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Problematic smartphone use in common among young people with mental health issues
PLOS ONE
Researchers in the UK have found high levels of social media and smartphone use among a group of teens and young adults accessing mental health support. The study of social media and smartphone use in young people accessing mental health Read more about Problematic smartphone use in common among young people with mental health issues
InternationalKing’s College London, UK -
Exploring gender identity as a young adult is not directly linked to greater mental health risks
JAMA Network Open
Homophobia and transphobia are likely the cause of higher levels of depression in gender-diverse young adults rather than gender diversity itself, according to international research. The team followed a group of 366 gay, lesbian, bisexual and gender Read more about Exploring gender identity as a young adult is not directly linked to greater mental health risks
InternationalUniversity of Texas, USA -
Can teens transmit mental disorders to their schoolmates?
JAMA Psychiatry
Finnish and UK scientists say it may be possible for adolescents to transmit mental disorders to their schoolmates, although it's not clear how or why it might happen. They looked at data on more than 700,000 Finnish people and found those who had Read more about Can teens transmit mental disorders to their schoolmates?
InternationalUniversity of Helsinki, Finland -
Severe morning sickness is not 'normal' or 'harmless' and now a genetic discovery points to possible treatments
Trends in Molecular Medicine
Severe morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, is not 'harmless or normal' and pregnant people with hyperemesis gravidarum are essentially starving, says a geneticist who recently discovered a gene behind the condition. In a comment piece Read more about Severe morning sickness is not 'normal' or 'harmless' and now a genetic discovery points to possible treatments
InternationalUniversity of Southern California, USA -
Excavation reveals ‘major’ ancient migration to Timor Island
Nature Communications
The discovery of thousands of stone artefacts and animal bones in a deep cave in Timor Island has led archaeologists to reassess the route that early humans took to reach Australia. Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU), Flinders Read more about Excavation reveals ‘major’ ancient migration to Timor Island
Australia; Pacific; International; NSW; SA; ACTThe Australian National University|Flinders University... -
EXPERT REACTION: Bird flu (H7N3) detected at Victorian poultry farm
Avian influenza, or bird flu, has been detected on an egg farm in Victoria's west, according to Agriculture Victoria. Testing has revealed the strain to be H7N3. Agriculture Victoria says the property has been placed into quarantine and Agriculture Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Bird flu (H7N3) detected at Victorian poultry farm
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; WA; TAS; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre -
Bilingual babies start to pick up multiple languages in the womb
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
Babies are already learning about speech when in the womb, and international researchers say this extends to learning about multiple languages. The team recruited mothers of 131 newborn babies in Catalonia, where nearly half the population are Read more about Bilingual babies start to pick up multiple languages in the womb
InternationalUniversity of Barcelona, Spain -
STIs surge around the world
New data show sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing in many regions of the world, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO). Syphilis cases among adults aged 15-49 years increased by over a million in 2022 Read more about STIs surge around the world
Australia; InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO) -
Autistic-led study reveals urgent priorities for supporting autistic girls and gender diverse youth
The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
A new study led by autistic people and researchers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) sheds light on the challenges faced by autistic girls, women and gender diverse people within healthcare, the education system and society. A new study Read more about Autistic-led study reveals urgent priorities for supporting autistic girls and gender diverse youth
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
Govts should rein in social media companies - not teenagers
Governments across Australia wanting to ban social media for some young people is a worrying response to an apparent inability to appropriately regulate social media platforms, according to a University of the Sunshine Coast journalism academic. Read more about Govts should rein in social media companies - not teenagers
Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
How do cancer cells exploit the immune system?
Immunity
New research from Peter Mac has led to an important discovery that may overcome cancer treatment resistance. The immune system has a naturally occurring ‘brake’ that tells the body to silence key killer immune cells called CD8+ T-cells as a Read more about How do cancer cells exploit the immune system?
