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Small trial suggests magic mushroom drug can help cancer patients overcome depression
Cancer
A US trial of psychotherapy sessions while on psilocybin - the active compound in magic mushrooms - which included 30 cancer patients who were suffering from major depression, found the drug lessened depressive symptoms and the patients spoke Read more about Small trial suggests magic mushroom drug can help cancer patients overcome depression
InternationalSunstone Therapies, USA, Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute, USA, Harvard Medical School, USA -
Tempting teens to vape – social media under the spotlight
A University of Queensland research project will investigate the online influences behind young people taking up vaping, and develop social media content to support them in quitting the habit. A University of Queensland research project will Read more about Tempting teens to vape – social media under the spotlight
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
'If in doubt, don't go out': the risks of swimming at unpatrolled beaches
N/A
Thinking of swimming at unpatrolled beaches this summer? Don't do it until you know the risks. Last summer, 54 people drowned in 90 days along the Australian coast. All of them occurred in unpatrolled locations, including 78 per cent on beaches. Read more about 'If in doubt, don't go out': the risks of swimming at unpatrolled beaches
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Overhead vs underground: Rewiring Australia for renewable energy goals
A new report by Curtin University and The University of Queensland has provided insights into the trade-offs between overhead and underground transmission lines and the challenges of expanding Australia’s grid for renewable energy initiatives. The Read more about Overhead vs underground: Rewiring Australia for renewable energy goals
Australia; QLD; WACurtin University|The University of Queensland|Curtin Institute for Energy Transition -
Sydney researchers to lead multiple sclerosis study
Researchers and clinicians across Australia unite to develop better ways to detect, prevent and treat multiple sclerosis. The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney have launched an Australia-wide study to improve Read more about Sydney researchers to lead multiple sclerosis study
Australia; NSW; VIC; TAS; ACTGarvan Institute of Medical Research|St Vincent's Hospital Sydney... -
Why we love scary movies and violent video games
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B
We may enjoy the thrills of horror films and violent video games because they counterintuitively make us feel less anxious and stressed rather than more owing to the brain's curious nature, according to international experts, including an Australian. Read more about Why we love scary movies and violent video games
Australia; International; VICMonash University|Aarhus University, Denmark -
Could classical music make us more curious?
Philosophical Transactions B
Listening to classical music can make people more curious about the world around them, even if that curiosity comes with a risk, according to international researchers. In the first of three experiments, participants watched a video of a magic trick Read more about Could classical music make us more curious?
InternationalUniversity of Turin, Italy -
Most Australian hospitals are able to offer good stroke care, but many patients are missing out
The Australian Stroke Clinical Registry Annual Report 2022
A new report across six states and territories shows data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR) is improving clinical outcomes for patients with stroke, with two leading hospitals achieving marked improvements over a short time. A new Read more about Most Australian hospitals are able to offer good stroke care, but many patients are missing out
Australia; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; ACTFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health -
Ingenious brain stimulation research offers treatment hope for neurological diseases
A team of University of Melbourne biomedical engineers and their collaborators are seeking to develop a brain stimulation treatment that uses ultrasound – delivered via a device within a blood vessel in the brain – to treat symptoms of Read more about Ingenious brain stimulation research offers treatment hope for neurological diseases
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
AI screens for autism in the blink of an eye
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders
With a single flash of light to the eye, artificial intelligence (AI) could deliver a faster and more accurate way to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, according to new research from the University of South Australia and Flinders Read more about AI screens for autism in the blink of an eye
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia|Flinders University|University of Connecticut, University College London, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust. -
Eight out of ten NZers believe in and are concerned about climate change
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Survey data from almost 35,000 New Zealanders found that most Kiwis believe in the reality of climate change and its human cause, and are concerned about it. Those who have the highest levels of climate change beliefs and concerns also tend to hold Read more about Eight out of ten NZers believe in and are concerned about climate change
New ZealandUniversity of Waikato|University of Auckland -
Animal translocations aren’t always a quick and easy conservation fix
New Zealand Journal of Ecology
NZ researchers looked at the history of translocating birds, bats, reptiles, and bugs in Aotearoa to reduce extinction risk and restore ecosystems. They say there's a common perception that translocations are relatively easy and that their success Read more about Animal translocations aren’t always a quick and easy conservation fix
New ZealandManaaki Whenua - Landcare Research|University of Otago... -
EXPERT REACTION: How the magma plumbing under the Hunga volcano changed after the eruption
Science Advances
NZ, Tongan, and US researchers modelled the changes to the magma plumbing system under Hunga volcano before and after its massive explosion at the start of 2022. Before the eruption, magma was located in three separate reservoirs. Afterwards, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: How the magma plumbing under the Hunga volcano changed after the eruption
New Zealand; Pacific; InternationalGNS Science|AUT University|University of Auckland|Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Tonga; Carnegie Institution for Science, Earth and Planets Laboratory, USA -
Statins reduce risk of blood clots for menopausal women on HRT
JAMA Network Open
A US study of 223,949 women aged 50 to 64 years found women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for perimenopausal symptoms who were taking statins - the cholesterol-busting drugs - had a reduced risk of blood clots compared with women on HRT who Read more about Statins reduce risk of blood clots for menopausal women on HRT
InternationalUniversity of Texas Medical Branch, USA -
Kilojoule counts on fast food menus help us make healthier choices
JAMA Network Open
To investigate the effects on our food choices of including kilojoule counts on fast food menus, US researchers compared sales at 2,329 branches of Taco Bell in US states with and without laws that require labeling between 2007 and 2014. They found Read more about Kilojoule counts on fast food menus help us make healthier choices
InternationalNew York University School of Medicine, USA -
AI eye test for autism in kids may be able to tell how severe it is
JAMA Network Open
Photographs of children's retinas - the 'screen' at the back of the eye - can be used to test for autism, and possibly even for the severity of the disease, with a little help from artificial intelligence (AI), according to Korean scientists. The Read more about AI eye test for autism in kids may be able to tell how severe it is
InternationalYonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea -
EXPERT REACTION: National health survey: 8 in 10 Aussies have a long term health condition
Eight in ten Australians (81. 4 per cent) have at least one long-term health condition, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The National Health Survey 2022 shows how the health of Australians has changed Read more about EXPERT REACTION: National health survey: 8 in 10 Aussies have a long term health condition
Australia; NSW; QLD; SAAustralian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) -
Popular news sites continue to stigmatise people's weight
Journal of Health Communication
The largest US and UK news outlets continue to stigmatise people’s weight with the pictures they use, according to international researchers who say while this could improve, it’s better than 10 years ago. The team assessed 445 obesity stories Read more about Popular news sites continue to stigmatise people's weight
InternationalUniversity of Connecticut, US -
Psilocybin has treatment potential for a range of psychiatric conditions but remains poorly understood
Journal of Neurochemistry
Medicinal psilocybin may prove to be an untapped therapeutic resource for a variety of psychiatric conditions identified by researchers at The Florey. Medicinal psilocybin may prove to Read more about Psilocybin has treatment potential for a range of psychiatric conditions but remains poorly understood
Australia; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health -
New software makes rapid inroads to find viral weapons for germ warfare
Bioinformatics
A new bioinformatics software program at Flinders University is paving the way for a rapid expansion of research into bacteriophages, the viruses or phages that play key roles in controlling bacteria. Experts at the Flinders University College of Read more about New software makes rapid inroads to find viral weapons for germ warfare
Australia; International; SAFlinders University|The University of Adelaide -
Identifying how Australia must grasp new workforce technologies
The future of work in Australia is placed under the microscope by leading Australian academics in an incisive new book that paints a realistic picture about the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies. Led by Flinders University Read more about Identifying how Australia must grasp new workforce technologies
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
2 in 5 Indigenous adults may have impaired lung function
Respirology
Almost 40% of adult Indigenous Australians have abnormal lung function, according to Australian research. The team used data from 686 Indigenous Australians involved in a study from birth, including information on childhood factors that could impact Read more about 2 in 5 Indigenous adults may have impaired lung function
Australia; VIC; QLD; WA; NTMenzies School of Health Research|Curtin University... -
Cats like to fetch when they’re feline playful
Scientific Reports
Cats love to play fetch with their owners, especially if they're in charge, according to international research. The researchers surveyed nearly 1000 cat owners whose cats liked to play fetch to find out more about the behaviour. The researchers say Read more about Cats like to fetch when they’re feline playful
InternationalUniversity of Sussex, UK -
Disturbed sleep in preschoolers linked to emotional and behavioural problems
JAMA Network Open
Chinese scientists looked at data for 17,182 children with an average age of nearly four years, and say they found a link between disturbed sleep and emotional and behavioural problems. Kids with sleep disturbances were more likely to have Read more about Disturbed sleep in preschoolers linked to emotional and behavioural problems
InternationalShanghai Jiao Tong University, China -
NZ experts say smokefree repeal is “public health vandalism”
New Zealand Medical Journal
In an editorial piece for the New Zealand Medical Journal, tobacco control researchers discuss lessons learned from the new coalition Government’s controversial decision to repeal world-first measures to stub out smoking in Aotearoa. They write Read more about NZ experts say smokefree repeal is “public health vandalism”
New Zealand; PacificUniversity of Otago|University of Auckland -
Applying NZ’s Covid contact tracing system to STIs
New Zealand Medical Journal
A centralised system to contact trace sexually transmitted infections, similar to what NZ created for COVID-19, would bring a more consistent approach to what’s currently done at the clinic level, according to a small qualitative study of 12 Read more about Applying NZ’s Covid contact tracing system to STIs
New Zealand; PacificUniversity of Otago -
Mums are more likely to have their babies during their own birth month
Population Studies
Babies are more likely to be born during the month of their mum's birthday, according to international researchers. The team looked at data on more than 10 million births to investigate how the birth month of parents influences the time their Read more about Mums are more likely to have their babies during their own birth month
InternationalUniversity of Alcalá, Spain -
Why making things matters to Australia’s future
Australia’s ability to sustain its local manufacturing industry is under threat by a generational loss of crafts and hands-on making expertise, according to a UniSA research report. Australia’s ability to sustain its local manufacturing industry Read more about Why making things matters to Australia’s future
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
EXPERT REACTION: Final COP28 agreement signed, committing to 'transition away from fossil fuels'
There is now a final COP28 Agreement. The final agreement calls for countries to quickly shift energy systems away from fossil fuels in a just and orderly fashion, qualifications that helped convince those holding out. Under the deal, countries are Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Final COP28 agreement signed, committing to 'transition away from fossil fuels'
Australia; Pacific; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; WA; TAS; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre -
EXPERT REACTION: Kathleen Folbigg's convictions quashed
The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal has quashed the convictions of Kathleen Folbigg over the deaths of her four young children. This decision comes after she was pardoned following an inquiry led by Hon Thomas Bathurst AC KC which focused on new Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Kathleen Folbigg's convictions quashed
Australia; NSW; SA; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre -
Unravelling the association between neonatal proteins and adult health
Cell Genomics
Research led by Professor John McGrath from the University of Queensland found that the concentration of the C4 protein, an important part of the immune system, was not associated with risk of mental disorders. However, the research also showed that Read more about Unravelling the association between neonatal proteins and adult health
Australia; QLDQueensland Brain Institute|The University of Queensland -
Vaccination coverage in children continues to decline following easing of pandemic-related restrictions
A new report from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) shows vaccination coverage in children has continued to decrease since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A new report from the National Centre for Read more about Vaccination coverage in children continues to decline following easing of pandemic-related restrictions
Australia; NSWNational Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) -
Climate change threatens a quarter of Australia’s low-lying coral reef islands
Science of the Total Environment
University of Sydney researchers have found 25 percent of Australia’s coral islands, land masses formed by reefs, currently face high to very high risk of being wiped out by climate change. University of Sydney researchers have found 25 percent of Read more about Climate change threatens a quarter of Australia’s low-lying coral reef islands
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Moderna's mRNA vaccine for RSV appears to be safe and effective in older adults
New England Journal of Medicine
A gold standard clinical trial of Moderna's mRNA-1345 vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in more than 35,000 adults aged 60 or over found the vaccine was 83. 7% effective against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease with at Read more about Moderna's mRNA vaccine for RSV appears to be safe and effective in older adults
InternationalModerna, USA -
Vikings in Sweden suffered from tooth decay
PLOS ONE
Vikings may have conquered the seas and won many wars, but one battle they struggled with was tooth decay, according to international researchers. The team found thousands of Viking graves near the remains of a Christian church, dating to the Read more about Vikings in Sweden suffered from tooth decay
InternationalUniversity of Gothenburg, Sweden -
Mooving cattle away from a pure grass diet may reduce carbon footprint
PLOS ONE
Cattle farmers that keep their livestock on a lifelong grass-based diet create a larger carbon footprint than those who switch their cows to a grain-based diet partway through their lives, say US researchers. Past research has focused on how much Read more about Mooving cattle away from a pure grass diet may reduce carbon footprint
InternationalThe Breakthrough Institute, USA -
ChatGPT named among top 10 science newsmakers of 2023
Nature
ChatGPT has been included in Nature's top 10 newsmaker list, aimed at recognising the people behind the biggest stories in science of the year. While not a person, the journal says ChatGPT has dominated science news in 2023 and it and artificial Read more about ChatGPT named among top 10 science newsmakers of 2023
InternationalSpringer Nature -
Increased levels of this hormone may lie behind morning sickness
Nature
International scientists say increased levels of a hormone called growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) may explain nausea during pregnancy, including morning sickness. The team measured levels of GDF15 in expectant mothers in their first Read more about Increased levels of this hormone may lie behind morning sickness
