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Negativity about vaccines surged on X (formerly Twitter) after COVID-19 jabs became available
ESCMID Global Congress 2024
The number of negative tweets about vaccines rose by 27% after COVID-19 jabs became available, according to a US scientist presenting his findings at the ESCMID Global Congress 2024. The analysis also found the number of negative tweets spiked when Read more about Negativity about vaccines surged on X (formerly Twitter) after COVID-19 jabs became available
InternationalStanford University School of Medicine, USA -
Cervical cancer vaccine roll out effective but huge variations in global coverage exist
ESCMID Global Congress
The global cervical cancer vaccine roll-out has been very effective in reducing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, according to Aussie researchers speaking at the ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona this week, however, there are huge Read more about Cervical cancer vaccine roll out effective but huge variations in global coverage exist
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Financial privilege may not protect you against lower back pain and arthritis
PLOS ONE
People living in wealthier neighbourhoods may be no less likely to develop lower back pain or arthritis, according to Australian and international researchers. The team looked at the prevalence of lower back pain and arthritis among identical twins Read more about Financial privilege may not protect you against lower back pain and arthritis
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
The pressures of COVID-19 science communication
ESCMID Global Congress
NZ microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles will talk at a global conference about her science communication during the Covid-19 pandemic, the subsequent harassment she faced, and what is now being done to help scientists subjected to threats for speaking Read more about The pressures of COVID-19 science communication
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland -
Genetic hope in fight against devastating wheat disease
Cell Host & Microbe
Fungal disease Fusarium head blight (FHB) is on the rise due to increasingly humid conditions induced by climate change during the wheat growing season, but a fundamental discovery by University of Adelaide researchers could help reduce its economic Read more about Genetic hope in fight against devastating wheat disease
Australia; SA; WAThe University of Adelaide|Murdoch University -
EXPERT Q&A: Mass whale stranding near Dunsborough in WA
About 160 long-finned pilot whales became stranded at Geographe Bay near Dunsborough, WA on Thursday morning. Murdoch University marine biologist and Senior Research Associate Dr Joshua Smith said the stranding may have been due to the long, Read more about EXPERT Q&A: Mass whale stranding near Dunsborough in WA
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
How much time a day should we spend sitting, sleeping, standing and being active for optimal health
Diabetologia
An international team has analysed over 2,000 people’s behaviours within a 24-hour day to determine the amount of time we should spend sitting, sleeping, standing and being physically active within a 24-hour period for optimal health. According to Read more about How much time a day should we spend sitting, sleeping, standing and being active for optimal health
Australia; VIC; QLD; SASwinburne University of Technology|Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute... -
Climate change reveals intricate dynamics of reproductive barriers in marine species
Evolution
Monash University scientists have uncovered insights into how rising temperatures influence the reproductive interactions and species boundaries of marine organisms. Monash University scientists have uncovered insights into how rising temperatures Read more about Climate change reveals intricate dynamics of reproductive barriers in marine species
Australia; VICMonash University -
Gigantic Jurassic raptor footprints unearthed
iScience
Scientists have discovered the tracks of a five-metre-long raptor dinosaur, challenging what was previously known about the species’ size range. Scientists have discovered the tracks of a five-metre-long raptor dinosaur, challenging what was Read more about Gigantic Jurassic raptor footprints unearthed
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Bisexual and lesbian women died 26% earlier than straight peers in long-term study
JAMA
Data from more than 90,000 nurses studied over the course of 27 years found bisexual- and lesbian-identified nurses died earlier than their straight counterparts. Bisexual women in particular had the most pronounced disparities in all-cause mortality Read more about Bisexual and lesbian women died 26% earlier than straight peers in long-term study
InternationalHarvard University, USA; -
Have we cracked the link between depression and heart disease?
Frontiers in Psychiatry
International scientists believe that they have explained the puzzling link between depression and heart disease; it's down to our genes. The team say they found a 'gene module' which consists of 256 functionally related and co-expressed genes that Read more about Have we cracked the link between depression and heart disease?
