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James Cook University


New technique boosts eyewitness recall

Researchers at James Cook University found that a new technique, Category Cluster Recall (CCR), improves eyewitness recall compared to traditional free recall methods. Using CCR, witnesses were prompted to remember specific details in categories, resulting in more accurate and detailed information being recalled.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMemory·DateFeb 6, 2018

Call for workers to rise up

A James Cook University study found nearly three quarters of office workers believe there is a negative relationship between sitting down all day and their health. The study suggests that education on the benefits of standing and buy-in from management are crucial to implementing effective behavior change strategies.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPerspectives in Public Health·DateNov 28, 2017

JCU team's winning basketball formula

Researchers analyzed 156 men's basketball games from last four Olympics to identify key factors contributing to success. The winning formula centers on field-goal percentage and defensive rebounds, with the latter providing a 93% probability of victory.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Sports Science and Medicine·DateSep 28, 2017

Sharks longer in the tooth than we thought

A study by Dr Alastair Harry found that nearly a third of shark populations had underestimated ages, with an average underestimation of 18 years. This could lead to inefficient management and research priorities, affecting the many disciplines relying on baseline life history data.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateSep 28, 2017

Call for arts to keep up with Asia

The Australian arts sector faces significant challenges, including a lack of national cultural policy and disruption from changing governments. Experts suggest talent development, audience engagement, innovation, and new income streams are key to reinvigorating the sector.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalInternational Journal of Cultural Policy·DateSep 3, 2017

Answers needed on sly grog trade

Researchers at James Cook University found sophisticated tactics being used to smuggle illicit alcohol into remote Indigenous communities. Sly grog traders sell alcohol for inflated prices, often up to 11 times its retail value. The study highlights the need for collaborative responses involving law enforcement and social services.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateAug 23, 2017

A hit love song for toads

Researchers at James Cook University found that a specific sound frequency and pulse rate attract more reproductive female cane toads, making it easier to control the population. This technique may be used for large-scale eradication of island populations but not mainland Australia.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPest Management Science·DateJul 13, 2017

Research raises antibiotic questions

A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that topical antibiotics are moderately effective but not justified due to limited information on adverse effects. The research highlights the need to fight antibiotic resistance and encourages a more cautious approach to their use.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalBJS·DateJul 12, 2017

Turtle go-slow zone extensions needed

A study by James Cook University scientists found that turtles are present throughout the bay, mostly staying in water less than five meters deep. Extending shallow go-slow zones could protect nearly half or more of turtle habitats if combined with a small buffer zone into deeper waters.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·DateJun 22, 2017

Research for an oil (palm) change

A new technique developed by James Cook University scientists helps oil palm growers predict crop yield, nitrous oxide emissions and nitrogen leaching. The research provides valuable information for on-farm decision making, enabling growers to make decisions that balance productivity and environmental sustainability.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalField Crops Research·DateJun 8, 2017

Designer worm spit supercharges healing

A molecule produced by a Thai liver parasite has been found to have the potential to supercharge healing and treat non-healing wounds in diabetics. The researchers have successfully produced a version of the molecule on a large enough scale to conduct laboratory tests, with promising results.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 25, 2017

Thirsty mangroves cause unprecedented dieback

Researchers found unprecedented dieback of 7400 hectares of mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria due to prolonged drought, record-breaking heatwaves, and a 20cm sea level drop. This discovery highlights mangroves' vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMarine and Freshwater Research·DateMar 13, 2017

Worms against the wheeze

Researchers at James Cook University have identified a protein secreted by hookworms that suppresses asthma in mice and shows promise as a treatment for humans with allergies. The study builds on previous research into possible treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

Modern roof shapes tested against big blows

Researchers at James Cook University found that complex roof shapes can lead to high forces on connections between the roof and house frame, increasing the risk of roof cladding loss. Poorly maintained houses or minor construction defects can exacerbate this issue.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalAustralian Journal of Structural Engineering·DateOct 12, 2016

