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High pornography exposure among young Australians helps fuel violence against women
Australia and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
Public health strategies among young people must address violence against women and risky sexual practices associated with pornography exposure, QUT researchers say. QUT researchers from the QUT School of Justice Professor Michael Flood and PhD Read more about High pornography exposure among young Australians helps fuel violence against women
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Alcohol retailers exploiting pregnancy warning loophole, putting babies at risk
Drug and Alcohol Review
A study by The George Institute shows Australia’s largest alcohol retailers are not displaying mandatory pregnancy warnings on their websites, potentially putting customers’ unborn children at risk of permanent brain damage. Virtually none (0. 1% Read more about Alcohol retailers exploiting pregnancy warning loophole, putting babies at risk
Australia; NSW; VIC; WAGeorge Institute for Global Health|The University of Melbourne... -
WMO says 2023 was hottest year on record - by a lot
A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) shows that we smashed previous records for greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, Antarctic sea ice cover and our glaciers retreating. Read more about WMO says 2023 was hottest year on record - by a lot
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) -
AI psychotherapy could help those struggling to reach out
Lecture Notes in Computer Science (book)
New research from Murdoch University has revealed the potential of AI psychotherapy in providing treatment to people without access to traditional services. With staggering statistics about the mental health struggles facing Australians, there has Read more about AI psychotherapy could help those struggling to reach out
AustraliaMurdoch University -
Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor
Advanced Sensor Research
For decades, people with diabetes have relied on finger pricks to withdraw blood or adhesive microneedles to measure and manage their glucose levels. Researchers have taken an important step towards eliminating this discomfort with the discovery of Read more about Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor
Australia; VICARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)... -
New Zealand’s tertiary education ‘deserts’
Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online
Tertiary enrolment data from three regions reveals ‘educational deserts’ in NZ: areas with limited access and low participation, despite policies aiming for equitable access for rural and Māori communities. As NZ moves to dismantle its Read more about New Zealand’s tertiary education ‘deserts’
Australia; New ZealandSwinburne University of Technology|Wintec|Griffith University... -
Spent coffee grounds could be the next big thing in herbicide removal
Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology
Used coffee grounds could be repurposed to act as a powerful adsorbent of common herbicides used in agriculture, such as the highly neurotoxic herbicide bentazone, according to international researchers. The team used zinc chloride to activate the Read more about Spent coffee grounds could be the next big thing in herbicide removal
InternationalFederal Technological University of Paraná, Brazil -
Taking back control - Economists warn of side-effects of raising the retirement age
The Economic Journal
Leaving paid work opens the door to potentially the best stage of life, and a new study confirms the health and wellbeing benefits which can stem from retirement via an individual’s increased ‘locus of control,’ a psychological trait Read more about Taking back control - Economists warn of side-effects of raising the retirement age
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Alternative tidal wetlands in plain sight overlooked Blue Carbon superstars
BioScience
In a new study, scientists from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Vietnam, the US and Mexico have highlighted the increasing opportunities for Blue Carbon projects for the conservation, restoration and improved management of highly Read more about Alternative tidal wetlands in plain sight overlooked Blue Carbon superstars
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University -
‘Climate rollercoaster’: strong weather fluctuations rocked Australia in 2023
2023 was a “year of opposites” for Australia’s environment, but despite conditions fluctuating between wet and dry, overall conditions remain stable following a bumper year in 2022, according to the latest Australia’s Environment Report, led Read more about ‘Climate rollercoaster’: strong weather fluctuations rocked Australia in 2023
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTThe Australian National University -
Hope for autoinflammatory disease treatment
Science Signalling
University of Queensland researchers have discovered how the ‘on-switch’ for the body’s inflammation machinery can get stuck, causing rare genetic inflammatory diseases. In these diseases, there are genetic mutations that stick the Read more about Hope for autoinflammatory disease treatment
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience -
Being poorer might age our brains faster
JNeurosci
Swiss and German researchers say they found a link between having a lower household income and the speed at which the white matter in our brains declines. White matter is important for our cognition as it relays information between different regions Read more about Being poorer might age our brains faster
InternationalGeneva University Hospitals, Switzerland -
Why do cancer patients lose weight?
Nature Metabolism
About 20% of cancer deaths can be attributed to weight loss caused by the disease, and international researchers believe they have discovered a way cancer-related weight loss happens. The researchers screened the levels of metabolites - substances Read more about Why do cancer patients lose weight?
