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BACKGROUND BRIEFING: What can we expect from COP28 and the Global Stocktake?
Recording now available The COP28 UN Climate Change Conference begins next week with world leaders coming to the UAE to discuss action to tackle climate change. But what can we expect from COP28? Join this pre-COP28 briefing to ask three Australian Read more about BACKGROUND BRIEFING: What can we expect from COP28 and the Global Stocktake?
Australia; VIC; QLD; ACTThe University of Melbourne|The University of Queensland... -
Brexit voting preferences linked with mental capabilities
PLOS ONE
People with high cognitive ability, or mental capabilities, may have been more likely to vote ‘Remain’ in the 2016 Brexit referendum, according to international researchers who say the better mental capability may have helped these people better Read more about Brexit voting preferences linked with mental capabilities
InternationalUniversity of Bath, UK -
How will climate change impact the world's shallow-water ecosystems?
PLOS Climate
Some types of shallow-water coastal ecosystems are set to shrink around the world under climate change while others are affected differently, according to international research. The team used climate models along with data on the size and Read more about How will climate change impact the world's shallow-water ecosystems?
InternationalNational Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology, Japan -
Differences in carbon emission accounting practices may be hiding work that needs to be done
Nature
Differences in the way carbon emissions are measured may be obscuring the reality of how much needs to be done to meet climate targets, according to international research. The team created a method to try and resolve differences between Read more about Differences in carbon emission accounting practices may be hiding work that needs to be done
InternationalInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria -
ADHD medications linked with higher risk of heart disease
JAMA Psychiatry
Prolonged use of medications to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could increase the risk of heart disease, according to international research. The researchers used Swedish health data to compare the rate of heart disease Read more about ADHD medications linked with higher risk of heart disease
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
NEWS BRIEFING: Australia’s AI moment has arrived and it’s make or break time
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way Australians live their lives, from your ‘up next’ playlist, to chatbots and even garbage trucks, AI is already in our homes and on our streets. But a new report by the Australian Academy of Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: Australia’s AI moment has arrived and it’s make or break time
Australia; NSW; QLD; SA; ACTAustralian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE)... -
Sound stimulation could help alleviate long-term concussion symptoms
Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology
Sound stimulation of the brain could help ease long-term concussion symptoms, according to international researchers. The team recruited just over 100 people with persistent symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury and gave them 10 sessions of Read more about Sound stimulation could help alleviate long-term concussion symptoms
InternationalUniversity of North Carolina, USA -
Living within safe and just Earth system boundaries for blue water
Nature Sustainability
A Griffith-led study has assessed whether basic human water needs can be met without exceeding safe and just Earth System Boundaries (ESB) for surface and groundwater (blue water), defined to protect people and planet. Published in Nature Read more about Living within safe and just Earth system boundaries for blue water
Australia; International; QLD; ACTGriffith University|The Australian National University -
Southern pied babblers are less smart when they're under heat stress
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Southern pied babblers seem to be less smart and perform worse in learning tasks when under heat stress, according to Australian researchers. The team put the small birds through a set of tasks aimed at testing their associative learning, reversal Read more about Southern pied babblers are less smart when they're under heat stress
Australia; International; NSW; WAThe University of Western Australia|Macquarie University -
Don't stress the bees! Forcing Honeybees to cluster in the cold could be cruel
Journal of the Royal Society Interface
The common beekeeping practice of forcing bees to ‘cluster’ in response to stressful cold temperatures could be regarded as cruel, according to international researchers. On very cold days, bees will form a cluster - a series of dense discs of Read more about Don't stress the bees! Forcing Honeybees to cluster in the cold could be cruel
InternationalUniversity of Leeds, UK -
Northern bees at risk from insecticide
Royal Society Open Science
James Cook University scientists say a common tropical bee species is vulnerable to widely-used insecticides – which will decrease their heat tolerance at the same time as the climate is warming. James Cook University scientists say a common Read more about Northern bees at risk from insecticide
Australia; QLD; NTJames Cook University -
Some fish eyes are like ogres, and that gives them faster vision
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Australian researchers say they may have figured out why some fish have eyes with multiple rod layers. Rods are a type of light receptor in the retina which helps provide good vision in low light. While most animals have one layer, over 100 species Read more about Some fish eyes are like ogres, and that gives them faster vision
Australia; QLDQueensland Brain Institute|The University of Queensland -
Numbers speak louder than words when communicating uncertainty in statistics
Royal Society Open Science
