A new test, xWORM, uses the xCELLigence E-Plate to measure parasite motility, reducing time-consuming microscope checks and costs, offering a promising solution for treating parasitic worm diseases. The technology has potential applications in global health, particularly in tropical regions where such parasites infect millions of peopl...
A new approach calculates an objective probability of treatment effectiveness, potentially revealing up to 20% of older treatments were mistakenly labelled as ineffective. Researchers may be dismissing treatments with small degrees of effectiveness due to flawed evaluation methods.
A new study by James Cook University scientist Professor William Laurance suggests that over half of Amazonian tree species are globally threatened. Protected areas and indigenous territories have the potential to protect many of these species if properly managed.
A cancer-causing parasitic worm has been discovered to drive wound healing and blood vessel growth, which could lead to accelerated recovery from chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers. The growth factor secreted by the parasite also increases the risk of developing liver cancer over time.
Seagrasses thrive in acidic waters near underwater volcanic vents, potentially increasing their ability to absorb carbon from the ocean. However, climate change also poses risks to these ecosystems, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at James Cook University have developed a new method using household vinegar to kill the Crown of Thorns Starfish, a major contributor to coral reef decline. The treatment shows a 100% kill rate and is significantly cheaper than existing methods.
Australian and Chinese researchers have made significant progress in determining the causes of soil acidification. By examining a massive transect of land in China, they found different drivers of soil acidification processes in various types of soils.
Australian scientists predict that many tropical mountain plant species will be unable to survive their current locations by 2080 due to high-altitude climate changes. The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in Queensland is at risk of losing its endemic plants.
A James Cook University study found that redthroat emperor fish retreat to deeper water in response to warmer temperatures. The species, commercially important for fisheries, may need to be redirected due to the shift in their habitat.
Researchers in Malaysia have discovered a method to identify black leopards by manipulating automatic cameras, allowing for population estimates and conservation efforts. The technique uses infrared flash to reveal complex patterns of spotting on the animals' coats.
Researchers tracked individual bees to study the effect of a low-dose gut parasite, nosema, on their behavior. Infected bees were found to be less efficient foragers, carrying less pollen and dying younger.
Researchers used innovative methods to examine the ground around Mbeya in Tanzania, finding evidence of fluidisation and massive ground deformation. This discovery could be used to model how structures might be affected by future earthquakes, providing a valuable tool for hazard assessment.
The Irukandji box jellyfish uses its nematocyst clusters like experienced fishermen use their lures. The tiny but deadly jellyfish actively targets and catches complex fish that are often larger than itself, displaying a surprising complex prey capture strategy.
Researchers at James Cook University are conducting a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of intravenous Levetiracetam in treating Convulsive Status Epilepticus (CSE) in children. The study aims to determine if this new treatment can work faster and have fewer serious side effects than current medications.
A large Australian study of 204,542 people found that vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of early death by 9 to 13 per cent compared to moderate activity. The benefits apply to both men and women of all ages and are independent of total time spent being active.
A research team at James Cook University discovered how geckos manage to stay clean in dusty environments by using tiny hair-like spines that trap water droplets and release energy. This process has important implications for human applications, including the development of marine-based electronics and superhydrophobic clothing.
The study highlights nine issues that must be addressed to limit the environmental impacts of infrastructure projects. These include preserving wilderness areas, recognizing the consequences of paved roads, and considering indirect effects in cost-benefit analyses. The researchers emphasize the need for a new approach to protect vulner...
Researchers from JCU and a Saudi university are conducting a three-year joint study to understand why fish exposed to high water temperatures have offspring already acclimatised. The study aims to uncover the epigenetic changes triggered by the environment that enable fast adaptation.
A team of researchers found that T-helper cells can retain information on the specific cytokine needed to produce in response to an infection. This memory allows them to activate and release the pre-determined quantity of cytokine when faced with a new infection.
A study by James Cook University highlights the growing demand for skin-whitening products in Australia, particularly among Indian women. The marketing of these products perpetuates social and professional success with lighter skin tone, raising moral concerns about cultural values and ethnic stereotypes.
Researchers created an oil palm system model using APSIM framework to help growers maximize yields while reducing environmental harm. The model accounts for soil, climate, and management factors to evaluate water balance, nutrient balance, and greenhouse gas emissions.
A world-first breakthrough drug therapy for treating battle casualties is being developed by James Cook University scientists in Australia, with potential to save thousands of soldiers' lives and has widespread civilian applications.
Australian researchers successfully treated 12 participants with celiac disease using hookworms, increasing gluten tolerance by a factor of 60. The study suggests a potential new treatment for inflammatory diseases, including asthma and Crohn's disease.
Scientists applied a new method to Australia's Acacia genus, revealing biologically important but currently unprotected areas. The study confirmed the Wet Tropics rainforests' importance and identified places of 'super-endemism', where old and new species co-exist.
Researchers found koalas in Australia's tropical northeast choose trees with trunks over 5°C cooler than air temperature to rest and cool down. This behavior helps reduce heat stress, with access to these trees saving about half the water a koala needs on hot days.
Research reveals Amazonian forests are being altered by multiple environmental factors, creating greater perils for the world's largest rainforest. The study found that fragmented forests change rapidly, with trees dying and vines proliferating, while nearby undisturbed forests also experience changes.
Researchers developed a simple rule to evaluate co-evolving relationships between species and their interactions with climate change. The study found that conflicting species interactions reduce climate change effects, while non-conflicting interactions amplify them.
During the Last Glacial Maximum, extreme climate change led to massive changes in Australia's landscape and human populations. Aboriginal communities contracted into localized 'refuges' with reliable water and food supplies.
A study by James Cook University found that early publication is a key factor in predicting success in scientific research. Women face disadvantages due to language barriers and family responsibilities, hindering their progress. Publishing early and often helps scientists gain a competitive edge and become superstars in their field.
Marine scientists discovered that baby fish can find their way back to their home coral reef by using their sense of smell, braving strong currents and predators. This unique ability has major implications for how reefs are managed and drives evolution on the Reef.
A rare species of batfish has emerged as a potential savior for coral reefs, consuming large amounts of seaweed that were choking the reef. By removing a cage, scientists observed the batfish cleaning up most of the weed in just five days and completely clearing it in eight weeks.
A new study reveals that coral reefs are experiencing abnormal die-off rates, unlike anything seen in the past 11,000 years. The frequency of reef disturbances was at least an order of magnitude less than today's levels, according to Associate Professor John Pandolfi.