-
Women wait for endometriosis diagnosis with multiple symptoms
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Australian women with endometriosis can experience symptoms including severe period pain, depression and back pain for around a decade before being diagnosed, a University of Queensland study has revealed. Australian women with endometriosis can Read more about Women wait for endometriosis diagnosis with multiple symptoms
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Monthly blood tests for clozapine patients unnecessary after two years
The Lancet Psychiatry
Researchers from The University of Queensland and the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research have shown that people using the antipsychotic clozapine do not need regular blood monitoring after two years. Researchers from The University of Read more about Monthly blood tests for clozapine patients unnecessary after two years
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
More than half of people working regular night shifts may have a sleep disorder
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Working regular night shifts is associated with a higher rate of sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnoea and restless leg syndrome, according to international research. Dutch researchers surveyed more than 37,000 shift workers about their Read more about More than half of people working regular night shifts may have a sleep disorder
InternationalGGZ Drenthe’s Mental Health Institute, Netherlands -
Hydroclimate records reveal how water cycle on Earth responds to temperature increases
Nature Geoscience
An international research collaboration including ANSTO has found that the global water cycle and atmospheric circulation patterns can adjust relatively quickly—within a few decades—in response to changes in the Earth's temperature and have done Read more about Hydroclimate records reveal how water cycle on Earth responds to temperature increases
Australia; InternationalAustralian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)... -
More ear checks needed to prevent hearing loss in remote Australia
BMC Health Services Research
A study led by Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) has found a large gap in ear health services provided in remote Northern Territory (NT) communities. Without hearing checks, infections like otitis media (OM) can go undetected. This can Read more about More ear checks needed to prevent hearing loss in remote Australia
Australia; NTMenzies School of Health Research -
Innovative drug can stop cancer growth, animal study suggests
Cancer Discovery
A new Peter Mac study using a pioneering drug has successfully controlled the growth of tumours and overcome existing drug resistance in multiple cancer types in animal models. An enzyme critically associated with tumour growth, called Read more about Innovative drug can stop cancer growth, animal study suggests
Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|Incyclix Bio, USA -
The AusSMC's Top 10 WEIRD Science Stories 2023
2023 was tough at times, but luckily there was plenty of weird science to offer us a little comic relief. Animals led the way, as we learned about a series of orca-strated attacks on boats, frogs faked their own deaths to avoid sex, birds built Read more about The AusSMC's Top 10 WEIRD Science Stories 2023
AustraliaAustralian Science Media Centre -
Over 4 hours on a smartphone daily linked to health risks for teens
PLOS ONE
Korean researchers investigating the smartphone habits of over 50,000 kids have found more than four hours scrolling away to be linked with adverse mental health and substance abuse. The team surveyed the kids on their daily use of their phone, as Read more about Over 4 hours on a smartphone daily linked to health risks for teens
InternationalHanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea -
Fungus-fighting protein could help overcome severe autoimmune disease and cancer
Science Advances
A protein in the immune system programmed to protect the body from fungal infections is also responsible for exacerbating the severity of certain autoimmune diseases such as irritable bowel disease (IBS), type 1 diabetes, eczema and other chronic Read more about Fungus-fighting protein could help overcome severe autoimmune disease and cancer
Australia; QLD; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Queensland -
Feathered friends can become unlikely helpers for tropical coral reefs facing climate change threat
Science Advances
Nutrients in seabird droppings are boosting coral growth rates in a remote reef system and helping them bounce back quicker from disturbances like bleaching. A new paper in Science Advances details how seabirds contribute to the growth via their Read more about Feathered friends can become unlikely helpers for tropical coral reefs facing climate change threat
Australia; International; WAAustralian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)|The University of Western Australia... -
Blood pressure medication helps pregnant woman with severe heart problem safely deliver her baby
JACC: Case Reports
A pregnant woman who was diagnosed with a severe heart problem during pregnancy was able to safely deliver her baby using a blood pressure treatment with a somewhat unknown safety profile for pregnancy, according to international researchers who say Read more about Blood pressure medication helps pregnant woman with severe heart problem safely deliver her baby
InternationalNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Japan -
Could light therapy help treat Alzheimer's?
PLOS ONE
Light therapy might improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, according to international researchers who analysed 15 studies published between 2005 and 2022. The analysis, which included a combined 598 patients in seven countries, found light Read more about Could light therapy help treat Alzheimer's?
