New report reveals chronic disadvantage among social housing tenants

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

The first report from a five-year study has found social housing tenants are more likely to have experienced chronic, often lifelong, disadvantage than other groups, revealing complex needs for which effective social housing is a crucial social Read more about New report reveals chronic disadvantage among social housing tenants

Trial questions how well masks actually work for COVID-19

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 1300 AEDT | 1500 NZDT

Annals of Internal Medicine

A randomised trial of more than 6,000 people in Denmark suggests masks have limited additional benefit in stopping COVID-19 spread for people already following social distancing and hygiene recommendations. The trial, known as the DANMASK-19 trial, Read more about Trial questions how well masks actually work for COVID-19

EXPERT REACTION: Does Adelaide have a "super-strain" of COVID-19?

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 1249 AEDT | 1449 NZDT

As South Australia begins a 6-day "circuit-breaking" lockdown, questions have been raised about the particular strain that has caused a cluster in Adelaide's north-west. Premier Steven Marshall described it as "particularly sneaky", with SA's Chief Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Does Adelaide have a "super-strain" of COVID-19?

Scientists defy nature to make insta-bling at room temperature

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

Small

An international team of scientists has defied nature to make diamonds in minutes in a laboratory at room temperature – a process that normally requires billions of years, huge amounts of pressure and super-hot temperatures. Read more about Scientists defy nature to make insta-bling at room temperature

Can animals use iridescent colours to communicate?

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Trends in Ecology and Evolution

A new paper from the University of Melbourne reveals how animals use beautiful but unreliable iridescent colours as communication signals. Special adaptations enable animals to control how these shifting colours appear so that they can convey Read more about Can animals use iridescent colours to communicate?

Little impact of COVID-19 pandemic on routine childhood vaccination in Australia

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

A new report “COVID-19: Impact on routine childhood vaccination uptake in Australia” released today by NCIRS found no substantial impact on vaccination uptake at any of the National Immunisation Program schedule points. Read more about Little impact of COVID-19 pandemic on routine childhood vaccination in Australia

World-first skin cancer treatment aims to help transplant patients

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

A new medication which can be applied to the skin could help prevent organ transplant recipients from developing harmful skin cancers. Read more about World-first skin cancer treatment aims to help transplant patients

Gut microbiome link to deadly lung disease

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

Nature Communications

Research led by the Centenary Institute, the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Queensland has shown for the first time a link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an often fatal lung condition, and the gut Read more about Gut microbiome link to deadly lung disease

Alzheimer’s disease drug may help fight against antibiotic resistance

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science Translational Medicine

An experimental Alzheimer's disease treatment is proving effective at treating some of the most persistent, life-threatening antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Researchers from The University of Queensland, The University of Melbourne and Griffith Read more about Alzheimer’s disease drug may help fight against antibiotic resistance

Emotional responses to music - without a sound

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Music prompts strong emotional responses in people – but often it’s not just the sounds that shape what emotion we experience. Many inbuilt expectations and preferences set up our emotional framework for music, even notions that don’t even Read more about Emotional responses to music - without a sound

New hope for tinnitus sufferers

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Australian researchers have developed a new technology to objectively measure tinnitus, according to a study published on November 18th in the journal PLOS ONE. Read more about New hope for tinnitus sufferers

Super-resolution 'street view' microscopy hits the SPOT

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Nature Communications

An advanced technique called SPOT is giving researchers a 'street view' of the vital lipid membranes surrounding organelles. This opens up opportunities to study the sophisticated world of lipid dynamics with the potential for monitoring and Read more about Super-resolution 'street view' microscopy hits the SPOT

EXPERT REACTION: South Australia to begin 6-day "circuit breaker" lockdown

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 1534 AEDT | 1734 NZDT

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall has this afternoon announced the state will begin a 6-day lockdown from midnight tonight. Schools, restaurants, sport, weddings and funerals are amongst those to be closed or banned. The measure, described Read more about EXPERT REACTION: South Australia to begin 6-day "circuit breaker" lockdown

