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Sleep apnea patients can breathe easy about CPAP therapy, computer simulations suggest
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
A new comprehensive evaluation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, based on computer simulations of the respiratory tract, has found no adverse impact from its use in any part of the respiratory system. Read more about Sleep apnea patients can breathe easy about CPAP therapy, computer simulations suggest
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
These dramatic snakes fake their own deaths, complete with oozing blood effects
Biology Letters
Dice snakes, which are found across Europe and into Asia, fake their own deaths to avoid predators, and now researchers have found that by including some convincing dramatic effects such as smearing themselves with poo and oozing blood from their Read more about These dramatic snakes fake their own deaths, complete with oozing blood effects
InternationalUniversity of Belgrade, Serbia -
Chimps learn and improve tool use as they age
PLOS Biology
Chimps are champs at tool use, learning and honing their skills throughout their lives, according to international researchers who watched recordings of 70 wild chimps of various ages using sticks to retrieve food at Taï National Park in West Africa Read more about Chimps learn and improve tool use as they age
InternationalUMR5229 CNRS, France -
VIDEO EXPERT REACTION: Auckland schools are surrounded by junk food and fizzy drink ads
Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online
The majority of Auckland's schools have junk food ads within half a kilometre of their school gates, according to a new study. Researchers pored over Google Street View images to find out what students see on their way to and from school, finding Read more about VIDEO EXPERT REACTION: Auckland schools are surrounded by junk food and fizzy drink ads
New ZealandUniversity of Waikato|University of Auckland -
You know, I speak whale: Researchers develop a Sperm whale alphabet
Nature Communications
Sperm whale communication may be more complex than previously thought, according to international researchers who developed a ‘Sperm Whale Phonetic Alphabet’ after analysing recordings of about 60 different whales. The team say the communication Read more about You know, I speak whale: Researchers develop a Sperm whale alphabet
InternationalMassachusetts Institute of Technology, USA -
Exposure to both cannabis and nicotine in the womb is worse than either substance alone
JAMA Network Open
Babies exposed to both cannabis and nicotine in the womb are more likely to be born preterm or small for gestational age and are more likely to die soon after birth compared to those exposed to just one of the drugs, according to international Read more about Exposure to both cannabis and nicotine in the womb is worse than either substance alone
InternationalOregon Health & Science University, USA -
Why getting in touch with our ‘gerbil brain’ could help machines listen better
Current Biology
Macquarie University researchers have debunked a 75-year-old theory about how humans determine where sounds are coming from, and it could unlock the secret to creating a next generation of more adaptable and efficient hearing devices ranging from Read more about Why getting in touch with our ‘gerbil brain’ could help machines listen better
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
How did the early COVID-19 pandemic impact birth outcomes in Australia?
Aussie mums who had babies during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic saw some surprising positive birth outcomes, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report compiles birth outcome statistics from Read more about How did the early COVID-19 pandemic impact birth outcomes in Australia?
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
New super-pure silicon chip opens path to powerful quantum computers
Communication Materials
Researchers at the Universities of Melbourne and Manchester have invented a technique for manufacturing highly purified silicon that brings powerful quantum computers a big step closer. Researchers at the Universities of Melbourne and Manchester Read more about New super-pure silicon chip opens path to powerful quantum computers
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne|University of Manchester -
New rock art discoveries in Eastern Sudan reaffirm catastrophic climate change
The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology
New archaeological findings from the hyper-arid Atbai Desert, in Eastern Sudan, indicate the Sahara Desert was once a lush and green environment. New archaeological findings from the hyper-arid Atbai Desert, in Eastern Sudan, indicate the Sahara Read more about New rock art discoveries in Eastern Sudan reaffirm catastrophic climate change
Australia; International; NSWMacquarie University -
Naltrexone offers hope for Long COVID patients
Frontiers in Immunology
Researchers from Griffith University’s National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) have made a discovery that could bring relief to those struggling with Long COVID. They've identified a way to restore the faulty function of Read more about Naltrexone offers hope for Long COVID patients
Australia; QLDGriffith University|Mater Research -
Meth houses: More should be done to test for and tackle contamination
the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
A new Flinders University study has found less than 10% of suspected methamphetamine contamination in residences are reported to council environmental health officers (EHOs), raising further concerns more regulations are needed to manage safety and Read more about Meth houses: More should be done to test for and tackle contamination
Australia; NSW; SAFlinders University -
Testing high risk babies at 3 months of age could help identify cerebral palsy
JAMA Network Open
