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Can we revolutionise the chemical industry and create a circular economy? Yes, with the help of catalysts
One Earth
A new commentary paper puts forth a transformative solution to the unsustainable reliance on fossil resources by the chemical industry: catalysis to leverage sustainable waste resources, ushering the industry from a linear to a circular economy. The Read more about Can we revolutionise the chemical industry and create a circular economy? Yes, with the help of catalysts
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SAGriffith University|The University of Sydney|The University of Adelaide... -
Adults who have recently vaped more likely to have asthma start at an earlier age
JAMA Network Open
Adults who have recently vaped or used other electronic nicotine delivery systems are more likely to have asthma symptoms start at an earlier age, according to a US study. The researchers found there was a 252% increased risk of the onset of Read more about Adults who have recently vaped more likely to have asthma start at an earlier age
InternationalUniversity of Texas, USA -
New AI tool to help beat brain tumours
Nature Medicine
A new AI tool to more quickly and accurately classify brain tumours has been developed by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU). According to Dr Danh-Tai Hoang, precision in diagnosing and categorising tumours is crucial for Read more about New AI tool to help beat brain tumours
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University -
Early arrival and expansion of palaeolithic people on Cyprus
PNAS
The patterns of dispersal of early humans across continents and islands are hotly debated, but researchers have found that Pleistocene hunter-gatherers settled in Cyprus thousands of years earlier than previously thought. In examining the timing of Read more about Early arrival and expansion of palaeolithic people on Cyprus
Australia; NSW; QLD; SAFlinders University|ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH)... -
Artificial intelligence and the future of surgery
Nature Medicine
Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform surgical medicine for patients, doctors and the health system, according to a review published in Nature Medicine. University of Auckland researchers say that while autonomous robot-surgeons Read more about Artificial intelligence and the future of surgery
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|Scripps Research Translational Institute, University of Edinburgh -
Men at greater risk of major health effects of diabetes than women
the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
Men are at greater risk than women of the major health effects of diabetes (types 1 and 2), suggests a long-term Australian study. Rates of cardiovascular disease, leg, foot, and kidney complications, and the sight-threatening eye disease diabetic Read more about Men at greater risk of major health effects of diabetes than women
Australia; NSW; WAThe University of Sydney|Curtin University -
Young people spending more than 7 hours on social media may increase their risk of smoking or vaping
Thorax
Children and young people who spend more than seven hours daily on social media have more than double the risk of smoking or vaping, according to international researchers who analysed data from almost 11,000 people in the UK aged between 10 and 25 Read more about Young people spending more than 7 hours on social media may increase their risk of smoking or vaping
InternationalImperial College London, UK -
NSW ocean observing program set for expansion
A pioneering ocean observing program based out of the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) will reinvigorate vital efforts to monitor the movements of threatened marine reptiles and mammals, enhance coastal observing and develop oceanographic Read more about NSW ocean observing program set for expansion
Australia; NSWSydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) -
Mediterranean diet linked to reduced anxiety
Nutrients
Consuming more nuts, fruit and legumes and fewer sugary drinks may help people aged over 60 feel less anxious and stressed, according to research led by the University of the Sunshine Coast. Consuming more nuts, fruit and legumes and fewer sugary Read more about Mediterranean diet linked to reduced anxiety
Australia; QLD; SAUniversity of the Sunshine Coast|University of South Australia -
When under stress we may be more likely to help a victim than punish a perpetrator
PLOS Biology
When under stress we may be more likely to help a victim than punish the perpetrator, according to Chinese research. The researchers conducted brain scans on around 50 people playing a game in which they had to watch a character split cash between Read more about When under stress we may be more likely to help a victim than punish a perpetrator
InternationalBeijing Normal University, China -
The true cost of reproduction across the animal kingdom
Science
A new study published in Science and led by Monash University biologists reveals that the energy cost of reproduction is far greater than previously believed. The study found that the energy invested by parents in reproduction includes not only the Read more about The true cost of reproduction across the animal kingdom
Australia; VICMonash University -
Pyramids along barren desert strip could hint at long-lost branch of the Nile
Communications Earth & Environment
A famous strip of ancient Egyptian pyramids could be a clue pointing to a long-lost branch of the river Nile now buried under farmland and desert, according to Australian and international researchers. 31 pyramids, including the Giza complex, have Read more about Pyramids along barren desert strip could hint at long-lost branch of the Nile