Incubating climate change

A group of James Cook University scientists has designed an inexpensive incubator to study the effects of climate change. The incubators, costing under $160 each, allow researchers to replicate realistic experiments with controlled temperature regimes.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 6, 2016

Hi-tech test to find elusive sawfish

Using cutting-edge eDNA technology, researchers from James Cook University successfully identified largetooth sawfish habitats in the Daly River, Northern Territory. The technique was mostly accurate in waterholes but disappointing in flowing rivers, with limitations yet to be overcome.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateAug 8, 2016

Health-care costs are bad medicine

New research reveals that over 40% of people with depression and anxiety skipped healthcare treatment due to cost. Adults with asthma, emphysema, and COPD faced significantly higher household out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure compared to those without a health condition.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalAustralian Journal of Primary Health·DateAug 3, 2016

Less fertilizer good news for the Great Barrier Reef

Researchers at James Cook University have developed a more efficient fertilizer that reduces nitrogen loss by up to half. The new technology allows for improved balance between plant growth and environmental protection. Testing on a North Queensland dairy farm showed promising results, with significant reductions in pollution.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalCrop and Pasture Science·DateJul 25, 2016

Study looks at program for Defence Force kids

A James Cook University researcher examined the impact of a program for children whose parent is deployed on active duty. The study found that some families benefit from an intermediary who understands their situation, and that the program has been effective in addressing social and emotional challenges.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalChildren Australia·DateJul 12, 2016

The world's oldest farmers

Researchers discovered evidence of the world's oldest known fungus gardens within fossil termite nests from the Great Rift Valley of Africa, dating back approximately 25 million years. This finding pushes back the beginning of the termite-fungus symbiotic relationship to at least 31 million years ago.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 22, 2016

Hi-tech opens up Earth's secrets

Geologists now track tectonic plate motion to understand ocean and mountain range formation, as well as animal species distribution. The technology reveals new geological relationships in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, with implications for predicting earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateApr 10, 2016

'Homing turtles' go back to familiar grounds

Researchers tracked turtles released outside their familiar areas and found most returned home, often within a few hundred meters of their original location. The study's findings have important implications for turtle conservation, supporting the idea that long-term resettlement is not a realistic option.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMarine Biology·DateMar 30, 2016

Lizards keep their cool

Researchers developed a new computerized method to reconstruct lizard habitats and track temperature management. The study found lizards deliberately choose habitats with optimal temperatures, adjusting behavior to avoid heat shock.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateMar 14, 2016

Shark babies remain strong in future acidic oceans

A recent study found that epaulette shark embryos can withstand ocean acidification conditions predicted for the year 2100, but may be vulnerable when gills are still developing. This suggests that sharks may be more resilient than previously thought, but their survival depends on maintaining healthy habitats.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalConservation Physiology·DateMar 7, 2016

Shark research produces the unexpected

A James Cook University study found adult females remain in coastal areas year-round, giving birth and raising young. The team tracked over 100 sharks for more than two years, discovering a mysterious attraction to a specific bay near Townsville.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateFeb 25, 2016

Gaps in reporting leave turtles vulnerable

A James Cook University study found that turtles are left vulnerable due to gaps in reporting of bycatch, a common cause of sea turtle deaths. The researchers recommend pooling bycatch records across fisheries and states over time to better measure the impact on turtle populations.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateFeb 21, 2016

Love hertz

Researchers created an audio lure using the frequency of a female mosquito's wings, attracting 95% of male mosquitoes. The device costs around $20 and can be run for weeks. Scientists also found that females are oblivious to male wing beats, making this technology a promising solution to control mosquito populations.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 6, 2016

High fat/low carb diet could combat schizophrenia

Research by James Cook University scientists found a ketogenic diet reduces animal behaviors resembling schizophrenia, potentially providing an alternative energy source and circumventing cellular energy pathways. The diet has also been shown to lead to weight loss and lower blood glucose levels in mice.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateDec 16, 2015