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A once a year COVID-19 vax with an extra jab for high risk people could be the right vaccine strategy
Annals of Internal Medicine
A once a year COVID-19 jab for most of us, with a second jab five months later for those over 50 or under 2 could be an effective vaccine strategy, according to US research. The study compared five annual vaccination strategies and found that Read more about A once a year COVID-19 vax with an extra jab for high risk people could be the right vaccine strategy
InternationalYale Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, USA -
Call for more holistic management of epilepsy as gaps revealed
Epilepsia Open
Tuesday is Purple Day for Epilepsy. Researchers from the Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) at The Florey are calling for changes to the way epilepsy is managed after a pilot study in 172 people highlighted differences in quality of life. The Read more about Call for more holistic management of epilepsy as gaps revealed
Australia; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health... -
We donate to charity to feel good about ourselves, but we give more to look good for others
PLOS ONE
Deciding to donate to charity is mostly driven by the warm glow we get about ourselves, but social pressure can influence how much we give, according to Australian research. The study compared people's willingness to donate to charity when another Read more about We donate to charity to feel good about ourselves, but we give more to look good for others
Australia; NSW; VICMonash University|The University of Sydney -
EXPERT REACTION: Chemicals in some disinfectants and flame retardants damage supporting cells of the brain in the lab
Nature Neuroscience
Two classes of chemicals that are found in some disinfectants and flame retardants could impair the development of a type of cell in the brain, called oligodendrocytes, according to laboratory experiments. Oligodendrocytes are cells that wrap Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Chemicals in some disinfectants and flame retardants damage supporting cells of the brain in the lab
InternationalCase Western Reserve University, USA -
Greater job flexibility and security helps keep psychological distress and anxiety low
JAMA Network Open
People who have greater job flexibility and job security are less likely to experience serious psychological distress or anxiety, according to international researchers. The team collected data on over 18,000 employed adults in the US, finding that Read more about Greater job flexibility and security helps keep psychological distress and anxiety low
InternationalBoston University, USA -
Ukraine war takes 'substantial' toll on local teens' mental health
JAMA Pediatrics
An international study of 8,096 Ukrainian teens, around half of whom lived in Ukraine throughout the war with Russia and around half of whom lived abroad during the conflict, found exposure to the war was linked with worse mental health outcomes. Read more about Ukraine war takes 'substantial' toll on local teens' mental health
InternationalThe University of Tokyo Hospital, Japan -
We're wasting over half our supply of this non-renewable fertiliser ingredient
Nature Food
NZ and UK scientists are warning we need to be much more careful in how we use phosphorus, if we want future generations to continue using the wonder fertiliser ingredient. Phosphorus stores are limited, and researchers calculate we could run out Read more about We're wasting over half our supply of this non-renewable fertiliser ingredient
New Zealand; InternationalOur Land and Water National Science Challenge|AgResearch... -
Gene discovery offers new hope for Aussies living with chronic skin disease
Nature Communications
Scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) have discovered a gene mutation is responsible for causing psoriasis – a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes patients to develop red, scaly and itchy patches across their body. Read more about Gene discovery offers new hope for Aussies living with chronic skin disease
Australia; International; ACTThe Australian National University -
Persian plateau unveiled as crucial hub for early human migration out of Africa
Nature Communications
A new study combining genetic, palaeoecological, and archaeological evidence has unveiled the Persian Plateau as a pivotal geographic location serving as a hub for Homo sapiens during the early stages of their migration out of Africa. Published in Read more about Persian plateau unveiled as crucial hub for early human migration out of Africa
Australia; International; QLDGriffith University -
Risk prediction using our genes and gut bacteria can improve early detection of diseases
Nature Aging
A new study has shown that risk scores based on our genes and gut bacteria can improve the prediction of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and prostate cancer over traditional risk factors alone. And when it comes to prediction of a person’s risk Read more about Risk prediction using our genes and gut bacteria can improve early detection of diseases
Australia; VICBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|University of Cambridge, Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare. -
Bleaching can hamper reproduction and recovery in corals
Coral Reefs
Bleaching can suppress reproduction in a common coral species found in the Great Barrier Reef, hampering future reef replenishment, new research led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and James Cook University (JCU) has identified. Read more about Bleaching can hamper reproduction and recovery in corals
Australia; Pacific; International; QLDAustralian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)|James Cook University... -
The sound of space: Why scientists are turning telescope data into sounds
Frontiers in Communication
Images from telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope have expanded the way we see space. But what if you can’t see? Can stars be turned into sounds instead? NASA’s Universe of Sound data sonification program, with NASA’s Chandra X-ray Read more about The sound of space: Why scientists are turning telescope data into sounds
InternationalHarvard University, USA -
Scientists and experts call for the protection of Toondah Harbour
More than 150 scientists and experts have signed an open letter urging Australia's federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to reject a controversial real estate project they say will destroy internationally significant wetlands at Toondah Read more about Scientists and experts call for the protection of Toondah Harbour
Australia; QLDBirdLife Australia -
Micro-Lisa! Low-power light laser makes it mark in low-cost polymer
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
High-power lasers are often used to modify polymer surfaces to make high-tech biomedical products, electronics and data storage components. Now Flinders University researchers have discovered a light-responsive, inexpensive sulfur-derived polymer is Read more about Micro-Lisa! Low-power light laser makes it mark in low-cost polymer
