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Number of Aussie teens involved with the justice system continues to drop
Fewer and fewer Aussie teens are under supervision by the justice system on any given day, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The 2022-2023 instalment of the annual report shows an average of 4542 young people Read more about Number of Aussie teens involved with the justice system continues to drop
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Young Aussies leaving the justice system are at high risk of psychiatric hospitalisation
BMJ Mental Health
Teenagers and young adults who have been involved with the criminal justice system are at high risk of a psychiatric hospitalisation once they leave supervision, according to Australian research. This group is known to be at risk of mental health Read more about Young Aussies leaving the justice system are at high risk of psychiatric hospitalisation
Australia; NSW; WAKirby Institute, UNSW Sydney|The University of New South Wales... -
Science protected in Defence exports law passed by parliament
Australia’s scientists say the passage of the Defence Trade Control Amendment Bill 2023 today improves the balance between protecting Australia’s national security and enabling the benefits that open scientific collaboration offer Australia and Read more about Science protected in Defence exports law passed by parliament
Australia; InternationalAustralian Academy of Science -
How do caterpillars stop bleeding from their tiny wounds?
Frontiers in Soft Matter
Tobacco hornworm caterpillars can seal their wounds and stop bleeding within a minute, according to international researchers investigating the mystery of how the blood-like substance in many of the world's smallest critters works. Most animals that Read more about How do caterpillars stop bleeding from their tiny wounds?
InternationalClemson University, USA -
No evidence probiotics offer benefit during pregnancy
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
A systematic review of the use of probiotics during pregnancy on pregnancy-related conditions found no evidence that probiotics had any effect on the conditions. Published today in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Read more about No evidence probiotics offer benefit during pregnancy
Australia; VICBurnet Institute|Monash University -
Australia’s potential as a global leader for surgical AI
Medical Journal of Australia
Australia and New Zealand could become international leaders in the safe use of artificial intelligence (AI) in surgery, but first there needs to be guidelines in place to safeguard patients, according to University of Adelaide experts. Australia Read more about Australia’s potential as a global leader for surgical AI
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|Flinders University -
When the ‘dwarf’ in rock-wallaby doesn’t match the size of its bite
Biology Letters
Australian rock-wallabies are ‘little Napoleons’ when it comes to compensating for small size, packing much more punch into their bite than larger relatives. Researchers from Flinders University made the discovery while investigating how two Read more about When the ‘dwarf’ in rock-wallaby doesn’t match the size of its bite
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Getting regular exercise may help with a good night sleep
BMJ Open
People who regularly exercise 2 - 3 times a week are less likely to have insomnia, and more likely to get the recommended 6-9 hours of sleep, according to Aussie and international researchers. The team analysed survey data from over 4,000 people Read more about Getting regular exercise may help with a good night sleep
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Wine growing regions at risk with climate change
Nature Reviews Earth & Environment
Up to 70% of the world's wine growing regions, including those in Australia, could be at risk if the global temperatures increase beyond 2°C, say international researchers. The researchers say climate change in Australia will lead to overall Read more about Wine growing regions at risk with climate change
Australia; New Zealand; International; NSW; TASBordeaux Sciences Agro, Villenave d’Ornon, France -
Computers might be able to improve the flavour of beer
Nature Communications
Our favourite sweet golden nectar might have a even tastier future say Belgian researchers, who used a machine learning method to make better tasting beers. The researchers characterised over 200 chemical properties from 250 Belgian beers across 22 Read more about Computers might be able to improve the flavour of beer
InternationalKU Leuven, Belgium -
Breastfeeding your bub for 3 months could help reduce their cancer risk
JAMA Network Open
Babies who are exclusively breastfed for 3 months or longer may have a lower risk of childhood cancer, according to a Danish study. The study included all Danish kids born between 2005 and 2018 and found that there was a lower rate of blood cancers Read more about Breastfeeding your bub for 3 months could help reduce their cancer risk
Australia; International; WACurtin University|Danish Cancer Institute -
Tackling sex and gender inequities in health and medicine
Australia can start to challenge the ‘one-size-fits-all’ male-centric approach to medical care that results in significant disadvantage for women and girls, people with variations of sex characteristics (intersex people), trans and Read more about Tackling sex and gender inequities in health and medicine
Australia; NSW; VICGeorge Institute for Global Health|The University of New South Wales... -
Silicon spikes take out 96% of virus particles
ACS Nano
An international research team led by RMIT University has designed and manufactured a virus-killing surface that could help control disease spread in hospitals, labs and other high-risk environments. The surface made of silicon is covered in tiny Read more about Silicon spikes take out 96% of virus particles
Australia; VICRMIT University -
Plan encourages habitat protection to prevent pandemics
