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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 -
COVID-19 eliminated a decade of progress in global level of life expectancy
The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out nearly a decade of progress in improving life expectancy within just two years, according to the latest edition of the World Health Statistics released by the World Health Organization (WHO). Between 2019 and 2021, Read more about COVID-19 eliminated a decade of progress in global level of life expectancy
InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO) -
Semaglutide found to reduce risk of kidney disease and death
New England Journal of Medicine
Popular diabetes medication semaglutide has been found to prevent kidney failure and reduce deaths in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Semaglutide, more widely known by brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, significantly reduces Read more about Semaglutide found to reduce risk of kidney disease and death
Australia; International; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Pig to person kidney transplants showed early signs of rejection
Med
With the first living recipient of a pig kidney passing away earlier this month, researchers are investigating what goes on at a cellular level during these pig-to-human transplants, and they have identified early signs of organ rejection in two Read more about Pig to person kidney transplants showed early signs of rejection
InternationalNYU Langone Health, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, USA -
Masks work and we should use them more, say researchers
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
A sweeping review of international research has found strong and consistent evidence that masks prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. The authors call on researchers to stop debating the question of whether masks work and instead focus on how Read more about Masks work and we should use them more, say researchers
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Otago|The University of New South Wales... -
Urgent action on superbugs could save 750,000 lives a year
The Lancet
Almost five million people per year are dying around the world from infections linked to antimicrobial resistance, according to international authors of a new Lancet series who say 750,000 of these deaths could be prevented each year through vaccines Read more about Urgent action on superbugs could save 750,000 lives a year
InternationalOne Health Trust, India -
EXPERT REACTION: Little bush moa genome shines a light on NZ's extinct native birds
Science Advances
Using ancient DNA recovered from a fossil bone, scientists have reconstructed the genome of the turkey-sized little bush moa, which went extinct 500-600 years ago. This work allows the scientists to estimate a likely long-term population size of Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Little bush moa genome shines a light on NZ's extinct native birds
New Zealand; InternationalHarvard University, USA -
Distrust in climate scientists comes from a minority, but their skepticism is powerful
PLOS Climate
The majority of the public trust climate scientists nowadays, according to a narrative review by international researchers who say the minority who distrust climate scientists are a driving force in inaction on climate change. The team reviewed Read more about Distrust in climate scientists comes from a minority, but their skepticism is powerful
InternationalHarvard University, USA -
Around 1.24% of pregnant Aussies may be using e-cigs, mainly to quit smoking
Drug & Alcohol Review
A survey of 4024 pregnant Aussies in one district of NSW found 1. 24% were using e-cigarettes, and more than half of them (52%) were using e-cigs to quit smoking regular cigarettes. Current or ex-smokers were the most likely to use e-cigs, the study Read more about Around 1.24% of pregnant Aussies may be using e-cigs, mainly to quit smoking
Australia; NSWThe University of Newcastle|NSW Government -
Exposure to 'chemical soup' in the womb linked to health problems in kids
JAMA Network Open
Exposure to widespread mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the womb is linked with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome - early warning signs of serious conditions including heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes - Read more about Exposure to 'chemical soup' in the womb linked to health problems in kids
Australia; InternationalUniversity of Granada, Spain -
Ants like energy-drink levels of caffeine and it could help control pest species
iScience
Ants who find an energy-drink-like dose of caffeine and sugar become more efficient at navigating back to it after fetching the rest of their nest, according to international researchers. Seeking to find better ways to control ecologically harmful Read more about Ants like energy-drink levels of caffeine and it could help control pest species
InternationalUniversity of Regensburg, Germany -
If your partner's snoring drives you mad, get them MAD (mandibular advancement devices)
JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery
Mandibular advancement devices (MAD), which look a lot like sports mouthguards, are more effective at preventing snoring than the old 'tennis balls in a bra worn backwards' approach, or 'positional therapy' as it's known in science-speak, even when Read more about If your partner's snoring drives you mad, get them MAD (mandibular advancement devices)
InternationalWashington University, USA -
