Snail venom, insulin and diabetes

Publicly released: Wed 13 Feb 2019 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

eLife

Fish-hunting marine cone snails have developed a strategy to hit and subdue their prey with up to 200 different compounds, one of which is insulin. American and Australian researchers have examined the function of seven insulin sequences found in Read more about Snail venom, insulin and diabetes - Scimex

Cascading catastrophes when climate change wallops infrastructure

Publicly released: Wed 13 Feb 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Climate change impacts won't occur in a vacuum, so we need to plan our adaptation in a way that reflects the interconnected nature of climate change, New Zealand researchers say. Single events can cause vicious downwards spirals, they say, such as a Read more about Cascading catastrophes when climate change wallops infrastructure - Scimex

New recommendation to reduce post-natal depression

Publicly released: Wed 13 Feb 2019 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA

The US Preventative Services Task Force has made new recommendations that clinicians should provide or refer new mothers to counselling as a preventative measure against depression. Women who have a history of depression or certain factors such as Read more about New recommendation to reduce post-natal depression - Scimex

Catching some Zs can help fight infection

Publicly released: Wed 13 Feb 2019 at 0100 AEDT | 0300 NZDT

Journal of Experimental Medicine

When you are in the middle of a good slumber your brain lowers the levels of a specific group of chemicals, including adrenaline, which allows a special type of white blood cell to work on fighting infections, say German researchers. This type of Read more about Catching some Zs can help fight infection - Scimex

Long periods of undisturbed sleep a risk factor for stillbirth

Publicly released: Wed 13 Feb 2019 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Birth

Sleeping more that nine hours per night during pregnancy may be associated with late stillbirth, according to findings from an international study involving the University of South Australia. Media Release. From:University of South Australia. Read more about Long periods of undisturbed sleep a risk factor for stillbirth - Scimex

Increased mental health risk for Malawi children living with HIV

Publicly released: Tue 12 Feb 2019 at 1253 AEDT | 1453 NZDT

BMC Psychiatry

Almost one-third of children living with HIV in Malawi experienced emotional and behavioural difficulties, according to their primary caregivers in new research led by Curtin University. Media Release. From:Curtin University. Almost one-third of Read more about Increased mental health risk for Malawi children living with HIV - Scimex

Courage a double-edged sword for economic success

Publicly released: Tue 12 Feb 2019 at 1209 AEDT | 1409 NZDT

Journal of Personality

Modern economies need courageous, entrepreneurial individuals to thrive, yet the same qualities can bring greater risks, according to a world-first study. QUT’s Associate Professor Martin Obschonka joined forces with researchers from Germany’s Read more about Courage a double-edged sword for economic success - Scimex

Watching weight gain helps pregnant women

Publicly released: Tue 12 Feb 2019 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Weight gain during pregnancy could be better managed and recorded with a few simple interventions, according to Aussie researchers, and this could reduce the risks of pregnancy- and birth-related complications. Weight gain is a sensitive topic, but Read more about Watching weight gain helps pregnant women - Scimex

Newer anti-viral Hep C drugs cut the risk of cancer and early death

Publicly released: Tue 12 Feb 2019 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Lancet

Medicines recently added to the PBS in Australia for treating Hepatitis C (Hep C), known as direct-acting antivirals, have been found to be associated with a reduced risk of liver cancer and death in people with chronic Hep C. The study followed 10, Read more about Newer anti-viral Hep C drugs cut the risk of cancer and early death - Scimex

Baby bugs have been snorkelling in their food

Publicly released: Tue 12 Feb 2019 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Journal of Experimental Biology

Baby froghoppers - known as spittlebugs - go snorkelling in little clouds of foamy sap, according to international researchers. ‘Cuckoo spit’is a foamy cloud made by the bugs that turn up on plants around the world, including in Australia. Read more about Baby bugs have been snorkelling in their food - Scimex