Growing pains: Ibuprofen trumps paracetamol for babies

Publicly released: Sat 31 Oct 2020 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

Researchers in New Zealand have reviewed the evidence on using ibuprofen or paracetamol to treat fever or pain in children under the age of two. Their results, drawn from over 240 000 children, suggest that ibuprofen is more effective than Read more about Growing pains: Ibuprofen trumps paracetamol for babies

Real-time, location-based data key to success of superbug solutions

Publicly released: Sat 31 Oct 2020 at 0000 AEDT | 0200 NZDT

World One Health Conference

Australian researchers are calling for more investment in finding out when, where and how current antibiotic treatments are working, as drug-resistant bacteria (superbugs) continue to spread globally. Read more about Real-time, location-based data key to success of superbug solutions

Producing fish oil without odour and a longer shelf life

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 1519 AEDT | 1719 NZDT

npj Science of Food

Research undertaken by Flinders University, the University of Cincinnati (US), Guangzhou University (China) and ANSTO has evaluated a new process to encapsulate fish oil in nanoparticles. Read more about Producing fish oil without odour and a longer shelf life

EXPERT REACTION: Black Summer Bushfire Royal Commission Final Report

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements Report

The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements – the 'Black Summer' bushfire royal commission – has concluded and released its report. The inquiry was called in the wake of the devastating 2019-20 summer bushfire season, but Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Black Summer Bushfire Royal Commission Final Report

Men DO go to the doctor

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 1440 AEDT | 1640 NZDT

American Journal of Men's Health

New research by the Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing (FCMHW) and SAHMRI has  found that contrary to popular belief, men do go to the doctor! Read more about Men DO go to the doctor

Waste not, want not: recycled water proves fruitful for greenhouse tomatoes

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 1400 AEDT | 1600 NZDT

Agriculture

In the driest state in the driest continent in the world, South Australian farmers are acutely aware of the impact of water shortages and drought. So, when it comes to irrigation, knowing which method works best is vital for sustainable crop Read more about Waste not, want not: recycled water proves fruitful for greenhouse tomatoes

2020 on track to be one of the warmest years on record, despite La Niña

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 1230 AEDT | 1430 NZDT

La Niña has officially developed and is expected to last into next year, according to the World Meteorological Organization, which reports that although La Niña typically has a cooling effect on global temperatures, 2020 remains on track to be Read more about 2020 on track to be one of the warmest years on record, despite La Niña

COVID was just one - there could be 850,000 other animal viruses waiting to infect us

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

A UN-backed report has found that there are between 540,000 and 850,000 unknown viruses in nature that could infect people, and that more frequent, deadly and costly pandemics are likely in the future. The study says that although COVID has its Read more about COVID was just one - there could be 850,000 other animal viruses waiting to infect us

Narcissists are drawn to leadership theories

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

American Psychologist

The more narcissistic the leader, the higher their interest in leadership theories, according to University of Queensland research. UQ School of Psychology researchers examined the extent to which a leader’s narcissism was associated with their Read more about Narcissists are drawn to leadership theories

Toxic metals in your eye could be contributing to the leading cause of blindness

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Several toxic metals have been found to be taken up by the human retina and optic nerve, say Australian researchers, who examined  the eyes from seven tissue donors. The study found lead, nickel, iron, cadmium, mercury, and other metals could be Read more about Toxic metals in your eye could be contributing to the leading cause of blindness

What happens when a horse stops racing? Most Aussie Thoroughbred horses are rehomed

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

PLOS ONE

With the Melbourne cup around the corner, Aussie researchers have found that around three in four trained horses in Australia are re-homed when they leave the racing industry. The study, which was funded by Racing Victoria, found that only around Read more about What happens when a horse stops racing? Most Aussie Thoroughbred horses are rehomed

Construction workers big winners in QLD election spending promises

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Greens have promised the moon and costings of the major parties don’t add up, but construction projects stand to benefit the most, according to research conducted into Queensland election campaign promises by the QUT Business School. Read more about Construction workers big winners in QLD election spending promises

U jelly? Aussies scientists fly drones to survey box jellyfish

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Aussie scientists have taken wildlife surveys into the next century by counting box jellyfish populations along the north Queensland coastline using drones. The team says that previous methods, which involve netting and tallying the critters, are Read more about U jelly? Aussies scientists fly drones to survey box jellyfish

