Researchers call for policy shift to focus on middle years of schooling

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Academic Pediatrics

A significant number of students in the middle school years across Australia have emotional and behavioural problems and experience high rates of bullying that can negatively affect their long-term health and learning, according to a new policy Read more about Researchers call for policy shift to focus on middle years of schooling

Prime Minister's prizes celebrate the best of science

Publicly released: Wed 28 Oct 2020 at 1900 AEDT | 2100 NZDT

A team that was instrumental in the world-first detection of gravitational waves has won this year’s Prime Minister’s Prize for Science. Emeritus Professor David Blair, Professor David McClelland, Professor Susan Scott and Professor Peter Veitch Read more about Prime Minister's prizes celebrate the best of science

The future is now: long-term research shows ocean acidification ramping up on the Reef

Publicly released: Wed 28 Oct 2020 at 1430 AEDT | 1630 NZDT

Scientific Reports

A new study has shown ocean acidification is no longer a sombre forecast for the Great Barrier Reef but a present-day reality. The study shows seawater carbon dioxide on the Reef has risen 6 per cent in ten years, matching the rate of carbon Read more about The future is now: long-term research shows ocean acidification ramping up on the Reef

'Extremely large' number of volunteers needed for COVID-19 vaccine

Publicly released: Wed 28 Oct 2020 at 1326 AEDT | 1526 NZDT

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

International scientists have identified key challenges in producing a COVID-19 vaccine in a new research review. They say that an "extremely large" number of volunteers are needed in a clinical trial to get a reliable measure of how effectively a Read more about 'Extremely large' number of volunteers needed for COVID-19 vaccine

Renewable energy targets can undermine sustainable intentions

Publicly released: Wed 28 Oct 2020 at 1230 AEDT | 1430 NZDT

Nature Climate Change

Renewable energy targets (RETs) may be too blunt a tool for ensuring a sustainable future, according to University of Queensland-led research. PhD candidate Scott Spillias, from UQ’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, said that, while Read more about Renewable energy targets can undermine sustainable intentions

Baby girls who do not live with both parents may be at higher risk of early puberty

Publicly released: Wed 28 Oct 2020 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

BMC Pediatrics

Girls who do not live with both parents from birth to age two may be at higher risk of starting puberty at a younger age than girls living with both parents, research from the US suggests. The authors say their findings support the hypothesis that Read more about Baby girls who do not live with both parents may be at higher risk of early puberty

Speaking a Pacific language may help new mums

Publicly released: Wed 28 Oct 2020 at 1146 AEDT | 1346 NZDT

Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health

Maintaining Pacific identity through language may decrease the likelihood of mental health issues for new mothers, according to a study of over 1200 Pacific women living in NZ. Two years after giving birth, 5 per cent of English-and-Pacific speaking Read more about Speaking a Pacific language may help new mums

Microplastics put coral damselfish in distress

Publicly released: Wed 28 Oct 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Microplastic exposure may have a greater impact on fish survival and behaviour than the degradation of their coral reef habitat, according to Australian research. The researchers raised damselfish in microplastic polluted waters then placed them on Read more about Microplastics put coral damselfish in distress

Australia is a major source of shark fins for soup

Publicly released: Wed 28 Oct 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Biology Letters

The unsustainable trade in shark fin soup depends heavily on coastal shark species dwelling in more easily protected territorial waters, including those off the coast of Australia, according to US research. Using DNA barcoding of fins from global Read more about Australia is a major source of shark fins for soup

People with higher vitamin A, E, and D intake may have fewer chest complaints

Publicly released: Wed 28 Oct 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health

High vitamin A, E, and D intake may be linked to fewer respiratory complaints in adults, according to UK research. The study surveyed more than 6,000 adults over eight years about their diet and also asked them about respiratory conditions such as Read more about People with higher vitamin A, E, and D intake may have fewer chest complaints