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Supersize sushi bites back! World's biggest salmon sported tusk-like teeth
PLOS ONE
US and Canadian scientists say a giant species of salmon that lived in the North American Pacific Northwest a few million years ago, and is thought to have reached sizes of 2. 7m, had a pair of front teeth that projected out from the sides of its Read more about Supersize sushi bites back! World's biggest salmon sported tusk-like teeth
InternationalPhiladelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA -
The 'tree of life' for flowering plants comes into bloom
Nature
Australian researchers have helped build a 'flowering plant tree of life' that could aid in identifying new species and, discovering new medicines while battling biodiversity loss in the face of a changing climate. Flowering plants make up about 90% Read more about The 'tree of life' for flowering plants comes into bloom
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTJames Cook University|Botanic Gardens of Sydney|Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria... -
Cognitive behaviour therapy may be more helpful than mindfulness for people with long-term grief
JAMA Psychiatry
Persistent longing for a lost loved one can bring significant emotional pain and affect people's health, and now Australian research has found that people with prolonged grief disorder may benefit more from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) than Read more about Cognitive behaviour therapy may be more helpful than mindfulness for people with long-term grief
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of New South Wales|The Westmead Institute for Medical Research... -
Lab-grown 'mini-colons' could help with cancer research
Nature
A lab-grown 'mini-colon' could aid the development and discovery of new genetic targets and tumour-suppressive drugs for colon cancer, according to international researchers, who developed the 'mini-colons' - known as organoids - to model the Read more about Lab-grown 'mini-colons' could help with cancer research
InternationalÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland -
Community notes can help counter COVID-19 vax misinformation on X (formerly Twitter)
JAMA
Among the measures to help counter COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on X (formerly Twitter), crowdsourced 'community notes' were introduced in 2022. Now, US scientists have analysed 657 of these and say the notes they looked at primarily addressed Read more about Community notes can help counter COVID-19 vax misinformation on X (formerly Twitter)
InternationalUniversity of California, USA -
Dead star lights up a nearby galaxy with a gamma-ray burst
Nature
A gamma-ray burst from a type of neutron star called a magentar has been detected by international researchers, observing the relatively close-by galaxy known as M82. Magnetar gamma-ray bursts are rare explosive events and the latest discovery may Read more about Dead star lights up a nearby galaxy with a gamma-ray burst
InternationalINAF - Istituto di Astrofisica Spaziale e Fisica Cosmica di Milano, Italy -
Tongan volcano may have exploded because it couldn't pass gas
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
A new study of the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption has proposed that a gaseous seal created pressure which led to the massive explosion that was felt worldwide. The energy required to bring such a large ash cloud from beneath the waves and into the Read more about Tongan volcano may have exploded because it couldn't pass gas
Australia; New Zealand; PacificGNS Science|The Australian National University -
Black hole “traffic jams” discovered in galactic centres
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
An international study, led by researchers from Monash University, has revealed crucial insights into black hole dynamics within massive discs at the centres of galaxies. The study shows the intricate processes governing when and where black holes Read more about Black hole “traffic jams” discovered in galactic centres
Australia; VICMonash University|ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGRav) -
Plum perfect: a natural alternative to preserve meat
Meat Science
A native bushfood has proven to be a promising natural alternative to synthetic chemicals used to preserve meat, according to University of Queensland research. Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation PhD scholar Michel Beya said Read more about Plum perfect: a natural alternative to preserve meat
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
The biggest birds bring the bass: Size shapes the birdsong of honeyeaters
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Honeyeaters' songs are mostly shaped by how big the birds are that are singing, rather than environmental or habitat influences, according to Australian research, which found that smaller-sized honeyeaters produce higher frequency songs, while the Read more about The biggest birds bring the bass: Size shapes the birdsong of honeyeaters
Australia; VICMonash University -
Australian regions needing cardiac arrest education revealed
PLOS ONE
Researchers have identified Australian regions with high rates of cardiac arrest and low rates of CPR. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) incidence fell during the Heart Foundation’s Warning Signs campaign for heart attacks, which suggests that Read more about Australian regions needing cardiac arrest education revealed
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTMonash University|Curtin University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Struggling to taste things after COVID? It could that your sense of smell is to blame
JAMA Network Open
You may feel like COVID-19 left you with a lingering loss of taste, but research from the US suggests that it may actually be a loss of your sense of smell that is to blame. The research used objective measures of taste and smell in people one year Read more about Struggling to taste things after COVID? It could that your sense of smell is to blame
InternationalSensonics International, University of Pennsylvania, USA -
How do birds keep the beat? It's all in their genes
Nature Communications
How do birds learn to maintain rhythm and tempo in their songs? They don't, according to international researchers who say these abilities are likely innate and controlled by a bird's genes. The team measured the song rhythms of yellow- and Read more about How do birds keep the beat? It's all in their genes
InternationalUppsala University, Sweden -
National survey suggests Aussies don't know much about dementia
An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) survey found most Aussies would adopt a healthier lifestyle if they knew more about ways of reducing their risk of dementia, but only one in three are confident in their knowledge of how to reduce Read more about National survey suggests Aussies don't know much about dementia
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
NEWS BRIEFING: How do we ensure a thriving Murray-Darling Basin in 50 years?
