COVID toes may point to an overactive immune response

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Dermatology

People coming to a clinic with a chilblain-like condition during the COVID-19 pandemic, often called 'COVID toes', have characteristics which indicate an overactive immune response called a type I interferonopathy, according to French research. Read more about COVID toes may point to an overactive immune response

Reach for the stars, but don't get burned - how spaceflight affects astronaut health

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Cell

As humanity continues to reach for the stars, we are discovering how space travel may affect our health. Loss of bone and muscle mass, immune dysfunction, as well as heart and liver problems have all been identified as existing issues resulting from Read more about Reach for the stars, but don't get burned - how spaceflight affects astronaut health

Tackling disadvantaged children's education post-COVID

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0101 AEDT | 0301 NZDT

COVID-19 has exposed fault lines in the education system for already disadvantaged students who are more likely to be severely impacted by the pandemic. Read more about Tackling disadvantaged children's education post-COVID

Fiji's vaccine program reduces childhood death and illness

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0101 AEDT | 0301 NZDT

The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific

Fiji’s national vaccine program against pneumonia, a serious lung condition, and rotavirus, a common disease which causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, has reduced illness and death, new research shows. Read more about Fiji's vaccine program reduces childhood death and illness

1 in 4 drowning deaths off Aussie beaches are in young men

Publicly released: Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Injury Prevention

Young men make up a quarter of drowning deaths off Aussie beaches, and researchers say the data suggests they may be overestimating their swimming ability or engaging in risky behaviour like jumping into the water without precaution. The study Read more about 1 in 4 drowning deaths off Aussie beaches are in young men

Survival protein may prevent collateral damage during cancer therapy

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 2200 AEDT | Thu 26 Nov 2020 at 0000 NZDT

EMBO Journal

WEHI researchers have identified a protein that could protect the kidneys from ‘bystander’ damage caused by cancer therapies. The ‘cell survival protein’, called BCL-XL, was required in laboratory models to keep kidney cells alive and Read more about Survival protein may prevent collateral damage during cancer therapy

New therapy to target the spread of bowel cancer

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 1645 AEDT | 1845 NZDT

Gastroenterology

For the first time, SAHMRI and University of Adelaide researchers are investigating gene therapy as an option to help people with metastatic bowel cancer. Read more about New therapy to target the spread of bowel cancer

New plant-based gel to fast-track 'mini-organs' growth, improve cancer treatment

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

Advanced Science

Monash University researchers have created the world’s first bioactive plant-based nanocellulose hydrogel to support organoid growth for biomedical applications. This includes cancer development and treatment, and for COVID-19. Read more about New plant-based gel to fast-track 'mini-organs' growth, improve cancer treatment

Little megalodons were raised in nurseries

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Biology Letters

Spanish and UK scientists say megalodons (Otodus megalodon), the enormous, extinct relatives of modern sharks, may have raised their young in nurseries. They examined nine areas where megalodon remains have been found, and say five may have been Read more about Little megalodons were raised in nurseries

Westland petrels fly to the beat of their own drum

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Royal Society Open Science

Unlike its close seabird relatives, the Westland petrel breeds in the winter, takes a co-ed approach to foraging, and doesn’t have to go far to eat. Researchers used tracking data to study almost 30 adult Westland petrels, which live on the west Read more about Westland petrels fly to the beat of their own drum

Young hihi cave to peer pressure

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

When it’s time for a young animal to be more independent, does it keep the skills it learned from its parents or does it follow what its peers are doing? Researchers studied New Zealand’s own hihi for clues into this question, keeping an eye on Read more about Young hihi cave to peer pressure

Malaria-spreading mosquito bites come later

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

The first mosquito bites are less likely to be the ones that spread malaria, according to new research. Using birds in a lab experiment, researchers found that the amount of parasites within the mosquito tripled between the mosquito’s first and Read more about Malaria-spreading mosquito bites come later

Identifying a zapped bug from its smell

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Open Biology

For some, summer comes with the familiar smell of an insect when it hits a ‘zapper', but researchers say that unique odour could hold insights to help identify the bug. Researchers analysed the molecules of the burnt smell that came from different Read more about Identifying a zapped bug from its smell

Make your own N95 mask with a candy floss machine?

