Researchers mapped the Australian black tiger prawn genome to improve farming productivity and disease resistance. The study also uncovered a unique Endogenous Viral Element (EVE) that helps fight viral infections in prawns.
Researchers have made progress towards a new diagnostic test for schistosomiasis, which could help interrupt transmission and eventually eliminate the disease. The test targets proteins produced by the parasite and can detect even low-intensity infections.
Researchers created a hybrid neural network called NAIMS that accurately predicts premature baby mortality risk using demographics and vital signs. The technique has shown strong performance in predicting an infant's risk of mortality within 3, 7, or 14 days, with potential to analyze responsiveness to treatment.
A study by James Cook University found that invasive plants rapidly adapt to new regions, growing and reproducing faster in tropical environments. This trend suggests that global warming will increase invasive impacts in these areas.
A new test has been developed to detect the magnetic properties of malaria-infected blood, which could help eliminate the disease. The test, called rotating-crystal magneto-optical detection (RMOD), was field-tested on nearly 1000 suspected malaria patients in Papua New Guinea and showed promising results.
A decade of data shows a significant drop in drowning deaths among children under 20 globally, with reductions averaging 49% in Australia, 51% in Canada, and 30% in New Zealand. However, adolescent females and First Nations peoples are experiencing a sharp increase in drownings.
Researchers used lower-cost domestic drones to detect Chironex fleckeri jellyfish in waters off northern Australia. The drones achieved significantly high detection rates, even under varying weather conditions. This innovative approach aims to improve beach safety and reduce the risk of jellyfish stings.
A new vaccine candidate BCG::RD1 has shown highly protective effects against tuberculosis in older mice with type 2 diabetes. The vaccine acts on multiple immune cell subsets to mount a robust response against TB-causing bacteria.
Research reveals insecticide-treated mosquito nets, crucial in global malaria fight, have lost significant protection effectiveness. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), credited with saving millions lives since 2000, are now only killing 40% of mosquitoes they come into contact with.
A global study found sharks are functionally extinct on nearly one in five of the world's reefs. The survey, published in Nature, covered 371 reefs across 58 countries and revealed that sharks were rarely seen on close to 20% of those reefs.
A study led by James Cook University found that supervised exercise sessions can reduce the negative side effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients. The research showed sustained benefits in cardiovascular risk profile and quality of life, but not in cardiopulmonary fitness and fatigue.
A team of researchers identified protective antibodies against severe malaria in children, paving the way for a potential vaccine. The discovery uses genomic sequencing and machine learning to pinpoint specific proteins and antibodies that provide immunity.
The Pan-Borneo Highway will severely degrade Borneo's last expanses of intact forest, increasing pressures on loggers, poachers, and farmers. The network of highways would isolate Sabah's forests from the rest of Borneo, cutting off endangered species' habitats.
Researcher Dr Frank Ainsworth reviews international studies on parental licensing, highlighting its potential flaws and limitations. He argues that the scheme could disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities and may not be effective in addressing child neglect.
Researchers at James Cook University have successfully 3D printed fuel grains for hybrid rockets, testing six compounds including Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), to optimize performance and safety.
Logging roads are expanding dramatically in the Congo Basin, leading to catastrophic collapses in animal populations and widespread deforestation. The study found that new road construction has quadrupled since 2000, causing a significant threat to endangered species such as forest elephants and gorillas.
A world-first study uses 'good viruses' to eliminate targeted bacteria in green sea turtles without harming non-targeted 'good bacteria'. Researchers have identified the potential for phage therapy as an alternative treatment for bacterial infections in marine animals.
A study by James Cook University researcher Jemma King found that a lack of suitable roads is a major reason for low cycling participation rates in Australia and Queensland. Key findings include the majority of non-cyclists citing ill-health, age or lack of time as reasons, while rural residents often cite environmental concerns.
Researchers found that nearly half of those rescued were close family or friends, while under 10-year-olds were also common victims. Meanwhile, most rescuers who drowned were male and between 25-44 years old, emphasizing the need for better training in water rescue skills.
Research found that photosynthesis has increased nearly in constant proportion to rising atmospheric CO2 since the industrial era. Plants are working hard to mitigate climate change by absorbing CO2.
A study by James Cook University found that pelvic floor exercises can effectively manage erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) in men, with cure rates as high as 47% for ED and 83% for PE. Physiotherapists recommend non-invasive exercises to build strength and control.
Researchers from James Cook University analyzed 40,000-year-old bat faeces for clues about the landscape's past biodiversity. The study supports the corridor theory, suggesting a savanna corridor divided the former continent of Sundaland.
James Cook University scientists found that ignoring recovery between endurance and resistance training can impair endurance development. The team suggests prioritizing recovery periods and adjusting training variables such as intensity and volume to minimize fatigue between modes of training.
Researchers found commercially available fish preparations for skin prick testing varied greatly in allergen content, leading to false negative results and potential life-threatening consequences. The team is working on advanced diagnostics and therapy for seafood allergy.
A recent study by Professor Andreas Lopata found that consuming certain types of n-3 fatty acids from marine oils can decrease asthma risk by up to 62%, while high n-6 consumption increases risk by up to 67%. This research suggests a potential link between fish consumption and reduced asthma severity.