InternationalPeking University, China -
Animal activity changed in unexpected ways during lockdown
Nature Ecology and Evolution
Using data from global wildlife camera traps, researchers have outlined how various types of mammals took advantage of the "anthropause": the sudden decrease in human activity during the pandemic. Despite the popular meme that "nature is healing", Read more about Animal activity changed in unexpected ways during lockdown
InternationalUniversity of British Columbia, Canada -
Which anti-seizure medications are safest to take while pregnant?
JAMA Neurology
Some common anti-seizure medications are much safer to take while pregnant, according to Australian and international research. Many women with epilepsy need to continue taking anti-seizure medications while pregnant, despite these medications Read more about Which anti-seizure medications are safest to take while pregnant?
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Monash University -
Mystery of 'Havana syndrome' continues as no clear clinical issues found
JAMA
Assessments of 86 US government staff and family members who developed mysterious symptoms after serving overseas, something often called “Havana syndrome”, have failed to find significant clinical differences between people with this syndrome Read more about Mystery of 'Havana syndrome' continues as no clear clinical issues found
InternationalNational Institutes of Health, USA -
Sustainable solution for wastewater polluted by dyes (and it's 'golden')
Solar RRR
Water pollution from dyes used in textile, food, cosmetic and other manufacturing is a major ecological concern with industry and scientists seeking biocompatible and more sustainable alternatives to protect the environment. A new study led by Read more about Sustainable solution for wastewater polluted by dyes (and it's 'golden')
Australia; International; QLD; SAFlinders University|Griffith University -
Very few fractures would be prevented by having more fracture prevention services in hospitals
Medical Journal of Australia
Increasing the number of fracture liaison services in Australian hospitals, which are designed to help prevent repeated fractures in people with fragile bone from osteoporosis, would prevent fewer than 1% of minimal trauma fractures but the costs Read more about Very few fractures would be prevented by having more fracture prevention services in hospitals
Australia; NSW; VICMonash University|Garvan Institute of Medical Research... -
Remote cognitive behavioural therapy seems to be just as good as in-person
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Based on 5,463 patients' experiences, remote cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) appears to be just as effective as in-person methods for treating a variety of conditions. Treatments were studied for depressive symptoms, insomnia, chronic pain or Read more about Remote cognitive behavioural therapy seems to be just as good as in-person
InternationalMcMaster University -
Flooded in 2022 or 2023? Share your experience to improve flood safety
A new research project seeks to learn from the experiences of people affected by flooding in South Australia, Victoria and south-western NSW to gather vital insights about the information, communication and response in their local communities. A new Read more about Flooded in 2022 or 2023? Share your experience to improve flood safety
Australia; NSW; VIC; SANatural Hazards Research Australia -
Use of implantable defibrillators is increasing but clearer guidance is needed
Medical Journal of Australia
In NSW, the use of implantable defibrillators to manage life‐threatening heart rhythms has increased since 2005, but clearer guidance on their appropriate use is needed, according to the authors of new research. The study found that a Read more about Use of implantable defibrillators is increasing but clearer guidance is needed
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Sydney|James Cook University|The University of Queensland -
Calls to end the restraining of prisoners receiving palliative care
Medical Journal of Australia
Australian experts have called for the practice of restraining dying prisoner patients to be reviewed and overhauled so that "prisoners can be granted the fundamental human right of a dignified death". The experts say the processes for getting the Read more about Calls to end the restraining of prisoners receiving palliative care
Australia; VICMonash University|St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne|The University of Melbourne -
AI tools and parent support could be keys to unlock perfectionism
Internet Interventions
The quest to find ideal therapy for perfectionism, a condition showing alarming growth among very young people, has moved online - with researchers believing that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools could provide a better, more convenient solution, Read more about AI tools and parent support could be keys to unlock perfectionism
Australia; International; SA; WAFlinders University|Curtin University -
Fast-charging lithium-sulphur batteries on the horizon
Nature Nanotechnology
New research shows that the next generation of lithium-sulphur (Li||S) batteries may be capable of being charged in less than five minutes, instead of several hours as is currently the case. New research shows that the next generation of Read more about Fast-charging lithium-sulphur batteries on the horizon
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; SAThe University of Adelaide|Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)... -
EXPERT REACTION: It's now cheaper to run a fully electric home and car in NZ - report
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world where electric appliances and vehicles are now more affordable than their fossil fuel equivalents, according to a new report from an independent energy transition charity. The report finds that Read more about EXPERT REACTION: It's now cheaper to run a fully electric home and car in NZ - report
New Zealand -
Easing concern at antipsychotics use in pregnancy
eClinicalMedicine
The use of antipsychotics during pregnancy isn’t linked to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders or learning difficulties, UNSW Sydney-led study shows – giving assurance to those concerned about continuing their medications during pregnancy. Read more about Easing concern at antipsychotics use in pregnancy
Australia; International; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
With dietitian support, very low calorie diets may be safe for teens
European Congress on Obesity
A short-term, very low calorie diet may be a safe option for teenagers with moderate to severe obesity if they are closely monitored by an experienced dietitian, according to a conference presentation by Australian researchers to be delivered at the Read more about With dietitian support, very low calorie diets may be safe for teens
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Alarm bells ring as scientists uncover major flaws in ability to track changes to global conservation areas
One Earth
An international team of researchers has identified a method to carefully monitor changes in Conserved Areas. In a significant stride towards safeguarding global biodiversity, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has set a target Read more about Alarm bells ring as scientists uncover major flaws in ability to track changes to global conservation areas
Australia; VICMonash University|WWF Australia -
Re"pee"t urine testing recommended for more accurate kidney disease diagnosis
American Journal of Kidney Diseases
A team of Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute researchers has found that repeated measurement of albuminuria would provide a far more accurate measure of the progression of diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) than current practices. A team of our Read more about Re"pee"t urine testing recommended for more accurate kidney disease diagnosis
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|Monash University... -
Women are at higher risk of going into shock after a car crash
Frontiers in Public Health
Going into shock can be life-threatening, and an international study has found women are more susceptible to shock after a car crash than men. The team analysed the injury data of more than 56,000 car crash victims by gender, investigating how car Read more about Women are at higher risk of going into shock after a car crash
InternationalMedical College of Wisconsin, USA -
Sleep apnea solution could be right under your nose
The Journal of Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Australian researchers have discovered that a bedtime nasal spray has the potential to reduce the severity of sleep apnea in people and lower their blood pressure. The new research published in The Journal of Heart and Circulatory Physiology offers Read more about Sleep apnea solution could be right under your nose
Australia; SAFlinders University -
NZ scientists develop a low-cost way to scan animal brains
Neurophotonics
Neuro-imaging systems such as MRI scanners are hugely expensive, but NZ scientists report being able to build one for animal testing from off-the-shelf components for under USD$10,000. The scanner, or mesoscope, is a microscope enabling both a large Read more about NZ scientists develop a low-cost way to scan animal brains
New ZealandDodd-Walls Centre|University of Auckland -
2 in 5 people worldwide are experiencing some sort of neurological disorder
The Lancet Neurology
Conditions affecting the nervous system are the leading cause of poor health and disability globally, according to international researchers who say 43% of the world's population were impacted in some way in 2021. The researchers analysed the Read more about 2 in 5 people worldwide are experiencing some sort of neurological disorder
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SAThe University of New South Wales|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
EXPERT REACTION: Long COVID may be no different to other long term virus effects
European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Long COVID may be no different to other post-viral syndromes, according to Australian research which found that people who tested positive for COVID-19 a year ago were no more likely to report moderate-to-severe functional limitations than people Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Long COVID may be no different to other long term virus effects
Australia; QLDQueensland Government -
Snakes on a plate
Scientific Reports
Burmese pythons grow quickly, eat relatively little, harbour fewer diseases than mammals and birds, and can withstand extended fasting periods. All together, they offer a feasible source of meat for future consumers. According to a study of python Read more about Snakes on a plate
InternationalMacquarie University|The University of Adelaide|University of Oxford, UK; University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa -
How do we better talk about sex and gender in science?
Cell
Clearer language and more thought on whether categorising people by sex in science is needed to improve research related to sex and gender, according to a focus issue in Cell. The issue contains a series of opinion pieces and Q&As on sex and gender Read more about How do we better talk about sex and gender in science?
International -
Could the classic 'drinking bird' toy be our next electricity generator?
Device
Inspired by Dippy Bird, the classic drinking bird toy, international researchers have developed an engine that efficiently converts energy from water evaporation into electricity to power small electronics. The device produces energy outputs Read more about Could the classic 'drinking bird' toy be our next electricity generator?
