A Flinders University study found that online menus placed with healthy food items at the top increase the likelihood of choosing them by 30-40%. The researchers investigated menu placement on both physical and digital menus to encourage healthier eating habits.
A new study found that Galápagos Islands Darwin's finch females who spend longer inside the nest can ward off deadly larvae of the introduced avian vampire fly, improving offspring survival. The maternal buffer is a life-saver, especially during the first days after hatching.
A team of researchers has uncovered a previously unrecognised process contributing to the disappearance of ancient megafauna communities across south-eastern Australia. Changing food supply driven by climatic changes or human land use in the Late Pleistocene era might have facilitated the extinction of the biggest herbivores.
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people with both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea are at a higher risk of heart problems and mortality. Participants with co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnoea were two times more likely to have high blood pressure and 70% more likely to have cardiovascular disease.
The study reveals that ancient metal items were sourced from various Mediterranean locations, including Iberian and eastern Alpine regions. This discovery provides insight into the coastal mobility and cultural interactions between indigenous communities in France and the broader Western Mediterranean basin.
Researchers used CT scanning to study the cranium of Cladarosymblema narrienense, a 330-million-year-old fish that may have evolved into first four-limbed vertebrates. The analysis suggests a significant brain role in regulating endocrine glands and supports the monophyletic group of megalichthyid fish.
Research from Flinders University found self-regulatory control and evaluative bias towards soft drinks associated with increased consumption. The study aimed to identify new methods to help habitual soft drink users regulate their intake. Young adults are the core consumers of soft drinks, posing a major public health problem.
Research found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may reduce the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. PPI use was associated with worse survival rates and a significant decrease in the benefit of immune therapy treatment.
Research reveals that captive animals on soft food diets may experience weaker skulls and reduced bite effectiveness when released back into the wild. The study found that rats fed softer diets had weaker skulls, but those switched from hard to soft food as juveniles also showed signs of weakened bone growth.
A recent study has found that while US suicide rates fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant socio-economic gap persists, with vulnerable populations disproportionately affected. The researchers highlight the need for further research and social cohesion measures to mitigate pandemic-induced suicide risk in these communities.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a virtual individual patient model to predict the success of dental appliances in treating sleep apnea. The new approach uses standard testing and clinical data to create a machine learning-based model that predicts treatment outcome in about 60-100% of cases.
A team of researchers from Flinders University has developed a single mathematical equation that can accurately model and predict the behavior of ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening heart rhythm. The equation uses principles from renewal theory to predict the population dynamics of 'rotors' found in the heart during VF.
A rare collection of non-returning boomerangs from Cooper Creek, South Australia, has been analysed, revealing a diverse range of activities and daily lives of Aboriginal people. The artefacts date back to circa 1650–1830 AD and were likely used for fighting, hunting, digging, fire management, and possibly in ceremonies.
Researchers analyzed tree rings from Batavia's hull timbers to understand the VOC's 17th-century shipbuilding materials and global trade strategies. The study found that the Dutch successfully coped with timber shortages by diversifying sources.
A new study by Flinders University highlights the importance of organized activities for disadvantaged youth, finding they are almost three times more likely to miss out on such opportunities. Participation in these activities can help reduce socio-economic disparities by promoting better mental health and improved educational outcomes.
Experts say that connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) can reduce road casualties, but require a framework for ethical goals to meet their potential. The introduction of CAVs will depend on the development of new rules and regulations.
A new study by Flinders University highlights concerns over the potential impact of a proposed Carmichael coal mine on the Doongmabulla Springs Complex in central Queensland. The research suggests that even partial dewatering of the aquifer could lead to permanent damage, threatening the springs' existence.
A Flinders University study found that residents living near wind farms reported similar levels of sleep disruptions as those in quiet rural areas. Only a small percentage attributed their sleep disturbance to wind farm noise, which was comparable to rates from road traffic and other sources.
A new study by Flinders University and The University of Newcastle reveals that microplastics from various sources can contaminate garden soil after seven years, posing a risk to household environments. The research suggests that careful design and gardening practices can reduce contamination in suburban backyards.
Researchers are reconstructing life on the ISS over two decades to understand space culture and how astronauts interact with their tools and colleagues. The project uses digital photography, crowdsourcing, and archaeological surveys to document developments and changes within the station's lifestyle and cultural makeup.
A new study finds that the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires increased the number of threatened Australian native bee species by nearly five times. The research assesses the long-term environmental damage from the natural disaster and highlights the need for urgent conservation action.
A new study of 1328 South Australian high school students aged 13 and 14 found a relatively low proportion admitted to 'sexting' via various electronic mediums. The researchers suggest building a health safety education framework for adolescents to provide skills to navigate pornography as part of sexual education.
Scientists discovered two distinct sardine populations in South Africa, one adapted to cool-temperate waters and the other to warmer subtropical conditions. The study suggests the Sardine Run may be a relic of spawning behavior dating back to the glacial period.
A new tool, the Epsilon Index, has been developed to assess research performance more fairly, taking into account differences in discipline, gender, and career stage. The index provides a fairer comparison of researchers across various fields, helping to reduce systemic biases.
Researchers found most microplastic particles were from recyclable products, highlighting the need for improved waste management practices. The study also suggests higher levels of microplastic pollution in urban areas, including NSW, Queensland, WA, and Victoria.
Researchers at Flinders University found that embryos of three bird species can distinguish between their parents' calls and non-specific sounds, building on complexity of vocal learning. This study paves the way for new insights into evolutionary and developmental timescales.
Researchers have identified a unique sequence essential for efficient multidrug efflux function of the MtrD protein in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a key mechanism for antimicrobial resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotic treatments.
Researchers at Flinders University have created a cost-effective way to harvest microalgal biomass from wastewater ponds, producing a sustainable source of biofuels. The high-rate algal pond model uses algae and bacteria to treat wastewater, reducing treatment time to 5-10 days and minimizing costs.
A new study highlights the need for a national policy to protect submerged Indigenous sites, which are at risk due to climate change, dredging, and seabed mining. Archaeological discoveries off the Pilbara coastline in Western Australia have uncovered ancient stone tools, rock art, and engravings dating back over 7,000 years.
Researchers at Flinders University have identified a protein called 6PGD that supports the survival of prostate cancer cells when challenged with hormonal therapy. The study found that 6PGD inhibitors can kill cancer cells in lab dishes and real tumours, offering new hope for targeted therapies
Researchers find wind turbine night noise contains 'amplitude modulation' (AM) sound that worsens sleep and annoyance after sunset. The 'swoosh' sound is detected up to 60% of the night-time at distances around 1 km from a wind farm.
A multi-faceted approach to environmental degradation is being led by Flinders University and Clean Earth Technologies through two federally funded research projects. The focus is on e-waste recycling, oil spill remediation, and the production of world-leading polysulfide polymers.
A South Australian-developed SARS-CoV-19 vaccine has shown promising results in early animal testing, confirming its safety and effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 lung infection. The vaccine, named COVAX-19, incorporates an adjuvant derived from a plant sugar called inulin.
Researchers measure increased vertical translation of dune toe along Holland coast, finding it outpaces sea level rise. The study's findings suggest other locations may experience similar changes due to global warming, highlighting the need for climate change adaptation measures.
A recent study led by Flinders University Professor Nick Spencer explains how the enteric nervous system (ENS) causes propulsion along the gut. The ENS is considered the 'first brain' and has evolved long before the human brain.
Researchers from Flinders University discovered that snakes developed venomous fangs by modifying normal tooth structure, creating a 'dental origami' effect. This evolutionary adaptation allowed snakes to inject venom through deepened wrinkles at the base of their teeth, making them highly potent and deadly.
Researchers found medium tree finch nests with high parasite survival rates, while hybrid finches had lower rates. Nestling behaviour also predicted naris deformation due to vampire fly parasitism.
Flinders University researchers found that more than half of Australians reported a decline in physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown, but fitness apps were used by over half of respondents. The study highlights the importance of social support, self-efficacy, and motivation in using physical activity apps to maintain engagement.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a method to recover DNA from the surface of capsules containing illicit drugs, such as MDMA. This breakthrough enables law enforcement agencies to potentially link various drug seizures around the world and identify suspects through DNA profiling.
A new study published in Sleep Medicine has found that the COVID-19 pandemic brought about increased infant sleep duration and decreased daytime drowsiness in parents. However, it also introduced more screen time for babies and mild increases in depressive symptoms among parents.
Scientists create biofertilizer made from fast-growing freshwater cyanobacterium Tolypothrix, which can fix nitrogen without additional fertilization. The production process offers a cheap and renewable source of nitrogen-rich fertilizer for degraded soils.
A new analysis reveals that deliberate or accidental introductions of invasive species have cost Australia AUD$389.59 billion over the last 60 years. The most costly individual species was feral cats, while the management of invasive plants proved to be the worst offender, costing US$151.68 billion.
Researchers developed a new screening system to evaluate 'perspective taking' difficulties in autistic adults, using a simple questionnaire and short clips. The tool showed limitations in drawing inferences from stimuli are predictive of individuals' social-behavioural and interpersonal interaction difficulties.
Flinders University researchers have successfully manipulated Beta-lactoglobulin, a major whey protein in cow's, sheep's, and other mammal's milk, using an Australian-made thin film microfluidic device. The device combines with a new form of biosensor to control and monitor protein denaturation and renaturation.
The study highlights the importance of dryland restoration to mitigate climate change and reverse desertification, with seeding efforts showing promising results in nearly a third of treatments. However, the process is also fraught with risks, including high failure rates and declining species populations as projects mature.
A new genetic test for glaucoma has been found to identify high-risk patients 15 times more effectively than an existing test. The test, which can be performed on a blood or saliva sample, has the potential to detect irreversible vision loss before it occurs.
Low-intensity cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new consumer guide aims to help people navigate the system and find targeted services.
Researchers interviewed people receiving palliative care about losing independence with intimate hygiene, revealing the importance of two-way communication and empowering individuals to influence their care. The study aims to raise awareness among health professionals about providing dignified support.
A recent study published in SLEEP found that teenagers who slept only five hours per night experienced significant depression, anger, and confusion. In contrast, those who slept ten hours reported increased happiness. The study highlights the importance of sufficient sleep for adolescents to mitigate mood deficits.
Researchers found that combining anti-rheumatic drugs can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Two specific combinations - tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and hydroxychloroquine - showed promise in preserving endothelial function.