Does taking HIV-preventing PrEP increase the risk of other sexual infections?

Publicly released: Wed 10 Apr 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA

A study of 3, 000 mostly gay and bisexual men in Australia who were taking daily HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) found those who started taking PrEP after joining the study had a higher incidence of other STIs than those who had been taking PrEP Read more about Does taking HIV-preventing PrEP increase the risk of other sexual infections? - Scimex

Would a flying taxi to work be more sustainable? It depends on the length of your commute

Publicly released: Wed 10 Apr 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Communications

US scientists used computer simulations to look into the sustainability of flying taxis - electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (VTOL) - as a way of relieving congestion on the roads, and say they may use less energy and generate less Read more about Would a flying taxi to work be more sustainable? It depends on the length of your commute - Scimex

Half of European Alps glaciers may melt by 2050, even if we cut emissions now

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 2200 AEST | 0000 NZST

The Cryosphere

It's probably best to get that Swiss skiing holiday in while you still can, as researchers have predicted the 4, 000 European Alpine glaciers will lose half their ice by 2050, even if we cut our CO2 emissions dramatically right now. The European Read more about Half of European Alps glaciers may melt by 2050, even if we cut emissions now - Scimex

Researchers develop quantum device to generate all possible futures simultaneously

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 1900 AEST | 2100 NZST

Nature Communications

In the 2018 movie Infinity War, a scene featured Dr. Strange looking into 14 million possible futures to search for a single timeline where the heroes would be victorious. Perhaps he would have had an easier time with help from a quantum computer. A Read more about Researchers develop quantum device to generate all possible futures simultaneously - Scimex

The best ways to stay engaged at work

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 1730 AEST | 1930 NZST

European Journal of Work and Organisational Psychology

Employees who have the ability to shape their own role, work collaboratively with their colleagues, and participate in mindfulness activities are more likely to stay engaged at work, new research led by Curtin University has found. Media Release. Read more about The best ways to stay engaged at work - Scimex

Inflammation linked to chemical imbalance in schizophrenia

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 1400 AEST | 1600 NZST

Molecular Psychiatry

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified changes in inflammation-related biochemical pathways in schizophrenia that interfere with proper brain nerve cell communication. Researchers have found the first direct evidence in support of Read more about Inflammation linked to chemical imbalance in schizophrenia - Scimex

Major new guide published setting out how illicit drugs affect health

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 1400 AEST | 1600 NZST

A new book on illicit drugs and health, written by experts from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) at UNSW Sydney, will provide vital information for health professionals on the impact of illicit drug use. The book covers the Read more about Major new guide published setting out how illicit drugs affect health - Scimex

Fearless sea urchins stripping underwater forests

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 1100 AEST | 1300 NZST

Ecology

A new study led by The University of Western Australia and the Centre of Advanced Studies of Blanes in Spain has found that sea urchins’ fear of predators plays a key role in the health of underwater forests, which are declining globally. The Read more about Fearless sea urchins stripping underwater forests - Scimex

Save the GBR with bright clouds and coral sunscreen

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 1045 AEST | 1245 NZST

Climate Policy

Brighter clouds and coral sunscreen are two ways we might be able to protect our Great Barrier Reef from climate change, but our laws need to catch up to make this happen, Aussie researchers say. The GBR has lost 50 per cent of its coral cover in Read more about Save the GBR with bright clouds and coral sunscreen - Scimex

New wasps named after biscuits and Doctor Who aliens

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 1000 AEST | 1200 NZST

Zootaxa

University of Adelaide researchers were inspired by everything from chocolate biscuits and Doctor Who aliens when choosing names for 10 new species of wasps. Media Release. From:The University of Adelaide. University of Adelaide researchers were Read more about New wasps named after biscuits and Doctor Who aliens - Scimex

Indigenous skills vital to conservation research outcomes

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

Conservation Letters

Working with Aboriginal rangers in the Kimberley, University of Sydney biologists have published a study with the first empirical evidence that culturally diverse teams produces better conservation results. Media Release. From:The University of Read more about Indigenous skills vital to conservation research outcomes - Scimex

Higher education could keep elderly brains healthy

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

JNeurosci

Higher education might keep your brain sharp in old age, according to international researchers. A study of 122 healthy older Spanish adults found those who completed 15 years of formal education had larger and thicker brain tissue in the regions Read more about Higher education could keep elderly brains healthy - Scimex

Pesky protein may be the reason for women's migraines

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

JNeurosci

Migraines are three times more common in women than men, and a small protein might be to blame, according to US researchers. They injected low doses of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) – a small protein known to contribute to migraines – Read more about Pesky protein may be the reason for women's migraines - Scimex

If wildlife conservation campaigns suit cat owners then they just might work

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

Conservation Science and Practice

Hunting cats can have a detrimental effect on birds and other wildlife, which we all know can lead to tension among cat owners and conservationists. Surveys by cat owners and vets in New Zealand vet clinics found bringing cats in from dusk till dawn Read more about If wildlife conservation campaigns suit cat owners then they just might work - Scimex

Volcanic flows outsmart friction

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Geoscience

When Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupted in June 2018, deadly pyroclastic flows swept down the mountainsides, killing dozens. These fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter can reach temperatures of up to 1000C and quickly travel many Read more about Volcanic flows outsmart friction - Scimex

Glaciers' contribution to sea-level rise

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature

Glaciers contributed about 27 millimetres to global mean sea-level rise from 1961 to 2016, which may mean their contribution to sea-level rise is larger than previously reported. Using data from over 19, 000 glaciers - including some in New Zealand - Read more about Glaciers' contribution to sea-level rise - Scimex

Mindfulness yoga can help Parkinson's patients

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Neurology

Practicing mindfulness yoga is as effective as stretching and resistance training exercises (SRTE) when it comes to helping Parkinson's patients keep moving, and has the added benefit of helping with symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to Read more about Mindfulness yoga can help Parkinson's patients - Scimex

Pollen detectives work to predict asthma and hay fever

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Ecology and Evolution

The presence of different strains of grass pollen in the atmosphere can help predict when hay fever and asthma could strike, a study involving a University of Queensland researcher has found. Funder: It was supported by a $2.24 million NERC Read more about Pollen detectives work to predict asthma and hay fever - Scimex

Just how much does enhancing photosynthesis improve crop yield?

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Plants

In the next two decades, crop yields need to increase dramatically to feed the growing global population. Wouldn’t it be incredibly useful if we had a crystal ball to show us what are the best strategies available to increase crop yields? A team Read more about Just how much does enhancing photosynthesis improve crop yield? - Scimex

Cane toads of the seas - how damaging are invasive marine species?

Publicly released: Tue 9 Apr 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Ecology and Evolution

International scientists, including Australians, looked at past studies to work out how damaging invasive species in our oceans are. They looked at 76 such species, and found top predators and 'primary producers' such as plankton are the most Read more about Cane toads of the seas - how damaging are invasive marine species? - Scimex