Chinese COVID-19 vaccine found to be safe and induce immune response

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 1244 AEDT | 1444 NZDT

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

A COVID-19 vaccine candidate based on an inactivated whole SARS-CoV-2 virus has been found to be safe and induce an antibody response in healthy volunteers, results from a phase I and II trial have shown. The vaccine, known as 'CoronaVac', was Read more about Chinese COVID-19 vaccine found to be safe and induce immune response

Research into Kathleen Folbigg murder case indicates genetic disease at play

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 1226 AEDT | 1426 NZDT

EP Eurospace

A team of international scientists including Australian researchers has found that a rare genetic mutation carried by Kathleen Folbigg and her two infant daughters could have explained the children's deaths. Kathleen Folbigg was convicted in 2003 of Read more about Research into Kathleen Folbigg murder case indicates genetic disease at play

Free telescopes set school kids dancing with the STARS

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

Children in remote and regional schools will soon be visited by astronomers bearing gifts in a quest to kindle interest in the cosmos. Read more about Free telescopes set school kids dancing with the STARS

COVID case numbers may be six times higher than reported

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Royal Society Open Science

Australian researchers say the true number of infections in the COVID-19 pandemic could be around six times greater than the reported number of cases. The researchers used the number of reported deaths in 15 developed countries, including Australia, Read more about COVID case numbers may be six times higher than reported

Whale song leads researchers on a journey through the South Pacific

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Royal Society Open Science

Scientists have discovered more about humpback whale migration through underwater acoustic monitoring. The songs, recorded around New Zealand, suggest the whales most likely breed in the waters off New Caledonia, and predominantly travel through the Read more about Whale song leads researchers on a journey through the South Pacific

New electronic chip delivers smarter, light-powered AI

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0830 AEDT | 1030 NZDT

Advanced Materials

Researchers have developed artificial intelligence technology that brings together imaging, processing, machine learning and memory in one electronic chip, powered by light. Read more about New electronic chip delivers smarter, light-powered AI

Can wearable tech predict COVID-19 and reveal how pandemics affect us?

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

University of Sydney researchers have joined an international US-led effort to discover if data from wearable tech like smartwatches and activity trackers could provide an early indication of COVID-19, as well as examine how pandemics change our Read more about Can wearable tech predict COVID-19 and reveal how pandemics affect us?

Childhood lead exposure may corrode brains later in life

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA

Lead exposure has been linked to disrupted brain development, and new research shows it may have long-term consequences for structural brain integrity too. Researchers used data from participants in The Dunedin Study, who have been tracked from Read more about Childhood lead exposure may corrode brains later in life

Weka: Pest controller or apex predator?

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

There’s a controversial predator in New Zealand forests, and it’s not your tabby - it’s a native flightless bird. Weka are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on invasive predators like rats and mice as well as the eggs and chicks of other native Read more about Weka: Pest controller or apex predator?

NEWS BRIEFING: What is stopping us winning the war on waste? ATSE report

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0005 AEDT | 0205 NZDT

Australians create around 67 million tonnes of waste each year, that's 2. 7 tonnes for every person. At the moment we only recycle just over half of this waste; the rest ends up in landfill. But if we recycled it all, we could also create an extra Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: What is stopping us winning the war on waste? ATSE report

Love goes on in lockdown, but is less physical for some

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexual activity and dating app use declined among Australian adults during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, although chatting on dating apps increased, University of Melbourne research has found. The national online survey looked at the impact Read more about Love goes on in lockdown, but is less physical for some

Kids mount a COVID-19 immune response without detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus

Publicly released: Wed 18 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Nature Communications

Children in a Melbourne family developed a COVID-19 immune response after chronic exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus from their parents, a new case report has found. Read more about Kids mount a COVID-19 immune response without detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus

Mastering the art of nanoscale construction to breathe easy and bust fraud

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1600 AEDT | 1800 NZDT

Advanced Functional Materials

A new way to arrange very small materials with perfect control could lead to more secure banknotes and passports, and quicker detection of harmful gas through a clever use of light. Read more about Mastering the art of nanoscale construction to breathe easy and bust fraud

Exploring the brain’s ‘unknown zone’

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1300 AEDT | 1500 NZDT

A mystery region of the brain associated with learning and memory is set to reveal its secrets in a new study exploration at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Described as one of the least studied regions of the brain, the Read more about Exploring the brain’s ‘unknown zone’

Queensland suicide rate unaffected during first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Lancet Psychiatry

Up until the end of August there was no overall change in Queensland’s suspected suicide rate between since the declaration of a public health emergency declaration (PHED) on January 29. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to some Read more about Queensland suicide rate unaffected during first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Let's talk about sex(bots)... for the elderly and disabled

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Journal of Medical Ethics

Service bots are available to assist with eating, dressing and bathing, so why not sexytime too? The sexbot industry should market their products to older adults and those with disabilities, according to a US ethicist who points out these groups of Read more about Let's talk about sex(bots)... for the elderly and disabled

Night shift could leave you short of breath

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Thorax

Shift workers, especially those working permanent night shifts, may be at a heightened risk of moderate to severe asthma, say UK and US researchers. The team explains that, after taking account of potentially influencing factors, people on permanent Read more about Night shift could leave you short of breath

Heat-detecting drones help find koalas in forests

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Heat-detecting drones are a cheaper, more efficient way to find koalas in forests than traditional spotlighting methods, according to Australian research. Koala populations in NSW are under threat, especially after last summer's devastating Read more about Heat-detecting drones help find koalas in forests

Sexual health status of Australia’s young Indigenous revealed

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

The results are in for the latest Australia-wide sexual health survey of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Read more about Sexual health status of Australia’s young Indigenous revealed

Ranking the best ways to limit COVID spread

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Nature Human Behaviour

The most effective ways of limiting COVID are cancelling small gatherings, closing schools and unis, border restrictions, individual movement restrictions, national lockdowns and increasing the supply of personal protective equipment, according to Read more about Ranking the best ways to limit COVID spread

First treatment closer for fatal disease affecting premature babies

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Nature Communications

Melbourne researchers have published a study that will accelerate new treatments for an often-fatal disease affecting premature babies in intensive care, called necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). The condition can trigger massive inflammation causing Read more about First treatment closer for fatal disease affecting premature babies

Every pregnancy helps reduce endometrial cancer risk

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

International Journal of Cancer

It is well known that having a full-term pregnancy reduces a woman’s risk of developing endometrial cancer, but new QIMR Berghofer research has clearly shown for the first time that pregnancies that end in a miscarriage also reduce risk of Read more about Every pregnancy helps reduce endometrial cancer risk

Could key gene system discovery be suffocating corals’ last gasp?

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Global Change Biology

Ocean deoxygenation is now being recognised as major threat to future global coral reef survival. Climate change and localised pollution are exposing marine life worldwide to lower oxygen levels leaving fragile coral reef ecosystems especially Read more about Could key gene system discovery be suffocating corals’ last gasp?

Abundant corals and fishes emerge from the ancient contours of Arafura Marine Park

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Scientists have collected the first fine-scale maps and imagery of reefs and submarine canyons in the rarely visited Arafura Marine Park, revealing seafloor environments with surprisingly diverse coral and fish communities. Read more about Abundant corals and fishes emerge from the ancient contours of Arafura Marine Park

New placement for one of Earth's largest mass extinction events

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

PNAS

Curtin University research has shed new light on when one of the largest mass extinction events on Earth occurred, which gives new meaning to what killed Triassic life and allowed the ecological expansion of dinosaurs in the Jurassic period. The Read more about New placement for one of Earth's largest mass extinction events