Australia; International; NSWMacquarie University|University of North Carolina, USA -
Fees-free prescriptions save millions in hospital costs, say researchers
New Zealand Medical Journal
New Zealand researchers have found that people who do not collect prescriptions due to cost are 34% more likely to go to hospital within the year than those who were able to afford their medication. The authors say that any revenue to the health Read more about Fees-free prescriptions save millions in hospital costs, say researchers
New ZealandVictoria University of Wellington -
Trans teen attempts mastectomy on self
New Zealand Medical Journal
This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to mental health and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline (Aus) on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or Read more about Trans teen attempts mastectomy on self
New ZealandWellington Regional Hospital -
NZ melanoma deaths drop by a third over the past decade
New Zealand Medical Journal
Deaths from melanoma have reduced by one third over the past decade in New Zealand despite no overall decrease in new cases. Authors of an Editorial in the New Zealand Medical Journal say this is most likely due to increased awareness which leads to Read more about NZ melanoma deaths drop by a third over the past decade
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|University of Waikato|Clinical Trials New Zealand -
Scrapping the Māori Health Authority is a breach of Te Tiriti, say researchers
New Zealand Medical Journal
In a Viewpoint article for the New Zealand Medical Journal, researchers argue that the disestablishment of the Māori Health Authority had very little compliance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and will halt and reverse momentum towards a more equitable Read more about Scrapping the Māori Health Authority is a breach of Te Tiriti, say researchers
New ZealandVictoria University of Wellington -
Almost one in five ED presentations are by current or former mental health clients
New Zealand Medical Journal
Almost one in five emergency department presentations between 2017 and 2018 were by current (7%) or former (11%) mental health clients, finds a new study in the New Zealand Medical Journal. They were often younger, female and Māori, required more Read more about Almost one in five ED presentations are by current or former mental health clients
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Very early blood pressure control confers both benefits and harms in acute stroke
New England Journal of Medicine
Early identification of stroke type could be key to harnessing the benefits of very early in-ambulance blood pressure lowering treatment in patients with suspected acute stroke, according to Aussie researchers. The team says that although more Read more about Very early blood pressure control confers both benefits and harms in acute stroke
InternationalGeorge Institute for Global Health -
IDAHOBIT and intersectionality for Aboriginal LGBTQIA+ peoples
With the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) comes a chance to reflect on empirical research about the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who identify as members of the Read more about IDAHOBIT and intersectionality for Aboriginal LGBTQIA+ peoples
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
EXPERT REACTION: Electronic prescription company MediSecure victim of 'large-scale' data breach
The Australian government is investigating 'large-scale ransomware' data breach of script provider MediSecure. In a statement, MediSecure said they had identified a cyber security incident impacting the personal and health information of individuals Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Electronic prescription company MediSecure victim of 'large-scale' data breach
Australia; VIC; SA; WAAustralian Science Media Centre -
Miniature, lab-created human organs to fast-track new disease treatments
Creating tiny, laboratory grown organs is one of the latest developments in the search for new personalised medical treatments — and a new Curtin University-led project is looking to enhance this breakthrough’s real-world impact. Creating tiny, Read more about Miniature, lab-created human organs to fast-track new disease treatments
AustraliaCurtin University -
Significant progress on cancer therapy
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
Research demonstrated that internally generated neutrons could be used to effectively target micro-infiltrates and cancer cells outside of the defined treatment regions. This innovative approach could have a significant impact on the treatment of a Read more about Significant progress on cancer therapy
Australia; NSWAustralian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)... -
Diabetes medication risk in aged care revealed
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
An Australian-first study by the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) investigating the use of blood sugar-lowering medications among residents with diabetes in aged care homes nationwide, has revealed the rising use of insulin and ongoing high use Read more about Diabetes medication risk in aged care revealed
Australia; SASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)... -
Link between COVID-19 vaccine complication and rare ‘common cold’ blood disease
New England Journal of Medicine
New research led by Flinders University and international experts is expanding understanding of vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (known as VITT). At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, VITT emerged as a new disease Read more about Link between COVID-19 vaccine complication and rare ‘common cold’ blood disease