Australia; New Zealand; SAFlinders University -
How to help older drivers hang up the keys for good
Journal of Transport and Health
Active planning is the key to older people walking away from driving for the last time, according to new University of the Sunshine Coast research. The researchers explored the individual and environmental factors that influenced older drivers’ Read more about How to help older drivers hang up the keys for good
Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
New concrete possibilities from waste materials
Structural Concrete
The use of recycled concrete and glass aggregates in concrete production has emerged as a highly promising means of increasing the recycling rate of waste materials – but durability issues have plagued some combinations of recycled ingredients. Now Read more about New concrete possibilities from waste materials
Australia; VIC; SAFlinders University|The University of Melbourne -
Focus on the Moon - Lunar dust, gravitational waves, and sites of extraordinary scientific importance
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A
Can lunar dust harm astronauts lungs? Can we protect scientific sites on the Moon? Can we detect gravitational waves on the Moon? The Moon presents unique opportunities for high-impact astronomy that could enhance our understanding of our solar Read more about Focus on the Moon - Lunar dust, gravitational waves, and sites of extraordinary scientific importance
InternationalUniversity of Colorado, USA -
3D mapping tech blasts off for International Space Station
A powerful package of 3D mapping technology designed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has reached the International Space Station (ISS). The payload has reached astronauts on board and will be fitted onto a NASA robot platform that Read more about 3D mapping tech blasts off for International Space Station
AustraliaCSIRO -
Did tightened PBS restrictions on opioid supply reduce their use in Australia?
Medical Journal of Australia
Subsidised opioid use dropped overall, but use of one opioid is still on the rise, a new big health data study shows. On 1 June 2020, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) introduced changes to the way prescription opioids are supplied: Read more about Did tightened PBS restrictions on opioid supply reduce their use in Australia?
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Going fishing this Easter? Keep your catch food-safe
There are 4. 2 million, or one in five Australian adults, estimated to take part in recreational fishing each year. Seafood is generally safe and healthy, but each year Australians are affected, and even hospitalised, from illnesses such as Read more about Going fishing this Easter? Keep your catch food-safe
AustraliaFood Safety Information Council -
New classification of tuberculosis to support efforts to eliminate the disease
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine
A new way to classify tuberculosis (TB) that aims to improve focus on the early stages of the disease has been presented by an international team. The work was led by researchers at WEHI, UCL, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Read more about New classification of tuberculosis to support efforts to eliminate the disease
Australia; International; VICWEHI -
New findings shed light on finding valuable ‘green’ metals
Science Advances
New Macquarie University research shows low temperature, carbon-rich melts in Earth's upper mantle can dissolve and transport economically important metals like copper and platinum. The findings, published in Science Advances, reveal these carbonate Read more about New findings shed light on finding valuable ‘green’ metals
InternationalMacquarie University|The Australian National University... -
Dogs may really understand the names of their toys
Current Biology
Dogs can really learn what their toys are called instead of just relying on context, according to international research. The researchers say dogs generally don't do well in tests where they're asked to fetch an object after hearing its name, but Read more about Dogs may really understand the names of their toys
InternationalEötvös Loránd University, Hungary -
Meta’s success in suppressing misinformation on Facebook is patchy at best
Media International Australia
The content moderation policy adopted by Meta at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic to rein in misinformation on Facebook has proved no great obstacle to users capable to finding work arounds according to a new study by digital and social media Read more about Meta’s success in suppressing misinformation on Facebook is patchy at best
Australia; International; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The University of Sydney -
Deadline for global pandemic agreement looms
More than 100 world leaders, including former NZ prime ministers Helen Clark and Jenny Shipley, are calling for nations to finalise an agreement on future pandemics. Negotiations between 194 nations on the first-ever "Pandemic Accord" began in Read more about Deadline for global pandemic agreement looms
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO) -
UK SMC EXPERT REACTION: Replacing sugar with sweeteners could help with weight loss control long-term
European Congress on Obesity (ECO)
Replacing sugar-sweetened foods with low/no energy sweetened products could help people control their weight for at least one year after rapid weight loss in adults, without increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease, according to Read more about UK SMC EXPERT REACTION: Replacing sugar with sweeteners could help with weight loss control long-term
InternationalUniversity of Copenhagen, Denmark -
A push for action on clean indoor air
Scientific leaders from multiple disciplines, spanning health, engineering and environment, as well as professional societies are calling for greater action to improve indoor air quality. The Australian Academy of Science, Burnet Institute, and Read more about A push for action on clean indoor air
Australia; VICBurnet Institute -
Zooplankton research priorities for a changing world outlined
7th ICES-PICES International Zooplankton Production Symposium
Marine zooplankton – the estimated 28,000 species of usually unseen animals such as krill and jellyfish that drift with ocean currents – play a critical role in carbon storage, the global climate system, the structure of marine ecosystems and Read more about Zooplankton research priorities for a changing world outlined
Australia; International; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP)... -
What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
PLOS ONE
Doing regular exercise over the long term may help the health and mental health of Aussie teens as they transition to young adults, according to Australian research, but there are some factors which make getting enough exercise less likely. The Read more about What stops teens getting enough exercise as they become adults?
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
PLOS ONE
Australia's grey-headed flying-foxes are flying high, with numbers remaining stable despite the species being listed as vulnerable. The researchers have analysed data from Australia's National Flying-fox Monitoring Program (NFFMP) and found that Read more about Bats good news! Grey-headed flying-foxes numbers are flying high
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SACSIRO -
Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
Communications Earth & Environment
Global warming could cause an inflation of food prices by up to 3. 2% a year in a decade's time, according to international research. The researchers used data on weather and consumer price indices across the world to see how they have been related Read more about Food prices might be rising already, but climate change could make it worse
InternationalPotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany -
Does your teen smell like sandalwood or more like a goat?
Communications Chemistry
German researchers compared the chemical composition and smell of body odour samples taken from 18 infants with samples taken from 18 teenagers, finding that they're similar but there were some differences. They identified two compounds found Read more about Does your teen smell like sandalwood or more like a goat?
InternationalFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany -
Concussions in the first 6 years of life can have lingering side effects
JAMA Network Open
Kids who experience a concussion between the ages of six months and six years can experience symptoms for up to three months after the injury, according to Canadian research. The researchers compared symptoms among a group of kids with concussions Read more about Concussions in the first 6 years of life can have lingering side effects
InternationalUniversité de Montréal, Canada -
"I still have to show up and drug up" - Migraines take a toll on Kiwis' work and home lives
NZMJ
A qualitative survey of New Zealanders living with chronic or episodic migraines shows the deep toll the condition can take. One respondent said their broken elbow was less painful and debilitating than their migraines, while another said they don't Read more about "I still have to show up and drug up" - Migraines take a toll on Kiwis' work and home lives
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand -
Should the coroner collect menstrual cycle data during suspected suicide autopsies?
NZMJ
There is very little research on women's suicidal behaviours, particularly regarding menstruation’s impact on mental health, say New Zealand researchers. In a research letter, they point out there is no consistency on whether menstrual cycle data Read more about Should the coroner collect menstrual cycle data during suspected suicide autopsies?
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Hearts not sharks are a major killer on Aussie beaches
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
While you might be afraid of sharks at the beach, marine creatures make up only 5% of non-drowning deaths on Aussie coastlines, with cardiac conditions and traumatic injuries the major culprits. The research conducted by Surf Life Saving Australia Read more about Hearts not sharks are a major killer on Aussie beaches
AustraliaSurf Life Saving Australia -
Motorcycle injuries on the rise, bicycle injuries falling
NZMJ
The number of motorcyclists going to hospital with serious injuries is on the rise in New Zealand, according to a study by health researchers between 2017 and 2021. The motorcyclist injury rate was over 10% higher by the end of the study, despite Read more about Motorcycle injuries on the rise, bicycle injuries falling
Australia; New ZealandMonash University|Deakin University|Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission -
After whaling, scientists weigh up current status of blue whale populations around the world
Animal Conservation
The largest living animal, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) which averages about 27 metres in length, has slowly recovered from whaling only to face the rising challenges of global warming, pollution, disrupted food sources, shipping, and Read more about After whaling, scientists weigh up current status of blue whale populations around the world
Australia; Pacific; International; SA; WA; TASFlinders University -
Fungal diseases reported in Fiji mangoes
New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science
The first major survey of postharvest mango diseases in Fiji has been carried out by Fijian and Australian researchers. They found a high rate of body and stem rots from mango samples taken from orchards and purchased at markets and roadside stalls. Read more about Fungal diseases reported in Fiji mangoes
Australia; PacificFiji National University (FNU)|University of the Sunshine Coast -
Mixed messaging for mums on breast milk storage guidelines
Breastfeeding Medicine
Expressing or pumping breast milk is an important tool for mothers, especially those who face challenges with direct breastfeeding, but new research from Flinders University has found conflicting advice in the age of social media could be leading to Read more about Mixed messaging for mums on breast milk storage guidelines
Australia; VIC; SAFlinders University|Deakin University -
Antibiotic resistance in treating UTIs highest in aged care facilities
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
New data on antibiotic resistance patterns in UTIs could help guide future treatment decisions. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli from aged care facilities show higher resistance to antibiotics compared to cases collected from Read more about Antibiotic resistance in treating UTIs highest in aged care facilities
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
Neighbourhood connection improves mental health
Personality and Social Psychology Review
University of Queensland research has found building a sense of community is key to improving people’s mental health, particularly in low socio-economic suburbs. University of Queensland research has found building a sense of community is key to Read more about Neighbourhood connection improves mental health
Australia; QLD; ACTThe University of Queensland|The Australian National University -
3 in 4 countries could be below a replacement level of fertility by 2050
The Lancet
By 2050, 76% of countries and territories around the world will not be having enough babies to sustain their population size, according to projections by international and Australian researchers. The researchers forecasted the fertility of countries Read more about 3 in 4 countries could be below a replacement level of fertility by 2050
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; ACTUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)|The Australian National University... -
Chance sighting reveals new species of fluffy beetle
Australian Journal of Taxonomy
A researcher from The University of Queensland has discovered a remarkable new genus of fluffy longhorn beetle while camping within rainforest in the Gold Coast hinterland. Download images via DropboxA researcher from The University of Queensland Read more about Chance sighting reveals new species of fluffy beetle
Australia; QLD; ACTThe University of Queensland|CSIRO -
Many AI tools lack adequate safeguards to prevent mass health disinformation
The BMJ
Many publicly accessible artificial intelligence (AI) assistants lack adequate safeguards to consistently prevent the mass generation of health disinformation across a broad range of topics, warn Flinders University’s experts. In a study published Read more about Many AI tools lack adequate safeguards to prevent mass health disinformation
Australia; SAFlinders University|University of South Australia -
Hair-straightening cream might leave your kidneys in a hairy situation
The New England Journal of Medicine
French researchers following up the curly case of a Tunisian woman becoming sick after having her hair straightened, has found that the glyoxylic acid in many of the products can be absorbed and travel to our kidneys, potentially causing harm, in a Read more about Hair-straightening cream might leave your kidneys in a hairy situation
InternationalHôpital de la Conception, Marseille, France -
Over half of us think our pets deserve the same healthcare as us
PLOS ONE
International researchers surveyed pet owners across a number of European countries and found that 58. 4% of them believed their pets should have access to the same treatment options as we have. Additionally, they say that just over half of the Read more about Over half of us think our pets deserve the same healthcare as us
InternationalUniversity of Glasgow, Scotland -
Tweeting about your science paper might not give it the citation rate bump you were hoping for
PLOS ONE
A group of scientists with large followings on X (formally Twitter) has conducted a 3-year-long experiment which showed that tweeting about a scientific study does not significantly increase its chances of being referenced by other research, known Read more about Tweeting about your science paper might not give it the citation rate bump you were hoping for
Australia; New Zealand; International; WACurtin University|University of Canterbury|University of Washington, USA -
1 in 5 autistic Kiwis, and 1 in 6 autistic Aussies feel that society accepts them as an autistic person
PLOS One
For the first time ever, researchers surveyed more than 300 autistic adults from eight countries, including NZ and Australia, to study cross-cultural differences in autism-related stigma. They found differences in levels of autism acceptance, Read more about 1 in 5 autistic Kiwis, and 1 in 6 autistic Aussies feel that society accepts them as an autistic person
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|University of Birmingham, UK; see paper for full list of author affiliations -
People who frequently have musculoskeletal pain are more likely to retire earlier
PLOS ONE
People who frequently experience muscle, nerve or pain in their bones are more likely to retire earlier, according to a study of just over 1000 over-50s living in England. International researchers used data from an ageing study to compare how Read more about People who frequently have musculoskeletal pain are more likely to retire earlier
InternationalUniversity of Portsmouth, UK
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