Sex toys, dolls and robots: our mysterious bedfellows

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jun 2018 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

Sexologies

An under-researched area of our sex lives - sexual products, their users and uses - has been brought to light in a new study. Through a literature review and online survey, German researchers found that although nearly two-thirds of respondents had Read more about Sex toys, dolls and robots: our mysterious bedfellows - Scimex

Extinct gibbon found in ancient tomb

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jun 2018 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

Science

The remains of a female gibbon, discovered in an ancient Chinese tomb, suggest there's been a much greater historical loss of global ape diversity than we had realised. UK researchers analysed the fossilised head and jaw of a gibbon which they named Read more about Extinct gibbon found in ancient tomb - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Caffeine may help cells' 'batteries' boost heart health in mice

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jun 2018 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS Biology

Caffeine may help protect mouse heart cells from damage, according to international researchers. The authors tested the equivalent of a human having over four cups of coffee on live mice and cells, and found caffeine helped the protein p27 move into Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Caffeine may help cells' 'batteries' boost heart health in mice - Scimex

Photographic processing unlocks more secrets from HMAS AE1 shipwreck

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jun 2018 at 0301 AEST | 0501 NZST

Australia’ s first submarine, lost at sea for over 100 years, continues to reveal its secret history through advanced 3D processing techniques of underwater still photography. Researchers are digitally reconstructing the sunken HMAS AE1 using Read more about Photographic processing unlocks more secrets from HMAS AE1 shipwreck - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION:Could herpes have a role in Alzheimer's?

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jun 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Neuron

The brains of Alzheimer's patients seem to contain higher levels of human herpes viruses than healthy brains, according to US research, although it is not yet clear if the viruses have a role to play in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Read more about EXPERT REACTION:Could herpes have a role in Alzheimer's? - Scimex

Bigger ladies may have lower breast cancer risk

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jun 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Oncology

Women with higher body mass index (BMI), especially in early adulthood, may be at a lower risk of developing breast cancer prior to menopause, according to Australian and international research. The research looked at 19 different studies, including Read more about Bigger ladies may have lower breast cancer risk - Scimex

Aussie moth first known insect to migrate magnetically

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jun 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Current Biology

Australia's Bogong moths are the first insect discovered to steer by the Earth's magnetic field in long-distance migration - like migrating birds - according to international researchers, including Australians. The researchers put the moths in an Read more about Aussie moth first known insect to migrate magnetically - Scimex

Treating antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jun 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

The bacterium that causes gonorrhoea has become resistant to many types of antibiotics, and researchers in Auckland have warned against clinicians becoming complacent in their treatment given increasing rates of treatment failure worldwide. Read more about Treating antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea - Scimex

Futility of fertility research in NZ

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jun 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Guidelines for research using viable embryos in New Zealand effectively place a blanket ban on such research and hold back improvements in fertility methods, argue researchers in the New Zealand Medical Journal. The use of human embryos for assisted Read more about Futility of fertility research in NZ - Scimex

Strokes expected to increase 40 per cent by 2028

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jun 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Despite improvements in stroke prevention and management, the number of strokes in New Zealand will increase by 40 per cent over the next 10 years, a University of Otago doctor has predicted. This increase will come as a result due to our ageing and Read more about Strokes expected to increase 40 per cent by 2028 - Scimex

Sexuality and gender teaching missing from med schools

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jun 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Staff at New Zealand's two medical schools say teaching on gender identity and sexuality among minority groups is scarce or non-existent, despite more than two-thirds of them viewing it as important. More than half the respondents at medical schools Read more about Sexuality and gender teaching missing from med schools - Scimex

Human immune 'trigger' map paves way for better treatments

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jun 2018 at 1901 AEST | 2101 NZST

Nature Communications

A discovery about how human cells are ‘ triggered’ to undergo an inflammatory type of cell death could have implications for treating cancer, stroke and tissue injury, and immune disorders. A research team from the Walter and Eliza Hall Read more about Human immune 'trigger' map paves way for better treatments - Scimex

Suffering for soccer: Injuries common in Aussie players

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jun 2018 at 1700 AEST | 1900 NZST

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport

Australia's National Premier League and Regional League soccer players are injured at twice the rate of those playing at the elite level, according to Australian research which found that players were out for an average of 11 days per injury. The Read more about Suffering for soccer: Injuries common in Aussie players - Scimex

Fruit and vegetables linked to changes in skin colour, new research finds

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jun 2018 at 1558 AEST | 1758 NZST

Nutrition and Intermediary Metabolism

Skin colour in young Caucasian men is strongly linked to high levels of fruit and vegetable consumption, new research by Curtin University has found. Media Release. From:Curtin University. Skin colour in young Caucasian men is strongly linked to Read more about Fruit and vegetables linked to changes in skin colour, new research finds - Scimex

Antidepressants during pregnancy: what are the effects on child development?

