Researchers found that wild animal populations exhibit significant genetic differences in traits related to reproduction, enabling rapid adaptation to environmental changes. The study's findings suggest a potential speed-up in evolution due to natural selection, with implications for species' adaptability to climate change.
Researchers discovered that Clostridium septicum kills cells by releasing a toxin that acts like a hammer, triggering an overactive immune response. This can lead to sepsis and shock, resulting in rapid patient death. New therapies are being developed to neutralize the toxin and block the immune receptor.
Researchers from Australian National University have discovered how malaria parasites evade treatment by transporting drugs to 'safe zones', which can lead to new and longer-lasting treatments. The discovery could also inform cancer treatment development.
A team of researchers from Australian National University has found an alternative explanation for the mysterious Galactic Centre Excess, a gamma-ray signal long claimed as a signature of dark matter. The team proposes that the signal may actually come from rapidly-rotating neutron stars, known as millisecond pulsars.
Researchers identify TLR7 gene as cause of lupus, a life-threatening autoimmune disease. The discovery could lead to new and effective treatments with fewer side effects, revolutionizing treatment options for patients.
Researchers have discovered new evidence that sheds light on the initial expansion of the Lapita people throughout Papua New Guinea, revealing a more extensive dispersal than previously thought. The study found distinct markings on pottery, new tool technologies, and animals such as pigs introduced to the region by Lapita people.
New modelling shows China's demand for thermal and coking coal imports from Australia will dramatically drop by 26-45% between 2019 and 2025. This decline is driven by Beijing's plans for rapid decarbonisation and energy security, posing significant losses to major coal exporters like Australia.
Researchers at Australian National University create a new experimental technique to measure the potential energy of an atom with unprecedented sensitivity. They validated quantum electrodynamics (QED) theory by achieving a precision that surpasses previous methods.
A new study reveals that global warming is responsible for half of the changes in key physical and behavioral traits of European birds since the 1960s. Non-climate environmental factors also contribute to these changes, with their effects often compounding those of climate change.
Researchers found two instances of supermountains, Nuna and Transgondwanan, linked to major periods of evolution, including eukaryotes and the emergence of large animals. These mountain ranges drove biological cycles, boosted oxygen levels, and facilitated complex life.
Researchers have discovered that a bacteria-fighting mechanism in the immune system, NETs, can manipulate beneficial Th17 cells into harmful autoimmune responders. This finding opens doors to developing targeted therapies for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune conditions.
The regent honeyeater's population is on track to decline to fewer than 300 individuals due to habitat loss and predation. To save the species, conservation efforts must focus on protecting nests from predators, increasing zoo-bred bird releases into the wild, and preserving and restoring habitats.
Researchers have identified a gene that helps the kidney resist damage, which has major implications for Indigenous people with high rates of kidney disease. The discovery reveals that a mutation in the VANGL1 gene can cause the development of kidney disease and allows the immune system to attack the kidney.
A new study by Australian National University warns that 1,500 endangered languages could cease to be spoken by the end of this century. The researchers found that increased years of schooling can lead to higher levels of language endangerment.
A new study from Australian National University challenges long-held scientific beliefs about the biological basis of gender differences in intelligence and achievement. The researchers found that males and females have similar levels of variability, contradicting the idea that male animals are more variable than females.
A team of Australian researchers has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the benefits of exercise on retinal health and function. By identifying unique molecular signals, they aim to develop a supplement that can harness these benefits for patients who are unable to engage in physical activity.
A new study from Australian National University challenges old assumptions about infant mortality in ancient populations. The research suggests that fertility had a greater influence on the proportion of deceased infants than infant mortality rate.
Researchers from Australian National University warn that Australia's hydrogen strategy lacks distinction between green and blue hydrogen, which could increase emissions. Large-scale investment in fossil fuel-based hydrogen with carbon capture technology may be risky due to substantial fugitive emissions.
The 'transforming irrigation in southern Africa' project empowers farmers with knowledge and tools to grow high-yielding crops while minimizing water usage. By providing basic field books to calculate costs and profits, farmers are conserving water and saving time.
Participants with elevated blood pressure, even within the normal range, have older-looking brains and increased risk of health problems. Maintaining optimal blood pressure can help prevent accelerated brain aging, according to ANU researchers.
A new study by ANU researchers has found human impacts such as deforestation and mining have significantly transformed Lake Kutubu's algal and geochemical compositions. The lake is now showing signs of ecosystem collapse, including plumes of chemicals and health issues for local communities.
Researchers from Australian National University confirm that star-forming galaxies are responsible for creating gamma-rays that had been puzzling astronomers. The discovery sheds light on the origins of these mysterious emissions and could provide clues to understanding Dark Matter.
Researchers from Australian National University developed a system to transport data using atomically-thin semiconductors, achieving highly promising signs of requiring less electricity to run. This breakthrough technology has the potential to reduce wasted energy consumption and pave the way for sustainable future growth in computing.
Scientists have detected black holes eating neutron stars for the first time, shedding light on the Universe's most extreme objects. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and Virgo observatories captured the event, providing valuable insights into space and time.
Researchers have successfully resurrected the extinct Gould's mouse, a significant finding given the high rate of native rodent extinction in Australia. The study revealed that the species' genetic diversity did not guarantee its survival, underscoring the rapid decline of populations in the face of invasive species, habitat destructio...
