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Genetic link between diabetes and gut health could offer treatment solutions
Communications Biology
Researchers at Edith Cowan University’s (ECU’s) Centre for Precision Health have uncovered a significant genetic connection between Type 2 Diabetes and certain gut disorders, which could pave the way for more effective therapies. The research Read more about Genetic link between diabetes and gut health could offer treatment solutions
Australia; International; VICEdith Cowan University|Curtin University -
Long-term prescription opioid use after hospital declining
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
UNSW Sydney medical researchers have shed light on post-hospital prescription opioid use. A large, linked data study has detailed the scale of prescription opioid use –such as oxycodone, morphine, or tramadol – after a hospital or emergency Read more about Long-term prescription opioid use after hospital declining
Australia; NSWNational Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)|The University of New South Wales... -
Coral Crisis: Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish behaviours that threaten reefs
Proceedings Royal Society B
Researchers from the University of Sydney have unveiled new findings on the chemosensory behaviours of juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish, highlighting how these predators are influenced by environmental cues to transition to coral diets. Conducted Read more about Coral Crisis: Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish behaviours that threaten reefs
Australia; NSWSydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) -
Of 8 wealthy countries, Aussie parents most likely to think smacking their kids is ok
Australian Journal of Social Issues
An Australian study that surveyed 6,760 parents in eight wealthy nations about parenting practices found Australian parents were the most accepting of smacking their children for misbehaving and the most likely to think their parenting was Read more about Of 8 wealthy countries, Aussie parents most likely to think smacking their kids is ok
Australia; VIC; QLDUniversity of Southern Queensland|The University of Queensland... -
How do different diets affect our gut bugs?
Nature Communications
An intermittent-fasting and protein-pacing diet showed increased diversity in gut bugs compared to a calorie-restricted, heart-healthy diet in a small trial, according to international researchers. The team compared the effects of two low-calorie Read more about How do different diets affect our gut bugs?
InternationalArizona State University, USA -
Early exposure to air and noise pollution could be linked with later mental health problems
JAMA Network Open
Early exposure to air and noise pollution could be linked to a range of mental health issues in adolescence and young adulthood, according to international researchers. The team looked at data from 9,065 participants and found that higher exposure Read more about Early exposure to air and noise pollution could be linked with later mental health problems
InternationalUniversity of Bristol, UK -
Premenstrual disorders linked to higher suicide risk in women
JAMA Network Open
This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to data about mental health, suicide and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline (Aus) on 131 114 or Beyond Blue Read more about Premenstrual disorders linked to higher suicide risk in women
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
RNA-based drug plozasiran could help lower cholesterol in people with naturally high levels
New England Journal of Medicine
A drug which can be given by injection four times a year can help lower cholesterol and other blood fat levels in people with genetically high levels in their blood, according to an early-stage clinical trial. The drug, Plozasiran, is an RNA Read more about RNA-based drug plozasiran could help lower cholesterol in people with naturally high levels
InternationalBaylor College of Medicine, USA -
Invasive species threaten Indigenous Aussie lands near our cities, but are less of a problem in more remote areas
Nature Sustainability
Australia has both disproportionately high and disproportionately low numbers of invasive species on Indigenous-owned land, depending on where those lands are located, according to a study by international scientists, including an Australian. The Read more about Invasive species threaten Indigenous Aussie lands near our cities, but are less of a problem in more remote areas
Australia; International; NTCharles Darwin University|Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Germany, Justus-Liebig UniversityGiessen, Germany -
Simple food swaps could cut greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by a quarter
Nature Food
Switching food and drink purchases to similar but more environmentally friendly alternatives could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by 26% according to a new study in Nature Food. Consumers want to make responsible food Read more about Simple food swaps could cut greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by a quarter
Australia; NSW; VICGeorge Institute for Global Health|Deakin University... -
New metasurface-based edge detecting filter for remote sensing transforms crop monitoring
Nature Communications
New work by researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) could pave the way to improvements in environmental monitoring and surveillance systems, augmented reality, and bio-medical imaging. The Read more about New metasurface-based edge detecting filter for remote sensing transforms crop monitoring
Australia; International; VICARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)... -
Deadly Australian Japanese Encephalitis Virus strain prompts push for new vaccine
npj Viruses
QIMR Berghofer researchers have conducted the first comprehensive two-year laboratory characterisation of the rare sub-type of the mosquito-borne Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) that caused an unprecedented deadly outbreak in Australia in 2022. Read more about Deadly Australian Japanese Encephalitis Virus strain prompts push for new vaccine
Australia; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute -
Brave new virtual world fast becoming a reality in the mining sector
Virtual and augmented reality, along with automation, are transforming the mining sector, allowing more work to be done remotely, saving time, money and removing many of the risks and travel for workers. A virtual and robotic revolution in Read more about Brave new virtual world fast becoming a reality in the mining sector
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Producing gold nano-particles (and hydrogen) in water – in a non-toxic way
Small Science
In a surprise discovery, Flinders University nanotechnology researchers have produced a range of different types of gold nanoparticles by adjusting water flow in the novel vortex fluidic device (the unboil-an-egg machine) – without the need for Read more about Producing gold nano-particles (and hydrogen) in water – in a non-toxic way
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Getting circumcised may reduce the risk of HIV infection
Annals of Internal Medicine
Circumcised men who have sex with men may be at a lower risk of HIV infection, according to a small Chinese study. The researchers recruited nearly 250 uncircumcised, HIV-negative men who had multiple recent male sexual partners. Half the group had Read more about Getting circumcised may reduce the risk of HIV infection
InternationalSun Yat-sen University, China -
Statins could be beneficial, even in older adults
Annals of Internal Medicine
The use of statins in adults over 60 could reduce the risk of heart disease and death, according to international researchers. The team used over 40,000 electronic health records from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, analysing patients over 60 Read more about Statins could be beneficial, even in older adults
InternationalThe University of Hong Kong -
Post-karaoke stress is strengthened by REM sleep, and yes you read that correctly
eNeuro
Stress induced in the body by performing karaoke is strengthened by rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, possibly because the stressful experience becomes more emotionally charged during REM sleep, which is when we do most of our dreaming, according Read more about Post-karaoke stress is strengthened by REM sleep, and yes you read that correctly
InternationalUniversity of Helsinki, Finland -
Volcanoes on Venus may still be erupting
Nature Astronomy
Volcanic activity on Venus is ongoing and similar to that of Earth, according to new international research published in Nature Astronomy. Researchers analysed two sets of data from radar images taken in 1990 and 1992, and found changes on the planet Read more about Volcanoes on Venus may still be erupting
InternationalInternational Research School of Planetary Sciences, Università d’Annunzio, Pescara, Italy. -
Stomp-rocket explanation for Hawaiian volcano eruptions
Nature Geoscience
In May 2018, twelve explosive eruptions at the Hawaiian volcano Kīlauea produced atmospheric plumes reaching 8km into the sky. Explosive eruptions are normally driven by molten rock rising, or steam expanding, however those processes couldn't Read more about Stomp-rocket explanation for Hawaiian volcano eruptions
Pacific; InternationalUS Geological Survey Volcano Science Center California Volcano Observatory, Moffett Field, CA, USA -
Camera tags capture social flexibility of Antarctic minke whales
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology
Researchers have conducted one of the first quantitative studies of social structure and social foraging in Antarctic minke whales (AMWs), using pioneering animal-borne camera tags. This study sheds light on the complex social and foraging Read more about Camera tags capture social flexibility of Antarctic minke whales
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University|The University of Queensland -
Pomegranates could offer a solution to fatty liver disease
Antioxidants
Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) are investigating the effects Ellegic acid, an antioxidant found in some fruits and vegetables, could have on halting and potentially reversing the damage caused by fatty liver disease. Pomegranates could Read more about Pomegranates could offer a solution to fatty liver disease
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University|Curtin University -
Humble leaders boost employees’ workplace status and leadership potential
Journal of Organizational Behavior
There are many different types of workplace leaders, from those who prioritise the needs of team members and the organisation above their own, to authentic leaders who foster openness, trust and transparency. A recent study by the University of Read more about Humble leaders boost employees’ workplace status and leadership potential
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
EXPERT REACTION: Hundreds feared dead following landslide in Papua New Guinea
Authorities in Papua New Guinea are still counting the cost of a landslide in the country's highlands, with more than 670 people now feared dead. Below, Australian experts discuss the likely cause of this landslide and the challenges those Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Hundreds feared dead following landslide in Papua New Guinea
Australia; Pacific; NSW; SAAustralian Science Media Centre -
Can you escape the ‘medical mayhem’ of UniSA’s new immersive teaching experience?
Fluorescent hospital lights, a post-operative patient monitored by machines, and an anxious medical team waiting to sign off on the successful procedure. But something’s missing and until it’s found no one can leave the room. Accounting for Read more about Can you escape the ‘medical mayhem’ of UniSA’s new immersive teaching experience?
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Call to empower science for the future of small island developing states
4th international conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4)
An urgent call for increased international support and collaboration for science in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) has been released in a declaration by the International Science Council (ISC) SIDS Liaison Committee at the 4th international Read more about Call to empower science for the future of small island developing states
Australia; Pacific; InternationalAustralian Academy of Science -
What makes a 'good farmer' in Aotearoa?
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Farmers and non-farmers in New Zealand generally agree on what makes a 'good farmer,' according to new research. For both groups, the broad definition covers animal welfare, biodiversity, environmentally friendly farming practices, and connections Read more about What makes a 'good farmer' in Aotearoa?
New ZealandManaaki Whenua - Landcare Research|Our Land and Water National Science Challenge... -
Huhu grubs: a protein-packed future food for Aotearoa?
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research
Huhu grub farms could boost food security and the New Zealand economy, but more research is needed to figure out viable commercial farming methods. University of Otago researchers say there is much to learn from traditional Māori harvesting Read more about Huhu grubs: a protein-packed future food for Aotearoa?
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Echidnapus identified from an ‘Age of Monotremes’
Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology
Australian researchers have found evidence of the oldest known platypus and a new species, dubbed ‘echidnapus’, which has a platypus-like anatomy alongside features that more closely resemble an echidna. Published today in the Alcheringa: An Read more about Echidnapus identified from an ‘Age of Monotremes’
Australia; NSW; VIC; WAAustralian Museum|Museums Victoria|The University of New South Wales... -
Pre- and early-term births increased during US heatwaves, especially among poorer people
JAMA Network Open
A study that looked at more than 53 million births in 50 US cities and surrounds between 1993 and 2017, accounting for more than half of all US births during the period, found rates of pre- and early-term births increased during heatwaves, Read more about Pre- and early-term births increased during US heatwaves, especially among poorer people
InternationalUniversity of Nevada, USA -
Untreated milk from bird flu infected cows poses a risk if consumed
New England Journal of Medicine
Untreated milk from cows infected with the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu virus can infect susceptible animals that consume it, according to US research. When mice were fed the untreated milk from infected cows they showed signs of illness from the Read more about Untreated milk from bird flu infected cows poses a risk if consumed
InternationalUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison, USA -
COVID-19 eliminated a decade of progress in global level of life expectancy
The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out nearly a decade of progress in improving life expectancy within just two years, according to the latest edition of the World Health Statistics released by the World Health Organization (WHO). Between 2019 and 2021, Read more about COVID-19 eliminated a decade of progress in global level of life expectancy
InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO) -
Semaglutide found to reduce risk of kidney disease and death
New England Journal of Medicine
Popular diabetes medication semaglutide has been found to prevent kidney failure and reduce deaths in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Semaglutide, more widely known by brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, significantly reduces Read more about Semaglutide found to reduce risk of kidney disease and death
Australia; International; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Pig to person kidney transplants showed early signs of rejection
Med
With the first living recipient of a pig kidney passing away earlier this month, researchers are investigating what goes on at a cellular level during these pig-to-human transplants, and they have identified early signs of organ rejection in two Read more about Pig to person kidney transplants showed early signs of rejection
InternationalNYU Langone Health, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, USA -
Masks work and we should use them more, say researchers
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
A sweeping review of international research has found strong and consistent evidence that masks prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. The authors call on researchers to stop debating the question of whether masks work and instead focus on how Read more about Masks work and we should use them more, say researchers
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Otago|The University of New South Wales... -
Urgent action on superbugs could save 750,000 lives a year
The Lancet
Almost five million people per year are dying around the world from infections linked to antimicrobial resistance, according to international authors of a new Lancet series who say 750,000 of these deaths could be prevented each year through vaccines Read more about Urgent action on superbugs could save 750,000 lives a year
InternationalOne Health Trust, India -
EXPERT REACTION: Little bush moa genome shines a light on NZ's extinct native birds
Science Advances
Using ancient DNA recovered from a fossil bone, scientists have reconstructed the genome of the turkey-sized little bush moa, which went extinct 500-600 years ago. This work allows the scientists to estimate a likely long-term population size of Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Little bush moa genome shines a light on NZ's extinct native birds
New Zealand; InternationalHarvard University, USA -
Distrust in climate scientists comes from a minority, but their skepticism is powerful
PLOS Climate
The majority of the public trust climate scientists nowadays, according to a narrative review by international researchers who say the minority who distrust climate scientists are a driving force in inaction on climate change. The team reviewed Read more about Distrust in climate scientists comes from a minority, but their skepticism is powerful
InternationalHarvard University, USA -
Around 1.24% of pregnant Aussies may be using e-cigs, mainly to quit smoking
Drug & Alcohol Review
A survey of 4024 pregnant Aussies in one district of NSW found 1. 24% were using e-cigarettes, and more than half of them (52%) were using e-cigs to quit smoking regular cigarettes. Current or ex-smokers were the most likely to use e-cigs, the study Read more about Around 1.24% of pregnant Aussies may be using e-cigs, mainly to quit smoking
Australia; NSWThe University of Newcastle|NSW Government -
Exposure to 'chemical soup' in the womb linked to health problems in kids
JAMA Network Open
Exposure to widespread mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the womb is linked with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome - early warning signs of serious conditions including heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes - Read more about Exposure to 'chemical soup' in the womb linked to health problems in kids
Australia; InternationalUniversity of Granada, Spain -
Ants like energy-drink levels of caffeine and it could help control pest species
iScience
Ants who find an energy-drink-like dose of caffeine and sugar become more efficient at navigating back to it after fetching the rest of their nest, according to international researchers. Seeking to find better ways to control ecologically harmful Read more about Ants like energy-drink levels of caffeine and it could help control pest species
InternationalUniversity of Regensburg, Germany -
If your partner's snoring drives you mad, get them MAD (mandibular advancement devices)
JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery
Mandibular advancement devices (MAD), which look a lot like sports mouthguards, are more effective at preventing snoring than the old 'tennis balls in a bra worn backwards' approach, or 'positional therapy' as it's known in science-speak, even when Read more about If your partner's snoring drives you mad, get them MAD (mandibular advancement devices)
InternationalWashington University, USA -
Donating a kidney probably won't affect your health in the long term
JAMA
Canadian and Australian scientists say kidney donors' health returns to normal following donation and there appear to be no major negative health effects of living with just a single kidney for more than seven years following donation. They followed Read more about Donating a kidney probably won't affect your health in the long term
Australia; International; WAThe University of Western Australia|Victoria Hospital, Canada -
Alzheimer's - a new perspective on an old disease
Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association
In a review article, an international team of scientists argues the case for a new mechanism to explain Alzheimer's disease involving a group of neurons called the isodendritic core (responsible for arousal and sleep/wake cycles). Unlike other Read more about Alzheimer's - a new perspective on an old disease
InternationalNeuro-Bio Ltd, King's College London, Oxford University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Miguel Hernández University, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona -
Bigger is better: male proboscis monkeys’ enhanced noses evolved to attract mates
Scientific Reports
When it comes to the animal kingdom, bigger is better. Well, at least for proboscis monkeys, famously known for their long, large and droopy noses. Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have provided a potential explanation for Read more about Bigger is better: male proboscis monkeys’ enhanced noses evolved to attract mates
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University -
Wild chickpea genes could help us develop a better chickpea
Nature Genetics
Australian and international researchers have sequenced the DNA of eight wild chickpea relatives and identified genes which could help us develop an 'elite' chickpea. The researchers pulled the genomes of the eight wild relatives and two cultivated Read more about Wild chickpea genes could help us develop a better chickpea
Australia; WAThe University of Western Australia|Murdoch University... -
The world probably has less clean water than we thought
Nature Climate Change
Current estimates of the amount of water available to people around the world are based solely on the amount of water there is, and not whether that water is of a high enough quality to use, according to Dutch researchers. That means we've Read more about The world probably has less clean water than we thought
InternationalUtrecht University, the Netherlands -
Aussie school-based 'Health4Life' program sees only short term improvements in mental health symptoms
Nature Mental Health
An Australian school-based health program, which targets six lifestyle risk factors: diet, sleep, physical activity, screentime, alcohol use and smoking, has shown no improvement over usual health education in reducing depressive, anxiety or Read more about Aussie school-based 'Health4Life' program sees only short term improvements in mental health symptoms
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
One in 10 children in the US has a current ADHD diagnosis
Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology
About 6. 5 million children in the US had ADHD in 2022, a million more than five years ago, according to international research. The team used US data to measure the prevalence of diagnosed ADHD in the country, as well as how many were taking Read more about One in 10 children in the US has a current ADHD diagnosis
InternationalCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, USA -
I’ll have what she’s having!
Appetite
New research from Flinders University has revealed that feeling a sense of belonging to a social group can have a significant impact on our food choices, potentially nudging us towards healthier options. New research from Flinders University has Read more about I’ll have what she’s having!
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Nutbush fever: How the Ike and Tina Turner hit became Australia's dance sensation
Journal of Media & Cultural Studies
Researchers at the University of South Australia and Edith Cowan University in WA have explored the origins of the iconic Nutbush dance and how it became an Australian cultural phenomenon. If there’s one thing that Aussies just can’t resist Read more about Nutbush fever: How the Ike and Tina Turner hit became Australia's dance sensation
Australia; SA; WAUniversity of South Australia|Edith Cowan University