Nature Communications
A new plan published in Nature Communications advocates for using ecological perspectives to thwart disease outbreaks before they begin. Authored by an international team of 25 scientists, including Australian scientists, the paper suggested a Read more about Plan encourages habitat protection to prevent pandemics
Australia; QLDGriffith University -
Climate change will see Australia’s soil emit CO2 and add to global warming
NPJ Climate and Atmospheric Science
New Curtin University research has shown the warming climate will turn Australia’s soil into a net emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2), unless action is taken. Soil helps to keep the planet cool by absorbing carbon, however as the climate gets warmer Read more about Climate change will see Australia’s soil emit CO2 and add to global warming
Australia; WACurtin University -
Astronomers discover 49 new galaxies in under three hours
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
An international team of astronomers has discovered 49 new gas-rich galaxies using the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa. Dr Marcin Glowacki, from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Read more about Astronomers discover 49 new galaxies in under three hours
Australia; New Zealand; International; WAInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)... -
‘Urgent and sustainable’ action needed to safeguard health: MJA-Lancet Countdown
MJA
A focus on heat and health, and decarbonisation of the health sector, are among the key implications of the latest report of the MJA-Lancet Countdown on health and climate change. In the report, the authors are calling on Australian health Read more about ‘Urgent and sustainable’ action needed to safeguard health: MJA-Lancet Countdown
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; VIC; QLDThe University of Sydney|Macquarie University|University of Technology Sydney (UTS)... -
How lizards avoid being killed by venomous snakes
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
A University of Queensland-led study has shed light on how some lizards have evolved to resist deadly neurotoxins from Australia’s most venomous snakes. The research, led by UQ’s Professor Bryan Fry, focused on the interactions between venomous Read more about How lizards avoid being killed by venomous snakes
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLDThe University of Queensland|Australian Museum -
Blood analysis predicts sepsis and organ failure in children
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health
University of Queensland researchers have developed a method to predict if a child is likely to develop sepsis and go into organ failure. The research involved more than 900 critically ill children in the emergency departments and intensive care Read more about Blood analysis predicts sepsis and organ failure in children
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Griffith University -
A once a year COVID-19 vax with an extra jab for high risk people could be the right vaccine strategy
Annals of Internal Medicine
A once a year COVID-19 jab for most of us, with a second jab five months later for those over 50 or under 2 could be an effective vaccine strategy, according to US research. The study compared five annual vaccination strategies and found that Read more about A once a year COVID-19 vax with an extra jab for high risk people could be the right vaccine strategy
InternationalYale Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, USA -
Call for more holistic management of epilepsy as gaps revealed
Epilepsia Open
Tuesday is Purple Day for Epilepsy. Researchers from the Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) at The Florey are calling for changes to the way epilepsy is managed after a pilot study in 172 people highlighted differences in quality of life. The Read more about Call for more holistic management of epilepsy as gaps revealed
Australia; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health... -
We donate to charity to feel good about ourselves, but we give more to look good for others
PLOS ONE
Deciding to donate to charity is mostly driven by the warm glow we get about ourselves, but social pressure can influence how much we give, according to Australian research. The study compared people's willingness to donate to charity when another Read more about We donate to charity to feel good about ourselves, but we give more to look good for others
Australia; NSW; VICMonash University|The University of Sydney -
EXPERT REACTION: Chemicals in some disinfectants and flame retardants damage supporting cells of the brain in the lab
Nature Neuroscience
Two classes of chemicals that are found in some disinfectants and flame retardants could impair the development of a type of cell in the brain, called oligodendrocytes, according to laboratory experiments. Oligodendrocytes are cells that wrap Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Chemicals in some disinfectants and flame retardants damage supporting cells of the brain in the lab
InternationalCase Western Reserve University, USA -
Greater job flexibility and security helps keep psychological distress and anxiety low
JAMA Network Open
People who have greater job flexibility and job security are less likely to experience serious psychological distress or anxiety, according to international researchers. The team collected data on over 18,000 employed adults in the US, finding that Read more about Greater job flexibility and security helps keep psychological distress and anxiety low
InternationalBoston University, USA -
Ukraine war takes 'substantial' toll on local teens' mental health
JAMA Pediatrics
An international study of 8,096 Ukrainian teens, around half of whom lived in Ukraine throughout the war with Russia and around half of whom lived abroad during the conflict, found exposure to the war was linked with worse mental health outcomes. Read more about Ukraine war takes 'substantial' toll on local teens' mental health
InternationalThe University of Tokyo Hospital, Japan -
We're wasting over half our supply of this non-renewable fertiliser ingredient
Nature Food
NZ and UK scientists are warning we need to be much more careful in how we use phosphorus, if we want future generations to continue using the wonder fertiliser ingredient. Phosphorus stores are limited, and researchers calculate we could run out Read more about We're wasting over half our supply of this non-renewable fertiliser ingredient
New Zealand; InternationalOur Land and Water National Science Challenge|AgResearch... -
Gene discovery offers new hope for Aussies living with chronic skin disease
Nature Communications
Scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) have discovered a gene mutation is responsible for causing psoriasis – a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes patients to develop red, scaly and itchy patches across their body. Read more about Gene discovery offers new hope for Aussies living with chronic skin disease
Australia; International; ACTThe Australian National University -
Persian plateau unveiled as crucial hub for early human migration out of Africa
Nature Communications
A new study combining genetic, palaeoecological, and archaeological evidence has unveiled the Persian Plateau as a pivotal geographic location serving as a hub for Homo sapiens during the early stages of their migration out of Africa. Published in Read more about Persian plateau unveiled as crucial hub for early human migration out of Africa
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University -
Risk prediction using our genes and gut bacteria can improve early detection of diseases
Nature Aging
A new study has shown that risk scores based on our genes and gut bacteria can improve the prediction of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and prostate cancer over traditional risk factors alone. And when it comes to prediction of a person’s risk Read more about Risk prediction using our genes and gut bacteria can improve early detection of diseases
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|University of Cambridge, Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare. -
Bleaching can hamper reproduction and recovery in corals
Coral Reefs
Bleaching can suppress reproduction in a common coral species found in the Great Barrier Reef, hampering future reef replenishment, new research led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and James Cook University (JCU) has identified. Read more about Bleaching can hamper reproduction and recovery in corals
Australia; Pacific; International; QLDAustralian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)|James Cook University... -
The sound of space: Why scientists are turning telescope data into sounds
Frontiers in Communication
Images from telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope have expanded the way we see space. But what if you can’t see? Can stars be turned into sounds instead? NASA’s Universe of Sound data sonification program, with NASA’s Chandra X-ray Read more about The sound of space: Why scientists are turning telescope data into sounds
InternationalHarvard University, USA -
Scientists and experts call for the protection of Toondah Harbour
More than 150 scientists and experts have signed an open letter urging Australia's federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to reject a controversial real estate project they say will destroy internationally significant wetlands at Toondah Read more about Scientists and experts call for the protection of Toondah Harbour
Australia; QLDBirdLife Australia -
Micro-Lisa! Low-power light laser makes it mark in low-cost polymer
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
High-power lasers are often used to modify polymer surfaces to make high-tech biomedical products, electronics and data storage components. Now Flinders University researchers have discovered a light-responsive, inexpensive sulfur-derived polymer is Read more about Micro-Lisa! Low-power light laser makes it mark in low-cost polymer
Australia; New Zealand; SAFlinders University -
How to help older drivers hang up the keys for good
Journal of Transport and Health
Active planning is the key to older people walking away from driving for the last time, according to new University of the Sunshine Coast research. The researchers explored the individual and environmental factors that influenced older drivers’ Read more about How to help older drivers hang up the keys for good
Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
New concrete possibilities from waste materials
Structural Concrete
The use of recycled concrete and glass aggregates in concrete production has emerged as a highly promising means of increasing the recycling rate of waste materials – but durability issues have plagued some combinations of recycled ingredients. Now Read more about New concrete possibilities from waste materials
Australia; VIC; SAFlinders University|The University of Melbourne -
Focus on the Moon - Lunar dust, gravitational waves, and sites of extraordinary scientific importance
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A
Can lunar dust harm astronauts lungs? Can we protect scientific sites on the Moon? Can we detect gravitational waves on the Moon? The Moon presents unique opportunities for high-impact astronomy that could enhance our understanding of our solar Read more about Focus on the Moon - Lunar dust, gravitational waves, and sites of extraordinary scientific importance
InternationalUniversity of Colorado, USA -
3D mapping tech blasts off for International Space Station
A powerful package of 3D mapping technology designed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has reached the International Space Station (ISS). The payload has reached astronauts on board and will be fitted onto a NASA robot platform that Read more about 3D mapping tech blasts off for International Space Station
AustraliaCSIRO -
Did tightened PBS restrictions on opioid supply reduce their use in Australia?