Early testing of three- or four-month-old babies who are at high risk of cerebral palsy was able to reliably predict the condition and its severity at two and three years old, according to Australian research. The study looked at 116 babies who were Read more about Testing high risk babies at 3 months of age could help identify cerebral palsy
Australia; VICMonash University|Hudson Institute of Medical Research... -
Over 30% of Aussies with difficult-to-treat asthma may be current smokers
Respirology
36. 2% of Aussies with difficult-to-treat asthma may also be current smokers, according to an Aussie survey of 6,048 people with asthma, which found that 21. 7% met the international criteria for difficult-to-treat asthma. The study also found that Read more about Over 30% of Aussies with difficult-to-treat asthma may be current smokers
Australia; NSWMacquarie University|The University of New South Wales... -
Nicotine-free substance could help people quit vaping
JAMA Internal Medicine
Cytisinicline, a compound found naturally in plants, could help people quit nicotine vaping, according to international research. Cytisinicline is used as a quit-smoking product in Central and Eastern Europe because it can help reduce nicotine Read more about Nicotine-free substance could help people quit vaping
InternationalHarvard Medical School, USA -
7g of olive oil a day could reduce your risk of death from dementia
JAMA Network Open
Olive oil could be linked with a lower risk of dementia-related death, particularly in women, according to international researchers who looked at data from 92,383 adults observed over 28 years. They found the consumption of more than 7g per day of Read more about 7g of olive oil a day could reduce your risk of death from dementia
InternationalHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA -
Relaxation therapy might help mums produce more milk
JAMA Pediatrics
British and Malaysian researchers reviewing 16 previous studies say that relaxation interventions were associated with an increase in milk production in mums, and subsequent additional weight to their bubs. The researchers say listening to music, Read more about Relaxation therapy might help mums produce more milk
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK -
How Venus dried up
Nature
US researchers have proposed a new possible reason as to why our spicy celestial neighbour Venus lost most of its water. They say a chemical reaction called HCO+ dissociative recombination - a process that would double the loss of water into space Read more about How Venus dried up
InternationalUniversity of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA -
Carrying 2 copies of a particular form of this gene may cause a distinct type of Alzheimer's
Nature Medicine
Spanish and US scientists say almost everyone they investigated who had two copies of a particular form of a gene called APOE, a form called APOE4, went on to develop signs of Alzheimer's disease, which may mean it's a distinct genetic form of the Read more about Carrying 2 copies of a particular form of this gene may cause a distinct type of Alzheimer's
InternationalHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau - Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Spain -
AI technology is showing cultural biases, here's why and what can be done
AI is the fastest growing technology in the world, but there is growing concern about its ability to consider and represent diverse communities. Prominent AI applications are showing racial biases and a lack of diversity and cultural sensitivity. AI Read more about AI technology is showing cultural biases, here's why and what can be done
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
Lifestyle advice from your GP can be helpful, but only if it's offered
Medical Journal of Australia
People may be more likely to make healthy changes to their lifestyle if advised by their GP, but most Australians say they've never received such advice, according to a survey of just over 13,000 people. The survey asked participants about their Read more about Lifestyle advice from your GP can be helpful, but only if it's offered
Australia; QLDBond University -
Shaping a science system to support our national ambitions
The Australian Academy of Science is developing a ten-year plan to demonstrate how science needs to evolve to achieve our national ambitions and advance Australian interests locally and globally. ‘Australian Science, Australia’s Future: Science Read more about Shaping a science system to support our national ambitions
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Science -
Surfaces on the move: dynamic liquefaction
Advanced Science
The boundary between solid metal and liquid metal can be much less ‘solid’ than we ever suspected. RMIT researchers have discovered that the liquid-solid boundary can fluctuate back and forth, with metal atoms near the surface breaking free from Read more about Surfaces on the move: dynamic liquefaction
Australia; NSW; VICARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET)... -
Income loss for informal caregivers of loved ones with arthritis set to rise
BMJ Open
Australians lose hundreds of millions of dollars in income each year as people become carers for loved ones with arthritis, according to Australian research. The researchers say arthritis can be debilitating and research shows it is a common reason Read more about Income loss for informal caregivers of loved ones with arthritis set to rise
Australia; NSW; QLD; ACTMacquarie University|Griffith University|The University of Queensland... -
Details of dairy farm worker infected with highly pathogenic bird flu in the US
New England Journal of Medicine
In April, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced there had been a case of the highly pathogenic bird flu, H5N1, in a dairy farm worker in the US and now scientists have published details about the case. The researchers found Read more about Details of dairy farm worker infected with highly pathogenic bird flu in the US
InternationalCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, USA -
How common is resident-to-resident aggression in assisted living facilities?
