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New way found to treat early relapse in leukaemia
Journal of Clinical Oncology
Researchers at Peter Mac have found a new way to treat a form of leukaemia that stops the disease in its tracks to prolong remission. New research, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, has shown how a new combination of a molecular Read more about New way found to treat early relapse in leukaemia
Australia; International; VIC; SAPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Adelaide... -
Targeted liver cancer treatment kills cancer cells and could cut chemo side effects
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
Drug-loaded 3D printed films could change cancer treatments forever as research from the University of South Australia shows that new films not only kill more than 80% of liver cancer cells but could also significantly reduce recurrence rates Read more about Targeted liver cancer treatment kills cancer cells and could cut chemo side effects
Australia; International; SAUniversity of South Australia|The University of Adelaide -
Giant rogue waves: Southern Ocean expedition reveals wind as key cause
Physical Review Letters
A University of Melbourne expedition to the southernmost waters encircling Antarctica has discovered that wind drives the formation of colossal rogue waves, and that these unpredictable waves occur more frequently than scientists had previously Read more about Giant rogue waves: Southern Ocean expedition reveals wind as key cause
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Swinburne University of Technology -
Combatting disruptive ‘noise’ in quantum communication
Nature Communications
An experiment has demonstrated how networks can be leveraged to combat disruptive ‘noise’ in quantum communications. The international effort led by researchers from Griffith University’s Centre for Quantum Dynamics highlights the potential of Read more about Combatting disruptive ‘noise’ in quantum communication
Australia; International; NSW; QLDGriffith University|The University of New South Wales -
Private equity purchases of Aussie healthcare grew to $4.5 billion in 2022
Medical Journal of Australia
Private equity acquisitions of Australian health care have grown over the past fifteen years, reaching $4. 5 billion in 2022, according to new data. The researchers identified a total of 75 private equity acquisitions of health care delivery assets Read more about Private equity purchases of Aussie healthcare grew to $4.5 billion in 2022
Australia; International; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Harvard University, USA -
Melbourne radio wave exposure consistent over time
Environmental Research
Environmental exposure to radio waves from wireless technology has not changed significantly in Melbourne over the last decade, a study led by scientists at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) finds. Environmental Read more about Melbourne radio wave exposure consistent over time
Australia; VICAustralian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)... -
Three new giant kangaroos bound back from the past
Megataxa
Palaeontologists from Flinders University have described three unusual new species of giant fossil kangaroo from Australia and New Guinea, finding them more diverse in shape, range and hopping method than previously thought. The three new species Read more about Three new giant kangaroos bound back from the past
Australia; Pacific; NSW; SA; TAS; NTFlinders University -
Important health information missing in online food delivery menus
Public Health Nutrition
Many menu items on online food delivery services do not display important nutritional information. Researchers say current NSW menu labelling laws need to be updated and closer monitoring needed on online food delivery services. A University of Read more about Important health information missing in online food delivery menus
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
AI can write you a poem and edit your video. Now, it can help you be funnier
Association for Computing Machinery Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces - IUI 2024 Conference
University of Sydney researchers have developed an AI application using cartoons from The New Yorker to help people be funnier. University of Sydney researchers have used an AI-assisted application to help people write cartoon captions for cartoons Read more about AI can write you a poem and edit your video. Now, it can help you be funnier
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Our fur babies come with cuddles and a side of superbugs
ESCMID Global Congress
UK and Portuguese researchers presenting at ESCMID Global Congress say our pet kits and doggos could play a big part in spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They found evidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria being passed between sick cats and Read more about Our fur babies come with cuddles and a side of superbugs
InternationalUniversity of Lisbon, Portugal -
LGBTQ+ young people with childhood trauma are at higher risk of phone addiction
JAMA Network Open
Young people who are not heterosexual or don't conform to gender norms are more likely to have childhood trauma, which in turn increases their risk of phone addiction, according to Chinese research. The team investigated the links between queer or Read more about LGBTQ+ young people with childhood trauma are at higher risk of phone addiction
InternationalSun Yat-sen University, China -
Overturning US abortion rights prompted a surge in women getting their tubes tied
JAMA Health Forum
The overturning of the constitutional right to abortion in the US prompted a surge in permanent contraceptive surgery in both vasectomies and women getting their tubes tied, but the response for women was double that for men, according to Read more about Overturning US abortion rights prompted a surge in women getting their tubes tied
InternationalUniversity of Pittsburgh, USA -
Bonobos are less chill than we thought
Current Biology
