Oil spill clean- up gets 'doggone' hairy

Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2020 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

Environments

A study investigating sustainable-origin sorbent materials to clean up oil spill disasters has made a surprising discovery. Dog fur is particularly good at cleaning up crude oil from different types of land surfaces and, together with human hair Read more about Oil spill clean- up gets 'doggone' hairy

Ton of lead dumped by Notre Dame fire

Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2020 at 0807 AEST | 1007 NZST

GeoHealth

Soil testing around the Notre Dame in Paris suggests that nearly a ton of lead dust was dropped within a kilometre of the cathedral’s blaze last year. Lead contamination was also twice as high in areas downwind of the fire than in places outside Read more about Ton of lead dumped by Notre Dame fire

Box designed to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 may increase exposure

Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2020 at 0801 AEST | 1001 NZST

Anaesthesia

Aerosol boxes designed to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 can actually increase their exposure to airborne particles that carry the virus, according to Australian research. Aerosol boxes have been promoted as a quick and simple solution to Read more about Box designed to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 may increase exposure

Fruit vs. fizzy drinks: Not all fructose has the same effect on our bodies

Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

The negative health effects of fructose-containing soft drinks may not extend to other fructose-containing foods, according to US research. The researchers pooled 13 studies to look at the impact of fructose-containing foods on health, and found Read more about Fruit vs. fizzy drinks: Not all fructose has the same effect on our bodies

Stress-linked 'broken heart syndrome' more common during COVID-19 pandemic

Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

The incidence of stress cardiomyopathy, also known as 'broken heart syndrome', has increase significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with pre-pandemic periods, according to US research. Stress cardiomyopathy is a condition in which Read more about Stress-linked 'broken heart syndrome' more common during COVID-19 pandemic

Device can cut traffic noise in half - even with the window open

Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Scientific Reports

A new device that fits on an open window can cut the perceived volume of urban traffic noise by up to half, say international scientists. The device is made up of 24 speakers (each 4. 5 cm in diameter), fixed in a grid pattern to bars on the Read more about Device can cut traffic noise in half - even with the window open

Major cause of rare genetic mitochondrial disease identified

Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Med

An international study led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) has given hope to families of children born with a fatal heart muscle disease caused by faulty cell machinery. Read more about Major cause of rare genetic mitochondrial disease identified

Giant, ancient dolphin stalked some sizable prey

Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Current Biology

International researchers have found evidence of a 25 million-year-old, 15-foot-long dolphin in South Carolina. Researchers say this dolphin would have been the top predator in its community, and say they were surprised to find that modern toothed Read more about Giant, ancient dolphin stalked some sizable prey

EXPERT REACTION: Should masks become mandatory in Melbourne?

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 1630 AEST | 1830 NZST

As lockdown begins in Melbourne, questions are being raised about whether masks should be made mandatory in public places to help stem the rates of COVID-19, as is the case in a number of countries overseas. Below, Australian experts respond. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Should masks become mandatory in Melbourne?

How hot are the next 5 years likely to be?

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 1530 AEST | 1730 NZST

The UN-backed World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts the annual mean global temperature is likely to be at least 1°C above pre-industrial levels every year over the next five years (2020-2024) and there is a 20 per cent chance that it Read more about How hot are the next 5 years likely to be?

Using traditional Māori medicine to treat diabetes

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 1500 AEST | 1700 NZST

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Māori are three times more likely than other New Zealanders to have an insulin-resistant form of diabetes. Due to this - as well as the side effects and limited effectiveness of non-insulin drugs - researchers have reviewed the evidence for rākau Read more about Using traditional Māori medicine to treat diabetes

Study of 17 million confirms factors that make COVID-19 more likely to kill

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 1430 AEST | 1630 NZST

Nature

A study of 17 million people in the UK has confirmed that age, gender, ethnicity, and underlying medical conditions are all risk factors that affect your risk of dying from COVID-19. The study found men had a greater (1. 59-fold-higher) risk of Read more about Study of 17 million confirms factors that make COVID-19 more likely to kill