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; ACTPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|Garvan Institute of Medical Research... -
Key to more effective vaccines revealed
Immunology & Cell Biology
Researchers from the Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney have made a major discovery in vaccine science, gaining new insights into delta inulin as a crucial vaccine component. Their findings offer a promising pathway for advancing the Read more about Key to more effective vaccines revealed
Australia; NSW; QLDCentenary Institute|The University of Sydney|Griffith University -
Kanga-boo! Aussie animals fear humans the most
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Kangaroos, wallabies and other Aussie marsupials are more afraid of humans than other predators, even when we are just 'talking calmly', according to Australian research. The researchers compared the responses of introduced fallow deer and four Read more about Kanga-boo! Aussie animals fear humans the most
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania|University of Washington, USA,University of Western Ontario, Canada -
Big personalities make big bucks
Royal Society Open Science
People with higher incomes tend to be more extraverted, more conscientious, more open to experiences and less neurotic, according to four years of data from the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Survey. However, those who received a salary boost one Read more about Big personalities make big bucks
New ZealandUniversity of Canterbury -
Pedestrians may be twice as likely to be hit by electric/hybrid cars
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
Pedestrians could be twice as likely to be hit by an electric or hybrid car as those powered by diesel or petrol, according to international researchers who looked at UK data between 2013 and 2017. The team suggests one reason may be that electric Read more about Pedestrians may be twice as likely to be hit by electric/hybrid cars
InternationalLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK -
Fish oil for heart health may not work for everyone
BMJ Medicine
While fish oil supplements can be beneficial for those with heart problems, their use is linked with the opposite effect for those with a healthy heart, according to international research. The team say the evidence is mixed on the impact omega 3 Read more about Fish oil for heart health may not work for everyone
InternationalSun Yat-Sen University, China -
Some teen girls are clocking up close to 6 hours of smartphone use a day
Archives of Disease in Childhood
Some teenage girls are clocking close to six hours a day on their smartphones, according to international researchers who say a large proportion of them are likely addicted to social media. The team recruited 1,164 15-16 year olds from Finland and Read more about Some teen girls are clocking up close to 6 hours of smartphone use a day
InternationalUniversity of Helsinki, Finland -
Protecting 'Nature's Strongholds' could help stem the loss of animal and plant species
PLOS Biology
Protecting large, interconnected, ecologically intact areas of the world, could be an effective way to conserve biodiversity at a global scale, according to Australian and international experts. These areas, which the authors call - 'Nature's Read more about Protecting 'Nature's Strongholds' could help stem the loss of animal and plant species
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLDThe University of New South Wales|The University of Queensland... -
Body lice might be better at spreading the plague than previously thought
PLOS Biology
Human body lice might be better at spreading the plague than previously thought, according to international researchers, who tested the ability of lice to transmit Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague. Previously it was thought that Read more about Body lice might be better at spreading the plague than previously thought
InternationalNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, USA -
The scaly skin of early feathered dinosaurs looked a lot like the skin of modern reptiles
Nature Communications
Early feathered dinosaurs may have had two different kinds of skin, according to international researchers, who found that the dinosaur Psittacosaurus had reptile-like scales on most of its body, with feather-specific skin only on the feathered Read more about The scaly skin of early feathered dinosaurs looked a lot like the skin of modern reptiles
InternationalUniversity College Cork, Ireland -
LSD and magic mushroom deaths in Australia are rare but significant
Addiction
A study led by researchers at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) outlines the profiles and circumstances of 43 deaths related to LSD or psilocybin (commonly known as magic mushrooms) in Australia between 2000 and 2023. The study Read more about LSD and magic mushroom deaths in Australia are rare but significant
Australia; NSWNational Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) -
Climate forecasts that span decades may help farmers prepare for the future
Nature Climate Change
Australian scientists introduced 24 Aussie farmers to My Climate View, an Australian online climate service that predicts conditions decades out, and asked them to identify, assess and discuss management of long-term risks in light of its Read more about Climate forecasts that span decades may help farmers prepare for the future
Australia; QLD; TAS; ACTCSIRO -
Designing a tiny new tool to map and treat children’s brain cancer
Advanced Science
Medulloblastoma is the most common cancerous brain tumour in children, and fighting it requires an approach that is delicate, durable, and direct. Now a group of researchers at UQ's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) Read more about Designing a tiny new tool to map and treat children’s brain cancer
