A national lung cancer screening program is proposed to reduce deaths and improve survival rates for Australian patients. The Flinders University study found that screening individuals aged 50-70 every two years would be cost-effective and add significant years of healthy life.
New research from Flinders University suggests the Zuytdorp shipwreck was caused by a storm, not poor navigation. The authors analyzed historical records and weather patterns to support their findings.
Researchers urge people to improve their eating habits to reduce the risk of bowel cancer, citing evidence that high-fibre foods promote healthy gut bacteria. Studies found a link between poor diet choices and digestive cancers, highlighting the importance of diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
Researchers from Flinders University and international partners developed a VR platform to observe insect behavior, including hoverflies and crabs. The study provides insights into how these tiny creatures interact with virtual reality environments, paving the way for future research on animal behavior and decision-making.
Researchers at Flinders University advocate for a formal process to acknowledge the valuable contributions of those with lived experience in healthcare research. The study highlights the importance of recognizing their value and increasing visibility, with over 70% of contributors wanting public recognition.
A sweeping review of global research on shellfish reefs highlights the need for more data on fish species and monitoring methods to support conservation efforts. Shellfish reefs provide critical habitat for diverse fish communities, including economically valuable species.
A study found that 64% of clinical trials for the top 30 highest-revenue medicines had their data accessible to researchers, a significant improvement over prior assessments. Companies using independent platforms achieved higher eligibility rates than those relying on internal processes.
A study of over 13 million hours of data found that exposure to bright nights and dark days is associated with an increased risk of death. Those exposed to high levels of light at night had a 21–34% increased risk, while those exposed to high levels of daylight had a 17–34% reduction in their risk of death.
A new genetic web tool, Reef Adapt, assists in bolstering the resilience of marine habitat-forming species. The tool harnesses genetic data to map out areas suitable for restoration under current and future environmental conditions.
Researchers found that using a multi-step strategy with less-invasive devices can identify patients with Barrett's oesophagus before an endoscopy. This approach is promising for cost-effective screening, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of oesophageal cancer.
A recent study by Flinders University researchers challenged the common assumption that autistic adults are more prone to criminal exploitation due to difficulties in reading others' intentions. The study found that verbal intelligence and Theory of Mind were critical factors influencing vulnerability to crime, not autism diagnosis.
A systematic review found that exposure to social media posts depicting ideal muscular male bodies is directly linked to a negative body image and greater odds of resorting to anabolic-androgenic steroid use. Men are also under pressure to be physically strong, which is intrinsically linked to masculinity.
A new study reveals that couples living with rheumatoid arthritis who engage in joint problem-solving and emotional support experience lower depression and anxiety. The research highlights the importance of dyadic coping in improving relationship quality and patient well-being.
A new study reconstructs cave conditions in Tam Pà Ling, Laos, identifying human activities and environmental changes over 52,000 years. The findings suggest that early Homo sapiens fossils were deposited in the cave during periods of heavy rainfall, with possible forest fires or human use of fire nearby.
A new study by Flinders University experts has developed an AI-powered PCR system that improves the quality of DNA profiling and increases the efficiency of cycling conditions. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as forensic science, clinical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.
A new study published in the SLEEP journal found that using artificial lighting synchronized to natural biological rhythms improves quality of sleep and work performance for night shift workers. Strategic exposure to light accelerated body-clock adjustment and improved alertness and performance, as well as sleep after a night shift.
Researchers found that contemplating pragmatic steps and fostering a sense of community can combat climate burnout. People are more likely to experience burnout when feeling despair about tackling climate change, but imagining a positive future where the crisis has been addressed can reduce disengagement.
Researchers found that similar personalities in geese lead to better breeding outcomes due to consistency and responsiveness among parents. The study, published in Animal Behaviour, supports the idea that personality traits influence reproductive success in animals.
A new study reveals that palaeolithic hunter-gatherers on Cyprus are responsible for the disappearance of two species of megafauna: dwarf elephants and hippos. The research suggests that these small human populations could have driven both species to extinction due to their hunting practices.
A study analyzing 200 'fitspiration' videos on TikTok found that most presented incorrect or harmful information, promoting idealised views of body types and triggering negative body image issues. The content often featured sexualisation, body shaming, and excessive dieting, with most influencers lacking credible health qualifications.
Researchers have developed a lab-made pouch battery using scaled-up polymer at an approximate cost of $20 / kg, achieving a capacity of nearly 70 mAh g’ and a middle discharge voltage of 1.4 V. This breakthrough paves the way for producing low-cost alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.
A newly discovered ancient primitive Devonian coelacanth fish, Ngamugawi wirngarri, has provided significant insights into the early anatomy of this lineage that eventually led to humans. The fossil, dating from the Devonian Period, reveals that tectonic plate activity had a profound influence on rates of coelacanth evolution.
Aotearoa New Zealand's ancient species include kákápó, small wrens, bats, and freshwater limpets, not kiwi or moa. The findings result from a close examination of thousands of fossil bones and 9,000 specimens from about 20 million years ago.
Researchers at Flinders University and University of South Australia have discovered a potential breakthrough in treating the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer using CDKI-73, a novel drug inhibitor. The study found that CDKI-73 effectively blocks the growth of prostate cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
Researchers developed a new method to assess and manage rising global plastic pollution by testing levels of microplastic contamination in marine plankton. The study found varying degrees of damage to common plastics using different chemical digestive aids, highlighting the need for effective strategies to mitigate marine pollution.
