Gestational diabetes affects mums more than bubs

Publicly released: Wed 12 Sep 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA

Half of the women who develop gestational diabetes are likely to acquire a glucose metabolism disorder after pregnancy, compared to one-fifth of those without gestational diabetes, according to a US study. The researchers followed a multi-ethnic Read more about Gestational diabetes affects mums more than bubs - Scimex

Semiautomatic weapons deadly in US mass shootings

Publicly released: Wed 12 Sep 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA

Semiautomatic rifles have been used in some of the largest active shooter incidents in US history, despite being banned between 1994 and 2004. US researchers compared the number of people wounded or killed during active shooter incidents with and Read more about Semiautomatic weapons deadly in US mass shootings - Scimex

Back pain in teens linked to substance use and poor mental health

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 1401 AEST | 1601 NZST

Journal of Public Health

New research led by the University of Sydney reveals adolescents with frequent back pain are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol and report feelings of anxiety and depression. The study of over 6000 Australian teens, published today in the Journal Read more about Back pain in teens linked to substance use and poor mental health - Scimex

Overmedicating the elderly can cause more fractures

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 1300 AEST | 1500 NZST

The Journals of Gerontology: Medical Sciences

Elderly New Zealanders taking multiple high-risk medications for sleeping, pain or incontinence are twice as likely as others to fall and break bones - particularly hips - with many dying within a year of their injury, new research shows. Hip Read more about Overmedicating the elderly can cause more fractures - Scimex

Study highlights roundabout risk for older drivers

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

International Journal of Sustainable Transportation

Newly published research shows why so many older drivers crash at roundabouts and what can be done to improve safety. Media Release. From:RMIT University. Newly published research shows why so many older drivers crash at roundabouts and what can be Read more about Study highlights roundabout risk for older drivers - Scimex

Australian Academy of Science calls for input on Women in STEM 10-year plan

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

The Australian Academy of Science is calling for nation-wide views on the barriers and enablers that affect participation, retention and success of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and maths – STEM. Funder: Australian Read more about Australian Academy of Science calls for input on Women in STEM 10-year plan - Scimex

Stay active to avoid type 2 diabetes risks

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0801 AEST | 1001 NZST

Diabetologia

Unsurprisingly, being active can help to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a study from the Netherlands. The research involved almost 3, 500 participants, and found that increased fitness and physical activity, as well as Read more about Stay active to avoid type 2 diabetes risks - Scimex

Optimism is good for your heart

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Optimism is good for your overall heart health, according to a US research review. Authors looked at a range of studies that showed optimism and a feeling of purpose in life were associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. They also Read more about Optimism is good for your heart - Scimex

Peatland carbon sinks at risk

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature

Peatlands are extremely effective at storing carbon, but an international study featuring a University of Queensland researcher has found climate change could stop that. The group investigated how peatlands – swamps and bogs with organic rich Read more about Peatland carbon sinks at risk - Scimex

Cut down on meat to save on water

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Sustainability

Vegetarian and pescatarian diets could reduce a country’s water footprint by up to half by replacing water-intensive meat farming with crops, according to a new European study which compared the amount of water required to produce the food Read more about Cut down on meat to save on water - Scimex

Tai chi style exercises could help prevent falls in the elderly

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Internal Medicine

A form of tai chi, known as tai ji quan, is more effective at reducing the risk of falls in older adults than other stretching, aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises, according to international research. The study involved 670 people Read more about Tai chi style exercises could help prevent falls in the elderly - Scimex

ACU Launches Healthy Drinks Policy

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is the first Australian university to remove sugary drinks from all its vending machines. It is hoped the move will encourage other universities, schools and workplaces to follow suit. The decision came after Read more about ACU Launches Healthy Drinks Policy - Scimex

Preventing climate disruption in the Pacific Islands

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

Global warming and the subsequent rise in sea levels and increase in extreme weather events could spell disaster for a number of low-lying Pacific Islands, write two Northern Queensland doctors in an editorial. However, in order to avoid becoming Read more about Preventing climate disruption in the Pacific Islands - Scimex

Programs for teens with autism should promote strengths

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

The unique strengths of adolescents with autism – including attention to detail, loyalty and memory skills – should be the focus of employment programs to ensure they can play a crucial role in the workforce, the Bankwest Curtin Economics Read more about Programs for teens with autism should promote strengths - Scimex

Alpine Fault is due for a quake that would shake the South Island

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics

The lengthy Alpine Fault, which runs along the spine of New Zealand's Southern Alps, has garnered much attention of late as it has a clear geographic record of rupturing every 300 years or so. Last year marked the 300th anniversary since the last Read more about Alpine Fault is due for a quake that would shake the South Island - Scimex

Abortion law in NSW is out of step with current community views

Publicly released: Tue 11 Sep 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

ANZJPH

Abortion law in New South Wales is out of step with current community views, finds research led by the University of Sydney. Researchers surveyed more than 1, 000 people across NSW and found: 76 per cent of respondents were unaware that abortion is Read more about Abortion law in NSW is out of step with current community views - Scimex

Social support critical to a happier life for young patients with cancer

Publicly released: Mon 10 Sep 2018 at 1401 AEST | 1601 NZST

CANCER

Having social support, which helps young patients with cancer process the experience of being ill, is far more important for their happiness in life than sociodemographic or medical factors, suggest German researchers. The team discovered that these Read more about Social support critical to a happier life for young patients with cancer - Scimex

Endangered SA bird song competition determines luck with the ladies

Publicly released: Mon 10 Sep 2018 at 1330 AEST | 1530 NZST

Royal Society of South Australia

A new study into the Thick-billed Grasswren, a songbird found in parts of outback South Australia and NSW, reveals differences in song made by males from different populations determine their success with attracting females, and are linked with Read more about Endangered SA bird song competition determines luck with the ladies - Scimex

New Zealand’s freshwater fish in decline

Publicly released: Mon 10 Sep 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Marine and Freshwater Research

The number of New Zealand’s freshwater fish listed as threatened has increased since we first started keeping track of them in 1992. A new study comparing land use changes and freshwater fish distribution from 1970 to 2017 has found that more Read more about New Zealand’s freshwater fish in decline - Scimex

Sepsis severely underestimated in Australian hospitals

Publicly released: Mon 10 Sep 2018 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

MJA

Sepsis rates are severely underestimated in Australian intensive care units, according to Aussie researchers. Sepsis occurs when a person’s immune system over-responds to an infection, damaging the patient’s own tissues. The researchers Read more about Sepsis severely underestimated in Australian hospitals - Scimex