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Curtin University


Ancient shipwreck cargo reveals surprising global trade secrets of the 1600s

Researchers analysed stone blocks and bricks from the Dutch East India Company's ship Batavia, revealing the materials came from at least two different quarry areas in what is now Germany. The study used advanced geochemical techniques to trace the origin of the cargo, uncovering hidden details about global trade routes.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 28, 2026

Children who miss preschool more likely to start school behind, major Curtin study finds

A Curtin University study found that children who attend preschool before starting school are significantly more likely to arrive ready to learn. The study, which analyzed over 123,000 Western Australian children, also showed that preschool attendance was associated with better developmental outcomes across every area of child developm...

SourceCurtin University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 28, 2026

Muscles matter for diabetes risk, new study finds

A major international study led by Curtin University found diabetes risk is linked to both excess body fat and poor muscle health, with nearly 15% of people with sarcopenic obesity developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Maintaining muscle strength and mass may be as important as managing body weight in assessing diabetes risk.

SourceCurtin University·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

Study finds dementia risk factors could depend on which country you live in

A new study by Curtin University found that millions of dementia cases across the Western Pacific Region could be prevented by implementing country-specific strategies to address key risk factors. The research highlights a major opportunity for prevention, showing how different countries' economic and social contexts affect risk factors.

SourceCurtin University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 18, 2026

‘Dancing jets’ from black hole reveal their immense power

Scientists have confirmed the immense power of black hole jets, measuring over 10,000 times the energy released by the Sun. The research used a radio telescope array spanning the Earth to capture images of the 'dancing jets', revealing their movement pattern and speed, approximately half the speed of light.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2026

Curtin scientists freeze out ice-age delivery theory for Stonehenge stones

Researchers analyzed over 500 zircon crystals and found no evidence of glaciers transporting the bluestones to Stonehenge. The study strengthens the case for human transport, leaving the exact method a mystery. Advanced mineral fingerprinting techniques provided key insights into geological history.

SourceCurtin University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2026

‘Cosmic clock’ reveals Australian landscapes’ history and potential future

A new method uses tiny crystals of zircon to study the past evolution of Australian landscapes, offering insights into how the environment responds to geological processes and climate change. The approach provides valuable information on the storage and reworking of sediments near the surface over millions of years.

SourceCurtin University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2026

National study finds where you live influences your body weight

A national study led by Curtin University found that Australian's location significantly affects their body weight. The research tracked individuals across 14 years and discovered that people tend to adapt to the typical weight profile of their new community., Local food environments, walkability, and access to green space are key fact...

SourceCurtin University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateDec 2, 2025

Outfoxed: New research reveals Australia’s rapid red fox invasion

A new study reconstructing the invasion patterns of European red foxes in Australia reveals that they colonized the entire continent in just 60 years. The research, published in Diversity and Distributions, used statistical simulation tools to uncover critical data needed to understand the role of foxes in native animal extinctions.

SourceCurtin University·JournalDiversity and Distributions·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2025

Fossilised faeces help bring prehistoric worlds to life — in molecular detail

An international research team used 300-million-year-old fossilised droppings to better understand molecular fossilisation, revealing how tiny grains of iron carbonate preserved delicate molecular traces. The findings add a new dimension to understanding molecular preservation and its implications for reconstructing ancient ecosystems.

SourceCurtin University·JournalGeobiology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2025

New research uncovers a ‘ghost’ of the Australian bush

Researchers have uncovered a new species of bettong and two new subspecies of woylie in Western Australia, revealing vital clues about the diversity of these critically endangered marsupials. The discovery has significant implications for conservation efforts, including breeding and translocation initiatives.

SourceCurtin University·JournalZootaxa·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2025

Research reveals STIs during pregnancy linked to adverse birth complications

A large-scale study found strong links between maternal infections and adverse outcomes in babies born in Australia's Northern Territory. Congenital syphilis tripled the risk of preterm birth, while gonorrhoea increased the risk of stillbirth. The study highlights the need for more changes in STI testing during pregnancy.

SourceCurtin University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 2025