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Australia's ageing workforce may mean an increased risk of workplace falls
Occupational & Environmental Medicine
The proportion of 50- to 64-year-olds in the Australian workforce has doubled since the mid-90s, and with this comes an increased risk of workplace falls, according to Aussie researchers who say employers need to recognise and minimise these risks. Read more about Australia's ageing workforce may mean an increased risk of workplace falls
Australia; VICMonash University -
Enlarged breasts in men linked with heightened risk of death
BMJ Open
Men with enlarged breast tissue that is not caused by excess weight could be at a heightened risk of dying before the age of 75, say Danish researchers. The condition, known as gynaecomastia, is often caused by a hormone imbalance, and the team says Read more about Enlarged breasts in men linked with heightened risk of death
InternationalCopenhagen University Hospital- Rigshospitalet Juliane Marie Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark -
Spider venom heart drug a step closer
The European Heart Journal
A spider venom molecule being investigated by a University of Queensland team has met critical benchmarks towards becoming a treatment for heart attack and stroke. A spider venom molecule being investigated by a University of Queensland team has met Read more about Spider venom heart drug a step closer
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
Artificial light at night could be linked with an increased risk of blindness
JAMA Network Open
Outdoor artificial light at night could be linked to an increased risk of a kind of macular degeneration, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, according to Korean researchers. The team looked at 4,078 patients newly diagnosed with exudative age Read more about Artificial light at night could be linked with an increased risk of blindness
InternationalJeju National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea -
Healthy placenta helped clone a healthy monkey
Nature Communications
A healthy rhesus monkey has been successfully cloned and has survived for more than two years, according to international researchers who say this was achieved after providing the cloned embryo with a healthy placenta. The team analysed the Read more about Healthy placenta helped clone a healthy monkey
InternationalUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China -
One glass of juice a day could be adding to weight gain in kids
JAMA Pediatrics
Drinking 100% fruit juice is linked to weight gain in children, according to an analysis of published studies, which included Australian data. The authors found just one serving per day of 100% fruit juice was linked to a body mass index (BMI) gain Read more about One glass of juice a day could be adding to weight gain in kids
Australia; InternationalUniversity of Toronto, Canada -
Exercise games can help prevent falls in older people
Nature Medicine
Gamified step exercises can help prevent falls in older people, according to an Australian study of over-65s. About 750 people were split into three groups and given either a training computer game aimed at preventing falls to be completed while Read more about Exercise games can help prevent falls in older people
Australia; NSW; SAThe University of New South Wales|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
DNA trawled from the oceans used to create largest catalogue of marine microbes
Frontiers in Science
Saudi and Spanish scientists have created a catalogue of marine microbes based on scanning DNA in thousands of water samples from the oceans, and say it's the largest study of ocean DNA yet. The catalogue links the microbes with their biological Read more about DNA trawled from the oceans used to create largest catalogue of marine microbes
InternationalKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia -
Taking cannabis for opioid addiction doesn't seem to help
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Cannabis is not an effective treatment for opioid addiction, according to an international study of people in the US being treated for opioid use disorder. The researchers combined the results of ten previous studies, involving a total of 8,367 Read more about Taking cannabis for opioid addiction doesn't seem to help
InternationalUniversity of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil -
Most sensitive radio image ever of ancient star cluster produced
The Astrophysical Journal
A global team of astronomers have created the most sensitive radio image ever of a globular cluster, an ancient ball of tightly-packed stars. A global team of astronomers have created the most sensitive radio image ever of a globular cluster, an Read more about Most sensitive radio image ever of ancient star cluster produced
Australia; WACurtin University|International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) -
Viagra combined with chest pain medication could increase risk of death
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Combining erectile dysfunction drugs (such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis) with a common chest pain medication (nitrate) may increase the risk of death, according to international researchers who say these medications are often prescribed together, Read more about Viagra combined with chest pain medication could increase risk of death
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
1 in 3 adults with congenital heart disease have symptoms of depression and anxiety
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Adults with a congenital heart disease - a heart abnormality that developed before birth - are at a high risk of depression and anxiety according to Australian and international researchers. The team asked about 3800 adults from 15 countries with a Read more about 1 in 3 adults with congenital heart disease have symptoms of depression and anxiety
Australia; InternationalMonash University|KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Belgium -
One in 10 patients taking anti-psychotic medications develop heart rhythm disorders
