New DNA modification ‘signature’ discovered in zebrafish

Publicly released: Fri 4 Dec 2020 at 1105 AEDT | 1305 NZDT

Nucleic Acids Research

Researchers have revealed a previously unknown DNA modification in zebrafish – one of human’s distant evolutionary cousins. Read more about New DNA modification ‘signature’ discovered in zebrafish

Drinking Linked to a Decline in Brain Health Across Lifespan

Publicly released: Fri 4 Dec 2020 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

The BMJ

The evidence for the harmful effects of alcohol on brain health is compelling, but now experts have pin-pointed three key time periods in life when the effects of alcohol are likely to be at their greatest. Read more about Drinking Linked to a Decline in Brain Health Across Lifespan

Creative workshops can aid mental health recovery

Publicly released: Fri 4 Dec 2020 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Art, music, dance and creative writing workshops that encourage people with mental health issues to share their stories may have long lasting benefits, with Australian research showing these workshops help people understand and talk about their Read more about Creative workshops can aid mental health recovery

Scans for back pain are increasing in Aussie women, and costing us dearly

Publicly released: Fri 4 Dec 2020 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Rates of CT and MRI scans for lower back pain are booming in Aussie women, despite guidelines recommending against their use, according to an Australian study. The study found that over the last 20 years or so, use of CT scans for the lower back Read more about Scans for back pain are increasing in Aussie women, and costing us dearly

Vaginal bacteria can deactivate HIV drugs

Publicly released: Fri 4 Dec 2020 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

PLOS Pathogens

US researchers have found that a reason that anti-HIV prophylactic drugs often aren’t as effective in women is due to some vaginal bacteria breaking down the drugs. Testing vaginal fluids from women with or without the common condition bacterial Read more about Vaginal bacteria can deactivate HIV drugs

Even low doses of anti-inflammatory steroids may increase risk of heart disease

Publicly released: Fri 4 Dec 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Medicine

Taking low doses of glucosteroids may double the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to new research. Glucosteroids are widely used as treatments for inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. While it's known that high doses may Read more about Even low doses of anti-inflammatory steroids may increase risk of heart disease

Why does COVID-19 affect some animals, but not others?

Publicly released: Fri 4 Dec 2020 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Computational Biology

Some animals are more susceptible to COVID-19 than others, and new international research suggests this may be due to distinctive structural features of a protein found on the surface of animal cells. Using computer modelling, the researchers Read more about Why does COVID-19 affect some animals, but not others?

Many challenges hinder Māori to realise their aspirations for native forestry on their land

Publicly released: Fri 4 Dec 2020 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

High costs and restrictive governance are just some of the roadblocks that stop Māori landowners from establishing native forestry on their land. A new research paper by Motu Economic and Public Policy Research explores the decision-making Read more about Many challenges hinder Māori to realise their aspirations for native forestry on their land

Getting fired during a pandemic could break your heart

Publicly released: Fri 4 Dec 2020 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

New Zealand researchers discuss how the economic downturn of this year’s pandemic may cause an uptick in heart disease. The international research they reviewed suggested a link between unemployment from economic shocks and increased Read more about Getting fired during a pandemic could break your heart

Threatened Species Index of Australia: 2020 results show staggering loss of threatened native plants over 20 years

Publicly released: Thu 3 Dec 2020 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Ecological Society of Australia Conference 2020

In just over two decades (1995-2017) numbers of Australian threatened plants have decreased by more than 70% on average. The findings come from Australia’s Threatened Species Index which combines data from hundreds of monitoring programs across Read more about Threatened Species Index of Australia: 2020 results show staggering loss of threatened native plants over 20 years