Spitting cobra venoms evolved to cause extreme pain

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science

Venom from spitting cobras has evolved as a form of self-defence, rather than for capturing prey, and is more effective at causing pain than venom from non-spitting snakes. Spitting cobra venoms evolved to cause extreme pain Venom from spitting Read more about Spitting cobra venoms evolved to cause extreme pain

Males are often the weaker sex when it comes to infectious diseases

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science

Males are more likely to have severe COVID-19 and die than females, and this difference between sexes is also seen in some other infectious diseases. While differences in behaviour may contribute, Yale researchers describe underlying physiological Read more about Males are often the weaker sex when it comes to infectious diseases

Fossils reveal ancient lives of giant predatory seaworms

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Scientific Reports

In case you didn’t think the depths of the ocean was terrifying enough, researchers have found evidence of a giant ambush-predator worm that may have dwelled the seafloor of the Eurasian continent around 20 million years ago. International Read more about Fossils reveal ancient lives of giant predatory seaworms

Barriers preventing high-quality mental health care for children revealed

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry

Fragmented services, long wait times and inadequate training are among the barriers preventing adolescents and children from receiving high-quality mental health care in Australia, according to clinicians in a new study. Fragmented services, long Read more about Barriers preventing high-quality mental health care for children revealed

Pioneering technique to fast-track pain research

Publicly released: Thu 21 Jan 2021 at 1730 AEDT | 1930 NZDT

Molecular Pain

Scientists have for the first time established a sensory neuron model able to mass-reproduce two key sensory neuron types involved in pain sensation, enabling the easy generation of large numbers of the cells to fast-track chronic pain research. Read more about Pioneering technique to fast-track pain research

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

How dolphin airways could help save endangered whales

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jan 2021 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

BMC Microbiology

A UNSW study shows airway bacteria can indicate the health of dolphins and whales ­– a finding that could benefit endangered species like the northern right and blue whales. A UNSW researcher has found promising evidence that airway samples Read more about How dolphin airways could help save endangered whales

New eco-friendly way to make ammonia could be boon for agriculture, hydrogen economy

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jan 2021 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

Energy and Environmental Science

Ammonia has sustained humanity since the early 20th century, but its production leaves a huge carbon footprint. Now researchers have found a way to make it 100 per cent renewable. Chemical engineers at UNSW Sydney have found a way to make Read more about New eco-friendly way to make ammonia could be boon for agriculture, hydrogen economy

Did hot girls start as boys? Heat may override genetics when it comes to the sex of our Jacky dragon

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

In many reptiles, sex is determined by incubation temperature, but Australian researchers say for one Aussie lizard, the Jacky dragon, there may be a previously unrecognised role for genes too. The Jacky dragon tends to have female babies when Read more about Did hot girls start as boys? Heat may override genetics when it comes to the sex of our Jacky dragon

Mantis males must wrestle if they don't want to lose their heads

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Biology Letters

The praying mantis has a reputation for cannibalism because females often eat males before they get a chance to mate, but it turns out that for one species, the Springbok mantis, the boys may have a way to escape this deadly love. Australian Read more about Mantis males must wrestle if they don't want to lose their heads

Is COVID-19 affecting male fertility?

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Royal Society Open Biology

International scientists warn that COVID-19 may affect fertility in men, and may even be passed on through sex. The researchers reviewed existing studies, and say there is some preliminary evidence that the male reproductive system may be targeted Read more about Is COVID-19 affecting male fertility?

Time to act on autism diagnosis deficiencies

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jan 2021 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Frontiers in Neurology

Identification of autism, followed by appropriate intervention, has the potential to improve outcomes for autistic individuals – but Flinders University experts say that presently not enough qualified people can diagnose. Professor Robyn Young, a Read more about Time to act on autism diagnosis deficiencies

Schools and parents urged to register for food safety training (plus Summer lunch box food safety tips)

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jan 2021 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

With an estimated 4. 1 million cases of food poisoning in Australia each year the Food Safety Information Council is urging parents, school canteen volunteers and high school students to learn more about food safety. Young people in particular have Read more about Schools and parents urged to register for food safety training (plus Summer lunch box food safety tips)

Immunotherapy trial launched to protect children who undergo stem cell transplants

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jan 2021 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

Stem cell transplants for blood cancers or inherited immune deficiencies are high-risk procedures that are required to cure otherwise life-threatening diseases, but many patients develop viral complications. Australian researchers have begun a Read more about Immunotherapy trial launched to protect children who undergo stem cell transplants

Higher risk of ADHD in kids if their mother has an autoimmune disease

Publicly released: Wed 20 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Pediatrics

Mothers with autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, psoriasis and rheumatic fever may be more likely to have kids who have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), say Aussie researchers. The study looked at over 60,000 children in Read more about Higher risk of ADHD in kids if their mother has an autoimmune disease

