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We should be measuring blood pressure at all life stages
JAMA Pediatrics
It might be worth monitoring blood pressure at all life stages including infancy, not just as adults, according to Aussie researchers. The team used data from a Finnish study which looked at blood pressure and other measurements of 534 participants Read more about We should be measuring blood pressure at all life stages
Australia; VIC; SA; TASBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|Menzies Institute for Medical Research... -
Boys suck(ed)! Male mozzies may have once sucked blood too
Current Biology
Nowadays female mosquitos are only the ones that bite, but that may not have always been the case, according to international researchers. The team found the earliest known fossil mosquitoes – 30 million years older than the previously known Read more about Boys suck(ed)! Male mozzies may have once sucked blood too
InternationalChinese Academy of Sciences, China -
Deep brain stimulation could help treat traumatic brain injury
Nature Medicine
Deep brain stimulation could help restore brain function in patients who have experienced traumatic brain injury, according to a small study of five people. International researchers surgically implanted electrodes into specific areas of the Read more about Deep brain stimulation could help treat traumatic brain injury
InternationalWeill Cornell Medicine, USA -
The amount of screen time and the type of content can affect a kindergartener's mental health
JAMA Pediatrics
More screen time and more exposure to content not tailored for children is associated with mental health problems in kindergarten-aged children, according to international research. The team collected data on the amount and type of screen use for Read more about The amount of screen time and the type of content can affect a kindergartener's mental health
InternationalShanghai Jiao Tong University, China -
Lift-off! SpIRIT nanosatellite launches aboard a SpaceX rocket
The University of Melbourne and the Italian Space Agency have announced the successful launch of SpIRIT, a landmark nanosatellite mission supported by the Australian Space Agency. The University of Melbourne and the Italian Space Agency have Read more about Lift-off! SpIRIT nanosatellite launches aboard a SpaceX rocket
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Australian Space Agency -
About 40% of the world's power generation is now renewable
83% of new power capacity created in 2022 was renewable, according to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The report takes stock of the world's renewable energy resources, and Read more about About 40% of the world's power generation is now renewable
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO)|International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) -
People may support climate action more strongly if they understand how their health is at risk
If people understand the message that climate change poses a threat to their health, they may be more likely to support action on climate change, according to a review of research both globally and in Australia on the understanding of the link Read more about People may support climate action more strongly if they understand how their health is at risk
InternationalGeorge Mason University, USA -
“Shared care” preferred by patients, cheaper, just as effective
eClinicalMedicine
A Peter Mac-led study has found sharing follow-up care between a GP and hospital-based specialists was preferred by bowel cancer patients, was cheaper for the healthcare system and was just as effective as standard hospital-based care. “Shared Read more about “Shared care” preferred by patients, cheaper, just as effective
Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Australia making progress but more needs to be done to eliminate hepatitis C
Australia has made great progress towards hepatitis C elimination, but more work is needed for Australia to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030, Australia’s progress towards hepatitis C elimination: annual report 2023 by Burnet Read more about Australia making progress but more needs to be done to eliminate hepatitis C
Australia; VICBurnet Institute|Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney -
A specialised health service helped catch WA refugee children up with their COVID-19 vaccinations
Medical Journal of Australia
A specialist health service for refugees was able to turn vaccination rates around for their cohort of refugee children during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Australian research. The team looked at the vaccination rates among children eligible Read more about A specialised health service helped catch WA refugee children up with their COVID-19 vaccinations
Australia; WAThe University of Western Australia -
Abuse and falsehoods erode the public square of science, AusSMC/COSMOS survey finds
A survey of more than 100 scientists conducted by Cosmos and the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) sought to learn how scientists in Australia and New Zealand were using social media a year after Elon Musk shifted the digital landscape Read more about Abuse and falsehoods erode the public square of science, AusSMC/COSMOS survey finds
Australia; New ZealandAustralian Science Media Centre|COSMOS Magazine -
The case of a persistent bully: from victim to perpetrator
Pastoral Care in Education
In a unique case study, UniSA researchers have explored the lived experiences of a self-identified persistent bully – a voice that is scarce in literature – to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that may contribute to this anti-social Read more about The case of a persistent bully: from victim to perpetrator
Australia; International; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Being overweight hampers body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2
Clinical & Translational Immunology