New international research has debunked the idea that bonobos are less aggressive than chimpanzees. Over the course of the study, bonobos had three times as many physical aggressions as chimpanzees. However, while male bonobos were almost Read more about Bonobos are less chill than we thought
InternationalUniversité Toulouse Capitole -
Reducing cholesterol in kids with high levels may help prevent heart disease later in life
JAMA
Kids who have high levels of 'bad' cholesterol (non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) during childhood are at an increased risk of heart disease later in life, but Australian researchers have found that this risk is reduced if their cholesterol Read more about Reducing cholesterol in kids with high levels may help prevent heart disease later in life
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute -
Softer tumours may fuel more aggressive spread of triple-negative breast cancer
Advanced Science
Researchers have discovered how the mechanical properties of tumours can prime cancer cells to better survive their spread to other organs in a study using biomaterials that mimic the properties of tumours and experiments in mice. Softer tumours Read more about Softer tumours may fuel more aggressive spread of triple-negative breast cancer
Australia; NSWGarvan Institute of Medical Research -
Inflammation discovery to help fight liver disease
Science Signaling
QIMR Berghofer scientists have discovered the mechanism that causes severe inflammation among millions of people with chronic liver disease. In a world-first, QIMR Berghofer scientists have discovered the mechanism that causes severe inflammation Read more about Inflammation discovery to help fight liver disease
Australia; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute|The University of Queensland -
Polyester pollution is disrupting life on the seafloor
Marine Pollution Bulletin
New Zealand and international researchers have found that tiny plastic fibres from polyester materials are messing with the way organic matter is usually broken down on the seafloor. The effects of these microplastics differed depending on the Read more about Polyester pollution is disrupting life on the seafloor
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|University of Otago|University of Florida, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of Cape Town -
Beep boop (signed)! Underwater robots can speak sign language now
Computer Networks
Divers rely on sign-based communication to rely information underwater. Increasingly, underwater robots share this space with human divers, and communication between the two is important. Using a pre-existing set of common dive signs, a team of Read more about Beep boop (signed)! Underwater robots can speak sign language now
Australia; New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|University of Zagreb, Croatia -
Trouble on the horizon: how to make an impact based warning
International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction
When a disaster looms, impact based warnings can be more useful for the public than outright likelihoods. It's one thing to hear "it might rain", but another to hear "we're expecting treefalls and slips in your neighborhood". To issue these warnings, Read more about Trouble on the horizon: how to make an impact based warning
New Zealand; InternationalGNS Science|Massey University -
Post-Covid kids aren't walking to school like they used to
Journal of Transport & Health
The Covid lockdown period has disrupted Kiwi kids who walk to school, with students 42% less likely to return to their usual walking commute, new research finds. It's potentially accelerated an existing trend, with the study authors saying that Read more about Post-Covid kids aren't walking to school like they used to
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|AGILE Research Ltd., Auckland University of Technology, -
Saving Queensland’s earless dragons
Remote cameras and conservation dogs will be deployed as part of a University of Queensland research project aiming to conserve four threatened Queensland reptile species. Remote cameras and conservation dogs will be deployed as part of a Read more about Saving Queensland’s earless dragons
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Displaced Ukrainians who remained in the country have increased anxiety and PTSD
PLOS Global Public Health
Displaced Ukrainians experience high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety, according to a survey of mental health of over 8000 people who were either refugees or people displaced within Ukraine. The participants Read more about Displaced Ukrainians who remained in the country have increased anxiety and PTSD
InternationalUniversity of Southampton, UK -
Extreme sea levels during heatwaves are becoming more frequent
Communications Earth & Environment
New international research has found that 40% of the world's coastlines saw a significant increase in simultaneous heatwaves and extreme sea level rise, especially in tropical regions such as the Pacific Islands. Under a high emissions scenario, the Read more about Extreme sea levels during heatwaves are becoming more frequent
Pacific; InternationalThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China -
More empathetic doctors may be better at treating chronic pain
JAMA Network Open
Doctors who are more empathetic towards their patients may be better at treating chronic pain, according to international researchers. The team asked 1,470 chronic pain patients to rate their doctor's empathy using a questionnaire, and followed Read more about More empathetic doctors may be better at treating chronic pain
InternationalUniversity of North Texas, USA -
Vaping took our youth by storm - will we let snus do the same?
NZMJ
As NZ's smokefree commitments dwindle, experts worry that youth-targeted, multi-flavoured, "freedom"-branded snus may resonate with young people the way vaping has. Snus, a tobacco pouch which is placed under the lip, has roots in 18th century Read more about Vaping took our youth by storm - will we let snus do the same?