Wearing a mask seems to reduce COVID-19 transmission

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 2300 AEDT | Wed 20 Jan 2021 at 0100 NZDT

The Lancet Digital Health

Wearing a mask may help control COVID-19 transmission in the community, according to international research, which analysed data from 300,000 people in the US. The study found that when people reported an increase in mask-wearing of 10 per cent, the Read more about Wearing a mask seems to reduce COVID-19 transmission

Nano-thin piezoelectrics advance self-powered electronics

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 2200 AEDT | Wed 20 Jan 2021 at 0000 NZDT

Materials Today

A new type of ultra-efficient, nano-thin material could advance self-powered electronics, wearable technologies and even deliver pacemakers powered by heart beats. A new type of ultra-efficient, nano-thin material could advance Read more about Nano-thin piezoelectrics advance self-powered electronics

An antibiotic potential for cannabis molecule

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Communications Biology

The main nonpsychoactive component of cannabis has been shown for the first time to kill the bacteria responsible for gonorrhoea, meningitis and legionnaires disease and could lead to the first new class of antibiotics for resistant bacteria in 60 Read more about An antibiotic potential for cannabis molecule

Using one hundred-million-year-old fossils and gravitational-wave science to predict earth’s future climate

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 1458 AEDT | 1658 NZDT

Climate of the past

A group of international scientists, including an Australian astrophysicist, has used know-how from gravitational-wave astronomy (used to find black holes in space) to study ancient marine fossils as a predictor of climate change. The research, Read more about Using one hundred-million-year-old fossils and gravitational-wave science to predict earth’s future climate

Lockdown affords Aussie tennis players a unique advantage

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 1430 AEDT | 1630 NZDT

Australian-based tennis players may have a once-in-a-lifetime court advantage at the 2021 Australian Open as many of their international counterparts endure lockdown restrictions in Melbourne hotels. Australian-based tennis players may have a once-in Read more about Lockdown affords Aussie tennis players a unique advantage

Harvard-NZ collaboration shifts understanding of immune responses

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 1258 AEDT | 1458 NZDT

Nature Immunology

A recent study challenges current thinking on how immune cells generate a specific immune response. Rather than one cell performing one function, some immune cells change how they respond each time they encounter a new stimulus. The researchers say Read more about Harvard-NZ collaboration shifts understanding of immune responses

Diamonds could be the key to future communication security

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 1230 AEDT | 1430 NZDT

Optics Express

A new device that exploits quantum physics to generate guaranteed random keys could make our communications more secure. Scientists at Macquarie University’s Photonics Research Centre are using diamonds to generate encoded light pulses that behave Read more about Diamonds could be the key to future communication security

COVID-19 death rates seem to have decreased over time

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Annals of Internal Medicine

Death rates have decreased over time for patients with COVID-19, according to a study of an intensive care unit in the US which found that deaths from COVID have decreased despite patient characteristics remaining the same. Researchers used patient Read more about COVID-19 death rates seem to have decreased over time

EXPERT REACTION: Should we pause the 5G roll out until safety is confirmed?

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health

A UK researcher has suggested that the roll out of 5G networks be halted until we are sure of its safety, in an opinion piece. He suggests that, as 5G transmitters are putting out radio frequency electromagnetic fields at levels that emerging Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Should we pause the 5G roll out until safety is confirmed?

Fried food may increase risk of cardiovascular disease

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Heart

Studies reporting a link between eating fried foods and cardiovascular disease often contradict each other, but a meta-analysis has provided evidence for such an association. Chinese researchers examined the results from six studies, involving three Read more about Fried food may increase risk of cardiovascular disease

Potential new biomarker for depression and bipolar disorder

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

Journal of Psychiatric Research

University of South Australia scientists have developed the world’s first test to accurately predict mood disorders in people, based on the levels of a specific protein found in the brain which is linked to depression and bipolar disorder. Read more about Potential new biomarker for depression and bipolar disorder

Mental health a major factor in NZ police shootings

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 0922 AEDT | 1122 NZDT

International Journal of Law and Psychiatry

A significant number of police shootings in New Zealand have involved a mental health event, an analysis of 258 Independent Police Conduct Authority reports reveal. Between 1995 and 2019 while only 18 per cent of the cases analysed involved mental Read more about Mental health a major factor in NZ police shootings

New method to assist fast-tracking of vaccines for pre-clinical tests

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

PNAS

A tuberculosis vaccine demonstrated a strong immune response in mice; and the method can be applied to other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. Scientists in Australia have developed a method for the rapid synthesis of safe vaccines, an Read more about New method to assist fast-tracking of vaccines for pre-clinical tests

