Social immunity in a social insect

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Honey bees are able to combat the parasitic Varroa mite through social immunity. This is a collective behavioural defence strategy that involves Varroa-infected brood releasing chemicals than stimulate worker bees to remove the parasitised larvae. Read more about Social immunity in a social insect

Kakadu food scraps provide ancient rainfall clues

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Ecology and Evolution

Archaeologists are generating a 65,000-year-old rainfall record from ancient food scraps found at Australia’s earliest-known site of human occupation. University of Queensland researcher Dr Anna Florin said the research was giving a glimpse into Read more about Kakadu food scraps provide ancient rainfall clues

Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have almost double the dementia risk

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Neurology

Veterans exposed to Agent Orange are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia, according to a US study. Additional studies are needed to examine potential mechanisms underlying the association between Agent Orange exposure and dementia. Read more about Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have almost double the dementia risk

Pre-Incan gold – guano created agricultural oases in the Atacama desert

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Plants

Parts of Chile’s Atacama desert became an unlikely food bowl thanks to bird poo. Analysis of plant and food remains found that around 1,100 years ago their nitrogen isotope content rose substantially, particularly for maize. Similar patterns of Read more about Pre-Incan gold – guano created agricultural oases in the Atacama desert

EXPERT REACTION: TGA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 1232 AEDT | 1432 NZDT

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today announced that it has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia. It is the first COVID-19 vaccine to be approved in Australia. Australian experts comment below. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: TGA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Providing insight into how the brain may have evolved

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 1204 AEDT | 1404 NZDT

Nature Ecology & Evolution

Researchers from The University of Western Australia have uncovered evidence of an important genetic step in the evolution of the brain. The finding highlights how genetic events that took place in our fish-like ancestors play crucial roles in human Read more about Providing insight into how the brain may have evolved

Global demand for cancer surgery set to surge

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 1046 AEDT | 1246 NZDT

The Lancet Oncology

A new modelling study led by UNSW predicts demand for cancer surgery will rise by 52 per cent within two decades, with low-income countries bearing the greatest burden. Public health researchers, led by UNSW Sydney, have estimated the number of Read more about Global demand for cancer surgery set to surge

What you need to know about hydrogen energy

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0959 AEDT | 1159 NZDT

N/A

Several announcements were made last week regarding hydrogen research and development in Australia, including the development of an Australian hydrogen battery. Andrew Forrest of Fortescue Metals last week said “green” hydrogen will give Read more about What you need to know about hydrogen energy

Need for school children to return to sport

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

As the school year begins, the call for more children to participate in organised sport has never been louder - but problems that sports organisers face are compounded by indifference from parents, in addition to worries about COVID-19 restrictions. Read more about Need for school children to return to sport

Scientists use a novel ink to 3D print ‘bone’ with living cells

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0730 AEDT | 0930 NZDT

Advanced Functional Materials

3D printers may one day become a permanent fixture of the operating theatre after UNSW scientists showed they could print bone-like structures containing living cells. Using a 3D-printer that deploys a special ink made up of calcium phosphate, the Read more about Scientists use a novel ink to 3D print ‘bone’ with living cells

CSIRO's circular economy roadmap charts path to triple job creation

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

A new roadmap released today by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has developed key strategies for creating jobs and reclaiming billions in economic value from plastic, glass, paper and tyres currently going into landfill. The National Read more about CSIRO's circular economy roadmap charts path to triple job creation

Do you actually know how drunk you are?

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Drug and Alcohol Review

Aussie researchers have found that if you've only had one or two drinks you are probably reasonably accurate at guessing if you'd be over the limit, but once your blood alcohol levels get to around 2-3 times the legal drinking limit, you and your Read more about Do you actually know how drunk you are?