University of Queensland-led research shows being overweight can impair the body’s antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection but not to the protection offered by vaccination. University of Queensland-led research shows being overweight can impair Read more about Being overweight hampers body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLDThe University of Queensland|Monash University|QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute... -
Two new lineages of coronavirus detected in NZ bats
New Zealand Journal of Ecology
New research has identified two new lineages of coronavirus in New Zealand native bats, with over 60% of long-tailed bats infected during the study period. Researchers say the new viruses are not at the highest risk of transferring into human Read more about Two new lineages of coronavirus detected in NZ bats
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|Department of Conservation|Université de La Réunion -
Multiple chemicals in engineered stone could be a silicosis risk, raising questions about alternatives
Respirology
Australian researchers have found that it may not just be the quartz, or silica, in engineered stone that is causing the lung disease silicosis, raising questions about the safety of alternative products. The researchers found that aluminium and Read more about Multiple chemicals in engineered stone could be a silicosis risk, raising questions about alternatives
Australia; SA; TASThe University of Adelaide|University of Tasmania -
Fewer First Nations children are developing hearing problems in Australia
The amount of First Nations children in Australia with an ear or hearing problem nearly halved from 2001 to 2018-19, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report looked at hearing problems in children aged Read more about Fewer First Nations children are developing hearing problems in Australia
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
'Silent devastation' of drought set to increase globally under climate change
Droughts will become more frequent and more severe under climate change, according to a report launched at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The report outlines how different regions are already experiencing more numerous and intense Read more about 'Silent devastation' of drought set to increase globally under climate change
InternationalUN Convention to Combat Desertification -
Photonic chip that ‘fits together like Lego’ opens door to local industry
Nature Communications
A new semiconductor architecture developed at the University of Sydney Nano Institute that integrates traditional electronics with photonic, or light, components could have application in advanced radar, satellites, wireless networks and 6G Read more about Photonic chip that ‘fits together like Lego’ opens door to local industry
Australia; NSW; ACTThe University of Sydney|The Australian National University -
One-in-two pre-mixed alcohol products feature misleading nutrition claims
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
New research shows that alcohol manufacturers are adding nutrition messages to their pre-mixed alcohol products to lure in consumers, a move that public health experts say should prompt regulators to take urgent action to restrict claims. The study, Read more about One-in-two pre-mixed alcohol products feature misleading nutrition claims
Australia; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health|The University of New South Wales -
Dolphins can feel electric fields
Journal of Experimental Biology
Bottlenose dolphins have an acute sense of hearing and exceptional vision, but now international researchers have found that the mammals have an additional sense: they feel electric fields. The team trained two bottlenose dolphins to respond to Read more about Dolphins can feel electric fields
InternationalUniversity of Rostock, Germany -
A patch of protection against Zika virus
Molecular Therapy Nucleic Acids
A simple-to-apply, needle-free vaccine patch is being developed to protect people from the potentially deadly mosquito-borne Zika virus. A simple-to-apply, needle-free vaccine patch is being developed to protect people from the potentially deadly Read more about A patch of protection against Zika virus
Australia; Pacific; International; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Discovering hidden structure in networks like Twitter
PNAS Nexus
New findings could help explain how social media content appears in our feeds. Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered new structural relationships in complex networks, such as X (formerly Twitter) and political blogs, that could Read more about Discovering hidden structure in networks like Twitter
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
New perspective on limits of survival and liveability in extreme heat
Nature Communications
Record-breaking heatwaves have made headlines during 2023, raising questions about how humans will survive and function in a warming world. A new study challenges recommended thresholds for survivability in the heat, suggesting the outlook may be Read more about New perspective on limits of survival and liveability in extreme heat
Australia; VICThe University of Sydney|Arizona State University -
Rapid decarbonisation can steer Australia to net zero before 2050
Existing technologies will enable Australia to halve emissions by 2030 from 2020 levels, under a rapid decarbonisation scenario led by a renewable electricity sector. A new report by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, shows existing Read more about Rapid decarbonisation can steer Australia to net zero before 2050
AustraliaCSIRO -
Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategy
Science
New research has revealed new ways to remove immune cells that cause skin autoimmune diseases without affecting protective cells that fight infection and cancer. Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategynew research Read more about Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategy
Australia; International; VICThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity... -