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Philosophers can bridge the gap between science and policy
Nature Human Behaviour
Public policy should be based on scientific evidence - but scientists often lament the gap between science and policy, while policy-makers feel that scientists don’t deliver the evidence that is needed. Philosophers can close that gap. Public Read more about Philosophers can bridge the gap between science and policy
Australia; New Zealand; International; QLD; WAMurdoch University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Sorry meat lovers, 20 years of research suggests plant-based is best for your health
PLOS ONE
Vegetarian and vegan diets are very likely to be better than meaty ones for your heart health and chances of avoiding cancer, according to international scientists who looked back at 48 studies conducted since the year 2000. However, the authors Read more about Sorry meat lovers, 20 years of research suggests plant-based is best for your health
InternationalUniversity of Bologna, Italy -
Singing researchers investigate cross-cultural patterns in music and speech
Science Advances
A global study has identified near-universal patterns across most of the world's musical traditions. Seventy-five researchers from 46 countries, including New Zealand and Australia, recorded themselves performing traditional songs and speaking in Read more about Singing researchers investigate cross-cultural patterns in music and speech
Australia; New Zealand; International; NSWUniversity of Auckland|Victoria University of Wellington... -
Windblown dust from land boosts productivity in the Southern Ocean
Nature
Using a fleet of ocean robots, researchers have found that windblown iron-rich dust from land fertilises around a third of phytoplankton growth in the Southern Ocean. This finding sheds light on the vital role that dust-fuelled productivity plays in Read more about Windblown dust from land boosts productivity in the Southern Ocean
Australia; TASARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (CLEx)... -
Exploring everything we know about consciousness
Neuron
The science of consciousness is explored in a special issue of Neuron, with a series of reviews and perspective pieces by international and Australian authors discussing the big issues in consciousness research. Among the papers, researchers discuss Read more about Exploring everything we know about consciousness
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Family tree of baobab trees traces their roots to Madagascar
Nature
Iconic baobab (Adansonia) trees are instantly recognisable because of their unusually fat trunks, and are found across Africa, in Madagascar, and in northwestern Australia. The origins of these trees were not well understood, but now international Read more about Family tree of baobab trees traces their roots to Madagascar
Australia; International; WA; NTChinese Academy of Sciences, China -
Instead of generating extreme heat with fossil fuels, we could one day just use the Sun
Device
About 25% of global energy consumption is used to generate extreme temperatures for producing glass, steel, cement and ceramics, and international researchers say they have developed a strategy that could allow us to forego burning fossil fuels to Read more about Instead of generating extreme heat with fossil fuels, we could one day just use the Sun
InternationalETH Zurich, Switzerland -
Lizard-inspired building system may prevent full-scale collapses
Nature
A new system of construction may prevent the collapse of an entire building by ensuring that — in the event of catastrophic damage — structural failure is localized to the damaged region, according to international researchers who were inspired Read more about Lizard-inspired building system may prevent full-scale collapses
InternationalUniversitat Politècnica de València, Spain -
People hospitalised with COVID-19 may have a higher risk of death than those hospitalized with the flu
JAMA
In autumn-winter 2023-2024 in the US, the risk of death in patients hospitalised for COVID-19 was greater than the risk of death in patients hospitalised for seasonal influenza, according to international research based on the US Department of Read more about People hospitalised with COVID-19 may have a higher risk of death than those hospitalized with the flu
International -
More Australians spent time in hospital in 2022-2023 than previous years
Hospitalisations increased by 4. 6% in Australia in 2022-2023, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report includes data on public and private hospitalisations for the year. The report says people aged 65 Read more about More Australians spent time in hospital in 2022-2023 than previous years
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Green concrete recycling twice the coal ash is built to last
Cement and Concrete Research
New modelling reveals that low-carbon concrete developed at RMIT University can recycle double the amount of coal ash compared to current standards, halve the amount of cement required and perform exceptionally well over time. New modelling reveals Read more about Green concrete recycling twice the coal ash is built to last
Australia; VICRMIT University -
How does exercise keep mouse brains healthy as they age?
Aging Cell
Exercise may trigger genes in brain cells to behave more like a younger brain in older age, according to an Australian study in mice. The team looked at brain activity in mice given access to a running wheel or deprived of exercise to investigate Read more about How does exercise keep mouse brains healthy as they age?
