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Smartphones cheer teens up, which might be why they're potentially addictive
PLOS ONE
US scientists asked teens to fill in short surveys on their smartphones at random points throughout the day assessing their smartphone use, current mood, and mood before smartphone use. They found using their smartphone tended to cheer teens up, and Read more about Smartphones cheer teens up, which might be why they're potentially addictive
InternationalUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison, USA -
Can you find valuable conversations in the YouTube comments section?
PLOS ONE
The comments section on politically neutral news media YouTube channels may be a place for people to have discussions outside their political bubble, according to international researchers who analysed the comments sections of various US news media Read more about Can you find valuable conversations in the YouTube comments section?
InternationalIndiana University, USA -
Baby babble might seem random, but it may be vital for speech development
PLOS ONE
The squeals and growls of young bubs occur in recognisable clusters, according to US researchers, which they say suggests they're not just random babble, but an important part of speech development. The authors analysed a year's worth of recordings Read more about Baby babble might seem random, but it may be vital for speech development
InternationalUniversity of Alabama, USA -
EXPERT REACTION: Girls are getting their periods earlier, scientists still don't know why
JAMA Network Open
A new study of over 70,000 American women born between 1950 and 2005 has shown that girls are getting their periods earlier and they're taking longer to become regular. While the average age reduced by a relatively small amount, the percentage of Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Girls are getting their periods earlier, scientists still don't know why
InternationalHarvard University -
Finding the goldilocks of cameras for self-driving cars
Nature
International researchers have published two papers in which they believe they could have overcome a big hurdle in camera tech for self-driving vehicles. They say their new sensor chip can combine both the need for fast but imprecise perception with Read more about Finding the goldilocks of cameras for self-driving cars
InternationalTsinghua University, Beijing, China and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland -
Sugary drink tax linked to lower BMI in Seattle children
JAMA Open Network
A modest tax on sweetened beverages led to a small but significant decrease in the body mass index (BMI) of children in Seattle. Researchers analysed 5 years of BMI data following the implementation of the tax in 2018, and compared it with the BMI Read more about Sugary drink tax linked to lower BMI in Seattle children
InternationalUniversity of Washington, Seattle -
Children are likely being recommended inappropriate videos on YouTube
JAMA Network Open
A large amount of the video recommendations on YouTube videos popular with children contain inappropriate content, according to international researchers. Using new computers, the researchers started watching YouTube videos by using the 12 Read more about Children are likely being recommended inappropriate videos on YouTube
InternationalUniversity of Michigan Medical School, USA -
Less snow in catchment areas can impact spring floods in complex ways
Nature
A warmer climate means a decrease in snow falling in catchment areas, and that can have complex impacts on rivers and streams when the snow melts, according to Australian and international research. The researchers studied over 3,000 snow-affected Read more about Less snow in catchment areas can impact spring floods in complex ways
Australia; International; NSWCSIRO|ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (CLEx)... -
Gas-guzzling bacteria could reduce farming emissions
Nature
Adding gas-guzzling bacteria to fertiliser could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions on-farm, according to European researchers. Nitrogen fertilisers are essential for many crops, the researchers say, but they come with plenty of nitrous oxide Read more about Gas-guzzling bacteria could reduce farming emissions
InternationalNorwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway -
Keeping topsoil is key to trapping carbon on Aussie farms
Crop & Pasture Science
An 18-year-long experiment on a NSW farm has shown that the top 30cm of soil stores the bulk of carbon, making it vulnerable to erosion. The researchers wanted to work out if perennial or annual crops, with and without lime treatment, could store Read more about Keeping topsoil is key to trapping carbon on Aussie farms
Australia; NSWNSW Government -
‘Are we there yet?’ Driving Australia toward an EV future
UQ researchers have outlined 5 key steps needed to speed up Australia’s transition to electric vehicles. Dr Kai Li Lim, Dr Dia Adhikari Smith and Associate Professor Archie Chapman say Australia has a unique opportunity to devise a framework to Read more about ‘Are we there yet?’ Driving Australia toward an EV future
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Setting sights on universal protection for flu
A James Cook University Researcher is working towards universal vaccines and treatments for influenza A viruses. Immunology and Infectious Disease Researcher and Senior Lecturer Dr Hillary Vanderven is working against the clock with World Health Read more about Setting sights on universal protection for flu
Australia; QLDJames Cook University|Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) -
Another RNA-based drug, zodasiran, helps lower cholesterol in people with naturally high levels
New England Journal of Medicine
The drug zodasiran can help lower cholesterol and other blood fat levels in people with genetically high levels in their blood, according to Australian and international research. The drug is an RNA interference drug which uses small pieces of RNA Read more about Another RNA-based drug, zodasiran, helps lower cholesterol in people with naturally high levels
Australia; International; VIC; WAMonash University|The University of Western Australia... -