National supplies of protein, carbs and fats can predict your lifespan

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

PNAS

A new global study from the University of Sydney has looked at how macronutrient supplies (proteins, carbohydrates and fats) of different countries are associated with the risk of death at different ages. It is the most extensive analysis to date of Read more about National supplies of protein, carbs and fats can predict your lifespan

Henderson Island fossils reveal new Polynesian sandpiper species

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society

Fossil bones collected in the early 1990s on Henderson Island, part of the Pitcairn Group, have revealed a new species of Polynesian sandpiper. The newly-described bird is formally named Prosobonia sauli after Cook Islands-based ornithologist and Read more about Henderson Island fossils reveal new Polynesian sandpiper species

Who's Australia's best super-recogniser? This test could help us find them

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS One

Psychologists are hoping the UNSW Face Test will help unearth more of Australia’s top performers in facial recognition, known as super-recognisers. Read more about Who's Australia's best super-recogniser? This test could help us find them

Using sand to reconstruct 3,000 years of typhoons

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Geoscience

The number of typhoons and tropical cyclones in the past has been affected by changes in ocean and atmosphere conditions, new research finds. The research team, including a New Zealander, looked at evidence of past cyclones in sediment layers to Read more about Using sand to reconstruct 3,000 years of typhoons

Native lizards thriving after Kāpiti Island cleared of rats

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

Some native lizard populations have increased 28-fold after rats were eradicated from Kāpiti Island, off the West coast of the lower North Island. Ecologists surveyed the island in 2014-15 and found more of almost every type of skink and gecko than Read more about Native lizards thriving after Kāpiti Island cleared of rats

Hawke’s Bay feral cats take a hit from new poison regime

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

Conservationists suggest a predator control regime in Hawke’s Bay has reduced the feral cat population by nearly 40 per cent. A 2018 trial saw toxic PredaSTOP baits laid at stations across 9,000 hectares of bush. They found baits were removed from Read more about Hawke’s Bay feral cats take a hit from new poison regime

Measles outbreaks likely in wake of COVID-19 pandemic

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

The Lancet

Major measles outbreaks will likely occur during 2021 as an unexpected consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new academic article. Read more about Measles outbreaks likely in wake of COVID-19 pandemic

Key patient insights the missing link in understanding COVID-19 and its mutations

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

A new study led by Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, has found 95. 5 per cent of current entries in GISAID, the world’s largest novel coronavirus genome database, do not contain relevant patient information — a critical piece Read more about Key patient insights the missing link in understanding COVID-19 and its mutations

Revealing Australia’s multi-billion dollar superbug crisis

Publicly released: Tue 17 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

One of the world’s most common infections will cost Australia more than $1 billion a year within the next decade, if nothing is done to stop the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria (superbugs). Read more about Revealing Australia’s multi-billion dollar superbug crisis

Supermarkets are getting closer to home in poorer areas

Publicly released: Mon 16 Nov 2020 at 1648 AEDT | 1848 NZDT

Social Science & Medicine

The average urban-dwelling Kiwi has a shorter drive to their nearest fast-food outlet and supermarket than they did a decade ago, according to new research. However, in the most deprived areas, there has been an even more notable decrease in the Read more about Supermarkets are getting closer to home in poorer areas

COVID-19 stigma could lead to more infections

Publicly released: Mon 16 Nov 2020 at 1631 AEDT | 1831 NZDT

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine

A comprehensive guide to dealing with stigma around contracting COVID-19 has been developed by a team of researchers including a New Zealander. They say shame associated with the virus could result in more cases as people become reluctant to report Read more about COVID-19 stigma could lead to more infections

Southland skaters confident but concerned

Publicly released: Mon 16 Nov 2020 at 1617 AEDT | 1817 NZDT

Journal of Transport & Health

A survey of 775 Southland teenagers has found seven per cent hop on a skateboard to get around - with more than a third of skaters reporting it was their main mode of transport. Skaters also reported doing more physical exercise and had higher Read more about Southland skaters confident but concerned