Uncertainty in statistics is inevitable, but does being transparent about this undermine trust? A study with more than 10,000 participants across 12 countries revealed that stating uncertainty as a numeric range slightly decreased trust in COVID Read more about Numbers speak louder than words when communicating uncertainty in statistics
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Otago|University of Cambridge, University of Groningen, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin -
New technology, 'Invasion-Block', targets melanoma spread
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
Research conducted at the Centenary Institute has given rise to a new tool called 'Invasion-Block' that can identify drugs capable of halting the spread of cancer cells. The pioneering development could lead to better treatments for melanoma, the Read more about New technology, 'Invasion-Block', targets melanoma spread
Australia; NSWCentenary Institute|The University of Sydney|CSIRO... -
Unearthing how a carnivorous fungus traps and digests worms
PLOS Biology
International researchers have discovered how a carnivorous fungus traps and digests worms, in a study that looks at just one of many species of fungi that can trap and eat very small animals. The fungus, Arthrobotrys oligospora, usually gets Read more about Unearthing how a carnivorous fungus traps and digests worms
InternationalInstitute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan -
Male scientists still more likely to be referenced in papers, but women are catching up
PLOS Biology
US researchers analysed references to previous work written by 5. 8 million international authors, 3. 8 million men and 2 million women, in scientific research papers from across all subject areas, and found men outnumbered women 3. 93 times among Read more about Male scientists still more likely to be referenced in papers, but women are catching up
InternationalStanford University, USA -
Aussie tech to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks
pre-published on arXiv
A collaboration between tech startup Tide Foundation and RMIT University is translating research into homegrown cybersecurity capability. Australia’s critical infrastructure – including ports, energy grids and water supplies – reported 143 Read more about Aussie tech to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks
Australia; VICRMIT University|Tide Foundation -
EXPERT REACTION: The ozone hole's core may not be recovering
Nature Communications
Ozone levels above Antarctica may not be recovering after all, and changes in the Southern Hemisphere atmosphere may be contributing to the persistence of the ozone hole, according to NZ scientists. The ozone hole over Antarctica usually emerges Read more about EXPERT REACTION: The ozone hole's core may not be recovering
Australia; New Zealand; NSWUniversity of Otago -
Certain gut bacteria genes could alleviate constipation
Cell Host & Microbe
The probiotic Bifidobacteria longum has genes which help alleviate constipation, according to international researchers who looked at symptoms in both mice and humans. In the mouse study, the team found supplementation with B. longum carrying a Read more about Certain gut bacteria genes could alleviate constipation
InternationalUniversity of Hong Kong, Hong Kong -
Sales data could help improve disease surveillance
Nature Communications
Sales data for non-prescription medications (such as cough or throat medications and decongestants) could be used to improve public health predictions, according to an analysis of over two billion transactions in England between 2016 and 2020. The Read more about Sales data could help improve disease surveillance
InternationalUniversity of Nottingham, UK -
Jellyfish show signs of stress in deep-sea mining simulation
Nature Communications
Commercial mining of deep-sea mineral resources is becoming a reality, but little is known about how this will affect deep-sea life. Mining vehicles can disturb sediment and form plumes that expand 100 kilometres and last for several years. These Read more about Jellyfish show signs of stress in deep-sea mining simulation
InternationalGEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany -
Many Australians still aren't fully informed about the risks of alcohol during pregnancy
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
A mass media campaign was effective at improving the public's understanding of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, according to Australian research. The researchers surveyed two groups of 400 Western Australians - before and after the Read more about Many Australians still aren't fully informed about the risks of alcohol during pregnancy
Australia; NSW; WAGeorge Institute for Global Health|Mental Health Commission, WA Government, Cancer Council WA -
Australian scientists give red blood cell world’s tiniest Mo
Move over Tom Selleck and Merv Hughes (or should we say Timothee Chalamet and Harry Styles?) Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has teamed up with some very clever Australian scientists to grow a Mo so tiny it cannot be seen with the naked eye. The Read more about Australian scientists give red blood cell world’s tiniest Mo
AustraliaAustralian Red Cross|Melbourne Centre for Nanotechnology, Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy at Monash University -
Bone growth drug may reduce sudden infant death syndrome in children with common form of dwarfism
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health
A drug that boosts bone growth in children with the most common form of dwarfism, may also reduce their chances of sudden infant death syndrome, sleep apnoea and needing surgery, according to a new study. Research at a Glance: A Murdoch Children’s Read more about Bone growth drug may reduce sudden infant death syndrome in children with common form of dwarfism
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) -
Turning back the clock on brains aged by COVID
Nature Aging
Australian researchers have identified drugs that could help reverse the accelerated ageing effect COVID-19 has on the human brain. University of Queensland researchers have found a way to reverse a cellular process triggered by COVID-19 that Read more about Turning back the clock on brains aged by COVID
Australia; QLD; SAAustralian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)... -
