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Flinders University


Strategies for staying smoke-free after rehab

A Flinders University study found that providing consistent support and access to nicotine replacement therapies can help people in recovery quit smoking. The trial showed that both vapes and combination therapy were effective, with around 10% of participants abstaining from smoking at the nine-month follow-up.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 30, 2025

Jackpot! Gold from e-waste opens a rich vein for miners and the environment

An interdisciplinary team at Flinders University has developed a safer and more sustainable approach to extract and recover gold from ore and electronic waste. The new method uses a low-cost and benign compound to extract gold, which can then be selectively bound to a novel sulfur-rich polymer, allowing for high-purity gold recovery.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

New insights into seasonal shifts in sleep

The study found that sleep schedules differ between weekdays and weekends, with most people catching up on lost sleep over the weekend. Seasonal changes also play a bigger role than expected, with people sleeping more in winter and less during summer months. Irregular sleep can be linked to adverse health risks.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSLEEP·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

Cancer immunotherapy shows promise for transplant patients

A new study reveals that cancer-fighting immunotherapy drugs may offer benefits to organ transplant recipients with advanced cancer when carefully managed. The study found that about one in three patients responded positively to treatment within a year, with improved survival outcomes comparable to the general population.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 24, 2025

Military discharge is a time of challenge and opportunity

A recent study found that nearly 400 former Australian Defence Force members experienced negative discharge experiences, with many feeling disrespected, mistreated, or abused. The research highlights the need for reform to prevent long-term psychological harm and provides preliminary evidence suggesting that transition-related identity...

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 23, 2025

Let’s all club together for better mental health

A new study by Flinders University highlights the importance of a 'whole-club' approach to youth mental health promotion in sporting clubs. The research found that initiatives often focus on coaches alone, but must be embedded in club culture and routines to create lasting change.

SourceFlinders University·JournalQualitative Research in Sport Exercise and Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 10, 2025

Could lighting be the new gambling regulator?

Researchers at Flinders University found that blue-enriched light can make people less sensitive to losses, leading to riskier gambling behaviors. The study suggests that reducing blue light exposure could be a potential strategy to mitigate impulsive gambling.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Roadblock for traffic injury compensation for Aboriginal people

New research reveals complex challenges Aboriginal people face when seeking support after a road traffic injury, including lack of awareness and culturally insensitive systems. The study calls for a national overhaul of compensation and return-to-work programs centered on Indigenous knowledge and cultural determinants of health.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeSurvey·DateMay 27, 2025

Weight-loss surgery in jeopardy

Bariatric surgery, a critical tool for combating obesity, is under threat in Australia due to skyrocketing indemnity insurance premiums. The study found that surgeons are being penalized by rising premiums, forcing some to reconsider their future in the field.

SourceFlinders University·JournalANZ Journal of Surgery·TypeSurvey·DateMay 18, 2025

How hunting harriers home in on their prey

A new study reveals that harriers have independently evolved owl-like traits in their ear and brain anatomy, allowing them to locate prey by sound. This discovery provides insights into how birds perceive their surroundings and may contribute to bird conservation efforts.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2025

Women left isolated and traumatized by military service

A new study reveals that Australian women veterans experience gendered disempowerment and abuse within military service and transition, with experts calling for more support systems. The study found a 107% higher suicide rate among ex-serving female ADF members compared to the general population.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateApr 24, 2025

Reality check on our approach to saving Nemo’s home

A recent study found that coral reef restoration efforts are hindered by small-scale programs, high costs, and targeting already compromised reefs. The researchers argue that scaling up restoration efforts is unlikely to offset climate change-driven losses, and suggest bolstering ecosystem resilience through complementary strategies.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2025

Preserved shark jaws can reveal diet history

Researchers have found that chemicals used to preserve shark jaws do not affect isotopes, enabling the use of preserved jaws for revealing what sharks eat and where they feed. This study contributes valuable insights to the field of stable isotope analysis in shark and ray teeth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMarine Environmental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025

Pacific island water security requires new approach

Experts at Flinders University are calling for a new approach to water security on Pacific islands, where rising sea levels threaten local water supplies. Infiltration galleries, which extract fresh groundwater from shallow depths, may provide a solution, but more research is needed on their optimal design and performance.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 14, 2025

Genetic mixing: the secret to killer whale resilience and adaptability

Research reveals that gene flow from Antarctica enhances the genetic diversity and adaptive potential of Australasian killer whale populations. This influx of genetic material helps reduce inbreeding and boosts population health, increasing their ability to adapt to environmental changes. The study provides rare evidence of mechanisms ...

SourceFlinders University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

Call for Vietnam low-emission food system reforms

Researchers highlight the need for policymakers to learn from existing multistakeholder forums and implement 'real-world' changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote equity in Vietnam's food systems. The study suggests a holistic, cross-sectoral approach is necessary to address the issue.

SourceFlinders University·JournalWorld Development Perspectives·TypeNews article·DateFeb 28, 2025

Fitness apps fuelling disordered eating

A systematic review of 38 studies found that frequent use of health and fitness apps is associated with problematic habits related to food and exercise. The research highlights the need for app developers to consider the psychological impacts of these tools on users' mental health.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBody Image·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 19, 2025

Cracking the code of lethal antibodies in a new blood-clotting disorder

A team of researchers has identified a new chronic blood clotting disorder, VITT-like monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic significance (MGTS), characterized by antibodies similar to those causing vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). The disorder can lead to severe symptoms despite treatment with full-dose bloo...

SourceFlinders University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Relief could be on the way for UTI sufferers dealing with debilitating pain

Researchers have found that UTIs cause nerves in the bladder to become hypersensitive, resulting in painful sensations and frequent urination. This new study provides a deeper understanding of how UTIs affect bladder function and offers potential new treatment options for patients suffering from recurrent UTIs or other bladder conditions.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Testing AI with AI: Ensuring effective AI implementation in clinical practice

Researchers from Flinders University assessed the RAPIDx AI tool using a pioneering artificial intelligence platform, PROLIFERATE_AI. The study found that experienced clinicians demonstrated high comprehension and engagement with the tool, while less experienced users faced usability challenges.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2025

Helping viruses deliver a knockout blow for killer bacteria

A new genomic toolkit called Sphae has been developed to quickly assess the suitability of phage therapy for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. The platform can analyze vast datasets in under 10 minutes, prioritizing safety and flagging genes associated with toxins or undesirable traits.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBioinformatics Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 4, 2025

Empty headed? Largest study of its kind proves ‘bird brain’ is a misnomer

Scientists discovered that dry museum skulls of long-dead birds can provide surprisingly detailed information on their brain structures. The study found a nearly 1:1 correlation between the brain's volume and digital imprints, allowing researchers to gather insight into elusive species without seeing their brains.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2025

Did prehistoric kangaroos run out of food?

A new study reveals that prehistoric kangaroos in southern Australia had a general diet that allowed them to adapt to environmental changes and climate shifts, contradicting previous assumptions about their survival. The research used advanced dental analysis techniques to study microscopic wear patterns on fossilised teeth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2025

Step forward in generating solar-powered hydrogen

Researchers at Flinders University and Baylor University have made a breakthrough in generating sustainable and efficient hydrogen from water using solar power. A novel solar cell process, combined with a catalyst, could be used to produce pollution-free hydrogen energy.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2024

New polymer ramps up quest for better data storage

A new polymer material can store more data than traditional hard disk drives, with the ability to be erased and recycled in a sustainable way. The polymer's unique structure allows for mechanical force to encode data via indents, which can then be rapidly reorganized upon heating.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2024