Researchers have developed a new method to study ancient grains of sand, revealing details of the Earth's distant geological past. The 'age distribution fingerprint' of zircon minerals sheds light on the evolution of continents and the accumulation of mineral resources.
A recent study found a high prevalence of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria in the Gambela region of Ethiopia, highlighting the need for targeted health services. The research suggests that addressing these diseases at a local level could be more effective than a nationwide response.
Scientists have developed a new computational tool that mimics the processes of natural selection, producing proteins for medicinal and household uses. This innovation reduces the time required for laboratory evolution from months or years to just days.
A new Curtin University study found diet, malaria, substance use, and inadequate antenatal care services are associated with one in 10 preterm births in the Pacific Island region. The research highlights the need for improved health promotion interventions during pregnancy.
Researchers found evidence of high-intensity damage caused by asteroid impact in a Martian meteorite, challenging previous findings on early Mars habitability. The discovery provides new insights into dynamic processes that affected the young planet's surface.
Researchers have confirmed that the frequency of asteroid collisions forming impact craters on Mars has been consistent over the past 600 million years. The study used a crater detection algorithm to analyze more than 500 large Martian craters and found no significant variation in asteroid collision frequencies.
A new study highlights widespread shortages of specialist lung cancer surgeons and nurses, as well as a lack of case-discussion meetings at some hospitals. The research suggests that these gaps may contribute to variations in outcomes for lung cancer patients across Australia.
A new study by Curtin University has identified the twin mechanisms responsible for the end-Triassic mass extinction event, including ocean acidification and rising hydrogen sulfide levels. This research sheds light on the causes of past marine extinctions and provides valuable insights into the history of our planet.
A Curtin University study found that mobile devices helped families strengthen relationships and bond over online activities, such as video calls and games. However, some participants reported devices as a source of distraction, disrupting family interactions.
A study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who experienced pre-eclampsia in both pregnancies were 17 times more likely to have another preterm birth. The research also showed a three-fold higher risk of subsequent pre-eclampsia after a preterm birth.
New research found that COVID-19 put significant pressure on Africa's health systems, leading to missed medical appointments and reduced services. Many African children missed child health checks and routine vaccinations, while HIV patients struggled with antiretroviral treatments.
Researchers at Curtin University found the Sun to be a surprising source of the Earth's water, with solar wind creating water on dust grains carried by asteroids. The study suggests this unaccounted for source provided the remainder of the Earth's water, helping scientists unravel the mystery.
Researchers used a machine learning algorithm to identify the likely source of a group of Martian meteorites, finding that they originated from Mars' Tooting crater. The study provides new insights into Mars' volcanic past and geological context, with potential benefits for industry sectors on Earth.
Research found isolated Perth tiger snake populations have lower genetic diversity due to urbanization, making them more prone to inbreeding and loss of adaptation abilities. This threatens not only the snakes but also other species living in these wetlands.
A Curtin University study has found a simple and affordable way to test which chemicals are best used to store and supply energy, solving the puzzle of energy storage and supply. The breakthrough method can be performed in a basic lab with minimal equipment, producing full charges that last for at least four days.
Curtin University researchers have helped determine the age of the youngest rocks ever found on the Moon, revealing they are approximately two billion years old. This discovery provides new calibration points for cratering chronology, enabling more accurate age dating across planetary surfaces.
Researchers have discovered a new method to produce clean hydrogen by adding nickel and cobalt to inexpensive catalysts, reducing energy requirements and increasing hydrogen yield. This breakthrough could pave the way for large-scale clean energy production and make Australia a leader in renewable energy research.
Ground-breaking Curtin University-led research has discovered a probable 'blood-to-brain pathway' that can lead to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that toxic protein deposits may leak into the brain from fat-carrying particles in blood, opening up potential new treatments.
Curtin University researchers have found the Moon may have been subjected to more extensive asteroid and body impacts than initially believed. By analyzing lunar impact events during its early formation, they discovered that these collisions could have left fewer visible cratering imprints.
A study found magma continued to ooze out from an ancient supervolcano in Indonesia for 5000 to 13,000 years after the super-eruption. This discovery challenges existing knowledge and requires re-evaluation of eruption hazards. Supervolcanoes remain a threat for thousands of years after a super-eruption.
A new study found that tropical coral species in Western Australia's Kimberley region and offshore reefs are at risk of disappearing or moving south due to climate change. The research predicts a significant decline in coral biodiversity across the entire WA coastline, with many species likely to be driven to local extinction.
A study published in Autism Research investigated over 925,000 births in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, finding that delayed pregnancies by 2.5 to three years reduced the sibling's risk of autism diagnosis by up to nine percent
A study by Curtin University found that people with low back pain are more likely to use a squat-like technique when lifting, contradicting existing advice. Researchers suggest a 'one size fits all' approach may not work and a more individualised approach may be required.
A longitudinal study of 63,540 Australian women with more than one child found that 30% of smoking mothers-to-be were able to quit for their next pregnancies, reducing the risk of early birth. Quitting smoking during pregnancy can substantially reduce the risk of future preterm births.
A new study led by Dr Gizachew Tessema found that a 15-year-old WHO recommendation to wait at least 24 months after a previous birth may be too long for mothers in high-income countries. The research discovered no increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes after an interpregnancy interval of less than six months.
