-
OCD linked to 82% heightened risk of death from any cause
BMJ
Researchers compared health data of almost 700,000 Swedish people either with or without obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), finding that people with OCD had an increased risk of death from any cause. The team also looked at the health data of more Read more about OCD linked to 82% heightened risk of death from any cause
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
Collaboration developing new faecal transplant pills
Curtin University and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood are joining forces to develop a new faecal transplant capsule for Australian clinical trials. The partnership between Curtin University and Lifeblood aims to design and co-develop a more Read more about Collaboration developing new faecal transplant pills
Australia; WACurtin University|Australian Red Cross -
Ongoing physio after a shoulder dislocation may not be more helpful than a single advice session
The BMJ
Attending regular physiotherapy sessions for months after a shoulder dislocation may be no more effective than a single advice session, according to international research. The team recruited nearly 500 people who had dislocated their shoulder for Read more about Ongoing physio after a shoulder dislocation may not be more helpful than a single advice session
InternationalUniversity of Bristol, UK -
Mini marsupial goes from sex fests to cannibal feasts
Australian Mammalogy
The mouse-sized marsupial famed for its mighty mating until it dies has now been observed eating its own dead. Associate Professor Andrew Baker from QUT School of Biology and Environmental Science said antechinuses are carnivorous marsupials Read more about Mini marsupial goes from sex fests to cannibal feasts
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|Queensland Museum -
The signs that could mean sleep apnoea is putting you at risk on the road
European Respiratory Journal
People with obstructive sleep apnoea who frequently use strategies such as winding down the window, drinking caffeine or turning up the radio to stay alert while driving could be most at risk of a road accident as a result of fatigue, according to Read more about The signs that could mean sleep apnoea is putting you at risk on the road
InternationalSt. James’s University Hospital, UK -
Researchers pump brakes on ‘blue acceleration’ harming oceans
One Earth
Protecting the world’s oceans against accelerating damage from human activities could be cheaper and take up less space than previously thought, new research has found. Protecting the world’s oceans against accelerating damage from human Read more about Researchers pump brakes on ‘blue acceleration’ harming oceans
Australia; InternationalThe University of Queensland -
What are the dietary choices driving heart disease in Australia?
PLOS ONE
Too much red meat for women and not enough wholegrains for men are some of the biggest diet-related contributors to heart disease in Australia, according to Australian researchers. The team used data from a global disease burden study from 1990 to Read more about What are the dietary choices driving heart disease in Australia?
Australia; VICDeakin University -
Predicting other's preferences is cross cultural and uniquely human
PLOS ONE
Children across cultures can anticipate other individuals’ choices based on their preferences, according to an international study, but other great apes can't. The team tested 71 children aged 5 to 11 years from Namibia, Germany, and Samoa, and 25 Read more about Predicting other's preferences is cross cultural and uniquely human
InternationalUniversity of Portsmouth, UK -
Big doggos or small puppers: Which size faces higher risks of which diseases?
PLOS ONE
On average, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and US researchers looking into more than 25,000 dogs from 238 breeds say that may be due to different levels of risks of certain health conditions. They found bigger dogs were more Read more about Big doggos or small puppers: Which size faces higher risks of which diseases?
InternationalUniversity of Washington, USA -
Outgoing uni students more likely to feel like they belong
PLOS ONE
US researchers looking into the personality traits of 5,000 first-year university students say those who were more extroverted, agreeable and less neurotic were more likely to feel a greater sense of belonging at school. The team surveyed the Read more about Outgoing uni students more likely to feel like they belong
InternationalWake Forest University, USA -
Greenland has lost more than 1000 gigatonnes of ice since 1985
Nature
Ice sheets around the world have been retreating over the last few decades, but Greenland's ice sheet has been shrinking at a particularly fast clip since the '90s. New satellite observations have revealed the extent of this retreat, finding that Read more about Greenland has lost more than 1000 gigatonnes of ice since 1985
InternationalJet Propulsion Laboratory, USA -
Taking opioids while pregnant may cause immune issues in bub
JAMA Network Open
Australian researchers say they have found an association with mums taking opioids while pregnant and their kids having immune issues through their lives. The team looked at data from over 400,000 kids and say those kids whose mums had taken opioids Read more about Taking opioids while pregnant may cause immune issues in bub
Australia; WAThe University of Western Australia -
Relaxation techniques may not help your insomnia
JAMA Psychiatry
In a large review of previous studies on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) practices for counteracting insomnia, international researchers say relaxation procedures may actually be counterproductive to your sleep. They found the most beneficial Read more about Relaxation techniques may not help your insomnia
InternationalUniversity of Tokyo Hospital, Japan -
Federal Government’s interim AI response a sensible first step
The Australian Academy of Science supports the Australian Government’s interim response to the discussion paper for supporting responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI), including its plans to ensure AI is designed, developed and deployed safely Read more about Federal Government’s interim AI response a sensible first step
Australia; ACTAustralian Academy of Science -
EXPERT REACTION: What's up with the latest weather forecasting?
