Detecting SARS-CoV-2 with a smartphone camera

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

Cell

International researchers, including an Aussie, have developed a device that can, with the help of a smartphone camera, detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in a nasal swab. The test makes use of the gene-splicing CRISPR-Cas technology to be able to Read more about Detecting SARS-CoV-2 with a smartphone camera

EXPERT REACTION: Global Carbon Budget - unprecedented emissions slowdown thanks to COVID

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Earth System Science Data

Global emission could decline by around 7 per cent in 2020, according to the latest Global Carbon Budget. The report has found the decrease in emissions in 2020 appears more pronounced in the US, EU and India, partly due to pre-existing downward Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Global Carbon Budget - unprecedented emissions slowdown thanks to COVID

Music may help soothe post-op pain

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The British Medical Journal

Listening to soothing music and words while under general anaesthetic may lead to less pain following surgery. A trial conducted in Germany found that 191 patients who listened to background music and positive suggestions during their surgery had Read more about Music may help soothe post-op pain

Do not try to make George’s Marvellous Medicine at home

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

Do not try to make George’s Marvellous Medicine yourselves at home, it could be toxic and potentially dangerous say literature loving researchers from the UK. Two researchers and their five children read Roald Dahl's George’s Marvellous Read more about Do not try to make George’s Marvellous Medicine at home

Patient death rates higher on surgeons’ birthdays

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

Elderly patients going under the knife on their surgeon’s birthday appear to have a higher death rate than if they had the surgery on another day. US researchers looked at more than 980,000 common emergency procedures on over-65s. Of the 2,000 Read more about Patient death rates higher on surgeons’ birthdays

Too many treats? Dogs and owners share diabetes risk

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

You might have heard of dogs that look like their owners - now Swedish research has shown some owners eat and exercise like their dogs. The study found people who had a dog with diabetes were 38 per cent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes Read more about Too many treats? Dogs and owners share diabetes risk

Scientists call for robust goal for species in Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Conservation Letters

Scientists urge that a clear, unambiguous goal for preventing human-induced species extinctions and stabilising populations must be front and centre in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework – currently formulated draft iterations carry a Read more about Scientists call for robust goal for species in Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

Sleep, food, or exercise: which has the biggest impact on mental health?

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 0743 AEDT | 0943 NZDT

Frontiers in Psychology

University of Otago researchers have identified sleep quality as the biggest predictor of depressive symptoms and wellbeing among young adults, compared to diet and physical activity. The research team surveyed 1100 young adults in New Zealand and Read more about Sleep, food, or exercise: which has the biggest impact on mental health?

The vicious cycle of poverty and mental health

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science

People who live in poverty are often disproportionately affected by mental illness, with those on the lowest incomes typically 1. 5 to 3 times more likely than the well-off to experience depression or anxiety. This review looks at ways in which Read more about The vicious cycle of poverty and mental health

Faecal transplants may help immunotherapy for cancer patients

Publicly released: Fri 11 Dec 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science

New early-stage research shows faecal transplants may show some promise in making cancer immunotherapy more effective. This phase 1 clinical trial transplanted the faecal matter  of two melanoma patients who had responded well to earlier Read more about Faecal transplants may help immunotherapy for cancer patients