An international research team has mapped the current global landscape for musculoskeletal health and developed an action plan to address the growing global burden of disability. The blueprint prioritizes eight key areas, including community education, leadership, and research, to guide health systems reform and promote integrated care.
Researchers have discovered a new type of 'invisible' gold hosted in nanoscale crystal defects within pyrite. The study provides insights into a potentially more environmentally friendly gold extraction method using selective leaching.
A Curtin University-led study of ancient bones on Kangaroo Island has provided new insights into the island's past fauna and potential species reintroduction. The research identified 33 species, including extinct ones, and shed light on the impact of European arrival on biodiversity.
A lunar sample from the Apollo 17 mission has been analysed to determine its age, source crater and geological trajectory. The study suggests the sample is around 4.2 billion years old, providing a valuable reference point for understanding the Moon's early evolution and Earth's origins.
A Curtin study reveals that aspirin, a naturally occurring compound found in willow trees, can improve the survival of grass species important for ecological restoration and sustainable pasture. Low concentrations of salicylic acid applied to seeds can boost plant growth and resistance to stress.
A Curtin University study finds that up to three-quarters of Western Australia's iconic Banded Iron Formations (BIF) biodiversity could be lost forever after mining. The research highlights the challenges of rehabilitating these unique ecosystems, which are home to nearly every plant species in the region.
A recent study found that plant scientists tend to favor visually striking plants in their research, regardless of ecological importance. The study analyzed 113 plant species and found a strong correlation between research focus on certain plant characteristics and attention.
A new study found that while man-made noise dominates in some Australian waters, the vast majority of regions remain unpolluted by ship noise. The research highlights the need to protect Australia's pristine oceans and set out proactive measures to manage marine environments.
New research using Synthetic Aperture Radar data from Sentinel-1 satellites shows improved ability to detect, monitor, prepare for and withstand natural disasters like bushfires and floods. SAR data provides valuable insights for hazard mitigation and complementing existing Earth observation programs.
A new study led by Curtin University calls for immediate climate action to protect global food production and human health. The researchers estimate that world food production will need to increase by 50% by 2050 to meet growing demand.
A Curtin University study found that European honeybees can outcompete native bees for nectar and pollen resources in urban gardens dominated by non-native flowers. Planting more flowering plants preferred by vulnerable species and controlling honeybee density may help prevent native bee decline.
Researchers from Curtin University discovered the first solid evidence of the start of the supercontinent cycle, finding that plate tectonics operated differently two billion years ago. The study suggests that a single supercontinent may not have existed before this time period.
A recent study by Curtin University found that people grieving a COVID-related death require timely support to reduce challenges in everyday life. The research identified key psychological factors such as separation distress, dysfunctional grief, and post-traumatic stress as contributing to these difficulties.
Researchers propose new approach to planning in high fire risk areas, incorporating green technology infrastructure and Indigenous fire techniques. The study emphasizes the urgent need for strong leadership and collaboration to address climate change and transition to a renewable future.
A Curtin University study has found that residential gardens are a poor substitute for native bushland in supporting pollination networks of native bees. The research highlights the importance of preserving native vegetation to protect sustainable bee communities and their pollination services.
Researchers have discovered a method to produce silicon at room temperature using electrical currents instead of extreme heat, which could slash energy use and cost in the industry. This technique replaces thermochemical processes with electrochemical processes, converting clean electricity into chemical energy.
Researchers used ancient crystals to test the theory that portions of Earth's ancient crust acted as 'seeds' for later generations of crust. A three-billion-year-old magmatic event led to a global spike in crust production, matching regions worldwide and pointing to a significant widespread event.
A study found high levels of confidence in government among Australian and New Zealand citizens due to effective pandemic management. Trust in public health scientists also surged, leading to higher usage of government COVID phone apps.
A new $1 million Federal Government grant will enable a major upgrade to the Murchison Widefield Array, giving the giant radio telescope greater power to process signals from distant outer space. The upgrade will allow researchers to detect finer frequency and time observations, improving their ability to study the universe.
Researchers have discovered that tiny bubbles on electrodes can facilitate electrochemical reactions, leading to faster pollutant removal and chlorine production. The formation of hydroxide anions in the bubble's corona accelerates these processes, making them more efficient than usual.
Researchers found southern Australian long-finned pilot whales can mimic killer whale calls and engage in 'duetting' with other whales, revealing a complex acoustic communication system. The study's findings raise questions about the extent of home ranges for these whales.
A new database of electron-molecule reactions has been created by Curtin University researchers, allowing for accurate modeling of plasmas containing molecular hydrogen. This development is crucial for the global push to develop fusion technology for electricity production on Earth.
A volcanic province in the Indian Ocean was the world's most continuously active supervolcanoes, erupting for 30 million years, fueled by a constantly moving magma conveyor belt. This allowed for an enormous accumulation of volcanic rocks, equivalent to filling up 184,000 Olympic-size swimming pools with lava every year.
Scientists have debunked a longstanding theory on the Moon's magnetic crust, finding that meteoroid impact plasmas interact weakly with the lunar crust. A numerical study suggests a core dynamo is the most plausible explanation for the magnetisation.
A recent study by Curtin University reveals that approximately a quarter of the world's carnivorous plant species are at risk of extinction. The biggest threats to these unique plants are human activities such as agriculture, mining, and climate change, which can lead to habitat loss and hydrological changes.