Involuntary temporary employment could negatively affect women more than men
PLOS Global Public Health
Long-term involuntary temporary employment – having a temporary contract but wanting a permanent position – could have negative effects on women, but not so much men, according to Danish research. The team combined survey data with Read more about Involuntary temporary employment could negatively affect women more than men
InternationalVIVE–The Danish Center for Social Science Research, Denmark -
Depression and anxiety was higher for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic
JAMA Network Open
More than a third of young adults had anxiety or depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey of over 3 million US adults which found rates were much higher than in older people. The surveys taken between April 2020 and August 2022 Read more about Depression and anxiety was higher for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic
InternationalNorthwestern University, USA -
Dishing the dirt on human evolution: Why scientific techniques matter in archaeology
Nature Ecology & Evolution
Scientists should seek answers hidden in the dirt using proven and state-of-the-art archaeological science techniques to support new discoveries about human evolution following recent controversies at a cave site in Africa, says a group of Read more about Dishing the dirt on human evolution: Why scientific techniques matter in archaeology
International; SAFlinders University -
Brains of those with PTSD process sad and traumatic memories differently
Nature Neuroscience
The brains of people with PTSD process traumatic memories differently than sad, non-traumatic memories, according to international researchers. The team recruited 28 participants with PTSD, and scanned their brains with MRI machines while they Read more about Brains of those with PTSD process sad and traumatic memories differently
InternationalYale University School of Medicine, USA -
Identical twins test the health benefits of a vegan diet
JAMA Network Open
A healthy vegan diet can assist in lowering cholesterol, weight and insulin levels, according to an international study of identical twins. 22 pairs of identical twins were recruited, with one of each pair eating a healthy vegan diet and the other a Read more about Identical twins test the health benefits of a vegan diet
InternationalStanford University, USA -
"End of century" extreme heat and drought conditions in Europe could occur much earlier
Nature Communications
In Europe, heat and drought levels virtually impossible 20 years ago may reach 1-in-10 likelihoods as early as the 2030s, according to new modelling by international researchers. Typically, under a 'moderate' climate warming scenario, such extreme Read more about "End of century" extreme heat and drought conditions in Europe could occur much earlier
InternationalMax Planck Institute for Meteorology, Germany -
Making menstrual pads from succulents could improve access to sanitary products
Communications Engineering
A drought-tolerant succulent plant could be used to make menstrual pads, according to international researchers who believe it could be a useful alternative in semi-arid, low and middle-income countries where sanitary products can be hard to come by. Read more about Making menstrual pads from succulents could improve access to sanitary products
InternationalStanford University, USA -
Comprehensive data on common cancers among Pacific Peoples in Aotearoa
New Zealand Medical Journal
Breast, prostate, lung and uterine cancers were the most commonly diagnosed cancers among Pacific peoples in Aotearoa between the years 2007 and 2019, according to new research in the New Zealand Medical Journal. Pacific peoples had higher rates of Read more about Comprehensive data on common cancers among Pacific Peoples in Aotearoa
New Zealand; PacificUniversity of Otago|Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand -
Emergency Department overcrowding isn’t caused by unnecessary visits
New Zealand Medical Journal
Patients who should have gone elsewhere aren’t to blame for overcrowding in Emergency Departments, according to a Viewpoint article in the New Zealand Medical Journal. Instead, there appears to have been an increase in the proportion of more Read more about Emergency Department overcrowding isn’t caused by unnecessary visits
New Zealand -
Small survey indicates high levels of depression and burnout among NZ medical and postgraduate students
New Zealand Medical Journal
In a survey of 140 postgraduate and medical students at the University of Otago’s Christchurch campus, roughly one third reported clinical symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress, and over three quarters reported experiencing burnout. Read more about Small survey indicates high levels of depression and burnout among NZ medical and postgraduate students
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
2023 has been the warmest year since records began
2023 will claim the title as the warmest year ever recorded, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Releasing its provisional State of the Global Climate report, the WMO says data up to October indicates 2023 has been about 1. 4 degrees Read more about 2023 has been the warmest year since records began
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
Economic crashes linked to rise in male suicides, and lower mental health overall
Journal of Mental Health
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 Economic crashes linked to rise in male suicides, and lower mental health overall
Australia; InternationalEdge Hill University, UK -
Rice and newspaper could be used to make a greener insulation material
Frontiers in Built Environment
Researchers in Panama have developed an insulation material made from rice husks and shredded newspaper, in an attempt to create new building materials that re-use waste rather than creating more of it. In Panama, the amount of rice husk being Read more about Rice and newspaper could be used to make a greener insulation material
