Distancing age groups could reduce COVID-19 deaths

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Open Biology

COVID-19 deaths could be significantly reduced if people are only allowed to socialise within their own age group in places such as movie theatres or restaurants, according to new modelling. The study authors modelled the pandemic under these rules, Read more about Distancing age groups could reduce COVID-19 deaths

New seal species named after Middle-Earth’s Great Sea

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Researchers have found a new species of extinct monk seal which lived in the Tasman Sea around New Zealand. The discovery has forced an rethink of the evolutionary history of seals, as it shows ‘true seals’ evolved in the Southern Hemisphere far Read more about New seal species named after Middle-Earth’s Great Sea

Link between sleep apnea and increased risk of dementia found

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Journal of Alzheimer's Disease

A new study by Monash University has found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been linked to an increased risk of dementia. The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, and led by Dr Melinda Jackson from the Turner Institute for Read more about Link between sleep apnea and increased risk of dementia found

Future doctors need more nutrition education

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health

Medical students need more support to increase their nutrition knowledge and skills before they graduate a Griffith University study has found. The five-year study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health, examined over 100 New Read more about Future doctors need more nutrition education

Engineering Australia's Next Industrial Revolution

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

The 2020 recipient of the RSV’s prestigious Medal for Excellence in Scientific Research is Professor Bronwyn Fox, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at Swinburne University of Technology. “It is because of her sustained Read more about Engineering Australia's Next Industrial Revolution

Around 1 in 6 of us drank more booze during the pandemic, but 1 in 6 drank less

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Drug and Alcohol Review

Around 1 in 6 Australians drank more alcohol during the COVID19 pandemic  - but around 1 in 6 Aussies also drank less, possibly because the pubs and clubs were shut, according to Australian research. The survey of over 2,000 people found that Read more about Around 1 in 6 of us drank more booze during the pandemic, but 1 in 6 drank less

Looking through the door of meth labs

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Drug and Alcohol Review

Methamphetamine ‘cooks’ in domestic labs are most likely to be male, Caucasian and about 30 years’ old, according to University of Queensland researchers. Read more about Looking through the door of meth labs

Reopening restaurants and cafes carries high risk of spreading COVID

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

Reopening places such as restaurants, fitness centres, cafes, and hotels carries the highest risk for transmitting SARS-CoV-2, according to modelling based on US data, but there is hope for our café culture, with the research also suggesting that Read more about Reopening restaurants and cafes carries high risk of spreading COVID

Microbe mining in space

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Communications

Bacteria could enable space exploration, according to research that included experiments on the International Space Station. Rare Earth elements (REEs) are critical components of electronics, so if humans are to settle on other planets we will need Read more about Microbe mining in space

A step closer to holographic phone screens

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Communications

A thin, interactive holographic display which can be viewed from a wide range of angles has been developed by South Korean and Russian researchers. Current thin-panel holographic displays are limited by computational power and the amount of pixels Read more about A step closer to holographic phone screens

Children face extensive wait times for costly private mental health support

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health

Parents are facing extensive wait times and substantial out-of-pocket costs when seeking private mental health support for their children, according to a new study. Read more about Children face extensive wait times for costly private mental health support

Animation reveals secrets of critical tumour protein

Publicly released: Wed 11 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

The latest animation technology has revealed the molecular detail of how our bodies are protected from cancer by a key ‘tumour suppressor’ protein. The new WEHI-TV animation visualises discoveries from more than 40 years of research to explain Read more about Animation reveals secrets of critical tumour protein

Muscle typology may be key to elite cyclists' success at chosen sport

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise

The differences in the muscle typology of world-class cyclists competing in different disciplines could help determine discipline selection and talent identification of young cyclists a new study has found. Read more about Muscle typology may be key to elite cyclists' success at chosen sport

Schools unfairly targeting vulnerable children with exclusion policies

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 1400 AEDT | 1600 NZDT

Australian schools are unfairly suspending and excluding students – particularly boys, Indigenous students, and students with a disability – according to new research from the University of South Australia. Read more about Schools unfairly targeting vulnerable children with exclusion policies

