Researchers at Curtin University have identified a new species of pterosaur, Haliskia peterseni, from 100-million-year-old fossilized bones found in western Queensland. The specimen is 22% complete and includes features such as complete lower jaws, teeth, and wing bones.
Researchers developed a Single Data Dictionary to predict outcomes for people with TBI, combining factors like social support, health, and biological markers. The dictionary aims to provide personalized care and rehabilitation, improving quality of life for patients and reducing negative impacts on families and society.
Researchers have found evidence of fresh water on Earth dating back to four billion years ago, shedding light on the planet's early history and the emergence of life. This discovery suggests landmasses and freshwater played a crucial role in supporting life within a relatively short time frame after the planet formed.
Researchers found that an inpatient treatment approach using high-energy refeeding can improve both physical and psychological health in adults with eating disorders. The study, led by Fiona Salter, investigated 97 voluntary hospital patients and found significant improvements in weight change and psychological wellbeing.
A new Curtin University research study found that taking pictures of food can be an accurate way to track dietary intake. The study used the mobile Food Record app, which analyzed photos to estimate energy and nutrient intake, outperforming traditional recall methods.
Researchers discovered that adding water-resistant materials to an electrode can dramatically speed up chemical reactions in water, known as 'fouling'. This process can increase reaction rates up to six times faster than traditional methods. By leveraging this method, the chemical industry may be able to reduce its reliance on fossil f...
A Curtin University study found that breeding less-flatulent cows and restoring agricultural land can significantly reduce methane emissions from Australia's beef and dairy sectors. Researchers identified several strategies to lower emissions, including altering breeding objectives and improving wastewater management.
Researchers have discovered a rare dust particle trapped in an ancient meteorite that formed from a star other than the sun. The particle contains exceptionally high levels of magnesium isotopes, which can only be explained by formation in a hydrogen-burning supernova.
Researchers found a link between miscarriage and increased risks of developing gestational diabetes (44% higher) and pre-eclampsia (37% higher), but not with abortion. The study analyzed over 4 million pregnancies and suggests new ways to mitigate risks or prevent these conditions from progressing.
A new study predicts that Australia's soil will become a net emitter of carbon dioxide, releasing more CO2 into the air than it absorbs. This could account for 8.3% of current emissions and worsen climate change unless farming methods are improved.
A perfect storm of calm weather and limited tidal movement trapped coral eggs in Bills Bay, leading to a massive die-off. However, research by Curtin University shows that some corals were able to survive and that the area has a history of recovering from similar events.
Researchers at Curtin University have discovered a new potential predator for the endangered western spiny-tailed skink, raising concerns about the susceptibility of similar-sized juvenile lizards. The spotted mulga snake's consumption of a pygmy spiny-tailed skink suggests that these snakes may also prey on vulnerable juveniles.
A recent study analyzing 85,000 kilograms of donated food to Foodbank WA found that 96% met food safety standards, while four per cent were not safe for human consumption. The research highlights the need for improved regulation and guidelines in Australia's food relief sector.
A Curtin University study reveals Australian Gen Z's major concerns about climate change, manifesting as anxiety, fear, and feelings of powerlessness. The study suggests that while online activism is important, Gen Z may need to engage in more traditional areas of activism to drive meaningful change.
A recent study by Curtin University found that 1454 avoidable deaths occurred due to fine particle air pollution from extreme events like bushfires and dust storms. The research suggests nearly one-third of these deaths could be prevented if pollution events were reduced by 5 per cent.
Researchers precisely dated some of the oldest fossils of complex multicellular life, tracking a pivotal moment in Earth's history when new lifeforms teemed in the seas. The fossils, including creatures like Aspidella terranovica, showcase early evidence of large-scale multicellular organisms.
Research using thermal imaging found that numbats are prone to overheating during hot weather, with body temperatures exceeding 40°C. Their unique fur mechanism allows for heat exchange, but is limited by temperature and shade availability.
A large-scale study found exposure to low and high biothermal stress during pregnancy linked to a higher risk of babies being born too small or large for their gestational ages. The study also identified specific subpopulations at higher risk, including non-Caucasian people and those aged 35 and above.
Researchers from Curtin University analyze polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extracted from Ryugu and Murchison meteorites, revealing that certain PAHs likely formed in the cold areas of space between stars. This discovery offers valuable insights into the history and chemistry of celestial bodies like asteroids and meteorites.
New research found that less than five minutes of daily physical activity can be beneficial for people living with inoperable lung cancer, reducing mortality rates by 60% compared to those who were largely inactive. Healthcare providers should investigate a person's levels of physical activity in early management of the disease.
Two bee species thought to be distinct are found to be the same, males and females of a single species, using DNA sequencing. The study uses barcoding to identify the species, which is crucial for understanding conservation needs.
A Curtin University-led study has identified three new species of mulgara, a small carnivorous marsupial, but four of the proposed species are already extinct. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding Australian wildlife and the growing threats to ecosystems.
Researchers at Curtin University have created a piezoresistor the size of a human hair, revolutionizing chemical and biosensors. This breakthrough enables detection of diseases through molecular shape changes, offering new possibilities for health monitoring devices.
Researchers have identified three key ingredients needed to bring valuable pink diamonds to the surface: deep carbon, continental collision, and stretching of landmasses. This discovery could lead to finding new pink diamond deposits globally.
Researchers analyzed data from 220,935 injured mountain bikers and 17,757 injured hikers to find the injury types and affected body areas. Most reported injuries were of low severity, primarily affecting upper limbs in mountain bikers and legs and ankles in hikers.