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society A

A physicist is proposing an innovative way for people to make their own N95-style masks using the same machinery that turns sugar into candy floss. N95 masks are already made by electrically charging the fabric to improve their filtration, but Read more about Make your own N95 mask with a candy floss machine?

Plasma from recovered COVID patients of no benefit in severe COVID-19

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

New England Journal of Medicine

The plasma of patients who have recovered from COVID-19, known as convalescent plasma, has been found to be no better than placebo for patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, according to an Argentinian trial. Convalescent plasma is often given Read more about Plasma from recovered COVID patients of no benefit in severe COVID-19

Hydroxychloroquine also doesn't work to prevent COVID-19

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

New England Journal of Medicine

A trial which used hydroxychloroquine to try and prevent COVID-19 developing in people who were close contacts of a confirmed case, has found it provides no benefit. the trial of over 200 people found COVID-19 developed at the same rate in both the Read more about Hydroxychloroquine also doesn't work to prevent COVID-19

Meet the experts behind ensuring the reliability of sewage testing for coronavirus

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

The collaboration on Sewage Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 (ColoSSoS Project) is giving our regulators, industry and the community confidence in the quality and reliability of testing methods. The National Measurement Institute (NMI), together with Read more about Meet the experts behind ensuring the reliability of sewage testing for coronavirus

Urban estuaries have more methane making microbes

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

More urbanised parts of the Burnett River Estuary, around Bundaberg, and within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, have a higher proportion of methane producing microbes, according to Australian research. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and it is Read more about Urban estuaries have more methane making microbes

Tassie devil tumours evolved rapidly as they spread

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Biology

Tassie devil transmissible cancer devil facial tumor 1 (DFT1) has evolved over the past two decades with new types spreading and replacing others, which may explain why the iconic marsupial has become endangered so quickly, according to Read more about Tassie devil tumours evolved rapidly as they spread

C-section babies do just as well at school

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

A study finds kids born via caesarean section have just as good NCEA results as vaginally birthed babies. C-section babies often have different microbes in their gut, which researchers suspected might influence their academic performance through a Read more about C-section babies do just as well at school

EXPERT REACTION: Emergency department visits surged during 2019-20 black summer bushfires

Publicly released: Wed 25 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows increases in emergency department visits for respiratory problems and sales of asthma medication in regions affected by the 2019–20 bushfires. The report brings together data Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Emergency department visits surged during 2019-20 black summer bushfires

Hepatitis C testing and treatment declines in Australia

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 1531 AEDT | 1731 NZDT

New report shows stigma remains high despite access to highly effective treatments. Fewer Australians are seeking testing and treatment for hepatitis C, according to the report monitoring Australia’s progress in eliminating the disease. Read more about Hepatitis C testing and treatment declines in Australia

Injectable opioid treatment – an important option for a minority of people who use drugs.

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 1201 AEDT | 1401 NZDT

Addiction

Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is an effective treatment for opioid addiction, including drugs such as heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl. It involves taking a regular dose of opioid medicines such as methadone or buprenorphine, usually orally or in films Read more about Injectable opioid treatment – an important option for a minority of people who use drugs.

Netball teams should go for long shots when the two-point rule is in play

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 1053 AEDT | 1253 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Teams competing in Australia’s national netball league should favour long- over mid-range shots when the two-point shot is available, according to Australian research. Australia's national netball league, Suncorp Super Netball, introduced a Read more about Netball teams should go for long shots when the two-point rule is in play

UK SMC BRIEFING + EXPERT REACTION: Phase 3 Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID vaccine trial results

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 1042 AEDT | 1242 NZDT

Our colleagues at the UK SMC have hosted a media briefing to present the results of the Phase 3 trial into the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID vaccine. Phase 3 interim analysis including 131 Covid-19 cases indicates that the vaccine is 70. 4 per cent Read more about UK SMC BRIEFING + EXPERT REACTION: Phase 3 Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID vaccine trial results

