Workplace bullying, violence increases heart risk

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 1105 AEDT | 1305 NZDT

European Heart Journal

People who are bullied at work or experience violence at work are at higher risk of heart and brain blood vessel problems, including heart attacks and stroke, according to international scientists. They looked at data from 79, 201 working men and Read more about Workplace bullying, violence increases heart risk - Scimex

Women more resilient to extreme exercise than we thought

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Society for Endocrinology annual conference

Contrary to previous research, women are just as resilient as men when it comes to extreme physical activity, say UK researchers. It was thought that having lady parts made you more sensitive to the negative effects of extreme exercise, but this new Read more about Women more resilient to extreme exercise than we thought - Scimex

Researchers a step closer to understanding how deadly bird flu virus takes hold in humans

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 1043 AEDT | 1243 NZDT

Scientific Reports

New research has taken a step towards understanding how highly pathogenic influenza viruses such as deadly bird flu infect humans. Researchers at Griffith’ s Institute for Glycomics and the University of Hong Kong have revealed specific sugar Read more about Researchers a step closer to understanding how deadly bird flu virus takes hold in humans - Scimex

New evidence from experts sheds light on recurrent miscarriage management

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 1037 AEDT | 1237 NZDT

ANZJOG

During the seven to eight years since the Royal College of Obstetricians &Gynaecologists (RCOG) published guidelines on this topic, new evidence and guidance from expert authorities have emerged. Media Release. From:Royal Australian and New Zealand Read more about New evidence from experts sheds light on recurrent miscarriage management - Scimex

Solution for next generation nanochips comes out of thin air

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 0944 AEDT | 1144 NZDT

Nano Letters

The secret ingredient for the next generation of more powerful electronics could be air, according to new research. Media Release. From:RMIT University. Researchers at RMIT University have engineered a new type of transistor, the building block for Read more about Solution for next generation nanochips comes out of thin air - Scimex

How do wombats drop cubed poop?

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

APS Division of Fluid Dynamics 71st Annual Meeting

US researchers were mystified, just like all of us, as to how our chubby little friends the wombats could be the only known animal to be so hip that they surpass squares and go on to poop out cubes. They suggest the special elasticity of their Read more about How do wombats drop cubed poop? - Scimex

Australia's ageing prison population

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

Australia’s prison population is ageing, and the health burden is much higher for older prisoners. Our older prison population is rising due to changes to laws in the 1990s, better forensics techniques leading to cold case prosecutions and Read more about Australia's ageing prison population - Scimex

Give colonoscopies a triple-A rating

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

The capacity of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to save lives and money relies on the public having more precise information about colonoscopy providers, according to a team of gastrointestinal experts. In a letter published today in the Read more about Give colonoscopies a triple-A rating - Scimex

Burden of diabetes: renal and cardiac consequences

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

MORE than one-third of Australians with type 2 diabetes will subsequently develop chronic kidney disease (CKD), raising their risk of cardiovascular mortality to “exceptionally high”levels, according to the authors of an editorial published Read more about Burden of diabetes: renal and cardiac consequences - Scimex

More Aussies are becoming long-term opioid users

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Nearly two million Australian adults begin taking prescription opioids each year, and around 2.6 per cent of them become long-term users, according to Aussie researchers. The scientists analysed the dispensing of opioids through Australia's Read more about More Aussies are becoming long-term opioid users - Scimex

Facebook posts the 'right kind of viral' for public health messages

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

Social media’s targeted advertising could help public health authorities get important messages out to those at risk, according to an editorial in the MJA. Sydney researchers paid for a Facebook ad to warn residents after the Ross River virus was Read more about Facebook posts the 'right kind of viral' for public health messages - Scimex

DNA detectives show Aussie corroboree frog is faring well after reintroductions

Publicly released: Mon 19 Nov 2018 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Wildlife Research

Aussie scientists have used a technique that can detect tiny amounts of DNA left in the environment to determine whether the northern corroboree frog has survived in three ponds in which it was reintroduced, and say they detected the frogs' DNA at Read more about DNA detectives show Aussie corroboree frog is faring well after reintroductions - Scimex

DIY crop speed breeding system to boost drought research

Publicly released: Sat 17 Nov 2018 at 0301 AEDT | 0501 NZDT

Nature Protocols

Plant speed breeding could be part of the solution to minimise the devastating effects of drought and climate change on crops in the future, according to a University of Queensland researcher. Media Release. From:The University of Queensland. Plant Read more about DIY crop speed breeding system to boost drought research - Scimex

