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Protecting Science in Times of Crisis: How do we stop being reactive, and become more proactive?
Protecting Science in Times of Crisis is a comprehensive report addressing the urgent need for a new approach to safeguard science and its practitioners during global crises. With many conflicts spread over geographical zones, increasing extreme Read more about Protecting Science in Times of Crisis: How do we stop being reactive, and become more proactive?
InternationalAustralian Academy of Science|International Science Council, Centre for Science Futures, International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific led by the Australian Academy of Science. -
A nerve protecting drug combination could improve stroke outcomes
JAMA Neurology
A fast-acting drug combination that works to protect the cells in the brain, could help improve patients' symptoms after a stroke, according to a study from China. The study found that the combination of edaravone and dexborneol, which together Read more about A nerve protecting drug combination could improve stroke outcomes
Australia; International; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health|Peking University Third Hospital, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited China, -
Giant new snake species identified in the Amazon
Diversity
A team of scientists on location with a film crew in the remote Amazon has uncovered a previously undocumented species of giant anaconda. A team of scientists on location with a film crew in the remote Amazon has uncovered a previously undocumented Read more about Giant new snake species identified in the Amazon
InternationalThe University of Queensland -
Could climate change increase the risk of thunderstorm asthma events?
JAMA
In 2016, a thunderstorm in Melbourne triggered a 672% increase in asthma-related hospital admissions and caused 10 deaths, and Australian researchers say there is a possibility that events like this could increase or become more severe under climate Read more about Could climate change increase the risk of thunderstorm asthma events?
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
Women who exercise regularly have lower risk of early death than men
Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC)
Women who exercise regularly have a lower risk of an early death or fatal heart attack or stroke than men who exercise regularly, even when women put in less effort, according to international researchers. The team analysed data from more than Read more about Women who exercise regularly have lower risk of early death than men
InternationalTsinghua University, China -
Brain activity 'mismatch' could be an early warning of dementia
JNeurosci
A 'mismatch' in brain activity visible through a non-invasive brain imaging tool is associated with an accelerated decline in brain function that could indicate dementia, according to Australian and international researchers. The team used data from Read more about Brain activity 'mismatch' could be an early warning of dementia
Australia; International; QLDBond University|University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA -
Monster black hole devouring one sun every day
Nature Astronomy
The fastest-growing black hole ever recorded – devouring the equivalent of one sun every day – has been discovered by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU). Associate Professor Christian Wolf said it’s a record he doesn’t Read more about Monster black hole devouring one sun every day
Australia; VIC; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Melbourne -
Protein lovers beware: High protein diet linked to fatty arteries
Nature Metabolism
A high protein diet has been linked to atherosclerosis - the build-up of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls - in mice by Canadian and US researchers, who also experimented with high protein diets in humans. The Read more about Protein lovers beware: High protein diet linked to fatty arteries
InternationalUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, USA -
Too much vitamin B3 could harm your heart
Nature Medicine
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is used as both a dietary supplement and to fortify our flour and cereals, and might be linked to an increased risk of heart disease, say international researchers who sampled the blood of over 4300 people. They say Read more about Too much vitamin B3 could harm your heart
InternationalLerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA -
Prescription opioids increase the risk of falls, especially in the over 85s
JAMA Internal Medicine
Taking prescription opioids could increase your chances of also taking a tumble, with new Australian research showing a link between the drugs and a higher risk of falls. The large study, of over 3. 2 million adults, found that taking prescription Read more about Prescription opioids increase the risk of falls, especially in the over 85s
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) -
More coral may not equal more fish on our reefs
Nature Ecology & Evolution
Fish numbers on our reefs may not be as dependent on coral as we thought, according to Australian research. It is often assumed that there is a strong link between fish numbers and corals on our reefs but this new Australian research suggests that Read more about More coral may not equal more fish on our reefs
Australia; QLDJames Cook University -
Diving into the secret life of mixed-species dolphin groups in Australia
Animal Behaviour
In-depth research of two of Australia’s dolphin species shows how their behaviours have evolved to co-exist and form mixed species groups in northwestern Australia. In the first extensive study of its kind, published in the journal Animal Behaviour Read more about Diving into the secret life of mixed-species dolphin groups in Australia
Australia; International; SA; WAFlinders University -
Microplastics enter agricultural land through wastewater
Water Research
A research team quantified and characterised microplastics (MPs) in 146 biosolid samples collected from 13 wastewater treatment plants across three Australian states (four in New South Wales, four in South Australia and five in Queensland). The Read more about Microplastics enter agricultural land through wastewater
Australia; NSW; QLD; SAGriffith University|Flinders University -
Microplastics present in muscles, intestines of SEQ sharks
Chemosphere
Researchers have discovered not only microplastics but also a higher abundance of cellulose-based fibres in the intestine samples of four apex shark species caught off the coast of South East Queensland (SEQ). The study marks the first investigation Read more about Microplastics present in muscles, intestines of SEQ sharks
Australia; QLDGriffith University -
Communities must be better prepared for flooding in their homes and businesses, an expert warns
