A study found cross-sectional associations between various domains of next-day cognitive function and sleep spindle metrics in middle-aged men with obstructive sleep apnoea. The presence and severity of OSA were significant factors in this relationship.
Australian researchers have discovered a link between circular RNAs and DNA mutations that cause cancer. The study found that specific circular RNAs can bind to DNA, leading to mutations and cancer development. This discovery opens the door for using these molecules as new therapeutic targets and markers of disease.
Research by Flinders University shows that young red kangaroos in Australia grow faster when exposed to dingoes and inside the dingo-proof fence have slower growth rates. This suggests that the fence may impact different aspects of the kangaroo's life cycle, including population demographics.
A new study by Flinders University research team led by Professor Justine Smith has found that women are more likely to experience recurrent cases of toxoplasmosis eye disease. The study also revealed significant differences in the type and characteristics of the disease between men and women.
The newly discovered Ambulator keanei is an ancient species of diprotodontid marsupial that roamed Australia's arid interior during the Pliocene era. It had unique plantigrade adaptations in its legs and feet, allowing it to efficiently traverse long distances in search of food and water.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new polymer material made from sulfur and cyclopentadiene, which can be used to make lenses for thermal imaging. This material has the potential to expand the use of thermal imaging to new industries, including space exploration and autonomous vehicle operation.
Researchers at Flinders University identified rare images of Moluccan vessels in NT rock art paintings, potentially providing evidence of visitors from Southeast Asia to northern Australia. The depictions feature distinctive shape and configuration, indicating a degree of intimate knowledge of the craft.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a new way to make 'green' polymers from low-cost building blocks using just a small amount of electricity. The reaction is fast, occurs at room temperature, and can be recycled into its constituent building blocks in high yield.
A new study by Flinders University highlights the need for targeted clinical research to reduce prolonged hospital stays and mortality rates in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Despite improvements in survival rates, the disease remains a major concern, particularly in high-income countries.
Scientists have used sub-surface imaging and aerial surveys to uncover the Red Lily Lagoon area in West Arnhem Land, revealing significant implications for understanding the First Australians. The study provides a new way to understand the rock art in the region, which is recognized globally for its significance and distinctive style.
High night-to-night variability in sleep apnea severity is associated with uncontrolled hypertension, increasing cardiovascular risk. The study found a 50-70% increased likelihood of cardiovascular events and mortality.
A study by Flinders University and experts highlights the need for family support to encourage veterans to seek help for mental health concerns. Families play a critical role in recognizing early indicators of distress and providing emotional support.
Researchers have developed a simple metallic coating treatment for clothing that can repair itself, repel bacteria, and monitor electrocardiogram heart signals. The conductive circuits created by liquid metal particles transform wearable electronics, opening doors for human-machine interfaces, soft robotics, and health monitoring systems.
New research reveals parents, especially mothers, bear the immense financial and emotional toll of eating disorders in their children. Key findings show 81.9% of children were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, with 96.8% having additional psychiatric conditions.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered that chromium oxide is the most efficient material for photocatalytic water splitting, a promising technique for producing hydrogen from renewable energy sources. The study reveals new insights into the nature of the coating that could lead to improvements in future materials.
A global study published in Cochrane Reviews found that consuming cranberry products reduces the risk of repeat symptomatic UTIs in women by more than a quarter. The review also showed benefits for children and people susceptible to UTIs following medical interventions, with minimal side effects reported.
Research on eastern rainbowfish reveals that water flow and temperature shape local genetics, morphology, and ecology in tropical rainforest areas. Environmental factors drive genetic diversity, suggesting that future changes could impact the fitness and diversity of these species.
The rare Night Parrot's unique cranial adaptations, including asymmetrical skulls and enlarged ears, may help it survive with limited eyesight. The study uses high-resolution CT scans to reveal insights into the species' biology and behavior, highlighting its advanced audio capabilities.
Researchers from Flinders University uncover the fossilized remains of Australia's largest eagle, Dynatoaetus gaffae, a bird with a wingspan twice that of the modern-day wedge-tailed eagle. The discovery sheds light on the continent's megafauna extinction and highlights the importance of raptors in the region.
A study of over 600 adolescents found that mobile devices can act as a distraction from negative thoughts, helping them fall asleep. The research suggests that controlled nighttime use of social media and apps may be beneficial for teenagers struggling with sleep.
The study highlights the complexity of microplastics as a pollutant, affecting sea animals' feeding behavior, reproductive outputs, and causing developmental anomalies. Researchers call for more research into plastic contamination and synthetic additives to understand and prevent further environmental health problems.
Researchers at Flinders University discovered a previously unknown whale behavior, which may have been described in ancient Norse manuscripts. The
Research led by Professor Corey Bradshaw found that higher baby death rates and larger household sizes contribute to higher fertility rates, supporting the need for greater access to family planning and contraception. The study suggests that increasing access to quality contraception can help reduce infant mortality and curb population...
A new Australian study found fundamental differences in how the AstraZeneca and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines impact the immune system, with some people receiving more effective protection than others. The study revealed a potential explanation for the connection between the AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clotting cases.
A community co-design model targeting Indigenous diet and diabetes uses a ketogenic eating plan, which aligns with pre-colonisation eating patterns for Australian Indigenous people. The project aims to explore how Indigenous peoples are advantaged by adopting a keto diet and monitor physiological, social, and economic outcomes.
Researchers call for grassroots action to raise awareness about soil biodiversity's role in promoting human health and wellbeing. Cities' loss of biodiversity, pollution, and decline of green spaces reduce exposure to beneficial soil microbes, increasing allergies and illnesses like asthma.
Research found combining Kegel exercises before resistance training improves pelvic floor strength and reduces urinary leakage. Over 8% of incontinent women no longer experienced urinary leakage after performing resistance training.
A Flinders University-led research team will explore Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in Limmen National Park using $800,000 ARC Linkage Funding. The project combines archaeological and anthropological data to understand Marra cultural history and inform the management of sensitive cultural heritage sites.
A new study suggests that virtual reality exercises can reduce pelvic pain in women with endometriosis, offering a potential digital health solution. The study found that VR and telehealth exercise sessions provided immediate relief from pain, similar to traditional supervised exercise sessions.
Researchers used sophisticated models to estimate the peopling of Sahul, revealing a 10,000-year journey across the continent. The ancestors of Aboriginal people first entered the continent 75,000-50,000 years ago from Timor, expanding southward and northward to settle all parts of New Guinea and Australia.
A recent study published in Nature Climate Change has discovered that hybridization between species can help vulnerable populations adapt to climate change. Hybrid populations have been found to contain more genetic diversity, making them less susceptible to extinction due to environmental changes.
Researchers at Flinders University and Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit developed a new DNA tracking technique to identify counterfeit antimalarial medicines. The 'pharmabiome' method analyzes environmental DNA (eDNA) found in fake medicine packaging, revealing differences between genuine and substandard tablets.
A new study finds that younger voters prefer older candidates with left-wing policies that align with their social and identity issues. The 'grandfather effect' suggests that millennials and post-millennials are happy to support older leaders, contrary to traditional generational stereotypes.
Researchers used CO2 sensors to assess airborne transmission risk in over 60 areas in a residential aged-care home. They found that staff areas were at high risk of transmission, but implementing ventilation measures reduced this risk.
A new study reveals that transient wind events trigger significant phytoplankton blooms near tropical reef islands, creating a large network of marine ecosystems. This process, driven by coastal winds, fuels the production of phytoplankton and supports critical feeding habitats for migratory marine species.
Australian scientists developed virtual models to reveal a crucial link between natural flooding and the extinction risk of endangered southern bell frogs. The study found that modern river regulation dramatically increases extinction risk in smaller wetlands.
A new study found that multiple negative faecal immunochemical tests can significantly reduce the risk of advanced neoplasia in a colonoscopy surveillance program. This could lead to longer intervals between screenings for people at above-average risk, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
A new study from Flinders University found that a telehealth program delivering individualized coaching improves self-management and reduces suffering for people with chronic pain. The program, called Rethinking Pain, provides access to care and support for those living in rural areas who face long wait times for specialist care.
A new study found Legionella bacteria in 41% of samples - with Flinders University researchers making a key connection between the pathogen's co-existence with a 'host' microorganism in all samples tested. The study highlights the need for improved management of water distribution systems to protect vulnerable populations.
A clinical trial found that boiling peanuts for up to 12 hours can desensitize children with peanut allergies. The therapy involved sequential doses of boiled and roasted peanuts, achieving high success rates in participants. While promising, the study's findings require confirmation in larger trials.
Researchers have identified Piezo2, a receptor responsible for sensing touch and temperature, as the key player in gut pain. Selectively targeting this channel may lead to new treatments for irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Climate change and land use will cause extinction cascades leading to the loss of 10% of animals and plants by 2050, rising to 27% by 2100. The study highlights coextinctions as a dominant factor in future vertebrate losses.
A study of over 2000 US parents found that behavioural sleep interventions (BSIs) such as controlled crying and 'cry it out' are associated with longer and more consolidated infant sleep. These interventions were also found to be safe, with no adverse consequences on parent-infant bonding or parent depression.
A study led by Flinders University has identified 18 challenges in Australia's sustainable use of groundwater, citing over-extraction and unregulated pumping as major contributors. The report calls for improved regional-scale volumetric water extraction limits and better stakeholder communications to address these challenges.
A nasal spray has shown promising results in treating obstructive sleep apnea by preventing airway narrowing during sleep. The treatment, which targets specific receptors on the upper airways, improved airway stability and was well-tolerated in a small clinical trial.
A study published in Trends in Cancer suggests that targeting vulnerabilities in glioblastoma cancer cells, which maintain resemblance to the cells of origin, may lead to effective therapies. The research aims to identify ways to block these identity shifts and develop personalized treatments.
A new study found that urban centres with higher tree cover, public parks, and sports fields have better health, equity, and biodiversity outcomes. Exeter was ranked as the most green city, while Glasgow had the lowest score, highlighting the need for re-imaging urban centers to boost biodiversity.
Australian citizens are concerned about the government's and businesses' response to cyber threats, with many wanting a more active role in building digital resilience. The study found low trust in institutions and skepticism towards social media companies and tech giants.
Researchers found that Australian superb fairy-wrens with 'extreme exploration phenotypes' are more aggressive in the wild. The birds' personalities were measured using a shyness-boldness scale and exploration avoidance behavior, revealing a link between aggression and survival.
Researchers at Flinders University have created a new multi-functional material that can be used to purify water, as a recyclable construction material, and as a lightweight machine component for possible use in soft robotics. The material combines magnetic iron particles with a sulfur-rich polymer and can be moved remotely by a magnet.