New liver cancer project, first of its kind in WA

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 1322 AEST | 1522 NZST

Patients with primary liver cancer will benefit from a new research project that will apply the latest techniques toanalysepatienttumoursand test new treatments. Primary liver cancer is where a malignant cancer starts in the liver. It is responsible Read more about New liver cancer project, first of its kind in WA

Alcohol fuels surge in chronic liver disease

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 1237 AEST | 1437 NZST

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Alcohol’s popularity and its central place in socialising in Australia obscures the dangers of excessive drinking and possible liver disease, Flinders University experts warn. In a sobering message for Dry July, the Head of Hepatology and Liver Read more about Alcohol fuels surge in chronic liver disease

NZ scientists find weak points in coronavirus genes

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 1100 AEST | 1300 NZST

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Otago researchers studying the genome of the virus that causes COVID-19 have found previously unrecognised weak spots, which could be targets for a future treatment. The weak points can be targeted by microRNA, part of a human cell’s immune system. Read more about NZ scientists find weak points in coronavirus genes

Focus on managing hospital violence

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 1100 AEST | 1300 NZST

Nursing and Health Sciences

Security guards employed at hospitals may be ill-prepared to deal with Code Black situations where patients or visitors appear threatening or violent, says Flinders University Professor of Nursing (Mental Health) Eimear Muir-Cochrane. A study of Read more about Focus on managing hospital violence

NZ quakes forced seaweed to evolve

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 0901 AEST | 1101 NZST

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Major earthquakes in New Zealand have the potential to lift chunks of land, which new research shows can have a lasting impact on the coastal ecosystems. Scientists looked at how a habitat-forming kelp species was affected by a prehistoric quake Read more about NZ quakes forced seaweed to evolve

Eating lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains could protect you from diabetes

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

The BMJ

We might need to rethink that cheeseburger, as international researchers say, in two studies, that a higher intake of fruits, vegetables and wholegrain foods are likely the way to stave off type 2 diabetes. The first study found the association by Read more about Eating lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains could protect you from diabetes

National warning on backyard chooks after salmonella outbreaks

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 0800 AEST | 1000 NZST

The Food Safety Information Council today issued a national warning to people with backyard chickens to always wash their hands after handling the chickens or their eggs following salmonellosis outbreaks in Victoria and Queensland. A recent Read more about National warning on backyard chooks after salmonella outbreaks

Humans used string for their bling over 120,000 years ago

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS ONE

Modern humans collected perforated cockle shells and wore them on a string around 120,000 years ago, according to Israeli research, which suggests strings, which had many more applications, were invented at least this long ago. The naturally Read more about Humans used string for their bling over 120,000 years ago

Shining light into the dark: New discovery makes microscopic imaging possible in dark conditions

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Cell Reports Physical Science

Curtin University researchers have discovered a new way to more accurately analyse microscopic samples by essentially making them ‘glow in the dark’, through the use of chemically luminescent molecules. Read more about Shining light into the dark: New discovery makes microscopic imaging possible in dark conditions

Artificial light at night may mess with teen brains

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Psychiatry

It might be time to order some blackout blinds, as US researchers have found exposure to artificial light at night may affect teens' sleep, and increase their risk of mood and anxiety disorders. The researchers used satellite data to figure out Read more about Artificial light at night may mess with teen brains

Meet the robot chemist that can perform its own experiments

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature

A robot that can handle sensitive chemicals, work for weeks at a time, and even decide which experiments to carry out when given a hypothesis - is either a scientist’s dream come true or their worst nightmare. Researchers in the UK have designed a Read more about Meet the robot chemist that can perform its own experiments

Hyperactive immune cells accelerate heart valve disease

Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2020 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Circulation

A new study using organ-on-a-chip technology reveals how overactive immune cells aggravate heart valve disease and how this damaging hyperactivity could potentially be controlled. Read more about Hyperactive immune cells accelerate heart valve disease

IVF egg numbers may point to a risk of age related diseases

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 1820 AEST | 2020 NZST

Annual Meeting of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

Women who respond poorly to IVF treatment, producing a low number of eggs, may be at higher risk of going on to develop age-related diseases, suggesting a link between ovarian ageing and an accelerated ageing process in general, say Danish Read more about IVF egg numbers may point to a risk of age related diseases