With weather predictions getting seemingly more difficult and the Bureau of Meteorology coming in for criticism, we asked experts to comment on the strange weather patterns we've been having in Australia lately. This video from the Bureau is useful Read more about EXPERT REACTION: What's up with the latest weather forecasting?
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLDAustralian Science Media Centre -
Anonymisation for equity and diversity in Australian research
A multi-year study led by the office of Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador investigated the impact of anonymisation (removing identifying names and other information) on applications for access to research facilities in Australia. The results Read more about Anonymisation for equity and diversity in Australian research
AustraliaThe Australian Government's Women in STEM Ambassador, Anglo-Australian Telescope, The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, Australia Telescope National Facility, CSIRO, National Computational Merit Allocation Scheme -
Birds eavesdrop on other species to avoid danger, but noise pollution is making this harder
Biology Letters
Many animal species learn the alarm calls of other species living nearby and 'eavesdrop' to avoid danger, but Australian and international researchers say this could be harder to do when there's noise pollution around. To test this, the researchers Read more about Birds eavesdrop on other species to avoid danger, but noise pollution is making this harder
Australia; International; ACTThe Australian National University -
Dogs may wag their tails because we like a rhythm
Biology Letters
International researchers have put forward two possible reasons as to why our dogs wag their tails: wagging might be connected to docility and tameness, or we selectively bred our puppers because we really like a rhythm. Have you ever wondered: "Why Read more about Dogs may wag their tails because we like a rhythm
InternationalMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, The Netherlands -
Are males really better than females at navigating?
Royal Society Open Science
Have you ever heard the old saying that men are better than women at navigating? Well, US researchers looking into the differences in wayfinding in 21 different species, including humans, say that it's not quite right. The team looked at how humans Read more about Are males really better than females at navigating?
InternationalUniversity of Illinois, USA -
Cool kelp not feeling so hot under a warming ocean
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Cool edge kelp populations may be more susceptible to climate change and ocean warming than previously recognised, according to Aussie researchers who looked at Ecklonaia radiata, a kelp species common to Australia’s south coasts. The team studied Read more about Cool kelp not feeling so hot under a warming ocean
Australia; NSW; VIC; TASInstitute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)|CSIRO... -
First-person listener: video gaming’s risk to hearing loss
BMJ Public Health
Playing video games is likely a source of unsafe listening and may put many gamers worldwide at risk of permanent sound-induced hearing loss and/or tinnitus, according to a new study. Researchers reviewed 14 peer-reviewed studies covering more than Read more about First-person listener: video gaming’s risk to hearing loss
Australia; InternationalUniversity of South Carolina, USA -
Australia's ageing workforce may mean an increased risk of workplace falls
Occupational & Environmental Medicine
The proportion of 50- to 64-year-olds in the Australian workforce has doubled since the mid-90s, and with this comes an increased risk of workplace falls, according to Aussie researchers who say employers need to recognise and minimise these risks. Read more about Australia's ageing workforce may mean an increased risk of workplace falls
Australia; VICMonash University -
Enlarged breasts in men linked with heightened risk of death
BMJ Open
Men with enlarged breast tissue that is not caused by excess weight could be at a heightened risk of dying before the age of 75, say Danish researchers. The condition, known as gynaecomastia, is often caused by a hormone imbalance, and the team says Read more about Enlarged breasts in men linked with heightened risk of death
InternationalCopenhagen University Hospital- Rigshospitalet Juliane Marie Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark -
Spider venom heart drug a step closer
The European Heart Journal
A spider venom molecule being investigated by a University of Queensland team has met critical benchmarks towards becoming a treatment for heart attack and stroke. A spider venom molecule being investigated by a University of Queensland team has met Read more about Spider venom heart drug a step closer
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
One glass of juice a day could be adding to weight gain in kids
JAMA Pediatrics
Drinking 100% fruit juice is linked to weight gain in children, according to an analysis of published studies, which included Australian data. The authors found just one serving per day of 100% fruit juice was linked to a body mass index (BMI) gain Read more about One glass of juice a day could be adding to weight gain in kids
Australia; InternationalUniversity of Toronto, Canada -
Healthy placenta helped clone a healthy monkey
Nature Communications
A healthy rhesus monkey has been successfully cloned and has survived for more than two years, according to international researchers who say this was achieved after providing the cloned embryo with a healthy placenta. The team analysed the Read more about Healthy placenta helped clone a healthy monkey
InternationalUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China -
Artificial light at night could be linked with an increased risk of blindness
JAMA Network Open
Outdoor artificial light at night could be linked to an increased risk of a kind of macular degeneration, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, according to Korean researchers. The team looked at 4,078 patients newly diagnosed with exudative age Read more about Artificial light at night could be linked with an increased risk of blindness