BRIEFING RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE We must protect the future of the Murray-Darling Basin, according to Aussie experts who say climate change is threatening the river’s health and sustainability. Ten of Australia’s leading water experts have Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: How do we ensure a thriving Murray-Darling Basin in 50 years?
Australia; NSW; SA; ACTAustralian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) -
It’s not too late to save the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Nature Communications
New NZ-led research has found a ‘missing piece in the puzzle’ of West Antarctic Ice Sheet melt, revealing the collapse of the ice sheet in the Ross Sea region can be prevented – if we keep to a low-emissions pathway. This is crucial, as Read more about It’s not too late to save the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
New Zealand; InternationalGNS Science|Victoria University of Wellington|Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA; -
Urgent need for logging loophole remedy within proposed koala national park
International Journal of Social Quality
A team of conservation and policy researchers have called for a logging loophole within the proposed Great Koala National Park to be urgently remedied to stem the tide of harmful outcomes impacting the South East Australian koala population. The new Read more about Urgent need for logging loophole remedy within proposed koala national park
Australia; NSW; QLD; SAGriffith University|Flinders University|Central Queensland University -
How do we improve heart disease diagnosis in women?
Frontiers in Physiology
The current method of measuring heart disease risk leaves many women undiagnosed, according to international researchers who used AI to find better ways to detect heart disease in women. Using AI models, the team found that women are underdiagnosed Read more about How do we improve heart disease diagnosis in women?
InternationalStanford University, USA -
Call for enhanced research into common post-stroke condition
Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation
Lateropulsion, a clinical condition that results in the body leaning to one side affects about half of all stroke survivors. In recent research, the team found that lateropulsion could continue to resolve up to one-year post-stroke, far beyond the Read more about Call for enhanced research into common post-stroke condition
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
No bull: How breeding less-gassy cows could help fight climate change
Climate
A Curtin University study has revealed breeding less-flatulent cows and restoring agricultural land could significantly reduce rising methane emission levels, which play a considerable role in climate change. A Curtin University study has revealed Read more about No bull: How breeding less-gassy cows could help fight climate change
Australia; WACurtin University -
Tropical fish are invading Australian ocean water
Journal of Animal Ecology
A University of Adelaide study of shallow-water fish communities on rocky reefs in south-eastern Australia has found climate change is helping tropical fish species invade temperate Australian waters. According to the team, the fish are travelling Read more about Tropical fish are invading Australian ocean water
Australia; NSW; SAThe University of Adelaide|University of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
Energy-smart bricks keep waste out of landfill
Construction and Building Materials
Engineers have invented energy-efficient bricks with scrap materials, including glass, that are normally destined for landfill. Test results indicate that using these bricks in the construction of a single-storey building could reduce household Read more about Energy-smart bricks keep waste out of landfill
Australia; VICRMIT University -
Hey Dave, I’ve got an idea for you. What’s the potential of AI-led workshopping?
JOSPT Open
Sure, ChatGPT can write a poem about your pet in the style of T. S Eliot, but generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have a potentially more useful role to play in idea generation according to a new study by University of Technology Sydney Read more about Hey Dave, I’ve got an idea for you. What’s the potential of AI-led workshopping?