InternationalTechnological University of Panama, Panama -
New classes of RNA for learning and memory found
Nature Communication
Researchers from The University of Queensland (UQ) have discovered a new way a ribonucleic acid (RNA) impacts fear-related learning and memory. In a paper published in Nature Communication, the researchers demonstrated that a non-coding RNA known Read more about New classes of RNA for learning and memory found
Australia; QLDQueensland Brain Institute|The University of Queensland... -
It's going to be an especially risky fire season for much of Eastern and Central Australia
Most of Queensland, NSW and southern NT will be at an increased risk of fire this summer, along with some locations in Tasmania, Victoria, SA and WA, according to the AFAC Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for the summer of 2023. AFAC, the national council Read more about It's going to be an especially risky fire season for much of Eastern and Central Australia
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; ACTBureau of Meteorology|Victorian Government|AFAC, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT Emergency Services Agency, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Country Fire Authority, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Victoria, Tasmania Fire Service, SA Country Fire Service, Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA, Bushfires NT -
When ants go marching one by one, they sync to avoid traffic jams
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Much like us, ants also like to avoid traffic jams. The team studied the fast paced, 20-minute activity and rest cycles of Leptothorax ants, with resting ants acting like immobile objects and blocking the path of other ants. They found that when Read more about When ants go marching one by one, they sync to avoid traffic jams
InternationalTexas Tech University, USA -
AI inspires new approach to adaptive control systems
IEEE Access
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are used around the world to conduct difficult environmental, remote, oceanic, defence and rescue missions in often unpredictable and harsh conditions. A new study led by Flinders University and French researchers Read more about AI inspires new approach to adaptive control systems
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Social media use linked to risky behaviour in young people
The BMJ
Young people who use social media daily are more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as drug use, unprotected sex and fighting, according to an international systematic review and meta-analysis. The team analysed the results of 126 previous Read more about Social media use linked to risky behaviour in young people
InternationalUniversity of Glasgow, UK -
Fossil fuels account for 5 million extra air pollution deaths per year
The BMJ
International researchers say that fossil fuels in industry, power generation, and transportation account for over five million extra deaths a year across the globe. This would equate to 61% of the total estimated 8. 3 million air pollution deaths Read more about Fossil fuels account for 5 million extra air pollution deaths per year
InternationalMax Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany -
140 minutes of vigorous exercise a week is ideal for reducing Alzheimer's risk
The Lancet Healthy Longevity
140 minutes of vigorous exercise a week is the optimal amount for reducing your Alzheimer's risk, according to Australian and international researchers. The team used data from a long-term health survey in the US, looking at how moderate and Read more about 140 minutes of vigorous exercise a week is ideal for reducing Alzheimer's risk
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Very high levels of ‘good cholesterol’ may be associated with dementia risk
The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific
Abnormally high levels of HDL-C, colloquially known as ‘good cholesterol’, are associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults, a Monash University-led study has found. Researchers said very high levels of HDL-C linked to dementia Read more about Very high levels of ‘good cholesterol’ may be associated with dementia risk
Australia; VICMonash University -
Identifying Australia's most elusive birds
Emu
University of Queensland scientists have analysed more than 3. 8 million volunteer hours of birdwatching data to identify Australia’s most elusive species. University of Queensland scientists have analysed more than 3. 8 million volunteer hours of Read more about Identifying Australia's most elusive birds
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Digital camera and AI algorithm can now detect facial palsy
BioMedInformatics
Facial palsy can now be detected using a digital camera and an algorithm, thanks to a new tool developed by researchers from the University of South Australia and Middle Technical University in Iraq. The tool promises to reduce diagnostic errors Read more about Digital camera and AI algorithm can now detect facial palsy
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Engineering ancestral antibiotics for the future
Nature Communications
Going ‘back to the future’ to understand how natural antibiotics evolve could unlock new and effective treatments for potentially deadly superbugs. Researchers are confident that the vital new information, published in Nature Communications, Read more about Engineering ancestral antibiotics for the future
Australia; VICMonash University|University of Tübingen -
Unanswered plea by scientists as off-the-scale marine heat looms
Amidst the forecast of a severe marine heatwave, leading marine scientists have called for immediate action and funding to support a national monitoring program for Australia's kelp forests. Despite urgent calls to Environment and Climate Change Read more about Unanswered plea by scientists as off-the-scale marine heat looms
Australia; NSW; VIC; SA; WA; TASGreat Southern Reef Foundation
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