Heart Rhythm
Researchers at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute are calling for patients suffering from schizophrenia and psychosis to be better monitored to manage the cardiac risks associated with taking their medications. The warning comes after a new Read more about One in 10 patients taking anti-psychotic medications develop heart rhythm disorders
Australia; NSWVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) -
Key moment in the evolution of life on Earth captured in fossils
Journal of the Geological Society
Curtin-led research has for the first time precisely dated some of the oldest fossils of complex multicellular life in the world, helping to track a pivotal moment in the history of Earth when the seas began teeming with new lifeforms - after four Read more about Key moment in the evolution of life on Earth captured in fossils
Australia; InternationalCurtin University -
Remote Aussies don’t have equal access to household electricity protections
Nature Energy
Remote and Indigenous communities’ power connections are more vulnerable compared to their regional and metropolitan counterparts, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU) and the Tangentyere Research Hub in Alice Read more about Remote Aussies don’t have equal access to household electricity protections
Australia; VIC; NT; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Melbourne -
New quantum optics technique sheds light on polariton interactions
Nature Physics
New research describes a novel quantum optics method to explore light-matter interactions in semiconductors. This method provides new insights into solid-state systems and quantum photonic technologies. An international collaboration, led by Read more about New quantum optics technique sheds light on polariton interactions
InternationalMacquarie University|Inria Centre de Lyon France, ENS Lyon France, Universit´e Paris-Saclay Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies Palaiseau France, INO-CNR BEC Center and Dipartimento di Fisica Universit`a di Trento, I-Povo Italy, MajuLab CNRS-UCA-SU-NUS-NTU International Joint Research Unit Singapore, Centre for Quantum Technologies National University of Singapore -
Plants in the South Pacific began losing their diversity when humans arrived on the islands
Nature Ecology & Evolution
The arrival of humans on the islands of the South Pacific has been linked to reduced diversity of plant species in the area for thousands of years, according to international, NZ and Australian researchers. The team looked at trends in the diversity Read more about Plants in the South Pacific began losing their diversity when humans arrived on the islands
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; International; ACTThe Australian National University|University of Canterbury... -
Chemists identify 3 recreational drugs never before seen in Australia
Drug Testing and Analysis
Three new recreational drugs that have never been reported in Australia before have been identified by chemists at Australia’s only fixed-site drug checking service, CanTEST, located in Canberra. According to scientists and clinicians from The Read more about Chemists identify 3 recreational drugs never before seen in Australia
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University|CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service -
No ongoing lung issues in kids who were exposed to the Hazelwood coalmine fire as babies
Respirology
Australian researchers have found no evidence of ongoing lung function changes in children who were exposed as babies to the Hazelwood coalmine fire in Victoria. The coal mine fire produced extreme air pollution that lasted for six weeks, leading Read more about No ongoing lung issues in kids who were exposed to the Hazelwood coalmine fire as babies
Australia; VIC; WA; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Telethon Kids Institute|Curtin University... -
Cycling deaths on the decline, but not in all age groups
Injury Prevention
New research shows there is a stark contrast between fatality rates in younger and older cyclists in Australia. Cycling deaths are slowly declining in Australia, but fatalities involving single riders and older people are on the rise. Analysis of Read more about Cycling deaths on the decline, but not in all age groups
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
WMO confirms 2023 was the hottest year on record
Now that 2023 is over, the World Meteorological Organization has confirmed it was the hottest year globally since records began. Following their original declaration in November, the WMO has consolidated data from six leading global weather Read more about WMO confirms 2023 was the hottest year on record
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
Campaign aims to understand and stamp out dangerous parasitic worm crisis
Philosophical Transactions B
Stongyloidiasis – a poorly understood parasitic worm disease common in remote Australian communities and some returned travellers, refugees or asylum seekers – is finally gaining attention on the national research arena. Australian First Nations Read more about Campaign aims to understand and stamp out dangerous parasitic worm crisis
Australia; QLD; SAFlinders University|QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute -
Thirty percent of Kiwi cat owners are opposed to keeping their cats inside
PLOS One
Only a small number of NZ cat owners contain their cats, even though letting your feline friend roam outside can be harmful for the cat, native wildlife, and the wider environment. Kiwi researchers surveyed almost 400 cat owners to understand their Read more about Thirty percent of Kiwi cat owners are opposed to keeping their cats inside
New ZealandUniversity of Canterbury -
Thermal vision shows endangered numbats feel the heat of warming climate
Journal of Experimental Biology
Curtin University research using thermal imaging of numbats in Western Australia has found that during hot weather the endangered animals are limited to as little as ten minutes of activity in the sun before they overheat to a body temperature of Read more about Thermal vision shows endangered numbats feel the heat of warming climate
