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'Superagers' have super memory later in life thanks to brain white matter
The Journal of Neuroscience
People who don't experience memory decline in old age - known as 'superagers' - likely get their super memory abilities thanks to better preservation of their brain's white matter, according to international researchers, who say that while a gradual Read more about 'Superagers' have super memory later in life thanks to brain white matter
InternationalUniversidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain -
For women, empathy may be the basis of healthy, stable relationships
JNeurosci
German and Dutch scientists say empathy plays a big role in feeling socially connected with others, and this may be linked to brain regions called the anterior insula and temporo-parietal junction. They asked over 100 female participants to observe Read more about For women, empathy may be the basis of healthy, stable relationships
InternationalUniversity Hospital Würzburg, Germany -
Gut bug enzymes can switch our blood to a universally compatible blood group, potentially boosting transfusion stocks
Nature Microbiology
A cocktail of enzymes from the gut bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila can convert group A and group B human red blood cells into group O blood, which is universally compatible for everyone, according to Danish and Swedish researchers. Matching blood Read more about Gut bug enzymes can switch our blood to a universally compatible blood group, potentially boosting transfusion stocks
InternationalTechnical University of Denmark, Denmark, Lund University, Sweden -
The real 'Paleo diet' was largely plant-based
Nature Ecology & Evolution
Fad diet fans may be disappointed to hear that the real 'Paleo diet' was a far cry from the meat-heavy version touted by celebrities and influencers because it was mainly plant-based, at least in North Africa, according to international researchers. Read more about The real 'Paleo diet' was largely plant-based
InternationalMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany -
Dogs are better than humans at finding rare fungus and can aid fungal conservation
iScience
Wildlife detection dogs outperform humans when it comes to finding endangered fungi, according to Aussie researchers, who found that specially trained dogs were able to detect a greater number of fungi, had a faster time to find their first fungi, Read more about Dogs are better than humans at finding rare fungus and can aid fungal conservation
Australia; VIC; WAMonash University|The University of Melbourne -
Simulation makes the grade for teacher screening
Journal of Education for Teaching
New research has found that simulations are an effective on-entry screening tool for teaching candidates, exposing university students to authentic classroom dynamics, increasing their confidence, and providing a safe learning environment. New Read more about Simulation makes the grade for teacher screening
Australia; WAMurdoch University|The University of Newcastle -
When does a conductor not conduct?
Nature Communications
A new, Australian-led study uncovers a switchable, atomically-thin metal-organic material that could be used in future low-energy electronic technologies. The study shows that electron interactions in this material create an unusual electrically Read more about When does a conductor not conduct?
Australia; VICARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET)... -
Lake ‘healthcare screening’ needed to safeguard global human health and ecosystems
Earth's Future
A study has underscored the urgent need for coordinated action to address the issues jeopardising lake ecosystems globally. The Earth’s Future study that examined the various ailments impacting nearly 21 million lakes around the world that are Read more about Lake ‘healthcare screening’ needed to safeguard global human health and ecosystems
Australia; QLDGriffith University|The University of Adelaide|The University of Western Australia -
Citizen science project goes offshore to ‘rewind’ ecosystem loss on Kangaroo Island
Native oysters may one day return to the coastline of Kangaroo Island after the installation of new reef structures along the Kingscote foreshore as part of the Flinders University-led Passport to Recovery (‘P2R’) program. The new ‘Reef Read more about Citizen science project goes offshore to ‘rewind’ ecosystem loss on Kangaroo Island
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Ancient landscapes point to Australia’s initial human migration paths
Nature Communications
A fresh examination of landscape evolution casts new light on migration of the first humans to Sahul – the expansive single landmass including Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania that existed up to 75,000 years ago. An interdisciplinary team from Read more about Ancient landscapes point to Australia’s initial human migration paths
Australia; SAFlinders University|The University of Sydney|Southern Cross University -
Say goodbye to garlic breath with odour-free black garlic
Garlic breath could be a thing of the past, thanks to a University of Queensland collaboration helping promote odourless black garlic in mainstream Australia. Garlic breath could be a thing of the past, thanks to a University of Queensland Read more about Say goodbye to garlic breath with odour-free black garlic
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
How did the early Great Barrier Reef manage rapid environmental change?
Quaternary Science Reviews
Study shows that coral reef growth about 7000 years ago wasn’t halted but just went deeper, slower. As the modern Great Barrier Reef emerged after the last ice age, it had to cope with multiple environmental stresses – rising sea levels, Read more about How did the early Great Barrier Reef manage rapid environmental change?
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Sydney -
Bacteria ‘nanowires’ could help develop green electronics
Small
Filaments engineered by scientists at UNSW Sydney were shown to produce electricity from moisture in the air. Engineered protein filaments originally produced by bacteria have been modified by scientists to conduct electricity. In a study published Read more about Bacteria ‘nanowires’ could help develop green electronics
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Negativity about vaccines surged on X (formerly Twitter) after COVID-19 jabs became available
ESCMID Global Congress 2024
The number of negative tweets about vaccines rose by 27% after COVID-19 jabs became available, according to a US scientist presenting his findings at the ESCMID Global Congress 2024. The analysis also found the number of negative tweets spiked when Read more about Negativity about vaccines surged on X (formerly Twitter) after COVID-19 jabs became available
InternationalStanford University School of Medicine, USA -
Cervical cancer vaccine roll out effective but huge variations in global coverage exist
ESCMID Global Congress
The global cervical cancer vaccine roll-out has been very effective in reducing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, according to Aussie researchers speaking at the ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona this week, however, there are huge Read more about Cervical cancer vaccine roll out effective but huge variations in global coverage exist
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne -
Financial privilege may not protect you against lower back pain and arthritis
PLOS ONE
People living in wealthier neighbourhoods may be no less likely to develop lower back pain or arthritis, according to Australian and international researchers. The team looked at the prevalence of lower back pain and arthritis among identical twins Read more about Financial privilege may not protect you against lower back pain and arthritis
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
The pressures of COVID-19 science communication
ESCMID Global Congress
NZ microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles will talk at a global conference about her science communication during the Covid-19 pandemic, the subsequent harassment she faced, and what is now being done to help scientists subjected to threats for speaking Read more about The pressures of COVID-19 science communication
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland -
Genetic hope in fight against devastating wheat disease
Cell Host & Microbe
Fungal disease Fusarium head blight (FHB) is on the rise due to increasingly humid conditions induced by climate change during the wheat growing season, but a fundamental discovery by University of Adelaide researchers could help reduce its economic Read more about Genetic hope in fight against devastating wheat disease
Australia; SA; WAThe University of Adelaide|Murdoch University -
EXPERT Q&A: Mass whale stranding near Dunsborough in WA
About 160 long-finned pilot whales became stranded at Geographe Bay near Dunsborough, WA on Thursday morning. Murdoch University marine biologist and Senior Research Associate Dr Joshua Smith said the stranding may have been due to the long, Read more about EXPERT Q&A: Mass whale stranding near Dunsborough in WA
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
How much time a day should we spend sitting, sleeping, standing and being active for optimal health
Diabetologia
An international team has analysed over 2,000 people’s behaviours within a 24-hour day to determine the amount of time we should spend sitting, sleeping, standing and being physically active within a 24-hour period for optimal health. According to Read more about How much time a day should we spend sitting, sleeping, standing and being active for optimal health
Australia; VIC; QLD; SASwinburne University of Technology|Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute... -
Climate change reveals intricate dynamics of reproductive barriers in marine species
Evolution
Monash University scientists have uncovered insights into how rising temperatures influence the reproductive interactions and species boundaries of marine organisms. Monash University scientists have uncovered insights into how rising temperatures Read more about Climate change reveals intricate dynamics of reproductive barriers in marine species
Australia; VICMonash University -
Gigantic Jurassic raptor footprints unearthed
iScience
Scientists have discovered the tracks of a five-metre-long raptor dinosaur, challenging what was previously known about the species’ size range. Scientists have discovered the tracks of a five-metre-long raptor dinosaur, challenging what was Read more about Gigantic Jurassic raptor footprints unearthed
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Bisexual and lesbian women died 26% earlier than straight peers in long-term study
JAMA
Data from more than 90,000 nurses studied over the course of 27 years found bisexual- and lesbian-identified nurses died earlier than their straight counterparts. Bisexual women in particular had the most pronounced disparities in all-cause mortality Read more about Bisexual and lesbian women died 26% earlier than straight peers in long-term study
InternationalHarvard University, USA; -
Have we cracked the link between depression and heart disease?
Frontiers in Psychiatry
International scientists believe that they have explained the puzzling link between depression and heart disease; it's down to our genes. The team say they found a 'gene module' which consists of 256 functionally related and co-expressed genes that Read more about Have we cracked the link between depression and heart disease?
InternationalTampere University, Tampere, Finland -
Short courses of low dose opioid painkillers during pregnancy not linked to psychiatric disorders in children
The BMJ
Taking low doses of prescription opioids for short periods after the first trimester of pregnancy is relatively safe in terms of neuropsychiatric disorders in children, but caution is needed for higher doses over longer periods, according to South Read more about Short courses of low dose opioid painkillers during pregnancy not linked to psychiatric disorders in children
InternationalKyung Hee University College of Medicine, South Korea, University of Rhode Island, USA -
C-section and antibiotic use may be driving the increase of antibiotic-resistant infections in infants
ESCMID Global Congress
Caesarean delivery and antibiotic use could be driving the increase of antibiotic-resistant infections among infants, according to new research being presented at this year’s ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona. The researchers conducted Read more about C-section and antibiotic use may be driving the increase of antibiotic-resistant infections in infants
InternationalUiT The Artic University of Norway, Norway -
Could UV lights protect our hospitals against the next pandemic?
Experts presenting at the ESCMID Global Congress suggest that the use of low doses of ultraviolet (UV) light, known as far-UVC can kill viruses and bacteria without the dangers of conventional UV light. They say beaming this far-UVC into an empty Read more about Could UV lights protect our hospitals against the next pandemic?
InternationalLouis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in Cleveland, USA -
As the world warms, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry are spreading to new areas
ESCMID Global Congress 2024
As the world heats up, an additional 4. 7 billion people around the world are predicted to be at risk of malaria, dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases by 2100 if emissions and population growth continue to grow at current rates, according to a Read more about As the world warms, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry are spreading to new areas
InternationalBarcelona Supercomputing Center, Spain -
More than half of branded plastic pollution linked to 56 companies
Science Advances
An international team of researchers has provided the first ever quantification of products from global plastic producers in the environment. The new study, published in Science Advances, found more than half of branded plastic pollution in the Read more about More than half of branded plastic pollution linked to 56 companies
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalCSIRO -
The benefits of crown-of-thorns starfish control on the Great Barrier Reef
PLOS ONE
New research has revealed that years of targeted crown-of-thorns starfish control on the Great Barrier Reef has protected coral and supported reef health and resilience. The study led by the Reef Authority in collaboration with research and delivery Read more about The benefits of crown-of-thorns starfish control on the Great Barrier Reef
Australia; NSW; QLD; ACTGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)|Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)... -
Supersize sushi bites back! World's biggest salmon sported tusk-like teeth
PLOS ONE
US and Canadian scientists say a giant species of salmon that lived in the North American Pacific Northwest a few million years ago, and is thought to have reached sizes of 2. 7m, had a pair of front teeth that projected out from the sides of its Read more about Supersize sushi bites back! World's biggest salmon sported tusk-like teeth
InternationalPhiladelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA -
The 'tree of life' for flowering plants comes into bloom
Nature
Australian researchers have helped build a 'flowering plant tree of life' that could aid in identifying new species and, discovering new medicines while battling biodiversity loss in the face of a changing climate. Flowering plants make up about 90% Read more about The 'tree of life' for flowering plants comes into bloom
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTJames Cook University|Botanic Gardens of Sydney|Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria... -
Cognitive behaviour therapy may be more helpful than mindfulness for people with long-term grief
JAMA Psychiatry
Persistent longing for a lost loved one can bring significant emotional pain and affect people's health, and now Australian research has found that people with prolonged grief disorder may benefit more from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) than Read more about Cognitive behaviour therapy may be more helpful than mindfulness for people with long-term grief
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of New South Wales|The Westmead Institute for Medical Research... -
Lab-grown 'mini-colons' could help with cancer research
Nature
A lab-grown 'mini-colon' could aid the development and discovery of new genetic targets and tumour-suppressive drugs for colon cancer, according to international researchers, who developed the 'mini-colons' - known as organoids - to model the Read more about Lab-grown 'mini-colons' could help with cancer research
InternationalÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland -
Community notes can help counter COVID-19 vax misinformation on X (formerly Twitter)
JAMA
Among the measures to help counter COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on X (formerly Twitter), crowdsourced 'community notes' were introduced in 2022. Now, US scientists have analysed 657 of these and say the notes they looked at primarily addressed Read more about Community notes can help counter COVID-19 vax misinformation on X (formerly Twitter)
InternationalUniversity of California, USA -
Dead star lights up a nearby galaxy with a gamma-ray burst
Nature
A gamma-ray burst from a type of neutron star called a magentar has been detected by international researchers, observing the relatively close-by galaxy known as M82. Magnetar gamma-ray bursts are rare explosive events and the latest discovery may Read more about Dead star lights up a nearby galaxy with a gamma-ray burst
InternationalINAF - Istituto di Astrofisica Spaziale e Fisica Cosmica di Milano, Italy -
Tongan volcano may have exploded because it couldn't pass gas
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
A new study of the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption has proposed that a gaseous seal created pressure which led to the massive explosion that was felt worldwide. The energy required to bring such a large ash cloud from beneath the waves and into the Read more about Tongan volcano may have exploded because it couldn't pass gas