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Older people often taking more meds than needed
NZMJ
Of 173 residents of a retirement village outside Auckland, researchers recommended that 135 (78%) change their prescription habits. Many of their prescriptions were outdated, with certain cardiac medications and PPIs most commonly recommended to be Read more about Older people often taking more meds than needed
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland -
Young drinkers are ending up in ED less
New Zealand Medical Journal
Since 2017, the demographic of drinker that ends up in the Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department is getting older. People aged 18-24 dropped from 28% to 16% of all alcohol-related intakes, while the 65+ demographic rose from 12% to 24%. The Read more about Young drinkers are ending up in ED less
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Ketamine hurts your bladder, makes you pee more
NZMJ
Recreational ketamine use is rapidly rising in Aotearoa, with young people typically snorting the drug in powdered form. Alongside the drug's rise in popularity, two Kiwi urologists have noticed increasing rates of "ketamine bladder syndrome". They Read more about Ketamine hurts your bladder, makes you pee more
New ZealandCanterbury District Health Board (CHDB) -
New focus for chronic liver disease care
Hepatology
New research from Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University has provided evidence that improved models of care can benefit patients with decompensated cirrhosis - an acute deterioration in liver function in a patient with cirrhosis. The study Read more about New focus for chronic liver disease care
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Australian science key to a future made in Australia
The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement of his government’s intention to legislate a Future Made in Australia Act. President of the Australian Academy of Science Professor Chennupati Jagadish said, “A future Read more about Australian science key to a future made in Australia
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Science -
New platform to help understand how bushfire smoke harms the lungs and heart
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
A team of researchers led by Professor Jay Horvat and Dr Henry Gomez have developed a world-first platform to define the impact of exposure to landscape fire smoke on the heart and lungs. The researchers found that short and long-term exposure to Read more about New platform to help understand how bushfire smoke harms the lungs and heart
Australia; NSWThe University of Newcastle -
CORRECTION: EXPERT REACTION: Australia [has not] recorded zero COVID-19 deaths for at least a week
Media reports based on data from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care had suggested Australia recorded no deaths associated with COVID-19 for a week, although experts have warned that data delays meant the most recent data Read more about CORRECTION: EXPERT REACTION: Australia [has not] recorded zero COVID-19 deaths for at least a week
Australia; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre -
Illegal 'ghost roads' are threatening vast areas of rainforest
Nature
Illegal and informal roads are threatening forests across the tropical Asia-Pacific region, according to Australian research. The roads do not appear on legitimate maps and have been nicknamed 'ghost roads'. The researchers spent 7,000 hours Read more about Illegal 'ghost roads' are threatening vast areas of rainforest
Australia; Pacific; International; QLDJames Cook University -
Underused heart program could reduce hospital readmissions and lower risk of death
Heart, Lung and Circulation
Referring people to a specialised rehabilitation program following a cardiac incident could reduce the chance they will be readmitted to hospital and potentially lower their risk of death, according to new Flinders University research - but Read more about Underused heart program could reduce hospital readmissions and lower risk of death
Australia; SAFlinders University|The University of Adelaide -
Scientists create octopus survival guide to minimise impacts of fishing
Marine and Freshwater Research Journal
How do we ensure octopus fisheries remain sustainable, protecting the longevity of this ancient animal while guaranteeing the world doesn’t go hungry? An accurate, reliable, cost effective and easy-to-use method to determine an octopus’s age and Read more about Scientists create octopus survival guide to minimise impacts of fishing
Australia; NSW; SAUniversity of South Australia|Southern Cross University... -
New way to fight solid cancers discovered
Nature
Researchers at Peter Mac have overcome a major barrier that could see a revolutionary immunotherapy treatment becoming successful on patients with solid cancer types. Published in the coveted Nature journal today, Professor Phil Darcy, Associate Read more about New way to fight solid cancers discovered
Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Pacific cities much older than previously thought
Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory
New evidence of one of the first cities in the Pacific shows they were established much earlier than previously thought, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU). The study used aerial laser scanning to map Read more about Pacific cities much older than previously thought
Australia; Pacific; ACTThe Australian National University -
Ketamine-based drug reduces depressive episodes in new mums
The BMJ
Injections of a drug derived from ketamine just after childbirth reduced the risk of depressive episodes for new mums experiencing depressive symptoms during pregnancy, according to international research. The team recruited 361 pregnant women Read more about Ketamine-based drug reduces depressive episodes in new mums
InternationalPeking University First Hospital, China -
Grouping the messenger: Indigenous Australian Message Stick Database launched
PLOS ONE
The first database of message sticks used in Indigenous Australia has been created, pulling together records and information on message sticks housed in museums and archives around the world. Message sticks are wooden objects used by First Read more about Grouping the messenger: Indigenous Australian Message Stick Database launched
Australia; NSW; ACTThe University of New England|The Australian National University -
Some of our favourite songs make us sad – and that could be why we like them
PLOS ONE
A new study proposes a novel theory of why listening to sad music can make us feel good. Many people report that the music they love can also make them feel sad. It’s something that has puzzled music researchers, who have long wondered how an Read more about Some of our favourite songs make us sad – and that could be why we like them
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Global 'Cybercrime Index' ranks countries by cybercrime threat level
PLOS ONE
Following three years of intensive research, an international and Australian team of researchers has compiled the first ever ‘World Cybercrime Index’, which identifies the globe’s key cybercrime hotspots by ranking the most significant sources Read more about Global 'Cybercrime Index' ranks countries by cybercrime threat level
Australia; NSW; VIC; ACTUNSW Canberra -
Are gaming and computer use causing psychotic episodes in our kids?
