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An Ozempic-like drug used for diabetes could also help early stage Parkinsons
New England Journal of Medicine
A drug used for diabetes, which works in a similar way to Ozempic, has shown some promise in a clinical trial for early-stage Parkinson's disease. The drug, lixisenatide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist and compared to placebo it Read more about An Ozempic-like drug used for diabetes could also help early stage Parkinsons
InternationalFrench Clinical Research Network (F-CRIN) for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, University of Toulouse 3 -
Good evidence confuses ChatGPT when used for health information
Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing (EMNLP)
New research has found that when asked a health-related question, the more evidence given to ChatGPT the less reliable it becomes -- reducing the accuracy of its responses to as low as 28%. A world-first study has found that when asked a Read more about Good evidence confuses ChatGPT when used for health information
Australia; VICCSIRO|The University of Queensland -
ENFJ? ISTP? What your personality could say about your running type
PLOS ONE
Your running style could be linked with your Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality, according to international researchers. The team asked 80 runners to complete three randomised 50m running trials at different speeds while looking at how Read more about ENFJ? ISTP? What your personality could say about your running type
InternationalVolodalen SportsLab, France -
Inhibiting MERTK gene for the treatment of fibrosis in multiple organs
Science Translational Medicine
New research conducted at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR), and published in Science Translational Medicine, shows, for the first time, that inhibiting a gene called Mer tyrosine kinase (MERTK) can reduce fibrosis in multiple organs Read more about Inhibiting MERTK gene for the treatment of fibrosis in multiple organs
Australia; NSWThe Westmead Institute for Medical Research|The University of Sydney... -
Early dinosaurs grew up fast, but they weren't the only ones
PLOS ONE
The earliest dinosaurs had rapid growth rates, but so did many of the other animals living alongside them, according to international researchers. The team examined patterns of bone tissue in the fossilized leg bones of an array of animals in one of Read more about Early dinosaurs grew up fast, but they weren't the only ones
InternationalMacalester College, USA -
mRNA therapy could help people with a rare metabolic disorder
Nature
International researchers are investigating whether an mRNA therapy could help people with a rare metabolic disorder that currently has no drug treatments. Propionic acidaemia is an inherited condition affecting up to 1 in 150,000 people, and Read more about mRNA therapy could help people with a rare metabolic disorder
InternationalDuke University, USA -
New Jurassic fossil findings provide insights into the development of the middle ear in mammals
Nature
An international team of palaeontologists has made a significant discovery in fossils that offer key information about the evolutionary shift from the jaw joint bones to those of the middle ear in early mammals. An international team of Read more about New Jurassic fossil findings provide insights into the development of the middle ear in mammals
Australia; International; VICMonash University -
Jurassic Shuotheriids reveal earliest dental diversification of mammaliaforms
Nature
Palaeontologists have presented a new insight into the initial dental variations across mammaliaforms, providing a fresh perspective on the evolutionary past of these ancient beasts. Palaeontologists have presented a new insight into the initial Read more about Jurassic Shuotheriids reveal earliest dental diversification of mammaliaforms
Australia; International; VICMonash University|Museums Victoria -
‘Force-sensing’ protein could help better treat diseases that cause seizures
Nature
Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have made a discovery about a little understood protein in the human body that could help treat diseases that cause seizures, including epilepsy. The researchers examined the 'force-sensing' Read more about ‘Force-sensing’ protein could help better treat diseases that cause seizures
Australia; International; NSW; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of New South Wales -
Did the building blocks of life form in the cracks of volcanoes?
Nature
Volcanoes could hold the clues to how the first building blocks of life may have formed into complex chemical mixtures, according to international researchers, who found in laboratory experiments that heat flows moving through cracks in rocks can Read more about Did the building blocks of life form in the cracks of volcanoes?
InternationalLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany -
Challenging decades-old fire risk assumptions
Forest Ecology and Management
A new paper led by leading forest scientist, Professor Mark Adams from Swinburne University of Technology, unveils critical flaws in the way fuel loads are estimated in eastern Australia, calling for a new approach. A new paper led by leading forest Read more about Challenging decades-old fire risk assumptions
Australia; International; NSW; VICSwinburne University of Technology|The University of Sydney -
EXPERT REACTION: Tsunami warnings as earthquake hits Taiwan
A 7. 5 magnitude earthquake (as measured by the US Geological Survey) has hit Taiwan with tsunami warnings issued for Japan and the Philippines. Below, Australian experts comment. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Tsunami warnings as earthquake hits Taiwan
International; NSW; VIC; SA; WA; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre -
In the dark on blue light
Health Physics
Evidence that blue light from devices like mobile phones causes sleep disturbance is still unclear, with more research needed says the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Evidence that blue light from devices like Read more about In the dark on blue light
Australia; International; VICAustralian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) -
Popular holistic health approach delivers limited benefits
Nutrition and Dietetics
A new study has revealed a popular, holistic approach to managing an individual’s relationship with food and dieting has one clear benefit – reducing hunger. The Health at Every Size (HAES®) practice concentrates on intuitive eating behaviours, Read more about Popular holistic health approach delivers limited benefits
Australia; NSWThe University of Newcastle -
Galaxies get more chaotic as they age
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
An international team led by Australian research centre ASTRO 3D reports that age is the driving force in changing how stars move within galaxies. Galaxies start life with their stars rotating in an orderly pattern but in some the motion of stars is Read more about Galaxies get more chaotic as they age
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; WA; ACTARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)... -
Hope for treating autoimmune diseases
Clinical and Experimental Medicine
The Systemic Inflammation Index (SII) uses information from routine laboratory data to measure inflammation in the body and examining this index in a new way could provide vital answers for early diagnosis and management of a wide range of Read more about Hope for treating autoimmune diseases
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Chatbot guides women through post-prison challenges
International Journal of Communication
Researchers at the University of South Australia are co-designing a chatbot to help formerly incarcerated women re-establish their lives on the outside, and reduce the risk of them returning to prison. Most women leaving prison face profound Read more about Chatbot guides women through post-prison challenges
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia|Seeds of Affinity -
DNA from carrion flies reveals which animals live nearby
Royal Society Open Science
DNA sampled from carrion flies can reveal which animals live in an area, according to Australian and international researchers. They captured 920 flies from within a zoo and along an area extending 4 km away from it. Sampling the DNA, they detected Read more about DNA from carrion flies reveals which animals live nearby
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; WACurtin University|University of Otago -
Honks and hisses: Why bossy goose behaviour pays off
Royal Society Open Science
Although agonistic interactions have previously been used to calculate individuals’ positions within a dominance hierarchy, to date the repeatability of agonistic behaviour has not been tested when calculating social rank. Aggressive greylag geese Read more about Honks and hisses: Why bossy goose behaviour pays off
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Sydney has grown like a tumour, spreading along transport lines
Journal of the Royal Society Interface
A model of the growth and spread of Sydney and London shows that these cities develop in a similar way to biological systems, like the way cancers grow with new blood vessels. They found an initial phase of limited growth around the city centre, Read more about Sydney has grown like a tumour, spreading along transport lines
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney|University College London, UK, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Switzerland -
A happy teen grows into a healthier adult
PLOS Medicine
Happy teens are more likely to be physically and mentally healthier in adulthood, according to international research. The team surveyed about 10,000 teens over the course of a year to measure how happy, hopeful and confident they were feeling, and Read more about A happy teen grows into a healthier adult
InternationalUniversity of British Columbia, Canada -
A baby's gut bugs develop similarly whether they're breast or formula-fed
Cell Host & Microbe
The bacteria in a baby's gut appears to develop similarly in the first couple of years of life whether they're breastfed or formula-fed, according to international research. The team collected poo samples from 210 babies at various points during Read more about A baby's gut bugs develop similarly whether they're breast or formula-fed
InternationalTechnical University of Munich, Germany -
Triple-negative breast cancer patients could avoid chemotherapy
JAMA
Peter Mac researchers are part of a major international study that has found patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and high levels of immune cells could be spared from intensive chemotherapy regimens. Peter Mac researchers Read more about Triple-negative breast cancer patients could avoid chemotherapy
Australia; International; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre -
Caution needed over screening scores for heart patients
JACC: Heart Failure
Existing non-invasive screening tools may miss heart failure amongst patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and should be used with caution, according to the latest research. The warning follows a University of Adelaide study looking at the Read more about Caution needed over screening scores for heart patients
