Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Australian National University


New AI tool to help beat brain tumors

A new AI tool, DEPLOY, has been developed to predict DNA methylation and classify brain tumors into 10 major subtypes with remarkable accuracy. This technology addresses the need for rapid diagnosis and availability of tests in hospitals worldwide.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 17, 2024

Australia on track for unprecedented, decades-long megadroughts

New research from ANU and other institutions predicts Australia will experience megadroughts lasting over 20 years, with consequences exacerbated by climate change. The study also found that 20th-century droughts in southwestern and eastern Australia were longer on average than pre-industrial times.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 1, 2024

Australia's most at-risk bird species share some common traits

A recent study from Australian National University reveals that many native bird species are facing uncertain futures due to factors like island isolation, adaptability to agricultural areas, and evolutionary uniqueness. The researchers found that slow-breeding species with larger body sizes tend to struggle with environmental changes.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalEmu - Austral Ornithology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2024

Astronomers detect seismic ripples in ancient galactic disk

Researchers used ALMA to study the motion of gas in ancient spiral galaxy BRI 1335-0417, detecting seismic waves that reveal the galaxy's dynamic growth. The findings suggest that gas was streaming into the galaxy or colliding with smaller galaxies, fueling star formation at a rate hundreds of times faster than modern galaxies.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

AI faces look more real than actual human face

A new study finds that AI-generated white faces are perceived as more realistic than human faces, highlighting a potential threat to people of color. The researchers attribute this discrepancy to the disproportionate training of AI algorithms on white faces, which can lead to the reinforcement of racial biases online.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 13, 2023

Australian woman found with parasitic roundworm in her brain caught from carpet python

A 64-year-old Australian woman was infected with Ophidascaris robertsi, a parasitic roundworm common to carpet pythons, after handling native grass contaminated with the parasite's eggs. The case highlights the risk of zoonotic diseases and the importance of food safety when foraging in areas where wildlife is present.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

X-ray analysis sheds new light on prehistoric predator’s last meal

Researchers at ANU and AMRI used micro-CT scans to study a fossilized plesiosaur's stomach contents, finding 17 previously undiscovered fish vertebrae. This study provides insights into the evolutionary history of extinct organisms and helps predict how modern marine life may respond to climate change.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalAlcheringa An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 19, 2023

New data reveals severe impact of European contact with Pacific islands

Researchers found population declines were much larger than previously thought, with Tonga's main island experiencing a decline of 70-86% after European contact. The study used aerial laser scanning data and archaeological records to estimate the pre-contact population size, which was significantly higher than previous estimates.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 30, 2022

Forgotten orphans left behind in COVID-19 pandemic, study reveals

A global study reveals that COVID-19 has led to a significant increase in orphaned children worldwide. The analysis, conducted by researchers at Australian National University, found that fertility rates, poverty, vaccine coverage, and disease prevalence contribute to the risk of children losing one or both parents during the pandemic.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2022

Food production impacting Earth and its natural processes

New research reveals that food production is a major stressor on the planet, impacting biodiversity loss and climate change. The study identifies key interactions between Earth system processes, such as green water and nutrient runoff, which must be considered in designing and implementing sustainable agriculture policies.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2022

Mars model provides method for landing humans on Red Planet

A team of researchers from Australian National University developed a mathematical model to simulate the impact of prolonged exposure to zero gravity on the cardiovascular system. The model assesses the risk of fainting or medical emergencies when stepping out of a spacecraft on Mars, providing crucial insight for human mission planning.

SourceAustralian National University·Journalnpj Microgravity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2022

‘Dream’ discovery could sow crops better equipped to weather the climate change storm

Researchers at Australian National University and James Cook University identified a natural mechanism that enables plants to limit water loss without compromising CO2 uptake. This discovery has significant implications for the agricultural industry, potentially leading to drought-tolerant crops that can withstand extreme weather events.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 8, 2022

Aussies living remotely lack access to quality drinking water

A study by Australian National University found that at least 25,245 people in remote communities had access to non-compliant drinking water services. The researchers also identified 408 locations with poor water quality, including 40% of Indigenous communities. A national drinking water database is urgently needed to address these gaps.

SourceAustralian National University·Journalnpj Clean Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 19, 2022

Electric vehicles pass the remote road test

A new study from Australian National University finds that electric vehicles can handle the distances required to travel to essential services in remote and regional Australia. The results show that 93% of residents could do these trips with even lower-range electric vehicles, without needing to recharge en route.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalAustralian Geographer·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 8, 2022