Surfing bacteria reveal new insights into the ocean’s health

Publicly released: Wed 8 Aug 2018 at 0730 AEST | 0930 NZST

Scientific Data

Australian scientists have recorded more than 175, 000 tiny microbes dwelling in our ocean waters for the first time, providing an unprecedented baseline against which to measure the effects of climate change and human activities. Media Release. From Read more about Surfing bacteria reveal new insights into the ocean’s health - Scimex

Rare corn variety doesn't need fertiliser

Publicly released: Wed 8 Aug 2018 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS Biology

Unusual corn variety found in a field in Mexico can take the nitrogen it needs out of the air rather than relying on fertiliser, according to US researchers. The corn plant oozes a sugary goo from its above-ground roots which attracts bacteria. Read more about Rare corn variety doesn't need fertiliser - Scimex

Uncovering more secrets behind inflammation

Publicly released: Wed 8 Aug 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Cell Reports

New light has been shed on the cellular processes that cause immune cells to drive inflammation in a study by University of Queensland researchers. Dr Kate Schroder from UQ’ s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) and her team studied the Read more about Uncovering more secrets behind inflammation - Scimex

Capturing elephants from the wild shortens their lives

Publicly released: Wed 8 Aug 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Communications

Captured wild elephants have shorter lifespans than their captive-born counterparts, according to a study from Finland. Millions of wild animals are captured every year for many reasons, including research and conservation. In this study, Read more about Capturing elephants from the wild shortens their lives - Scimex

Tackling childhood obesity: no easy way out

Publicly released: Wed 8 Aug 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA

As childhood obesity rates persist, particularly in low socio-economic communities, researchers have found little success with behavioural interventions in young children. Results from two randomised clinical trials in the US reveled one trial Read more about Tackling childhood obesity: no easy way out - Scimex

Koala virus could explain why humans have ‘junk’ DNA

Publicly released: Tue 7 Aug 2018 at 1600 AEST | 1800 NZST

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

A koala virus could help researchers explain millions of years of accumulated ‘junk’DNA in the human genome. An international team of researchers – including scientists from The University of Queensland – is studying a virus infecting koalas Read more about Koala virus could explain why humans have ‘junk’ DNA - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Australia's population to hit 25 million mark

Publicly released: Tue 7 Aug 2018 at 1300 AEST | 1500 NZST

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Population Clock, Australia’ s population is due to hit 25 million today, a number of years ahead of some predictions. Below Australian experts comment on the issues that face Australia as its Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Australia's population to hit 25 million mark - Scimex

Pregnant women from wealthier regions more likely to have noninvasive Down syndrome screening

Publicly released: Tue 7 Aug 2018 at 1030 AEST | 1230 NZST

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ANZJOG)

Pregnant women in the wealthier suburbs of Victoria are five times more likely to have used a state-of-the-art Down syndrome screening test before an invasive procedure, compared with women from socioeconomically-disadvantaged regions. Media Read more about Pregnant women from wealthier regions more likely to have noninvasive Down syndrome screening - Scimex

Call the midwife if you want a water birth: doctors not so keen

Publicly released: Tue 7 Aug 2018 at 0901 AEST | 1101 NZST

Women and Birth

An Australian study of midwives’ views on water immersion during labour and birth shows almost 90 per cent believe the practice should be offered to all pregnant women. Media Release. From:University of South Australia. An Australian study of Read more about Call the midwife if you want a water birth: doctors not so keen - Scimex

Earth at risk of entering a hothouse climate

Publicly released: Tue 7 Aug 2018 at 0500 AEST | 0700 NZST

PNAS

An international study has found the Earth is at risk of entering a hothouse climate that could lead to global average temperatures of up to five degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial temperatures and long-term rises in the sea level of between Read more about Earth at risk of entering a hothouse climate - Scimex