-
Heatwaves lead to more than 150,000 deaths a year
PLOS Medicine
Heatwaves over the four hottest months of the year lead to more than 150,000 deaths around the world each year, according to research led by Monash University which looked at deaths over 30 years going back to 1990. The authors say this equates Read more about Heatwaves lead to more than 150,000 deaths a year
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; VICMonash University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
New rheumatic fever treatments hurt less and last longer
PLOS ONE
A new penicillin injection for rheumatic fever could help young people stick with the recommended 10-year treatment period. The new treatment uses a smaller needle into the stomach, which patients described as less painful overall. The new injection Read more about New rheumatic fever treatments hurt less and last longer
Australia; New Zealand; WAUniversity of Otago|Telethon Kids Institute|The University of Western Australia... -
Wind farms quickly offset their emissions
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
After spinning for 1. 5-1. 7 years, a wind turbine has offset the carbon emissions generated across its entire 30-year lifespan, when compared to thermal power plants. These numbers come from a study which used real construction data from a Hawke's Read more about Wind farms quickly offset their emissions
New ZealandVictoria University of Wellington -
Can eye-tracking tests accurately identify children with autism?
JAMA Network Open
Eye-tracking tests can accurately identify autism in children, according to international researchers, who say that a combination of eye-tracking data and primary-care practitioners' diagnosis can improve accurate diagnosis. The team studied 146 Read more about Can eye-tracking tests accurately identify children with autism?
InternationalPurdue University, USA -
The Northern Hemisphere summer of 2023 was the warmest in 2000 years
Nature
The summer of 2023 was the warmest in the Northern Hemisphere extra-tropical regions in the past 2,000 years, according to international researchers. The team reconstructed the past 2000 years of land temperature data using tree rings, and combined Read more about The Northern Hemisphere summer of 2023 was the warmest in 2000 years
InternationalJohannes Gutenberg University, Germany -
246 million more older adults will be exposed to dangerous heat by 2050
Nature Communications
Up to 246 million more older adults around the world are projected to be exposed to dangerous acute heat by the year 2050 — with those living in Asia and Africa experiencing the most severe effects according to international researchers. According Read more about 246 million more older adults will be exposed to dangerous heat by 2050
InternationalCMCC Foundation, Italy -
What do we know about the risks of forever chemicals PFAS for our reproductive health?
Reproduction, Fertility and Development
The full extent of the threat per-and ployfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose to the reproductive health of humans and animals, including livestock, is not yet known, according to Australian researchers. In a perspective article, the researchers Read more about What do we know about the risks of forever chemicals PFAS for our reproductive health?
Australia; NSW; VIC; SAThe University of Melbourne|The University of Adelaide... -
Aussie science and innovation needs immediate and sustained investment to power a future made in Australia
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) welcomes commitments in the Budget to review Australia’s languishing investment in Australian science and innovation and back clean energy industries, however investment Read more about Aussie science and innovation needs immediate and sustained investment to power a future made in Australia
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) -
EXPERT REACTION: Federal Budget 2024-2025
The Federal Government has released their budget for 2024-2025. Below, a variety of Australian experts respond and discuss what this year's Budget means. Registered journalists can also find additional expert lists from The University of Sydney, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Federal Budget 2024-2025
Australia; QLD; SAAustralian Science Media Centre|Australian Government - Dept of the Treasury -
Mislabelled shark meat rampant in Australian markets, study finds
Marine and Freshwater Research
Macquarie University researchers found widespread mislabelling of shark meat in Australia, including threatened species, highlighting a need for better enforcement to protect consumers and sharks. Researchers at Macquarie University have found a Read more about Mislabelled shark meat rampant in Australian markets, study finds
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
High genetic diversity discovered in South African leopards
PeerJ
Researchers say the discovery of very high genetic diversity in leopards found in the Highveld region of South Africa has increased the need for conservation efforts to protect leopards in the country. Declan Morris, a PhD candidate with the Read more about High genetic diversity discovered in South African leopards
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
The weight loss effects of semaglutide can last at least 4 years, and the heart health benefits may be irrespective of the kilos dropped
Nature Medicine and European Congress on Obesity
New data from the largest and longest clinical trial of the effects of semaglutide on weight loss have found that people taking the drug lost around 10% of their body weight and over 7cm from their waistline and the effects continued to last for 4 Read more about The weight loss effects of semaglutide can last at least 4 years, and the heart health benefits may be irrespective of the kilos dropped
InternationalPennington Biomedical Research Centre, USA, University College London, UK -
Men with low testosterone levels may be at increased risk of dying prematurely
Annals of Internal Medicine
Men with low testosterone levels may be at an increased risk of dying prematurely, according to a study by Australian and international researchers. To investigate the relationship between testosterone and other sex hormone levels and health in Read more about Men with low testosterone levels may be at increased risk of dying prematurely
Australia; NSW; SA; WAThe University of Western Australia|Flinders University... -
Our food obsessed brains can sort beans from jeans in 1/10th of a second
The Journal of Neuroscience
You might think you have food on the brain all the time, but Aussie researchers have shown our brains are able to sort food items from non-food items really quickly, in around 1/10th of a second. The researchers also found that our brains take a bit Read more about Our food obsessed brains can sort beans from jeans in 1/10th of a second
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Identifying genes that could predict breast cancer risk in African women
Nature Genetics
International researchers have identified six genetic variants they say could predict an increased risk of an aggressive form of breast cancer in African women. While women of African ancestry are more likely to develop breast cancer at an earlier Read more about Identifying genes that could predict breast cancer risk in African women
InternationalVanderbilt University Medical Center, USA -
Breastfed babies don't get any benefit from iron supplements
JAMA Pediatrics
Breastfed infants are at risk of iron deficiency which can impact their development but a new study, which includes Aussie authors, has found no benefit to giving breastfed babies iron supplements. The trial, conducted in Poland and Sweden, involved Read more about Breastfed babies don't get any benefit from iron supplements
Australia; International; SASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)... -
Mind-reading device can decode your internal monologue, but accuracy varies widely
Nature Human Behaviour
Researchers have been able to decode words spoken internally with 79% accuracy in a quadriplegia patient, which they hope could lead to the development of a device to help restore communication in people who have lost the ability to speak. However, Read more about Mind-reading device can decode your internal monologue, but accuracy varies widely
InternationalCalifornia Institute of Technology, USA -
Is endurance running as good as traditional methods for hunting game?
Nature Human Behaviour
Endurance running for game hunting may have been as efficient as other traditional hunting methods, according to international researchers. The team say that their findings support the hypothesis that humans uniquely developed muscles primarily Read more about Is endurance running as good as traditional methods for hunting game?
InternationalTrent University, Canada -
Could a blood test help predict who is at risk of heart disease and stroke?
JAMA
Screening the general population with a blood test to look for markers of cardiovascular disease would only lead to a small improvement in our ability to predict who is at risk of diseases such as heart disease and stroke, according to a study Read more about Could a blood test help predict who is at risk of heart disease and stroke?
Australia; NSW; VIC; WAMonash University|Edith Cowan University|The University of Sydney... -
A few simple questions could help doctors assess breast cancer risk
Cancer
Breast cancer risk could be linked to obesity status and different components of metabolic syndrome (such as obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol), according to international researchers who say the findings Read more about A few simple questions could help doctors assess breast cancer risk
InternationalThe Lundquist Institute, USA -
Disaster experts come together in Adelaide for national Forum
Natural Hazards Research Forum
The best disaster science in the country plus a special keynote from a New Zealand warnings expert will be showcased this week in Adelaide at the Natural Hazards Research Forum. Held at the National Wine Centre, Adelaide over three days from 14-16 Read more about Disaster experts come together in Adelaide for national Forum
Australia; SANatural Hazards Research Australia -
New online tool to support people with metastatic breast cancer
A new online support tool aiming to guide people through the psychological impact of their advanced/metastatic breast cancer diagnosis has now entered the testing phase, with those living with the disease invited to take part and trial the free Read more about New online tool to support people with metastatic breast cancer
Australia; SAFlinders University|Cancer Council South Australia... -
Advancing melanoma treatment against resistance
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research
Research conducted by the Centenary Institute has revealed a promising new approach to tackling melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer notorious for its resistance to conventional treatments. Research conducted by the Centenary Institute has Read more about Advancing melanoma treatment against resistance
Australia; NSWCentenary Institute|The University of Sydney -
Space is dusty, and it's causing more damage to the Hubble Space Telescope than you'd think
Philosophical Transactions A
Tiny pieces of cosmic dust, not artificial debris, could pose the biggest danger to spacecrafts, according to international researchers who analysed material from the Hubble Space Telescope. The team found that natural cosmic dust grains (also known Read more about Space is dusty, and it's causing more damage to the Hubble Space Telescope than you'd think
InternationalNatural History Museum, UK -
Is the internet actually good for our well-being?
Technology, Mind and Behaviour
It offers connection, but also doomscrolling and cyberbullying, so heated debate has raged over whether the internet has helped or hindered our well-being. Now, a study of over 2. 4 million people in 168 countries has found that people who have Read more about Is the internet actually good for our well-being?