Australia; NSW; QLDAustralian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)... -
Screens may not be the problem holding parents back from bonding with their child
Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Screens may not be the problem when it comes to parent-child interaction and bonding, according to international researchers who say being distracted is likely an issue whether it's screen-related or not. The team studied 50 pairs of parent and Read more about Screens may not be the problem holding parents back from bonding with their child
InternationalUniversity of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland -
New directions in urban and regional housing planning and development
Applied Geography
Machine learning models for more sustainable and affordable housing in regional areas, assessing bushfire risk as well as consideration for disability, biodiversity and also a place for animals in urban residential settings present new perspectives Read more about New directions in urban and regional housing planning and development
Australia; International; NSW; SAFlinders University -
Unlocking key answers on cell functioning
Nature Genetics
Peter Mac researchers have found the answer to a decades-long question on cell functioning that could lead to improved cancer treatments in the future. Peter Mac researchers have found the answer to a decades-long question on cell functioning that Read more about Unlocking key answers on cell functioning
Australia; VIC; QLDPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Queensland... -
How do we manage the 'extreme risks' posed by advanced AIs?
Science
We've heard warnings that the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generalist AI systems that match or exceed human abilities, poses extreme risks to humanity, but how do we manage those risks? International researchers Read more about How do we manage the 'extreme risks' posed by advanced AIs?
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK, Quebec AI Institute, Canada, Université de Montréal, Canada -
EXPERT REACTION: Will greenhouse gases be ruled 'pollution' when it comes to the Law of the Sea?
On Tuesday 21 May, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) is expected to deliver an advisory opinion on what the 'United Nations Convention Law of the Sea' says about the obligations of countries to combat climate change. The Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Will greenhouse gases be ruled 'pollution' when it comes to the Law of the Sea?
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; NSWAustralian Science Media Centre -
Annoying interruptions reduce productivity in the workplace
European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology
A team of researchers from The University of Queensland has found employees experience more stress at work when interrupted with requests for unnecessary or unreasonable tasks. A team of researchers from The University of Queensland has found Read more about Annoying interruptions reduce productivity in the workplace
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland -
More research needed on airborne ultrasound health effects
Health Physics
Airborne ultrasound exposure guidelines from 1984 are being revisited by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection due to their use in emerging technology. Airborne ultrasound exposure guidelines from 1984 are being revisited Read more about More research needed on airborne ultrasound health effects
Australia; InternationalAustralian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) -
How this common cockroach took over the world
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
Australian and international research has reconstructed the spread of the common German cockroach from an ancestor in Asia to every inhabited continent in the world. The researchers compared the DNA of 281 cockroaches collected from 17 countries Read more about How this common cockroach took over the world
Australia; International; WAThe University of Western Australia|National University of Singapore -
You may be able to improve your memory by simply trying harder
JNeurosci
If we try harder, we may be able to improve our memory, according to international research. To investigate how putting in effort impacts our memory, the researchers gave memory tasks of varying difficulty to a group of participants. The Read more about You may be able to improve your memory by simply trying harder
InternationalNew York University, USA -
Non-invasive spinal-cord stimulation improves arm and hand function
Nature Medicine
A non-invasive device for spinal-cord stimulation improved arm and hand function in 43 participants with tetraplegia (paralysis of the upper and lower body), according to international researchers who conducted a clinical trial on 60 participants, Read more about Non-invasive spinal-cord stimulation improves arm and hand function
InternationalUniversity of Washington, USA -
EXPERT REACTION: Fluoride exposure during pregnancy may be linked to neurobehavioural problems in kids
JAMA Network Open
An observational study in the US has found a link between fluoride intake during pregnancy and an increased risk of neurobehavioural problems among children living in an area with fluoridated water. The study included 229 pairs of predominately Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Fluoride exposure during pregnancy may be linked to neurobehavioural problems in kids
InternationalUniversity of Florida, USA -
Step count or total exercise time - which is best to keep older women healthy?
