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EXPERT REACTION: Fluid from around a growing baby could be used to grow organ-like structures
Nature Medicine
Fluid from around a growing fetus could be used to create models of developing organs, including the kidney, lungs and small intestine, without having to terminate the pregnancy, according to international research. The researchers used fluid from Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Fluid from around a growing baby could be used to grow organ-like structures
International; NSW; VICUniversity College London, Great Ormand Street Hospital, UK -
More than 1/3 illicit drugs sold on the dark web contain unexpected substances
Drug and Alcohol Review
Testing of illicit drugs bought online found 35% were not what they said they were, highlighting the urgent need for more local drug testing facilities in Australia to prevent harm and overdose. Testing of illicit drugs bought online found 35% were Read more about More than 1/3 illicit drugs sold on the dark web contain unexpected substances
Australia; NSW; VIC; ACTRMIT University|The Australian National University... -
Humanity must start living within its means
UN Environment Programme
Rich countries use six times more resources, and generate 10 times the climate impacts than low-income ones, far exceeding human needs and nature’s capacity, according to a new report by the UN Environment Programme. The 2024 Global Resource Read more about Humanity must start living within its means
InternationalUN Environment Programme -
Obesity is linked to a higher risk of stillbirth, especially as the baby approaches full term
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Obesity is linked to a higher risk of stillbirth, and that risk increases as the baby approaches full term, according to international researchers. The team say the link between obesity and stillbirth is well-known, however, less is known about how Read more about Obesity is linked to a higher risk of stillbirth, especially as the baby approaches full term
InternationalHarvard University, USA -
Nanothin printing of electronics hardware could slash costs
Small
Engineering researchers have developed a 2D printing process using liquid metals that they say could create new ways of creating more advanced and energy efficient computing hardware that is manufactured at the nanoscale. Nanothin printing of Read more about Nanothin printing of electronics hardware could slash costs
Australia; International; NSW; VICThe University of Sydney|The University of Melbourne... -
Victoria’s feral cats move in for the kill after control programs cut fox numbers
Conservation programs that control foxes in order to protect Victoria’s endangered and threatened native animals may be inadvertently giving space for feral cats to thrive, according to research by the University of Melbourne. In a paper published Read more about Victoria’s feral cats move in for the kill after control programs cut fox numbers
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
From carbon to clouds - Ocean detectives return with climate clues
The longest science voyage by CSIRO research vessel RV Investigator has returned to Australia with one of the most comprehensive datasets ever collected in the Southern Ocean. Over 60 days and 12,000 kilometres, the voyage led by the Australian Read more about From carbon to clouds - Ocean detectives return with climate clues
Australia; International; TAS; ACTUniversity of Tasmania|Australian Antarctic Program Partnership -
Spontaneous curvature the key to shape-shifting nanomaterials
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Inspired by nature, nanotechnology researchers have identified ‘spontaneous curvature’ as the key factor determining how ultra-thin, artificial materials can transform into useful tubes, twists and helices. Inspired by nature, nanotechnology Read more about Spontaneous curvature the key to shape-shifting nanomaterials
Australia; International; NSWARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science|The University of Sydney... -
Few hospitals include stop smoking services in their lung cancer care
Respirology
Only 4. 5% of Australian and NZ lung cancer care centres include services to help people stop smoking, according to new research. The survey of lung cancer doctors, which covers about 85% of the centres treating lung cancer in Australia and 100% Read more about Few hospitals include stop smoking services in their lung cancer care
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; VIC; QLD; WACurtin University|The University of Melbourne|The University of New South Wales... -
National registry to improve the health of deaf and hard of hearing children
The health and well-being of deaf and hard-of-hearing children will significantly improve under the first national system that can track their care. Research at a Glance:The health and well-being of deaf and hard of hearing children will Read more about National registry to improve the health of deaf and hard of hearing children
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) -
Killer whale observed hunting great white sharks solo for the first time
African Journal of Marine Science
A solo orca (killer whale) has been observed by scientists individually hunting and eating a great white shark, a feat that scientists say has never been seen before. According to the orca researchers who witnessed the event, orcas have been Read more about Killer whale observed hunting great white sharks solo for the first time
InternationalRhodes University, South Africa -
The Covid-19 pandemic put Antarctic research on ice
SCIENCE ADVANCES
Covid-19 had a profound impact on international cooperation and governance in Antarctica, new Canterbury-led research has found. The pandemic also significantly impacted research funding, fieldwork operations and career development for scientists Read more about The Covid-19 pandemic put Antarctic research on ice
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Canterbury|British Antarctic Survey, University of Johannesburg -
Healthy sleep needs a healthy day: boost exercise to beat your bedtime blues
Sleep Health
Research from the University of South Australia shows that getting a good night’s sleep is tied to how you structure your day, with exercise at the heart of sleep quality. Early riser or night owl, everyone appreciates a good night’s sleep. But Read more about Healthy sleep needs a healthy day: boost exercise to beat your bedtime blues
Australia; VIC; QLD; SAUniversity of South Australia|Griffith University|Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) -
Making up for lost time: how our brains ‘predict the present’
Neuroscience and Biobehavioural Reviews
You’re an ace tennis player facing a 180kmph serve. In the approximately 80 milliseconds it takes your brain to register the position of the speeding ball, the ball has already moved a further 4m, and yet you hit it. Just how do the eyes and brain Read more about Making up for lost time: how our brains ‘predict the present’
Australia; International; VIC; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|The University of Melbourne -
AI-informed avatar to improve child protection
An avatar collaborative project involving Griffith University researchers, led by SimulaMet and OsloMet in Norway, will use AI to improve child protection. An avatar collaborative project involving Griffith University researchers, led by SimulaMet Read more about AI-informed avatar to improve child protection
Australia; QLDGriffith University|OsloMet, SimulaMet, Research Council of Norway -
1 billion people are now obese, and Aussie rates are on the way up
The Lancet
A global analysis has found that more than one billion people in the world are now living with obesity, and for kids and teens, the rate of obesity is now four times what it was in 1990. Among adults, the global obesity rate more than doubled in Read more about 1 billion people are now obese, and Aussie rates are on the way up
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; InternationalImperial College London, UK -
NZ politicians might under-estimate the influence of gifts
International Journal of Drug Policy
Ten New Zealand MPs were interviewed about their perceptions of gift-giving in the political sphere. Attitudes varied, but the most constant theme was a consistent downplaying of the importance and impacts of gifts. The study found that the MPs Read more about NZ politicians might under-estimate the influence of gifts
New Zealand -
Shackleton's milk: not too different from today's
Journal of Dairy Science
100-year-old powdered milk brought on the Shackleton expedition has been studied and found to be remarkably similar to its modern equivalent. Fonterra scientists found that the only major differences were due largely to how the antiquated storage, Read more about Shackleton's milk: not too different from today's
New ZealandFonterra Research and Development Centre -
Tiny magnetic particles in air pollution linked to development of Alzheimer’s
Environment International
Magnetite, a particle found in air pollution, could induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, according to a study in mice and human brain cells. Magnetite, a tiny particle found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Read more about Tiny magnetic particles in air pollution linked to development of Alzheimer’s
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The University of New South Wales -
Bottlenecks and beehives: how an invasive bee colony defied genetic expectations
Current Biology
A single bee colony has broken through a 'genetic bottleneck' to display genomic variation. Adaptability despite low genetic diversity could be a good sign for threatened species. For more than a decade, invasive Asian honeybees have defied Read more about Bottlenecks and beehives: how an invasive bee colony defied genetic expectations
Australia; NSW; QLD; ACTThe University of Sydney|CSIRO -
El Niño likely to cause record-breaking average temps in the first half of 2024
Scientific Reports
In the first half of 2024, many areas of the world are likely to experience record-breaking average surface air temperatures, according to international researchers. The team say that coastal areas in Asia such as the Bay of Bengal and the South Read more about El Niño likely to cause record-breaking average temps in the first half of 2024
InternationalChinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, China -
Building a healthier state from the inside out
Applied Health Economics and Health Policy
If Australia wants better results from its annual $180 billion dollars healthcare services expenditure, health economists must play a key role in decision making to improve the efficiency of local hospitals and health networks. Greater input from Read more about Building a healthier state from the inside out
Australia; SAFlinders University -
A lightweight fish pen to move farms to deeper seas
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
The University of Queensland has co-led a project to design a cost effective yet robust pen to expand fish farming into deeper ocean areas to help feed the growing global population. The University of Queensland has co-led a project to design a cost Read more about A lightweight fish pen to move farms to deeper seas
Australia; QLD; TASThe University of Queensland|Griffith University|University of Tasmania -
EXPERT REACTION: Junk food linked to over 30 physical, mental health and sleep problems
The BMJ
Eating more junk foods such as soft drinks, packaged snacks and sugary cereals is associated with a higher risk of over 30 different health problems both physical and mental, according to an umbrella review by Australian and international researchers Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Junk food linked to over 30 physical, mental health and sleep problems
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SADeakin University|Monash University|The University of Sydney... -
New online platform to improve disaster preparedness using community-sourced data, resource mapping and AI
A new online platform aims to better prepare communities for disasters with the use of community sourced data, resource mapping and artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The report Towards Resilient Communities released today, provides details on the Read more about New online platform to improve disaster preparedness using community-sourced data, resource mapping and AI
Australia; VIC; QLDARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society... -
Man's best friend might be carrying antimicrobial-resistant bacteria
PLOS ONE
Man's best friend might be carrying antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, according to international researchers who tested E. coli found in the poo of pet dogs. They found evidence that the bacteria had developed some forms of antimicrobial resistance. Read more about Man's best friend might be carrying antimicrobial-resistant bacteria
InternationalSichuan Agricultural University, China -
Chimps and gorillas will experience more frequent extreme climate events in the next 30 years
