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Incredible vision in ancient marine creatures drove an evolutionary arms race
Science Advances
Ancient deep sea creatures called radiodonts had incredible vision that likely drove an evolutionary arms race according to new research published today. Read more about Incredible vision in ancient marine creatures drove an evolutionary arms race
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|The University of New England -
GPS trackers keep tabs on plastic pollution
PLOS One
Researchers have developed a low cost, open-source method to track common rubbish like plastic bottles via GPS in order to understand how plastic pollution spreads through the waterways. These “bottle tags” were released at 25 sites along the Read more about GPS trackers keep tabs on plastic pollution
InternationalUniversity of Exeter, UK -
Orca stranding linked to human activity
PLOS One
New research into trends behind orca stranding has revealed human activity as a cause of death across every age group of the orcas studied. A North American research team reviewed the pathology reports of almost 90 whales that stranded in Hawai’i Read more about Orca stranding linked to human activity
InternationalMinistry of Agriculture, Canada -
Continents were weak and prone to destruction in their infancy
Nature
Monash University geologists have shed new light on the early history of the Earth through their discovery that continents were weak and prone to destruction in their infancy. Read more about Continents were weak and prone to destruction in their infancy
Australia; VICMonash University -
Why do so few native plants and animals have Māori names?
New Zealand Journal of Ecology
Only four per cent of New Zealand species have scientific names based on te reo Māori or ta re Moriori. An independent scientist and historian reviews the history, noting there are still no restrictions or recommendations on the source or language Read more about Why do so few native plants and animals have Māori names?
New ZealandIndependent -
AI could keep weather balloons in the sky
Nature
Artificial intelligence could help stratospheric balloons stay in place for weeks at a time, according to international research that could have really shortened Carl Fredrickson’s adventure in Up. Helium-filled ‘superpressure’ balloons are Read more about AI could keep weather balloons in the sky
InternationalBrain Team, Google Research, Canada -
Potential treatment restores vision in mice
Nature
Aussie and international researchers have found a way to reprogram the neurons in mouse eyes to return them to a more ‘youthful’ state and restore vision, which could provide a new pathway for treating age-related vision loss. Neurons in the eye Read more about Potential treatment restores vision in mice
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
EXPERT REACTION: 2020 looks set to be one of the warmest years on record - WMO report
As if 2020 wasn't bad enough, now it looks like it is also on track to be one of the three warmest years on record, with the global mean temperature for January to October 2020 measuring around 1. 2°C above pre-industrial levels. With the fifth Read more about EXPERT REACTION: 2020 looks set to be one of the warmest years on record - WMO report
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
New project to improve health and well-being of young people with cerebral palsy
A new research project has been created to better understand and address the health care and service needs of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy. Read more about New project to improve health and well-being of young people with cerebral palsy
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) -
STEM superstars call for more gender and cultural diversity
N/A
The University of Melbourne leads this year's STEM superstars cohort with five academics chosen to step into the media spotlight. Read more about STEM superstars call for more gender and cultural diversity
AustraliaThe University of Melbourne -
New butterfly-inspired hydrogen sensor is powered by light
ACS Sensors
Inspired by the surface of butterfly wings, researchers have developed a light-activated hydrogen sensor that produces ultra-precise results at room temperature. Read more about New butterfly-inspired hydrogen sensor is powered by light
Australia; VICRMIT University -
Only a small fraction of those surfing the dark web are nefarious
PNAS
Almost seven percent of regular dark web users are likely using the anonymous network for malicious purposes, according to new research. The dark web allows users to protect their anonymity, but it also protects those who use it for illegal or Read more about Only a small fraction of those surfing the dark web are nefarious
InternationalVirginia Tech, USA -
Tanning beds may be linked to greater risk of endometriosis
Human Reproduction
Tanning beds and getting sunburns may be linked to a greater risk of developing endometriosis, according to a new study that analysed survey data of more than 95,000 American women from 1989 to 2015. Researchers found that women who had used tanning Read more about Tanning beds may be linked to greater risk of endometriosis
InternationalUniversity of Arizona, USA -
Kiwi 'sixth sense' evolved in the time of the dinosaurs
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
An organ that gives Kiwi and some other birds a "sixth sense" to find buried prey probably arose before those birds evolved to what they are today. A comparative study of 353 living bird species, such as Kiwi, shorebirds, and ibises, and six fossil Read more about Kiwi 'sixth sense' evolved in the time of the dinosaurs
