Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Adelaide University


The purple fabric that could beat the scorching heat

Researchers developed a purple fabric that reflects 87.6% of solar radiation and emits 96.4% of mid-infrared radiation, making it a highly effective cooling material. The fabric was tested in outdoor conditions and showed a significant cooling effect, making it suitable for people who spend long periods outdoors.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2026

Who’s watching who? Otters turn their attention to humans

Researchers found Asian small-clawed otters to be generally more active and visible when people were present, suggesting a possible positive effect of visitors on their welfare. However, the study's findings highlight the need for further research to better understand the complex interactions between zoo animals and humans.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJournal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2026

Marine heatwaves pose hidden threat to human health

New research highlights the hidden threats of marine heatwaves on human health, including psychological impacts, respiratory problems, and eco-anxiety. The study calls for governments and public health agencies to treat marine heatwaves as a major public health issue.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 10, 2026

Meningococcal B vaccine linked to lower gonorrhoea risk

A new study found that the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine was associated with a 38% lower risk of gonorrhoea notifications in young people aged 14 to 22 years in the Northern Territory. The researchers believe the vaccine triggers an immune response to help prevent both infections.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026

Tracking a flight path to a green aviation future

A comprehensive study has consolidated knowledge on the production of green hydrogen for jet fuel, highlighting its potential to transform the sector. To make it commercially viable, significant research is needed on hydrogen infrastructure needs, refuelling systems, and policy frameworks.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalTransportation Research Part A Policy and Practice·DateJul 21, 2026

Wildlife deaths 'vanish' within days of prescribed burns

New research reveals that evidence of animal deaths after prescribed burns can disappear in under two weeks, significantly underestimating the true toll of fire on wildlife. Conducting wildlife surveys immediately after fires is essential to accurately assess the impact of prescribed burning on biodiversity and animal welfare.

SourceAdelaide University·TypeCase study·DateJul 19, 2026

Ancient rocks reveal how water shaped Earth 3.1 billion years ago

Researchers have found evidence that water played a major role in shaping the Earth's interior and driving volcanic activity over 3.1 billion years ago. The study suggests that another process called 'dripduction' may have been transporting water into the mantle, influencing the formation of volcanic rocks.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 7, 2026

Move to quit: Exercise boosts smoking quit rates

A systematic review and meta-analysis found exercise can help people quit smoking by reducing cigarette consumption and easing cravings. Researchers discovered that people taking part in exercise programs were 15% more likely to achieve continuous abstinence.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 1, 2026

Can’t stick to a diet? Try intermittent fasting for weight loss

A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that participants on an intermittent fasting diet lost around seven kilograms in six months, compared to two kilograms lost by those on the standard diet. The researchers suggest that this diet may drive weight loss through different psychological and behavioural pathways.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 16, 2026

Time for a re-think of long-term antidepressant use

A new summary of evidence reveals that antidepressants have limited benefits beyond 12 months and may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Researchers are calling for treatment reviews every six months and recommending gradual weaning strategies when discontinuing medication.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalAustralian Journal of General Practice·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 3, 2026

Student wellbeing drops after move to high school

A study of over 20,000 South Australian students found that wellbeing declined across every measured domain, including happiness and life satisfaction, after transitioning to secondary school. The decline was independent of developmental changes associated with adolescence.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateMay 17, 2026

Diabetes, weight-loss drugs not a perfect fit?

A new international study found that genetic variations in the PAM gene can reduce the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor medications, such as Ozempic. Researchers discovered that 44% of people with these genetic variants experienced reduced glucose lowering properties, and only 11% achieved recommended glucose levels.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2026

Physicists solve riddle that has puzzled scientists for decades

An international team of physicists has achieved a breakthrough in understanding the muon's magnetic moment, resolving a decades-long discrepancy between theory and experiment. The study delivers the most precise calculation to date of a key component underpinning the muon's magnetism, agreeing with experimental measurements within jus...

SourceAdelaide University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

Chemicals found in tap water could harm embryos

A study by Adelaide University found that even low levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in tap water can disrupt female fertility, leading to cellular damage, DNA damage, and impairing embryo viability. The study also showed that exposure to PFAS chemicals can be passed on to future generations.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2026

Tiny sensors with the power to detect cancer

Researchers have developed tiny sensors capable of detecting multiple biomarkers simultaneously, including temperature and chemical changes. These sensors have the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and monitoring by providing reliable and clear information about disease presence in a minimally invasive way.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

New discovery reveals hidden driver of deadly brain cancer

Researchers at Adelaide University identified CD47 as a critical mechanism driving glioblastoma growth and spread. The study found that removing or blocking CD47 reduced tumour cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, leading to improved survival times in animal models.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

The cost of survival: Women more likely to survive cancer but suffer more severe side effects

A recent study found that women have a 21% lower risk of death compared to men, but a 12% higher risk of severe side effects from cancer treatment. The research, conducted in partnership with international collaborators, analyzed data from over 20,000 cancer patients and identified sex-based differences in survival and treatment toxicity.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 15, 2026

Why ‘being squeezed’ helps breast cancer cells to thrive

A new study reveals that early breast cancer cells use intense mechanical pressure to their advantage, hijacking a sensor to multiply rapidly and migrate away from the primary tumour. The pressure also triggers a series of signals that promote aggressive behaviour in cancer cells, leaving a lasting mechanical memory.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2026