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Chemical fingerprints in shells could help trace the source of valuable Aussie seafood
Royal Society Open Science
The chemical fingerprints in abalone shells could help trace the valuable seafood back to its source, and confirm whether the seafood is wild or farmed, according to Australian research. By analysing the chemicals in the shells, researchers were Read more about Chemical fingerprints in shells could help trace the source of valuable Aussie seafood
Australia; SAFlinders University|University of South Australia -
I heard a rumour...that kids are more likely to believe gossip coming from multiple sources
Royal Society Open Science
When it comes to believing playground gossip, it seems kids rely on multiple sources to verify positive gossip, although a single negative rumour can sway them, according to Japanese research. In the study around 100 seven-year-old kids were told Read more about I heard a rumour...that kids are more likely to believe gossip coming from multiple sources
InternationalNTT Communication Science Laboratories, Japan -
A $750 incentive could help obese men shift the kilos
JAMA and European Congress on Obesity
A UK trial, named the 'Game of Stones' has found that a weight loss program that involved sending obese men text messages with a financial incentive to lose weight was more effective than text messages alone, or leaving men to lose weight on their Read more about A $750 incentive could help obese men shift the kilos
Australia; International; WACurtin University|Stirling University, UK -
Genetics provide key to fight crown-of-thorns starfish
PLOS Biology
Scientists are one step closer to combatting coral-destroying crown-of-thorns starfish, following a University of Queensland study into the pest’s genetics. Scientists are one step closer to combatting coral-destroying crown-of-thorns starfish, Read more about Genetics provide key to fight crown-of-thorns starfish
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Heatwaves lead to more than 150,000 deaths a year
PLOS Medicine
Heatwaves over the four hottest months of the year lead to more than 150,000 deaths around the world each year, according to research led by Monash University which looked at deaths over 30 years going back to 1990. The authors say this equates Read more about Heatwaves lead to more than 150,000 deaths a year
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; VICMonash University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
New rheumatic fever treatments hurt less and last longer
PLOS ONE
A new penicillin injection for rheumatic fever could help young people stick with the recommended 10-year treatment period. The new treatment uses a smaller needle into the stomach, which patients described as less painful overall. The new injection Read more about New rheumatic fever treatments hurt less and last longer
Australia; New Zealand; WAUniversity of Otago|Telethon Kids Institute|The University of Western Australia... -
Wind farms quickly offset their emissions
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
After spinning for 1. 5-1. 7 years, a wind turbine has offset the carbon emissions generated across its entire 30-year lifespan, when compared to thermal power plants. These numbers come from a study which used real construction data from a Hawke's Read more about Wind farms quickly offset their emissions
New ZealandVictoria University of Wellington -
246 million more older adults will be exposed to dangerous heat by 2050
Nature Communications
Up to 246 million more older adults around the world are projected to be exposed to dangerous acute heat by the year 2050 — with those living in Asia and Africa experiencing the most severe effects according to international researchers. According Read more about 246 million more older adults will be exposed to dangerous heat by 2050
InternationalCMCC Foundation, Italy -
Can eye-tracking tests accurately identify children with autism?
JAMA Network Open
Eye-tracking tests can accurately identify autism in children, according to international researchers, who say that a combination of eye-tracking data and primary-care practitioners' diagnosis can improve accurate diagnosis. The team studied 146 Read more about Can eye-tracking tests accurately identify children with autism?
InternationalPurdue University, USA -
The Northern Hemisphere summer of 2023 was the warmest in 2000 years
Nature
The summer of 2023 was the warmest in the Northern Hemisphere extra-tropical regions in the past 2,000 years, according to international researchers. The team reconstructed the past 2000 years of land temperature data using tree rings, and combined Read more about The Northern Hemisphere summer of 2023 was the warmest in 2000 years
InternationalJohannes Gutenberg University, Germany -
What do we know about the risks of forever chemicals PFAS for our reproductive health?
Reproduction, Fertility and Development
The full extent of the threat per-and ployfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose to the reproductive health of humans and animals, including livestock, is not yet known, according to Australian researchers. In a perspective article, the researchers Read more about What do we know about the risks of forever chemicals PFAS for our reproductive health?
Australia; NSW; VIC; SAThe University of Melbourne|The University of Adelaide... -
Aussie science and innovation needs immediate and sustained investment to power a future made in Australia
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) welcomes commitments in the Budget to review Australia’s languishing investment in Australian science and innovation and back clean energy industries, however investment Read more about Aussie science and innovation needs immediate and sustained investment to power a future made in Australia
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) -
EXPERT REACTION: Federal Budget 2024-2025
The Federal Government has released their budget for 2024-2025. Below, a variety of Australian experts respond and discuss what this year's Budget means. Registered journalists can also find additional expert lists from The University of Sydney, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Federal Budget 2024-2025
Australia; QLD; SAAustralian Science Media Centre|Australian Government - Dept of the Treasury -
Mislabelled shark meat rampant in Australian markets, study finds
Marine and Freshwater Research
Macquarie University researchers found widespread mislabelling of shark meat in Australia, including threatened species, highlighting a need for better enforcement to protect consumers and sharks. Researchers at Macquarie University have found a Read more about Mislabelled shark meat rampant in Australian markets, study finds
Australia; NSWMacquarie University
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