Online alcohol delivery linked to heavier drinking during lockdown

Publicly released: Tue 1 Dec 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Drug and Alcohol Review

Kiwis who purchased booze online during lockdown were linked to much higher odds of heavier drinking (defined as having six or more drinks during one occasion) compared to those who bought their drinks at the supermarket. The findings come from a Read more about Online alcohol delivery linked to heavier drinking during lockdown

The Google Maps of space? Australian telescope creates a new atlas of the Universe

Publicly released: Tue 1 Dec 2020 at 0430 AEDT | 0630 NZDT

Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia

A world-leading CSIRO radio telescope has created a new atlas of the Universe, by surveying the entire southern sky in record speed and detail for the first time, to build the astronomers version of 'Google Maps' in space. The Australian Square Read more about The Google Maps of space? Australian telescope creates a new atlas of the Universe

Scientist’s discovery could target cancer in new way

Publicly released: Tue 1 Dec 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Cell Biology

A young PhD student's hunch about one aspect of cancer cell replication has paid off nearly four years later. Dr Noa Lamm, lead scientist on this project, was inspired to become a cancer researcher after losing her mother to the disease. She spent Read more about Scientist’s discovery could target cancer in new way

Two blood molecules could help predict Alzheimer’s

Publicly released: Tue 1 Dec 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Aging

Two molecules found in our blood plasma could help predict if someone with mild cognitive impairment will progress to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers looked at the health data from almost 600 patients with mild cognitive impairment. After Read more about Two blood molecules could help predict Alzheimer’s

Top ten prescription drugs used by Aussies in 2019/2020

Publicly released: Tue 1 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Australian Prescriber

A drug used to treat eye conditions such as macular degeneration has cost the taxpayer almost $400 million in 2019/2020, topping the list of drugs ranked by cost to government. The drug, which was in second place last year, has topped the chart this Read more about Top ten prescription drugs used by Aussies in 2019/2020

HIV in Australia has declined by 12% in the past five years

Publicly released: Tue 1 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New HIV data, released today by the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney for World AIDS Day, are a reminder for Australia to sustain its efforts in HIV prevention amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 903 HIV diagnoses in Australia in 2019, Read more about HIV in Australia has declined by 12% in the past five years

HIV diagnoses fall as Australians embrace pre-exposure prophylaxis but challenges remain

Publicly released: Tue 1 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Australian Prescriber

HIV prevention in Australia has been revolutionised in the past few years by pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with antiretroviral medicines. In New South Wales, where PrEP has most widely been taken up, it has been associated with a rapid decline in Read more about HIV diagnoses fall as Australians embrace pre-exposure prophylaxis but challenges remain

Fit gamers challenge ‘fat’ stereotype, new esports research

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 1739 AEDT | 1939 NZDT

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Esports players are up to 21 per cent healthier weight than the general population, hardly smoke and also drink less, a new QUT study finds. Read more about Fit gamers challenge ‘fat’ stereotype, new esports research

Microplastics almost universally found in marine mammals

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 1526 AEDT | 1726 NZDT

Environmental Pollution

Researchers are consistently finding microplastics inside marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, and seals, according to a first-of-its-kind review of the scientific literature. Of the 30 studies reviewed, only one did not report finding Read more about Microplastics almost universally found in marine mammals

Head set over head phone: cancelling out unnecessary and unwanted noise

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 1515 AEDT | 1715 NZDT

Scientific Reports

Researchers from the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration at the University of Technology Sydney are exploring technology for those wanting a quieter life! By integrating laser-based technology – which can deal with high frequencies – into Read more about Head set over head phone: cancelling out unnecessary and unwanted noise

Divorce conflict linked to lower mental health

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Frontiers in Psychology

High levels of conflict during a divorce are linked to lower mental health in recent divorcees, according to new research. Scientists in Denmark studied over 1800 people who had been through a rapid divorce process, and found that the mental and Read more about Divorce conflict linked to lower mental health

The challenge of communicating disaster risks examined

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 1358 AEDT | 1558 NZDT

Progress in Disaster Science

How do we successfully communicate risk before and during a disaster? An international author team, which includes former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, writes in an editorial about the importance of communicating risk early, the constant Read more about The challenge of communicating disaster risks examined