A team of international scientists used big data analysis to study how neurons communicate with each other in the brain, identifying patterns related to memory and discovering major proteins responsible for changes observed in neurons.
Research reveals that supporting local communities with cultural, spiritual, and economic connections to pollinators is key to effective conservation. The study suggests that policies like biocultural conservation can foster pollinator protection and sustainable management of resources.
A recent study predicts that climate change and rising sea levels will destroy the Sundarbans region, home to around 4,000 Bengal tigers, by 2070. The researchers used computer simulations to assess the future suitability of the area for tigers and their prey species.
A new study of twins found that genetic factors significantly impact the body's immune defense networks. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 1835 twins and thousands of siblings to understand how effectively their bodies deploy disease-fighting molecules.
Researchers found trees changing their wood anatomy in response to drought, with some species developing smaller water-carrying vessels. This adaptation allows mature rainforest trees to conserve water during extended dry periods.
A study by James Cook University found that sports compression stockings positively influenced agility and lower limb muscular endurance in female soccer players. The findings confirmed a protective effect with compression stockings, which may be crucial for performance in soccer matches.
A global report confirms that tough gun laws in Australia and other countries have led to a significant decrease in firearm deaths, particularly suicides. The study found that the Australian National Firearms Agreement has been closely linked to this decline, with other countries showing similar results.
Researchers found that the peppermint shrimp outperformed other species in a set of experiments, reducing parasite infection by 87% and targeting environmental stages. This discovery provides a viable candidate for a natural biocontrol agent to combat parasites in aquaculture industries.
A James Cook University study found a strong link between fast food consumption and depression among Torres Strait Islander people. The researchers discovered that those who ate more processed foods had higher levels of depression-linked fatty acids in their blood.
Researchers found that religious people regularly assign significance to unremarkable events, leading to positive emotions like gratitude and contentment. The study suggests that giving meaning to everyday events is a general phenomenon across religious groups.
Researchers at James Cook University found that shrimp clean parasites from injured fish without aggravating their injuries. The interaction between cleaner shrimp and client fish also reduces stress levels, potentially increasing the fish's ability to heal.
Research from James Cook University suggests digital-free tourism is gaining traction, with luxury resorts and isolated island destinations capitalizing on the trend. The study found growing media coverage of digital-detox holidays, which are expected to expand into more services and programs.
A massive study of tropical coral reefs found that marine reserves near heavily populated areas have only a quarter of the fish and are less likely to have top predators. Marine reserves with medium to high human pressure can still have five times more fish than openly fished reefs, offering a conservation benefit.
A massive world-wide study of dry riverbeds has found they're contributing more carbon emissions than previously thought. The contribution of intermittent rivers and streams to the process of carbon cycling is largely ignored, but new data suggests this may be higher than initially estimated.
Researchers have created coatings using essential oils like Tea Tree Oil, showing good antibacterial properties and potential as a low-cost alternative to synthetic antibiotics. The technology has the added benefit of being environmentally friendly and transparent.
A new study by James Cook University found that palm oil plantations in Colombia can have devastating impacts on wildlife, but also identified factors that can improve species diversity within plantations, such as dense undergrowth vegetation and proximity to forest.
A global expert says China's massive infrastructure project will impact over 1,700 critical biodiversity areas and hundreds of threatened species. The researcher urges China to change its business model and prioritize sustainability.
A deadly disease threatening frogs originated in East Asia, with global trade and human movement of amphibians contributing to its spread. The study found that the range of the disease expanded greatly between 50 and 120 years ago, coinciding with the rapid expansion of intercontinental trade.
The Tapanuli Orangutan, one of the rarest animals on the planet, is under threat from a planned U.S.$1.6 billion mega-dam project that could flood its habitat and destroy its remaining area. The species survives only in areas with no roads, making it vulnerable to illegal logging, clearing, and poaching.
A study published in Acta Psychologica found that people's personality traits influence their eye movements when viewing abstract artwork. Volunteers who tended towards neuroticism spent more time looking at the left side of images, while those with schizophrenia-like traits looked less often at the top.
Researchers at James Cook University have successfully developed a sperm freezing technique for African wild dogs, allowing for genetic diversity to be introduced without disrupting pack hierarchy. The technique has the potential to assist outbreeding efforts and maximize population management.
Scientists have found that high carbon dioxide levels cause squid to bungle attacks on their prey, leading to a 20% decrease in successful hunts. This effect is observed across two cephalopod orders, suggesting that many species may be impacted by rising CO2 levels in the oceans.
A team of researchers from James Cook University and Cardiff University have created a fully synthetic flu vaccine that protects mice from swine flu and works on human cells in the laboratory. The vaccine is hyper-stable, meaning it can survive stomach acid and human blood, making it suitable for oral administration.
The study found that top-performing soccer teams exhibit greater total sprint distance, possession in the opponent's half, and entry passes in the final third of the field. This suggests that ball possession is a key determinant of success in soccer.
Researchers found that sick bees living with the gut parasite Nosema ceranae preferred higher-quality pollen when given the option. This preference could influence which flowers are visited by bees, impacting both native and crop pollination.