InternationalTilburg University, The Netherlands, University of Oxford, UK -
Molecular roll of the dice delivers winning combinations
PNAS
A chance discovery about protein assemblies has opened up transformative potential for biomanufacturing and vaccine development. Australian researchers have shed light on the shape-shifting capabilities of protein assemblies, with results that could Read more about Molecular roll of the dice delivers winning combinations
Australia; NSWARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (CoESB) -
Study finds quick wins for climate adaptation
Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online
New Zealanders tend to agree that gathering more data and working with the environment are two good ideas when adapting to climate change. Scientists have looked over all the submissions to the National Adaptation Plan, finding the common ground Read more about Study finds quick wins for climate adaptation
New ZealandUniversity of Waikato|Lincoln University -
Junk food advertising on Twitch could be influencing young people's food choices
European Congress on Obesity (ECO)
Young people watching videogame livestreaming platforms such as Twitch are exposed to a lot of junk food ads, which could be having a negative impact on their snacking choices, according to research set to be presented at the European Congress on Read more about Junk food advertising on Twitch could be influencing young people's food choices
InternationalUniversity of Liverpool, UK -
Scientists unlock key to breeding ‘carbon gobbling’ plants with a major appetite
Science Advances
The discovery of how a critical enzyme 'hidden in nature’s blueprint' works sheds new light on how cells control key processes in carbon fixation, a process fundamental for life on Earth. The discovery, made by scientists from The Australian Read more about Scientists unlock key to breeding ‘carbon gobbling’ plants with a major appetite
Australia; NSW; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Newcastle -
Can an app help prevent diabetes? Yes, but maybe not for long
PLOS One
Tools like text reminders, apps, online groups, and virtual dieticians show promise early on for helping people manage their pre-diabetes. However, researchers reviewing recent evidence found those results tended to drop off in the long-term or had Read more about Can an app help prevent diabetes? Yes, but maybe not for long
New Zealand -
Byte-size lies: AI has mastered the art of deception
Patterns
If an android tells you it dreams of electric sheep, it may be trying to pull the steel wool over your eyes, as international and Aussie researchers say artificial intelligence (AI) systems are already adept at deception. The team says AIs trained Read more about Byte-size lies: AI has mastered the art of deception
Australia; International; VICAustralian Catholic University|Massachusetts Institute of Technology , USA -
Global analysis of 30m hydrogen energy tweets shows increase from 2015 Paris Agreement
Social Network Analysis and Mining
Australia’s hydrogen energy-related discussion on Twitter (now X), ranked seventh globally, according to an analysis of 30. 7 million tweets conducted by QUT researchers. Japan came in number one. Analysis of tweets on hydrogen energy-related Read more about Global analysis of 30m hydrogen energy tweets shows increase from 2015 Paris Agreement
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Further retractions issued for Australian concussion in sport publications
British Journal of Sports Medicine
The British Journal of Sports Medicine has retracted six articles related to concussion in sport authored by its Australian former editor, Dr Paul McCrory and corrected another two as a results of an investigation of the researcher's sole authored Read more about Further retractions issued for Australian concussion in sport publications
Australia; VICBritish Journal of Sports Medicine -
Running under a four-minute mile could be the key to a long and healthy life
British Journal of Sports Medicine
A new study released to mark this week's 70th anniversary of Sir Roger Bannister’s sub-four-minute mile record has revealed the first 200 runners to follow in his footsteps also share another remarkable trait. A new study released to mark this week Read more about Running under a four-minute mile could be the key to a long and healthy life
Australia; NSWVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI)|St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (SVI) -
Elephants say g'day with more stink than you'd think
Communications Biology
Elephants like to make full use of their impressive noses when greeting each other – even if their partner's choice of perfume is questionable. Researchers watching African elephants in a Zimbabwean reserve found most greetings involved one or Read more about Elephants say g'day with more stink than you'd think
InternationalUniversity of Vienna, Austria -
Women with gestational diabetes through 2 pregnancies at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later
JAMA Network Open
Canadian scientists say women who have gestational diabetes during two pregnancies are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes after the second pregnancy. They looked at health records for 431,980 women who had given birth twice, 10,920 of whom Read more about Women with gestational diabetes through 2 pregnancies at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later
InternationalMcGill University, Canada -
Bilbies could hop back into mild climate zones
Animal Behaviour
Bilbies bred in a sanctuary in Dubbo have provided researchers with vital clues about how they would fare in temperate Australia where they once thrived. A study of greater bilbies at Taronga Western Plains Zoo has provided some new ideas about how Read more about Bilbies could hop back into mild climate zones
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|Taronga Conservation Society Australia -
Discovery made into which children will outgrow their peanut allergy
Allergy / The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Australian researchers have discovered how changes in antibody levels over time can predict which children are likely to outgrow their peanut allergy. Research at a Glance: A Murdoch Children’s Research Institute led study has discovered how Read more about Discovery made into which children will outgrow their peanut allergy
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Melbourne... -
Too much screen time causing problems for Kiwi kids
New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy
Kids spending long stretches of time in front of screens can end up with dry eyes, back pain, poor sleep, and anxiety, a New Zealand-led review of the research finds. New Zealand students have among the world’s highest digital device use, and the Read more about Too much screen time causing problems for Kiwi kids
New ZealandAUT University|University of Auckland|Massey University -
Can environmental carers agree on the best way to look after nature?
PLOS One
A review of 77 studies found there are a wide variety of environmental "stewards" taking action to protect nature in Aotearoa. These groups include farmers, white-water rafters, Māori youth, and many others. However, the research authors found the Read more about Can environmental carers agree on the best way to look after nature?
New ZealandUniversity of Canterbury|University of Waikato|Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research -
Getting dirty to clean up the chemical industry’s environmental impact
Journal of the American Chemical Society
The global chemical industry is a major fossil fuel consumer and climate change contributor; however, new Curtin University research has identified how the sector could clean up its green credentials by getting dirty. The global chemical industry is Read more about Getting dirty to clean up the chemical industry’s environmental impact
Australia; WACurtin University|The University of Western Australia -
Rapid oyster reef restoration gives hope for repairing the sea
Restoration Ecology
After a century of functional extinction on the Australian mainland, a Flat oyster reef has been successfully restored along a metropolitan Adelaide coastline. After a century of functional extinction on the Australian mainland, a Flat oyster reef Read more about Rapid oyster reef restoration gives hope for repairing the sea
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|Government of South Australia -
New drug for sepsis shows promise in mouse and blood tests
Science Translational Medicine.
A new drug could prevent sepsis-related organ failure and death by restoring the health of a patient’s blood vessels, tests in mice and blood samples suggest. A new drug could prevent sepsis-related organ failure and death by restoring the Read more about New drug for sepsis shows promise in mouse and blood tests
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Processed meats most strongly linked to a higher risk of death among ultra-processed foods
The BMJ
Ultra-processed foods or 'junk foods' are associated with a slightly higher risk of dying prematurely from any cause, according to international researchers who say the highest risks are associated with eating processed meats and seafood. The team Read more about Processed meats most strongly linked to a higher risk of death among ultra-processed foods
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA -
The spread of misinformation varies by topic and by country
PLOS ONE
When it comes to combatting misinformation, it’s important to change your strategy depending on the country, according to international researchers. The team looked at news activity on Twitter (now X) in France, Germany, Italy, and the UK between Read more about The spread of misinformation varies by topic and by country
InternationalUniversity of Venice, Italy -
Ancient, endangered lamprey fish found in Queensland, 1400km north of its previous known range
Endangered Species Research
Scientists from Griffith University and the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have confirmed the identity of an unusual, ancient and Endangered species of fish that is living in the coastal rivers of Queensland, Read more about Ancient, endangered lamprey fish found in Queensland, 1400km north of its previous known range
Australia; QLDThe National Environmental Science Program's Resilient Landscapes Hub... -
Are wild pigs spreading kauri dieback disease?
New Zealand Journal of Zoology
New research finds we're "flying blind" on whether feral pigs are responsible for the spread of kauri dieback. It has been theorised that pigs could directly spread the fungus by moving infected soil around, or they could make healthy kauri more Read more about Are wild pigs spreading kauri dieback disease?
New ZealandManaaki Whenua - Landcare Research -
Is toad toxin the next antidepressant?
Nature
Modifying the psychedelic compounds found in the toxin of a poisonous toad could be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety, say US researchers who trialled the toxic toad drug on mice. Recent research has found that certain psychedelics Read more about Is toad toxin the next antidepressant?
InternationalIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA -
Pollution and climate change are just some of the ways humans are increasing infectious disease risks
Nature
Humans are contributing to the rise in emerging infectious diseases, and biodiversity loss, chemical pollution, climate change and introduced species are some of the key factors that may be driving this increase, according to international research. Read more about Pollution and climate change are just some of the ways humans are increasing infectious disease risks
InternationalUniversity of Notre Dame, USA -
Childhood maltreatment responsible for up to 40% of mental health conditions
JAMA Psychiatry
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 Childhood maltreatment responsible for up to 40% of mental health conditions
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney