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Curtin University


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

Native habitats hold the key to the much-loved smashed avocado’s future

Research by Curtin University reveals that native habitats near farmland can enhance insect diversity, supporting pollination and crop resilience. The study's findings offer a potential solution to safeguarding global food security for the growing population, which will require increased agricultural productivity by 25-75% by 2050.

SourceCurtin University·JournalEnvironmental and Sustainability Indicators·DateJul 3, 2025

Common gene variant doubles dementia risk for men

A common genetic variant has been found to double the risk of dementia in men, but not women, according to new research. The study, published in Neurology, used data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial to investigate the link between the HFE gene variant and dementia risk.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNeurology·DateMay 30, 2025

Scientists may have solved a puzzling space rock mystery

Researchers analyzed over 8500 meteoroids and found that the atmosphere and Sun act like giant filters, destroying fragile carbon-rich meteoroids before they reach the ground. This discovery reshapes how scientists interpret meteorites collected so far and could influence future asteroid missions.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2025

Maternal cannabis use triples risk of disruptive behaviour in children

A recent study published in Psychiatry Research found that children exposed to their mother's cannabis use during pregnancy and after birth are three times more likely to develop behavioural problems. The research analysed data from over 222,600 Australian mothers and children, revealing a significant increase in the risk of childhood ...

SourceCurtin University·JournalPsychiatry Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2025

Born too late? Climate change may be delaying births

A new study found that exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy increases the risk of prolonged pregnancies. Prolonged pregnancy can lead to serious health implications for both mother and baby, including increased risk of stillbirth, birth complications, and emotional impacts on families.

SourceCurtin University·TypeCase study·DateFeb 10, 2025

Older Australians turning to cannabis as cigarette prices rise

A study by Curtin University found that when cigarette prices increased, cannabis use among older Australians (aged over 50) rose, with 68,000 people expected to start using cannabis. Researchers used data from the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey and ran simulations to predict the impact of price increases.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of Population Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Moving ‘hotspot’ created world’s longest straight underwater mountain belt

Researchers at Curtin University found that the Ninetyeast Ridge, the Earth's longest straight underwater mountain chain, formed as a massive volcanic chain between 83 and 43 million years ago. High-precision dating revealed that the hotspot responsible for the ridge moved by several hundred kilometres within the mantle over time.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2024

New study challenges social media’s mental health impact

A new Curtin University study found that time spent on social media has a negligible effect on mental health indicators such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The research suggests that the relationship between social media use and mental health is complex, with some platforms having different effects on users.

SourceCurtin University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 5, 2024

Ore-some: New date for Earth's largest iron deposits offers clues for future exploration

Researchers at Curtin University used a new geochronology technique to accurately date iron oxide minerals, finding the Hamersley deposits formed between 1.4 and 1.1 billion years ago. This discovery enhances our understanding of ancient geological processes and improves predictions for future exploration.

SourceCurtin University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 22, 2024