Donating a kidney probably won't affect your health in the long term
JAMA
Canadian and Australian scientists say kidney donors' health returns to normal following donation and there appear to be no major negative health effects of living with just a single kidney for more than seven years following donation. They followed Read more about Donating a kidney probably won't affect your health in the long term
Australia; International; WAThe University of Western Australia|Victoria Hospital, Canada -
Alzheimer's - a new perspective on an old disease
Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association
In a review article, an international team of scientists argues the case for a new mechanism to explain Alzheimer's disease involving a group of neurons called the isodendritic core (responsible for arousal and sleep/wake cycles). Unlike other Read more about Alzheimer's - a new perspective on an old disease
InternationalNeuro-Bio Ltd, King's College London, Oxford University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Miguel Hernández University, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona -
Bigger is better: male proboscis monkeys’ enhanced noses evolved to attract mates
Scientific Reports
When it comes to the animal kingdom, bigger is better. Well, at least for proboscis monkeys, famously known for their long, large and droopy noses. Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have provided a potential explanation for Read more about Bigger is better: male proboscis monkeys’ enhanced noses evolved to attract mates
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University -
The world probably has less clean water than we thought
Nature Climate Change
Current estimates of the amount of water available to people around the world are based solely on the amount of water there is, and not whether that water is of a high enough quality to use, according to Dutch researchers. That means we've Read more about The world probably has less clean water than we thought
InternationalUtrecht University, the Netherlands -
Aussie school-based 'Health4Life' program sees only short term improvements in mental health symptoms
Nature Mental Health
An Australian school-based health program, which targets six lifestyle risk factors: diet, sleep, physical activity, screentime, alcohol use and smoking, has shown no improvement over usual health education in reducing depressive, anxiety or Read more about Aussie school-based 'Health4Life' program sees only short term improvements in mental health symptoms
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Wild chickpea genes could help us develop a better chickpea
Nature Genetics
Australian and international researchers have sequenced the DNA of eight wild chickpea relatives and identified genes which could help us develop an 'elite' chickpea. The researchers pulled the genomes of the eight wild relatives and two cultivated Read more about Wild chickpea genes could help us develop a better chickpea
Australia; WAThe University of Western Australia|Murdoch University... -
One in 10 children in the US has a current ADHD diagnosis
Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology
About 6. 5 million children in the US had ADHD in 2022, a million more than five years ago, according to international research. The team used US data to measure the prevalence of diagnosed ADHD in the country, as well as how many were taking Read more about One in 10 children in the US has a current ADHD diagnosis
InternationalCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, USA -
I’ll have what she’s having!
Appetite
New research from Flinders University has revealed that feeling a sense of belonging to a social group can have a significant impact on our food choices, potentially nudging us towards healthier options. New research from Flinders University has Read more about I’ll have what she’s having!
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Nutbush fever: How the Ike and Tina Turner hit became Australia's dance sensation
Journal of Media & Cultural Studies
Researchers at the University of South Australia and Edith Cowan University in WA have explored the origins of the iconic Nutbush dance and how it became an Australian cultural phenomenon. If there’s one thing that Aussies just can’t resist Read more about Nutbush fever: How the Ike and Tina Turner hit became Australia's dance sensation
Australia; SA; WAUniversity of South Australia|Edith Cowan University -
Australian TV drama on the ropes
QUT ePrints
Australian television drama production is not what it once was. A QUT report finds successive government policies have prioritised corporate interests over Australian culture and identity, lending more support to multi-territory streamers for global Read more about Australian TV drama on the ropes
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Quantum photonic technologies set to be more reliable with new interferometer
Optica
An increasing number of emerging quantum applications operate using optical technologies. Currently, quantum photon sources are regularly taken offline to be tested and adjusted using an interferometer. This requires comparing photons multiple times Read more about Quantum photonic technologies set to be more reliable with new interferometer
Australia; International; ACTARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)... -
Gene could unlock big wheat yields for a growing population
Current Biology
A study from the University of Adelaide has discovered molecular pathways regulated by a gene traditionally used to control wheat-flowering behaviour could be altered to achieve greater yields. A study from the University of Adelaide has discovered Read more about Gene could unlock big wheat yields for a growing population