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Cape Town, South Africa -
People interpret screams and gasps based on context
Royal Society Open Science
People usually interpret harsh 'nonvocal' sounds, like a scream or a gasp, as signifying a negative emotion, but new research has found that people can interpret the same sounds differently if other context is available. European researchers asked Read more about People interpret screams and gasps based on context
InternationalUniversity of Lund, Sweden; University of Lyon/Saint-Etienne, France -
More midwives could save millions of lives
The Lancet Global Health
Increasing the number of midwives and their level of care could reduce birth-related deaths by two thirds in low and middle income countries over the next 15 years. Too few midwives, along with poor training and support, result in inadequate care Read more about More midwives could save millions of lives
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney|Burnet Institute|Novametrics, UK, Works Health Organisation, Switzerland -
Targets for avoidable sight loss ‘not being met’: 30-year study finds
The Lancet Global Health
A new global study has found no significant reduction in the number of people with treatable sight loss since 2010. Published in The Lancet Global Health, it examined population-based surveys of eye disease worldwide from 1980 and found public Read more about Targets for avoidable sight loss ‘not being met’: 30-year study finds
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Don't drink the hand sanitiser - it can kill
BMJ Evidence Based Medicine
You might think it goes without saying, but two deaths identified in UK coroners’ reports are a reminder to all of us not to swallow alcohol-based hand sanitiser. The report also refers to an Australian case where a six year old was diagnosed Read more about Don't drink the hand sanitiser - it can kill
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK -
Swift action needed to help critically endangered parrot
Animal Conversation
There could be fewer than 300 swift parrots left in the wild, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU). Read more about Swift action needed to help critically endangered parrot
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University -
Using forests to limit global warming to 1.5°C may cost more than $500bn
Nature Communications
US scientists have estimated the cost of using forestry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions enough to limit global warming to 1. 5°C, and say it's likely to be around US$393bn (roughly AU$535bn). For this cost, forest management activities could Read more about Using forests to limit global warming to 1.5°C may cost more than $500bn
InternationalRTI International, USA -
EXPERT REACTION: Māori and Pacific academics paid and promoted less
MAI Journal
New research finds a substantial pay gap and significantly lower chance of promotion for Māori and Pacific academics in New Zealand universities compared to their other colleagues. Māori and Pacific women are the most impacted, with a $7,700 pay Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Māori and Pacific academics paid and promoted less
New ZealandTe Pūnaha Matatini|University of Otago|University of Auckland... -
Cannabidiol (CBD) in cannabis does not impair driving, landmark study shows
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
New research shows from the Lambert Initiative at the University of Sydney shows that cannabidiol is safe for driving and the intoxicating effects of THC in cannabis fade in hours. The results have big implications for regulation of medical cannabis Read more about Cannabidiol (CBD) in cannabis does not impair driving, landmark study shows
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Differences in immunity and blood vessels likely protect children from severe COVID-19
Archives of Disease in Childhood
Differences in the immune systems and better blood vessel health were among the factors protecting children from severe COVID-19, according to a new review. Read more about Differences in immunity and blood vessels likely protect children from severe COVID-19
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) -
Pumping a nanoparticle to lase at low power
Nature Communications
A laser pointer small enough to get inside a cancer cell and stop its "engine"? The stuff of science fiction? Scientists working at the nanoscale are chipping away at how to build miniature laser devices capable of intracellular bio-imaging and Read more about Pumping a nanoparticle to lase at low power
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
There’s a fungus among us: Deadly fungal disease could threaten Australia’s iconic lizards
Scientific Reports
A team of scientists have today announced the discovery of a deadly fungal disease affecting wild lizards across Australia. The condition, referred to as ‘Yellow Fungus Disease’, is dreaded by captive reptile keepers across the globe, who know Read more about There’s a fungus among us: Deadly fungal disease could threaten Australia’s iconic lizards
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; WAUniversity of the Sunshine Coast|Taronga Conservation Society Australia, University of Alberta, Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Murdoch University. -
Curtin collision models impact the future of energy
Atomic Data and Nuclear Data Tables
A new Curtin University-created database of electron-molecule reactions is a major step forward in making nuclear fusion power a reality, by allowing researchers to accurately model plasmas containing molecular hydrogen. Read more about Curtin collision models impact the future of energy
