Scientists are a step closer to developing ‘smart’ stem cells – and they’re made from human fat

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Science Advances

A new type of stem cell – that is, a cell with regenerative abilities – could be closer on the horizon, a new animal study using human cells shows. These new, adaptive stem cells can lie dormant until needed. A new type of stem cell – that is, Read more about Scientists are a step closer to developing ‘smart’ stem cells – and they’re made from human fat

Plasma from recovered COVID patients works better if it has more antibodies

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

New England Journal of Medicine

COVID patients who receive blood plasma with higher SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels had a lower risk of death than those who received plasma with lower antibody levels, according to US research. This sort of treatment, known as convalescent plasma, has Read more about Plasma from recovered COVID patients works better if it has more antibodies

Another COVID-19 vaccine shows promise

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

NEJM

Interim results of a phase 1-2a trial of a COVID-19 candidate vaccine, Ad26. COV2. S, suggest it can provoke a neutralising antibody response in 90 per cent of recipients 29 days after administration, reaching 100 per cent after 57 days. And white Read more about Another COVID-19 vaccine shows promise

Early warning sign for heart disease

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

Journal of the American Heart Foundation

The build-up of calcium in a major artery outside of the heart could predict future heart attack or stroke, a new Edith Cowan University led study has demonstrated. The research could help doctors identify people at risk of cardiovascular disease Read more about Early warning sign for heart disease

Clinical trial finds vitamin D does not ward off colds and flu

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 0759 AEDT | 0959 NZDT

The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology

An Australian randomised controlled trial of vitamin D supplements has found they do not protect most people from developing colds, flus and other acute respiratory infections, but may slightly shorten the length of infection and ease the severity Read more about Clinical trial finds vitamin D does not ward off colds and flu

Earth to reach temperature tipping point in 20-30 years

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science Advances

Earth’s ability to absorb carbon emissions through plants will likely cross a major tipping point within just two decades at the current rate of warming, according to a new study from the University of Waikato and US researchers. The study used Read more about Earth to reach temperature tipping point in 20-30 years

World’s oldest cave art discovered in Indonesia

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science Advances

A team of Griffith University archaeologists has shared in the discovery of what may be the world’s oldest known cave painting, dating back to at least 45,500 years ago. Uncovered in South Sulawesi during field research conducted with Read more about World’s oldest cave art discovered in Indonesia

Mental disorders and chronic physical disease may be linked

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

An international team of researchers looked at the health records of more than two million New Zealanders, finding that having a mental disorder was linked to later developed chronic physical diseases like cancer, diabetes, and gout at younger ages, Read more about Mental disorders and chronic physical disease may be linked

Ancient DNA reveals secrets of Game of Thrones wolves

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

Extinct dire wolves split off from other wolves nearly six million years ago and were only a distant relative of today’s wolves, according to new research published in Nature. Dire wolves, made famous in the TV show Game of Thrones, were common Read more about Ancient DNA reveals secrets of Game of Thrones wolves

Spice up your solar panels by adding a touch of chili

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Joule

Scientists in China and Sweden have determined that a pinch of capsaicin, the chemical compound that gives chilli peppers their spicy sting, may be a secret ingredient for more stable and efficient perovskite solar cells. They found that sprinkling Read more about Spice up your solar panels by adding a touch of chili

EXPERT REACTION: World-first study shows increased atmospheric CO2 levels damage young lungs, in mice

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

Environmental Health Perspectives

Australian researchers who have conducted the first study looking at the direct health impacts of predicted carbon dioxide levels say the results are worrying and highlight the urgent need for more research into the issue. Conducted in mice, the Read more about EXPERT REACTION: World-first study shows increased atmospheric CO2 levels damage young lungs, in mice

Expert prognosis for the planet – we’re on track for a ghastly future

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 1600 AEDT | 1800 NZDT

Frontiers in Conservation Science

An international group of 17 leading scientists have produced a comprehensive yet concise assessment of the state of civilization, warning that the outlook is more dire and dangerous than is generally understood. A loss of biodiversity and Read more about Expert prognosis for the planet – we’re on track for a ghastly future

New cathode material for high-performing sodium ion batteries could benefit large scale energy storage

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 1513 AEDT | 1713 NZDT

Nature Materials

A new type of electrode material, a sodium-rich layered oxide, did not show voltage fading on cycling ANSTO contributed to a large international collaboration on advanced sodium ion batteries led by French researchers, which provides a direction for Read more about New cathode material for high-performing sodium ion batteries could benefit large scale energy storage