PLOS ONE
African great apes, including gorillas and chimpanzees, are going to experience extreme events such as wildfires, heatwaves and flooding more frequently in the next 30 years, according to international researchers. The team used past temperature and Read more about Chimps and gorillas will experience more frequent extreme climate events in the next 30 years
InternationalHaramaya University, Ethiopia -
Climate change could affect wine's microbial make-up
PLOS ONE
Climate change could impact the microbial make-up of wine, according to New Zealand researchers. Wine scientists from Lincoln University analysed the bacteria and fungi present during the fermentation of two organic Pinot noir batches from the same Read more about Climate change could affect wine's microbial make-up
New ZealandLincoln University|Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research -
Radio waves can tune up bacteria to become life-saving medicines
Nano Letters
Scientists from Australia and the United States have found a new way to alter the DNA of bacterial cells – a process used to make many vital medicines including insulin – more efficiently than standard industry techniques, by using radio waves. Read more about Radio waves can tune up bacteria to become life-saving medicines
Australia; NSW; VICRMIT University|University of Wollongong|Swinburne University of Technology... -
High temperatures may immediately increase your risk of having a stroke
JAMA Network Open
A large study has shown that high temperatures, over about 33 degrees, immediately increase your risk of having an ischemic stroke. The Chinese study found that compared to temperatures of around 12 degrees, at 33 degrees there was an increased risk Read more about High temperatures may immediately increase your risk of having a stroke
InternationalFudan University, China -
Silencing a gene could lead to lowering our cholesterol
Nature
Italian researchers say they have been able to repress a gene that has a role in controlling cholesterol levels in mice, and they say they have been able to do this without permanently altering the genetics of the mice. As opposed to directly Read more about Silencing a gene could lead to lowering our cholesterol
InternationalIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy -
More than one glass of soft drink a day could increase your risk of kidney disease
JAMA Network Open
Drinking more than one glass a day of sugar-sweetened drinks, or artificially sweetened drinks per day could increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease, according to an international study of over 120,000 people. The study found people Read more about More than one glass of soft drink a day could increase your risk of kidney disease
InternationalYonsei University, South Korea -
Losing our tails and walking upright was worth the genetic risks
Nature
The same gene that made our ancestors lose their tails may also lead to spinal cord defects, according to a new study that altered mice DNA. Researchers suggest that whatever advantage we got from losing our tails (such as becoming bipedal) must Read more about Losing our tails and walking upright was worth the genetic risks
InternationalNew York University, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Harvard University, Pennsylvania State University -
New JWST low-mass galaxy observations could help settle scientific debate about early universe origins
Nature
International researchers have made a major astronomical discovery, revealing that small galaxies are very likely at the origin of reionization – a crucial period in the early universe where neutral hydrogen transformed into ionized gas. Read more about New JWST low-mass galaxy observations could help settle scientific debate about early universe origins
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology -
EXPERT REACTION: Smoking down, vaping up, and 1 in 5 of us use drugs illicitly - Australia's National Drug Strategy Household Survey
The National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) have released the results from their National Drug Strategy Household Survey for 2022-2023, which outlines the attitudes and usage of tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaping, alcohol and illicit drugs Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Smoking down, vaping up, and 1 in 5 of us use drugs illicitly - Australia's National Drug Strategy Household Survey
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Climate extremes in Australia: new report analyses major events of 2023
Climate extremes in Australia were particularly intense in 2023 which saw a number of records tumble. Co-written by more than 30 of Australia’s leading climate scientists and researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, the Read more about Climate extremes in Australia: new report analyses major events of 2023
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; TAS; NT; ACTARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (CLEx) -
Stop trying to raise the perfect child: new parenting book
Two University of the Sunshine Coast education experts are calling for more parents to 'ground' their children – but not as punishment for misdeeds. Their new evidence-based book Grounded aims to steer parents out of the stress of years of Read more about Stop trying to raise the perfect child: new parenting book
Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
New findings could be life-changing for genetic syndrome sufferers
JCO Precision Oncology
An international research team led by QIMR Berghofer and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has discovered that people with the hereditary cancer disorder, Li Fraumeni Syndrome, are at greater risk of a much broader spectrum of cancers than previously Read more about New findings could be life-changing for genetic syndrome sufferers
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TASQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute|The University of New South Wales... -
Humpback whale numbers have dropped 20% in 10 years, whale watching data shows
Royal Society Open Science
Twenty years of whale watching data has shown that humpback whale numbers in the North Pacific Ocean dropped by 20% in the ten years from 2012 to 2021, according to Aussie-led research. The researchers say this is likely due to the impact of a Read more about Humpback whale numbers have dropped 20% in 10 years, whale watching data shows
Australia; NSW; WASouthern Cross University|Murdoch University -
After intense predictions, what happened to El Niño?