New neural network explains human behaviours from dynamic brain activity

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Nature Neuroscience

An international research team has uncovered a new method that can analyse signals in the brain to assess how we control our everyday behaviours. In the future, this algorithm will unlock the potential to decode brain signals and allow patients to Read more about New neural network explains human behaviours from dynamic brain activity

EXPERT REACTION: Pfizer announces COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

US pharmaceutical company Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced overnight that their vaccine candidate was more than 90 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19. The results are based on initial data from a large study of 43,538 Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Pfizer announces COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective

Sugary snacking may cause more cavities than sugar at mealtimes

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 1059 AEDT | 1259 NZDT

European Journal of Oral Sciences

The body of scientific research points to snacking on sugary and starchy foods as a major culprit in developing dental cavities, according to NZ academics who have reviewed a range of studies. However they had mixed results on whether cavities were Read more about Sugary snacking may cause more cavities than sugar at mealtimes

Taking those multivitamins to keep you healthy? It might be all in your mind

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

BMJ Open

The health benefits of multivitamins and mineral supplements may be all our minds, with new research showing that the people who take them say they are healthier than those who don't, despite there being no real differences in measurable health Read more about Taking those multivitamins to keep you healthy? It might be all in your mind

Lockdown may lead to future flu outbreaks

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 0904 AEDT | 1104 NZDT

PNAS

Scientists warn healthcare systems need to gear up for an influx of respiratory infections like influenza once lockdowns and physical distancing rules are lifted. The researchers found that the measures intended to limit the spread of COVID-19 have Read more about Lockdown may lead to future flu outbreaks

Printable ink guides cell growth, offers nerve injury hope

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

RSC Advances

Researchers have developed a neuron-growing ink that uses the body’s own electrical signals to precisely guide the growth of nerve cells. Read more about Printable ink guides cell growth, offers nerve injury hope

Gene editing study finds gene for heat tolerance in corals

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

PNAS

Scientists have used CRISPR-Cas technology to identify a gene responsible for heat tolerance in a coral on the Great Barrier Reef. Read more about Gene editing study finds gene for heat tolerance in corals

Learning a new language recruits the right side of the brain

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

JNeurosci

In most people, language relies on the brain's left hemisphere, but the right hemisphere may chip in to help you understand when you learn a language later in life, according to Spanish researchers. They scanned the brains of adults while they read, Read more about Learning a new language recruits the right side of the brain

Overcrowded nursing homes hit much harder by COVID-19

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

Data from 623 nursing homes in Ontario, Canada suggest crowded homes were more likely to experience larger and deadlier COVID-19 outbreaks, according to Canadian researchers. Overcrowding was determined based on the number of residents per bedroom Read more about Overcrowded nursing homes hit much harder by COVID-19

We just added over 12,000 new species to the list of Earth's bacteria

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Biotechnology

Australian scientists have helped boost what we know about the bacteria that live on and around us by deciphering the DNA of over 12,000 new species from 52,000 environmental DNA samples. The samples were previously taken from oceans, soil, animals Read more about We just added over 12,000 new species to the list of Earth's bacteria

Hominin cranium discovery opens unparalleled window into human microevolutionary history

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Ecology & Evolution

Palaeoanthropologists have discovered a two-million-year-old adult hominin skull – the earliest known and best preserved Paranthropus robustus specimen ever found. Read more about Hominin cranium discovery opens unparalleled window into human microevolutionary history

Jupiter may have a glow-in-the-dark moon

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Astronomy

The night side of Jupiter’s moon Europa might glow visibly, according to lab simulations. Researchers in NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory simulated the impact of space radiation on the surface of Europa using salted ice, which gave off a greenish Read more about Jupiter may have a glow-in-the-dark moon

Yet another trial finds hydroxychloroquine doesn't treat COVID-19

Publicly released: Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA

A randomised controlled trial of hydroxychloroquine has once again found the treatment did not significantly improve the outcome of patients hospitalised with COVID-19. The study compared the effects of hydroxychloroquine versus a placebo on almost Read more about Yet another trial finds hydroxychloroquine doesn't treat COVID-19

