive breast cancer and to die from breast cancer than Read more about Women still at risk even after breast cancer is caught early
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK