-
Study finds quick wins for climate adaptation
Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online
New Zealanders tend to agree that gathering more data and working with the environment are two good ideas when adapting to climate change. Scientists have looked over all the submissions to the National Adaptation Plan, finding the common ground Read more about Study finds quick wins for climate adaptation
New ZealandUniversity of Waikato|Lincoln University -
Junk food advertising on Twitch could be influencing young people's food choices
European Congress on Obesity (ECO)
Young people watching videogame livestreaming platforms such as Twitch are exposed to a lot of junk food ads, which could be having a negative impact on their snacking choices, according to research set to be presented at the European Congress on Read more about Junk food advertising on Twitch could be influencing young people's food choices
InternationalUniversity of Liverpool, UK -
Can an app help prevent diabetes? Yes, but maybe not for long
PLOS One
Tools like text reminders, apps, online groups, and virtual dieticians show promise early on for helping people manage their pre-diabetes. However, researchers reviewing recent evidence found those results tended to drop off in the long-term or had Read more about Can an app help prevent diabetes? Yes, but maybe not for long
New Zealand -
Scientists unlock key to breeding ‘carbon gobbling’ plants with a major appetite
Science Advances
The discovery of how a critical enzyme 'hidden in nature’s blueprint' works sheds new light on how cells control key processes in carbon fixation, a process fundamental for life on Earth. The discovery, made by scientists from The Australian Read more about Scientists unlock key to breeding ‘carbon gobbling’ plants with a major appetite
Australia; NSW; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Newcastle -
Byte-size lies: AI has mastered the art of deception
Patterns
If an android tells you it dreams of electric sheep, it may be trying to pull the steel wool over your eyes, as international and Aussie researchers say artificial intelligence (AI) systems are already adept at deception. The team says AIs trained Read more about Byte-size lies: AI has mastered the art of deception
Australia; International; VICAustralian Catholic University|Massachusetts Institute of Technology , USA -
Global analysis of 30m hydrogen energy tweets shows increase from 2015 Paris Agreement
Social Network Analysis and Mining
Australia’s hydrogen energy-related discussion on Twitter (now X), ranked seventh globally, according to an analysis of 30. 7 million tweets conducted by QUT researchers. Japan came in number one. Analysis of tweets on hydrogen energy-related Read more about Global analysis of 30m hydrogen energy tweets shows increase from 2015 Paris Agreement
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Further retractions issued for Australian concussion in sport publications
British Journal of Sports Medicine
The British Journal of Sports Medicine has retracted six articles related to concussion in sport authored by its Australian former editor, Dr Paul McCrory and corrected another two as a results of an investigation of the researcher's sole authored Read more about Further retractions issued for Australian concussion in sport publications
Australia; VICBritish Journal of Sports Medicine -
Running under a four-minute mile could be the key to a long and healthy life
British Journal of Sports Medicine
A new study released to mark this week's 70th anniversary of Sir Roger Bannister’s sub-four-minute mile record has revealed the first 200 runners to follow in his footsteps also share another remarkable trait. A new study released to mark this week Read more about Running under a four-minute mile could be the key to a long and healthy life
Australia; NSWVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI)|St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (SVI) -
Elephants say g'day with more stink than you'd think
Communications Biology
Elephants like to make full use of their impressive noses when greeting each other – even if their partner's choice of perfume is questionable. Researchers watching African elephants in a Zimbabwean reserve found most greetings involved one or Read more about Elephants say g'day with more stink than you'd think
InternationalUniversity of Vienna, Austria -
Women with gestational diabetes through 2 pregnancies at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later
JAMA Network Open
Canadian scientists say women who have gestational diabetes during two pregnancies are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes after the second pregnancy. They looked at health records for 431,980 women who had given birth twice, 10,920 of whom Read more about Women with gestational diabetes through 2 pregnancies at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later
InternationalMcGill University, Canada -
Bilbies could hop back into mild climate zones
Animal Behaviour
Bilbies bred in a sanctuary in Dubbo have provided researchers with vital clues about how they would fare in temperate Australia where they once thrived. A study of greater bilbies at Taronga Western Plains Zoo has provided some new ideas about how Read more about Bilbies could hop back into mild climate zones
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|Taronga Conservation Society Australia -
Discovery made into which children will outgrow their peanut allergy
Allergy / The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Australian researchers have discovered how changes in antibody levels over time can predict which children are likely to outgrow their peanut allergy. Research at a Glance: A Murdoch Children’s Research Institute led study has discovered how Read more about Discovery made into which children will outgrow their peanut allergy
Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Melbourne... -
Too much screen time causing problems for Kiwi kids
New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy
Kids spending long stretches of time in front of screens can end up with dry eyes, back pain, poor sleep, and anxiety, a New Zealand-led review of the research finds. New Zealand students have among the world’s highest digital device use, and the Read more about Too much screen time causing problems for Kiwi kids
New ZealandAUT University|University of Auckland|Massey University -
Can environmental carers agree on the best way to look after nature?
PLOS One
A review of 77 studies found there are a wide variety of environmental "stewards" taking action to protect nature in Aotearoa. These groups include farmers, white-water rafters, Māori youth, and many others. However, the research authors found the Read more about Can environmental carers agree on the best way to look after nature?
New ZealandUniversity of Canterbury|University of Waikato|Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research -
Getting dirty to clean up the chemical industry’s environmental impact
Journal of the American Chemical Society
The global chemical industry is a major fossil fuel consumer and climate change contributor; however, new Curtin University research has identified how the sector could clean up its green credentials by getting dirty. The global chemical industry is Read more about Getting dirty to clean up the chemical industry’s environmental impact
Australia; WACurtin University|The University of Western Australia -
Rapid oyster reef restoration gives hope for repairing the sea
Restoration Ecology
After a century of functional extinction on the Australian mainland, a Flat oyster reef has been successfully restored along a metropolitan Adelaide coastline. After a century of functional extinction on the Australian mainland, a Flat oyster reef Read more about Rapid oyster reef restoration gives hope for repairing the sea
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide|Government of South Australia -
New drug for sepsis shows promise in mouse and blood tests
Science Translational Medicine.
A new drug could prevent sepsis-related organ failure and death by restoring the health of a patient’s blood vessels, tests in mice and blood samples suggest. A new drug could prevent sepsis-related organ failure and death by restoring the Read more about New drug for sepsis shows promise in mouse and blood tests
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Processed meats most strongly linked to a higher risk of death among ultra-processed foods
The BMJ
Ultra-processed foods or 'junk foods' are associated with a slightly higher risk of dying prematurely from any cause, according to international researchers who say the highest risks are associated with eating processed meats and seafood. The team Read more about Processed meats most strongly linked to a higher risk of death among ultra-processed foods
Australia; New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Auckland|Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA -
The spread of misinformation varies by topic and by country
PLOS ONE
When it comes to combatting misinformation, it’s important to change your strategy depending on the country, according to international researchers. The team looked at news activity on Twitter (now X) in France, Germany, Italy, and the UK between Read more about The spread of misinformation varies by topic and by country
InternationalUniversity of Venice, Italy -
Ancient, endangered lamprey fish found in Queensland, 1400km north of its previous known range
Endangered Species Research
Scientists from Griffith University and the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have confirmed the identity of an unusual, ancient and Endangered species of fish that is living in the coastal rivers of Queensland, Read more about Ancient, endangered lamprey fish found in Queensland, 1400km north of its previous known range
Australia; QLDThe National Environmental Science Program's Resilient Landscapes Hub... -
Are wild pigs spreading kauri dieback disease?
New Zealand Journal of Zoology
New research finds we're "flying blind" on whether feral pigs are responsible for the spread of kauri dieback. It has been theorised that pigs could directly spread the fungus by moving infected soil around, or they could make healthy kauri more Read more about Are wild pigs spreading kauri dieback disease?
New ZealandManaaki Whenua - Landcare Research -
Is toad toxin the next antidepressant?
Nature
Modifying the psychedelic compounds found in the toxin of a poisonous toad could be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety, say US researchers who trialled the toxic toad drug on mice. Recent research has found that certain psychedelics Read more about Is toad toxin the next antidepressant?
InternationalIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA -
Pollution and climate change are just some of the ways humans are increasing infectious disease risks
Nature
Humans are contributing to the rise in emerging infectious diseases, and biodiversity loss, chemical pollution, climate change and introduced species are some of the key factors that may be driving this increase, according to international research. Read more about Pollution and climate change are just some of the ways humans are increasing infectious disease risks
InternationalUniversity of Notre Dame, USA -
Childhood maltreatment responsible for up to 40% of mental health conditions
JAMA Psychiatry
This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to data about mental health, suicide and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline (Aus) on 131 114 or Beyond Blue Read more about Childhood maltreatment responsible for up to 40% of mental health conditions
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
What health messaging can help us make better choices at the vending machine?
JAMA Network Open
Labels reminding us of the healthiness (or lack thereof) and the calorie count of items at the vending machine may help us make healthier choices with our drinks but not our snacks, according to an international study. The researchers tested four Read more about What health messaging can help us make better choices at the vending machine?