JAMA Internal Medicine
Older women could focus on their total step count or the amount of time they spend exercising and have similar results for their health, according to international research. The team collected step count and moderate to vigorous exercise data for Read more about Step count or total exercise time - which is best to keep older women healthy?
InternationalHarvard Medical School, USA -
2023's record low Antarctic sea ice ‘extremely unlikely’ without climate change
Geophysical Research Letters
UK scientists say record-low levels of sea ice around Antarctica in 2023 were extremely unlikely to happen without the influence of climate change. This low was a one-in-a-2000-year event without climate change and four times more likely under its Read more about 2023's record low Antarctic sea ice ‘extremely unlikely’ without climate change
InternationalBritish Antarctic Survey, UK -
Intriguing connections between Alzheimer’s disease and other common conditions
Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring
A Florey study has found that while some medical conditions appear to increase our likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease, others appear to decrease the odds. People with anxiety and neurological disorders are 1. 5 and 2. 5 times more likely Read more about Intriguing connections between Alzheimer’s disease and other common conditions
Australia; International; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health -
Marine parks and fishery managment are both needed to save sharks and rays from extinction
Nature Ecology & Evolution
Marine parks, or marine protected areas, around the world have nearly twice as many sharks as areas open to fishing, according to Australian research, but it is only sharks living on coral reefs who benefit from this type of conservation effort. The Read more about Marine parks and fishery managment are both needed to save sharks and rays from extinction
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; WA; TASCurtin University|James Cook University|Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)... -
Fewer younger but more older Aussies getting non-melanoma skin cancers
Medical Journal of Australia
Australian researchers looked at data covering Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) claims for procedures related to the diagnosis and treatment of keratinocyte (non-melanoma) skin cancer in Australia between 2012 and 2021, and say rates of treatment Read more about Fewer younger but more older Aussies getting non-melanoma skin cancers
Australia; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute|The University of Queensland -
Should voluntary assisted dying in Victoria be extended to people with dementia?
Medical Journal of Australia
In a 'Perspectives' article, Australian experts discuss extending voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Victoria to include people with dementia, and say it raises serious philosophical, ethical and social questions that challenge the way VAD is Read more about Should voluntary assisted dying in Victoria be extended to people with dementia?
Australia; NSW; VIC; ACTMonash University|The University of Sydney|The University of Melbourne -
Around half of Aussie girls in their late teens have experienced serious period pain
Medical Journal of Australia
A long-term Australian study of period pain and its effects on around 1,600 teen girls' regular activities found about a third of 14-year-olds have experienced serious menstrual pain - defined as 'very painful' or 'quite painful' - while around half Read more about Around half of Aussie girls in their late teens have experienced serious period pain
Australia; VICDeakin University|Monash University|Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)... -
Social media: the stuff of nightmares?
BMC Psychology
The more time you spend on social media, the greater the likelihood of having unpleasant social-media related dreams that cause distress, sleep disruption and impact our peace of mind, according to Australian researchers. Flinders University’s Read more about Social media: the stuff of nightmares?
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
The tentacles of retracted science reach deep into social media. A simple button could change that.
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction
On social media, health myths based on debunked science abound. A new tool could be social media’s best defence against misinformation. A University of Sydney team is hoping to help social media users identify posts featuring misinformation and Read more about The tentacles of retracted science reach deep into social media. A simple button could change that.
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Contraception options should be given with oral retinoids to avoid serious harm to unborn babies
Australasian Journal of Dermatology
Prescription oral retinoids to treat acne are increasing in popularity. Concerningly, data reveals not enough precautions are being taken to protect women from the risk of serious congenital abnormalities if they fall pregnant while on this Read more about Contraception options should be given with oral retinoids to avoid serious harm to unborn babies
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of New South Wales -
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