Birdsong finds rhythm between science and art

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 1353 AEDT | 1553 NZDT

Native Western Australian birds are the composers and stars of an engaging new music project at Edith Cowan University. Native Western Australian birds are the composers and stars of an engaging new music project at Edith Cowan University. Western Read more about Birdsong finds rhythm between science and art

Just one drink a day may set your heart a-flutter

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 1105 AEDT | 1305 NZDT

European Heart Journal

European researchers have linked one small alcoholic drink a day with an increase in the risk of atrial fibrillation - an irregular and often rapid heart rate in the upper chambers of the heart that beat out of sync with the bottom half. In the past, Read more about Just one drink a day may set your heart a-flutter

Snakes evolve a magnetic way to be resistant to venom

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Snakes may have evolved a neat way of not being killed by their own toxic venom and it works in much the same way as when the same sides of a magnet repel each other, according to Australian research. Snake neurotoxins have evolved to have lots of Read more about Snakes evolve a magnetic way to be resistant to venom

We may have discovered the reason flies are so darn hard to swat

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

International researchers may have figured out why there are no flies on houseflies when it comes to outsmarting us. Houseflies use specialised hind-wings called halteres to stabilise their bodies during takeoff, allowing them to take off more Read more about We may have discovered the reason flies are so darn hard to swat

Telling a really big lie turns us into copycats

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Royal Society Open Science

Dutch and UK researchers say we start to mimic the actions of an interviewer when asked to tell them a huge whopper of a lie. They used motion capture to monitor the behaviour of liar and lie-ee as the fibbers told progressively bigger untruths. We Read more about Telling a really big lie turns us into copycats

Redesigning our cities could help stop diseases spreading

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society A

US and Mexican scientists say city design plays an important role in how infectious diseases spread. They looked at neighbourhood-level census data for Guadalajara, a city in western Mexico, and found that daily patterns of people's movements Read more about Redesigning our cities could help stop diseases spreading

EXPERT REACTION: Scientists call for pause to AstraZeneca vaccine rollout

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 1009 AEDT | 1209 NZDT

The Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology says the federal government should immediately pause the planned rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine because it may not be effective enough to generate herd immunity. Below, Aussie scientists Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Scientists call for pause to AstraZeneca vaccine rollout

More women are temporarily conscious during surgery than we thought, despite general anaesthesia

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 1001 AEDT | 1201 NZDT

Anaesthesia

A UK study of awareness during pregnancy-related surgery under general anaesthesia shows around 1 in 250 women may be temporarily conscious during the surgery, and some may experience long-term psychological harm. Some women temporarily regain Read more about More women are temporarily conscious during surgery than we thought, despite general anaesthesia

Impact of COVID lockdown on aeromedical retrievals

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 0944 AEDT | 1144 NZDT

Internal Medicine Journal

New data released this week by Australian researchers reveals the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown period on aeromedical retrievals in rural and remote regions. New data released this week by Australian researchers reveals the impact of the COVID-19 Read more about Impact of COVID lockdown on aeromedical retrievals

Exploring the reasons why some women use force

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 0854 AEDT | 1054 NZDT

In the context of family relationships, women who use force generally do so because they want power rather than because they have power, according to new research. Women who use force commonly also see themselves as responsible for their actions, Read more about Exploring the reasons why some women use force

There may be no limits to heart health benefits of exercise

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Medicine

Get your joggers back on, folks! International and Australian researchers suggest there is no limit to how much physical activity can benefit your heart. The team collected data on over 90,000 participants' physical activity, and say that the people Read more about There may be no limits to heart health benefits of exercise

The pen is mightier for barking geckos

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

Establishing new populations of geckos could be more successful if the geckos are initially forced to stay in a confined space, according to new research from the University of Otago and the Department of Conservation. Nineteen barking geckos spent Read more about The pen is mightier for barking geckos

Bias in genetic studies may explain beneficial effects of alcohol on health

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Communications

Genetic studies that rely on self-reported drinking may be biased by misreporting and changes in behaviour, according to Australian research, which may explain conflicting reports about links between alcohol and health. Drinking too much has long Read more about Bias in genetic studies may explain beneficial effects of alcohol on health