Expect more mega-droughts

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

Scientific Reports

Mega-droughts – droughts that last two decades or longer – are tipped to increase thanks to climate change, according to University of Queensland-led research. Read more about Expect more mega-droughts

Supermarket staff could pose risk of COVID-19 spread

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Supermarket workers are more likely to test positive for COVID-19 than the local community, according to new research. In a sample of over 100 essential workers at a grocery store in the USA, 20 per cent tested positive for the coronavirus, with Read more about Supermarket staff could pose risk of COVID-19 spread

Wash, rinse, repeat: your clothes might last longer than you think

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0845 AEDT | 1045 NZDT

Sustainability

Researchers at the University of Otago have tested whether a t-shirt's price predicts how long it will survive your laundry regime. The team washed a selection of black t-shirts from five Kiwi brands and asked a group of young women about their Read more about Wash, rinse, repeat: your clothes might last longer than you think

Three cheers for ginger beers

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0834 AEDT | 1034 NZDT

Fermentation

Researchers at the University of Otago have reviewed the health benefits of ginger beer, saying that use of natural ginger extract could "promote wellbeing". While the use of artificial ingredients can undermine the health benefits of natural ginger, Read more about Three cheers for ginger beers

Vitamin C could help treat COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

Nutrients

After reviewing the evidence on vitamin C as a COVID-19 treatment, a University of Otago researcher says it could help those with low levels of the vitamin in their body, and those with severe infections. The author highlights the randomized Read more about Vitamin C could help treat COVID-19

Wearable sensors help spot COVID-19 infections

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0746 AEDT | 0946 NZDT

Nature Medicine

Data gathered from smartwatches and activity trackers can help determine whether or not someone with symptoms has COVID-19. Researchers in the USA developed a smartphone app that collected wearable sensor data, and combined this information with self Read more about Wearable sensors help spot COVID-19 infections

'Waves' of misinformation precede spikes of COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0715 AEDT | 0915 NZDT

Nature Human Behaviour

Analysis of over 100 million Tweets from around the world suggests that the spread of unreliable information about COVID-19 preceded the rise of infections at the start of 2020. Researchers in Italy have studied the social media messages from Read more about 'Waves' of misinformation precede spikes of COVID-19

Sleepyheads still team players

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

PLOS ONE

New research from University of Canterbury economists suggests sleep-deprived people are still helpful when it comes to financial contributions. The team of economists tested a financial cooperation game on two groups of students: one well rested Read more about Sleepyheads still team players

Our love of dogs has lasted thousands of years

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Science

New research suggests dogs and humans have been living and working together for over 10,000 years. An international team of scientists analysed the genomes of 27 ancient dog species, finding at least five major dog lineages had diversified and Read more about Our love of dogs has lasted thousands of years

How octopuses can taste things with their arms

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

Cell

The suckers on the arms of an octopus can taste something just by touching it, and now US researchers are a step closer to understanding how they do it. In case you needed another reason to get on board with the cephalopod-squad, the research shows Read more about How octopuses can taste things with their arms

Family and community key factors for Pasifika wellbeing

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

NZMJ

Family and community life are the most important factors for improving the health of Pasifika peoples in New Zealand, according to new research. Researchers from across NZ have revisited their findings from a previously published trial of a mobile Read more about Family and community key factors for Pasifika wellbeing

Clearing the gorse of racism from NZ's health system

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

NZMJ

Researchers present an allegory for the decolonisation of healthcare, highlighting the work required of Pākehā doctors to uphold te Tiriti o Waitangi. Read more about Clearing the gorse of racism from NZ's health system

Cost and travel remain barriers to contraception access in NZ

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

NZMJ

Some Kiwis are facing financial barriers to accessing intrauterine contraceptives, according to new research. A team from the University of Otago have investigated access to intrauterine contraceptives within the Southern District Health Board Read more about Cost and travel remain barriers to contraception access in NZ

Possible genetic triggers of autism symptoms and motor issues identified for several rare diseases