Australia; WACurtin University -
Many Melbournites prefer to travel for a drink over heading to their local
Drug and Alcohol Review
A Melbourne resident may be just as likely to travel outside their neighbourhood to go to a pub or bar as they are to visit their local, according to Australian researchers. The team were investigating the question of whether a greater density of Read more about Many Melbournites prefer to travel for a drink over heading to their local
Australia; International; VICMonash University|Columbia University, USA -
Watching someone get grossed out by veggies could gross you out, too
Frontiers in Psychology
Watching someone else get the ‘ick’ for food might give you the ‘ick’ too, according to international researchers. The team asked 200 young women to watch a video containing clips of people eating raw broccoli with smiling, neutral or Read more about Watching someone get grossed out by veggies could gross you out, too
InternationalAston University, UK -
Medical cannabis for chronic pain could be linked with abnormal heart rhythm
European Heart Journal
People taking medical cannabis for chronic pain may have a slightly increased risk of arrhythmia – when the heart beats too slow, too fast or irregularly – according to international researchers. The team looked at data from 5,391 Danish Read more about Medical cannabis for chronic pain could be linked with abnormal heart rhythm
InternationalCopenhagen University Hospital, Denmark -
Perinatal depression linked to increased risk of death
The BMJ
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 Perinatal depression linked to increased risk of death
InternationalTongji University School of Medicine, China -
Males of newly described Australian burrowing scorpions have a big tail to tell
Australian Journal of Zoology
An Australian study has found some surprising features in two new species of burrowing scorpions, including a very strangely shaped ‘tail tip’ and some ‘sexy’ anatomy features. Terrestrial biologists from South Australia’s Flinders Read more about Males of newly described Australian burrowing scorpions have a big tail to tell
Australia; SA; WAFlinders University|Murdoch University -
Record heat in 2023 worsened global droughts, floods and wildfires
Record heat across the world profoundly impacted the global water cycle in 2023, contributing to severe storms, floods, megadroughts and bushfires, new research from The Australian National University (ANU) shows. Record heat across the world Read more about Record heat in 2023 worsened global droughts, floods and wildfires
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; International; QLD; ACTThe Australian National University -
Almost 1 in 10 teens have tried an unapproved weight loss product
JAMA Network Open
9% of teens have tried an unapproved weight loss product in their lifetime, according to a meta-analysis by Australian researchers. The team combined the results of 90 studies on the use of non-prescription weight loss products in teens - 50 of Read more about Almost 1 in 10 teens have tried an unapproved weight loss product
Australia; International; VICMonash University|Deakin University -
The extinction of the giant ape; a long-standing mystery solved
Nature
The largest ever primate Gigantopithecus blacki went extinct when other Asian great apes were thriving, and its demise has long been a mystery. New evidence from this region, uncovered by a team of Chinese, Australian and US researchers, Read more about The extinction of the giant ape; a long-standing mystery solved
Australia; NSWMacquarie University|Southern Cross University|The Australian National University... -
Office mental wellbeing programs probably don't help employees
Industrial Relations Journal
A UK researcher found no evidence that individual-level mental wellbeing interventions offered at work had any benefit over regular offices. He says that, of their survey data from over 46,000 workers at 233 organisations, getting access to Read more about Office mental wellbeing programs probably don't help employees
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, Oxford, UK -
World’s largest drug survey launched
Researchers from The University of Queensland have launched the world’s biggest drug survey, to gain insight into drug use around the globe. Researchers from The University of Queensland have launched the world’s biggest drug survey, to gain Read more about World’s largest drug survey launched
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Renowned rock art sites ‘chosen’ for vantage
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences
New research has uncovered internationally significant rock art sites in Arnhem Land were far from random and instead “chosen” for the critical vantage points they provided. The Flinders University research team, working in collaboration with Read more about Renowned rock art sites ‘chosen’ for vantage
Australia; SAFlinders University|The University of Sydney -
Laser-controlled liquid metals herald new era for soft robotics
Nature Communications
Researchers at The University of Queensland (UQ) are developing new 4D printing technology that produces shape-shifting liquid metals for soft robotics. Researchers at The University of Queensland (UQ) are developing new 4D printing technology that Read more about Laser-controlled liquid metals herald new era for soft robotics
Australia; International; NSW; QLDAustralian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)... -
This bee parasite may also be spreading viruses
Royal Society Open Science
The Varroa destructor mite is one of the most damaging honey bee pests in the world, however it's not just from the mite feeding on the bees, new research finds. Scientists looking at bee colonies across several countries including New Zealand, Read more about This bee parasite may also be spreading viruses
New Zealand; InternationalUlm University, Germany -
Is tafenoquine a cost-effective treatment option for malaria?
PLOS Medicine
A new study has provided further insight into the cost-effectiveness of a new malaria medication, tafenoquine, to treat vivax malaria. Primaquine and tafenoquine are the 2 medications available to treat the liver stage of vivax malaria. The study Read more about Is tafenoquine a cost-effective treatment option for malaria?
Australia; International; VIC; NTMenzies School of Health Research|The University of Melbourne... -
Vegetarians and vegans may be less likely to get COVID-19
BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health
People who eat plant-based diets could be at lower risk of getting COVID-19, according to an international study of 702 participants. The team asked the participants about their diet, and compared the rates of COVID-19 infection and severity within Read more about Vegetarians and vegans may be less likely to get COVID-19
InternationalUniversidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil -
Screening for these 10 proteins can pick up 18 different early stage cancers
BMJ Oncology
A sex-specific panel of 10 proteins can pick up 18 different early stage cancers, representing all the major organs of the human body, say US researchers working at Novelna Inc, the company that designed the test. They say they whittled down a list Read more about Screening for these 10 proteins can pick up 18 different early stage cancers
InternationalNovelna Inc, Palo Alto, California, USA -
Hormonal factors linked to rheumatoid arthritis risk in women
RMD Open
Early menopause—before the age of 45—taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and having 4 or more children are among several hormonal and reproductive factors linked to a heightened risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women, according to a Read more about Hormonal factors linked to rheumatoid arthritis risk in women
InternationalAnhui Medical University School of Public Health, China -
Link between obesity and birthing twins may be partially explained by higher IVF rates
JAMA Network Open
Higher BMI in women is associated with a greater chance of having twins, and this could be partially due to higher rates of assisted reproduction, according to international research. The team say previous research has linked obesity and being Read more about Link between obesity and birthing twins may be partially explained by higher IVF rates
InternationalUniversity of British Columbia, Canada -
Cracking the case for non-glass wine bottles
Journal of Cleaner Production
Would you be happy to pour your friends a glass of wine from a cask or sip your favourite red from an aluminium can? Researchers from the University of South Australia’s Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science and the University of Read more about Cracking the case for non-glass wine bottles
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Projections reveal the vulnerability of freshwater to climate change
One Earth
Climate and land use changes are causing significant alterations in global terrestrial water storage, impacting extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, a Griffith University-led study has found. Climate and land use changes are causing Read more about Projections reveal the vulnerability of freshwater to climate change
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University -
The demise of the Devil may be influencing the evolution of a Tasmanian quoll
Nature Ecology & Evolution
As some Tasmanian devil populations decline due to the spread of facial tumour disease, spotted-tailed quolls in those areas are being influenced genetically by their absence, according to Australian research. Spotted-tailed quolls are less dominant Read more about The demise of the Devil may be influencing the evolution of a Tasmanian quoll
Australia; International; QLD; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Griffith University|Washington State University, USA -
How will climate change impact Pacific migration?
The great majority of Pacific people will still be adapting to climate change in their home country in 2050, new research suggests. The study, funded with New Zealand’s climate finance, surveyed people across the Pacific in their local languages. Read more about How will climate change impact Pacific migration?
Australia; New Zealand; PacificUniversity of Auckland|University of Waikato -
A yarn about good health
BMC Medical Education Journal
A new healthcare education program developed in rural Western Australia is breaking down communication barriers between clinicians and Aboriginal patients. While it is well documented that communication barriers exist in Aboriginal healthcare, few Read more about A yarn about good health
Australia; WA; NTMurdoch University|Charles Darwin University|The University of Western Australia -
Money might be more motivating for people in 'WEIRD' countries
Nature Human Behaviour
Money might be more motivating for people in people living in Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) countries, than for people from non-WEIRD countries, according to international researchers. The team compared how hard Read more about Money might be more motivating for people in 'WEIRD' countries
InternationalUniversity of Chicago, USA -
Women more resistant to anaesthetic than men
Neuroscience
Sex hormones may contribute to increased anaesthetic resistance in women compared with men. A new study showed that both female mice and human women are more resistant to the hypnotic effects of anaesthetics, taking longer to become anaesthetised Read more about Women more resistant to anaesthetic than men
InternationalUniversity of Pennsylvania, USA -
Nearly 1/4 of ICU transfers or deaths in hospital could be due to missed or delayed diagnoses
JAMA Internal Medicine
US researchers looked into close to 2500 patient records for people who were sent to the ICU or had died in hospital, and say doctors had missed the diagnosis or had given a delayed diagnosis 23% of the time. They add that 17% of these errors caused Read more about Nearly 1/4 of ICU transfers or deaths in hospital could be due to missed or delayed diagnoses
InternationalUniversity of California San Francisco, USA