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jun 2018 at 1401 AEST | 1601 NZST

Pediatrics

A small association between pregnant women who take antidepressants and the motor skills of toddlers has been found by a Murdoch University-led team, after a systematic review of research studies. Media Release. From:Murdoch University. Maternal Read more about Antidepressants during pregnancy: what are the effects on child development? - Scimex

Land Rovers could land Rover in trouble: dogs' legs under pressure leaping from SUVs

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jun 2018 at 1330 AEST | 1530 NZST

Vet Record

Letting your pooch leap out of the back of an SUV or four wheeled drive could hurt their front legs according to UK research, which showed that higher boots might subject them to undue forces. The researchers measured the mechanical forces felt by Read more about Land Rovers could land Rover in trouble: dogs' legs under pressure leaping from SUVs - Scimex

New schizophrenia research deepens understanding of emotion perception

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jun 2018 at 1043 AEST | 1243 NZST

Schizophrenia Research

UQ research has uncovered why individuals with schizophrenia may have certain difficulties perceiving emotions. Media Release. UQ research has uncovered why individuals with schizophrenia may have certain difficulties perceiving emotions. Scientists Read more about New schizophrenia research deepens understanding of emotion perception - Scimex

New treatment helps avoid deafness in child chemotherapy patients

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jun 2018 at 0824 AEST | 1024 NZST

New England Journal of Medicine

An international trial has found that a medicine commonly used to treat poisoning is effective in reducing deafness in children receiving chemotherapy for cancer. University of Melbourne and Royal Children’ s Hospital paediatric oncologist Read more about New treatment helps avoid deafness in child chemotherapy patients - Scimex

Ancient mummy's tools reveal how mountain people lived

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jun 2018 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS One

Stone tools found with a 5, 300-year-old frozen mummy from Northern Italy reveal how alpine Copper Age communities lived, according to an Italian study. It's believed the Tyrolean Iceman, a 45-year-old man known as Otzi, lived in the Copper Age Read more about Ancient mummy's tools reveal how mountain people lived - Scimex

Infant colic leads to no ongoing problems, study shows

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jun 2018 at 0201 AEST | 0401 NZST

Journal of Paediatrics

Colicky babies whose crying eases within three months have no ongoing behavioural problems, according to new research by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI). Media Release. From:Murdoch Children's Research Institute. Colicky babies Read more about Infant colic leads to no ongoing problems, study shows - Scimex

Australia's supermarket shelves full of highly processed and highly unhealthy foods

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jun 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Nutrients

Six out of ten Australian packaged foods are highly or ultra-processed, more than half are discretionary/junk foods and only one third are healthy, according to a new analysis by The George Institute for Global Health. Media Release. From:George Read more about Australia's supermarket shelves full of highly processed and highly unhealthy foods - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Seven hospitalised in SA with Salmonella from alfalfa sprouts

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 1650 AEST | 1850 NZST

It has been reported this afternoon that seven people have been hospitalised and 14 more are sick with salmonella from alfalfa sprouts in South Australia. Expert Reaction. These comments have been collated by the Science Media Centre to provide a Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Seven hospitalised in SA with Salmonella from alfalfa sprouts - Scimex

Weight loss reverses heart condition in obesity sufferers

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 1616 AEST | 1816 NZST

Europace

Australian research shows for the first time that obese people who are suffering from atrial fibrillation can reduce or reverse the effects of the condition by losing weight. Media Release. From:The University of Adelaide. Australian research shows Read more about Weight loss reverses heart condition in obesity sufferers - Scimex

New Aussie antibiotic shows promise against drug-resistant disease

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 1525 AEST | 1725 NZST

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease

A new antibiotic developed in Australia, Ramizol, the first in an entirely new class of antibiotics, has been shown to be effective against 100 different samples of Clostridium difficile - often the cause of drug-resistant infections picked up by Read more about New Aussie antibiotic shows promise against drug-resistant disease - Scimex

Playing for peace

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 1516 AEST | 1716 NZST

With support from a University of Queensland researcher, a Brisbane-based non-government organisation is using the power of sport to help Rohingya refugees living in Malaysia better integrate into their new home. Media Release. From:The University Read more about Playing for peace - Scimex

Melanoma Institute Australia launches free e-learning education portal

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 0905 AEST | 1105 NZST

Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) has launched a free e-learning portal to educate healthcare professionals about the latest advances in melanoma diagnosis and treatment to ensure best practice and equity of care for melanoma patients around the Read more about Melanoma Institute Australia launches free e-learning education portal - Scimex

Why the long face? Kangaroos' snacks shape snout

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 0901 AEST | 1101 NZST

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

The length of a kangaroo's nose is not related to its overall size but instead is linked to the type of food it eats, according to Australian research. The authors found that roo species that munch on tough resistant plants have shorter snouts than Read more about Why the long face? Kangaroos' snacks shape snout - Scimex

Bizarre 'platypus-fish' inhabited Australia’s original reef

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 0901 AEST | 1101 NZST

Royal Society Open Science

Scientists in Australia have discovered a remarkable ancient fish fossil with a long snout, reminiscent of a platypus bill. The fossil, named Brindabellaspis after the nearby Brindabella Ranges, belong to an extinct group called the placoderms and Read more about Bizarre 'platypus-fish' inhabited Australia’s original reef - Scimex

Fewer bevvies linked to lower risk of death

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS Medicine

For those of us who like a drink or two - international researchers have found that light drinkers had the lowest risk of developing a number of cancers or dying during their nine-year study. The study's lowest drinking category was an average of Read more about Fewer bevvies linked to lower risk of death - Scimex

‘Kiss of death’ cancer – how computational geeks may have uncovered a therapy for a deadly disease

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS Computational Biology

Monash researchers have developed a computer program which has revealed a previously unknown combination of drugs that may be the answer to Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), using genetic and treatment data from TNBC cells grown in labs and from Read more about ‘Kiss of death’ cancer – how computational geeks may have uncovered a therapy for a deadly disease - Scimex

Stress linked to autoimmune disorders

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA

People with acute reactions to stress and other stress disorders such as PTSD are more likely to also develop autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and coeliac disease, according to research on Swedish people. The authors are not sure Read more about Stress linked to autoimmune disorders - Scimex

Fake genes 'switched on' by coffee could help diabetic mice

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Communications

An artificial genetic 'circuit' that can be switched on with caffeine can help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic mice, according to international researchers. The researchers designed the circuit to respond to the caffeine in coffee by making Read more about Fake genes 'switched on' by coffee could help diabetic mice - Scimex

Ethiopia suffers from HIV treatment fears

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jun 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

PLOS ONE

Free public antiretroviral therapy programs have been active for more than a decade in Southwest Ethiopia to address spiralling HIV-AIDS related deaths. However, Flinders University researchers have found that early mortality rates among those who Read more about Ethiopia suffers from HIV treatment fears - Scimex

Toothpaste and hand wash are causing antibiotic resistance

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1600 AEST | 1800 NZST

Environment International

A common ingredient in toothpaste and hand wash could be contributing to antibiotic resistance, according to University of Queensland research. Funder: Australian Research Council Future Fellowship, and the UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards. Read more about Toothpaste and hand wash are causing antibiotic resistance - Scimex

MCRI researcher discovers a new cause of physical deformity

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1420 AEST | 1620 NZST

American Journal of Human Genetics

A researcher from Murdoch Children’ s Research Institute (MCRI) has helped identify a rare genetic disorder which reduces the production of cholesterol in children and results in deformities. Media Release. From:Murdoch Children's Research Read more about MCRI researcher discovers a new cause of physical deformity - Scimex

Human stem cell research shows new genetic pathway controls the heartbeat

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1407 AEST | 1607 NZST

Nature Communications

New research into human heart development has shed light on the way heart muscle cells contract. A correctly beating heart is vital to a baby’ s growth during pregnancy, helping guard against heart defects at birth. Media Release. From:Murdoch Read more about Human stem cell research shows new genetic pathway controls the heartbeat - Scimex

Let’s dance: helping people living with Parkinson’s

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1405 AEST | 1605 NZST

QUT researchers have found that for people living with Parkinson’s disease, dance improves walking, emotional wellbeing, and capacity to tackle cognitive challenges. Media Release. From:Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Queensland Read more about Let’s dance: helping people living with Parkinson’s - Scimex

Love inspires new species name

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1404 AEST | 1604 NZST

Love is in the air at The University of Queensland with entomologist Dr Errol Hassan naming a new species of wasp after his wife to celebrate more than 50 years of marriage. Dr Hassan from UQ’ s School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, has Read more about Love inspires new species name - Scimex

Fighting parents? Kids could get by with a little help from their sibs

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1401 AEST | 1601 NZST

Child Development

Being close with a sibling may help protect kids from their parents' arguments, according to a US study on 236 families. Children who are exposed to hostile, escalating conflicts between parents usually have a greater risk of developing mental Read more about Fighting parents? Kids could get by with a little help from their sibs - Scimex

Marine reserves are vital - but under pressure

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1230 AEST | 1430 NZST

PNAS

A massive study of nearly 1, 800 tropical coral reefs around the world has found that marine reserves near heavily populated areas are struggling to do their job, but are a vast improvement over having no protection at all. Funder: The Australian Read more about Marine reserves are vital - but under pressure - Scimex

Mysterious Martian rocks' volcanic origins

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1100 AEST | 1300 NZST

Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets

Explosive volcanic eruptions that shot jets of hot ash, rock and gas skyward likely created a mysterious Martian rock formation, according to new research. The Medusae Fossae Formation is an unusual deposit near Mars' equator, first seen by NASA's Read more about Mysterious Martian rocks' volcanic origins - Scimex

QUT project aims to reduce dental anxiety and pain

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1037 AEST | 1237 NZST

A trip to the dentist is not an experience many people look forward to, especially when major work is involved, but a world-first QUT-led project aims to take away some of the pain using the power of light. Australian Laureate Fellow Professor Read more about QUT project aims to reduce dental anxiety and pain - Scimex

People with whiplash sought for combined treatment study

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1019 AEST | 1219 NZST

Researchers at The University of Queensland’s RECOVER Injury Research Centre are working to develop a combined physiotherapy and psychology treatment program for people with chronic whiplash. Media Release. From:The University of Queensland. Read more about People with whiplash sought for combined treatment study - Scimex

DNA holds road map to gene transfer

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 1000 AEST | 1200 NZST

PLOS Genetics

Bacteria’s ability to transfer genes, including those associated with antibiotic resistance, are governed by a previously unknown set of rules that are written in DNA, a team led by a Kiwi researcher has discovered. In nature, bacteria are Read more about DNA holds road map to gene transfer - Scimex

APPRISE launches projects to fill critical research gaps for future infectious disease emergencies

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0929 AEST | 1129 NZST

A number of projects working towards preparing for influenza pandemics, including through a global research platform to share protocols, tools and information with researchers around the world, have been made possible by an Australian research centre Read more about APPRISE launches projects to fill critical research gaps for future infectious disease emergencies - Scimex

Having a ring on it could help ward off heart disease

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

Heart

Being married could be linked to a lower risk of developing heart disease or stroke, according to international researchers, including an Australian. The authors looked at 34 studies that included a total of over 2 million people and also found Read more about Having a ring on it could help ward off heart disease - Scimex

CSIRO app seeks people power

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0601 AEST | 0801 NZST

The national science agency is calling on all Australians to be part of its energy research by providing valuable information that will improve understanding of the way households consume, generate and interact with energy. Media Release. Read more about CSIRO app seeks people power - Scimex

Mental health recovery influenced by workplace values

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0601 AEST | 0801 NZST

Advances in Mental Health

Mental health law centres and advocates who uphold values of connectedness, hope, empowerment and identity can positively influence people with mental health issues, new research led by Curtin University has found. Media Release. From:Curtin Read more about Mental health recovery influenced by workplace values - Scimex

Overuse of agricultural chemicals on China’s small farms harms health and environment

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0500 AEST | 0700 NZST

PNAS

The size of farms in China is a key contributor to the overuse of agricultural chemicals, and as a result they may be too small to be environmentally sustainable, a new study has found. Media Release. From:The University of Melbourne. Overuse of Read more about Overuse of agricultural chemicals on China’s small farms harms health and environment - Scimex

Teen, binge-drinking mice have worse memories as adults

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jun 2018 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

JNeurosci

Adolescent mice who binge-drink have worse working memories - the system responsible for reasoning and behaviour - as adults, according to US researchers. The adult mice are also more likely to stock up on alcohol quickly when it's available. The Read more about Teen, binge-drinking mice have worse memories as adults - Scimex