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Translational Psychiatry

New research on the genetics of Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes could help develop personalised therapies for associated mental illness and autism features. Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and Angelman syndrome (AS) have few treatments for Read more about Possible genetic triggers of autism symptoms and motor issues identified for several rare diseases

‘Very high’ testing rate needed to stop coronavirus outbreaks in NZ

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

NZMJ

New modelling shows more than 5,500 Covid-19 tests are needed every day, if New Zealand wants to catch imported cases of the virus before it spreads too far. The study authors suggest that testing at this rate would likely allow an outbreak to be Read more about ‘Very high’ testing rate needed to stop coronavirus outbreaks in NZ

Studying dementia across cultures in New Zealand

Publicly released: Fri 30 Oct 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

NZMJ

Researchers say there’s evidence that Māori experience dementia differently to Pākehā, so New Zealand should take a bicultural approach to monitoring the disease. Writing in a Viewpoint article, the authors note the condition is a growing issue Read more about Studying dementia across cultures in New Zealand

Young people bear the brunt of pandemic mental health issues

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 1516 AEDT | 1716 NZDT

Public Health

Young people are at greater risk of depression and anxiety in lockdown than older adults, according to new research. A study in the UK has found that 84 per cent of people aged 18-24 years reported symptoms of depression, and 72 per cent reported Read more about Young people bear the brunt of pandemic mental health issues

Childhood upbringing linked to pandemic stockpiling

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 1421 AEDT | 1621 NZDT

Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services

Kiwi researchers have investigated the factors which influence stockpiling behaviour in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their results suggest that the design of public health campaigns can impact the level of threat people feel from the virus, Read more about Childhood upbringing linked to pandemic stockpiling

Cut chores and kill chill time: new advice to boost children’s academic achievement

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Health Education & Behavior

Determining a child’s best daily balance of sleep, activity and relaxation can be a challenge, but if you’re hoping to improve their academic results, then it’s time to cut back on chores and chill time, according to new research from the Read more about Cut chores and kill chill time: new advice to boost children’s academic achievement

Researchers reveal the origins of merging black holes

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Researchers have announced a series of discoveries providing some of the first hints as to the origin of black hole mergers. Read more about Researchers reveal the origins of merging black holes

Smart solution to detect seafood spoilage

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Food Chemistry

Existing methods for detecting seafood spoilage are far from satisfactory for ensuring food safety and security. To solve this problem, Flinders University researchers have constructed and tested a solid-state fluorescent sensor loaded on filter Read more about Smart solution to detect seafood spoilage

Severe form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease linked to a strain of mouth bacteria

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

Microbial Genomics

Bacteria from the mouth could hold clues to understanding – and potentially treating – severe ulcerative colitis, a painful bowel disease. Read more about Severe form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease linked to a strain of mouth bacteria

Small brain device proves big game changer for severely paralysed patients

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 0730 AEDT | 0930 NZDT

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery

A tiny device the size of a small paperclip has been shown to help patients with upper limb paralysis to text, email and even shop online in the first human trial. Read more about Small brain device proves big game changer for severely paralysed patients

CSIRO dishes up convenient low carb meals

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, is partnering with Australian food manufacturers and retailers to make it easier for time-poor Australians to choose nutritious ready meals consistent with the successful CSIRO Low Carb Diet and Read more about CSIRO dishes up convenient low carb meals

Koala hotspot populations on NSW North Coast in long-term decline

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

PLOS ONE

New research from Western Sydney University has analysed close to three decades of data from Port Stephens, Port Macquarie and Lismore — major koala hotspots in New South Wales — to find populations have steadily declined, with disease the most Read more about Koala hotspot populations on NSW North Coast in long-term decline

A bumpy landing reveals a duck-shaped comet's soft-serve heart

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

The lander Philae touched down on the duck-shaped comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko back in 2014 but it was not a smooth landing, and it bounced twice on touchdown before coming to rest. Although the first and third landing points were identified Read more about A bumpy landing reveals a duck-shaped comet's soft-serve heart

Multiscreening may muddle your memory

Publicly released: Thu 29 Oct 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

How many of you pull out your phones while binging Netflix? Well, US researchers say that may be bad for your memory after they found a link between 'multiscreening' and an increase in being forgetful. The team say a group of young adults were more Read more about Multiscreening may muddle your memory

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