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Pyramids along barren desert strip could hint at long-lost branch of the Nile
Communications Earth & Environment
A famous strip of ancient Egyptian pyramids could be a clue pointing to a long-lost branch of the river Nile now buried under farmland and desert, according to Australian and international researchers. 31 pyramids, including the Giza complex, have Read more about Pyramids along barren desert strip could hint at long-lost branch of the Nile
Australia; International; NSWMacquarie University|University of North Carolina, USA -
Trans teen attempts mastectomy on self
New Zealand Medical Journal
This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to mental health and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline (Aus) on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or Read more about Trans teen attempts mastectomy on self
New ZealandWellington Regional Hospital -
Fees-free prescriptions save millions in hospital costs, say researchers
New Zealand Medical Journal
New Zealand researchers have found that people who do not collect prescriptions due to cost are 34% more likely to go to hospital within the year than those who were able to afford their medication. The authors say that any revenue to the health Read more about Fees-free prescriptions save millions in hospital costs, say researchers
New ZealandVictoria University of Wellington -
Almost one in five ED presentations are by current or former mental health clients
New Zealand Medical Journal
Almost one in five emergency department presentations between 2017 and 2018 were by current (7%) or former (11%) mental health clients, finds a new study in the New Zealand Medical Journal. They were often younger, female and Māori, required more Read more about Almost one in five ED presentations are by current or former mental health clients
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Scrapping the Māori Health Authority is a breach of Te Tiriti, say researchers
New Zealand Medical Journal
In a Viewpoint article for the New Zealand Medical Journal, researchers argue that the disestablishment of the Māori Health Authority had very little compliance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and will halt and reverse momentum towards a more equitable Read more about Scrapping the Māori Health Authority is a breach of Te Tiriti, say researchers
New ZealandVictoria University of Wellington -
NZ melanoma deaths drop by a third over the past decade
New Zealand Medical Journal
Deaths from melanoma have reduced by one third over the past decade in New Zealand despite no overall decrease in new cases. Authors of an Editorial in the New Zealand Medical Journal say this is most likely due to increased awareness which leads to Read more about NZ melanoma deaths drop by a third over the past decade
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|University of Waikato|Clinical Trials New Zealand -
Very early blood pressure control confers both benefits and harms in acute stroke
New England Journal of Medicine
Early identification of stroke type could be key to harnessing the benefits of very early in-ambulance blood pressure lowering treatment in patients with suspected acute stroke, according to Aussie researchers. The team says that although more Read more about Very early blood pressure control confers both benefits and harms in acute stroke
InternationalGeorge Institute for Global Health -
IDAHOBIT and intersectionality for Aboriginal LGBTQIA+ peoples
With the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) comes a chance to reflect on empirical research about the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who identify as members of the Read more about IDAHOBIT and intersectionality for Aboriginal LGBTQIA+ peoples
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
EXPERT REACTION: Electronic prescription company MediSecure victim of 'large-scale' data breach
The Australian government is investigating 'large-scale ransomware' data breach of script provider MediSecure. In a statement, MediSecure said they had identified a cyber security incident impacting the personal and health information of individuals Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Electronic prescription company MediSecure victim of 'large-scale' data breach
Australia; VIC; SA; WAAustralian Science Media Centre -
Miniature, lab-created human organs to fast-track new disease treatments
Creating tiny, laboratory grown organs is one of the latest developments in the search for new personalised medical treatments — and a new Curtin University-led project is looking to enhance this breakthrough’s real-world impact. Creating tiny, Read more about Miniature, lab-created human organs to fast-track new disease treatments
AustraliaCurtin University -
Significant progress on cancer therapy
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
Research demonstrated that internally generated neutrons could be used to effectively target micro-infiltrates and cancer cells outside of the defined treatment regions. This innovative approach could have a significant impact on the treatment of a Read more about Significant progress on cancer therapy
Australia; NSWAustralian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)... -
Diabetes medication risk in aged care revealed
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
An Australian-first study by the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) investigating the use of blood sugar-lowering medications among residents with diabetes in aged care homes nationwide, has revealed the rising use of insulin and ongoing high use Read more about Diabetes medication risk in aged care revealed
Australia; SASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)... -
Link between COVID-19 vaccine complication and rare ‘common cold’ blood disease
New England Journal of Medicine