Australia; WACurtin University -
Hatch to commercialise Grade Engineering
Developed by the Brisbane-based Cooperative Research Centre for Optimising Resource Extraction (CRC ORE), Grade Engineering is an innovative suite of Australian-developed mining technologies that is set to be taken worldwide. Grade Engineering makes Read more about Hatch to commercialise Grade Engineering
Australia; International; QLDCRC for Optimising Resource Extraction|Australian Government - Dept of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources... -
80 year old WA snapper is the world's oldest tropical reef fish
Coral Reefs
An 81-year-old midnight snapper caught off the coast of Western Australia has taken the title of the oldest tropical reef fish recorded anywhere in the world. The octogenarian fish was found at the Rowley Shoals—about 300km west of Broome—and Read more about 80 year old WA snapper is the world's oldest tropical reef fish
Australia; WAAustralian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) -
SARS-CoV-2 might enter the brain through your nose
Nature Neuroscience
SARS-CoV-2 might enter the brain of people through the nose, according to an autopsy study which may help explain the neurological symptoms such as loss of smell, taste, headache, fatigue and nausea. Previous research had described the presence of Read more about SARS-CoV-2 might enter the brain through your nose
InternationalCharité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany -
EXPERT REACTION: Moderna vaccine reports 100% efficacy against severe COVID
Overnight, Moderna has reported further results of their Phase 3 COVID vaccine study. The results, based on 30,000 participants, included 196 cases of COVID-19, of which 30 cases were severe. According to the company, the vaccine's efficacy was 94. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Moderna vaccine reports 100% efficacy against severe COVID
InternationalModerna -
Sheep and beef farms hold a quarter of NZ’s native vegetation
New Zealand Journal of Ecology
New Zealand researchers have mapped out an estimate of where native plants and forests are dispersed throughout the country, finding that sheep and beef farms contain 17 per cent of the country’s remaining native forest and a quarter of the Read more about Sheep and beef farms hold a quarter of NZ’s native vegetation
New ZealandAUT University|University of Canterbury -
NEWS BRIEFING: Hayabusa2 capsule set to land on Aussie soil with space rocks on board
FULL BRIEFING RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE While food delivery services have been getting a good workout over the past year, space nerds around the world have eagerly awaited a different kind of package. Hayabusa2 is set for another milestone in its Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: Hayabusa2 capsule set to land on Aussie soil with space rocks on board
Australia; SA; WA; ACTAustralian Space Agency|CSIRO|Curtin University|ISAS/JAXA -
Pets, touch and COVID-19: why our furry friends are lifesavers
Journal of Behavioral Economics for Policy
A new study published by University of South Australia researchers points to the lifesaving role that pets have played in 2020 and why governments need to sit up and take notice. Read more about Pets, touch and COVID-19: why our furry friends are lifesavers
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Some primary school-aged children self-harm, as experts call for earlier intervention
PLOS ONE
New research reveals that some primary school-aged children have self-harmed, prompting calls for intervention efforts to start earlier. Read more about Some primary school-aged children self-harm, as experts call for earlier intervention
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Dream a COVID dream: Pandemic stress continues in our sleep
PLOS One
The mental suffering we experience during the COVID-19 pandemic is chasing us in our dreams, according to Brazilian researchers. The researchers used language processing tools to analyse 239 dream reports by 67 people made before or during the Read more about Dream a COVID dream: Pandemic stress continues in our sleep
InternationalFederal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil -
The ‘smell’ of coral as an indicator of reef health
Global Change Biology
What do corals smell like? How does that smell change during heat stress? And what critical functions do smells perform? With further coral bleaching forecast for 2021, a study conducted in the southern Great Barrier Reef is the first to explore the Read more about The ‘smell’ of coral as an indicator of reef health
Australia; QLDUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The University of Sydney... -
Online alcohol delivery linked to heavier drinking during lockdown
Drug and Alcohol Review
Kiwis who purchased booze online during lockdown were linked to much higher odds of heavier drinking (defined as having six or more drinks during one occasion) compared to those who bought their drinks at the supermarket. The findings come from a Read more about Online alcohol delivery linked to heavier drinking during lockdown
New ZealandMassey University -
The Google Maps of space? Australian telescope creates a new atlas of the Universe
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
A world-leading CSIRO radio telescope has created a new atlas of the Universe, by surveying the entire southern sky in record speed and detail for the first time, to build the astronomers version of 'Google Maps' in space. The Australian Square Read more about The Google Maps of space? Australian telescope creates a new atlas of the Universe