Views on Waitangi Day may not be as divisive as some think

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 1238 AEDT | 1438 NZDT

Journal of Intercultural Relations

Data pulled from the 2015 New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study show most Māori and Pākehā support (51%) rather than oppose (8%) Waitangi Day as a national celebration of biculturalism. The team found that age, among other factors, was a key Read more about Views on Waitangi Day may not be as divisive as some think

Childhood dementia - insights from the eyes

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 1230 AEDT | 1430 NZDT

Acta Neuropathologica Communications

Is the eye a window to the brain in Sanfilippo syndrome, an untreatable form of childhood-onset dementia, Australian researchers ask in a new publication. The findings of the NHMRC-funded project, just published in international journal Acta Read more about Childhood dementia - insights from the eyes

Perth’s Aboriginal babies show first signs of ear disease at just eight weeks

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

Deafness and Educational International

Telethon Kids Institute researchers have found close to 40 per cent of Aboriginal babies begin to develop middle ear infections between two and four months of age in a first of its kind study in metropolitan Perth. By six – eight months this Read more about Perth’s Aboriginal babies show first signs of ear disease at just eight weeks

Children's Word of the Year - 'virus'

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

Three million Australian schoolchildren’s most-used words in a writing exercise give valuable insights into the minds of school-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a disrupted school year of remote learning and virtual classrooms Read more about Children's Word of the Year - 'virus'

Getting a grip on better health

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Nature and Science of Sleep

Men with muscles like a young Arnold Schwarzenegger or a top weightlifter look powerful but a handshake will give away whether they’re a healthy specimen – or at risk of a chronic disease or premature ageing, experts say. Medical researchers in Read more about Getting a grip on better health

VR headsets and hypnosis may help distract patients undergoing medical procedures

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 1001 AEDT | 1201 NZDT

Euroanaesthesia congress

Virtual reality headsets or medical hypnosis may help with pain and anxiety in patients undergoing short but painful medical procedures, according to Belgian scientists. They split 104 patients undergoing procedures into three groups. All received Read more about VR headsets and hypnosis may help distract patients undergoing medical procedures

Men tuning into Insta-spiration

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

Body Image

New research confirms men and teens are affected by Instagram influencers who set global benchmarks for ideal body shape, fashion and even facial trends. While perhaps not as focused on ‘thinness’ as women appear to be from female influencers, Read more about Men tuning into Insta-spiration

Has quality suffered in the rush to publish COVID-19 research?

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

An Australian analysis of research papers on COVID-19 published in five of the world's leading medical journals has found many differed from papers published in the same journals that were not about COVID-19. The researchers say three times as many Read more about Has quality suffered in the rush to publish COVID-19 research?

Mental ill-health major contributor to Australian youth suicide

Publicly released: Mon 30 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

The majority of young Australians who died by suicide between 2006 and 2015 had either a diagnosed or a likely mental health disorder, yet more than two-thirds were not in contact with mental health services at the time of their deaths, an analysis Read more about Mental ill-health major contributor to Australian youth suicide

Game changer in thermoelectric materials could unlock body-heat powered personal devices, such as wrist-watches

Publicly released: Sun 29 Nov 2020 at 1334 AEDT | 1534 NZDT

Advanced Energy Materials

An improvement in ultra‐efficient thermoelectric materials, which can convert heat into electricity and vice versa, has great potential for applications ranging from low-maintenance, solid-state refrigeration to compact, zero-carbon power Read more about Game changer in thermoelectric materials could unlock body-heat powered personal devices, such as wrist-watches

Nanoscopic barcodes set a new science limit

Publicly released: Fri 27 Nov 2020 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Nature Communications

Imagine shrinking barcodes a million times, from millimetre to nanometre scale, so that they could be used inside living cells to label, identify and track the building blocks of life or, blended into inks to prevent counterfeiting. This is the Read more about Nanoscopic barcodes set a new science limit

COVID-19 Peer Hub combats vaccine avoidance amid pandemic

Publicly released: Fri 27 Nov 2020 at 1516 AEDT | 1716 NZDT

UniSA researchers are evaluating a new vaccination education initiative – the COVID-19 Peer Hub – to help immunisation and public health professionals to tackle the emerging dangers of vaccine hesitancy amid the pandemic. Read more about COVID-19 Peer Hub combats vaccine avoidance amid pandemic

COVID-19 may hijack our cells' 'good cholesterol' system to spread through the body