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Next-gen training for improved knee surgery
Orthopaedic Research
Successful co-design and testing of new synthetic knee models by Flinders University’s Medical Device Research Institute is producing vital tools to help surgeons continue to practice and advance knee surgery methods. The new synthetic knee models Read more about Next-gen training for improved knee surgery
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Blueprint to 'Be Ahead of Ready' in face of future disasters
The future thinking that Australia needs to meet the increasing severity, length and frequency of natural hazards is outlined in a new report by Natural Hazards Research Australia. Be Ahead of Ready draws on the best thinking from across Australia Read more about Blueprint to 'Be Ahead of Ready' in face of future disasters
Australia; VICNatural Hazards Research Australia -
Future climate impacts put whale diet at risk
Science of the Total Environment
A new study predicts future climate change impacts could disrupt the krill-heavy diet that humpback whales in the southern hemisphere consume. A new study led by Griffith University predicts future climate change impacts could disrupt the Read more about Future climate impacts put whale diet at risk
Australia; International; QLD; TASGriffith University|University of Tasmania|CSIRO -
EV tax break suits top tax brackets leaving the rest in the dust
Australian Tax Review
New research from Griffith University shows how Australia's Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption on Electric Vehicles (EV) is inequitable and certain groups could be financially worse off for taking advantage of the 'incentive'. Projected to cost $205 Read more about EV tax break suits top tax brackets leaving the rest in the dust
Australia; QLDGriffith University -
How a multi-lens telescope enables daytime astronomy observations
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
Macquarie University's Huntsman Telescope has successfully demonstrated daytime astronomy using an array of Canon camera lenses with the potential to continuously monitor celestial objects and satellites. In a paper published in Publications of the Read more about How a multi-lens telescope enables daytime astronomy observations
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
US abortion rights withdrawal has created complex ethical and legal challenges for patients and providers
The Lancet and The Lancet Psychiatry
It's almost two years since the US Supreme Court withdrew women's constitutional right to abortion there, and experts writing in three 'viewpoint' articles say the effects of the ban are not yet fully clear. In two articles published in The Lancet, Read more about US abortion rights withdrawal has created complex ethical and legal challenges for patients and providers
Australia; InternationalThe National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, USA, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, USA -
Epidurals linked to reduced risk of serious complications after childbirth
The BMJ
Having an epidural during labour is linked to a marked reduction in serious complications in the first few weeks after giving birth, according to UK scientists who looked at data for more than half a million Scottish mums whose babies were born Read more about Epidurals linked to reduced risk of serious complications after childbirth
InternationalUniversity of Glasgow, UK, University of Bristol, UK, KU Leuven, Belgium -
Academy announces 2024 Fellows for outstanding contributions to science
An expert in spider venoms, a leader in plant science, an authority on star formation and an oncologist who has changed the way melanoma is treated are among 24 researchers elected as Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science. An expert in spider Read more about Academy announces 2024 Fellows for outstanding contributions to science
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Science -
Breastfeeding infants may be cheaper for the healthcare system
PLOS ONE
Infants exclusively breastfed during their first 6-8 weeks are less likely to use healthcare services and incur lower costs to the healthcare system, according to international researchers. The team used data from 502,948 babies born in Scotland Read more about Breastfeeding infants may be cheaper for the healthcare system
InternationalPublic Health Scotland, UK -
Marines test Bronze Age Greek armour and find it's battleworthy
PLOS ONE
A famous Mycenaean suit of armour that dates back 3,500 years was not just ceremonial, but suitable for extended combat, say international scientists who asked 13 Greek marines to test replicas of the suit against weaponry used at the time during 11 Read more about Marines test Bronze Age Greek armour and find it's battleworthy
InternationalUniversity of Thessaly, Greece -
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 -
Twitter may have been overlooking misinformation superspreaders, and X probably isn't much better
PLOS ONE
Twitter could be overlooking misinformation ‘superspreaders’, according to international researchers who analysed over two million tweets over a ten-month period in 2020, before the platform was bought by Elon Musk and transformed into ‘X’. Read more about Twitter may have been overlooking misinformation superspreaders, and X probably isn't much better
InternationalIndiana University, USA -
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