JAMA Network Open
15. 2% of assisted living residents are estimated to have been involved in instances of aggression within a month, according to an international study including six facilities in the US. The team interviewed staff and able residents of the Read more about How common is resident-to-resident aggression in assisted living facilities?
InternationalCornell University, USA -
Genetics, not lack of oxygen, causes cerebral palsy in quarter of cases
Nature Medicine
The world’s largest study of cerebral palsy (CP) genetics, a collaborative effort between the University of Adelaide and Fudan University Shanghai, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou and associates, has discovered genetic defects are most likely Read more about Genetics, not lack of oxygen, causes cerebral palsy in quarter of cases
Australia; International; SAThe University of Adelaide|Fudan University, China -
Examining the Wim Hof Method’s effect on endometriosis pain
The efficacy of the Wim Hof Method (WHM) in relation to endometriosis will be explored in a pilot trial at the University of Adelaide. The efficacy of the Wim Hof Method (WHM) in relation to endometriosis will be explored in a pilot trial at the Read more about Examining the Wim Hof Method’s effect on endometriosis pain
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Climate change could be overheating bumblebee nests
Frontiers in Bee Science
Climate change might be overheating bumblebee hives, according to international researchers who say research is urgently needed to figure out how we can help bumblebees survive the rising temperatures. The team reviewed 180 years of literature, and Read more about Climate change could be overheating bumblebee nests
InternationalUniversity of Guelph, Canada -
Insomnia medication shows promise in treatment for alcohol use disorder
Clinical Case Reports
Florey researchers are recommending full-scale human trials after an insomnia drug helped a man withdraw from his 16 drinks-a-day addiction. Florey researchers are recommending full-scale human trials after an insomnia drug helped a man withdraw Read more about Insomnia medication shows promise in treatment for alcohol use disorder
Australia; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health... -
Five-day work week builds work-life balance in construction
Construction workers typically work six days a week but research tracking a five-day work week in the industry shows flexibility is key to improving worker well-being, with minimal perceived impact on productivity. Construction workers typically Read more about Five-day work week builds work-life balance in construction
Australia; VICRMIT University|Construction Industry Culture Taskforce -
Quantifying the global impact of life-saving vaccines
The Lancet
Researchers have mapped the global impact of life-saving vaccines to mark the 50-year anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). The findings show that since 1974, vaccination has saved approximately 154 million lives – most of Read more about Quantifying the global impact of life-saving vaccines
Australia; International; WATelethon Kids Institute|World Health Organization (WHO)... -
To boost quality of life while aging - stay active or get active by 55
PLOS Medicine
A new study of more than 10,000 Australian women showed a significant link between regular exercise during mid-age and physical health later in life, even when the exercise routine was not started until their mid-50s. New research from Charles Read more about To boost quality of life while aging - stay active or get active by 55
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Smart wild orangutan spotted treating a facial wound with medicinal plant
Scientific Reports
German and Indonesian scientists were lucky enough to witness the first known example of a wild animal using a plant with medicinal properties to treat a wound. The male Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) in question, named Rakus, was seen chewing up Read more about Smart wild orangutan spotted treating a facial wound with medicinal plant
InternationalMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Germany -
UV lights at crypto art party burnt people's eyes
JAMA Ophthalmology
People went home with sore, sensitive, red eyes after UV lights were used at the Bored Ape Yacht Club festival in Hong Kong last year. Researchers found the revellers were suffering from photokeratitis - which is more commonly seen in people who Read more about UV lights at crypto art party burnt people's eyes
InternationalThe Chinese University of Hong Kong -
The near-collapse of Earth's magnetic field may have contributed to complex life
Communications Earth & Environment
An unusual reduction in the strength of the Earth’s magnetic field between 591 and 565 million years ago coincided with a significant increase in the oxygen levels in the atmosphere and oceans, according to international researchers who say this Read more about The near-collapse of Earth's magnetic field may have contributed to complex life
InternationalUniversity of Rochester, USA -
EXPERT REACTION: Examining the impact of IVF on childhood cancer risk
JAMA Network Open
Children conceived by IVF have no overall increased risk of childhood cancer, according to a large study by international researchers. The team looked at a cohort of about 8. 5 million children, 260,000 of whom had been born using medically assisted Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Examining the impact of IVF on childhood cancer risk
Australia; International; NSW; VICFrench National Health Insurance, France -
First head knock-linked brain disease in NZ rugby league player
NZMJ
A post-mortem of a NZ-representative rugby league player's brain has shown that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The disease can come from repeated head knocks due to contact sports, but the report authors say that his advanced age Read more about First head knock-linked brain disease in NZ rugby league player
New ZealandTe Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand|University of Auckland -
Tenfold increase in ADHD meds in NZ still not enough
NZMJ
A New Zealand study shows a tenfold increase in the amount of medication dispensed for adults with ADHD between 2006 and 2022. Those 2022 figures meant 0. 6% of the adult population was receiving treatment, which the authors say still falls short of Read more about Tenfold increase in ADHD meds in NZ still not enough
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Better meals for farmed abalones
New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research
A mixed diet including native algae gives Australia’s prized cultured abalone the colours and appearance preferred by lucrative Asian markets, new research shows. The study is part of South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and Read more about Better meals for farmed abalones
Australia; SAFlinders University|The University of Adelaide -
Nanotech opens door to future of insulin medication
Nature Nanotechnology
Research led by the University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District has developed a new type of oral insulin based on nanotechnology. In the future, it could offer the 75 million people worldwide who use insulin for diabetes a more effective Read more about Nanotech opens door to future of insulin medication
Australia; NSW; VICThe University of Sydney|CSIRO -
CORRECTION: What can current research tell us about psilocybin as an antidepressant?