Publicly released: Fri 27 Nov 2020 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

Nature Metabolism

SARS-CoV-2 may hijack our cells' internal cholesterol processing system to help it spread from cell to cell, according to a Chinese study of cells in a dish. They found the SARS-CoV-2 virus bound to HDL cholesterol (also known as 'good' Read more about COVID-19 may hijack our cells' 'good cholesterol' system to spread through the body

Climate change may mean trees will shed their leaves earlier

Publicly released: Fri 27 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science

Trees that lose their leaves in the autumn may be doing so earlier as climate change forces them to store more carbon earlier in the warmer months. Researchers looked at tree data from Europe harking as far back as 1948, and found that warmer Read more about Climate change may mean trees will shed their leaves earlier

Neanderthals were all thumbs

Publicly released: Fri 27 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Scientific Reports

Our Neanderthal ancestors' thumbs were made for squeezing, rather than precision like our own modern thumbs, say international researchers. The team digitally mapped out the thumb and thumb joints of five Neanderthals and compared them to the Read more about Neanderthals were all thumbs

The case of the missing dark matter: new suspect found in galactic mystery

Publicly released: Fri 27 Nov 2020 at 0100 AEDT | 0300 NZDT

The Astrophysical Journal

A faraway galaxy with almost no dark matter has threatened to break our theory of galaxy formation. New evidence suggests the galaxy isn’t an anomaly – but a victim of theft. Read more about The case of the missing dark matter: new suspect found in galactic mystery

Descendants suggest indigenous role in the William Hann's exploration of Cape York has been downplayed

Publicly released: Fri 27 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Historical Records of Australian Science

William Hann’s journey to explore Cape York Peninsula in 1872 was plagued by disharmony and now the descendants of members of his party have revisited the expedition and found his Indigenous guide and translator, Jerry, probably had a greater Read more about Descendants suggest indigenous role in the William Hann's exploration of Cape York has been downplayed

Aboriginal knowledge key to fight against bushfires and climate change: Narrm Oration

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 1800 AEDT | 2000 NZDT

Wiradjuri man and geographer, Associate Professor Michael-Shawn Fletcher, explores how Indigenous people and knowledge can save Australia’s environmental unravelling in this year’s Narrm Oration. Read more about Aboriginal knowledge key to fight against bushfires and climate change: Narrm Oration

High blood pressure in midlife may increase brain damage later

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 1631 AEDT | 1831 NZDT

European Heart Journal

Higher than normal blood pressure in mid-life is linked to more extensive brain damage associated with stroke, dementia, physical disabilities, depression and a decline in thinking abilities in the elderly, according to a UK study of 37,041 Read more about High blood pressure in midlife may increase brain damage later

Understanding traditional Chinese medicine can help protect species

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 1600 AEDT | 1800 NZDT

People and Nature

Demystifying traditional Chinese medicine for conservationists could be the key to better protecting endangered species like pangolins, tigers and rhino, according to University of Queensland-led researchers. UQ PhD candidate Hubert Cheung said Read more about Understanding traditional Chinese medicine can help protect species

Plasma-developed new material fundamental to Internet of Things

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 1241 AEDT | 1441 NZDT

Nature Communications

A new light-energised material that is much brighter and more dynamic than existing photo-luminescent material could power future devices fundamental to the Internet of Things. Smart devices could process information faster, better talk to each other Read more about Plasma-developed new material fundamental to Internet of Things

Jaguars robust to climate extremes but lack of food threatens species

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 1053 AEDT | 1253 NZDT

Ecology and Evolution

QUT researchers lead an investigation into the chances of wild jaguars surviving climate extremes with six scenarios modelling the behaviour, mating, births of cubs, competition, illegal hunting, death from starvation and availability of prey. Read more about Jaguars robust to climate extremes but lack of food threatens species

Kids born early at higher risk of hospital trips

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

Premature birth is linked to higher risk of hospital admissions up to the age of 10 years old, according to new research. Scientists in the UK tracked more than 1 million children between 2005 and 2015, and found that those born early were more Read more about Kids born early at higher risk of hospital trips

Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: December 2020 – February 2021

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The main fire risk for Australia this summer will be grass fires in the east and bushfires in the west, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: December 2020 – February 2021, released today by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Read more about Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: December 2020 – February 2021

When hoarding becomes a health problem

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 1026 AEDT | 1226 NZDT

Hoarding is a recognised mental health condition and should be treated as such – without the stigma associated with high-profile cases seen in the media, a UNSW clinical psychologist says. Read more about When hoarding becomes a health problem

Low-cost population-wide salt reduction strategies could save lives

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 1025 AEDT | 1225 NZDT

BMJ Open

Reducing salt consumption at population levels is a cost-effective strategy to combat high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in Africa according to new Griffith University-led research. Read more about Low-cost population-wide salt reduction strategies could save lives

Exercise can offset the risks of sitting around all day

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0959 AEDT | 1159 NZDT

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Getting in a good sweat for 30-40 minutes a day can reduce the health risks linked to prolonged sitting, such as early death. The findings come after researchers analysed data that tracked how more than 44,000 people from four countries moved. The Read more about Exercise can offset the risks of sitting around all day

Babbling back at bubs may boost their vocab

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

US scientists say imitating the babbling sounds babies make, while incorporating real words, may help boost their vocabularies. The team recorded whole days of 'conversation' between 53 13-month-old babies and their carers and asked the carers to Read more about Babbling back at bubs may boost their vocab

Female founding CEOs in male-dominated industries fare worse with investors

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science Advances

When men launch businesses in male-dominated industries, they raise more than ten times the average (NZD30 million) of what’s raised by women-led businesses, according to new research. An international research team looked at the data of hundreds Read more about Female founding CEOs in male-dominated industries fare worse with investors

Invasive wasps nesting in aircraft instruments in Brisbane could lead to disaster

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Please note this embargo has changed from 6AM AEDT Thursday 26 November to 6AM AEDT Tuesday 1 December 2020. Invasive keyhole wasps (Pachodynerus nasidens) in Brisbane like to nest in aircraft pitot probes - vital instruments that measure airspeed Read more about Invasive wasps nesting in aircraft instruments in Brisbane could lead to disaster

Landmark study to improve global wheat production

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0301 AEDT | 0501 NZDT

Nature

In a landmark study, an international team of scientists, including researchers from The University of Western Australia, have sequenced and analysed the genomes of 15 wheat varieties that represent breeding programs from around the world. The Read more about Landmark study to improve global wheat production

Unexpected discovery about stem cell immortality

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

A new paper out in Nature will upend 20 years of thinking on how stem cells protect their DNA. Telomeres are the protective caps at chromosome ends. In adult cells, telomeres shorten each time a cell divides and this contributes to ageing and cancer. Read more about Unexpected discovery about stem cell immortality

New wheat and barley genomes will help feed the world

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

An international research collaboration, including scientists from the University of Adelaide’s Waite Research Institute, has unlocked new genetic variation in wheat and barley – a major boost for the global effort in breeding higher-yielding Read more about New wheat and barley genomes will help feed the world

New insights into what makes massive stars shine

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

Scientists have gained new evidence into the way the Sun (and other more massive stars) produce energy. Stars are fuelled by the nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium, but there’s another fusion process, involving carbon, nitrogen and oxygen, Read more about New insights into what makes massive stars shine

COVID toes may point to an overactive immune response

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Dermatology

People coming to a clinic with a chilblain-like condition during the COVID-19 pandemic, often called 'COVID toes', have characteristics which indicate an overactive immune response called a type I interferonopathy, according to French research. Read more about COVID toes may point to an overactive immune response

Reach for the stars, but don't get burned - how spaceflight affects astronaut health

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Cell

As humanity continues to reach for the stars, we are discovering how space travel may affect our health. Loss of bone and muscle mass, immune dysfunction, as well as heart and liver problems have all been identified as existing issues resulting from Read more about Reach for the stars, but don't get burned - how spaceflight affects astronaut health

Tackling disadvantaged children's education post-COVID

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0101 AEDT | 0301 NZDT

COVID-19 has exposed fault lines in the education system for already disadvantaged students who are more likely to be severely impacted by the pandemic. Read more about Tackling disadvantaged children's education post-COVID

Fiji's vaccine program reduces childhood death and illness

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0101 AEDT | 0301 NZDT

The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific

Fiji’s national vaccine program against pneumonia, a serious lung condition, and rotavirus, a common disease which causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, has reduced illness and death, new research shows. Read more about Fiji's vaccine program reduces childhood death and illness