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
Arthritis linked to blood cancer mutations
Blood
A team of Adelaide and US researchers has discovered a link between a less common form of rheumatoid arthritis and gene mutations found in blood cancer. The team was surprised to discover that many patients with mutations in epigenetic genes that Read more about Arthritis linked to blood cancer mutations
Australia; SASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)... -
COVID-19 treatment guidelines differ widely between countries, and most recommend treatments that don't work
BMJ Global Health
National clinical guidelines for the treatment of COVID-19 vary widely around the world, with poorer countries furthest from the 'gold standard' treatment recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), and most countries recommending at Read more about COVID-19 treatment guidelines differ widely between countries, and most recommend treatments that don't work
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK, Mahidol University, Thailand -
Is your doctor female? You may be less likely to die
Annals of Internal Medicine
A Japanese and US study of more than 700,000 US patients over the age of 65 found that those with a female doctor were less likely to die or be readmitted to hospital, compared to patients with a male doctor, and the effect was more pronounced for Read more about Is your doctor female? You may be less likely to die
InternationalThe University of Tokyo, Japan -
EXPERT REACTION: Australia is having more frequent fires and it is bad news for threatened species
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
The habitats of Australia's threatened species are experiencing widespread declines in unburnt areas and increases in fire frequency, new research suggests. The study looked at fire patterns across southern Australia from 1980 to 2021, spanning 415 Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Australia is having more frequent fires and it is bad news for threatened species
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; NT; ACTThe University of Sydney|Deakin University|Charles Sturt University... -
Digital alcohol marketing reinforces harmful gender norms
Drug and Alcohol Review
A NZ-led research team found online alcohol marketing is not only highly gendered, but digital ads targeted towards women drew on a much wider range of both traditional and evolving gender norms than for men. For example, traditional stereotypes Read more about Digital alcohol marketing reinforces harmful gender norms
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom -
How can health authorities better communicate with multicultural Australia in an emergency?
Australian Journal of Social Issues
In a public health crisis like a pandemic or natural disaster, health authorities could benefit from working more with trusted local community organisations and leaders to ensure the message is not only delivered but also received and understood, Read more about How can health authorities better communicate with multicultural Australia in an emergency?
Australia; VICLa Trobe University -
Arvo at work dragging? Try looking at a cluttered, forgettable image to speed up time
Nature Human Behaviour
What's in an image we're looking at appears to influence our perception of the passing of time, according to US researchers, who say their findings suggest there's no 'universal internal clock' in the brain. The team asked 170 people to observe a Read more about Arvo at work dragging? Try looking at a cluttered, forgettable image to speed up time
InternationalGeorge Mason University, USA -
Sustainable tool can diagnose several different cancers
Nature Sustainability
Chinese scientists say they've developed an accurate, affordable, and environmentally and user-friendly diagnostic tool for multiple cancers – including pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers. They say it can diagnose cancers within minutes Read more about Sustainable tool can diagnose several different cancers
InternationalEast China Normal University, China -
New JWST observations reveal black holes rapidly shut off star formation in massive galaxies
Nature
New research published in Nature showcases new observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) that suggest black holes rapidly shut off star-formation in massive galaxies by explosively removing large amounts of gas. New research published Read more about New JWST observations reveal black holes rapidly shut off star formation in massive galaxies
InternationalSwinburne University of Technology -
Delirium ID toolkit boosts carer knowledge to prevent, manage the condition
Journal of General Internal Medicine
Carers involved in a pilot study have endorsed an online tool for assessing delirium which gives them a key role in the management of loved ones affected by the confused mental state. The new Australian-led international research showed delirium Read more about Delirium ID toolkit boosts carer knowledge to prevent, manage the condition
Australia; International; NSW; QLD; ACTSouthern Cross University|University of the Sunshine Coast... -
Daily aspirin could help reduce colorectal cancer development
Cancer
Long-term daily use of aspirin could help slow and prevent the progression of colorectal cancer, according to international researchers. The team looked at tissue samples of 238 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer, 12% of whom were Read more about Daily aspirin could help reduce colorectal cancer development
InternationalVeneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCS, Italy -
Crash data shows road safety measures must improve
Transport Policy
Better policies and practices to ensure greater road safety must become a priority, because the rate of road crash injury continues to rise – as proven by data compiled from new research into Melbourne crash statistics. By analysing the trends and Read more about Crash data shows road safety measures must improve
Australia; VIC; SAFlinders University -
No Woman’s Land - call to address gender inequity facing female veterans
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Women who serve in the Australian Defence Force face disadvantages both in military service and afterwards, a new Flinders University study finds. The study conducted in-depth interviews with 22 Australian women veterans to cast light on the Read more about No Woman’s Land - call to address gender inequity facing female veterans
Australia; VIC; SA; TASFlinders University -
Giant galactic explosion exposes galaxy pollution in action
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Astronomers have produced the first high-resolution map of a massive explosion in a nearby galaxy, providing important clues on how the space between galaxies is polluted with chemical elements. A team of international researchers studied galaxy NGC Read more about Giant galactic explosion exposes galaxy pollution in action
Australia; International; WAInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) -
Four new-to-science species of snail described
Molluscan Research
DNA analysis by Queensland Museum scientists has unearthed the true identity of 15 species of land snails including four new-to-science species with one named in honour of Queensland wildlife warrior Robert Irwin. DNA analysis by Queensland Museum Read more about Four new-to-science species of snail described
Australia; QLDQueensland Museum -
People with IBS may experience disordered eating due to condition
Neurogastroenterology & Motility
New Swinburne-led research has revealed that a third of people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may suffer from symptoms of disordered eating and orthorexia – an obsession with healthy eating. New Swinburne-led research has revealed that a Read more about People with IBS may experience disordered eating due to condition
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology|La Trobe University... -
Bringing new life to an ancient nut
Food Research International
A culturally significant Australian nut dating back to Jurassic times could have a big future thanks to University of Queensland-led research revealing its substantial health benefits. Dr Jaqueline Moura Nadolny from UQ’s Queensland Alliance for Read more about Bringing new life to an ancient nut
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|University of Southern Queensland -
What keeps NZ’s conservation volunteers motivated?
Kotuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online
Volunteers are an essential force behind many NZ conservation projects, and the government is increasingly relying on volunteers to help achieve biodiversity goals and drive national conservation initiatives, such as Predator Free 2050. However, Read more about What keeps NZ’s conservation volunteers motivated?
New ZealandMassey University -
Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdowns meant high stress, demand and pressure for social workers and human services staff
Australian Journal of Social Issues
Australian researchers interviewed 12 Melbourne-based social workers and human services staff about their experience of the city's extensive and stringent COVID-19 lockdowns, and analysed their responses to help inform practices and policies in the Read more about Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdowns meant high stress, demand and pressure for social workers and human services staff
Australia; VICRMIT University -
Women with BRCA genes who get breast cancer within 10 years of giving birth more likely to die
JAMA Network Open
US and UK scientists looked at data for 903 British women with cancer-causing BRCA genes, and found those who were diagnosed with breast cancer within 10 years of giving birth were more likely to die from the disease than women who were diagnosed Read more about Women with BRCA genes who get breast cancer within 10 years of giving birth more likely to die
InternationalOregon Health & Science University, USA -
It's what you eat, not when you eat, that helps you lose weight on a time-restricted eating diet
Annals of Internal Medicine
The natural reduction in calories a person consumes when doing a time-restricted eating diet is likely the reason they lose weight, rather than the time window itself, according to international researchers. The team randomly assigned 41 adults with Read more about It's what you eat, not when you eat, that helps you lose weight on a time-restricted eating diet
InternationalJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA -
Uncovering key players in gene silencing: Insights into plant growth and human diseases
Nature Plants
Monash University biologists have shed light on the intricate molecular mechanisms that are responsible for gene silencing induced by expanded repeats in an international study published today in Nature Plants. Monash University biologists have shed Read more about Uncovering key players in gene silencing: Insights into plant growth and human diseases
Australia; VICMonash University -
New link between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the cardiovascular system found
Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology
New research published today in the journal Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology sheds light on disease mechanisms common to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). New research published today in the Read more about New link between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the cardiovascular system found
Australia; NSWMonash University|Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute -
Do-do, do-do, do-do baby sharks prefer to be close to shore? Yes, say scientists
Frontiers in Marine Science
Young great white sharks gather in nurseries in shallow waters close to shore, a very different habitat to that favoured by adults, according to US scientists. Studying a population off California, including 22 tagged sharks aged between one and six Read more about Do-do, do-do, do-do baby sharks prefer to be close to shore? Yes, say scientists
InternationalCalifornia State University, USA -
Dynamic DNA structures and the formation of memory
An international collaborative research team, including scientists from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), has discovered a novel mechanism underlying memory involving rapid changes in a specific DNA structure. The team found that the DNA Read more about Dynamic DNA structures and the formation of memory
Australia; QLD; ACTQueensland Brain Institute|The Australian National University... -
How a father’s diet could shape the health of his offspring, in mice
Nature Communications
A mice study suggests a father’s diet may shape the anxiety of his sons and the metabolic health of his daughters before they are even conceived. New research, published in Nature Communications, finds that the macronutrient balance in the diet of Read more about How a father’s diet could shape the health of his offspring, in mice
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney|University of Copenhagen -
This poor soul had COVID-19 for almost 2 years, so long it mutated into a new variant
ESCMID Global Congress 2024
Dutch researchers report the case of an unfortunate 72-year-old immunocompromised man in The Netherlands who remained infected with COVID-19 for 613 days, a period so long the virus evolved into a new variant inside his body. The case is the Read more about This poor soul had COVID-19 for almost 2 years, so long it mutated into a new variant
InternationalAmsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC), University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands