Researchers at Flinders University found that sharks can learn to avoid wasting time and energy on inaccessible food sources. The study, published in Animal Behaviour, reveals the decline of shark's natural response to prey when reward frequency is decreased or non-existent.
Australian and Asian researchers have used a simulation of a new experimental technique to determine accurate electron cross-sections in liquid using a micro-jet of water, paving the way for more efficient plasma-liquid models. This proof-of-concept model uses machine learning and Monte Carlo training data to enhance predictive power.
A new study finds that emergency Caesarean sections are associated with increased inflammation in the placenta, which may compromise a baby's long-term health and development. The research also reveals sex differences in inflammatory gene expression between male and female babies born via C-section versus vaginal delivery.
Researchers found that social bee parasites and their host species have similar rates of evolution, contrary to predictions. This unexpected finding suggests that smaller population sizes may not hinder a parasite's ability to adapt and survive.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed more accurate special aerosol fluorescent dye 'marker' to find touch DNA, and found that some people shed more or less DNA on their thumbs. This new study helps understand the difference between high, intermediate and low skin 'shedders', which will aid in crime scene investigation.
Researchers at Flinders University discovered that stormwater interception and infiltration using the TREENET Inlet enhances white cedar tree growth, with saplings growing 65% more in height and 60% more in diameter. The study found increased water uptake and photosynthesis rates for trees receiving harvested stormwater.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered how enterochromaffin cells in the gut communicate with the brain and spinal cord, shedding light on the 'gut-brain axis'. The study reveals that these specialized cells release serotonin into the body, which acts on nerves to communicate with the brain.
Groundwater supplies half of world's drinking water and is vital to agriculture and industry; poor management threatens global water security. A study in Australia highlights the benefits of collective action in groundwater management.
Researchers found a wetland plant capable of reducing PFAS in soil and water, improving filtration efficiency. The study suggests using floating reed beds to increase PFAS removal rates, highlighting the potential for phyto-extraction as a remediation strategy.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a sustainable way to remove mercury from water using a smart coating made from low-cost chemicals. The coating can also prevent metal corrosion, solvent damage, and acid and water damage of concrete surfaces.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a novel approach to modify nano-particles' surface chemistry to tailor the body's immune response. This technique shows promise for safer, more effective vaccines, drug delivery, and disease diagnostics and treatments.
Researchers discovered that the levels of Piezo2 decrease with age and its removal from gut serotonin cells slows down gut motility in mice, causing constipation. This finding could be a contributing factor to age-related constipation and provide a path to treatment.
New research reveals how medieval East African farming societies altered their island habitat through intensive land use, impacting shoreline modification and community decline. The study examines the effects of urban growth, trade, and waste on coastal sediments, shedding light on early globalization and maritime trade networks.
A new study by Flinders University highlights the systemic forces driving poverty and social exclusion among Australian young people. The research reveals that schools' current systems are ineffective in addressing the needs of marginalized children, pointing to a need for sweeping reforms and stronger policymaking.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed an all-organic polymer battery with a cell voltage of 2.8V, which could replace traditional metal-based batteries for more environmentally friendly options. The new technology aims to create fully biodegradable batteries with high capacity and durability.
Researchers used soil microbial communities to track progress and predict post-mining recovery timeframes, offering a new approach for measuring rehabilitation success. The study found that effective rehabilitation can set up a predictable trajectory of recovery, taking 40-60 years to reach the target ecosystem.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a novel method to mix incompatible fluids using rapid fluidic flow techniques. This breakthrough could enhance various industries with cleaner and greener technologies, including oil and water attraction, and improve products like fish oil capsules.
Scientists at Flinders University have developed a new petri-dish that can grow and age live brain cells from patients, enhancing future studies on conditions like dementia, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and autism. The innovation could lead to more effective targeted drug treatments with reduced wait times.
A global study highlights inadequate information from healthcare professionals and lack of sensitivity leading to child vaccine hesitancy. Expectant parents are seeking alternative sources due to concerns about adverse reactions and long-term side effects, with some fearing measles as a minor childhood illness.
A recent study found that Australian international border restrictions had a negative impact on mental health, with participants reporting high levels of psychological distress. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the toll of pandemic policies on people's mental health and wellbeing.
Researchers argue that a lack of empathy for offenders' incidental harms can hinder criminal justice reform. The study suggests that efforts to reduce character-based judgments could lead to more effective rehabilitation, ultimately reducing recidivism rates.
A new dietary tool can quickly and accurately assess micronutrient levels in oncology patients, helping to find better nutritional solutions for cancer treatment. Tested on 112 patients, the 21-item food frequency questionnaire can identify suboptimal micronutrient intakes in just 10 minutes.
Killer whales have been observed hunting and killing blue whales, with three documented events in Australian waters. The attacks were coordinated and resulted in the whale's flesh being stripped off, highlighting the apex predator's influence on marine environments.
Researchers discovered adaptations allowing desert fish to thrive in harsh conditions by maintaining genetic diversity and adapting genes for aridity. This finding challenges the idea that small populations are evolutionary dead ends.
Researchers at Flinders University found that autistic individuals with eating disorders also report higher weight and shape concerns, suggesting a unique combination of symptoms. The study highlights the need for best-practice guidelines to address co-occurring autism and eating disorders in treatment.
A disturbing trend of increasing young-onset gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas has been observed in South Australia over the past three decades, with a significant increase in incidence rates among males aged under 50. Improved survival rates for older adults have not been seen in younger patients, except for those with colorectal cancer.
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.