Australia; International; NSW; WA; ACTCSIRO -
Scientist’s discovery could target cancer in new way
Nature Cell Biology
A young PhD student's hunch about one aspect of cancer cell replication has paid off nearly four years later. Dr Noa Lamm, lead scientist on this project, was inspired to become a cancer researcher after losing her mother to the disease. She spent Read more about Scientist’s discovery could target cancer in new way
Australia; NSWChildren's Medical Research Institute (CMRI)|The University of Sydney... -
Two blood molecules could help predict Alzheimer’s
Nature Aging
Two molecules found in our blood plasma could help predict if someone with mild cognitive impairment will progress to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers looked at the health data from almost 600 patients with mild cognitive impairment. After Read more about Two blood molecules could help predict Alzheimer’s
InternationalLund University, Sweden -
Top ten prescription drugs used by Aussies in 2019/2020
Australian Prescriber
A drug used to treat eye conditions such as macular degeneration has cost the taxpayer almost $400 million in 2019/2020, topping the list of drugs ranked by cost to government. The drug, which was in second place last year, has topped the chart this Read more about Top ten prescription drugs used by Aussies in 2019/2020
AustraliaAustralian Government - Dept of Health -
HIV in Australia has declined by 12% in the past five years
New HIV data, released today by the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney for World AIDS Day, are a reminder for Australia to sustain its efforts in HIV prevention amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 903 HIV diagnoses in Australia in 2019, Read more about HIV in Australia has declined by 12% in the past five years
Australia; NSWThe Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society... -
HIV diagnoses fall as Australians embrace pre-exposure prophylaxis but challenges remain
Australian Prescriber
HIV prevention in Australia has been revolutionised in the past few years by pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with antiretroviral medicines. In New South Wales, where PrEP has most widely been taken up, it has been associated with a rapid decline in Read more about HIV diagnoses fall as Australians embrace pre-exposure prophylaxis but challenges remain
Australia; NSWThe Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society... -
Fit gamers challenge ‘fat’ stereotype, new esports research
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Esports players are up to 21 per cent healthier weight than the general population, hardly smoke and also drink less, a new QUT study finds. Read more about Fit gamers challenge ‘fat’ stereotype, new esports research
Australia; InternationalQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Microplastics almost universally found in marine mammals
Environmental Pollution
Researchers are consistently finding microplastics inside marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, and seals, according to a first-of-its-kind review of the scientific literature. Of the 30 studies reviewed, only one did not report finding Read more about Microplastics almost universally found in marine mammals
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland -
Head set over head phone: cancelling out unnecessary and unwanted noise
Scientific Reports
Researchers from the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration at the University of Technology Sydney are exploring technology for those wanting a quieter life! By integrating laser-based technology – which can deal with high frequencies – into Read more about Head set over head phone: cancelling out unnecessary and unwanted noise
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
Divorce conflict linked to lower mental health
Frontiers in Psychology
High levels of conflict during a divorce are linked to lower mental health in recent divorcees, according to new research. Scientists in Denmark studied over 1800 people who had been through a rapid divorce process, and found that the mental and Read more about Divorce conflict linked to lower mental health
InternationalUniversity of Copenhagen. Denmark -
The challenge of communicating disaster risks examined
Progress in Disaster Science
How do we successfully communicate risk before and during a disaster? An international author team, which includes former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, writes in an editorial about the importance of communicating risk early, the constant Read more about The challenge of communicating disaster risks examined
New Zealand; InternationalTonkin + Taylor International, New Zealand -
Views on Waitangi Day may not be as divisive as some think
Journal of Intercultural Relations
Data pulled from the 2015 New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study show most Māori and Pākehā support (51%) rather than oppose (8%) Waitangi Day as a national celebration of biculturalism. The team found that age, among other factors, was a key Read more about Views on Waitangi Day may not be as divisive as some think
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland -
Childhood dementia - insights from the eyes
Acta Neuropathologica Communications
Is the eye a window to the brain in Sanfilippo syndrome, an untreatable form of childhood-onset dementia, Australian researchers ask in a new publication. The findings of the NHMRC-funded project, just published in international journal Acta Read more about Childhood dementia - insights from the eyes
Australia; SAFlinders University|South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)