After many predictions, on September 19 the Australian Bureau of Meteorology formally announced an El Niño for the summer of 2023/2024, several months after it had been declared by other international meteorological agencies. And while forecasts Read more about After intense predictions, what happened to El Niño?
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
How could the production of blue jeans be safer and better for the environment?
Nature Communications
Industrial production of a colourless compound found in indigo plants could one day provide a way of dyeing blue jeans that is less environmentally harmful and safer for workers, according to international research. Blue jeans are currently coloured Read more about How could the production of blue jeans be safer and better for the environment?
InternationalTechnical University of Denmark, Denmark -
3D printed artificial eyes faster to make and more realistic
Nature Communications
International scientists have developed a faster and less laborious method for modelling and 3D printing more realistic custom eye prostheses. They say their prosthetic eyes have a more natural appearance and a better fit than currently available Read more about 3D printed artificial eyes faster to make and more realistic
InternationalFraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD, Germany -
Weight loss surgery more effective than lifestyle management for type 2 diabetes
JAMA
US scientists say weight loss surgery is more effective than lifestyle management for long-term control of type 2 diabetes. They looked at outcomes around 10 years down the line for 262 people with type 2 diabetes who had either gone under the knife Read more about Weight loss surgery more effective than lifestyle management for type 2 diabetes
InternationalUniversity of Pittsburgh, USA -
Largest crab claw ever found near Taranaki
New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics
Are ya feeling it now, Mr. Krabs? Researchers from the Netherlands are, after describing a fossil crab that boasts the largest (fossilised) crab claw ever, discovered on Waitoetoe beach in New Zealand by a local fossicker. The new species may be a Read more about Largest crab claw ever found near Taranaki
New ZealandUtrecht University, Llorenç de Villalonga -
Cutting-edge tracking technology proves Australian whale shark tourism leads the world
Journal of Sustainable Tourism
Using technology akin to a ‘fitbit’ for sharks, a team of researchers has tagged and tracked whale sharks to study the effects of tourism at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia for the first time. In a resounding endorsement of local tourism Read more about Cutting-edge tracking technology proves Australian whale shark tourism leads the world
Australia; QLD; WAMurdoch University|The University of Queensland|University of the Sunshine Coast -
Resistance to social robots futile
Technological Forecasting and Social Change
While the rise of artificial intelligence is proving to be a contentious issue, new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found that the use of social robots in a commercial setting would likely be met with less resistance. Resistance to Read more about Resistance to social robots futile
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
Silver tourism an avenue for industry growth
Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management
There is a significant opportunity to take advantage of the untapped market of silver tourism, paving the way to not only grow the economy but also offer an ever-increasing ageing population the opportunity to maintain quality of life. Silver Read more about Silver tourism an avenue for industry growth
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University|Curtin University -
Livestock guardian dogs safeguarding livelihoods and biodiversity
Ecological Solutions and Evidence
A landmark study has revealed how Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are changing predator behaviour and supporting conservation efforts in the process. A landmark study has revealed how Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are changing predator behaviour and Read more about Livestock guardian dogs safeguarding livelihoods and biodiversity
Australia; VIC; TASUniversity of Tasmania|The University of Melbourne... -
BRIEFING ALERT: Making sense of summer's weird weather, and what's coming next
This summer, the weather has had many of us scratching our heads. The idea that El Niño = hot and dry seems to have gone out the window, as rain lashed the east coast. But if you are struggling to sort your ENSO and Indian Ocean Dipole from your Read more about BRIEFING ALERT: Making sense of summer's weird weather, and what's coming next
Australia; VIC; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Culturally diverse boards the key to sustainability
Sustainability
Research has revealed the positive impact culturally diverse boards have on the sustainability practices of Australia’s largest companies. However, the study also provides a word of caution on the ability of powerful CEOs to negate this influence. Read more about Culturally diverse boards the key to sustainability
Australia; WAMurdoch University