JAMA Psychiatry
Canadian researchers checking up on the TV, computer, and video game use of kids during their teenage years suggest a potential link to psychotic experiences. The researchers say teens who played video games a lot and those who increased and then Read more about Are gaming and computer use causing psychotic episodes in our kids?
InternationalMcGill University, Canada -
A new drug helps prevent severe flu symptoms in mice
Nature
A new drug has been found to help reduce lung damage and increase survival rates in mice infected with influenza A. Severe influenza A infection can cause severe inflammation, lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome, for which there are Read more about A new drug helps prevent severe flu symptoms in mice
InternationalFox Chase Cancer Center, USA, Tufts University School of Medicine, USA -
Greenspace could be great for mental health in early childhood
JAMA Network Open
Living near greenspaces could help reduce the risk of early anxiety and depression in early childhood, according to international researchers. The team looked at data from 2,103 kids across the US and found that living near more greenspaces was Read more about Greenspace could be great for mental health in early childhood
InternationalUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA -
Are there negatives to taking shroomies for the gloomys?
JAMA Network Open
Researchers from the US, investigating the effect of psilocybin in the treatment of depression and anxiety, say that the mushroom-derived compound can cause a few adverse side effects, but are tolerable overall. The team analysed six previous Read more about Are there negatives to taking shroomies for the gloomys?
InternationalUniversity of Georgia, USA -
An immune cell in the lung may be an unexpected trigger for developing severe COVID-19
Journal of Experimental Medicine
A type of immune cell known as an interstitial macrophage, may be involved in the development of severe COVID-19, according to US research. Interstitial macrophages are found deep in the lungs and are part of the body's way of protecting itself Read more about An immune cell in the lung may be an unexpected trigger for developing severe COVID-19
InternationalStanford University, USA -
New approach needed to save Australia’s non-perennial rivers
Journal of Hydrology
Non-perennial rivers, which stop flowing at some point each year, dominate surface water movement across Australia, yet monitoring the continued health of these vital waterways demands a new type of research attention. Non-perennial rivers, which Read more about New approach needed to save Australia’s non-perennial rivers
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; NTFlinders University|Edith Cowan University|Monash University... -
UK and NZ EXPERT REACTION: Is it time to revisit guidelines for young people's gender-affirming care?
Archives of Disease in Childhood
Scientific evidence on the use of puberty blockers and hormones for children and young people experiencing gender-related distress is lacking, according to a series of reviews on treatments and international guidelines, and an editorial. The series Read more about UK and NZ EXPERT REACTION: Is it time to revisit guidelines for young people's gender-affirming care?
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of York, UK -
Working on your hip strength could help prevent falls in older age
PLOS ONE
Improving your hip abductor strength and hip flexor power could help prevent falls in older age, according to a study by international and Australian authors that looked at how strength in specific leg muscles impacts fall risk. In a group of 94 Read more about Working on your hip strength could help prevent falls in older age
Australia; International; NSWThe University of New South Wales|Universidade de Brasília, Brazil -
EXPERT REACTION: Prof Peter Higgs, who proposed the 'God particle', has died aged 94
Professor Peter Higgs, the Nobel prize-winning physicist who proposed the existence of the Higgs boson - also known as the 'God particle' - has died, aged 94. The existence of the Higgs boson was confirmed by the Large Hadron Collider in 2012. Prof Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Prof Peter Higgs, who proposed the 'God particle', has died aged 94
Australia; VIC; SAAustralian Science Media Centre