InternationalTampere University, Tampere, Finland -
Short courses of low dose opioid painkillers during pregnancy not linked to psychiatric disorders in children
The BMJ
Taking low doses of prescription opioids for short periods after the first trimester of pregnancy is relatively safe in terms of neuropsychiatric disorders in children, but caution is needed for higher doses over longer periods, according to South Read more about Short courses of low dose opioid painkillers during pregnancy not linked to psychiatric disorders in children
InternationalKyung Hee University College of Medicine, South Korea, University of Rhode Island, USA -
C-section and antibiotic use may be driving the increase of antibiotic-resistant infections in infants
ESCMID Global Congress
Caesarean delivery and antibiotic use could be driving the increase of antibiotic-resistant infections among infants, according to new research being presented at this year’s ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona. The researchers conducted Read more about C-section and antibiotic use may be driving the increase of antibiotic-resistant infections in infants
InternationalUiT The Artic University of Norway, Norway -
As the world warms, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry are spreading to new areas
ESCMID Global Congress 2024
As the world heats up, an additional 4. 7 billion people around the world are predicted to be at risk of malaria, dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases by 2100 if emissions and population growth continue to grow at current rates, according to a Read more about As the world warms, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry are spreading to new areas
InternationalBarcelona Supercomputing Center, Spain -
Could UV lights protect our hospitals against the next pandemic?
Experts presenting at the ESCMID Global Congress suggest that the use of low doses of ultraviolet (UV) light, known as far-UVC can kill viruses and bacteria without the dangers of conventional UV light. They say beaming this far-UVC into an empty Read more about Could UV lights protect our hospitals against the next pandemic?
InternationalLouis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in Cleveland, USA -
More than half of branded plastic pollution linked to 56 companies
Science Advances
An international team of researchers has provided the first ever quantification of products from global plastic producers in the environment. The new study, published in Science Advances, found more than half of branded plastic pollution in the Read more about More than half of branded plastic pollution linked to 56 companies
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalCSIRO -
Supersize sushi bites back! World's biggest salmon sported tusk-like teeth
PLOS ONE
US and Canadian scientists say a giant species of salmon that lived in the North American Pacific Northwest a few million years ago, and is thought to have reached sizes of 2. 7m, had a pair of front teeth that projected out from the sides of its Read more about Supersize sushi bites back! World's biggest salmon sported tusk-like teeth
InternationalPhiladelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA -
The benefits of crown-of-thorns starfish control on the Great Barrier Reef
PLOS ONE
New research has revealed that years of targeted crown-of-thorns starfish control on the Great Barrier Reef has protected coral and supported reef health and resilience. The study led by the Reef Authority in collaboration with research and delivery Read more about The benefits of crown-of-thorns starfish control on the Great Barrier Reef
Australia; NSW; QLD; ACTGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)|Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)... -
The 'tree of life' for flowering plants comes into bloom
Nature
Australian researchers have helped build a 'flowering plant tree of life' that could aid in identifying new species and, discovering new medicines while battling biodiversity loss in the face of a changing climate. Flowering plants make up about 90% Read more about The 'tree of life' for flowering plants comes into bloom
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTJames Cook University|Botanic Gardens of Sydney|Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria... -
Cognitive behaviour therapy may be more helpful than mindfulness for people with long-term grief
JAMA Psychiatry
Persistent longing for a lost loved one can bring significant emotional pain and affect people's health, and now Australian research has found that people with prolonged grief disorder may benefit more from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) than Read more about Cognitive behaviour therapy may be more helpful than mindfulness for people with long-term grief
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of New South Wales|The Westmead Institute for Medical Research... -
Lab-grown 'mini-colons' could help with cancer research
Nature
A lab-grown 'mini-colon' could aid the development and discovery of new genetic targets and tumour-suppressive drugs for colon cancer, according to international researchers, who developed the 'mini-colons' - known as organoids - to model the Read more about Lab-grown 'mini-colons' could help with cancer research
InternationalÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland -
Community notes can help counter COVID-19 vax misinformation on X (formerly Twitter)
JAMA
Among the measures to help counter COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on X (formerly Twitter), crowdsourced 'community notes' were introduced in 2022. Now, US scientists have analysed 657 of these and say the notes they looked at primarily addressed Read more about Community notes can help counter COVID-19 vax misinformation on X (formerly Twitter)
InternationalUniversity of California, USA -
Dead star lights up a nearby galaxy with a gamma-ray burst
Nature
A gamma-ray burst from a type of neutron star called a magentar has been detected by international researchers, observing the relatively close-by galaxy known as M82. Magnetar gamma-ray bursts are rare explosive events and the latest discovery may Read more about Dead star lights up a nearby galaxy with a gamma-ray burst
InternationalINAF - Istituto di Astrofisica Spaziale e Fisica Cosmica di Milano, Italy -
Tongan volcano may have exploded because it couldn't pass gas
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
A new study of the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption has proposed that a gaseous seal created pressure which led to the massive explosion that was felt worldwide. The energy required to bring such a large ash cloud from beneath the waves and into the Read more about Tongan volcano may have exploded because it couldn't pass gas
Australia; New Zealand; PacificGNS Science|The Australian National University -
Black hole “traffic jams” discovered in galactic centres
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