InternationalSouth China University of Technology, China -
Common viruses trigger most cases of intussusception in children
Clinical Infectious Diseases
Viral infections trigger more cases ofintussusception, the common cause of bowel blockages in young children, than previously thought, according to a new study. Research at a Glance: A study led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has found Read more about Common viruses trigger most cases of intussusception in children
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Melbourne -
First gene therapy test in whole human liver
Nature Communication
Scientists from Children's Medical Research Institute in Sydney have, for the first time, tested novel gene therapies in a whole human liver - aiming to develop more effective treatments for inherited diseases. In a worldwide first-of-its-kind study Read more about First gene therapy test in whole human liver
Australia; NSWChildren's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) -
New ‘microcombs’ dreamt up under lockdown
Nature Photonics
While you were making lockdown sourdough, a NZ physicist was dreaming up a new way to transform laser beams. "Microcombs" are an emerging technology in which a miniscule ring made on a microchip (like the one inside your phone) can transform a Read more about New ‘microcombs’ dreamt up under lockdown
New Zealand; InternationalDodd-Walls Centre|University of Auckland -
Revealing the genetic code behind non-identical twins
Human Reproduction
A QIMR Berghofer-led international team of scientists has unlocked the genetic secrets behind why some mothers are more likely than others to conceive twins. The study, published in Human Reproduction, has identified seven genes that regulate the Read more about Revealing the genetic code behind non-identical twins
Australia; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute -
Patient-paramedic trust can help free up emergency departments
The professionalism and compassion of paramedics attending emergency calls can reduce unnecessary presentations at hospital emergency departments, according to University of the Sunshine Coast research by a veteran ambulance officer. The Read more about Patient-paramedic trust can help free up emergency departments
Australia; NSW; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
For 3 days, the quantum world centred on Australia
Quantum Australia 2024
Business is ignoring the hype and preparing for moon-shot applications. THERE WAS A REAL buzz at Quantum Australia 2024 conference: the panels had diverse representatives from four corners of the globe, international heavy hitters appeared in Read more about For 3 days, the quantum world centred on Australia
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Biodiversity Council slams environmental law carve out for offshore oil and gas industry
Proposed amendments, hidden within the government’s Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Safety and Other Measures) Bill 2024, would carve out the offshore oil and gas industry from needing to comply with national Read more about Biodiversity Council slams environmental law carve out for offshore oil and gas industry
Australia; VIC; ACTBiodiversity Council|The University of Melbourne|The Australian National University -
Excessive gaming causing health issues
Computers in Human Behaviour
University of Queensland research has found gaming for more than three hours a day can lead to health problems. University of Queensland research has found gaming for more than three hours a day can lead to health problems. Dr Daniel Read more about Excessive gaming causing health issues
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Queensland|The University of New South Wales... -
Getting to the heart of the problem: New approach to preventing age-induced cardiovascular disease
The FASEB Journal
Melbourne researchers have advanced evidence to support the development of a new class of drugs to regulate blood pressure and age-associated changes in cardiovascular function. Melbourne researchers, led by Monash University, have advanced evidence Read more about Getting to the heart of the problem: New approach to preventing age-induced cardiovascular disease
Australia; VICMonash University|Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute... -
Small but mighty: Marine zooplankton bring global meeting to Hobart
7th ICES-PICES International Zooplankton Production Symposium
Marine zooplankton are the most abundant and diverse (and beautiful) ‘eco-influencers’ on the planet. Hundreds of scientists are gathering to discuss the future of zooplankton in a changing world. More than 340 scientists from 38 countries Read more about Small but mighty: Marine zooplankton bring global meeting to Hobart
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania -
Diabetes drug helps weight loss regardless of how overweight or obese a patient is, and for how long
European Congress on Obesity
Diabetes drug Tirzepatide is able to help a person with overweight/obesity lose weight regardless of how long they have had the weight and how overweight or obese they are, according to two conference presentations set for the European Congress on Read more about Diabetes drug helps weight loss regardless of how overweight or obese a patient is, and for how long
InternationalUniversity College Dublin, Ireland (Presentation 1), University of Naples Federico II, Italy (Presentation 2) -
Protein discovery sparks treatment hope for aggressive cancer
Science Advances
Researchers have found a new way to potentially treat one of the most common forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Researchers have found a new way to potentially treat one of the most common forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The study, led Read more about Protein discovery sparks treatment hope for aggressive cancer
Australia; VIC; QLD; SAWEHI|Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Dogs could leave you less stressed and help you concentrate
PLOS ONE
Feeling stressed? Can’t concentrate? Try pawsing and hanging out with a dog, suggests a small international study. The team asked 30 participants to perform eight activities with a well-trained dog, including playing with a toy, giving her treats, Read more about Dogs could leave you less stressed and help you concentrate
InternationalKonkuk University, South Korea