The study found that while there has been a decline in child mortality rates in Ethiopia, too many children are still dying. The country's neonatal mortality rate is significantly higher than the global target of 12 deaths per 1000 livebirths by 2030.
A new study maps Australia's terrestrial and blue carbon soils, revealing the continent holds 27.9 gigatonnes of carbon, equivalent to 700 times annual electricity emissions. The research emphasizes the need to protect key ecosystems threatened by human activities and climate change.
Researchers have confirmed that 107-million-year-old pterosaur bones are the oldest found in Australia, providing insights into these flying reptiles' lives among dinosaurs. The fossils belonged to two different individuals, including a juvenile pterosaur and a larger species with a wingspan over two metres.
A Curtin University research found that 98% of TikTok videos promoting vaping pose a risk to teens. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement on social media platforms.
Researchers found dramatic reductions in pain and disability among almost 500 people seeking help for four years of chronic back pain. The treatment, Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT), improved social and emotional health, saving over $5,000 per person.
Australian geoscientists discovered how long ago the Nullarbor plain dried out using iron-rich layers formed in ancient sediments. This finding provides a clearer timeframe for understanding the impact of ancient climate change on Australia's diverse flora and fauna.
A nearly complete sauropod dinosaur skull was discovered in Queensland, Australia, providing valuable insights into the species' anatomy and relationships to other sauropods. The analysis revealed similarities between the 'Ann' skull and that of a titanosaur, suggesting that Diamantinasaurus was one of the most primitive titanosaurs.
Researchers have identified a genetic signature in pre-malignant liver cells, which could help determine the future risk of developing liver cancer. The discovery has significant implications for staging and monitoring chronic liver disease patients.
Researchers detected diverse animal visitors on native flowers using eDNA metabarcoding, revealing key interactions between plants and animals. The study's findings support the use of eDNA as a tool to monitor plant-animal relationships and safeguard endangered flora.
New study by Curtin University researchers finds that silicon, gold, and copper can trap and destroy the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2, likely killing the virus. The materials can be used in air filters, coatings, or fabric to capture coronaviruses and prevent infection.
Researchers at Curtin University found a catastrophic decline in biodiversity at the west end of Rottnest Island, with some species experiencing declines of up to 90% between 2007 and 2021. The study highlights the impact of global climate change on marine ecosystems even in protected areas.
Researchers discovered that asteroid Itokawa is resistant to collision and has survived for nearly 4.2 billion years due to its rubble pile composition. This finding could lead to more effective defense strategies against potentially hazardous asteroids, including the use of nuclear blasts to nudge them off course.
Researchers found that echidnas blow bubbles from their nose to cool down, using the evaporation of moisture as an evaporative window. They also utilize flexible spines for insulation and lose heat through the spineless areas on their underside and legs, acting as thermal windows.
Researchers from Curtin University have identified six new plant species using photos shared on Facebook and iNaturalist. The newly described carnivorous sundews were discovered through images taken by nature enthusiasts and photographers, demonstrating the potential of citizen scientists to contribute to advances in taxonomic research.
Researchers used CT scanning and 3D modelling to study the growth of pelvic fins in fish embryos, shedding light on their evolution. The study found that the mechanism responsible for changes in the pelvic fin skeleton over millions of years involves changes in fin radials' fusion during early development.
Curtin researchers have discovered two massive meteorite impact craters on Mars, with one containing ice at the lowest altitude ever observed. The findings provide valuable insights into Mars' subsurface structure and water ice reservoir, shedding light on the planet's formation and evolution.
Researchers call for a shift in Australia's approach to obesity, advocating for weight-inclusive policies and challenging the conventional emphasis on personal responsibility. The study highlights the need to address weight stigma in schools, workplaces, healthcare, and social media.
A Curtin-led research team found asteroid impacts on the Moon millions of years ago coincide with large meteorite impacts on Earth, such as the one that wiped out dinosaurs. The study also reveals that major impact events on Earth were accompanied by smaller impacts, providing new insights into asteroid dynamics.
Researchers have discovered a 380-million-year-old heart and surrounding organs in an ancient fish, providing new insights into the evolution of human bodies. The discovery, published in Science, found that the position of organs in the body is similar to modern shark anatomy.
Researchers have identified a 14-million-year-old ring-shaped landform on the Nullarbor Plain, preserving original sea-bed structure with microbial textures similar to those found in the Great Barrier Reef. This discovery provides new insights into Earth's history and environmental evolution.
Researchers analyzed 306-million-year-old fossilized animal feces and found biomolecular information about long-extinct diets. The study revealed that an unidentifiable extinct animal was a meat-eater or on a predominantly carnivorous diet, with high proportions of cholesterol-derived molecules and a lack of plant-derived biomarkers.
New research from Curtin University reveals that comets may have formed Earth's early continents when the Solar System passed through densely populated areas of the Milky Way Galaxy. The study found a rhythm of crust production every 200 million years matching the system's transit through galaxy arms.
Scientists discovered evidence of giant meteorite impacts that formed Earth's continents through the study of zircon crystals in Western Australia. The research provides strong support for the theory that these impacts played a key role in shaping the planet's geography.
A new Curtin-led study found that young girls are just as likely to experience language difficulties despite more boys being referred for support services. The study, published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, identified smoking during pregnancy as a significant predictor of DLD.
A study found a direct link between exposure to bushfire smoke and increased emergency department admissions in Perth. Exposure to high levels of PM2.5 pollutants led to a seven percent increase in total emergency department admissions and cardiovascular presentations.