Medical cannabis does not impair cognitive function when used as prescribed
CNS Drugs
A new study conducted by researchers at Swinburne University of Technology’s Centre for Human Psychopharmacology suggests that cannabis, when used as prescribed to manage a chronic health condition, does not negatively impact cognitive function. A Read more about Medical cannabis does not impair cognitive function when used as prescribed
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology -
Australia’s climate pledges among weakest heading into COP28
Australia is one of a list of major-emitting countries that is over-relying on carbon offsets to meet its Paris Climate Agreement commitments, according to the 2023 update to the Land Gap Report led by Dr Kate Dooley at the University of Melbourne. Read more about Australia’s climate pledges among weakest heading into COP28
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
A stronger core for better plant breeding
Bioinformatics
A new software tool with enhanced genome-sequencing powers has been developed by the University of Adelaide, increasing the speed and accuracy at which researchers can improve plants through breeding. A new software tool with enhanced Read more about A stronger core for better plant breeding
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|Curtin University -
Perfecting the performance of nerve implants
Bioelectromagnetics
Researchers are extending their understanding of the effectiveness of electrical fields that are increasingly being used in implants to stimulate and repair damaged nerves. Effective nerve stimulation is the key to helping alleviate debilitating Read more about Perfecting the performance of nerve implants
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|Western Sydney University -
Caring is sharing: Call for more openness on cancer drug trial results
BMC Medicine
Development of potential or improved anti-cancer treatments may be affected by a lack of transparency in data sharing between pharmaceutical companies and research groups, a new study finds. A multidisciplinary team led by Flinders University Read more about Caring is sharing: Call for more openness on cancer drug trial results
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WAFlinders University|University of South Australia|The University of Sydney... -
Critically endangered Victorian dolphins suffering highest known levels of toxic pollutants
Science of The Total Environment
Critically endangered dolphins in the waters off Melbourne and Gippsland have been found with the highest concentrations of PFAS chemicals in dolphins reported anywhere in the world, according to new research. Critically endangered dolphins in the Read more about Critically endangered Victorian dolphins suffering highest known levels of toxic pollutants
Australia; VICRMIT University|The University of Melbourne|Marine Mammal Foundation -
Mobile mental health apps can be effective for managing moderate to severe depression
JAMA Network Open
Mobile apps designed to help treat moderate to severe depression can be effective even as a standalone treatment, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis of international and Australian research. International researchers identified 13 Read more about Mobile mental health apps can be effective for managing moderate to severe depression
Australia; InternationalKorea University, Republic of Korea -
Changes in single genes may be involved in half of ADHD cases, small study suggests
JAMA Pediatrics
A small study which sequenced the entire DNA of 77 kids with ADHD and their families in the US has found that variations in single genes may account for a significant portion of the genetics underlying ADHD. ADHD is usually thought of as a disorder Read more about Changes in single genes may be involved in half of ADHD cases, small study suggests
InternationalBoston Children’s Hospital, USA -
This bat is 'armed' with a huge member, which it uses to cuddle its mate
Current Biology
Bats are weird at the best of times, but it's safe to say the serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus) just raised the bar, as well as its enormous penis, which is about seven times wider and seven times longer than its mate's vagina. As if that wasn't Read more about This bat is 'armed' with a huge member, which it uses to cuddle its mate
InternationalUniversity of Lausanne, Switzerland, Museum Cantonal des Sciences Naturelles, Switzerland, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Germany -
Drinking energy drinks before conceiving could be linked to high blood pressure while pregnant
JAMA Network Open
Women who drink energy drinks in the lead-up to becoming pregnant could be more likely to have high blood pressure during pregnancy, according to international researchers who used data from two different long-term health studies. Both studies Read more about Drinking energy drinks before conceiving could be linked to high blood pressure while pregnant
InternationalUniversity of North Carolina, USA -
Fatty acid supplement for premmie babies did not help improve behaviour at age 5
JAMA Pediatrics
Giving a fatty acid supplement, called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), to babies born before 29 weeks did not improve their behaviour, executive function or health at age 5, according to an Australian study. Babies born at less than 30 weeks miss the Read more about Fatty acid supplement for premmie babies did not help improve behaviour at age 5
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)... -
Developing issues with cannabis use may lie partly in your genes
Nature Genetics
Some people can enjoy cannabis occasionally, while others find their use becomes compulsive and starts to interfere with their lives and health, and that may be at least partly down to your genes, say US scientists. They trawled the DNA of more than Read more about Developing issues with cannabis use may lie partly in your genes
InternationalYale University, USA -
'Humanity is breaking all the wrong records' - heading for almost 3°C temperature rise according to the UN
UNEP’s 2023 Emissions Gap Report