InternationalUniversity of Pennsylvania, USA -
Should Medicare support genetic screening for Asian Australians at risk of reacting to epilepsy medication?
JAMA Dermatology
A specific gene is associated with an increased risk of a life threatening reaction to an epilepsy medication in many Asian populations, and an Australian study has found genetic screening for new Asian-Australian epilepsy patients is a Read more about Should Medicare support genetic screening for Asian Australians at risk of reacting to epilepsy medication?
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|The University of Sydney -
Could bad sleep during your childhood spell a risk of early adulthood psychosis?
JAMA Psychiatry
In a study involving over 12,000 kids and close to 4000 young adults, UK and Aussie researchers say they found a link between persistent shorter sleep in childhood and psychosis in young adulthood. Sleep duration was collected at multiple intervals Read more about Could bad sleep during your childhood spell a risk of early adulthood psychosis?
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|University of Birmingham, UK -
Google AI Alphafold 3 could supercharge biological research and drug discovery
Nature
AlphaFold 3, an AI model for looking at protein and molecular structures, could open up exciting possibilities for drug discovery, agricultural research, biological research, genetics, and more, according to researchers at Google DeepMind and Read more about Google AI Alphafold 3 could supercharge biological research and drug discovery
InternationalGoogle DeepMind, UK -
Potential link between PTSD and autism found in mice
iScience
People on the autism spectrum may be predisposed to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a study of a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Queensland suggests. The Read more about Potential link between PTSD and autism found in mice
Australia; QLD; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Queensland -
Grandmothers could be the answer to adolescent angst
Scientific Reports
New research has found that investment by maternal grandmothers into grandchildren who have suffered multiple adverse early life experiences (AELE’s) could significantly reduce emotional and behavioural problems in these children. Grandmothers Read more about Grandmothers could be the answer to adolescent angst
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
Sleep apnea patients can breathe easy about CPAP therapy, computer simulations suggest
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
A new comprehensive evaluation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, based on computer simulations of the respiratory tract, has found no adverse impact from its use in any part of the respiratory system. Read more about Sleep apnea patients can breathe easy about CPAP therapy, computer simulations suggest
Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) -
These dramatic snakes fake their own deaths, complete with oozing blood effects
Biology Letters
Dice snakes, which are found across Europe and into Asia, fake their own deaths to avoid predators, and now researchers have found that by including some convincing dramatic effects such as smearing themselves with poo and oozing blood from their Read more about These dramatic snakes fake their own deaths, complete with oozing blood effects
InternationalUniversity of Belgrade, Serbia -
Chimps learn and improve tool use as they age
PLOS Biology
Chimps are champs at tool use, learning and honing their skills throughout their lives, according to international researchers who watched recordings of 70 wild chimps of various ages using sticks to retrieve food at Taï National Park in West Africa Read more about Chimps learn and improve tool use as they age
InternationalUMR5229 CNRS, France -
VIDEO EXPERT REACTION: Auckland schools are surrounded by junk food and fizzy drink ads
Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online
The majority of Auckland's schools have junk food ads within half a kilometre of their school gates, according to a new study. Researchers pored over Google Street View images to find out what students see on their way to and from school, finding Read more about VIDEO EXPERT REACTION: Auckland schools are surrounded by junk food and fizzy drink ads
New ZealandUniversity of Waikato|University of Auckland -
You know, I speak whale: Researchers develop a Sperm whale alphabet
Nature Communications
Sperm whale communication may be more complex than previously thought, according to international researchers who developed a ‘Sperm Whale Phonetic Alphabet’ after analysing recordings of about 60 different whales. The team say the communication Read more about You know, I speak whale: Researchers develop a Sperm whale alphabet
InternationalMassachusetts Institute of Technology, USA -
Exposure to both cannabis and nicotine in the womb is worse than either substance alone
JAMA Network Open
Babies exposed to both cannabis and nicotine in the womb are more likely to be born preterm or small for gestational age and are more likely to die soon after birth compared to those exposed to just one of the drugs, according to international Read more about Exposure to both cannabis and nicotine in the womb is worse than either substance alone
InternationalOregon Health & Science University, USA -
Why getting in touch with our ‘gerbil brain’ could help machines listen better
Current Biology
Macquarie University researchers have debunked a 75-year-old theory about how humans determine where sounds are coming from, and it could unlock the secret to creating a next generation of more adaptable and efficient hearing devices ranging from Read more about Why getting in touch with our ‘gerbil brain’ could help machines listen better
Australia; NSWMacquarie University -
How did the early COVID-19 pandemic impact birth outcomes in Australia?