Communities must be better prepared for flooding in their homes and businesses, an expert warns, as climate change predictions suggest more extreme flooding globally. The book, Flood Risk and Community Resilience, by the UK's Professor Lindsey Read more about Communities must be better prepared for flooding in their homes and businesses, an expert warns
InternationalUniversity of the West of England, Bristol, UK. -
Four real: quantum computing engineers perform multiple control methods in just one atom
Nature Communications
UNSW researchers have demonstrated multiple ways to write quantum information in silicon for more flexible quantum chips design. Quantum computing engineers at UNSW Sydney have shown they can encode quantum information – the special data in a Read more about Four real: quantum computing engineers perform multiple control methods in just one atom
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|RMIT University|The University of Melbourne -
Giant step forward to treat chronic foot ulcers and internal wounds
Advanced Functional Materials
A team of international scientists has developed a more effective treatment for chronic wounds that does not involve antibiotics or silver-based dressings, but an ionized gas called plasma. The natural, environmentally friendly alternative is a Read more about Giant step forward to treat chronic foot ulcers and internal wounds
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia|The University of Adelaide -
Research leaves smoking stereotypes up in smoke
Medical Journal of Australia
A first-of-its-kind national study from The Australian National University (ANU) has debunked common myths about who smokes in Australia and will help provide better support and potentially life-saving interventions for 2. 5 million daily smokers. A Read more about Research leaves smoking stereotypes up in smoke
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University -
Twice-a-year jab could help lower your blood pressure
JAMA
Keep forgetting to take your blood pressure medication? A new clinical trial may have the answer after it showed that a single injection of a drug called zilebesiran can significantly lower blood pressure for up to 6 months. The drug works through Read more about Twice-a-year jab could help lower your blood pressure
InternationalThe University of Chicago, USA -
How much exercise should a child or teen be doing after a concussion?
JAMA Network Open
Children and teens should target up to four hours of moderate to vigorous exercise in the week after a concussion and up to 9. 5 hours in the first two weeks, according to international researchers who say this exercise can help reduce Read more about How much exercise should a child or teen be doing after a concussion?
InternationalEastern Ontario Research Institute, Canada -
Turning health research into health gains
A symposium highlighted previous and upcoming research that will equitably improve some of New Zealand’s most pressing health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Turning health research into health gains Read more about Turning health research into health gains
New ZealandHealthier Lives National Science Challenge -
Most people's conspiracy beliefs stay the same
Scientific Reports
Even over the Covid-19 pandemic, people were mostly consistent in whether they believed in conspiracy theories or not. That's according to new research looking at the conspiracy beliefs of nearly 500 New Zealanders and Australians over six months in Read more about Most people's conspiracy beliefs stay the same
Australia; New Zealand; VICMassey University|Deakin University|University of Otago... -
People were less stressed after NZ's successful Covid-19 response
Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology
Stress levels decreased over the first six months of the pandemic in New Zealand, according to researchers who analysed the hair of 44 Kiwis. The stress hormone cortisol can show up in hair as a record of a person's past stress levels. The findings Read more about People were less stressed after NZ's successful Covid-19 response
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland -
Coughs aren't all the same - and should be treated differently
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine
This study explored different types of coughs among middle-aged people – including minimal cough, cough with colds only, cough with allergies, intermittent productive cough, chronic dry cough and chronic productive cough. It found that different Read more about Coughs aren't all the same - and should be treated differently
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; TAS; NTThe University of Melbourne|Queensland University of Technology (QUT)... -
Australian government approves release of a genetically modified variety of Cavendish bananas
The Australian Government has issued QUT a licence to commercially release QCAV-4, a genetically modified (GM) variety of Cavendish banana designed to help save the world’s Cavendish banana production. The Australian Government has issued QUT a Read more about Australian government approves release of a genetically modified variety of Cavendish bananas
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
New genetic therapy in mice holds promise for MND and dementia
Neuron
Macquarie University neuroscientists have developed a single-dose genetic medicine that has been proven to halt the progression of both motor neurone disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in mice – and may even offer the potential to Read more about New genetic therapy in mice holds promise for MND and dementia
Australia; NSW; QLDMacquarie University|University of Wollongong|The University of Queensland... -
Data science shown to expedite return of ancestral Indigenous remains
Social Science Computer Review
The search for Indigenous human ancestral remains held by museums and other institutions so they can be returned for reburial back home could soon be much easier thanks to computer science. The return of the ancestral human remains of Australian Read more about Data science shown to expedite return of ancestral Indigenous remains
Australia; QLD; TAS; ACTQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|The Australian National University... -
Mosquitoes and marsupials are driving Ross River Virus spread across Australia
PLOS Pathogens
The presence of two mosquito species, along with kangaroos, possums, and seasonal factors are driving the spread of Ross River Virus across Australia, according to new research, which also found that 43% of infections may go unreported. Ross River Read more about Mosquitoes and marsupials are driving Ross River Virus spread across Australia
Australia; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NTUniversity of Tasmania|CSIRO|The University of Melbourne... -
How does the brain process an echo?
