Kidney disease drug shows potential as an MS therapy

Publicly released: Mon 18 Jan 2021 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Clinical and Translational Immunology

A drug that’s used in Japan to treat chronic kidney disease may also have a therapeutic potential for multiple sclerosis - an autoimmune disease that attacks the sheath that insulates nerve cells in the brain. In studies using mice New Zealand Read more about Kidney disease drug shows potential as an MS therapy

Virus receptor may help explain why older people and men are more at risk from COVID-19

Publicly released: Mon 18 Jan 2021 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Respirology

The virus which causes COVID-19 gets into our cells through a receptor called ACE2, and now Australian researchers have shown that older people and men tend to have more of this receptor on the cells of their lower lungs, which may go some way to Read more about Virus receptor may help explain why older people and men are more at risk from COVID-19

Diamonds are a cell’s best friend

Publicly released: Sat 16 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science Advances

Scientists have used tiny diamonds, or nanodiamonds, to measure heat transfer inside living cells, potentially leading to new diagnostic tools and therapies for cancer. Scientists have used tiny diamonds, or nanodiamonds, to measure heat transfer Read more about Diamonds are a cell’s best friend

COVID-19 increases risks for women giving birth

Publicly released: Sat 16 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

The risks of dying in hospital, venous thromboembolism (where a blood clot lodges in the lungs), and preeclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure), were considerably higher among women who gave birth with COVID-19 than in those without Read more about COVID-19 increases risks for women giving birth

Centenarian study finds some remain mentally sharp despite signs of Alzheimer's in their brains

Publicly released: Sat 16 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

A Dutch study of 330 people over the age of 100 who considered themselves cognitively healthy found they maintained high levels of cognitive performance for up to four years, despite a slight decline in memory. Post mortems of 44 participants found Read more about Centenarian study finds some remain mentally sharp despite signs of Alzheimer's in their brains

Keep your nose out of it: Saliva tests may be just as good as nose swabs for COVID-19

Publicly released: Sat 16 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

A review of studies has found that saliva sample-based tests are just as good as nose swab based tests when it comes to detecting the virus that causes COVID-19, raising all our hopes that we could one day say goodbye to that uncomfortable nose poke. Read more about Keep your nose out of it: Saliva tests may be just as good as nose swabs for COVID-19

Aspirin may help breast and bladder cancer patients live longer

Publicly released: Sat 16 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

A US study of nearly 140,000 people looked at the effects of aspirin use on developing and surviving bladder, breast, esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and uterine cancers, and found that while aspirin use was not associated with preventing cancers, Read more about Aspirin may help breast and bladder cancer patients live longer

That ‘instinctive gut feeling’ comes from your brain

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 1730 AEDT | 1930 NZDT

Nature Scientific Reports.

New research from The University of Queensland (UQ) illustrates, to a certain extent, why we can take someone at 'face value' and why we develop ‘gut feelings’ about a person within a split-second. New research from The University of Read more about That ‘instinctive gut feeling’ comes from your brain

Are partially protected areas the ‘red herrings’ of marine conservation?

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 1617 AEDT | 1817 NZDT

Conservation Biology

Partially protected marine areas create confusion and don’t meet their broad conservation objectives, UNSW researchers have found. Partially protected areas – marine reserves that allow some forms of fishing – are no more effective socially or Read more about Are partially protected areas the ‘red herrings’ of marine conservation?

WMO confirms 2020 was one of the warmest years on record as La Niña failed to tame the global heat

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

The year 2020 was one of the three warmest on record, and rivalled 2016 for the top spot, according to a consolidation of five leading international datasets by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The warmest six years have all been since Read more about WMO confirms 2020 was one of the warmest years on record as La Niña failed to tame the global heat

Watch out they Bight! Three new Carnivorous sponges found in Great Australian Bight

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 1034 AEDT | 1234 NZDT

Zootaxa

What’s found three kilometres below the surface of the water, have evolved into meat eaters and can only be found in the Great Australian Bight? Three new species of carnivorous sponges. The new species recently described by Queensland Museum Read more about Watch out they Bight! Three new Carnivorous sponges found in Great Australian Bight

Australian Academy of Science statement on the pandemic, vaccines and misinformation

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 0830 AEDT | 1030 NZDT

Australia's top scientists urge Australians to continue to consult reputable sources of evidence-based information about COVID-19 vaccines. This week we’ve seen significant misunderstandings and differing views regarding the effectiveness of Read more about Australian Academy of Science statement on the pandemic, vaccines and misinformation

Sunlight damages white skin more than black skin, and shielding doesn't prevent damage

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Genetics

DNA damage from sunlight is less common in black people than white people, according to US research, which also found that DNA damage still occurs even if skin is shielded from the sun. The team collected skin cells from 21 black and white people Read more about Sunlight damages white skin more than black skin, and shielding doesn't prevent damage

COVID-19 antibody test helps select donor blood samples for therapeutic use

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Pathogens

Argentinian and US researchers have developed and applied an antibody test to assist health authorities in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detects immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) Read more about COVID-19 antibody test helps select donor blood samples for therapeutic use

Screening people for genetic risk could help prevent heart attacks and strokes

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Medicine

Screening people for their genetic heart disease risk could help detect those likely to suffer a heart attack or stoke, allowing doctors to begin preventative treatment, say Australian and UK researchers. They found that, for those already with Read more about Screening people for genetic risk could help prevent heart attacks and strokes

Retinal cell transplants in monkeys show promise for treating blindness

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Stem Cell Reports

Retinal cells derived from adult human eye stem cells survived when transplanted into the eyes of monkeys, an important early step in the validation of this approach for treating blindness, according to international scientists. They extracted Read more about Retinal cell transplants in monkeys show promise for treating blindness