Areas where the next pandemic could emerge are revealed

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 1039 AEDT | 1239 NZDT

One Health

An international team of human- and animal health experts has incorporated environmental, social and economic considerations – including air transit centrality, to identify key areas at risk of leading to the next pandemic. The paper led by the Read more about Areas where the next pandemic could emerge are revealed

Taking the pill could be linked to reduced asthma severity

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Thorax

Taking the Pill may cut the risk of severe bouts of asthma, according to international researchers, however this effect is relatively small and doesn’t include the progesterone-only pill. The team looked at a database of six million patients, and Read more about Taking the pill could be linked to reduced asthma severity

Common form of food poisoning still comes mainly from chicken

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0921 AEDT | 1121 NZDT

International Journal of Infectious Diseases

Kiwi scientists looked at recent data to re-visit which food sources are responsible for Campylobacter infections, a common form of food poisoning caused by bacteria. Poultry still remains the lead culprit, with 84% of Campylobacter infections in Read more about Common form of food poisoning still comes mainly from chicken

Mother’s touch lingers in her child’s genes

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0910 AEDT | 1110 NZDT

eLife

Mothers leave their mark on their children in many ways – and Melbourne researchers have discovered a protein called SMCHD1 is involved in this ‘imprinting’ process. SMCHD1 switches certain genes off, altering how a cell behaves. The new Read more about Mother’s touch lingers in her child’s genes

Sound waves power new advances in drug delivery and smart materials

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0845 AEDT | 1045 NZDT

Advanced Science

Researchers have revealed how high-frequency sound waves can be used to build new materials, make smart nanoparticles and even deliver drugs to the lungs for painless, needle-free vaccinations. Read more about Sound waves power new advances in drug delivery and smart materials

Next generation drones could learn from bumblebees’ amazing flight

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

PNAS

An international study, led by researchers from UNSW Canberra, has discovered the secret of bumblebees’ self-aware dexterous flight, that could have applications for the next generation of drones and autonomous vehicles. Read more about Next generation drones could learn from bumblebees’ amazing flight

Isolation makes us literally hungry for company

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Neuroscience

Social isolation can evoke a craving response in the human brain, US research finds. Scientists restricted the in-person and online social interactions of 40 people for ten hours and measured their brain response. Showing the participants pictures Read more about Isolation makes us literally hungry for company

Candy with a chance of meatballs: Movie food and drinks fail the health test

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

Popular US movies depict an unhealthy diet, with the majority showing unhealthy foods and drinks, according to US research. The study looked at the 250 top-grossing US films between 1994 and 2018 and found that 73 per cent would be unhealthy enough Read more about Candy with a chance of meatballs: Movie food and drinks fail the health test

Study reveals true origin of oldest evidence of animals

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Ecology & Evolution

Two teams of scientists have resolved a longstanding controversy surrounding the origins of complex life on Earth. The joint studies found molecular fossils extracted from 635-million-year-old rocks aren’t the earliest evidence of animals, but Read more about Study reveals true origin of oldest evidence of animals

Using cutting edge technology to bioprint mini-kidneys

Publicly released: Tue 24 Nov 2020 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Materials

Researchers have used cutting edge technology to bioprint miniature human kidneys in the lab, paving the way for new treatments for kidney failure and possibly lab-grown transplants. Similar to the process used to 3D print materials like metal and Read more about Using cutting edge technology to bioprint mini-kidneys

Greenhouse gas is still at record levels despite COVID-19 lockdowns, according to WMO

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin

The WMO says COVID-19 has not curbed record levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, despite the industrial slowdown as a result of the pandemic. The WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin reports that the reduction in CO2 emissions in 2020 will be Read more about Greenhouse gas is still at record levels despite COVID-19 lockdowns, according to WMO