Big tick for ‘Embrace Kids’ in schools after positive self images hit targets
Body Image
Unrealistic expectations about what our bodies should look like – whether from the media, friends or family –make adults and children of all ages more vulnerable to body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and other mental health challenges. In a Read more about Big tick for ‘Embrace Kids’ in schools after positive self images hit targets
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Digital services to help adults with ADHD to self-manage their affairs
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Digital health experts at Flinders University are developing a mobile self-monitoring app model to assist adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) take a more pro-active role in their ‘wellness journey’. Working with digital Read more about Digital services to help adults with ADHD to self-manage their affairs
Australia; SAFlinders University|The University of Adelaide|University of South Australia -
Environmental conditions influenced how early humans migrated
Nature Communications
Researchers have gleaned new insights into the great human migration, revealing how environmental conditions in northern Eurasia and the Americas shaped the journey of ancestors who left Africa tens of thousands of years ago. The Out of Africa Read more about Environmental conditions influenced how early humans migrated
Australia; NSW; SAFlinders University|ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH)... -
Women face access issues to get recommended emergency contraceptive pill
Contraception
The accessibility of first-line oral emergency contraceptives in Australian community pharmacies is problematic – with a national survey finding almost one-third reporting they do not stock the ulipristal acetate pill that has been recommended by Read more about Women face access issues to get recommended emergency contraceptive pill
Australia; SAFlinders University|The University of Adelaide|South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) -
How well prepared are our vaccines if bird flu starts spreading between humans?
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics
The vaccines we have for bird flu are our best shot at staying safe if a strain of the virus starts spreading between humans, according to an international review. As human cases of avian influenza pop up sporadically around the world, the Read more about How well prepared are our vaccines if bird flu starts spreading between humans?
InternationalUniversity of Georgia, USA -
‘Extraordinary’ 4,000-year-old Egyptian skull may show signs of attempts to treat cancer
Frontiers in Medicine
International researchers have been stunned by the discovery of cut marks around cancerous growths on an ancient Egyptian skull, indicating they may have tried to operate on excessive tissue growth or learn more about cancerous disorders after a Read more about ‘Extraordinary’ 4,000-year-old Egyptian skull may show signs of attempts to treat cancer
InternationalUniversity of Santiago de Compostela, Spain -
Microgrids help solve challenges of renewable energy
Electric Power Systems Research
Renewable energy is the way of the future, but issues such as variability and surplus generation have so far created headaches in the move to fully utilising these energy solutions. New research led by Murdoch University has found that using Read more about Microgrids help solve challenges of renewable energy
Australia; NSW; VIC; WAMurdoch University|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
Genetic link between diabetes and gut health could offer treatment solutions
Communications Biology
Researchers at Edith Cowan University’s (ECU’s) Centre for Precision Health have uncovered a significant genetic connection between Type 2 Diabetes and certain gut disorders, which could pave the way for more effective therapies. The research Read more about Genetic link between diabetes and gut health could offer treatment solutions
Australia; International; VICEdith Cowan University|Curtin University -
Long-term prescription opioid use after hospital declining
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
UNSW Sydney medical researchers have shed light on post-hospital prescription opioid use. A large, linked data study has detailed the scale of prescription opioid use –such as oxycodone, morphine, or tramadol – after a hospital or emergency Read more about Long-term prescription opioid use after hospital declining
Australia; NSWNational Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)|The University of New South Wales... -
Coral Crisis: Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish behaviours that threaten reefs
Proceedings Royal Society B
Researchers from the University of Sydney have unveiled new findings on the chemosensory behaviours of juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish, highlighting how these predators are influenced by environmental cues to transition to coral diets. Conducted Read more about Coral Crisis: Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish behaviours that threaten reefs
Australia; NSWSydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) -
Of 8 wealthy countries, Aussie parents most likely to think smacking their kids is ok
Australian Journal of Social Issues
An Australian study that surveyed 6,760 parents in eight wealthy nations about parenting practices found Australian parents were the most accepting of smacking their children for misbehaving and the most likely to think their parenting was Read more about Of 8 wealthy countries, Aussie parents most likely to think smacking their kids is ok
Australia; VIC; QLDUniversity of Southern Queensland|The University of Queensland... -
How do different diets affect our gut bugs?
Nature Communications
An intermittent-fasting and protein-pacing diet showed increased diversity in gut bugs compared to a calorie-restricted, heart-healthy diet in a small trial, according to international researchers. The team compared the effects of two low-calorie Read more about How do different diets affect our gut bugs?