Aussie mums who had babies during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic saw some surprising positive birth outcomes, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report compiles birth outcome statistics from Read more about How did the early COVID-19 pandemic impact birth outcomes in Australia?
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
New super-pure silicon chip opens path to powerful quantum computers
Communication Materials
Researchers at the Universities of Melbourne and Manchester have invented a technique for manufacturing highly purified silicon that brings powerful quantum computers a big step closer. Researchers at the Universities of Melbourne and Manchester Read more about New super-pure silicon chip opens path to powerful quantum computers
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne|University of Manchester -
New rock art discoveries in Eastern Sudan reaffirm catastrophic climate change
The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology
New archaeological findings from the hyper-arid Atbai Desert, in Eastern Sudan, indicate the Sahara Desert was once a lush and green environment. New archaeological findings from the hyper-arid Atbai Desert, in Eastern Sudan, indicate the Sahara Read more about New rock art discoveries in Eastern Sudan reaffirm catastrophic climate change
Australia; International; NSWMacquarie University -
Naltrexone offers hope for Long COVID patients
Frontiers in Immunology
Researchers from Griffith University’s National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) have made a discovery that could bring relief to those struggling with Long COVID. They've identified a way to restore the faulty function of Read more about Naltrexone offers hope for Long COVID patients
Australia; QLDGriffith University|Mater Research -
Meth houses: More should be done to test for and tackle contamination
the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
A new Flinders University study has found less than 10% of suspected methamphetamine contamination in residences are reported to council environmental health officers (EHOs), raising further concerns more regulations are needed to manage safety and Read more about Meth houses: More should be done to test for and tackle contamination
Australia; NSW; SAFlinders University -
Testing high risk babies at 3 months of age could help identify cerebral palsy
JAMA Network Open
Early testing of three- or four-month-old babies who are at high risk of cerebral palsy was able to reliably predict the condition and its severity at two and three years old, according to Australian research. The study looked at 116 babies who were Read more about Testing high risk babies at 3 months of age could help identify cerebral palsy
Australia; VICMonash University|Hudson Institute of Medical Research... -
Over 30% of Aussies with difficult-to-treat asthma may be current smokers
Respirology
36. 2% of Aussies with difficult-to-treat asthma may also be current smokers, according to an Aussie survey of 6,048 people with asthma, which found that 21. 7% met the international criteria for difficult-to-treat asthma. The study also found that Read more about Over 30% of Aussies with difficult-to-treat asthma may be current smokers
Australia; NSWMacquarie University|The University of New South Wales... -
Nicotine-free substance could help people quit vaping
JAMA Internal Medicine
Cytisinicline, a compound found naturally in plants, could help people quit nicotine vaping, according to international research. Cytisinicline is used as a quit-smoking product in Central and Eastern Europe because it can help reduce nicotine Read more about Nicotine-free substance could help people quit vaping
InternationalHarvard Medical School, USA -
7g of olive oil a day could reduce your risk of death from dementia
JAMA Network Open
Olive oil could be linked with a lower risk of dementia-related death, particularly in women, according to international researchers who looked at data from 92,383 adults observed over 28 years. They found the consumption of more than 7g per day of Read more about 7g of olive oil a day could reduce your risk of death from dementia
InternationalHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA -
Relaxation therapy might help mums produce more milk
JAMA Pediatrics
British and Malaysian researchers reviewing 16 previous studies say that relaxation interventions were associated with an increase in milk production in mums, and subsequent additional weight to their bubs. The researchers say listening to music, Read more about Relaxation therapy might help mums produce more milk
InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK -
Carrying 2 copies of a particular form of this gene may cause a distinct type of Alzheimer's
Nature Medicine
Spanish and US scientists say almost everyone they investigated who had two copies of a particular form of a gene called APOE, a form called APOE4, went on to develop signs of Alzheimer's disease, which may mean it's a distinct genetic form of the Read more about Carrying 2 copies of a particular form of this gene may cause a distinct type of Alzheimer's
InternationalHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau - Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Spain -
How Venus dried up
Nature
US researchers have proposed a new possible reason as to why our spicy celestial neighbour Venus lost most of its water. They say a chemical reaction called HCO+ dissociative recombination - a process that would double the loss of water into space Read more about How Venus dried up
InternationalUniversity of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA -
AI technology is showing cultural biases, here's why and what can be done
AI is the fastest growing technology in the world, but there is growing concern about its ability to consider and represent diverse communities. Prominent AI applications are showing racial biases and a lack of diversity and cultural sensitivity. AI Read more about AI technology is showing cultural biases, here's why and what can be done
Australia; WAMurdoch University