'Worst case' scenario of ozone destruction avoided

Publicly released: Tue 25 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Sustainability

We have avoided a ‘worst-case’scenario of major environmental and health impacts from ozone depletion and high UV levels thanks in large part to the Montreal Protocol, say Australian, NZ and international researchers. Reviewing the interaction Read more about 'Worst case' scenario of ozone destruction avoided - Scimex

Vape shops in the US sell to underage teens

Publicly released: Tue 25 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Pediatrics

Tobacco and vape shops in the US sell to underage users much more frequently than other types of tobacco retailers, according to a US study. Vaping is illegal for under-18s in the US and retailers are supposed to check the ID of anyone who looks Read more about Vape shops in the US sell to underage teens - Scimex

Mars meteorite bombardment might have finished early

Publicly released: Tue 25 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Geoscience

New research suggests giant meteorite impacts on Mars ended 4.48 billion years ago, which might mean there was a period of over a billion years in which life could have developed. It's been thought that Mars and Earth were bombarded with meterorites Read more about Mars meteorite bombardment might have finished early - Scimex

Friendly gut bugs can boost an athlete's performance

Publicly released: Tue 25 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Medicine

Specific bacteria in the gut microbiomes of elite runners may contribute to enhanced athletic performance, according to US and Canadian researchers. We knew the composition of our microbiomes changes when we exercise, but whether those changes boost Read more about Friendly gut bugs can boost an athlete's performance - Scimex

Rising CO2 and temperatures may lengthen northern European plants' growth seasons

Publicly released: Tue 25 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Ecology and Evolution

International scientists, including an Australian, looked at growth seasons of plants in 880 northern European cities compared with those in the nearby countryside to see the effect of higher CO2 and temperature on plants' growth seasons. They say Read more about Rising CO2 and temperatures may lengthen northern European plants' growth seasons - Scimex

These monkeys have been smashing cashews with stones since ages ago

Publicly released: Tue 25 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Ecology and Evolution

Capuchin monkeys, like Ross' pet Marcel, have been smashing cashews open with stone tools for 3000 years. We knew capuchins were clever - they've been entertaining humans as organ grinders and greyhound jockeys since the 19th Century - but this is Read more about These monkeys have been smashing cashews with stones since ages ago - Scimex

Galaxies create 100-million degree shock-waves when they collide

Publicly released: Tue 25 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Astronomy

The largest known objects in the universe - galaxy clusters - create 100-million degree shock-waves when they collide, according to Australian and International researchers, who have finally caught a pair of clusters as they are about to touch. As Read more about Galaxies create 100-million degree shock-waves when they collide - Scimex

The Great Barrier Reef is stirring feelings of 'ecological dread' in tourists

Publicly released: Tue 25 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Climate Change

Tourists who visit the Great Barrier Reef have become more aware of and concerned about climate change, according to Aussie researchers who surveyed two groups of tourists in 2013 and 2017, before and after significant coral bleaching events. The Read more about The Great Barrier Reef is stirring feelings of 'ecological dread' in tourists - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Darwin city centre evacuated after 7.2 magnitude earthquake

Publicly released: Mon 24 Jun 2019 at 1400 AEST | 1600 NZST

It has just been reported that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake has occurred off the coast of Darwin. The Bureau of Meteorology says there is no tsunami threat from the earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 207km in the Banda Sea, north of Australia. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Darwin city centre evacuated after 7.2 magnitude earthquake - Scimex

Emerging cases of measles in people who have been vaccinated

Publicly released: Mon 24 Jun 2019 at 1230 AEST | 1430 NZST

Research into measles cases in Victoria has shown a number of people who were hospitalised with the disease had been vaccinated at least once in the past, but their immunity had waned over time. Media Release. From:Doherty Institute for Infection Read more about Emerging cases of measles in people who have been vaccinated - Scimex

Over 2,000 fake Android apps discovered

Publicly released: Mon 24 Jun 2019 at 1200 AEST | 1400 NZST

ACM, Proceedings of The World Wide Web Conference 2019

Sydney Australia -- The apps you regularly use to log your steps, edit your photos and monitor your finances may be hiding malicious software that could be tracking and even stealing your personal information. As part of a two-year cyber security Read more about Over 2,000 fake Android apps discovered - Scimex

Unlocking Australia’s sustainable finance potential

Publicly released: Mon 24 Jun 2019 at 1130 AEST | 1330 NZST

A new report: Unlocking Australia’s Sustainable Finance Potential, examines the state of play of sustainable finance in Australia and compares it to the European Union’s Action Plan on Financing Sustainable Growth, offering positive steps Read more about Unlocking Australia’s sustainable finance potential - Scimex

Exercise after surgery is important for lung cancer surgery recovery

Publicly released: Mon 24 Jun 2019 at 1047 AEST | 1247 NZST

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Lung cancer patients who exercised after the surgery to remove their tumour experienced better fitness levels and strength in their leg muscles as well as less shortness of breath compared to those who did not, new research led by Curtin University Read more about Exercise after surgery is important for lung cancer surgery recovery - Scimex

It’s All Grey not All Black – What Australia can learn from NZ’s older workforce

Publicly released: Mon 24 Jun 2019 at 1030 AEST | 1230 NZST

Personnel Review

There’s a lot we can learn from the Kiwis about how we keep our older employees in the workforce, according to an Edith Cowan University (ECU) workplace expert. Media Release. From:Edith Cowan University. There’s a lot we can learn from the Read more about It’s All Grey not All Black – What Australia can learn from NZ’s older workforce - Scimex

Horses saddled with gender bias: mares seen as ‘bossy’

Publicly released: Mon 24 Jun 2019 at 1026 AEST | 1226 NZST

PLOS One

Many riders have long considered stallions to be dangerous or difficult but new research now shows mares are also seen as “bossy” or “unreliable”, raising concerns for their welfare. Funder: No funding, this was self-funded by PhD student Read more about Horses saddled with gender bias: mares seen as ‘bossy’ - Scimex

Branching out: Making graphene from gum trees

Publicly released: Mon 24 Jun 2019 at 0958 AEST | 1158 NZST

ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering

Researchers have developed a cost-effective and eco-friendly way of producing graphene using one of Australia’s most abundant resources, eucalyptus trees. Funder: Saikumar Manchala acknowledges the MHRD, Govt. of India, for providing a fellowship. Read more about Branching out: Making graphene from gum trees - Scimex

Ask Indigenous men what they want from health care

Publicly released: Mon 24 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Medical Journal of Australia

ASKING Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men how they want to use health care services would be a good start for engaging more Indigenous men with their health, according to a Reflection published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Dr Kootsy Read more about Ask Indigenous men what they want from health care - Scimex

Minimising broad-spectrum antibiotic use reduces golden staph in hospitals

Publicly released: Mon 24 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

MJA

Hospitals should reduce broad-spectrum antibiotic usage, say Aussie researchers who noticed a decrease in hospital-acquired infections after an international shortage of piperacillin/tazobactam (PT) – an antibiotic used to treat a rang of Read more about Minimising broad-spectrum antibiotic use reduces golden staph in hospitals - Scimex

Newly discovered immune cells at the frontline of HIV infection

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 2101 AEST | 2301 NZST

Nature Communications

Researchers at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research have discovered brand new immune cells that are at the frontline of HIV infection. Known as CD11c+ dendritic cells, these new cells are more susceptible to HIV infection and can then Read more about Newly discovered immune cells at the frontline of HIV infection - Scimex

The GBR is clogged with microplastics from clothing and furniture

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 1900 AEST | 2100 NZST

Scientific Reports

Australian and Danish scientists investigating microplastics in the reef found widespread contamination of the central GBR with microdebris, 86 per cent of which consisted of synthetic polyester and nylon microfibres from clothing and furninshings, Read more about The GBR is clogged with microplastics from clothing and furniture - Scimex

New device will help tourism businesses become GBR guardians

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 1237 AEST | 1437 NZST

A novel low-cost device that can rapidly secure coral fragments to the reef has been successful at helping propagate coral on high-value sections of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, according to Aussie experts working with reef tourism businesses. Read more about New device will help tourism businesses become GBR guardians - Scimex

Our blue ocean is getting greener

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 1009 AEST | 1209 NZST

Geophysical Research Letters

The Southern Ocean is getting greener thanks to increasing amounts of tiny plants known as phytoplankton, according to US research. The researchers measured 21 years of satellite data to track the levels of chlorophyll, the chemical these tiny Read more about Our blue ocean is getting greener - Scimex

High on iron? It stops anaemia but has a downside

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

PLOS Medicine

A global study looking at the role that iron plays in 900 diseases has uncovered the impact of both low and high iron counts – and the news is mixed. Media Release. From:University of South Australia. A global study looking at the role that iron Read more about High on iron? It stops anaemia but has a downside - Scimex

People more likely to return wallets with more money in them

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Science

We're not as selfish as economists would have us believe. In a study of how people in 40 countries decided whether or not to return 'lost' wallets, researchers were surprised to find that people returned the wallets holding the greater amounts of Read more about People more likely to return wallets with more money in them - Scimex

Addiction inquiry: proceed with caution on recommendations

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Two addiction researchers have applauded the recent Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry, especially relating to the inquiry's recommendations around alcohol and other substances. However, they caution that decriminalisation measures for drugs should Read more about Addiction inquiry: proceed with caution on recommendations - Scimex

Kiwis generally support legalised abortion

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

A survey of New Zealanders' social attitudes has found a high level of support for legalised abortion in cases where a woman's life is in danger, though slightly lower support for other cases. Women and those who weren't religious were more likely Read more about Kiwis generally support legalised abortion - Scimex

Counting the cost of surgery complications

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Over 3, 000 Kiwis are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, but the most common treatment - resectional surgery - comes with a high rate of complication. A study calculating the costs of these complications suggests they about double the cost Read more about Counting the cost of surgery complications - Scimex

Self-testing for HPV could reduce inequalities

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

New Zealand's cervical screening programme has major inequalities, with Māori and Pacific women less likely to be screened and more likely to develop and die from cervical cancer. A small pilot study in Porirua asked women whether they would be Read more about Self-testing for HPV could reduce inequalities - Scimex

Slip, slop and slap policies improving primary schools

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Policies to keep kids sun smart in schools have substantially improved in the last decade, according to a survey of 1200 New Zealand primary school principals. Three-quarters of schools had shaded lunch areas and nearly all provided sunscreen at Read more about Slip, slop and slap policies improving primary schools - Scimex

Newborn saliva swabs test viability of screening for virus linked to baby hearing loss

Publicly released: Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Victorian newborns who do not pass their routine hearing screening tests are being invited to join a pilot program screening for the most common viral cause of disability. Funder: The study is funded by the University of Melbourne Stevenson Chair of Read more about Newborn saliva swabs test viability of screening for virus linked to baby hearing loss - Scimex

Evidence of a beluga-narwhal hybrid

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 2300 AEST | Fri 21 Jun 2019 at 0100 NZST

Scientific Reports

What do you get when you cross a beluga and a narwhal? A skull that has been sitting in a Copenhagen museum since it was collected from a hunter in 1990. When it was first found in West Greenland there was speculation that the specimen was a hybrid, Read more about Evidence of a beluga-narwhal hybrid - Scimex

Roadmap to guide genome sequencing

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 1511 AEST | 1711 NZST

Trends in Plant Science

A QUT researcher has developed a roadmap for plant biologists who are increasingly turning to new genome sequencing techniques in a wide range of projects from boosting plant disease resistance to creating biofactories for pharmaceuticals and Read more about Roadmap to guide genome sequencing - Scimex

Energy guzzling pool pumps can be tamed

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 1500 AEST | 1700 NZST

Pool pump energy consumption can be reduced by 71%, save an average $486 annually on electricity bills, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 1.67 tonnes of CO2 each year, new research reveals. Pool pumps are the second biggest user of Read more about Energy guzzling pool pumps can be tamed - Scimex

Counting birds with computers

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 1400 AEST | 1600 NZST

Methods in Ecology and Evolution

Counting birds has always been a little problematic: many species are heard long before they're seen, and probably won't be seen at all if you're crashing around in the bush. One way researchers have found to get around this is by setting up Read more about Counting birds with computers - Scimex

Next-gen solar cells spin in new direction

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 1231 AEST | 1431 NZST

Small Methods

A nanomaterial made from phosphorus, known as phosphorene, is shaping up as a key ingredient for more sustainable and efficient next-generation perovskite solar cells (PSCs). For the first time, an international team of clean chemistry researchers Read more about Next-gen solar cells spin in new direction - Scimex

New research backs TGA decision on poppers

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 1204 AEST | 1404 NZST

Drug and Alcohol Review

Young gay and bisexual men are frequent users of alkyl nitrites, or poppers, but few show signs of addiction, risky consumption habits or other psychosocial problems, a study shows. Funder: N/A. Media Release. From:University of Technology Sydney Read more about New research backs TGA decision on poppers - Scimex

Researchers develop ‘vaccine’ against attacks on machine learning

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 0751 AEST | 0951 NZST

International Conference on Machine Learning 2019

Researchers from CSIRO’s Data61, the data and digital specialist arm of Australia’s national science agency, have developed a world-first set of techniques to effectively ‘vaccinate’ algorithms against adversarial attacks, a significant Read more about Researchers develop ‘vaccine’ against attacks on machine learning - Scimex

Vaccine development stagnating

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

Science Translational Medicine

Thanks to vaccines, diseases like tetanus and measles no longer kill the millions of people they used to. But the development of new vaccines is stagnating just at the time that drug-resistant infections and diseases such as Ebola threaten global Read more about Vaccine development stagnating - Scimex

Mulberry helps trace Oceania settlement

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS One

Paper mulberry is culturally-important across Oceania for its use in textiles, which means prehistoric settlers carried the plant with them as they travelled the Pacific. Researchers examining the plant's genetics have been able to paint a picture Read more about Mulberry helps trace Oceania settlement - Scimex

Spendthrift? Getting married won't help you save

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS ONE

A study of 134 Vietnamese married couples found that spouses who love to splurge their cash don't get better at saving money once they're married. Some people overvalue immediate rewards, which makes it a struggle to save, and getting hitched won't Read more about Spendthrift? Getting married won't help you save - Scimex

Cold War spy satellites show rate of Himalayan ice loss

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

Science Advances

Himalayan glaciers are retreating twice as fast as they were at the end of last century, according to information from declassified Cold War-era spy satellite film. By analysing 650 glaciers, researchers estimate that of the total ice mass present Read more about Cold War spy satellites show rate of Himalayan ice loss - Scimex

Robot fish with battery-powered 'blood'

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

Nature

US engineers have created a soft and squidgy robotic lionfish that has synthetic liquid 'blood' made of battery fluid coursing through it, and say it is capable of swimming upstream and fanning its fins. As robots tend to have both a battery and Read more about Robot fish with battery-powered 'blood' - Scimex

Diverse crops provide more stable yields

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

Nature

Moving away from monocultures may help stabilise food supplies, according to US researchers. Over the past decade, drought and extreme heat have caused declines in grain yield in some of the world's largest agricultural regions, including Australia. Read more about Diverse crops provide more stable yields - Scimex

Bird 'aliens' are better at invading when the climate feels like home

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

Nature

Invading 'alien' bird species have the best chance of survival if their new habitat has a similar environment to their home, according to Australian and International research. The research used data from over 4000 invasions by 700 species of birds, Read more about Bird 'aliens' are better at invading when the climate feels like home - Scimex

Taking Vitamin D is unlikely to help your heart

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Cardiology

Taking vitamin D supplements probably won't lower your risk of heart attack or stroke, according to an analysis of 21 clinical trials looking at over 80, 000 patients. The study, which included three Australian trials, found taking vitamin D Read more about Taking Vitamin D is unlikely to help your heart - Scimex

Kindy kids who struggle to pay attention may earn less as adults

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Psychiatry

Kindergarten kids who struggle to concentrate and are easily distracted are more likely to be on lower incomes as adults, according to Canadian research. The study followed 5- and 6-year-old kids for 30 years to see if there were any links between Read more about Kindy kids who struggle to pay attention may earn less as adults - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Labelling autistic kids as 'high functioning' may stop them from getting the help they need

Publicly released: Thu 20 Jun 2019 at 0030 AEST | 0230 NZST

Autism

‘High functioning autism’is a term used for people with autism spectrum disorder without an intellectual disability (as measured through IQ tests), and it has become synonymous with expectations of greater functional skills and better long-term Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Labelling autistic kids as 'high functioning' may stop them from getting the help they need - Scimex

56 new species of arachnids found in WA's North West

Publicly released: Wed 19 Jun 2019 at 1544 AEST | 1744 NZST

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution

Researchers at The University of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum have discovered 56 new species of arachnids, known as schizomids, in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The research, published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Read more about 56 new species of arachnids found in WA's North West - Scimex

Wind farm noise ‘possible annoyance’ at 3.5km

Publicly released: Wed 19 Jun 2019 at 1412 AEST | 1612 NZST

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Audible and potentially annoying indoor low-frequency noise from a wind farm is present for about 16 per cent of the time at distances up to 3.5km, field data recorded in South Australia shows. The noise described as ‘thumping’or Read more about Wind farm noise ‘possible annoyance’ at 3.5km - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Vaccine mishap in Sydney

Publicly released: Wed 19 Jun 2019 at 1400 AEST | 1600 NZST

It has just been reported that authorities are trying to contact thousands of patients vaccinated by two Sydney GPs after vaccines were found to have expired or not been stored properly. The vaccines administered by the two GPs included measles Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Vaccine mishap in Sydney - Scimex