Pioneering remote screening for vital health signs indicating COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 1330 AEDT | 1530 NZDT

A key symptom of COVID-19 – oxygen saturation – is now being estimated remotely from a camera, thanks to research from University of South Australia engineers Professor Javaan Chahl, Dr Ali Al-Naji and their team of graduate students. Read more about Pioneering remote screening for vital health signs indicating COVID-19

New findings speed progress towards affordable gene therapy

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

Chemical Communcations

In a promising advance for affordable, personalised medicine, researchers have used metal-organic frameworks to successfully deliver the genetic snipping tool CRISPR/Cas9 into human cancer cells. Read more about New findings speed progress towards affordable gene therapy

Don’t use remdesivir to treat COVID-19 - WHO

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

The BMJ

The WHO has concluded that remdesivir has no meaningful effect on whether COVID-19 patients die, need to go on a ventilator, or how long they take to improve. After thoroughly reviewing the evidence, the WHO Guideline Development Group expert panel Read more about Don’t use remdesivir to treat COVID-19 - WHO

Infectiousness peaks early in COVID-19 patients, cases need to be rapidly isolated

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 1050 AEDT | 1250 NZDT

The Lancet Microbe

People infected with SARS-CoV-2 are most likely to be highly infectious in the first week after symptom onset, highlighting the need to identify and isolate cases early, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study suggests Read more about Infectiousness peaks early in COVID-19 patients, cases need to be rapidly isolated

Victorian bushfires have become more severe

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Bushfires in southern Australia have become more severe over the last 30 years, according to Australian research. The study found that the number of bushfires each year that were larger than 1,000 ha increased significantly between 1987 and 2017, a Read more about Victorian bushfires have become more severe

Slaughterhouses are coronavirus hotspots

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

PNAS

Livestock processing plants are responsible for up to 8 per cent of all coronavirus infections in the United States, new research finds. The study authors say as of July, slaughterhouses were linked to up to 310,000 COVID-19 cases, and up to 5,200 Read more about Slaughterhouses are coronavirus hotspots

Closing the gap for vision – good progress made but still a way to go

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Australia continues to Close the Gap for Vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, but not fast enough, according to a report being launched today. Read more about Closing the gap for vision – good progress made but still a way to go

How the flu spreads within cities

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Pathogens

The spread of respiratory diseases, such as the flu, is affected by temperature and school-aged children, according to Swiss researchers, who looked at how the flu spread within a city. The researchers looked at the genetic sequences of the flu Read more about How the flu spreads within cities

Cesarean-born babies at increased risk of infection-related hospitalisation in early childhood

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Medicine

Cesarean-born babies are at increased risk during early childhood of being hospitalised due to an infection, according to a new study of over seven million births from four countries. Read more about Cesarean-born babies at increased risk of infection-related hospitalisation in early childhood

The carrots and sticks of freshwater policy

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

A new research paper by Motu Economic and Public Policy Research presents the array of different policy instruments available for managing freshwater quality and quantity and provides insights into how the various instruments can be used to Read more about The carrots and sticks of freshwater policy

First map of bee species creating some buzz

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Current Biology

International researchers have created some buzz after putting together the most complete map of bee species to date. There are over 20,000 species of bee – more than birds and mammals combined – but until now, information about how these Read more about First map of bee species creating some buzz

Start monitoring for vaccine side effects now - GP

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

NZMJ

A retired GP says New Zealand should set up a system to actively monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. In a Viewpoint article, he says enough people will be getting the jab that there is a decent risk of adverse side-effects, negative publicity Read more about Start monitoring for vaccine side effects now - GP

Pregnant New Zealanders are eating unsafe foods

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

NZMJ

A survey of 200 pregnant New Zealanders has found a concerning lack of knowledge of which foods are safe for them to eat. Three quarters of those surveyed incorrectly identified a potentially dangerous food as safe. It also highlighted that Māori Read more about Pregnant New Zealanders are eating unsafe foods

NZers toughed out appendicitis through lockdown

Publicly released: Fri 20 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

NZMJ

The number of patients with appendicitis in New Zealand hospitals noticeably dropped over the national COVID-19 lockdown. However those who did go to hospital had been experiencing symptoms for longer, suffered more complications, and had to stay in Read more about NZers toughed out appendicitis through lockdown

Oxford's COVID-19 jab safer in older adults

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 1800 AEDT | 2000 NZDT

The Lancet

Phase 2 trial results from Oxford’s ChAdOx1 vaccine shows it’s better tolerated in older people compared to younger adults, and produces a similar immune response in old and young adults. The study of 560 healthy adults – including 240 over 70 Read more about Oxford's COVID-19 jab safer in older adults

Potential new target to combat inflammatory diseases

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 1618 AEDT | 1818 NZDT

EBioMedicine

An international team of researchers have uncovered a drug-like compound that blocks a crucial inflammatory pathway, potentially paving the way for a new treatment for a host of diseases – including COVID-19. WEHI’s Associate Professor Seth Read more about Potential new target to combat inflammatory diseases

Smartwatches could help detect COVID before symptoms appear

Publicly released: Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 1508 AEDT | 1708 NZDT

Nature Biomedical Engineering

Smartwatches can detect changes in you body as much as nine days before COVID symptoms appear, according to US research. The researchers analysed data from 32 individuals infected with COVID-19, identified from a group of nearly 5,300 participants, Read more about Smartwatches could help detect COVID before symptoms appear

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