"Humanity is breaking all the wrong records when it comes to climate change", says the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The latest annual Emissions Gap Report from the UNEP has found the world is heading for 2. 5-2. Read more about 'Humanity is breaking all the wrong records' - heading for almost 3°C temperature rise according to the UN
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne -
1677 current and former Australian defence personnel have died by suicide since 1997
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 1677 current and former Australian defence personnel have died by suicide since 1997
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Mental health of surfers creates US$1trillion wave for economy
NPJ Ocean Sustainability
New research led by Griffith University on Australia’s Gold Coast and Andrés Bello University in Chile, has shown that surfing contributes about US$1 trillion a year to the global economy, by improving the mental health of surfers. For the Gold Read more about Mental health of surfers creates US$1trillion wave for economy
Australia; QLDGriffith University -
1060 million people with ‘other’ musculoskeletal disorders by 2050
The Lancet Rheumatology
A category of musculoskeletal disorders of our joints, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons and spine are on the rise and a new forecast is as many as 1060 million people – up from 464 million – will be living with related disabilities by 2050, Read more about 1060 million people with ‘other’ musculoskeletal disorders by 2050
Australia; New Zealand; SA; TASFlinders University|University of Tasmania -
Survey of transgender people over 50 finds 1 in 4 have seriously contemplated suicide within the past year
Aging and Mental Health
A survey of transgender adults over 50 in the US has found they are more likely to contemplate suicide, and over 1 in 4 said they have thought about ending their lives at least once the previous year. The researchers looked at a range of challenges Read more about Survey of transgender people over 50 finds 1 in 4 have seriously contemplated suicide within the past year
InternationalCalifornia State University -
A cough is what brings us to the doctor's office the most
Medical Journal of Australia
Patients suffering from a chronic cough should have that cough thoroughly investigated and X-rayed if there are any red flags for an underlying disease, according to new recommendations from Australian researchers. The researchers say coughing is Read more about A cough is what brings us to the doctor's office the most
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; NTQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|Menzies School of Health Research... -
High-power fibre lasers emerge as a pioneering technology
Nature Communications
Optical scientists in Australia and the US have created a high-power Star Wars style-laser, boosting their use in defence and for remote sensing applications. The findings have been published in Nature Communications. Optical scientists have found a Read more about High-power fibre lasers emerge as a pioneering technology
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia|The University of Adelaide -
Drug technology for anxiety disorders significantly reduces stress hormone response
An oral version of the drug ‘allopregnanolone’ - which is recognised for its potential to treat a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric indications - has demonstrated a significant reduction in stress hormone levels in a Phase 2 clinical Read more about Drug technology for anxiety disorders significantly reduces stress hormone response
Australia; VICMonash University -
Deep dive on sea level rise: new modelling gives better predictions on Antarctic ice sheet melt
Science Advances
Using historical records from around Australia, an international team of researchers have put forward the most accurate prediction to date of past Antarctic ice sheet melt, providing a more realistic forecast of future sea level rise. The Antarctic Read more about Deep dive on sea level rise: new modelling gives better predictions on Antarctic ice sheet melt
Australia; International; ACTThe Australian National University -
Plants may have a surprising capacity to absorb more CO2 than previously expected
Science Advances
New research, led by Western Sydney University’s Dr Jürgen Knauer from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, published today in international journal Science Advances, paints an uncharacteristically upbeat picture for the planet. New Read more about Plants may have a surprising capacity to absorb more CO2 than previously expected
Australia; International; NSWWestern Sydney University -
Pill-sized device could monitor your vitals from your gut
Device
International researchers have developed an ingestible device the size of a pill that can monitor a person's vital signs while sitting in the digestive tract. The tiny device, named the VM Pill, monitors the small vibrations of the body associated Read more about Pill-sized device could monitor your vitals from your gut
InternationalMassachusetts Institute of Technology, USA -
Being born a week early has no impact on kids' primary school NAPLAN scores
JAMA Network Open
Being born at 39 weeks, rather than 40-42 weeks, has no impact on Aussie kids' NAPLAN scores at ages 7-9, according to Australian experts. Being born at 39 weeks is increasingly common, but there have been conflicting studies on the long-term Read more about Being born a week early has no impact on kids' primary school NAPLAN scores
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne|Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) -
Screen time is shaping our kids' brains
Early Education and Development
A review of brain scan research which looked at the impact of screen time on kids' brains has found that our kids' digital experiences are having a significant impact on the shape of their brains and their functioning, although it's not all negative. Read more about Screen time is shaping our kids' brains
Australia; International; NSWMacquarie University|The Education University of Hong Kong
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