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

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