An international study, led by researchers from Monash University, has revealed crucial insights into black hole dynamics within massive discs at the centres of galaxies. The study shows the intricate processes governing when and where black holes Read more about Black hole “traffic jams” discovered in galactic centres
Australia; VICMonash University|ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGRav) -
Plum perfect: a natural alternative to preserve meat
Meat Science
A native bushfood has proven to be a promising natural alternative to synthetic chemicals used to preserve meat, according to University of Queensland research. Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation PhD scholar Michel Beya said Read more about Plum perfect: a natural alternative to preserve meat
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
The biggest birds bring the bass: Size shapes the birdsong of honeyeaters
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Honeyeaters' songs are mostly shaped by how big the birds are that are singing, rather than environmental or habitat influences, according to Australian research, which found that smaller-sized honeyeaters produce higher frequency songs, while the Read more about The biggest birds bring the bass: Size shapes the birdsong of honeyeaters
Australia; VICMonash University -
Australian regions needing cardiac arrest education revealed
PLOS ONE
Researchers have identified Australian regions with high rates of cardiac arrest and low rates of CPR. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) incidence fell during the Heart Foundation’s Warning Signs campaign for heart attacks, which suggests that Read more about Australian regions needing cardiac arrest education revealed
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTMonash University|Curtin University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
How do birds keep the beat? It's all in their genes
Nature Communications
How do birds learn to maintain rhythm and tempo in their songs? They don't, according to international researchers who say these abilities are likely innate and controlled by a bird's genes. The team measured the song rhythms of yellow- and Read more about How do birds keep the beat? It's all in their genes
InternationalUppsala University, Sweden -
Struggling to taste things after COVID? It could that your sense of smell is to blame
JAMA Network Open
You may feel like COVID-19 left you with a lingering loss of taste, but research from the US suggests that it may actually be a loss of your sense of smell that is to blame. The research used objective measures of taste and smell in people one year Read more about Struggling to taste things after COVID? It could that your sense of smell is to blame
InternationalSensonics International, University of Pennsylvania, USA -
National survey suggests Aussies don't know much about dementia
An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) survey found most Aussies would adopt a healthier lifestyle if they knew more about ways of reducing their risk of dementia, but only one in three are confident in their knowledge of how to reduce Read more about National survey suggests Aussies don't know much about dementia
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
NEWS BRIEFING: How do we ensure a thriving Murray-Darling Basin in 50 years?
BRIEFING RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE We must protect the future of the Murray-Darling Basin, according to Aussie experts who say climate change is threatening the river’s health and sustainability. Ten of Australia’s leading water experts have Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: How do we ensure a thriving Murray-Darling Basin in 50 years?
Australia; NSW; SA; ACTAustralian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) -
It’s not too late to save the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Nature Communications
New NZ-led research has found a ‘missing piece in the puzzle’ of West Antarctic Ice Sheet melt, revealing the collapse of the ice sheet in the Ross Sea region can be prevented – if we keep to a low-emissions pathway. This is crucial, as Read more about It’s not too late to save the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
New Zealand; InternationalGNS Science|Victoria University of Wellington|Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA; -
Urgent need for logging loophole remedy within proposed koala national park
International Journal of Social Quality
A team of conservation and policy researchers have called for a logging loophole within the proposed Great Koala National Park to be urgently remedied to stem the tide of harmful outcomes impacting the South East Australian koala population. The new Read more about Urgent need for logging loophole remedy within proposed koala national park
Australia; NSW; QLD; SAGriffith University|Flinders University|Central Queensland University -
How do we improve heart disease diagnosis in women?
Frontiers in Physiology
The current method of measuring heart disease risk leaves many women undiagnosed, according to international researchers who used AI to find better ways to detect heart disease in women. Using AI models, the team found that women are underdiagnosed Read more about How do we improve heart disease diagnosis in women?
InternationalStanford University, USA -
Call for enhanced research into common post-stroke condition
Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation
Lateropulsion, a clinical condition that results in the body leaning to one side affects about half of all stroke survivors. In recent research, the team found that lateropulsion could continue to resolve up to one-year post-stroke, far beyond the Read more about Call for enhanced research into common post-stroke condition
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
No bull: How breeding less-gassy cows could help fight climate change
Climate
A Curtin University study has revealed breeding less-flatulent cows and restoring agricultural land could significantly reduce rising methane emission levels, which play a considerable role in climate change. A Curtin University study has revealed Read more about No bull: How breeding less-gassy cows could help fight climate change
Australia; WACurtin University -
Tropical fish are invading Australian ocean water
Journal of Animal Ecology
A University of Adelaide study of shallow-water fish communities on rocky reefs in south-eastern Australia has found climate change is helping tropical fish species invade temperate Australian waters. According to the team, the fish are travelling Read more about Tropical fish are invading Australian ocean water
Australia; NSW; SAThe University of Adelaide|University of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
Energy-smart bricks keep waste out of landfill
Construction and Building Materials
Engineers have invented energy-efficient bricks with scrap materials, including glass, that are normally destined for landfill. Test results indicate that using these bricks in the construction of a single-storey building could reduce household Read more about Energy-smart bricks keep waste out of landfill
Australia; VICRMIT University -
Hey Dave, I’ve got an idea for you. What’s the potential of AI-led workshopping?
JOSPT Open
Sure, ChatGPT can write a poem about your pet in the style of T. S Eliot, but generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have a potentially more useful role to play in idea generation according to a new study by University of Technology Sydney Read more about Hey Dave, I’ve got an idea for you. What’s the potential of AI-led workshopping?
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
Arthritis linked to blood cancer mutations
Blood
A team of Adelaide and US researchers has discovered a link between a less common form of rheumatoid arthritis and gene mutations found in blood cancer. The team was surprised to discover that many patients with mutations in epigenetic genes that Read more about Arthritis linked to blood cancer mutations
Australia; SASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)... -
COVID-19 treatment guidelines differ widely between countries, and most recommend treatments that don't work
BMJ Global Health
National clinical guidelines for the treatment of COVID-19 vary widely around the world, with poorer countries furthest from the 'gold standard' treatment recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), and most countries recommending at Read more about COVID-19 treatment guidelines differ widely between countries, and most recommend treatments that don't work
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK, Mahidol University, Thailand -
Is your doctor female? You may be less likely to die
Annals of Internal Medicine
A Japanese and US study of more than 700,000 US patients over the age of 65 found that those with a female doctor were less likely to die or be readmitted to hospital, compared to patients with a male doctor, and the effect was more pronounced for Read more about Is your doctor female? You may be less likely to die
InternationalThe University of Tokyo, Japan -
EXPERT REACTION: Australia is having more frequent fires and it is bad news for threatened species
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
The habitats of Australia's threatened species are experiencing widespread declines in unburnt areas and increases in fire frequency, new research suggests. The study looked at fire patterns across southern Australia from 1980 to 2021, spanning 415 Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Australia is having more frequent fires and it is bad news for threatened species
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; NT; ACTThe University of Sydney|Deakin University|Charles Sturt University... -
Digital alcohol marketing reinforces harmful gender norms
Drug and Alcohol Review
A NZ-led research team found online alcohol marketing is not only highly gendered, but digital ads targeted towards women drew on a much wider range of both traditional and evolving gender norms than for men. For example, traditional stereotypes Read more about Digital alcohol marketing reinforces harmful gender norms
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom -
How can health authorities better communicate with multicultural Australia in an emergency?
Australian Journal of Social Issues
In a public health crisis like a pandemic or natural disaster, health authorities could benefit from working more with trusted local community organisations and leaders to ensure the message is not only delivered but also received and understood, Read more about How can health authorities better communicate with multicultural Australia in an emergency?
Australia; VICLa Trobe University -
Arvo at work dragging? Try looking at a cluttered, forgettable image to speed up time
Nature Human Behaviour
What's in an image we're looking at appears to influence our perception of the passing of time, according to US researchers, who say their findings suggest there's no 'universal internal clock' in the brain. The team asked 170 people to observe a Read more about Arvo at work dragging? Try looking at a cluttered, forgettable image to speed up time
InternationalGeorge Mason University, USA -
Sustainable tool can diagnose several different cancers
Nature Sustainability
Chinese scientists say they've developed an accurate, affordable, and environmentally and user-friendly diagnostic tool for multiple cancers – including pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers. They say it can diagnose cancers within minutes Read more about Sustainable tool can diagnose several different cancers
InternationalEast China Normal University, China -
New JWST observations reveal black holes rapidly shut off star formation in massive galaxies
Nature
New research published in Nature showcases new observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) that suggest black holes rapidly shut off star-formation in massive galaxies by explosively removing large amounts of gas. New research published Read more about New JWST observations reveal black holes rapidly shut off star formation in massive galaxies
InternationalSwinburne University of Technology -
Delirium ID toolkit boosts carer knowledge to prevent, manage the condition
Journal of General Internal Medicine
Carers involved in a pilot study have endorsed an online tool for assessing delirium which gives them a key role in the management of loved ones affected by the confused mental state. The new Australian-led international research showed delirium Read more about Delirium ID toolkit boosts carer knowledge to prevent, manage the condition
Australia; International; NSW; QLD; ACTSouthern Cross University|University of the Sunshine Coast...