Fragmented health system compounds inequalities in NZ

Publicly released: Sun 4 Aug 2019 at 0700 AEST | 0900 NZST

The Lancet

Māori, Pacific and low-income New Zealanders are losing out on equitable access to health care and health outcomes due to the way the health system is organised, argue University of Auckland researchers. They advocate for a major overhaul of our Read more about Fragmented health system compounds inequalities in NZ - Scimex

How likely are we to become frail in old age?

Publicly released: Sat 3 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

Australian and international researchers analysing the results of 46 studies say that likelihood for frailty in people 60 years or older living within the community is high. The authors say frailty is the presence of three or more of the five Read more about How likely are we to become frail in old age? - Scimex

New method of assessing the severity of children’s brain injuries

Publicly released: Fri 2 Aug 2019 at 1100 AEST | 1300 NZST

The Lancet

Blood samples can help gauge the severity of children’s brain injuries, indicating which children will recover and which will need ongoing support, a new study has found. The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, working with Canadian scientists Read more about New method of assessing the severity of children’s brain injuries - Scimex

Economic costs of throat condition hard to swallow

Publicly released: Fri 2 Aug 2019 at 1000 AEST | 1200 NZST

Laryngoscope

Older people with swallowing problems are more likely to to die in recovery following hip surgery, or have a slower recovery, making the cost of their treatment more than double that of patients without the condition. Using data from 2500 hip Read more about Economic costs of throat condition hard to swallow - Scimex

Largest ever study finds links in epilepsy genes

Publicly released: Fri 2 Aug 2019 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

American Journal of Human Genetics

Researchers and patients from Austin Health and the University of Melbourne have been involved in the largest ever study looking at the genetic sequences of people with epilepsy. Researchers and patients from Austin Health and the University of Read more about Largest ever study finds links in epilepsy genes - Scimex

AI could detect potential heart issues

Publicly released: Fri 2 Aug 2019 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

The Lancet

A ten-second, non-invasive test using artificial intelligence (AI) has been found to identify patients with atrial fibrillation – abnormal heart rhythm – even when their heart rhythm seems normal, and this could help doctors investigate Read more about AI could detect potential heart issues - Scimex

Model accurately predicts where volcanoes will erupt

Publicly released: Fri 2 Aug 2019 at 0800 AEST | 1000 NZST

Science Advances

European researchers have developed a model to predict where on a volcano future eruptions are likely to occur. Current models are typically based on where previous eruptions have occurred and places where magma accumulates. In this new model, the Read more about Model accurately predicts where volcanoes will erupt - Scimex

Obesity in your genes? Here are the best exercises to reduce your BMI

Publicly released: Fri 2 Aug 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS Genetics

Regular jogging is the best exercise to manage obesity, especially in those with a genetic predisposition, according to international researchers who looked at the genetics and exercise routines of 18, 424 Han Chinese adults. The researchers looked Read more about Obesity in your genes? Here are the best exercises to reduce your BMI - Scimex

Turtle embryos can influence their own sex

Publicly released: Fri 2 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Current Biology

In some turtle species, the temperature of the egg determines whether the tiny turtle develops as male and female - but it appears things aren't that random. A new study led by Chinese and Australian researchers has found that embryos can have some Read more about Turtle embryos can influence their own sex - Scimex

Yellow-lens glasses might not help your night vision

Publicly released: Fri 2 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Ophthalmology

Ever have trouble driving at night with all the headlight glare? Yellow-lens glasses have been touted for years as a way to improve night vision by reducing glare, but a new study has cast doubt on the claims. In a small study of 22 people, US Read more about Yellow-lens glasses might not help your night vision - Scimex

Repairing harmful effects of inbreeding could save the iconic Helmeted Honeyeater

Publicly released: Fri 2 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Current Biology

Research published today in Current Biology by a collaborative research team led by Monash University and La Trobe reveals just how much damage is done by inbreeding in the critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater. Media Release. From:Monash Read more about Repairing harmful effects of inbreeding could save the iconic Helmeted Honeyeater - Scimex

Beware the drug-resistant bacteria in London's public places

Publicly released: Thu 1 Aug 2019 at 2300 AEST | Fri 2 Aug 2019 at 0100 NZST

Scientific Reports

Researchers swabbing surfaces in London have found multidrug-resistant bacteria, especially in public areas like the Underground and within hospital reception areas and corridors. Swabs were taken around East and West London from public surfaces - Read more about Beware the drug-resistant bacteria in London's public places - Scimex

Blood pressure: how low can you go?

Publicly released: Thu 1 Aug 2019 at 1600 AEST | 1800 NZST

Australian Prescriber

People at risk of heart attacks may benefit from aiming for lower blood pressure readings, according to Aussie researchers who say those at risk of heart problems could benefit from blood pressure-lowering medications. According to the review, Read more about Blood pressure: how low can you go? - Scimex

Anaemic star carries the mark of its ancient ancestor

Publicly released: Thu 1 Aug 2019 at 1600 AEST | 1800 NZST

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters

Australian-led astronomers find the most iron-poor star in the Galaxy, hinting at the nature of the first stars in the Universe. Funder: Australian Research Council (ARC) and six collaborating Australian universities - The Australian National Read more about Anaemic star carries the mark of its ancient ancestor - Scimex

Super-resolution microscopy sheds light on dementia

Publicly released: Thu 1 Aug 2019 at 1600 AEST | 1800 NZST

eLife

University of Queensland researchers have used super-resolution microscopy to observe key molecules at work inside living brain cells, further unravelling the puzzle of memory formation and the elusive causes of dementia. Funder: Australian and Read more about Super-resolution microscopy sheds light on dementia - Scimex

Nature inspires visionary research

Publicly released: Thu 1 Aug 2019 at 1300 AEST | 1500 NZST

Insects are inspiring University of South Australia researchers to create new technology based on their extraordinary vision. The visual processing skills of the dragonfly are the envy not only of the animal kingdom, but the human one as well. They Read more about Nature inspires visionary research - Scimex

Could a herbal remedy offer relief for modern day exhaustion?

Publicly released: Thu 1 Aug 2019 at 1200 AEST | 1400 NZST

A new insomnia clinical trial is underway at Western Sydney University. A herbal remedy may offer relief to the millions of modern-day Australians who are not getting the sleep they need. During Sleep Awareness Week (5-11 August), researchers from Read more about Could a herbal remedy offer relief for modern day exhaustion? - Scimex

Low level exposure to air pollution is harmful, mouse model shows

Publicly released: Thu 1 Aug 2019 at 1100 AEST | 1300 NZST

AJP-Lung

Scientists investigating the effect of air pollution on lung health, in an animal model, have concluded that even low levels of exposure can have a detrimental effect on the lungs. They say the results have implications for government agencies Read more about Low level exposure to air pollution is harmful, mouse model shows - Scimex

Developing cleaner, greener fertiliser

Publicly released: Thu 1 Aug 2019 at 1030 AEST | 1230 NZST

ACS Sustainable Chemistry Engineering

Research from The Australian National University (ANU) has produced a method that transforms waste into a new fertiliser. Funder: The authors acknowledge financial support by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the Australian Read more about Developing cleaner, greener fertiliser - Scimex

New database to boost the visibility of women in STEM

Publicly released: Thu 1 Aug 2019 at 1030 AEST | 1230 NZST

Australian women in STEM will be more visible thanks to a new resource showcasing the depth of talent of those working in the field. Funder: Australian Government. Media Release. From:Australian Academy of Science. Australian women in STEM will be Read more about New database to boost the visibility of women in STEM - Scimex