Distress and pain key reasons for prescription opioid abuse

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 1530 AEST | 1730 NZST

Drug and Alcohol Review

A study led by Monash University researchers, in collaboration with Turning Point and Ambulance Victoria, has shown that distress and pain are the key reasons people are taking opioids in higher doses than prescribed or without a prescription, Read more about Distress and pain key reasons for prescription opioid abuse

Science helps NZ community ready itself for tsunami

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 1433 AEST | 1633 NZST

Australasian Journal of Disaster and Trauma Studies

New research outlines how a community group in Orewa, north of Auckland, started a process which ended up helping a number of communities prepare for tsunamis. Orewa Rotary Club members and Massey researchers worked together to survey the community, Read more about Science helps NZ community ready itself for tsunami

Parents’ smartphone use does not harm parent/child relationships

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 1401 AEST | 1601 NZST

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry

Contrary to popular views, parental smartphone use is rarely associated with poor parenting, and more often than not, tends to be associated with warm and attached parenting, a Griffith University-led study has found. Read more about Parents’ smartphone use does not harm parent/child relationships

Numerous jobs linked to increased risk of knee osteoarthritis

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 1401 AEST | 1601 NZST

Arthritis Care & Research

Stay-at-home parents and workers in physically-demanding jobs - including farmers, builders, floor layers, miners, and cleaners - face an increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, according to Australian research. The researchers combined Read more about Numerous jobs linked to increased risk of knee osteoarthritis

Breastfed babies may have fewer broken bones as adults

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 1401 AEST | 1601 NZST

Journal of Bone and Mineral Research

Breastfeeding during infancy was linked to a lower risk of lower limb fractures when children reached young adulthood, according to Australian research. The study also found that maternal smoking was linked to a higher risk of upper limb fractures. Read more about Breastfed babies may have fewer broken bones as adults

Rewriting Earth’s history

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 1200 AEST | 1400 NZST

GEOLOGY

Curtin University-led research has found new evidence to suggest that the Earth’s first continents were not formed by subduction in a modern-like plate tectonics environment as previously thought, and instead may have been created by an entirely Read more about Rewriting Earth’s history

What makes a kid likely to do well at maths? Getting along with mum and dad

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 0901 AEST | 1101 NZST

Royal Society Open Science

Kids with more harmonious relationships with their parents at age 11 are more likely to succeed in maths as they progress through school, according to UK research. The study looked at how parents influenced their child's maths success and found that Read more about What makes a kid likely to do well at maths? Getting along with mum and dad

If women’s birth choices aren’t supported, they may go it alone

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

Women and Birth

A Western Sydney University study has found that women may be prepared to deliver their babies at home, unassisted, if Australia’s maternity health system is not reformed. Read more about If women’s birth choices aren’t supported, they may go it alone

Aussie researchers pioneer early diagnostic tool for Parkinson’s

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

University of South Australia researchers are pioneering a new method to more accurately diagnose Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative brain disorder which affects around 70,000 Australians, resulting in a loss of control of body movements. Read more about Aussie researchers pioneer early diagnostic tool for Parkinson’s

Where do NZ's bright young things choose to settle after graduation?

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 0500 AEST | 0700 NZST

The pull of income is what students look for when choosing a place to live after graduating in New Zealand. A research paper finds graduates from all fields other than agriculture are attracted to places that have high overall quality of business, Read more about Where do NZ's bright young things choose to settle after graduation?