A new study found that antibiotic use in aged care leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut, posing a significant risk to vulnerable residents. Researchers analysed stool samples from 164 residents and discovered nearly all carried resistant genes without symptoms.
A pioneering new DNA forensics technique measures a suspect's individual level of natural shedding of skin and cell DNA. The study found that males shed more cells than females, regardless of hand use.
A new study on baleen whales explores genetic adaptations for survival and size, shedding light on the risks and opportunities for their survival. Genes linked to immunity, ageing, movement, and reproduction were highlighted, providing insights into the evolution of these diverse whale species over 50 million years.
Researchers propose a new model to understand youth sport participation, mapping out seven phases of involvement. The 'Participation Re-Engagement (PRE) Model' aims to encourage retention and re-engagement efforts, recognizing opportunities for young people to participate in sports.
Researchers have discovered that healthy soils produce unique sound profiles reflecting the diversity of tiny living organisms. This technology holds promise in addressing global needs for effective soil biodiversity monitoring methods to protect ecosystems.
A new study from Flinders University found handbasin biofilms in residential settings have a more diverse bacterial community than hospitals, with higher Legionella bacteria counts. Regular cleaning and infection control practices are crucial to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
A recent study reviewed current research and methods used to support Australian military veterans' psychological, physical, and social well-being, highlighting the need for holistic and tailored programs. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing social, organizational, and environmental factors alongside mental health con...
Researchers predict that circular RNAs will play a crucial role in cancer diagnosis and treatment, enabling innovative diagnostic and therapeutic developments. The study highlights the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers, therapy targets, and even immune response inducers against cancer cells.
Researchers have discovered a method to identify shark species using medical gauze from first-aid kits after bite incidents. This approach can provide accurate and timely information on species, aiding prevention measures and reducing incidents.
A recent study found that habitual doomscrolling on social media can lead to feelings of existential anxiety, pessimism about human nature, and distrust. Researchers surveyed 800 university students from Iran and the US, discovering a link between excessive negative news consumption and increased anxiety, despair, and misanthropy.
Ecologists investigate how difficult it is for Australian bettongs and potoroos to crack open hard foods, with results informing captive diet development. The research found that some seeds required over 1000 Newtons of force to crack, highlighting the animals' remarkable ability.
A new software platform has been developed to investigate viral genomes of the world, revealing unique viruses that may impact human health and exacerbate conditions like irritable bowel disease. The 'Hecatomb' project also provides a robust method for identifying viruses in all animals, plants, and environments.
Researchers have developed a novel metasurface platform with aggregation induced emissions (AIE) biosensors to enhance human serum albumin detection in urine tests. The system improves readings and reduces consumption, making large-scale surveys more accessible.
A systematic review of current research on the 'crime-terror' nexus reveals that terrorist groups like the Taliban and FARC generate significant income from the drug trade, fueling conflict and instability in Afghanistan and Colombia. The study highlights the importance of innovative policy responses to reduce the drug-terrorism nexus.
A Flinders University study found that exposure to brighter light at night is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research used data from approximately 85,000 people and tracked their light levels for nine years.
A significant number of Australian women (over 300,000) are drinking at very high-risk levels, with a greater proportion of men consuming alcohol at similar rates. Women are more susceptible to health problems from excessive drinking and may be affected by their natural biological rhythms.
A study by Flinders University researchers found that housing environments play a major role in physical and mental health outcomes for people from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds. Improving housing circumstances can lead to improved health and wellbeing, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to support refugees.
A new study reveals patterns in disease-associated gut microbiomes that could inform new cost-effective treatments based on diet, lifestyle, and environmental microbiome exposures. The research also found a new approach to describing and measuring the health of gut and soil microbiomes.
A new study found that regular snoring is associated with elevated blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension, particularly in overweight middle-aged men. The research used multiple night home-based monitoring technologies and objective assessments to explore the connection between snoring and hypertension.
Researchers found that metformin increases levels of microRNAs miR-2110 and miR-132-3p, targeting genes PIK3R3 and STMN1 to slow down cancer cell growth and division. This study provides new insights into metformin's molecular mechanisms and its potential as a preventive agent for reducing cancer growth.
A new autism screening tool, Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC), has been successfully adapted for a Spanish-speaking population in Ecuador. The study found that ADEC can be used to identify children with high likelihood of developing autism, providing a cost-effective way to improve early diagnosis and support.
Researchers used climate models, genetic data, and archaeological evidence to understand how environmental conditions shaped early human migration. The study found that ancestors traveled primarily through warm and humid areas with a mix of forests and open spaces for resources and shelter.
Researchers from Flinders University tested on-site pathology testing and found it to be equivalent to laboratory tests in terms of quality and accuracy. The study was conducted across 100 remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a novel method to produce gold nanoparticles in water using a vortex fluidic device, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals. The technique also generates hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide through contact electrification reactions.
A new study from Flinders University found that feeling connected to a social group can lead people to make healthier food choices. The research tested the idea that people are more likely to adopt healthy eating habits if they feel like they belong to the same group as those promoting healthy eating.