Seagrass meadows could be sweeping the ocean of plastic waste

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Scientific Reports

Seagrass meadows along coastal waters may trap, extract and carry plastics in our waters up to the shore, helping clear our seas of microplastics and other plastic pollution, say Spanish researchers. The team found plastic debris among half of their Read more about Seagrass meadows could be sweeping the ocean of plastic waste

Project maps 'astronomical' number of celestial objects

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nearly 700 million astronomical objects have been carefully catalogued and made public as part of a major international collaboration involving researchers from The Australian National University. Nearly 700 million astronomical objects have been Read more about Project maps 'astronomical' number of celestial objects

COVID-19 lockdowns may be making more kids near-sighted

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Ophthalmology

US and Chinese scientists say being stuck indoors during the pandemic may be affecting some kids' eyesight, making them more near-sighted. They looked at eye tests of more than 120,000 children aged 6 to 13 years from 10 Chinese elementary schools, Read more about COVID-19 lockdowns may be making more kids near-sighted

Notifications to child protection services fell under COVID-19 lockdowns

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Notifications to authorities of suspected child abuse fell in Australia during COVID-19 ‘lockdowns’ in 2020 and increased again as restrictions were eased, according to a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The Read more about Notifications to child protection services fell under COVID-19 lockdowns

Funding and access to contraception in NZ still 'variable'

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

Funding and access to contraception is still "variable and inconsistent" across New Zealand despite a $6 million government initiative to increase its access, according to a new Viewpoint article. New Zealand researchers looked at how DHBs and Read more about Funding and access to contraception in NZ still 'variable'

The high cost of major infections and sepsis in NZ

Publicly released: Fri 15 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

Sepsis is life-threatening organ failure that happens as a complication of infection, and is a leading cause of healthcare spending. Researchers analysed New Zealand data from 2016 and found that almost a quarter of all hospital discharges that Read more about The high cost of major infections and sepsis in NZ

Perth has distinct dolphin communities and they each need different protections

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 1731 AEDT | 1931 NZDT

Frontiers in Marine Science

There are distinct ecological communities of dolphins living in Perth waters requiring separate protection measures from anthropogenic threats, and climate change. Research out of Murdoch University has identified distinct ecological communities of Read more about Perth has distinct dolphin communities and they each need different protections

New insights into pancreatitis

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 1630 AEDT | 1830 NZDT

Gut

Acute Pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common diseases in the world. Associated with a considerable risk of morbidity and even death in patients who suffer a severe form of the disease, to date there is no specific treatment for it. Now, Read more about New insights into pancreatitis

Fast decisions of flying insects

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 1600 AEDT | 1800 NZDT

Australian scientists are homing in on the amazing flying skills of insects. How flying insects are able to respond rapidly and appropriately in fast-changing surroundings is a serious ambition of new Australian Research Council study. Led by Read more about Fast decisions of flying insects

Men more susceptible to COVID-19 than women

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 1530 AEDT | 1730 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Men are more likely to test positive for COVID-19, more likely to have complications and more likely to die from the virus than women, independent of age, according to US scientists. They looked at the health records of almost 100,000 US adults and Read more about Men more susceptible to COVID-19 than women

COVID-19 virus can infect brain cells and cause brain damage

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 1400 AEDT | 1600 NZDT

Journal of Experimental Medicine

Using both mouse and human brain tissue, US researchers found SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect the central nervous system. The team says the virus was able to infect neurons in human brain organoids - miniature 3D organs grown in the lab from human Read more about COVID-19 virus can infect brain cells and cause brain damage

Flight or fright: what is the future of the emus of east coast Australia?

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 1348 AEDT | 1548 NZDT

Scientific Reports

Emu populations are projected to remain stable overall into the future under climate change scenarios, but east of the ranges, populations are likely to be further threatened by increasing urbanisation, and increasing losses from feral predators. Read more about Flight or fright: what is the future of the emus of east coast Australia?

Researchers track a century of sexual abuse in NZ

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 1334 AEDT | 1534 NZDT

Social Science and Medicine

Rates of sexual abuse by an intimate partner over one’s lifetime have not changed, according to new estimates by New Zealand researchers. The study authors analysed data from face-to-face interviews with more than 4300 New Zealand women born as Read more about Researchers track a century of sexual abuse in NZ

Salt reformulation programs can substantially improve health, but not Australia’s

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 1159 AEDT | 1359 NZDT

BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health

Government targets designed to lower the salt content of packaged foods will make little difference to the health of Australians, according to a new analysis published today. George Institute researchers found that even if the voluntary targets Read more about Salt reformulation programs can substantially improve health, but not Australia’s

What’s app-ening with my lungs?

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Learning about healthy lungs has just become a lot easier for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and health practitioners thanks to an expanded interactive app. The app, produced by the Menzies School of Health Research’s (Menzies) Read more about What’s app-ening with my lungs?

Sea lion diagnosed with tuberculosis triggers public health concerns

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Journal of Wildlife Diseases

A wild Australian sea lion has been reported with tuberculosis in South Australia. The type of disease is not the typical presentation of tuberculosis, as this was not found in the animal’s lungs, but in its abdomen. Researchers from the Read more about Sea lion diagnosed with tuberculosis triggers public health concerns

Low carb diets can reverse type 2 diabetes

Publicly released: Thu 14 Jan 2021 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

BMJ

Scientists have found that after six months, patients who followed a low carb diet containing less than 26 per cent of daily calories from carbohydrates achieved greater rates of type 2 diabetes remission than those who followed other diets Read more about Low carb diets can reverse type 2 diabetes

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