Arthritis drug tocilizumab no better than standard care for severe COVID-19

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jan 2021 at 1606 AEDT | 1806 NZDT

The BMJ

Adding the arthritis drug tocilizumab to standard care does not appear to improve clinical outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19 at 15 days, according to a Brazilian trial which was stopped early due to an increase in the number of deaths in Read more about Arthritis drug tocilizumab no better than standard care for severe COVID-19

Rugby league should invest in young players’ diets

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jan 2021 at 1300 AEDT | 1500 NZDT

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

New QUT study recommends NRL rugby league clubs 'invest' in young players' diets to aid performance and recovery with the research outlining specific nutritional needs for the high-impact sport. Young rugby league players could benefit from Read more about Rugby league should invest in young players’ diets

COVID-19 lockdowns increase meth exposure risks in former home labs

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jan 2021 at 1300 AEDT | 1500 NZDT

ANZJPH

Families unwittingly living in houses used as methamphetamine labs could be exposed to significantly higher levels of the drug ice during Covid-19 lockdowns, as financial pressures brought on by the pandemic prevent relocation and limit resources Read more about COVID-19 lockdowns increase meth exposure risks in former home labs

Do antidepressants help chronic back pain and osteoarthritis?

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

Antidepressants are commonly used worldwide to treat pain, however new research from the University of Sydney shows they offer little to no help for people suffering chronic back pain and osteoarthritis and may even cause harm. Antidepressants are Read more about Do antidepressants help chronic back pain and osteoarthritis?

Indigenous lands: a haven for wildlife

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jan 2021 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Conservation Biology

Indigenous peoples’ lands may harbour a significant proportion of threatened and endangered species globally, according to University of Queensland-led research. Indigenous peoples’ lands may harbour a significant proportion of threatened and Read more about Indigenous lands: a haven for wildlife

How Silicon Valley elites see the world

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLoS ONE

The 100 richest information technology entrepreneurs see the world in similar meritocratic, self-affirming and self-serving terms, according to an analysis of their own official and unofficial statements. However, their belief that there is little Read more about How Silicon Valley elites see the world

The origins of money: Ancient European hoards may contain early currency

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

When did money start making the world go round? International researchers say ancient Bronze Age people may have used rings and axe blades as an early form of money, even going so far as to standardise the shape and weight of their currency. The Read more about The origins of money: Ancient European hoards may contain early currency

Fish out of water: The genetics of evolving onto land

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

The transition of creatures from sea to land life is still poorly understood, so European researchers sequenced the genome of a "living fossil", the Australian lungfish. to learn more about this important evolutionary step. They found genetic Read more about Fish out of water: The genetics of evolving onto land

Online cognitive behavioural therapy could help people with depression, even without a therapist

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Psychiatry

Online cognitive behavioural therapy can help people with depression, and for those with mild depression, they may not even need to be guided by a therapist, according to Australian and international research. The analysis of previous research found Read more about Online cognitive behavioural therapy could help people with depression, even without a therapist

In hotter water: Climate change prolongs lake heatwaves

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

Climate change may have more prolonged effects on heat waves in lakes than on dry land. A research team led by the European Space Agency used satellite observations and modelling to investigate changes in lake heatwaves for hundreds of lakes Read more about In hotter water: Climate change prolongs lake heatwaves