Australia; International; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Support for pill testing in the Northern Territory
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy
A new study led has uncovered strong support from Northern Territory (NT) festival goers, for drug checking (also known as pill testing) to reduce harm. Led by Menzies School of Health Research, this multi-institute, collaborative study provides Read more about Support for pill testing in the Northern Territory
Australia; NSW; VIC; WA; TAS; NTMenzies School of Health Research|Griffith University... -
Ultrasound therapy shows promise as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
Molecular Psychiatry
University of Queensland researchers have found targeting amyloid plaque in the brain is not essential for ultrasound to deliver cognitive improvement in neurodegenerative disorders. Dr Gerhard Leinenga and Professor Jürgen Götz from UQ’s Read more about Ultrasound therapy shows promise as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
Australia; VIC; QLDQueensland Brain Institute|WEHI|The University of Melbourne -
Mpox immunity is fading, and cases are on the rise
European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Vaccine protection against mpox is waning, and there are reports of breakthrough infections where people who received both vaccine doses still contracted the disease. Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) broke out in 2022, and the US-based CDC reports Read more about Mpox immunity is fading, and cases are on the rise
InternationalKarolinska Institute, Sweden; Erasmus MC, Netherlands; Public Health Authority, Austria -
DNA evidence from crime scenes could be plucked from the air
Electrophoresis
Culprits may one day be found using a new technique to potentially pick up and record key airborne forensic DNA evidence from crime scenes wiped clean of fingerprints and other trace evidence. A new study led by Flinders University forensic science Read more about DNA evidence from crime scenes could be plucked from the air
Australia; VIC; SAFlinders University|La Trobe University -
Scientists make mosquitos less contagious in Pacific islands
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Some mosquitos in Fiji, Vanuatu, and Kiribati are now less likely to spread dengue fever, after a project led by Australian and Pacific island scientists. The mozzies were infected with a bacteria which makes them less likely to pass on dengue to Read more about Scientists make mosquitos less contagious in Pacific islands
Australia; PacificMonash University -
Australia on track for unprecedented, decades-long megadroughts
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
Australia could soon see megadroughts that last for more than 20 years, according to new modelling from The Australian National University (ANU) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes. The researchers’ bleak findings are before Read more about Australia on track for unprecedented, decades-long megadroughts
Australia; NSW; VIC; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Sydney... -
Sediment discovery unlocks Australia’s hidden net-zero resource potential
Geophysical Journal International
A new method of measuring sediment thickness across Australia’s interior offers a cost-effective and straightforward solution for estimating seismic hazard and resource potential while reducing carbon footprint. A new method of measuring sediment Read more about Sediment discovery unlocks Australia’s hidden net-zero resource potential
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University|Geoscience Australia -
Pregnant runners' pains differ by childbirth history
Sports Medicine
Exercise during pregnancy is a healthy habit, and running is one of the most common ways to stay active. Despite this, many runners cease during pregnancy due to associated pains - even amongst competitive runners, only a third continue training Read more about Pregnant runners' pains differ by childbirth history
New Zealand; InternationalAuckland University of Technology, University of Canterbury, University of Western Australia, University of Waikato -
Tree of life for modern birds revealed: The largest and most complete study pinpoints timing of evolution
Nature
In a world first, a team of international scientists including three Australians, Al-Aabid Chowdhury and Professor Simon Ho from University of Sydney, and Dr Jacqueline Nguyen from Australian Museum and Flinders University, have determined the Read more about Tree of life for modern birds revealed: The largest and most complete study pinpoints timing of evolution
Australia; InternationalAustralian Museum|Flinders University|The University of Sydney -
More Aussies are likely to die from bowel cancer as a result of COVID-era disruptions
PLOS ONE
COVID-related disruptions to bowel cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment in Australia are likely to lead to an additional 234 cancer cases and 1,186 deaths in Australia over 2020–2030, according to Aussie-led research. The researchers Read more about More Aussies are likely to die from bowel cancer as a result of COVID-era disruptions
Australia; NSWCancer Council NSW|The University of Sydney|The Daffodil Centre -
Blueprint for mandating indoor air quality for public buildings in form of standards
Science
A group of international experts led by QUT Professor Lidia Morawska has presented a blueprint for national indoor quality standards for public buildings, in an article in the prestigious journal Science. The experts addressed setting standards for Read more about Blueprint for mandating indoor air quality for public buildings in form of standards
Australia; InternationalQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
MRNA could be used to target Alzheimer’s disease
Brain Communications
Scientists at The Florey have developed an mRNA technology approach to target the toxic protein tau, which builds up in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Scientists at The Florey have developed an mRNA technology approach to Read more about MRNA could be used to target Alzheimer’s disease
Australia; International; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health... -
How older culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women handled COVID-19 in SA
PLOS ONE
Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women over 60 in South Australia were highly concerned about COVID-19 and becoming sick from its effects, according to Aussie researchers who conducted a survey and interviews of over 100 women over 60 Read more about How older culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women handled COVID-19 in SA
Australia; NSW; SAFlinders University|The University of Sydney -
Women with bad PMS may be at higher risk of perinatal depression, and vice versa
PLOS Medicine
Women who develop perinatal depression may be more likely to have a premenstrual disorder at some point in their life, and women with a premenstrual disorder may be more likely to develop perinatal depression, according to international research. Read more about Women with bad PMS may be at higher risk of perinatal depression, and vice versa
InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden -
Around the world, Around the world, Around the world: Songs are getting more basic and repetitive
Scientific Reports
If Daft Punk's lyrics weren't enough of a clue, Austrian and German researchers have found the lyrics of English-language songs have become more repetitive and simpler over the last 40 years. They analysed the lyrics of 12,000 songs, across genres Read more about Around the world, Around the world, Around the world: Songs are getting more basic and repetitive
InternationalUniversity of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria -
Cutting back on the booze could help heavy drinkers avoid major cardiac issues
JAMA Network Open
Men who drink more than four drinks a day or more than 14 drinks per week, and women who drink more than three drinks per day or more than seven drinks per week could help lower their risk of major heart issues and strokes by cutting back on the Read more about Cutting back on the booze could help heavy drinkers avoid major cardiac issues
InternationalKorea University College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine -
PTSD assistance dogs could be trained to smell stress on people's breath
Frontiers in Allergy
Dogs can be trained to detect the scent of trauma reactions and stress in people's breath, according to international researchers, who say this could make PTSD assistance dogs more effective. The researchers were able to train two dogs to recognise Read more about PTSD assistance dogs could be trained to smell stress on people's breath
InternationalDalhousie University, CA -
Mobilising the private sector to help fund the restoration of Aotearoa’s coastal and marine environments
A changing climate and biodiversity loss has led to a financing gap in funding the conservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems. New research has created an impact investment framework to support and scale business and restorative Read more about Mobilising the private sector to help fund the restoration of Aotearoa’s coastal and marine environments
New ZealandSustainable Seas National Science Challenge -
Coastal dunes on the march in South Australia – and around the world
Geomorphology
Coastal transgressive dunefields are on the march in South Australia – retreating inland from an angry ocean at an alarming rate. Yet while this occurs in plain sight, communities are largely oblivious to long-term coastal changes, and Flinders Read more about Coastal dunes on the march in South Australia – and around the world
Australia; International; SAFlinders University -
Miscarriages linked to health risks in later pregnancies
eClinicalMedicine
New Curtin University research has revealed a link between miscarriage and the increased risk of developing complications of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure-related disorders in later pregnancies. New Curtin University research has Read more about Miscarriages linked to health risks in later pregnancies
Australia; WACurtin University -
Unlocking supernova stardust secrets
The Astrophysical Journal
Curtin University-led research has discovered a rare dust particle trapped in an ancient extra-terrestrial meteorite that was formed by a star other than our sun. The discovery was made using a technique called atom probe tomography which revealed Read more about Unlocking supernova stardust secrets
Australia; International; WACurtin University -
Mapping sovereign capability to build ‘foundational’ AI tech
Foundation models currently power multiple AI products, including ChatGPT, and represent a huge opportunity for Australia. This technology underpins the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), and could boost Australia’s productivity, Read more about Mapping sovereign capability to build ‘foundational’ AI tech
AustraliaCSIRO -
Highlighting global strategies for accelerating AI in science
A report from international and Australian researchers offers a comprehensive analysis of the integration of artificial intelligence in science and research across various countries including Australia. It addresses both the advancements made and Read more about Highlighting global strategies for accelerating AI in science
Australia; InternationalAustralian Academy of Science|CSIRO|International Science Council -
EXPERT REACTION: Common contraceptive hormone linked to increased brain tumour risk
The BMJ
A French study has found that prolonged use of progesterone-like hormones which are found in some contraceptive injections and hormone treatments, are linked to an increased risk of developing a type of brain tumour called a meningioma. The study Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Common contraceptive hormone linked to increased brain tumour risk
International; VIC; QLD; SAFrench National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety -
Quantum computing processors working at 20X warmer temperatures
Nature
Advanced quantum computer cooling techniques could lead to more powerful, cost-effective and energy-efficient systems sooner. The achievement demonstrates that ‘hot qubits’ are now a reality after the same engineers showed in an innovative paper Read more about Quantum computing processors working at 20X warmer temperatures
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|The University of Sydney -
Delirium a ‘strong risk factor’ for dementia among older people
The BMJ
Delirium is a strong risk factor for dementia and death among older people, according to Australian research. Delirium is a sudden change in a person’s usual mental state. Symptoms include agitation, confusion or being unable to stay focused when Read more about Delirium a ‘strong risk factor’ for dementia among older people
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Queensland|Macquarie University