InternationalWeifang Medical University, China -
Life was tough for Ancient Egyptian baboons in captivity
PLOS ONE
Life was not easy for sacred baboons in Ancient Egypt, according to international researchers who looked at the skeletal remains of 36 baboons from the Valley of the Monkeys. The team estimated the remains to be from between 800-500 BC and found Read more about Life was tough for Ancient Egyptian baboons in captivity
InternationalRoyal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Belgium -
EXPERT REACTION: Sport hunting deer doesn’t help restore forest regeneration
Journal of Applied Ecology
Two researchers studied a forest park in the North Island using six decades’ worth of data alongside 20 years of monitoring to see how different sika deer management methods impacted new mountain beech forest growth. Their own monitoring found Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Sport hunting deer doesn’t help restore forest regeneration
New Zealand; InternationalNew Zealand Forest Surveys; Trent University, Canada -
Want a better espresso? Add a splash of water to your grinder
Matter
Want your morning hot bean soup to taste better every time? Well, US and Korean researchers say, in a paper partially funded by coffee machine manufacturer Nuova Simonelli, a splash of water in your grind might do the trick. The team found that the Read more about Want a better espresso? Add a splash of water to your grinder
InternationalUniversity of Oregon, USA -
Major alcohol policy changes in the NT do not appear to have impacted the rate of sexual assault
Drug and Alcohol Review
Three major alcohol policy changes for the NT do not appear to have made a dent in the number of sexual assaults reported in the Territory, according to Australian research. The team looked at the rate of victim reports for sexual assault from 2014 Read more about Major alcohol policy changes in the NT do not appear to have impacted the rate of sexual assault
Australia; NSW; VIC; SA; WA; NTMenzies School of Health Research|La Trobe University... -
A simple blood test could detect if one of your organs is ageing faster than the others
Nature
A simple blood test could detect if one of your organs is ageing faster than the others, according to international researchers, who say that nearly one in five people may show strongly accelerated age in one organ, and 1. 7% of the population show Read more about A simple blood test could detect if one of your organs is ageing faster than the others
InternationalStanford University, USA -
A non-invasive method to stimulate memory for people with schizophrenia
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports
A non-invasive method of brain stimulation could help improve some aspects of memory in people with schizophrenia, according to international research. The team conducted a randomized clinical trial, using alternating magnetic fields to induce an Read more about A non-invasive method to stimulate memory for people with schizophrenia
InternationalPeking University, China -
Could anti-obesity meds help those with knee or hip osteoarthritis?
Arthritis & Rheumatology
A slow-to-moderate rate of weight loss, induced by anti-obesity medications, may lower the risk of death in overweight and obese people with osteoarthritis in their hips or knees, according to international researchers. The team analysed data from Read more about Could anti-obesity meds help those with knee or hip osteoarthritis?
InternationalCentral South University, China -
How do we keep cool as the climate warms without increasing emissions?
The power needed to keep people cool around the world is expected to more than double by 2050, according to a COP28 report which aims to address how we can cut emissions while also meeting the growing demand for cooling. The authors say air Read more about How do we keep cool as the climate warms without increasing emissions?
InternationalUnited Nations Environment Programme -
Adaptive optics project will further our view of the universe
The Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii will soon be able to see further and clearer under an ambitious project to apply adaptive optics to the telescope. Scientists in Australia, France, New Zealand and Portugal are collaborating to create a platform Read more about Adaptive optics project will further our view of the universe
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; InternationalMacquarie University|The Australian National University... -
Sleep can help us remember but it can also help us develop false memories
Royal Society Open Science
Sleep can help improve memory, but it can also impact how we develop false memories, according to international research. The team tested 488 participants on their ability to memorise a list of words, then recall them two and 12 hours later. At the Read more about Sleep can help us remember but it can also help us develop false memories
InternationalUniversity of York, UK -
Toxic blood protein could be partially responsible for traumatic brain injury and dementia link
Royal Society Open Biology
A blood protein found in bruised brain tissue after a traumatic brain injury could be part of the reason traumatic brain injuries are linked to a higher dementia risk, according to international researchers. Serum amyloid P (SAP) is a blood protein Read more about Toxic blood protein could be partially responsible for traumatic brain injury and dementia link
InternationalQueen Mary University of London, UK -
Babies could be immune to optical illusions
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Newborn babies may be able to see the world more clearly, while older humans get tricked by optical illusions, according to international researchers. The researchers showed babies a video with red and green dots moving up and down and monitored Read more about Babies could be immune to optical illusions
InternationalHokkaido University, Japan -
Starting your period before 13 linked to heightened diabetes risk
BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health
Getting your period before you hit 13 has been linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes during your mid-life, say US researchers. Additionally, they say it is also associated with an increased risk of stroke before you hit 65. The team Read more about Starting your period before 13 linked to heightened diabetes risk
InternationalTulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, USA -
Twice daily brain zaps could help the brains of people with Alzheimer's
General Psychiatry
A non-invasive electrical stimulation of the brain - known as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) - could boost the brain-power of people with Alzheimer's disease, suggest researchers from China. The tDCS functions by placing a device Read more about Twice daily brain zaps could help the brains of people with Alzheimer's
InternationalNingbo University, China -
MRIs can safely reduce the number of breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy
The Lancet
Some women with early-stage breast cancer may be able to skip radiotherapy if an MRI shows their cancer is localised to one area, according to Australian researchers. Breast radiotherapy is part of standard care for breast-conserving treatment, Read more about MRIs can safely reduce the number of breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy
Australia; NSW; VICThe University of Melbourne|Monash University|The University of Sydney... -
The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2023
Science hit the headlines in Australia time and again in 2023, as advances in DNA technology freed a mother convicted of murdering her children 20 years ago, we became the first country to legalise psychedelic therapies, the vaping epidemic led to a Read more about The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2023
AustraliaAustralian Science Media Centre -
Real connections trump virtual gatherings: The magic of in-person events
Event Management
Researchers at Flinders University and the University of South Australia examined whether attending an event virtually or in-person makes a difference to loneliness and social connectedness. From virtual dance parties and raves to virtual happy Read more about Real connections trump virtual gatherings: The magic of in-person events
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia|Flinders University -
Livestock, medtech and horticulture key AI opportunities for Australia
A new CSIRO report provides businesses, investors, government and research institutions with the most up-to-date analysis of Australia’s current AI ecosystem. Australia can cement its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by Read more about Livestock, medtech and horticulture key AI opportunities for Australia
AustraliaCSIRO -
New PCR test allows scientists to sex White Sharks
Conservation Genetics Resources
Sex determination varies widely in the animal kingdom. It is not always driven by sex chromosomes and is not known for most shark species. A new study led by CSIRO developed a statistical method to look for sex chromosomes in sharks and confirmed Read more about New PCR test allows scientists to sex White Sharks
AustraliaCSIRO -
Highlighting the potential of Mānuka honey as Rongoā for animals in agriculture
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research
A scientific literature review from AgResearch has highlighted the potential of Mānuka honey as Rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) in the context of animal health. Authors of the study say that there is good supporting peer-reviewed literature Read more about Highlighting the potential of Mānuka honey as Rongoā for animals in agriculture
New ZealandAgResearch -
How did closing pubs at 6pm impact alcohol-related harm in the 20th century?
Drug and Alcohol Review
For much of the early 20th century, pubs in some Australian states were only allowed to stay open until 6pm, a move that Australian researchers now say had positive impacts on alcohol-related harms, especially before World War II. The researchers Read more about How did closing pubs at 6pm impact alcohol-related harm in the 20th century?
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne|La Trobe University -
Early investment key to ending disadvantage
Increased spending on health and social support for parents over the first five years of a child's life would be the most cost-effective measures to end the cycle of disadvantage, a New Zealand report suggests. The researchers say mothers' mental Read more about Early investment key to ending disadvantage
New Zealand -
First fossil finds show shark species swam in NZ waters millions of years ago
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Two extinct shark species related to Great Whites have been identified for the first time in New Zealand, from fossils estimated to date back to the Miocene Epoch around 20 to 5 million years ago. One tooth from Carcharodon hubbelli was found at Read more about First fossil finds show shark species swam in NZ waters millions of years ago
New ZealandMuseum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa|University of Otago -
How did the first building blocks of life survive the radiation of early Earth?
Nature Communications
Cell-like structures containing specific antioxidants that are resistant to radiation could have allowed some of the earliest building blocks of life on Earth to survive the harsh conditions. Early Earth is known to have had much higher gamma Read more about How did the first building blocks of life survive the radiation of early Earth?
InternationalZhejiang University, USA -
We could be using our existing forecasting tools to accidentally harm fewer marine animals
Nature Communications
Existing forecasting and marine management tools could be used to predict and prevent accidents with vulnerable marine animals caused by climate extremes, according to Australian and international researchers. When climate extremes disrupt marine Read more about We could be using our existing forecasting tools to accidentally harm fewer marine animals
Australia; International; QLDCSIRO -
Almost four out of five young Kiwis support smokefree generation policy
The ITC Youth and Young Adult Tobacco and Vaping Survey
New survey research shows young New Zealanders aged 16-29 strongly support the smokefree 2025 goal and the three key policies of limiting retail stores, nicotine reduction, and creating a smokefree generation. The authors say this fits in with Read more about Almost four out of five young Kiwis support smokefree generation policy
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Otago -
Post COVID elective surgery wait times longer than ever
Since the 2021-22 return to allowing elective surgeries in Australia, the 2022-23 period saw an increase of non-emergency surgeries by 18%, says the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), but many patients are still facing long wait times Read more about Post COVID elective surgery wait times longer than ever
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Genetically engineered stem cell treatment for Parkinson's restores movement in rats
Nature Communications
An international research team has genetically engineered stem cells to improve a potential treatment for Parkinson's, restoring movement in rats. Lead researcher Mark Denham, originally from Australia, says stem cells are a promising treatment for Read more about Genetically engineered stem cell treatment for Parkinson's restores movement in rats
Australia; InternationalDanish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Denmark -
Promising results for a new bowel cancer treatment
Nature Medicine
A new tablet treatment called divarasib has shown it is very effective in treating a challenging type of bowel (colorectal) cancer associated with the KRAS G12C mutation. Research, published in Nature Medicine today, has shown remarkable results Read more about Promising results for a new bowel cancer treatment
Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre -
Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruits
BMC Sport, Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
New Edith Cowan University (ECU) research has revealed that up to one in four military recruits would seek medical assistance for injury in one training period. Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruitsNew Edith Cowan Read more about Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruits
Australia; QLD; SA; WAEdith Cowan University|Flinders University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Sugar permeation discovered in plant aquaporins
Journal of Biological Chemistry
Aquaporins, which move water through membranes of plant cells, were not thought to be able to permeate sugar molecules, but University of Adelaide researchers have observed sucrose transport in plant aquaporins for the first time, challenging this Read more about Sugar permeation discovered in plant aquaporins
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Graphene oxide strengthens the case for smart concrete
Additive Manufacturing Letters
Engineers have added graphene oxide to cement mixture to make stronger 3D printed concrete that is easier to print, paving the way to create potential ‘smart’ walls that can monitor cracks. Engineers have added graphene oxide to cement mixture Read more about Graphene oxide strengthens the case for smart concrete
Australia; VICRMIT University|The University of Melbourne -
NEWS BRIEFING: Fossil fuel emissions reach record high - Global Carbon Budget
Earth System Science Data
Global emissions from fossil use are projected to hit a record high in 2023, rising 1. 1% according to the latest Global Carbon Budget. The report has found there is no sign of the rapid and deep decrease in total emissions that is needed to tackle Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: Fossil fuel emissions reach record high - Global Carbon Budget
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; International; ACTCSIRO|The Australian National University|Australian Science Media Centre -
New implants linked to less infection and better recovery from orthopaedic surgery
Advanced Functional Materials
Superior knee and hip replacements are a step closer after Flinders University and Chinese researchers further test and develop a new orthopaedic implant coating which has the strong ability to ward off infection – as well as stimulate bone growth. Read more about New implants linked to less infection and better recovery from orthopaedic surgery
Australia; International; SAFlinders University|Shandong First Medical University -
Emerging challenges of AI and Automated Decision-Making in News and Media
A new report released by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, AI and Automated Decision-Making in News and Media describes the latest phase of media automation, driven by recent advances in artificial intelligence. Read more about Emerging challenges of AI and Automated Decision-Making in News and Media
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society -
Lower amount of certain microplastics on Auckland's coast could be due to plastic bag ban
Science of the Total Environment
Researchers analysed samples from coastal areas in Auckland, finding that microplastics are widespread. They found that in beach sediments and seawater, a kind of plastic often used in plastic bottles, food packaging, and polyester was the most Read more about Lower amount of certain microplastics on Auckland's coast could be due to plastic bag ban
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|Eurofins Environment Testing Australia and New Zealand, Australia, Auckland Transport, Auckland -
How are WA's heavy drinkers using online alcohol delivery?
Drug and Alcohol Review
High-risk alcohol drinkers are using online delivery services to get drinks more often and are more frequently ordering same-day delivery to keep a session going, according to Australian researchers who say the convenience of online alcohol delivery Read more about How are WA's heavy drinkers using online alcohol delivery?
Australia; NSW; VIC; WADeakin University|National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)... -
Australia's magic mushrooms could help breed tomorrow's 'designer shrooms'
Current Biology
Australia's magic mushroom population contains greater genetic diversity than the world's commercially available shrooms, according to Australian researchers who say this diversity could be harnessed to breed 'designer shrooms' as a potential mental Read more about Australia's magic mushrooms could help breed tomorrow's 'designer shrooms'
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland
Submit to Scimex
Upcoming events
- Using the WHO ASSIST to predict poor substance-related health outcomes after release from prison: informing targeted through care This webinar will explore the use of the WHO ASSIST during incarceration to predict the...
- Using the WHO ASSIST to predict poor substance-related health outcomes after release from prison: informing targeted through care This webinar will explore the use of the WHO ASSIST during incarceration to predict the...