New research led by Flinders University and international experts is expanding understanding of vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (known as VITT). At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, VITT emerged as a new disease Read more about Link between COVID-19 vaccine complication and rare ‘common cold’ blood disease
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Philosophers can bridge the gap between science and policy
Nature Human Behaviour
Public policy should be based on scientific evidence - but scientists often lament the gap between science and policy, while policy-makers feel that scientists don’t deliver the evidence that is needed. Philosophers can close that gap. Public Read more about Philosophers can bridge the gap between science and policy
Australia; New Zealand; International; QLD; WAMurdoch University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Sorry meat lovers, 20 years of research suggests plant-based is best for your health
PLOS ONE
Vegetarian and vegan diets are very likely to be better than meaty ones for your heart health and chances of avoiding cancer, according to international scientists who looked back at 48 studies conducted since the year 2000. However, the authors Read more about Sorry meat lovers, 20 years of research suggests plant-based is best for your health
InternationalUniversity of Bologna, Italy -
Singing researchers investigate cross-cultural patterns in music and speech
Science Advances
A global study has identified near-universal patterns across most of the world's musical traditions. Seventy-five researchers from 46 countries, including New Zealand and Australia, recorded themselves performing traditional songs and speaking in Read more about Singing researchers investigate cross-cultural patterns in music and speech
Australia; New Zealand; International; NSWUniversity of Auckland|Victoria University of Wellington... -
Windblown dust from land boosts productivity in the Southern Ocean
Nature
Using a fleet of ocean robots, researchers have found that windblown iron-rich dust from land fertilises around a third of phytoplankton growth in the Southern Ocean. This finding sheds light on the vital role that dust-fuelled productivity plays in Read more about Windblown dust from land boosts productivity in the Southern Ocean
Australia; TASARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (CLEx)... -
Family tree of baobab trees traces their roots to Madagascar
Nature
Iconic baobab (Adansonia) trees are instantly recognisable because of their unusually fat trunks, and are found across Africa, in Madagascar, and in northwestern Australia. The origins of these trees were not well understood, but now international Read more about Family tree of baobab trees traces their roots to Madagascar
Australia; International; WA; NTChinese Academy of Sciences, China -
Instead of generating extreme heat with fossil fuels, we could one day just use the Sun
Device
About 25% of global energy consumption is used to generate extreme temperatures for producing glass, steel, cement and ceramics, and international researchers say they have developed a strategy that could allow us to forego burning fossil fuels to Read more about Instead of generating extreme heat with fossil fuels, we could one day just use the Sun
InternationalETH Zurich, Switzerland -
Exploring everything we know about consciousness
Neuron
The science of consciousness is explored in a special issue of Neuron, with a series of reviews and perspective pieces by international and Australian authors discussing the big issues in consciousness research. Among the papers, researchers discuss Read more about Exploring everything we know about consciousness
Australia; International; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Lizard-inspired building system may prevent full-scale collapses
Nature
A new system of construction may prevent the collapse of an entire building by ensuring that — in the event of catastrophic damage — structural failure is localized to the damaged region, according to international researchers who were inspired Read more about Lizard-inspired building system may prevent full-scale collapses
InternationalUniversitat Politècnica de València, Spain -
People hospitalised with COVID-19 may have a higher risk of death than those hospitalized with the flu
JAMA
In autumn-winter 2023-2024 in the US, the risk of death in patients hospitalised for COVID-19 was greater than the risk of death in patients hospitalised for seasonal influenza, according to international research based on the US Department of Read more about People hospitalised with COVID-19 may have a higher risk of death than those hospitalized with the flu
International -
More Australians spent time in hospital in 2022-2023 than previous years
Hospitalisations increased by 4. 6% in Australia in 2022-2023, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report includes data on public and private hospitalisations for the year. The report says people aged 65 Read more about More Australians spent time in hospital in 2022-2023 than previous years
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Green concrete recycling twice the coal ash is built to last
Cement and Concrete Research
New modelling reveals that low-carbon concrete developed at RMIT University can recycle double the amount of coal ash compared to current standards, halve the amount of cement required and perform exceptionally well over time. New modelling reveals Read more about Green concrete recycling twice the coal ash is built to last
Australia; VICRMIT University -
How does exercise keep mouse brains healthy as they age?
Aging Cell
Exercise may trigger genes in brain cells to behave more like a younger brain in older age, according to an Australian study in mice. The team looked at brain activity in mice given access to a running wheel or deprived of exercise to investigate Read more about How does exercise keep mouse brains healthy as they age?
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Chemical fingerprints in shells could help trace the source of valuable Aussie seafood
Royal Society Open Science
The chemical fingerprints in abalone shells could help trace the valuable seafood back to its source, and confirm whether the seafood is wild or farmed, according to Australian research. By analysing the chemicals in the shells, researchers were Read more about Chemical fingerprints in shells could help trace the source of valuable Aussie seafood
Australia; SAFlinders University|University of South Australia -
I heard a rumour...that kids are more likely to believe gossip coming from multiple sources
Royal Society Open Science
When it comes to believing playground gossip, it seems kids rely on multiple sources to verify positive gossip, although a single negative rumour can sway them, according to Japanese research. In the study around 100 seven-year-old kids were told Read more about I heard a rumour...that kids are more likely to believe gossip coming from multiple sources
InternationalNTT Communication Science Laboratories, Japan -
A $750 incentive could help obese men shift the kilos
JAMA and European Congress on Obesity
A UK trial, named the 'Game of Stones' has found that a weight loss program that involved sending obese men text messages with a financial incentive to lose weight was more effective than text messages alone, or leaving men to lose weight on their Read more about A $750 incentive could help obese men shift the kilos
Australia; International; WACurtin University|Stirling University, UK -
Genetics provide key to fight crown-of-thorns starfish
PLOS Biology
Scientists are one step closer to combatting coral-destroying crown-of-thorns starfish, following a University of Queensland study into the pest’s genetics. Scientists are one step closer to combatting coral-destroying crown-of-thorns starfish, Read more about Genetics provide key to fight crown-of-thorns starfish
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
New rheumatic fever treatments hurt less and last longer
PLOS ONE
A new penicillin injection for rheumatic fever could help young people stick with the recommended 10-year treatment period. The new treatment uses a smaller needle into the stomach, which patients described as less painful overall. The new injection Read more about New rheumatic fever treatments hurt less and last longer
Australia; New Zealand; WAUniversity of Otago|Telethon Kids Institute|The University of Western Australia... -
Heatwaves lead to more than 150,000 deaths a year
PLOS Medicine
Heatwaves over the four hottest months of the year lead to more than 150,000 deaths around the world each year, according to research led by Monash University which looked at deaths over 30 years going back to 1990. The authors say this equates Read more about Heatwaves lead to more than 150,000 deaths a year
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; VICMonash University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Wind farms quickly offset their emissions
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
After spinning for 1. 5-1. 7 years, a wind turbine has offset the carbon emissions generated across its entire 30-year lifespan, when compared to thermal power plants. These numbers come from a study which used real construction data from a Hawke's Read more about Wind farms quickly offset their emissions
New ZealandVictoria University of Wellington -
The Northern Hemisphere summer of 2023 was the warmest in 2000 years
Nature
The summer of 2023 was the warmest in the Northern Hemisphere extra-tropical regions in the past 2,000 years, according to international researchers. The team reconstructed the past 2000 years of land temperature data using tree rings, and combined Read more about The Northern Hemisphere summer of 2023 was the warmest in 2000 years
InternationalJohannes Gutenberg University, Germany -
246 million more older adults will be exposed to dangerous heat by 2050
Nature Communications
Up to 246 million more older adults around the world are projected to be exposed to dangerous acute heat by the year 2050 — with those living in Asia and Africa experiencing the most severe effects according to international researchers. According Read more about 246 million more older adults will be exposed to dangerous heat by 2050
InternationalCMCC Foundation, Italy -
Can eye-tracking tests accurately identify children with autism?
JAMA Network Open
Eye-tracking tests can accurately identify autism in children, according to international researchers, who say that a combination of eye-tracking data and primary-care practitioners' diagnosis can improve accurate diagnosis. The team studied 146 Read more about Can eye-tracking tests accurately identify children with autism?
InternationalPurdue University, USA -
What do we know about the risks of forever chemicals PFAS for our reproductive health?
Reproduction, Fertility and Development
The full extent of the threat per-and ployfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose to the reproductive health of humans and animals, including livestock, is not yet known, according to Australian researchers. In a perspective article, the researchers Read more about What do we know about the risks of forever chemicals PFAS for our reproductive health?
Australia; NSW; VIC; SAThe University of Melbourne|The University of Adelaide... -
Aussie science and innovation needs immediate and sustained investment to power a future made in Australia
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) welcomes commitments in the Budget to review Australia’s languishing investment in Australian science and innovation and back clean energy industries, however investment Read more about Aussie science and innovation needs immediate and sustained investment to power a future made in Australia
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) -
EXPERT REACTION: Federal Budget 2024-2025
The Federal Government has released their budget for 2024-2025. Below, a variety of Australian experts respond and discuss what this year's Budget means. Registered journalists can also find additional expert lists from The University of Sydney, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Federal Budget 2024-2025
Australia; QLD; SAAustralian Science Media Centre|Australian Government - Dept of the Treasury -
Mislabelled shark meat rampant in Australian markets, study finds
Marine and Freshwater Research
Macquarie University researchers found widespread mislabelling of shark meat in Australia, including threatened species, highlighting a need for better enforcement to protect consumers and sharks. Researchers at Macquarie University have found a Read more about Mislabelled shark meat rampant in Australian markets, study finds
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
High genetic diversity discovered in South African leopards
PeerJ
Researchers say the discovery of very high genetic diversity in leopards found in the Highveld region of South Africa has increased the need for conservation efforts to protect leopards in the country. Declan Morris, a PhD candidate with the Read more about High genetic diversity discovered in South African leopards
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
The weight loss effects of semaglutide can last at least 4 years, and the heart health benefits may be irrespective of the kilos dropped
Nature Medicine and European Congress on Obesity
New data from the largest and longest clinical trial of the effects of semaglutide on weight loss have found that people taking the drug lost around 10% of their body weight and over 7cm from their waistline and the effects continued to last for 4 Read more about The weight loss effects of semaglutide can last at least 4 years, and the heart health benefits may be irrespective of the kilos dropped
InternationalPennington Biomedical Research Centre, USA, University College London, UK -
Men with low testosterone levels may be at increased risk of dying prematurely
Annals of Internal Medicine
Men with low testosterone levels may be at an increased risk of dying prematurely, according to a study by Australian and international researchers. To investigate the relationship between testosterone and other sex hormone levels and health in Read more about Men with low testosterone levels may be at increased risk of dying prematurely
Australia; NSW; SA; WAThe University of Western Australia|Flinders University... -
Our food obsessed brains can sort beans from jeans in 1/10th of a second
The Journal of Neuroscience
You might think you have food on the brain all the time, but Aussie researchers have shown our brains are able to sort food items from non-food items really quickly, in around 1/10th of a second. The researchers also found that our brains take a bit Read more about Our food obsessed brains can sort beans from jeans in 1/10th of a second
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Identifying genes that could predict breast cancer risk in African women
Nature Genetics
International researchers have identified six genetic variants they say could predict an increased risk of an aggressive form of breast cancer in African women. While women of African ancestry are more likely to develop breast cancer at an earlier Read more about Identifying genes that could predict breast cancer risk in African women
InternationalVanderbilt University Medical Center, USA -
Breastfed babies don't get any benefit from iron supplements
JAMA Pediatrics
Breastfed infants are at risk of iron deficiency which can impact their development but a new study, which includes Aussie authors, has found no benefit to giving breastfed babies iron supplements. The trial, conducted in Poland and Sweden, involved Read more about Breastfed babies don't get any benefit from iron supplements
Australia; International; SASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)... -
Mind-reading device can decode your internal monologue, but accuracy varies widely
Nature Human Behaviour
Researchers have been able to decode words spoken internally with 79% accuracy in a quadriplegia patient, which they hope could lead to the development of a device to help restore communication in people who have lost the ability to speak. However, Read more about Mind-reading device can decode your internal monologue, but accuracy varies widely
InternationalCalifornia Institute of Technology, USA -
Is endurance running as good as traditional methods for hunting game?
Nature Human Behaviour
Endurance running for game hunting may have been as efficient as other traditional hunting methods, according to international researchers. The team say that their findings support the hypothesis that humans uniquely developed muscles primarily Read more about Is endurance running as good as traditional methods for hunting game?
InternationalTrent University, Canada -
Could a blood test help predict who is at risk of heart disease and stroke?
JAMA
Screening the general population with a blood test to look for markers of cardiovascular disease would only lead to a small improvement in our ability to predict who is at risk of diseases such as heart disease and stroke, according to a study Read more about Could a blood test help predict who is at risk of heart disease and stroke?
Australia; NSW; VIC; WAMonash University|Edith Cowan University|The University of Sydney... -
A few simple questions could help doctors assess breast cancer risk
Cancer
Breast cancer risk could be linked to obesity status and different components of metabolic syndrome (such as obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol), according to international researchers who say the findings Read more about A few simple questions could help doctors assess breast cancer risk
InternationalThe Lundquist Institute, USA -
Disaster experts come together in Adelaide for national Forum
Natural Hazards Research Forum
The best disaster science in the country plus a special keynote from a New Zealand warnings expert will be showcased this week in Adelaide at the Natural Hazards Research Forum. Held at the National Wine Centre, Adelaide over three days from 14-16 Read more about Disaster experts come together in Adelaide for national Forum
Australia; SANatural Hazards Research Australia