Australia; New Zealand; PacificGNS Science|The Australian National University -
Black hole “traffic jams” discovered in galactic centres
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
An international study, led by researchers from Monash University, has revealed crucial insights into black hole dynamics within massive discs at the centres of galaxies. The study shows the intricate processes governing when and where black holes Read more about Black hole “traffic jams” discovered in galactic centres
Australia; VICMonash University|ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGRav) -
Plum perfect: a natural alternative to preserve meat
Meat Science
A native bushfood has proven to be a promising natural alternative to synthetic chemicals used to preserve meat, according to University of Queensland research. Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation PhD scholar Michel Beya said Read more about Plum perfect: a natural alternative to preserve meat
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
The biggest birds bring the bass: Size shapes the birdsong of honeyeaters
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Honeyeaters' songs are mostly shaped by how big the birds are that are singing, rather than environmental or habitat influences, according to Australian research, which found that smaller-sized honeyeaters produce higher frequency songs, while the Read more about The biggest birds bring the bass: Size shapes the birdsong of honeyeaters
Australia; VICMonash University -
Australian regions needing cardiac arrest education revealed
PLOS ONE
Researchers have identified Australian regions with high rates of cardiac arrest and low rates of CPR. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) incidence fell during the Heart Foundation’s Warning Signs campaign for heart attacks, which suggests that Read more about Australian regions needing cardiac arrest education revealed
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTMonash University|Curtin University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Struggling to taste things after COVID? It could that your sense of smell is to blame
JAMA Network Open
You may feel like COVID-19 left you with a lingering loss of taste, but research from the US suggests that it may actually be a loss of your sense of smell that is to blame. The research used objective measures of taste and smell in people one year Read more about Struggling to taste things after COVID? It could that your sense of smell is to blame
InternationalSensonics International, University of Pennsylvania, USA -
How do birds keep the beat? It's all in their genes
Nature Communications
How do birds learn to maintain rhythm and tempo in their songs? They don't, according to international researchers who say these abilities are likely innate and controlled by a bird's genes. The team measured the song rhythms of yellow- and Read more about How do birds keep the beat? It's all in their genes
InternationalUppsala University, Sweden -
National survey suggests Aussies don't know much about dementia
An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) survey found most Aussies would adopt a healthier lifestyle if they knew more about ways of reducing their risk of dementia, but only one in three are confident in their knowledge of how to reduce Read more about National survey suggests Aussies don't know much about dementia
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
NEWS BRIEFING: How do we ensure a thriving Murray-Darling Basin in 50 years?
BRIEFING RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE We must protect the future of the Murray-Darling Basin, according to Aussie experts who say climate change is threatening the river’s health and sustainability. Ten of Australia’s leading water experts have Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: How do we ensure a thriving Murray-Darling Basin in 50 years?
Australia; NSW; SA; ACTAustralian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) -
It’s not too late to save the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Nature Communications
New NZ-led research has found a ‘missing piece in the puzzle’ of West Antarctic Ice Sheet melt, revealing the collapse of the ice sheet in the Ross Sea region can be prevented – if we keep to a low-emissions pathway. This is crucial, as Read more about It’s not too late to save the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
New Zealand; InternationalGNS Science|Victoria University of Wellington|Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA; -
Urgent need for logging loophole remedy within proposed koala national park
International Journal of Social Quality
A team of conservation and policy researchers have called for a logging loophole within the proposed Great Koala National Park to be urgently remedied to stem the tide of harmful outcomes impacting the South East Australian koala population. The new Read more about Urgent need for logging loophole remedy within proposed koala national park
Australia; NSW; QLD; SAGriffith University|Flinders University|Central Queensland University -
How do we improve heart disease diagnosis in women?
Frontiers in Physiology
The current method of measuring heart disease risk leaves many women undiagnosed, according to international researchers who used AI to find better ways to detect heart disease in women. Using AI models, the team found that women are underdiagnosed Read more about How do we improve heart disease diagnosis in women?
InternationalStanford University, USA -
Call for enhanced research into common post-stroke condition
Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation
Lateropulsion, a clinical condition that results in the body leaning to one side affects about half of all stroke survivors. In recent research, the team found that lateropulsion could continue to resolve up to one-year post-stroke, far beyond the Read more about Call for enhanced research into common post-stroke condition
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
No bull: How breeding less-gassy cows could help fight climate change
Climate
A Curtin University study has revealed breeding less-flatulent cows and restoring agricultural land could significantly reduce rising methane emission levels, which play a considerable role in climate change. A Curtin University study has revealed Read more about No bull: How breeding less-gassy cows could help fight climate change
Australia; WACurtin University