InternationalArizona State University, USA -
Early exposure to air and noise pollution could be linked with later mental health problems
JAMA Network Open
Early exposure to air and noise pollution could be linked to a range of mental health issues in adolescence and young adulthood, according to international researchers. The team looked at data from 9,065 participants and found that higher exposure Read more about Early exposure to air and noise pollution could be linked with later mental health problems
InternationalUniversity of Bristol, UK -
Premenstrual disorders linked to higher suicide risk in women
JAMA Network Open
This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to data about mental health, suicide and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline (Aus) on 131 114 or Beyond Blue Read more about Premenstrual disorders linked to higher suicide risk in women
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
RNA-based drug plozasiran could help lower cholesterol in people with naturally high levels
New England Journal of Medicine
A drug which can be given by injection four times a year can help lower cholesterol and other blood fat levels in people with genetically high levels in their blood, according to an early-stage clinical trial. The drug, Plozasiran, is an RNA Read more about RNA-based drug plozasiran could help lower cholesterol in people with naturally high levels
InternationalBaylor College of Medicine, USA -
Invasive species threaten Indigenous Aussie lands near our cities, but are less of a problem in more remote areas
Nature Sustainability
Australia has both disproportionately high and disproportionately low numbers of invasive species on Indigenous-owned land, depending on where those lands are located, according to a study by international scientists, including an Australian. The Read more about Invasive species threaten Indigenous Aussie lands near our cities, but are less of a problem in more remote areas
Australia; International; NTCharles Darwin University|Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Germany, Justus-Liebig UniversityGiessen, Germany -
Simple food swaps could cut greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by a quarter
Nature Food
Switching food and drink purchases to similar but more environmentally friendly alternatives could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by 26% according to a new study in Nature Food. Consumers want to make responsible food Read more about Simple food swaps could cut greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by a quarter
Australia; NSW; VICGeorge Institute for Global Health|Deakin University... -
New metasurface-based edge detecting filter for remote sensing transforms crop monitoring
Nature Communications
New work by researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) could pave the way to improvements in environmental monitoring and surveillance systems, augmented reality, and bio-medical imaging. The Read more about New metasurface-based edge detecting filter for remote sensing transforms crop monitoring
Australia; International; VICARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)... -
Deadly Australian Japanese Encephalitis Virus strain prompts push for new vaccine
npj Viruses
QIMR Berghofer researchers have conducted the first comprehensive two-year laboratory characterisation of the rare sub-type of the mosquito-borne Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) that caused an unprecedented deadly outbreak in Australia in 2022. Read more about Deadly Australian Japanese Encephalitis Virus strain prompts push for new vaccine
Australia; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute -
Brave new virtual world fast becoming a reality in the mining sector
Virtual and augmented reality, along with automation, are transforming the mining sector, allowing more work to be done remotely, saving time, money and removing many of the risks and travel for workers. A virtual and robotic revolution in Read more about Brave new virtual world fast becoming a reality in the mining sector
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Producing gold nano-particles (and hydrogen) in water – in a non-toxic way
Small Science
In a surprise discovery, Flinders University nanotechnology researchers have produced a range of different types of gold nanoparticles by adjusting water flow in the novel vortex fluidic device (the unboil-an-egg machine) – without the need for Read more about Producing gold nano-particles (and hydrogen) in water – in a non-toxic way
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Getting circumcised may reduce the risk of HIV infection
Annals of Internal Medicine
Circumcised men who have sex with men may be at a lower risk of HIV infection, according to a small Chinese study. The researchers recruited nearly 250 uncircumcised, HIV-negative men who had multiple recent male sexual partners. Half the group had Read more about Getting circumcised may reduce the risk of HIV infection
InternationalSun Yat-sen University, China -
Statins could be beneficial, even in older adults
Annals of Internal Medicine
The use of statins in adults over 60 could reduce the risk of heart disease and death, according to international researchers. The team used over 40,000 electronic health records from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, analysing patients over 60 Read more about Statins could be beneficial, even in older adults
InternationalThe University of Hong Kong -
Post-karaoke stress is strengthened by REM sleep, and yes you read that correctly
eNeuro
Stress induced in the body by performing karaoke is strengthened by rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, possibly because the stressful experience becomes more emotionally charged during REM sleep, which is when we do most of our dreaming, according Read more about Post-karaoke stress is strengthened by REM sleep, and yes you read that correctly
InternationalUniversity of Helsinki, Finland -
Volcanoes on Venus may still be erupting
Nature Astronomy
Volcanic activity on Venus is ongoing and similar to that of Earth, according to new international research published in Nature Astronomy. Researchers analysed two sets of data from radar images taken in 1990 and 1992, and found changes on the planet Read more about Volcanoes on Venus may still be erupting
InternationalInternational Research School of Planetary Sciences, Università d’Annunzio, Pescara, Italy. -
Stomp-rocket explanation for Hawaiian volcano eruptions
Nature Geoscience
In May 2018, twelve explosive eruptions at the Hawaiian volcano Kīlauea produced atmospheric plumes reaching 8km into the sky. Explosive eruptions are normally driven by molten rock rising, or steam expanding, however those processes couldn't Read more about Stomp-rocket explanation for Hawaiian volcano eruptions
Pacific; InternationalUS Geological Survey Volcano Science Center California Volcano Observatory, Moffett Field, CA, USA -
Camera tags capture social flexibility of Antarctic minke whales
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology
Researchers have conducted one of the first quantitative studies of social structure and social foraging in Antarctic minke whales (AMWs), using pioneering animal-borne camera tags. This study sheds light on the complex social and foraging Read more about Camera tags capture social flexibility of Antarctic minke whales
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University|The University of Queensland -
Pomegranates could offer a solution to fatty liver disease
Antioxidants
Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) are investigating the effects Ellegic acid, an antioxidant found in some fruits and vegetables, could have on halting and potentially reversing the damage caused by fatty liver disease. Pomegranates could Read more about Pomegranates could offer a solution to fatty liver disease
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University|Curtin University -
Humble leaders boost employees’ workplace status and leadership potential
Journal of Organizational Behavior
There are many different types of workplace leaders, from those who prioritise the needs of team members and the organisation above their own, to authentic leaders who foster openness, trust and transparency. A recent study by the University of Read more about Humble leaders boost employees’ workplace status and leadership potential
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
EXPERT REACTION: Hundreds feared dead following landslide in Papua New Guinea
Authorities in Papua New Guinea are still counting the cost of a landslide in the country's highlands, with more than 670 people now feared dead. Below, Australian experts discuss the likely cause of this landslide and the challenges those Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Hundreds feared dead following landslide in Papua New Guinea
Australia; Pacific; NSW; SAAustralian Science Media Centre -
Can you escape the ‘medical mayhem’ of UniSA’s new immersive teaching experience?
Fluorescent hospital lights, a post-operative patient monitored by machines, and an anxious medical team waiting to sign off on the successful procedure. But something’s missing and until it’s found no one can leave the room. Accounting for Read more about Can you escape the ‘medical mayhem’ of UniSA’s new immersive teaching experience?
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Call to empower science for the future of small island developing states
4th international conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4)
An urgent call for increased international support and collaboration for science in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) has been released in a declaration by the International Science Council (ISC) SIDS Liaison Committee at the 4th international Read more about Call to empower science for the future of small island developing states
Australia; Pacific; InternationalAustralian Academy of Science -
What makes a 'good farmer' in Aotearoa?
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Farmers and non-farmers in New Zealand generally agree on what makes a 'good farmer,' according to new research. For both groups, the broad definition covers animal welfare, biodiversity, environmentally friendly farming practices, and connections Read more about What makes a 'good farmer' in Aotearoa?
New ZealandManaaki Whenua - Landcare Research|Our Land and Water National Science Challenge... -
Huhu grubs: a protein-packed future food for Aotearoa?
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research
Huhu grub farms could boost food security and the New Zealand economy, but more research is needed to figure out viable commercial farming methods. University of Otago researchers say there is much to learn from traditional Māori harvesting Read more about Huhu grubs: a protein-packed future food for Aotearoa?
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Echidnapus identified from an ‘Age of Monotremes’
Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology
Australian researchers have found evidence of the oldest known platypus and a new species, dubbed ‘echidnapus’, which has a platypus-like anatomy alongside features that more closely resemble an echidna. Published today in the Alcheringa: An Read more about Echidnapus identified from an ‘Age of Monotremes’
Australia; NSW; VIC; WAAustralian Museum|Museums Victoria|The University of New South Wales... -
Pre- and early-term births increased during US heatwaves, especially among poorer people
JAMA Network Open
A study that looked at more than 53 million births in 50 US cities and surrounds between 1993 and 2017, accounting for more than half of all US births during the period, found rates of pre- and early-term births increased during heatwaves, Read more about Pre- and early-term births increased during US heatwaves, especially among poorer people
InternationalUniversity of Nevada, USA -
Untreated milk from bird flu infected cows poses a risk if consumed
New England Journal of Medicine
Untreated milk from cows infected with the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu virus can infect susceptible animals that consume it, according to US research. When mice were fed the untreated milk from infected cows they showed signs of illness from the Read more about Untreated milk from bird flu infected cows poses a risk if consumed
InternationalUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison, USA