Researchers from Australian National University warn that climate change may be causing more deaths among Australian marsupials, including the greater glider, due to heat-induced eating habits. The study highlights the importance of protecting food sources and restoring nutrient-rich forests to help these animals survive.
Researchers developed an ultra-compact thin film that can be used on standard glasses to see clearly in the dark. The technology has the potential to transform infrared light into visible images at room temperatures.
A study analyzing two decades of data reveals parrots are targeted for their attractiveness and ability to be sold on legal markets. The trade has contributed to a severe decline in the global parrot population, with one-third of species threatened by extinction.
The discovery of plutonium-244 and iron-60 in ocean crust suggests violent cosmic events occurred near Earth millions of years ago. The study's findings imply that supernovae can produce these heavy elements, complicating our understanding of their origins.
The critically endangered regent honeyeater is losing its 'song culture' due to declining populations. Research found that males sing simplified or incorrect songs when birds are rare, affecting their ability to communicate with females.
A new study from Australian National University suggests that spicy foods are more commonly used in hot climates, but finds no clear reason for this trend. The researchers analyzed over 33,000 recipes and found a significant relationship between spice use and life expectancy, as well as other health outcomes.
Researchers find molecular fossils extracted from 635-million-year-old rocks are not the earliest evidence of animals, but rather common algae. The discovery sheds light on the origin of animal ancestors and their abundance in ancient oceans.
Researchers successfully produce two types of diamonds, including Lonsdaleite and regular diamond, at room temperature by applying high pressures and 'shear' forces. The discovery paves the way for new uses of this rare and super-hard material.
Archaeologists discovered a rare child burial on Alor Island, Indonesia, dating back 8,000 years. The burial provides insights into burial practices of the time, with ochre pigment applied to the child's cheeks and forehead.
Astronomers detect the most massive black hole collision ever observed, involving two mammoth black holes weighing 85 and 66 times the mass of the Sun. The larger black hole is considered 'impossible' due to its mass exceeding predicted limits.
Researchers found clear traces of iron-60 in deep-sea sediments dating back 33,000 years, suggesting the Earth has been traveling through a cloud of faintly radioactive dust. The discovery suggests that the solar system may have recently passed through a denser cloud of gas and dust, known as the local interstellar cloud.
Researchers have discovered a dense, cold gas ejected from the centre of the Milky Way, which could impact star formation and galaxy stability. The finding raises new questions about what's happening in the galactic centre, particularly with regards to the massive black hole at its heart.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of ancient banana cultivation in the Western Torres Strait, dating back over 2,000 years. The findings challenge the common view that Australia's first peoples were solely hunter-gatherers.
Researchers at ANU have developed a novel organic semiconductor material that can be bent into any shape, promising faster and more flexible electronic devices. The material is made of just carbon and hydrogen, making it biodegradable and recyclable, which could reduce e-waste.
A breakthrough in understanding rubisco, a crucial enzyme in photosynthesis, could lead to significant gains in crop production. By revisiting a billion-year-old strategy, scientists have identified new ways to enhance rubisco activity.
A new study by ANU researchers shows that Victorian bushfires have burned over 1.5 million hectares since 1995, with more than 600,000 hectares burning twice and over 112,000 hectares burning three times. This has led to a significant impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and industry.
New research reveals a worrying change in Indian Ocean surface temperatures, putting southeast Australia on course for increasingly hot and dry conditions. The study, led by Australian National University, suggests that historically rare events have become more frequent and intense during the 20th Century.
A new study led by Australian National University researchers casts doubt on China's reported organ donation numbers, suggesting they may be falsified using a simple mathematical formula. The study found anomalies in the data that are difficult to explain, raising the possibility of deliberate manipulation.
A genetic study on the critically endangered regent honeyeater found that while genetic diversity remains intact, habitat protection is key to saving the species from extinction. The researchers used DNA samples from museums and wild birds to compare genetic makeup before and after severe population decline.
Researchers found fairy-wrens start breeding earlier in milder nights and stop breeding later in hot conditions. The study's long-term data on the birds' life history may help scientists understand climate change effects on wild animal populations globally.
Researchers have discovered that the galaxy Andromeda has eaten several smaller galaxies over the last few billion years, leaving behind remnants in large streams of stars. The study found faint traces of even earlier consumed galaxies, possibly dating back to 10 billion years ago.
A new study measures life expectancy based on historical mortality conditions, revealing Australian men live to 74.1 years, surpassing other countries like Japan and the Nordic nations. This achievement is attributed to Australia's long history of stability and high standard of living, which have contributed to better health outcomes.
A new study by Australian National University found that smoking harms all of the cardiovascular system, including the heart and major blood vessels. Quitting smoking markedly reduces risk of heart attacks, strokes, and dying from cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have discovered over 100 massive stone jars in Laos, revealing more widespread use of these enigmatic containers than previously thought. The finds also include beautifully carved discs used as burial markers, showcasing intricate imagery including concentric circles, human figures, and creatures.
A new study from the Australian National University found that spending half an hour a day outside in the sun can lower the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by almost 20%, including Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. Short periods of sun exposure also showed significant benefits.