InternationalUniversity of Cambridge, UK -
DNA discovery opens door to personalised medicine for Indigenous Australians
Nature
The most comprehensive analysis of Indigenous Australians’ genomes collected to date has revealed an “abundance” of DNA variations – some of which have never been reported anywhere else in the world – paving the way for new, personalised Read more about DNA discovery opens door to personalised medicine for Indigenous Australians
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Melbourne... -
Animal tests suggest inhaled COVID-19 vaccine may prevent disease
Nature
Chinese and Australian scientists have developed an inhaled COVID-19 vaccine, and tests in animals found it triggers an immune response and confers strong protection against infection. The researchers hope their new vaccine, which is based on a Read more about Animal tests suggest inhaled COVID-19 vaccine may prevent disease
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, McMaster University, Canada -
Some dairy cows produce 15% fewer methane emissions, but just as much milk
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research
Cows produce methane emissions as a by-product of their digestion - and this methane is the largest contributor from the agricultural sector to greenhouse gases in both Ireland and New Zealand. Irish and Kiwi researchers ranked 45 Irish dairy cows Read more about Some dairy cows produce 15% fewer methane emissions, but just as much milk
New Zealand; InternationalMassey University|Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Co., Cork, Ireland -
Mental health and addiction now second largest cause of disease in Australia
Mental health and substance use disorders are now the second largest group of diseases causing illness and premature death in Australia, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report, which looks at the burden Read more about Mental health and addiction now second largest cause of disease in Australia
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Melting permafrost could release vast quantities of methane into the atmosphere
Frontiers in Earth Science
Vast quantities of methane may be trapped beneath the Svalbard permafrost, and it could escape if the permafrost thaws, according to international researchers, who say its release could result in further global warming. The team say that methane is Read more about Melting permafrost could release vast quantities of methane into the atmosphere
InternationalThe University Centre in Svalbard, Norway -
You 'aorta' look beyond muscle and bone for falls and fracture risk: New AI algorithm identifies high risk older women
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research
A new automated machine-learning algorithm has been developed by researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) to accurately assess abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), which could increase the risk of fall-related hospitalisation and clinical Read more about You 'aorta' look beyond muscle and bone for falls and fracture risk: New AI algorithm identifies high risk older women
Australia; NSW; WAEdith Cowan University|The University of Sydney -
Why sea snakes have big ladies who have big babies
Royal Society Open Science
Two sea snake sssssstudies by Australian experts shed light on why females tend to be bigger than males and why they give birth to larger offspring than snakes on land. The first study suggests moving from land to sea meant the usual way snakes find Read more about Why sea snakes have big ladies who have big babies
Australia; NSW; NTMacquarie University|Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) -
A biting discovery about Tasmanian devils
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
A Tasmanian devil expert has uncovered an evolutionary quirk that sets carnivorous marsupials apart from the crowd – and the secret lies behind their smiles. A Tasmanian devil expert has uncovered an evolutionary quirk that sets carnivorous Read more about A biting discovery about Tasmanian devils
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania -
So-narked: Military sonar disrupts fin whales
Royal Society Open Science
US and UK researchers say that the use of sonar by the military is causing endangered fin whales to change how they dive and search for food. The team tagged and monitored groups of fin whales around the south coasts of California in the US and Read more about So-narked: Military sonar disrupts fin whales
InternationalUniversity of Santa Cruz, USA -
Tagged turtles and 3D ocean current maps reveal loggerheads loggerhead-ing north
Journal of the Royal Society Interface
International scientists tagged 25 loggerhead turtles as they migrated from Reunion Island in the Pacific and combined their movement data with 3D maps of ocean currents to investigate how the animals navigate on ocean voyages. They found the Read more about Tagged turtles and 3D ocean current maps reveal loggerheads loggerhead-ing north
InternationalLaboratoire de l’Atmosphère et des Cyclones, France -
First-in-human implantation of bionic device to halt Crohn’s disease
Researchers could be on the brink of transforming the treatment of Crohn’s disease using a bionic nerve stimulation device that uses electricity to trigger the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response, preventing damaging gut inflammation Read more about First-in-human implantation of bionic device to halt Crohn’s disease
Australia; International; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health... -
Riskiest skateboard wipeouts revealed
Injury Prevention
Canadian researchers have revealed the riskiest moves in the skatepark when it comes to injury and say it might be worth grading the different features based on the level of expertise needed to pull off those sick moves safely, fellow kids. They Read more about Riskiest skateboard wipeouts revealed
InternationalUniversity of Guelph, Canada
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