How heavy you were, not are, could help identify your risk of dying

Publicly released: Sat 17 Nov 2018 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA

US researchers suggest that your weight throughout your life may be a better means of identifying whether you're at a higher risk of dying than your current weight. The team says that, as most studies look at body mass index (BMI) and weight at a Read more about How heavy you were, not are, could help identify your risk of dying - Scimex

Scientists vote on weighty issue – the redefinition of the kilogram

Publicly released: Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 1254 AEDT | 1454 NZDT

International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) meeting

Leaders of the international measurement community from more than 60 countries will come together today in France for an historic vote on changes to the metric system, which will lead to a landmark redefinition of the kilogram. Media Release. Read more about Scientists vote on weighty issue – the redefinition of the kilogram - Scimex

Warming microbes may shrink Southern Ocean carbon sink

Publicly released: Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 1045 AEDT | 1245 NZDT

Aquatic Microbial Ecology

The amount of carbon locked away in the depths of the Southern Ocean could fall by almost 20 per cent by 2100 as warming waters lead to increased microbial activity, according to new IMAS research. The Southern Ocean absorbs a large proportion of Read more about Warming microbes may shrink Southern Ocean carbon sink - Scimex

Inhaling deodorant lethal for young man

Publicly released: Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

BMJ Case Reports

Doctors in the Netherlands have warned of the dangers of inhaling deodorant spray following the death of a 19-year-old man who was in a detox clinic. In the absence of other drugs, the young man - who was receiving rehab treatment for ketamine and Read more about Inhaling deodorant lethal for young man - Scimex

Footballer's health screen not fail-safe

Publicly released: Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Mandatory health screening for footballers at the start of a season can still miss crucial problems, according to an eight-year study of 600 Norwegian professional players. UEFA and FIFA have made these health checks mandatory, but even when they Read more about Footballer's health screen not fail-safe - Scimex

Ommmmm: effortless meditation could help PTSD

Publicly released: Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Lancet Psychiatry

A type of meditation known as transcendental meditation may help decrease the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Transcendental meditation relies on the practice of effortlessly thinking of a mantra without concentration or other Read more about Ommmmm: effortless meditation could help PTSD - Scimex

Solar storm may have detonated mines during Vietnam War

Publicly released: Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

Space Weather

A declassified report from the Vietnam War has led researchers to suggest a strong solar storm in 1972 caused widespread disturbance to satellites and spacecraft and may have detonated more than 4000 mines. The solar storm was so strong, the Read more about Solar storm may have detonated mines during Vietnam War - Scimex

Diet and health: fat, guts, fasting and 'the athletic diet'

Publicly released: Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science

The connections and controversies between what we eat and our well-being are analysed in four reviews that cover four major areas: what influences our gut microbiota, benefits of intermittent fasting, how much fat we should eat and what types, and Read more about Diet and health: fat, guts, fasting and 'the athletic diet' - Scimex

Omega-3 reduces risk of prematurity

Publicly released: Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 0545 AEDT | 0745 NZDT

Cochrane Library

Increased intake of omega-3 long-chain fatty acids during pregnancy has been found to reduce the risk of premature birth. The Cochrane review into Omega-3 fatty acid addition during pregnancy was conducted by SAHMRI’s Healthy Mothers, Babies and Read more about Omega-3 reduces risk of prematurity - Scimex

Dengue and Zika a one-two punch

Publicly released: Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Cell Host & Microbe

Babies born to women who have previously had a dengue fever infection seem to be more vulnerable to a severe Zika infection, and the reverse has also been found in Zika-immune mice. Both diseases are caused by certain types of viruses that seem to Read more about Dengue and Zika a one-two punch - Scimex

What can Twitter teach us about 'social jetlag'?

Publicly released: Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Current Biology

US scientists used Twitter to measure 'social jetlag' - the mismatch between the body's internal clock and the realities of our daily schedules - across the USA, and found our biological rhythms are disconnected from the changing hours of sunlight Read more about What can Twitter teach us about 'social jetlag'? - Scimex

Coffee fans love the bitter taste of caffeine, tea lovers loathe it

Publicly released: Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 0100 AEDT | 0300 NZDT

Scientific Reports

Australian-led research used data from the UK Biobank to link genetic variants associated with the perception of three bitter substances — caffeine, quinine and propylthiouracil [PROP] with people's preferences for drinking tea, coffee and alcohol. Read more about Coffee fans love the bitter taste of caffeine, tea lovers loathe it - Scimex

Researchers one step closer to curing childhood liver disease

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 2200 AEDT | Fri 16 Nov 2018 at 0000 NZDT

A deal announced this week between a Sydney-based medical research facility and a Boston-based biotech company is set to get cures into the clinic faster. Funder: LogicBio Therapeutics. Media Release. From:Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) Read more about Researchers one step closer to curing childhood liver disease - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Fertility techniques linked to intellectual disability

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

Pediatrics

A Telethon Kids Institute study showing a link between intellectual disability and some forms of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has reinforced the need for coordinated long-term monitoring of outcomes of children conceived using these Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Fertility techniques linked to intellectual disability - Scimex

New Brisbane pollen forecast to help allergy sufferers

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 1318 AEDT | 1518 NZDT

People with hayfever and seasonal asthma can keep a check on levels of grass pollen in the air that may aggravate their allergies with the official Brisbane Pollen forecast provided by QUT researchers now available. Subtropical grasses flower around Read more about New Brisbane pollen forecast to help allergy sufferers - Scimex

Law reforms propose clearer access to surrogacy

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 0959 AEDT | 1159 NZDT

Reforms proposed to South Australian surrogacy laws recommend an updated and improved non-commercial system of domestic surrogacy to protect the interests of all parties, especially those of the surrogate child. Media Release. From:The University of Read more about Law reforms propose clearer access to surrogacy - Scimex

How we use music to lull us to sleep

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

An online survey of 651 people by UK scientists found around two-thirds of respondents used music to help them sleep, covering 14 genres and 545 artists. Even people who didn't report problems sleeping used music to help them nod off, and Read more about How we use music to lull us to sleep - Scimex

Stressed-out birds sing fewer and more boring songs

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS One

Male songbirds stressed by factors like a lack of food in early life may have impaired singing prowess - making it harder for them to attract mates. UK authors found the males that lived more comfortable lives as nestlings sang more often as adults Read more about Stressed-out birds sing fewer and more boring songs - Scimex

Neanderthal lives not so traumatic

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Nature

Neanderthals and contemporary humans experienced similar levels of head trauma, challenging a stereotype that Neanderthals lived more violent lives. This stereotype came about because we tend to compare Neanderthals to present-day cases, not to Read more about Neanderthal lives not so traumatic - Scimex

Super-Earth spotted in the neighbourbood

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Nature

Spanish scientists scanning the night's sky have found a planet three times the mass of Earth that seems to be orbiting a star in our neighbourhood. The planet they've found is what's known as a Super-Earth - planets bigger than Earth but smaller Read more about Super-Earth spotted in the neighbourbood - Scimex

Climate change and urbanisation kick up a storm

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Nature

Human activity from climate change and urbanisation has a profound effect on hurricanes, US researchers have found. The researchers modelled how 15 destructive hurricanes, including Katrina and Irma, would have played out in pre-industrial, modern Read more about Climate change and urbanisation kick up a storm - Scimex

Hitting a wall with weight loss? Try switching to low-carb

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 0330 AEDT | 0530 NZDT

BMJ

Low carb diets may help people maintain weight loss, according to US researchers. When people lose weight, their body adapts by slowing metabolism and burning fewer calories, often leading to weight regain. Researchers wanted to see if dietary Read more about Hitting a wall with weight loss? Try switching to low-carb - Scimex

Testosterone could treat depression in men

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Psychiatry

Testosterone treatment could alleviate depressive symptoms in men, according to international researchers. The researchers looked at 27 studies involving 1, 890 men that compared testosterone treatment for depressive symptoms to placebo. They found Read more about Testosterone could treat depression in men - Scimex

Blood pressure rising as we age likely a result of Western lifestyles

Publicly released: Thu 15 Nov 2018 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Cardiology

US scientists measured blood pressure in 72 members of an undisturbed tribe, the Yanonami, and 83 members of a tribe with more contact with the west, the Yekwana, in Venezuela to determine whether rising blood pressure as we age occurs naturally. Read more about Blood pressure rising as we age likely a result of Western lifestyles - Scimex

First assessment of planetary boundaries for antibiotic and pesticide resistance shows several are already crossed

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 1600 AEDT | 1800 NZDT

Nature Sustainability

Resistance to antibiotics and pesticides (known collectively as biocides) is rising at alarming rates. Doctors are seeing more patients with untreatable infections and in some areas, farmers are unable to kill off weeds and insects that reduce their Read more about First assessment of planetary boundaries for antibiotic and pesticide resistance shows several are already crossed - Scimex

Pneumococcal vaccine protects children in Fiji, new research finds

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 1244 AEDT | 1444 NZDT

The Lancet Global Health.

New research has found that an Australian-subsidised pneumococcal vaccine in Fiji has reduced by half the number of children carrying the dangerous bacteria at the back of their nose. Fiji is one of the few Pacific Island nations to introduce a Read more about Pneumococcal vaccine protects children in Fiji, new research finds - Scimex

Loss of animal or plant species to climate change causes global ‘extinction domino effect’

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 1201 AEDT | 1401 NZDT

Scientific Reports

New research reveals the extinction of plant or animal species from extreme environmental change increases the risk of an ‘extinction domino effect’that could annihilate all life on Earth. This would be the worst-case scenario of what scientists Read more about Loss of animal or plant species to climate change causes global ‘extinction domino effect’ - Scimex

Fat mouse mums couldn't care less

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

US scientists say mice born to overweight mothers are cared for less than their counterparts born to normal weight mums, even when they are fostered to normal mothers. This suggests that they give off a signal negatively impacting maternal care, say Read more about Fat mouse mums couldn't care less - Scimex

The echidna's sprawling gait explained

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Royal Society Open Science

US scientists have built a computer model of an echidna's front limbs to compare the iconic Aussie animals with other mammals, and say the spiky critters have more restricted shoulder movement, but better forelimb rotation than mammals such as Read more about The echidna's sprawling gait explained - Scimex

Human activity has changed the course of evolution

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

We've altered Earth to such an extent in the last century that we've permanently changed the course of evolution by natural selection, according to Canadian researchers. Our influence favours plants and animals that can withstand development, Read more about Human activity has changed the course of evolution - Scimex

Lights out: birds and insects quit the skies during eclipse

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Biology Letters

Bird and insect activity in the air decreased during the darkest periods of a solar eclipse over the US in 2017, suggesting light cues have a drastic effect on animal behaviour. Using data from 143 weather radar sites across the US, international Read more about Lights out: birds and insects quit the skies during eclipse - Scimex

Komodo dragons are quite happy where they are, thank you very much

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Komodo dragons are a lazy bunch, very rarely moving on from the valleys where they were born, according to Australian-led research. The dragons probably don't move far beyond home because even a short move could prove costly, and when local Read more about Komodo dragons are quite happy where they are, thank you very much - Scimex

Obesity loves gestational diabetes and large bubs

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 1001 AEDT | 1201 NZDT

Diabetologia

The odds of developing obesity are stacked against larger babies born to women with gestational diabetes, Canadian researchers have found. In a study of more than 81, 000 Canadian children, they found children whose mums had had gestational diabetes Read more about Obesity loves gestational diabetes and large bubs - Scimex

Adults on the autism spectrum prescribed mental health drugs without diagnoses

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

The British Journal of Psychiatry

Off-label prescribing of psychotropic drugs to adults on the autism spectrum could be exposing individuals to harm, say NSW scientists. Media Release. From:The University of New South Wales. Adults on the autism spectrum are being prescribed mental Read more about Adults on the autism spectrum prescribed mental health drugs without diagnoses - Scimex

Australians urged to buy accurate meat thermometers – Australian Food Safety Week

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 0701 AEDT | 0901 NZDT

Testing by Choice has found a number of meat thermometers on sale in Australia were out by 2° C. Food Safety Information Council is urging people to pick up an accurate meat thermometer, using Choice’s survey as a buying guide, after their own Read more about Australians urged to buy accurate meat thermometers – Australian Food Safety Week - Scimex

Probiotic boosts mouse bones

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Immunity

A widely-used probiotic stimulates bone formation in young female mice, according to US scientists. In animals dosed with bacteria called Lactobacillus rhamnosus, other intestinal microbes produced a metabolite called butyrate, which in turn Read more about Probiotic boosts mouse bones - Scimex

Going gluten free may have a modest effect on gut bugs

Publicly released: Wed 14 Nov 2018 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Communications

A small international study of 60 Danish people found that embarking on a low-gluten diet brought about modest changes in their gut bacteria and physiology. In the trial a low-gluten diet (2 g gluten per day) and a high-gluten diet (18 g gluten per Read more about Going gluten free may have a modest effect on gut bugs - Scimex