Medical Journal of Australia
Subsidised opioid use dropped overall, but use of one opioid is still on the rise, a new big health data study shows. On 1 June 2020, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) introduced changes to the way prescription opioids are supplied: Read more about Did tightened PBS restrictions on opioid supply reduce their use in Australia?
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Going fishing this Easter? Keep your catch food-safe
There are 4. 2 million, or one in five Australian adults, estimated to take part in recreational fishing each year. Seafood is generally safe and healthy, but each year Australians are affected, and even hospitalised, from illnesses such as Read more about Going fishing this Easter? Keep your catch food-safe
AustraliaFood Safety Information Council -
New classification of tuberculosis to support efforts to eliminate the disease
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine
A new way to classify tuberculosis (TB) that aims to improve focus on the early stages of the disease has been presented by an international team. The work was led by researchers at WEHI, UCL, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Read more about New classification of tuberculosis to support efforts to eliminate the disease
Australia; International; VICWEHI -
New findings shed light on finding valuable ‘green’ metals
Science Advances
New Macquarie University research shows low temperature, carbon-rich melts in Earth's upper mantle can dissolve and transport economically important metals like copper and platinum. The findings, published in Science Advances, reveal these carbonate Read more about New findings shed light on finding valuable ‘green’ metals
InternationalMacquarie University|The Australian National University... -
Dogs may really understand the names of their toys
Current Biology
Dogs can really learn what their toys are called instead of just relying on context, according to international research. The researchers say dogs generally don't do well in tests where they're asked to fetch an object after hearing its name, but Read more about Dogs may really understand the names of their toys
InternationalEötvös Loránd University, Hungary -
Meta’s success in suppressing misinformation on Facebook is patchy at best
Media International Australia
The content moderation policy adopted by Meta at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic to rein in misinformation on Facebook has proved no great obstacle to users capable to finding work arounds according to a new study by digital and social media Read more about Meta’s success in suppressing misinformation on Facebook is patchy at best
Australia; International; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The University of Sydney -
Deadline for global pandemic agreement looms
More than 100 world leaders, including former NZ prime ministers Helen Clark and Jenny Shipley, are calling for nations to finalise an agreement on future pandemics. Negotiations between 194 nations on the first-ever "Pandemic Accord" began in Read more about Deadline for global pandemic agreement looms
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO) -
UK SMC EXPERT REACTION: Replacing sugar with sweeteners could help with weight loss control long-term
European Congress on Obesity (ECO)
Replacing sugar-sweetened foods with low/no energy sweetened products could help people control their weight for at least one year after rapid weight loss in adults, without increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease, according to Read more about UK SMC EXPERT REACTION: Replacing sugar with sweeteners could help with weight loss control long-term
InternationalUniversity of Copenhagen, Denmark -
A push for action on clean indoor air
Scientific leaders from multiple disciplines, spanning health, engineering and environment, as well as professional societies are calling for greater action to improve indoor air quality. The Australian Academy of Science, Burnet Institute, and Read more about A push for action on clean indoor air
Australia; VICBurnet Institute -
Zooplankton research priorities for a changing world outlined
7th ICES-PICES International Zooplankton Production Symposium
Marine zooplankton – the estimated 28,000 species of usually unseen animals such as krill and jellyfish that drift with ocean currents – play a critical role in carbon storage, the global climate system, the structure of marine ecosystems and Read more about Zooplankton research priorities for a changing world outlined
Australia; International; TASUniversity of Tasmania -
What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
PLOS ONE
Doing regular exercise over the long term may help the health and mental health of Aussie teens as they transition to young adults, according to Australian research, but there are some factors which make getting enough exercise less likely. The Read more about What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
PLOS ONE
Australia's grey-headed flying-foxes are flying high, with numbers remaining stable despite the species being listed as vulnerable. The researchers have analysed data from Australia's National Flying-fox Monitoring Program (NFFMP) and found that Read more about Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SACSIRO -
Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
Communications Earth & Environment
Global warming could cause an inflation of food prices by up to 3. 2% a year in a decade's time, according to international research. The researchers used data on weather and consumer price indices across the world to see how they have been related Read more about Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
InternationalPotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany