Skink social network may help save species

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

Reptiles, apart from dinosaurs, aren’t usually thought of as particularly sociable. However, researchers from the University of Otago found that social groups of between two and eight endangered Otago skinks in Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary persisted Read more about Skink social network may help save species

Early antibiotic use could have an effect on growth

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Communications

Exposure to antibiotics in the first few weeks of life is associated with reduced weight and height in boys up to the age of six, but not girls, according to international researchers who suggest this effect may be due to changes in the development Read more about Early antibiotic use could have an effect on growth

Three-day old blind mice, see how they 'run' to their mums

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Cell Reports

Three day old mice, still blind, can recognise their mum, and they retain this memory later in life. Experiments showed that the babies preferentially orientate to their caregiver (biological or foster mother) if given a choice between her and an Read more about Three-day old blind mice, see how they 'run' to their mums

Putting bugs on the menu, safely

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Food Chemistry

The thought of eating insects is stomach turning for many, but new Edith Cowan University (ECU) research is shedding light on allergy causing proteins which could pose serious health risks for those suffering from shellfish allergy. The research, Read more about Putting bugs on the menu, safely

No fans, no fights - did sporting matches get less heated during COVID?

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

Humanities & Social Sciences Communications

Sporting matches may have been less emotional in 2020, according to international research, which suggests that the absence of supporters at Austrian Bundesliga soccer games during the COVID pandemic resulted in fewer arguments or emotional Read more about No fans, no fights - did sporting matches get less heated during COVID?

Air pollution linked to increased risk of progressive and irreversible blindness

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

British Journal of Ophthalmology

Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of progressive and irreversible sight loss, known as age-related macular degeneration, according to UK research. The study of over 100,000 people found that people who were exposed to higher fine Read more about Air pollution linked to increased risk of progressive and irreversible blindness

Afternoon naps may boost your brain

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

General Psychiatry

If you were looking for an excuse to sneak in a quick siesta, Chinese scientists say taking a regular afternoon nap may be linked to improved mental agility. They studied 2,214 people, 1,534 of whom enjoyed a regular afternoon snooze, and say a Read more about Afternoon naps may boost your brain

Music can soothe following major heart surgery

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Open Heart

Listening to music is linked to a significant reduction in anxiety and pain after major heart surgery, according to Dutch scientists who brought together previous research on the subject and re-analysed the pooled results. As music has neither risks Read more about Music can soothe following major heart surgery

Musicians have more connected brains than non-musicians, even without perfect pitch

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

JNeurosci

The brains of musicians have stronger structural and functional connections compared to those of non-musicians, according to international research. Musicians that began their training at a younger age also had stronger structural connections than Read more about Musicians have more connected brains than non-musicians, even without perfect pitch

Discovery makes the invisible visible

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Photonics

Australian scientists have discovered a new way to analyse microscopic cells, tissues and other transparent specimens, through the improvement of an almost 100-year-old imaging technique. Australian scientists have discovered a new way to analyse Read more about Discovery makes the invisible visible