Now is the time to protect WA’s tall forests

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 1201 AEDT | 1401 NZDT

Pacific Conservation Biology

South-western Australia’s tall karri forests require a new management approach for their conservation based on a changed moral consensus in the community, a new Curtin University study has found. The paper, published in Pacific Conservation Biology Read more about Now is the time to protect WA’s tall forests - Scimex

Baseless health justifications used to block migrant access

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Lancet

Unfounded myths about migration and health are used to justify policies denying migrants entry and restricting their access to healthcare — despite no evidence to back them up. A team of researchers from 13 countries reviewed the available Read more about Baseless health justifications used to block migrant access - Scimex

Is the lactose-free formula industry corrupting health officials?

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

An investigation by Dr Chris, from Operation Ouch fame, suggests special infant formula for those allergic to cow's milk is being prescribed to those who may not need it. The investigation which was also featured in the "Doctor Who Gave up Drugs" Read more about Is the lactose-free formula industry corrupting health officials? - Scimex

Putting off cervical cancer screening? A home test kit might be just the answer

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

Women who do not respond to invitations to attend cervical cancer screening could be sent kits and asked to take their own vaginal samples at home, say Australian and international researchers. Reviewing published studies on the accuracy of self Read more about Putting off cervical cancer screening? A home test kit might be just the answer - Scimex

Ancient DNA suggests Ibizans might not be descended from Phoenicians

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Scientific Reports

The tumultuous settlement history of Ibiza is reflected in the inhabitants' genes, as the DNA of the original settlers doesn't match the DNA of those living there now, according to research led by the University of Otago. Phoenicians first settled Read more about Ancient DNA suggests Ibizans might not be descended from Phoenicians - Scimex

Microorganisms feast on 400-year-old painting

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Bacteria and microbes living on a 17th-century painting are destroying the art, but there may be other organisms that could help preserve it, say researchers in Italy. The canvas, pigments, oil and varnish create a perfect home for bacteria and fungi Read more about Microorganisms feast on 400-year-old painting - Scimex

Aussies recycled 115,000 mobile phones to save the gorillas

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

More than 115, 000 mobile phones have been collected and recycled through a community campaign at Zoos Victoria, preventing around 12 to 20 cubic metres of waste going to landfill and recovering 182 kg of materials whose mining threatens wild Read more about Aussies recycled 115,000 mobile phones to save the gorillas - Scimex

Giant 'fish lizard's' resemblance to whales more than skin deep

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Nature

The fossilised skin of an extinct Ichthyosaur, a 180 million-year-old marine animal, has allowed scientists to see its close resemblance to whales. The specific fins, flippers, tail and warm blood make up some of the similarities between modern Read more about Giant 'fish lizard's' resemblance to whales more than skin deep - Scimex

Ready, set, melt: the Greenland Ice Sheet is melting fast

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Nature

The Greenland Ice Sheet has been melting much faster in the past decade than at any other time over the past 350 years, according to a new study. The US researchers looked at melt layers in ice cores from western Greenland that date back to 1650 and Read more about Ready, set, melt: the Greenland Ice Sheet is melting fast - Scimex

Pig heart transplant a new solution for terminal heart failure in humans?

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Nature

An international team of researchers has managed to successfully transplant genetically modified pig hearts into baboons that can function long-term. Their new transplant method - which involves keeping the hearts oxygenated through the circulation Read more about Pig heart transplant a new solution for terminal heart failure in humans? - Scimex