People with autism are more than 3 times as likely to attempt suicide

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

Australian-led research looked at rates of suicide attempts and suicide among autistic and non-autistic individuals in more than 6 million Danish people over the age of 10, and say those with a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder had more than Read more about People with autism are more than 3 times as likely to attempt suicide

Most microplastics in the Arctic are polyester fibres from textiles

Publicly released: Wed 13 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Communications

Synthetic fibres make up around 92 per cent of microplastic pollution in near-surface seawater across the Arctic, and around 73 per cent of this is polyester, resembling fibres used in textiles, according to Canadian scientists. The team looked at Read more about Most microplastics in the Arctic are polyester fibres from textiles

New study of Earth’s crust shows global growth spurt three billion years ago

Publicly released: Tue 12 Jan 2021 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Nature Communications

Curtin University researchers have used ancient crystals from eroded rocks found in stream sediments in Greenland to successfully test the theory that portions of Earth’s ancient crust acted as ‘seeds’ from which later generations of crust grew Read more about New study of Earth’s crust shows global growth spurt three billion years ago

EXPERT REACTION: Has there been a global insect apocalypse?

Publicly released: Tue 12 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

PNAS

Many insect populations around the world are decreasing by 1-2 per cent every year, but this may not be as simple as an insect 'apocalypse' across the board, according to a series of 12 research papers being published in PNAS. For example, in the Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Has there been a global insect apocalypse?

Slave labour is being used to meet our demand for PPE in the pandemic

Publicly released: Tue 12 Jan 2021 at 1045 AEDT | 1245 NZDT

Annals of Internal Medicine

COVID-19-related increases in supply and demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) are likely to have exacerbated the prevalence of forced labour in global PPE supply chains, according to international scientists. They cite the example of a New Read more about Slave labour is being used to meet our demand for PPE in the pandemic

That extra cup of coffee might cut prostate cancer risk

Publicly released: Tue 12 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

BMJ Open

Drinking several cups of coffee every day may be linked to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, suggests a pooled data analysis of the available evidence. Each additional daily cup of the brew was associated with a reduction in risk of nearly Read more about That extra cup of coffee might cut prostate cancer risk

Gut bugs could influence COVID-19 severity

Publicly released: Tue 12 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Gut

The variety and volume of bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, may influence the severity of COVID-19, as well as the magnitude of the immune system response to the infection, suggests Chinese research. The researchers analysed poo samples Read more about Gut bugs could influence COVID-19 severity

Saliva-based COVID-19 testing is as effective and cheaper than uncomfortable nasal swabs

Publicly released: Tue 12 Jan 2021 at 1029 AEDT | 1229 NZDT

Annals of Internal Medicine

Saliva-based sampling for detecting COVID-19 is similarly sensitive and less costly than nasal swabs, according to a review of the available evidence by Canadian and Brazilian researchers. As well as being uncomfortable for the recipient, nasal Read more about Saliva-based COVID-19 testing is as effective and cheaper than uncomfortable nasal swabs

Stick to supportive shoes if you have knee pain

Publicly released: Tue 12 Jan 2021 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Annals of Internal Medicine

Though they may look daggier than flat-bottomed hipster shoes, a supportive shoe might help alleviate that niggling knee pain, say Aussie scientists. Recently, it has been argued that a flat and flexible shoe might allow more of a 'barefoot' Read more about Stick to supportive shoes if you have knee pain

COVID-19 pandemic disrupted heart disease diagnosis and treatment

Publicly released: Tue 12 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed and disrupted heart disease diagnosis and timely treatment across the world, according to Australian and international researchers. They found that cardiac diagnostic procedure volumes decreased 42 per cent from March Read more about COVID-19 pandemic disrupted heart disease diagnosis and treatment

Working against antibiotic-resistance

Publicly released: Tue 12 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Microbiology

New research published today in the prestigious journal Nature Microbiology has discovered how to revert antibiotic-resistance in one of the most dangerous superbugs. A major risk of being hospitalised is catching a bacterial infection. Hospitals, Read more about Working against antibiotic-resistance

Extreme drought area expected to double by the end of the century

Publicly released: Tue 12 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Climate Change

By the end of this century, the global land area and population in extreme-to-exceptional drought could more than double, according to international research. The study looked at the water available globally in lakes and reservoirs, rivers, wetlands Read more about Extreme drought area expected to double by the end of the century

Unlocking the secrets of star formation

Publicly released: Tue 12 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Astronomy

A new study by an international team of researchers has used computer power to map the so-called sonic scale, showing the key role turbulence plays in star formation. A new study by an international team of researchers has used computer power to Read more about Unlocking the secrets of star formation

Lots of oral sex could increase your risk of mouth and throat cancer

Publicly released: Mon 11 Jan 2021 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

Cancer

Having more than 10 prior oral sex partners has been linked to a 4. 3-times greater likelihood of having human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancer of the mouth and throat, say US researchers. The study also found that having oral sex at a younger Read more about Lots of oral sex could increase your risk of mouth and throat cancer

Sports voucher program found to encourage kids to be more active

Publicly released: Mon 11 Jan 2021 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

BMC Public Health

A Sydney-led study has found that an exercise program designed to encourage children and adolescents to be more active was successful in increasing their physical activity, with increases continuing over a 6 month period. The goal of the  study was Read more about Sports voucher program found to encourage kids to be more active

Frozen egg wastage prompts calls for women to donate unused eggs

Publicly released: Mon 11 Jan 2021 at 1106 AEDT | 1306 NZDT

BMJ Ethics

As more women postpone childbearing for social reasons and freeze their eggs, new research reveals that most don’t end up using them, leading to wastage. Current estimates suggest that less than one in five women who freeze their eggs will return Read more about Frozen egg wastage prompts calls for women to donate unused eggs

'The Meg' shark had giant babies that ate their unhatched siblings in the womb

Publicly released: Mon 11 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Historical Biology

Megalodon or megatooth sharks, which lived nearly worldwide roughly 15-3. 6 million years ago, may have given birth to the largest babies in the shark world making it almost as terrifying IRL as in the sci-fi epic 'The Meg'. Researchers from the US Read more about 'The Meg' shark had giant babies that ate their unhatched siblings in the womb

Meaningful lockdown activity is more satisfying than busyness

Publicly released: Mon 11 Jan 2021 at 1048 AEDT | 1248 NZDT

PLOS ONE

With much of the world practising varying degrees of social distancing and lockdown, researchers have been investigating the key to happiness in isolation. New research shows people who pursue meaningful activities – things they enjoy doing – Read more about Meaningful lockdown activity is more satisfying than busyness

Lingering symptoms and diminishing immunity raise long-term concerns over COVID-19

Publicly released: Sat 9 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Lancet

More than three-quarters of COVID-19 patients have at least one ongoing symptom six months after initially becoming unwell, according to international researchers who surveyed over 1,700 patients in Wuhan, China. The most common persistent symptom Read more about Lingering symptoms and diminishing immunity raise long-term concerns over COVID-19

Tasmanian tiger pups found to be extraordinarily similar to wolf pups

Publicly released: Fri 8 Jan 2021 at 2000 AEDT | 2200 NZDT

Communications Biology

Researchers have established that there are more similarities between the thylacine and the wolf than previously thought. Micro-CT scanning and digital reconstructions have been used to compare the skulls of the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) and wolf Read more about Tasmanian tiger pups found to be extraordinarily similar to wolf pups

Increased trust in government and science amid pandemic

Publicly released: Fri 8 Jan 2021 at 1824 AEDT | 2024 NZDT

Australian Journal of Public Administration

New Curtin University research has found a dramatic increase in people’s trust in government in Australia and New Zealand as a result of the COVID pandemic. New Curtin University research has found a dramatic increase in people’s trust in Read more about Increased trust in government and science amid pandemic

Call to end the 'war on drugs' and free non-violent drug users from jail

Publicly released: Fri 8 Jan 2021 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

The American Journal of Bioethics.

Non-violent offenders serving time for drug use or possession should be freed immediately and their convictions erased, according to more than 60 international experts, including Australians. The experts, including bioethicists, drug experts, legal Read more about Call to end the 'war on drugs' and free non-violent drug users from jail

New defence against dengue and emerging mosquito-borne viruses

Publicly released: Fri 8 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science

New treatments to cut the global death rate from dengue, Zika and West Nile viruses could result from research led by The University of Queensland. Associate Professor Daniel Watterson from UQ’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences said Read more about New defence against dengue and emerging mosquito-borne viruses

COVID-19 likely lingered longer than reported in Wuhan

Publicly released: Fri 8 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

COVID-19 likely lingered longer in Wuhan than what was reported, according to international researchers who tested more than 60,000 healthy people in China for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The researchers tested for two kinds of antibodies: IgG, which Read more about COVID-19 likely lingered longer than reported in Wuhan