Ancient DNA suggests Ibizans might not be descended from Phoenicians

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Scientific Reports

The tumultuous settlement history of Ibiza is reflected in the inhabitants' genes, as the DNA of the original settlers doesn't match the DNA of those living there now, according to research led by the University of Otago. Phoenicians first settled Read more about Ancient DNA suggests Ibizans might not be descended from Phoenicians - Scimex

Microorganisms feast on 400-year-old painting

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Bacteria and microbes living on a 17th-century painting are destroying the art, but there may be other organisms that could help preserve it, say researchers in Italy. The canvas, pigments, oil and varnish create a perfect home for bacteria and fungi Read more about Microorganisms feast on 400-year-old painting - Scimex

Aussies recycled 115,000 mobile phones to save the gorillas

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

More than 115, 000 mobile phones have been collected and recycled through a community campaign at Zoos Victoria, preventing around 12 to 20 cubic metres of waste going to landfill and recovering 182 kg of materials whose mining threatens wild Read more about Aussies recycled 115,000 mobile phones to save the gorillas - Scimex

Giant 'fish lizard's' resemblance to whales more than skin deep

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Nature

The fossilised skin of an extinct Ichthyosaur, a 180 million-year-old marine animal, has allowed scientists to see its close resemblance to whales. The specific fins, flippers, tail and warm blood make up some of the similarities between modern Read more about Giant 'fish lizard's' resemblance to whales more than skin deep - Scimex

Ready, set, melt: the Greenland Ice Sheet is melting fast

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Nature

The Greenland Ice Sheet has been melting much faster in the past decade than at any other time over the past 350 years, according to a new study. The US researchers looked at melt layers in ice cores from western Greenland that date back to 1650 and Read more about Ready, set, melt: the Greenland Ice Sheet is melting fast - Scimex

Pig heart transplant a new solution for terminal heart failure in humans?

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Nature

An international team of researchers has managed to successfully transplant genetically modified pig hearts into baboons that can function long-term. Their new transplant method - which involves keeping the hearts oxygenated through the circulation Read more about Pig heart transplant a new solution for terminal heart failure in humans? - Scimex

NEWS BRIEFING: New data - fossil fuel emissions to reach record high in 2018

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Environmental Research Letters

New data indicates that global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have risen sharply again, with 2018 predicted to see more than a 2 per cent jump in emissions growth. The data from the Global Carbon Project, hosted in Australia by CSIRO, indicates Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: New data - fossil fuel emissions to reach record high in 2018 - Scimex

Your place, your problem? Sharing the risks of sea-level rise fairly

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

A report by an Otago University researcher tackles the ethics behind who is bearing the risks of sea level rise, and how this can be done more fairly. Current legislation states that those in existing low-lying communities will bear the cost of an Read more about Your place, your problem? Sharing the risks of sea-level rise fairly - Scimex

Including Indigenous culture to refresh 'Closing the Gap'

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

ANZJPH

Greater understanding of the relationship between indigenous knowledge and indigenous culture could significantly improve public policy frameworks such as the ‘ Closing the Gap’ national health policy, according to researchers from the Read more about Including Indigenous culture to refresh 'Closing the Gap' - Scimex

Australia unprepared for climate change impact on allergies

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Public Health Research & Practice

A rise in dangerous and even fatal asthma and other allergic attacks – as occurred in Melbourne’s deadly 2016 ‘thunderstorm asthma event’– could be one of Australia’s biggest health challenges from climate change, warns the author of a Read more about Australia unprepared for climate change impact on allergies - Scimex

HIV information not reaching gay and bisexual Indigenous communities

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

ANZJPH

The HIV rate in the Indigenous community is rising due to a lack of connection between health services and at-risk communities, according to Aussie researchers. Researchers spoke to specialists in HIV, sexual health and Aboriginal sexual health Read more about HIV information not reaching gay and bisexual Indigenous communities - Scimex

Aussie kids want to get up and move, but they say their uniforms are holding them back

Publicly released: Thu 6 Dec 2018 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

ANZJPH

More practical school uniforms could be a simple, cheap way to get kids moving more, and Aussie kids agree. The researchers surveyed 832 school kids in NSW about their attitudes towards their uniform. They found 61.6 per cent said they would prefer Read more about Aussie kids want to get up and move, but they say their uniforms are holding them back - Scimex

A leap forward for gender equity and diversity in Australia’s higher education and research sector

Publicly released: Wed 5 Dec 2018 at 2000 AEDT | 2200 NZDT

Fifteen Australian institutions have been recognised for efforts to improve gender equity and diversity, receiving the inaugural Athena SWAN Bronze Awards from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), at a gala dinner tonight at Australian Read more about A leap forward for gender equity and diversity in Australia’s higher education and research sector - Scimex

Too much sleep may be bad for your heart

Publicly released: Wed 5 Dec 2018 at 1105 AEDT | 1305 NZDT

European Heart Journal

Getting more than the recommended six to eight hours of sleep a day has been linked to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and death, according to international research. The study found that over sleeping could increase your heart Read more about Too much sleep may be bad for your heart - Scimex

How can mining and conservation work together?

Publicly released: Wed 5 Dec 2018 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Focussing on mining sites themselves to try and limit environmental impacts will have limited effect in preventing biodiversity loss against an increasing mining footprint according to Australian research. The authors say that mining impact Read more about How can mining and conservation work together? - Scimex

Wild wanderlust could expose you to new diseases

Publicly released: Wed 5 Dec 2018 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Journal of the Royal Society Interface

Habitat loss and fragmentation can reduce species diversity, but few people tend to think about the potential risks to humans as we venture into these wild lands. Kiwi researchers show that as we encroach on biodiversity hotspots, we also expose Read more about Wild wanderlust could expose you to new diseases - Scimex

Your finger length might point to why you are unlucky in love

Publicly released: Wed 5 Dec 2018 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Biology Letters

A women's finger length ratio – the difference between the length of their index and ring fingers – has been linked to three genes involved in the function of endorphins and other hormones. Women with particular versions of these genes had Read more about Your finger length might point to why you are unlucky in love - Scimex

Reef researchers want our holiday snaps

Publicly released: Wed 5 Dec 2018 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

You don’t need a lab coat to be a scientist in Queensland this summer – just swimmers and an underwater camera. Phase two of QUT’s Virtual Reef Diver project launched today (December 5) and is encouraging divers and snorkelers to help monitor Read more about Reef researchers want our holiday snaps - Scimex

ANGELS will guide space start-ups

Publicly released: Wed 5 Dec 2018 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The space industry is set to benefit from expert guidance from University of Adelaide lawyers on Australian and international laws that regulate their activities. Media Release. From:The University of Adelaide. The space industry is set to benefit Read more about ANGELS will guide space start-ups - Scimex

First baby born via uterus transplant from a deceased donor

Publicly released: Wed 5 Dec 2018 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Lancet

The first baby has been born following a uterus transplantation from a deceased donor, according to a case study from Brazil. The new findings show that uterus transplants from deceased donors are feasible and may open access for all women with Read more about First baby born via uterus transplant from a deceased donor - Scimex