PLOS Biology
Why don’t we hear echoes as garbled nonsense? According to Chinese researchers, the human brain separates sounds into direct speech and its echo. The team used magnetic fields to record the brain activity of 48 people listening to a story with or Read more about How does the brain process an echo?
InternationalZhejiang University, China -
Tiny bugs could be key to the tastiest tea
Current Biology
The tiny bug communities on the roots of tea plants could play a big role in how delicious the tea is, according to international researchers. Previous research has shown collections of microbes on tea roots influence the way the plants absorb Read more about Tiny bugs could be key to the tastiest tea
InternationalFujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China -
One step closer to reversing liver failure
Developmental Cell
Researchers at Peter Mac have made a key discovery in liver regeneration that may have important implications for liver cancer. Joint research between Associate Professor Andrew Cox and Professor Mark Dawson, published this week in Developmental Cell Read more about One step closer to reversing liver failure
Australia; InternationalPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre -
Breast screening no more than 20 minutes away for 9 in 10 Aussie women
Nine in ten Australian women live no more than a 20 minute drive away from a permanent breast screening service, or a visiting service that comes at least once every two years, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Read more about Breast screening no more than 20 minutes away for 9 in 10 Aussie women
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Antidepressant use lower for mums who have grandparent support
Population Studies
Mums are less likely to take antidepressants if their own parents and parents-in-law are healthy and live close by, according to international researchers. The team tracked Finnish 488,000 mums for 14 years and also found antidepressant use was Read more about Antidepressant use lower for mums who have grandparent support
InternationalUniversity of Helsinki, Finland -
Our cultural upbringing changes how we read others' emotional facial expressions
Frontiers in Psychology
Different cultures may interpret different emotions from the same facial expression, according to international research. The team measured the brain activity of two groups of people - a group of US residents born and raised in China and a group of Read more about Our cultural upbringing changes how we read others' emotional facial expressions
InternationalUniversity of North Carolina, USA -
Planned burn-offs help avoid wildfires, but could expose more to smoke
Earth's Future
California's skies have turned orange and black several times in recent years due to smoke from major wildfires, and now authorities want to use scheduled fires to reduce the amount of fuel available for wildfires. However, new research suggests Read more about Planned burn-offs help avoid wildfires, but could expose more to smoke
InternationalCalifornia Department of Public Health, USA -
This is Perth’s perfect verge – and it comes with huge social and environmental benefits
Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
Environmental researchers have surveyed almost 1,000 Perth residents to identify what the perfect Perth verge looks like, as part of a project looking at how we can improve urban greening. “The land along streets and roads can make up more than 30% Read more about This is Perth’s perfect verge – and it comes with huge social and environmental benefits
Australia; VIC; WAMurdoch University|The University of Melbourne -
Are companies co-opting female empowerment messages to market unnecessary health products?
The BMJ
Some health companies are using female empowerment messaging to market health screening products to women who do not have an evidence-based reason for needing them, according to Australian researchers. The researchers analysed two specific examples Read more about Are companies co-opting female empowerment messages to market unnecessary health products?