InternationalJeju National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea -
Exercise games can help prevent falls in older people
Nature Medicine
Gamified step exercises can help prevent falls in older people, according to an Australian study of over-65s. About 750 people were split into three groups and given either a training computer game aimed at preventing falls to be completed while Read more about Exercise games can help prevent falls in older people
Australia; NSW; SAThe University of New South Wales|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
DNA trawled from the oceans used to create largest catalogue of marine microbes
Frontiers in Science
Saudi and Spanish scientists have created a catalogue of marine microbes based on scanning DNA in thousands of water samples from the oceans, and say it's the largest study of ocean DNA yet. The catalogue links the microbes with their biological Read more about DNA trawled from the oceans used to create largest catalogue of marine microbes
InternationalKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia -
Taking cannabis for opioid addiction doesn't seem to help
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Cannabis is not an effective treatment for opioid addiction, according to an international study of people in the US being treated for opioid use disorder. The researchers combined the results of ten previous studies, involving a total of 8,367 Read more about Taking cannabis for opioid addiction doesn't seem to help
InternationalUniversity of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil -
Most sensitive radio image ever of ancient star cluster produced
The Astrophysical Journal
A global team of astronomers have created the most sensitive radio image ever of a globular cluster, an ancient ball of tightly-packed stars. A global team of astronomers have created the most sensitive radio image ever of a globular cluster, an Read more about Most sensitive radio image ever of ancient star cluster produced
Australia; WACurtin University|International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) -
Viagra combined with chest pain medication could increase risk of death
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Combining erectile dysfunction drugs (such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis) with a common chest pain medication (nitrate) may increase the risk of death, according to international researchers who say these medications are often prescribed together, Read more about Viagra combined with chest pain medication could increase risk of death
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
1 in 3 adults with congenital heart disease have symptoms of depression and anxiety
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Adults with a congenital heart disease - a heart abnormality that developed before birth - are at a high risk of depression and anxiety according to Australian and international researchers. The team asked about 3800 adults from 15 countries with a Read more about 1 in 3 adults with congenital heart disease have symptoms of depression and anxiety
Australia; InternationalMonash University|KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Belgium -
One in 10 patients taking anti-psychotic medications develop heart rhythm disorders
Heart Rhythm
Researchers at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute are calling for patients suffering from schizophrenia and psychosis to be better monitored to manage the cardiac risks associated with taking their medications. The warning comes after a new Read more about One in 10 patients taking anti-psychotic medications develop heart rhythm disorders
Australia; NSWVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) -
Key moment in the evolution of life on Earth captured in fossils
Journal of the Geological Society
Curtin-led research has for the first time precisely dated some of the oldest fossils of complex multicellular life in the world, helping to track a pivotal moment in the history of Earth when the seas began teeming with new lifeforms - after four Read more about Key moment in the evolution of life on Earth captured in fossils
Australia; InternationalCurtin University -
Remote Aussies don’t have equal access to household electricity protections
Nature Energy
Remote and Indigenous communities’ power connections are more vulnerable compared to their regional and metropolitan counterparts, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU) and the Tangentyere Research Hub in Alice Read more about Remote Aussies don’t have equal access to household electricity protections
Australia; VIC; NT; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Melbourne -
Plants in the South Pacific began losing their diversity when humans arrived on the islands
Nature Ecology & Evolution
The arrival of humans on the islands of the South Pacific has been linked to reduced diversity of plant species in the area for thousands of years, according to international, NZ and Australian researchers. The team looked at trends in the diversity Read more about Plants in the South Pacific began losing their diversity when humans arrived on the islands
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; International; ACTThe Australian National University|University of Canterbury... -
New quantum optics technique sheds light on polariton interactions
Nature Physics
New research describes a novel quantum optics method to explore light-matter interactions in semiconductors. This method provides new insights into solid-state systems and quantum photonic technologies. An international collaboration, led by Read more about New quantum optics technique sheds light on polariton interactions
InternationalMacquarie University|Inria Centre de Lyon France, ENS Lyon France, Universit´e Paris-Saclay Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies Palaiseau France, INO-CNR BEC Center and Dipartimento di Fisica Universit`a di Trento, I-Povo Italy, MajuLab CNRS-UCA-SU-NUS-NTU International Joint Research Unit Singapore, Centre for Quantum Technologies National University of Singapore -
Chemists identify 3 recreational drugs never before seen in Australia
Drug Testing and Analysis
Three new recreational drugs that have never been reported in Australia before have been identified by chemists at Australia’s only fixed-site drug checking service, CanTEST, located in Canberra. According to scientists and clinicians from The Read more about Chemists identify 3 recreational drugs never before seen in Australia
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University|CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service -
No ongoing lung issues in kids who were exposed to the Hazelwood coalmine fire as babies
Respirology
Australian researchers have found no evidence of ongoing lung function changes in children who were exposed as babies to the Hazelwood coalmine fire in Victoria. The coal mine fire produced extreme air pollution that lasted for six weeks, leading Read more about No ongoing lung issues in kids who were exposed to the Hazelwood coalmine fire as babies
Australia; VIC; WA; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Telethon Kids Institute|Curtin University... -
Cycling deaths on the decline, but not in all age groups
Injury Prevention
New research shows there is a stark contrast between fatality rates in younger and older cyclists in Australia. Cycling deaths are slowly declining in Australia, but fatalities involving single riders and older people are on the rise. Analysis of Read more about Cycling deaths on the decline, but not in all age groups
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
WMO confirms 2023 was the hottest year on record
Now that 2023 is over, the World Meteorological Organization has confirmed it was the hottest year globally since records began. Following their original declaration in November, the WMO has consolidated data from six leading global weather Read more about WMO confirms 2023 was the hottest year on record
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
Campaign aims to understand and stamp out dangerous parasitic worm crisis
Philosophical Transactions B
Stongyloidiasis – a poorly understood parasitic worm disease common in remote Australian communities and some returned travellers, refugees or asylum seekers – is finally gaining attention on the national research arena. Australian First Nations Read more about Campaign aims to understand and stamp out dangerous parasitic worm crisis
Australia; QLD; SAFlinders University|QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute -
Thirty percent of Kiwi cat owners are opposed to keeping their cats inside
PLOS One
Only a small number of NZ cat owners contain their cats, even though letting your feline friend roam outside can be harmful for the cat, native wildlife, and the wider environment. Kiwi researchers surveyed almost 400 cat owners to understand their Read more about Thirty percent of Kiwi cat owners are opposed to keeping their cats inside
New ZealandUniversity of Canterbury -
Thermal vision shows endangered numbats feel the heat of warming climate
Journal of Experimental Biology
Curtin University research using thermal imaging of numbats in Western Australia has found that during hot weather the endangered animals are limited to as little as ten minutes of activity in the sun before they overheat to a body temperature of Read more about Thermal vision shows endangered numbats feel the heat of warming climate
Australia; WACurtin University -
Many Melbournites prefer to travel for a drink over heading to their local
Drug and Alcohol Review
A Melbourne resident may be just as likely to travel outside their neighbourhood to go to a pub or bar as they are to visit their local, according to Australian researchers. The team were investigating the question of whether a greater density of Read more about Many Melbournites prefer to travel for a drink over heading to their local
Australia; International; VICMonash University|Columbia University, USA -
Watching someone get grossed out by veggies could gross you out, too
Frontiers in Psychology
Watching someone else get the ‘ick’ for food might give you the ‘ick’ too, according to international researchers. The team asked 200 young women to watch a video containing clips of people eating raw broccoli with smiling, neutral or Read more about Watching someone get grossed out by veggies could gross you out, too
InternationalAston University, UK -
Medical cannabis for chronic pain could be linked with abnormal heart rhythm
European Heart Journal
People taking medical cannabis for chronic pain may have a slightly increased risk of arrhythmia – when the heart beats too slow, too fast or irregularly – according to international researchers. The team looked at data from 5,391 Danish Read more about Medical cannabis for chronic pain could be linked with abnormal heart rhythm
InternationalCopenhagen University Hospital, Denmark -
Perinatal depression linked to increased risk of death
The BMJ
This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to data about mental health, suicide and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on Read more about Perinatal depression linked to increased risk of death
InternationalTongji University School of Medicine, China -
Males of newly described Australian burrowing scorpions have a big tail to tell
Australian Journal of Zoology
An Australian study has found some surprising features in two new species of burrowing scorpions, including a very strangely shaped ‘tail tip’ and some ‘sexy’ anatomy features. Terrestrial biologists from South Australia’s Flinders Read more about Males of newly described Australian burrowing scorpions have a big tail to tell
Australia; SA; WAFlinders University|Murdoch University
Submit to Scimex
Upcoming events
- Using the WHO ASSIST to predict poor substance-related health outcomes after release from prison: informing targeted through care This webinar will explore the use of the WHO ASSIST during incarceration to predict the...
- Using the WHO ASSIST to predict poor substance-related health outcomes after release from prison: informing targeted through care This webinar will explore the use of the WHO ASSIST during incarceration to predict the...