The BMJ
CORRECTION: The journal has placed and expression of concern on this paper due to an error, details below. Psilocybin - the active ingredient in magic mushrooms - can be an effective treatment for depression, however many questions remain unanswered Read more about CORRECTION: What can current research tell us about psilocybin as an antidepressant?
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK -
Long lives and sudden deaths: The stark differences between the health of men and women globally
The Lancet Public Health
Globally, there are substantial differences between males and females when it comes to health, according to international researchers who say these disparities emerge in adolescence and continue to grow with age. The team used data from the Global Read more about Long lives and sudden deaths: The stark differences between the health of men and women globally
InternationalUniversity of Washington, USA -
Time-restricted eating or hard exercise for your health? Why not both?
PLOS ONE
Getting some vigorous exercise in while you're on a time-restricted diet may together improve your health better than either one by themselves, say Tunisian, French and German researchers. In their study, 64 women with obesity were assigned to one Read more about Time-restricted eating or hard exercise for your health? Why not both?
InternationalUniversity of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia -
Less than half of Victorian pharmacies stock naloxone, and even fewer have supplied it
Drug and Alcohol Review
Less than half of Victorian community pharmacies stock naloxone, with even fewer actually supplying it in the year prior to the survey, according to Australian research. The researchers surveyed 265 pharmacies, mostly based in Melbourne, and found Read more about Less than half of Victorian pharmacies stock naloxone, and even fewer have supplied it
Australia; VICMonash University -
Historical data suggests hard knocks build long-term resilience
Nature
It seems what doesn’t kill you does seem to make you stronger, according to international researchers who say disturbances to human societies boost the ability of populations to resist and recover from subsequent downturns. The team analysed Read more about Historical data suggests hard knocks build long-term resilience
InternationalBournemouth University, UK -
There could be a chemical reason why we like our beer cold
Matter
Most of us like our beer cold and our sake warm, and international researchers say there could be a chemical reason why. Two Chinese researchers were having a beer together when they decided to investigate why specific alcohol concentrations were Read more about There could be a chemical reason why we like our beer cold
InternationalChinese Academy of Sciences, China -
Nutrient research reveals pathway for treating brain disorders
Nature
Researchers have found how dietary choline travels through the blood-brain barrier - a discovery that could be used to help deliver drugs into the brain to treat neurological disorders. A University of Queensland researcher has found molecular Read more about Nutrient research reveals pathway for treating brain disorders
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology -
Hormone therapy can help with menopause symptoms, but likely won't prevent health issues down the track
JAMA
Menopausal hormone therapy is a useful treatment for women with uncomfortable symptoms during menopause but is unlikely to help prevent other health problems down the track, according to international research. The researchers were involved in a Read more about Hormone therapy can help with menopause symptoms, but likely won't prevent health issues down the track
InternationalHarvard Medical School, USA -
Going veggo linked to slower prostate cancer progression
JAMA Network Open
In a study on over 2000 men with prostate cancer, those who ate loads of plant foods or went vegetarian had a lower risk of their cancer progressing, compared with those in the study eating the fewest plant foods. While this kind of study cannot Read more about Going veggo linked to slower prostate cancer progression
InternationalUniversity of California, San Francisco, USA