Machine learning predicts onset of dementia

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Nature Scientific Reports

Researchers from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) and the School of Computer Science and Engineering at UNSW Sydney have undertaken the largest comparison of survival analysis methods to date, to predict the onset of dementia using Read more about Machine learning predicts onset of dementia

NT croc resurgence under investigation

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 1700 AEDT | 1900 NZDT

A team of researchers from Charles Darwin University will investigate the impact of the recovery of the northern Australian estuarine crocodile population on river ecosystems. The project in collaboration with Griffith University, the Australian Read more about NT croc resurgence under investigation

No meat may make vegan bones brittle

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 1201 AEDT | 1401 NZDT

BMC Medicine

A lack of meat in their diet may be making vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians more susceptible to bone breaks, say UK scientists. The team say when compared with people who ate meat, vegans with lower calcium and protein intakes on average had a Read more about No meat may make vegan bones brittle

New tool to combat terrorism

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 1156 AEDT | 1356 NZDT

Forensic Science International: Genetics

Forensic science experts at Flinders University are refining an innovative counter-terrorism technique that checks for environmental DNA in the dust on clothing, baggage, shoes or even a passport. The research, led by postdoctoral research associate Read more about New tool to combat terrorism

Unlocking cheaper, sustainable chemicals

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 1104 AEDT | 1304 NZDT

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Article

A new technique to make cheaper more efficient biological enzyme hybrids could have valuable applications in future water recycling, targeted drug manufacturing and other industries, Flinders University green chemistry researchers say in a new Read more about Unlocking cheaper, sustainable chemicals

Bite-size view of brain space

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 1013 AEDT | 1213 NZDT

Royal Society Open Science

A new study fills in another gap in the remarkable evolutionary transition of life from water to land on Earth. Using micro-CT and MRI scans to make 3D models of small animal heads, palaeontology researchers from the University of Edinburgh, Read more about Bite-size view of brain space

Almost two-thirds of the public support pill testing at music festivals

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Drug and Alcohol Review

Almost two-thirds of the public support pill testing at music festivals, but opinions are highly polarised across the political spectrum, according to Australian research. The data from the 2019 Australian Election Study survey — a large Read more about Almost two-thirds of the public support pill testing at music festivals

Changes in fire activity are threatening more than 4,400 species globally

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 0400 AEDT | 0600 NZDT

Science

Major new paper says too much or too little fire is threatening more than 4,400 species around the world, including the orangutan in Indonesia and mallee emu-wren in Australia. The research team also found a striking example from Australia: the Read more about Changes in fire activity are threatening more than 4,400 species globally

"Speaking up" could improve professionalism in healthcare

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

Hospital staff who say they have skills in “speaking up” seemed to experience less incivility and bullying from their colleagues, according to researchers who say training in speaking up might help eliminate unprofessional behaviour in healthcare Read more about "Speaking up" could improve professionalism in healthcare

Queenslanders needed for OCD treatment clinical trial

Publicly released: Mon 23 Nov 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Researchers at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane are recruiting participants for a clinical trial of a new brain stimulation treatment for people diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Read more about Queenslanders needed for OCD treatment clinical trial

Ritalin in uni unfair according to NZ professionals

Publicly released: Sat 21 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS One

Professionals are in agreement that it’s unfair to use cognitive enhancing drugs like Ritalin to get through university. The results are from a survey of 400 New Zealand pharmacists, doctors, nurses, lawyers, and accountants. However some Read more about Ritalin in uni unfair according to NZ professionals

Did Health Star Ratings on our foods help them become healthier?

Publicly released: Sat 21 Nov 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Medicine

Researchers from NZ and Australia suggest that Health Star Ratings (HSR) had a small effect on the healthiness of foods that were labelled. HSRs were introduced in 2014, and producers were asked to voluntarily add the label to their packaging to Read more about Did Health Star Ratings on our foods help them become healthier?

Pioneering remote screening for vital health signs indicating COVID-19

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

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

New findings speed progress towards affordable gene therapy

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

Chemical Communcations

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