Sport may fast-track numeracy skills for Indigenous children

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Australian Journal of Education

Greater sports participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is linked with better academic performance, according to new research from the University of South Australia. Greater sports participation among Aboriginal and Torres Read more about Sport may fast-track numeracy skills for Indigenous children

Aussie GPs need to better screen for harmful alcohol use

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

Aussies don’t see a need for major changes in regard to alcohol use, and support for policies which reduce alcohol-related harms that are based on the strongest evidence is declining, according to an Aussie expert. In a Perspective article, he Read more about Aussie GPs need to better screen for harmful alcohol use

Heart disease risk is higher in cancer survivors

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

Death among people with cancer who survive at least 5 years after diagnosis is higher than for the general population, particularly in terms of heart disease, according to Aussie researchers. They analysed SA Cancer Registry data for all people Read more about Heart disease risk is higher in cancer survivors

Continuous monitoring of proteins a game-changer for patients with rapidly deteriorating conditions

Publicly released: Sun 24 Jan 2021 at 1533 AEDT | 1733 NZDT

ACS Sensors

A world-first discovery by Australian researchers could become a game-changer for patients at risk of rapid health deterioration, such as heart complications, stroke, sepsis and cancer. Traditional diagnostic tests involve sampling tissue, blood or Read more about Continuous monitoring of proteins a game-changer for patients with rapidly deteriorating conditions

Electric avenues: AI suggests where to put electric car chargers

Publicly released: Sat 23 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Patterns

An artificial intelligence system has been trained to read reviews of more than 12,000 US electric vehicle charging stations, to identify where there are too few or non-functioning stations and other issues. The program was able to assess reviews Read more about Electric avenues: AI suggests where to put electric car chargers

Tweets show the good, the bad, and the ugly of lockdown

Publicly released: Sat 23 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

PLoS ONE

In South Africa the Covid-19 lockdown had a significant negative impact on happiness. This was measured using sentiment analysis of Twitter posts (between January and June), with every tweet labelled as having either a positive, neutral or Read more about Tweets show the good, the bad, and the ugly of lockdown

Bee gone? A quarter of bee species haven’t been seen in 30 years

Publicly released: Sat 23 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

One Earth

While reports and records of animal species have increased dramatically over the last few decades, the number of bee species being reported has declined, down 25% since 1990. Argentinian researchers used the Global Biodiversity Information Facility Read more about Bee gone? A quarter of bee species haven’t been seen in 30 years

Record-breaking laser link could help us test whether Einstein was right

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Nature Communications

Scientists from Western Australia have set a world record for the most stable transmission of a laser signal through the atmosphere. The team combined Aussie ‘phase stabilisation’ technology with advanced self-guiding optical terminals to Read more about Record-breaking laser link could help us test whether Einstein was right

Revealing the secrets to solar success

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Science

A new study shows how researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) achieved a world record in solar cell efficiency. The study focused on perovskite solar cells – made using a special group of materials which are cheap and easy to Read more about Revealing the secrets to solar success

PTSD link to pandemic panic

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1439 AEDT | 1639 NZDT

PLoS ONE

Even at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, people around the world became  more fearful of what could happen to them or their family. A new Flinders University study of 1040 online participants from five western countries published in Read more about PTSD link to pandemic panic

Truth-telling vital for Australia's unity

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1430 AEDT | 1630 NZDT

Australia will not be comfortable celebrating its national day until we have greater racial understanding, based on truthful retelling of history, academics say. However, they say we can be encouraged by our multicultural cohesion and growing Read more about Truth-telling vital for Australia's unity

Making protein 'superfoods' from marine algae

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1400 AEDT | 1600 NZDT

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Marine microalgae-based cellular agriculture is a promising new way to sustainably produce plant-based ‘meat’ and healthy ‘superfoods’ for the future. Researchers at Flinders University’s Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development (CMBD) in Read more about Making protein 'superfoods' from marine algae

The National Youth Science Forum 2021 Year 12 Program closing event: Meet the Chiefs

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1300 AEDT | 1500 NZDT

Today nearly 600 young people from all over Australia will gather online to celebrate the end of the National Youth Science Forum’s (NYSF) 2021 Year 12 Program and inform them of the opportunities to come. Part of the celebrations will include a Read more about The National Youth Science Forum 2021 Year 12 Program closing event: Meet the Chiefs

Could COVID quarantine be reduced to a week?

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

The Lancet Public Health

Quarantine time after contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case could potentially be reduced to seven days, according to a modelling study. The study looked at infected people’s potential viral load and the sensitivity of COVID-19 tests, and Read more about Could COVID quarantine be reduced to a week?

Severe allergic reaction extremely rare with Pfizer COVID vaccine

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

JAMA Insights

Severe allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis, to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine are rare, with around 11 cases for every million doses administered, say US scientists. During December 14 to 23, 2020, there were 1,893,360 first doses of Read more about Severe allergic reaction extremely rare with Pfizer COVID vaccine

Evidence of the virus behind COVID-19 found in the cornea

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

JAMA Ophthalmology

Genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 has been found in the cornea of patients with COVID-19, according to German research. But despite this, the authors say the risk of COVID-19 infection via corneal transplant is low Read more about Evidence of the virus behind COVID-19 found in the cornea

EXPERT Q&A: Answering your questions about COVID-19 variants

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

With reports of new COVID-19 strains emerging in the UK, South Africa, and Brazil, an Australian expert answers key questions about the new strains and how they might impact the current COVID-19 vaccines. Read more about EXPERT Q&A: Answering your questions about COVID-19 variants

Social pressure vs doing the right thing - what matters more for social distancing?

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

British Journal of Psychology

Social pressure may be more influential than personal belief when it comes to following COVID-19 guidelines, according to an international study of over 6,500 people in 114 countries. The study found that people followed social distancing guidelines Read more about Social pressure vs doing the right thing - what matters more for social distancing?

Watch those sanitiser squirts! Reports of hand sanitiser in the eye up 7 fold

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

JAMA Ophthalmology

French researchers report a 7 fold increase in eye exposures to alcohol-based hand sanitisers in 2020 compared to 2019, with one hospital reporting 13 per cent of patients required surgery for severe lesions. The authors warn about the positioning Read more about Watch those sanitiser squirts! Reports of hand sanitiser in the eye up 7 fold

Human pancreatic cancer model offers new opportunities for testing drugs

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

Scientific Reports

UNSW scientists have grown human pancreatic cancer tumours in the lab – their model is the first of its kind, with important future clinical implications. Crucially, the team’s model stays intact for 12 days and offers a complete view of the Read more about Human pancreatic cancer model offers new opportunities for testing drugs

Sliding life expectancy poses gender, inequity questions

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Life expectancy gain is slowing in Australia – and figures show these figures are already sliding backwards in both the US and UK – yet little is being done by policy makers to understand specific gender and inequity reasons why this slip is Read more about Sliding life expectancy poses gender, inequity questions

Squid-inspired robot is a good swimmer

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 0738 AEDT | 0938 NZDT

Engineers are increasingly looking to nature when designing robots and other machines. Traditional mechanical approaches to designing swimming robots are usually inefficient. Using the pulse-jet mode that squid and jellyfish use to propel themselves, Read more about Squid-inspired robot is a good swimmer

Leadership or luck? The influence of coaches, politicians and CEOs on performance

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 0706 AEDT | 0906 NZDT

Science Advances

How much influence does luck - rather than effectiveness - play in leadership? Using a statistical method to assess whether differences in performance come down to leadership (or just luck or other factors beyond the leader’s control), researchers Read more about Leadership or luck? The influence of coaches, politicians and CEOs on performance

Salmonella's judo move - turning host metabolism to its advantage

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

Science

In an infection, there is a continual battle between the pathogen and the cells it's invading. An Israeli study finds that the bacterium Salmonella enterica can sense when cells it has infected are changing their metabolism as they prepare to Read more about Salmonella's judo move - turning host metabolism to its advantage

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

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

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

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