Kiwi scientists devise new model for crop breeding

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS ONE

In crop breeding, choosing specific characteristics traditionally eliminates plants that fail to meet minimum standards for those traits. But this can make it difficult for breeders to develop crops which meet the standards for multiple Read more about Kiwi scientists devise new model for crop breeding

It could take decades for climate action to impact temperatures

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Communications

Making a significant impact on climate change will demand a long-term commitment, according to international researchers who studied the effects of abrupt reductions in several types of emissions including CO2, methane and black carbon in a Read more about It could take decades for climate action to impact temperatures

Over 75s may benefit from statins even if they don't have clogged arteries

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA

People over 75, with no sign of clogged arteries, may still benefit from taking cholesterol lowering statins, as US research on veterans has found the drugs can reduce the risk of death. The study on over 300,000 people found that taking statins was Read more about Over 75s may benefit from statins even if they don't have clogged arteries

Childhood obesity linked to poor heart health signs at 11-12 years

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Pediatrics

Toddlers who were obese or overweight show concerning signs of cardiovascular disease at 11-12 years of age, according to a new study led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI). Read more about Childhood obesity linked to poor heart health signs at 11-12 years

Review finds investment in Australian astronomy is paying dividends

Publicly released: Wed 8 Jul 2020 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Australia’s investment in astronomy and our hosting of two of the world’s most powerful telescopes means we are well placed to contribute to more big international breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe, according to a new review to Read more about Review finds investment in Australian astronomy is paying dividends

Women’s egg quality dependent on metabolic factors

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 2123 AEST | 2323 NZST

Nature Communications

Increasing the levels of a chemical found in all human cells could boost a woman’s fertility and help select the best eggs for IVF, according to University of Queensland research. Read more about Women’s egg quality dependent on metabolic factors

New study sparks fresh call for seagrass preservation

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 1800 AEST | 2000 NZST

Global Change Biology

An increase in carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to 5 million cars a year has been caused by the loss of seagrass meadows around the Australian coastline since the 1950s. The stark finding was made possible by new modelling done by marine Read more about New study sparks fresh call for seagrass preservation

EXPERT REACTION: Melbourne returns to stage 3 restrictions

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 1630 AEST | 1830 NZST

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has this afternoon announced metropolitan Melbourne will return to stage 3 restrictions for the next 6 weeks amid growing cases of COVID-19. The restrictions, which will be in place across all metropolitan local Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Melbourne returns to stage 3 restrictions

Engineers use electricity to clean up toxic water

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 1430 AEST | 1630 NZST

Algal Research

A new powerful electrochemical process that destroys water contaminants, such as pesticides, has been developed by Australian researchers. They say the technology could be readily applied to the wine industry, paper processing and pharmaceutical Read more about Engineers use electricity to clean up toxic water

Learning about penguin’s diet may save marine life

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 1401 AEST | 1601 NZST

Functional Ecology

Understanding how to future proof the prey of little penguins in challenging conditions is essential for their long-term survival and may well benefit the health of the whole marine system. Read more about Learning about penguin’s diet may save marine life

CRC Association’s Chief Executive retires

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 1344 AEST | 1544 NZST

Dr Tony Peacock FTSE is retiring as the Chief Executive of the Cooperative Research Centres Association, after ten years in the role. Read more about CRC Association’s Chief Executive retires

Double take: Analysing global, multiple-tailed lizards

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 1200 AEST | 1400 NZST

Biological Reviews

Curtin research into abnormal regeneration events in lizards has led to the first published scientific review on the prevalence of lizards that have re-generated not just one, but two, or even up to six, tails. Read more about Double take: Analysing global, multiple-tailed lizards

One million epilepsy patients in China missing out on beneficial surgery

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 1000 AEST | 1200 NZST

Neurology

In 2010, Professor Patrick Kwan, from Monash University’s Department of Neuroscience, led an international team researching the causes and outcomes of epilepsy in rural China. A decade later, the results indicate that at least one million Chinese Read more about One million epilepsy patients in China missing out on beneficial surgery

Your first flu might determine how well you can defend in the future

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0914 AEST | 1114 NZST

Proceedings of the National Acadamy of Sciences

The flu virus has many different strains, but the first strain you catch could impact how your body responds to other flu infections in the future. Researchers looked at experimentally infected ferrets and naturally infected children aged 2-6 years. Read more about Your first flu might determine how well you can defend in the future

Cannabis research round-up for Kiwis ahead of referendum

Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2020 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

It's still too early to tell the full effects of overseas cannabis legislation, but lessons can be drawn from early adopters such as Uruguay and Canada, according to a summary from the Office of the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Chief Science Read more about Cannabis research round-up for Kiwis ahead of referendum