This brain region is a bit of a narcissist

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

JNeurosci

We're great at noticing information about ourselves and remembering it thanks to a brain region called the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC), which is involved in processing information about the self, according to Chinese and US scientists. Read more about This brain region is a bit of a narcissist

Climate models suggest humans have caused 0.9 - 1.3°C warming since 1850-1900

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Climate Change

International scientists, including an Australian, used computer climate simulations to estimate the human contribution to global warming, and say we've caused between 0. 9 and 1. 3°C of warming to global air temperatures when comparing 2010-2019 Read more about Climate models suggest humans have caused 0.9 - 1.3°C warming since 1850-1900

New discovery in breast cancer treatment

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Medicine

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found new evidence about the positive role of androgens in breast cancer treatment with immediate implications for women with estrogen receptor-driven metastatic disease. Researchers at the University Read more about New discovery in breast cancer treatment

Can the lessons of the past help us build a better future?

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Ecology & Evolution

Does information from the past hold the keys to help us build a better future? Australian and international researchers suggest that we can learn from days-gone-by as we enter the Anthropocene; a new geological era in which human activity is driving Read more about Can the lessons of the past help us build a better future?

Zebra stripes, leopard spots and other patterns on the skin of frozen metal alloys defying conventional metallurgy

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Nanotechnology

“Stripy zebra, spotty leopard…” Pattern formation and pattern recognition entertains children and scientists alike. Alan Turing’s 1950s model explaining patterns in two-substance systems is used by metallurgists to explain microscopic Read more about Zebra stripes, leopard spots and other patterns on the skin of frozen metal alloys defying conventional metallurgy

Electrical stimulation may help lessen obsessive-compulsive disorders

Publicly released: Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Medicine

Low-frequency electrical stimulation to the brain may be a potential non-invasive and personalised treatment for people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. The U. S. research team stimulated specific networks in the brain that deal with learning Read more about Electrical stimulation may help lessen obsessive-compulsive disorders

Bio-inspired: How lobsters can help make stronger 3D printed concrete

Publicly released: Mon 18 Jan 2021 at 2201 AEDT | Tue 19 Jan 2021 at 0001 NZDT

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

New research shows that patterns inspired by lobster shells can make 3D printed concrete stronger, to support more complex and creative architectural structures. New research shows that patterns inspired by lobster shells can make 3D printed Read more about Bio-inspired: How lobsters can help make stronger 3D printed concrete

Why you should desex your cat before four months old

Publicly released: Mon 18 Jan 2021 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Scientific Reports

Australians are being urged to get their cat desexed before the age of four months, instead of the standard six months, to close the “pregnancy gap” between puberty and surgery. Routine early-age desexing of cats could lessen the impact of Read more about Why you should desex your cat before four months old

Incentivising physicians to improve after-hours access may reduce ED visits

Publicly released: Mon 18 Jan 2021 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)

Hospital emergency departments can be overwhelmed by people visiting them for non-urgent health issues. A Canadian study found that in Ontario, incentive payments to encourage primary care practices to see patients after hours helped reduced Read more about Incentivising physicians to improve after-hours access may reduce ED visits

Flaxroots rethinking - non-Western approaches to digital research

Publicly released: Mon 18 Jan 2021 at 1452 AEDT | 1652 NZDT

Journal of Data Mining & Digital Humanities

Iwi and hapu from around Aotearoa face land issues, when they are unable to reach missing shareholders, or are presented with fragmented and conflicting data sources. A collaboration between Victoria University of Wellington, Parininihi ki Read more about Flaxroots rethinking - non-Western approaches to digital research

Hook, line and sinker: Is your fishing trip injuring coastal raptors?

Publicly released: Mon 18 Jan 2021 at 1400 AEDT | 1600 NZDT

Journal of Raptor Research

Fishing equipment is the deadliest threat faced by coastal birds of prey a new study published in the Journal of Raptor Research has found. Fishing equipment is the deadliest threat faced by coastal birds of prey a new study published in the Journal Read more about Hook, line and sinker: Is your fishing trip injuring coastal raptors?

EXPERT REACTION: Deaths in elderly Norwegians after Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Publicly released: Mon 18 Jan 2021 at 1246 AEDT | 1446 NZDT

Norway has reported a number of deaths and side effects in elderly people after being given the Pfizer vaccine. According to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), of 40,000 people vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine in Norway, there Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Deaths in elderly Norwegians after Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

One-dimensional quantum nanowires fertile ground for Majorana zero modes

Publicly released: Mon 18 Jan 2021 at 1201 AEDT | 1401 NZDT

Nature Communications

One-dimensional quantum ‘nanowires’ – which have length, but no width or height – provide a unique environment for the formation and detection of a quasiparticle known as a Majorana zero mode, which are their own antimatter particle. A new Read more about One-dimensional quantum nanowires fertile ground for Majorana zero modes