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Sydney|The University of Queensland -
Exercising your way out of depression
BMJ
Exercise can be a powerful tool to fight depression and should be routinely prescribed as part of treatment plans, according to University of Queensland research. Exercise can be a powerful tool to fight depression and should be routinely prescribed Read more about Exercising your way out of depression
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Queensland|University of the Sunshine Coast... -
Revealing global barriers to curative hep C treatment access
Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Access to curative hepatitis C treatments depends on where you live, new research shows. Almost 90 per cent of the 57 million people living with hepatitis C live in low- and middle-income countries, but only half of these countries currently provide Read more about Revealing global barriers to curative hep C treatment access
Australia; International; NSWThe University of New South Wales|Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney -
Trapping sulfate to benefit health, industry and waterways
Nature Chemistry
Scientists have developed a new method to measure and remove sulfate from water, potentially leading to cleaner waterways and more effective nuclear waste treatments. Scientists have developed a new method to measure and remove sulfate from water, Read more about Trapping sulfate to benefit health, industry and waterways
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Revealing the gut’s crucial role in lung disease
Gut
Research led by the Centenary Institute, the University of Technology Sydney and the Hunter Medical Research Institute suggests that the gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), paving Read more about Revealing the gut’s crucial role in lung disease
Australia; NSWCentenary Institute|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
EXPERT REACTION: Smokers are more likely to quit cigarettes if they switch to vapes
New England Journal of Medicine
People who are trying to quit smoking tobacco are more likely to be successful if nicotine vapes are part of their strategy, according to international research. The team recruited 1,246 would-be quitters, and assigned 622 to receive free Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Smokers are more likely to quit cigarettes if they switch to vapes
Australia; International; NSW; VICUniversity of Bern, Switzerland -
Nanodiamonds could hold key to cool clothing
Polymers for Advanced Technologies
Researchers from RMIT University are using nanodiamonds to create smart textiles that can cool people down faster. Researchers from RMIT University are using nanodiamonds to create smart textiles that can cool people down faster. The study found Read more about Nanodiamonds could hold key to cool clothing
Australia; VICRMIT University -
Nature vs. nurture: shedding light on heritable brain activity
Human Brain Mapping
A twin study has revealed the complex interplay between genetics and environment in how our brains navigate emotional and cognitive tasks. The way our brain processes different emotional and cognitive tasks may be underpinned by common factors, find Read more about Nature vs. nurture: shedding light on heritable brain activity
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) -
A 63 year old man is in remission from HIV after a stem cell transplant to treat cancer
New England Journal of Medicine
A 63 year old man has been in remission from HIV for 5 years after he received a stem cell transplant to treat his leukaemia. The patient needed a stem cell transplant to treat his cancer, so the team looked for a donor with a mutation in a gene Read more about A 63 year old man is in remission from HIV after a stem cell transplant to treat cancer
InternationalCity of Hope National Medical Center, USA -
This hot spring bacteria may be endemic to NZ, 'like a microbial kiwi'
Nature Communications
Researchers suspect they've uncovered a world-first: a whole genus of bacteria that's only found in one country, Aotearoa-New Zealand. Microorganisms aren't subject to the same restrictions that other creatures are – they can ride on air currents Read more about This hot spring bacteria may be endemic to NZ, 'like a microbial kiwi'
New ZealandUniversity of Canterbury|University of Waikato|University of Otago... -
EXPERT REACTION: New ultrasound technique could boost sperm movement by 266%
Science Advances
An ultrasound technique may provide a new way to boost sperm movement in the lab, according to Aussie researchers, who found that the non-invasive technique can increase human sperm movement in the laboratory by 266%. They say that ultrasound Read more about EXPERT REACTION: New ultrasound technique could boost sperm movement by 266%
Australia; VICMonash University -
How is medicinal cannabis being used in Australia?
PLOS ONE
A survey of Aussies using medicinal cannabis has found that it is mostly being used for pain and mental health treatment. The study found that people using prescribed cannabis that mostly contained the 'high'-inducing active compound Read more about How is medicinal cannabis being used in Australia?
Australia; NSW; VICThe University of New South Wales|The University of Sydney... -
'Til death don't us part: Ancient humans found buried with their furry friends
PLOS ONE
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, from ancient love among buried families… International researchers have found ancient humans may have been buried with their beloved pets. The team analysed the remains of 161 people buried in Seminario Read more about 'Til death don't us part: Ancient humans found buried with their furry friends
InternationalUniversity of Bern, Switzerland -
🤔 Emoji-nal damage: Emojis mean different things to different people
PLOS ONE
With Valentine's Day coming up, UK researchers suggest people rethink their use of emojis, as people often misinterpret the meanings behind the pictograms depending on their gender, culture and age. The researchers asked over 250 people both from Read more about 🤔 Emoji-nal damage: Emojis mean different things to different people
InternationalUniversity of Nottingham, UK