New cancer drugs have helped save more than a million Americans over the last 16 years

Publicly released: Mon 9 Nov 2020 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

Journal of Medical Economics

More than 1. 2 million lives were saved between 2000 and 2016 in the US alone thanks in part to new cancer drugs, according to US researchers, including a scientist from drug manufacturer Pfizer Inc. , which also funded the study. They say 106 new Read more about New cancer drugs have helped save more than a million Americans over the last 16 years

Immune system discovery could lead to better treatments and vaccines

Publicly released: Mon 9 Nov 2020 at 1514 AEDT | 1714 NZDT

Nature Communications

New Zealand researchers have discovered a single type of cell found on the skin could be involved in causing a number of allergies and autoimmune disorders. The researchers say the discovery - although in mice - could allow for more targeted allergy Read more about Immune system discovery could lead to better treatments and vaccines

Autism CRC publishes landmark report on evidence for autism interventions

Publicly released: Mon 9 Nov 2020 at 1400 AEDT | 1600 NZDT

Autism CRC has today published a landmark report for families, clinicians, researchers and policy makers, which synthesises the best available high-quality evidence about interventions for children on the autism spectrum aged up to 12 years. The Read more about Autism CRC publishes landmark report on evidence for autism interventions

1000 Discoveries from Plant Energy Biology

Publicly released: Mon 9 Nov 2020 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

In 2020, a world leading Australian plant research Centre hit a milestone 1000 publications. To celebrate, the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology are recounting some of their biggest, weirdest, most impactful and most surprising Read more about 1000 Discoveries from Plant Energy Biology

Are our soils healthy enough to grow our own food?

Publicly released: Mon 9 Nov 2020 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

Journal of Cleaner Production

University of Adelaide researchers at the Waite campus have surveyed soil health across the Adelaide region to uncover the potential for food crops to be grown in an urban environment. The global COVID-19 pandemic and a desire to mitigate against Read more about Are our soils healthy enough to grow our own food?

Trial targets deadly lung cancer

Publicly released: Mon 9 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Pathology

With more than 650 Australians diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma last year, Flinders University is leading new research to discover alternatives to chemotherapy and even prevent deaths by early detection in future. One novel approach, using Read more about Trial targets deadly lung cancer

New ‘robotic snake’ device grips, picks up objects

Publicly released: Mon 9 Nov 2020 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

Advanced Materials Technologies

An invention similar to an elephant’s trunk has potential benefits for many industries where handling delicate objects is essential, say the UNSW researchers who developed it. Read more about New ‘robotic snake’ device grips, picks up objects

Cheaper version of Inflammatory Bowel Disease drug is just as safe and effective

Publicly released: Mon 9 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

Switching patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to a similar version of an existing drug is not only safe and effective, but could also result in significant savings to both patients and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The researchers Read more about Cheaper version of Inflammatory Bowel Disease drug is just as safe and effective

COVID-19 and mental health: Are we really all in it together?

Publicly released: Mon 9 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

When it comes to COVID-19 and its effects on the mental health of Australians, we may “all be in this together” but some are further in than others, according to Professor Patrick McGorry, one of the nation’s leading mental health Read more about COVID-19 and mental health: Are we really all in it together?

'Medically actionable' genetic results: ethical challenges for researchers

Publicly released: Mon 9 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

Australian medical research studies generate genetic information on thousands of participants, but not all participants are receiving genetic results, even when they are medically actionable, due to a range of ethical and practical challenges, Read more about 'Medically actionable' genetic results: ethical challenges for researchers

Vaping-related illness EVALI is similar to flu and pneumonia

Publicly released: Sat 7 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

A US study of 31 patients with e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) has found it is a flu-like illness that causes inflammation in the lungs. And lung scans found similarities to pneumonia in around nine out of ten patients. More Read more about Vaping-related illness EVALI is similar to flu and pneumonia

Greater glider species triple

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Scientific reports

Australian scientists have discovered one of Australia’s best-loved animals is actually three different species. A team of Aussie researchers analysed the genetic make-up of the greater glider – a possum-sized marsupial that can glide up to 100 Read more about Greater glider species triple

Terminator salvation? New machine learning program to speed up clean energy generation

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Nature Computational Materials

From ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Blade Runner’ to ‘The Matrix’, Hollywood has taught us to be wary of artificial intelligence. But rather than sealing our doom on the big screen, algorithms could be the solution to at least one issue presented Read more about Terminator salvation? New machine learning program to speed up clean energy generation

Australia's prehistoric green centre

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 1800 AEDT | 2000 NZDT

Historical Biology

A chance discovery of a plant fossil in London's Natural History Museum of a plant fossil collected in the 1840s has led to Queensland Museum paleobotanist Dr Andrew Rozefelds finding the first Australian instance of the flowering plant family, Read more about Australia's prehistoric green centre

Sugar-coated viral proteins hijack and hitch a ride out of cells

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 1545 AEDT | 1745 NZDT

PNAS

Many viruses – including coronaviruses ­– have protective outer layer made of proteins, fats and sugars. New research shows targeting sugar production has potential for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Read more about Sugar-coated viral proteins hijack and hitch a ride out of cells

Inclusive exercise program 'parkrun' helps fitness-phobes get active

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 1211 AEDT | 1411 NZDT

Preventive Medicine Reports

Australian and New Zealand scientists reviewed 15 previous studies on the volunteer-run, community-based 'parkrun' program, and found it encourages people who are not normally drawn to exercise to engage in physical activity, benefitting their Read more about Inclusive exercise program 'parkrun' helps fitness-phobes get active

Leukaemia patient shed infectious SARS-CoV-2 for at least 70 days

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 1133 AEDT | 1333 NZDT

Cell

US and UK researchers present the case of a 71-year-old woman with leukaemia who continued to shed SARS-CoV-2 for at least 70 days and didn't fully clear the virus for 105 days, despite not showing any symptoms of COVID-19. The majority of people Read more about Leukaemia patient shed infectious SARS-CoV-2 for at least 70 days

Seeing dark matter in a new light

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

A small team of astronomers from Swinburne University of Technology has found a new way to ‘see’ the elusive dark matter halos that surround galaxies. Read more about Seeing dark matter in a new light

Asian patients with COVID-19 may be more at risk of stroke

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry

New research has linked COVID-19 and Asian ethnicity among stroke patients. Doctors in the UK looked at the data of over 1400 patients, and found that nearly 1 in 5 of those with COVID-19 when they had their stroke were Asian - more than twice the Read more about Asian patients with COVID-19 may be more at risk of stroke

Should people be paid to get a COVID-19 jab?

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Journal of Medical Ethics

Governments should consider paying people to get a COVID-19 vaccine, according to a UK ethicist. The author says either financial incentives, or 'payment in kind', could be key to ensuring enough people get the vaccine to stamp out the spread of Read more about Should people be paid to get a COVID-19 jab?

EXPERT REACTION: Kiwi kids among the unhealthiest in the world

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Lancet

A worldwide study of children aged 5-19 years found that kids in New Zealand are gaining more weight, and becoming less healthy, than many other countries. Researchers analysed data from 200 countries to track trends in height, weight and BMI from Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Kiwi kids among the unhealthiest in the world

COVID immune response different in kids

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

Nature Immunology

Children and adults have different immune responses to COVID-19, according to new research. Scientists in the USA measured the antibody response in 79 patients aged 3 - 84 years. Their findings suggest there are key differences in the way the immune Read more about COVID immune response different in kids

Appetite for change? Global food system jeopardising climate targets

Publicly released: Fri 6 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science

New research says our chances of meeting the Paris Agreement's global warming targets are being jeopardised by food production, which is currently responsible for around 30 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions. An international team of Read more about Appetite for change? Global food system jeopardising climate targets