A swimming program improved function and pain in people with chronic low back pain, reducing disability by 50% compared to education alone. The benefit persisted at longer-term follow-up, showing a suitable exercise for managing chronic low back pain.
A new study in Nature Communications reveals a hidden source of antibiotic resistance in Australian soil. The mcr-12 gene was found in contaminated freshwater sediment and provides bacteria with resistance to polymyxin, a critical last line antibiotic.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that bumblebees display observable 'liking and disliking' behaviours after consuming different liquids. This suggests that insects can evaluate tastes as pleasant or unpleasant, pushing the understanding of their inner life.
A newly discovered Australian ballista spider uses a silk-powered snare to target and capture the highly aggressive green tree ant Oecophylla smaragdina, launching its prey into the air with incredible power and speed. The snare is triggered by the prey's reaction and stores elastic energy in the silk to release it rapidly.
Research from Macquarie University and other Australian institutions found that bee species nesting in plant stems are more susceptible to extreme heat, while those underground fare better. This study highlights the importance of understanding native bee behavior to identify climate change threats.
A new study found substantial changes in cane toad body size and shape have developed rapidly in response to environmental pressures on Ishigaki Island in Japan. The toads there are heavier and larger than those in Australia, with wider heads and shorter arms and longer legs.
A new Australian study shows that a tailored, home-based program can significantly reduce the number of falls after stroke. The 'falls after stroke trial' (FAST) found that the program reduced falls by 33% over 12 months.
Researchers have identified the complex shapes of natural oyster reefs are not random, but optimise the establishment and survival of developing oysters. The study provides critical information to guide effective reef restoration using artificial habitats that replicate specific geometric attributes found in natural reefs.
A team of Australian and international scientists discovered how errors unfold over time in quantum computers, finding that errors can linger and link together. This breakthrough could lead to more reliable future quantum machines.
A study at Macquarie University identified simultaneous abnormalities in energy metabolism, immune cells, and blood vessel function in people with ME/CFS. The researchers found 'energy stress' in white blood cells, altered T-lymphocyte subsets, and disruptions to vascular homeostasis.
Leading synthetic biologists share hard-won lessons from their decade-long quest to build the world's first synthetic eukaryotic genome. The insights could accelerate development of climate-resilient crops and custom-built cell factories.
A new study traces the transformation of mammal communities across six continents over 50,000 years, finding that farming and hunting reshaped ecosystems. Only a handful of domesticated species, including cattle and horses, spread globally, altering native mammal populations.
Researchers found sleepy lizards in Australia can detect smoke as a fire signal and attempt to escape, but not the sound of fire. This innate behavior suggests fire-prone environments have shaped their sensory systems and behaviors.
Researchers at Macquarie University discovered that listeners adapt to the characteristics of acoustic spaces to improve their understanding of speech. The 'Goldilocks' zone of reverberation, around 400 milliseconds, optimizes learning and adaptation.
Albino cane toads created using CRISPR technology reveal that albinism affects survival and hunting abilities, with poor eyesight being the core problem. In controlled environments, albino tadpoles were less likely to survive and developed faster when competing with pigmented siblings for food and space.
A partnership between Macquarie University and Lithium Universe has licensed breakthrough silver extraction technology to transform how Australia recycles solar panels. The new method extracts valuable metal without destroying the panels, addressing a growing waste problem.
Weaver ants defy human teams' declining performance by increasing their contributions as team size grows. The study provides insights into superefficient teamwork and its potential application in designing better robot teams.
A three-year follow-up study of a personalized program of cognitive functional therapy (CFT) found clinically significant improvements in pain-related activity and pain intensity compared to usual care. The treatment produced large benefits that were sustained over time, offering potential for major human and economic impact.
A study published in the Royal Society's Proceedings B found that closely related bat and bird species share the same habitat due to their shared evolutionary history. This challenges previous ideas about competition driving species apart, suggesting that animals with similar needs tend to group together in suitable habitats.
A new study by Macquarie University researchers found that adding colour to concrete panels increased marine biodiversity in Sydney Harbour. The team discovered that red panels supported communities distinct from other coloured panels, attracting higher numbers of green algae and barnacles.
Researchers tracked the ultra-hot Jupiter TOI-2109b's orbital decay to understand how stars dissipate energy. The study found three possible fates for the planet: being torn apart by tidal forces, plunging into its star, or having its gaseous envelope stripped away.
Researchers at Macquarie University developed a new technique to narrow laser linewidth by factors exceeding 10,000 using diamond crystals and Raman scattering. This breakthrough could revolutionize quantum computing, atomic clocks, and gravitational wave detection with improved spectral purity.
The partnership aims to address the region's skills shortage by offering flexible, evidence-based cyber education; 15 online micro-credentials are available for individual learners and organizations, spanning key areas such as AI security and incident response.
New research reveals that chlorothalonil, a widely used fungicide, severely impacts insect reproduction and survival in fruit flies, even at low concentrations. The study found a 37% drop in egg production with minimal exposure.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory will capture the entire night sky every few nights, producing 20 terabytes of raw data nightly. Australian astronomers will have early access to this data, enabling discoveries across timescales never before possible.
Researchers at Macquarie University have discovered that cannabis-derived compounds Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabidivarin (CBDV) are effective against a range of fungal pathogens, including Cryptococcus neoformans and dermatophytes. The findings open the door to possible new treatments for these fungal infections.
Climate and health litigation is on the rise in Australia, driven by increasing exposure to heatwaves. The country has seen a 37% increase in excess heat factor over the past 20 years, with key deficiencies identified in response to climate and health threats.
Researchers found that Earth's first crust, formed 4.5 billion years ago, likely had chemical features similar to modern continental crust, rewriting the geological timeline. This suggests the distinctive chemical signature of continents was established at the beginning of Earth's history.
Researchers have discovered that tropical fish smash shellfish against rocks to open and eat the meat, showcasing a previously unknown level of intelligence in fish. This behavior is not limited to mammals and birds, as multiple species of wrasses exhibit similar tool use, expanding our understanding of evolutionary tool use.
A new study reveals that Siamese fighting fish require significantly more space in pet shops than currently practiced, with a minimum tank size of 5.6 litres recommended for display and sale, and larger tanks for pets.
Australian scientists engineer fish and flies to break down toxic methylmercury into a less harmful gas, offering a new solution to environmental pollution. The research could lead to the creation of wildlife that protects both human health and the environment.
The final synthetic chromosome unlocks new possibilities in metabolic engineering and strain optimisation, enabling the generation of genetic diversity on demand. The achievement represents a major milestone in synthetic biology and has important implications for future genome engineering projects.
New research from Macquarie University identifies the probable locations and mechanisms of accumulations of critical metals at the margins of old cores of continents. These areas have been found to contain more sulfur and copper than elsewhere on the continents, making them potential targets for future exploration activities.
Researchers at Macquarie University have developed a revolutionary new biological pest control method called the Toxic Male Technique (TMT). This approach genetically engineers male insects to produce insect-specific venom proteins in their semen, significantly reducing female lifespan and disease transmission.
The new guidelines aim to reduce trauma and delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy. Led by Dr Georgia Mills and Dr Gisele Kidson-Gerber, the guidelines provide a practical guide for doctors, including recommendations for diagnosis, staging, imaging safety, therapy, and supportive care.
Researchers demonstrate how grape pairs can create strong localized magnetic field hotspots of microwaves used in quantum sensing applications. The study could help develop more compact and cost-effective quantum devices.
Researchers at Macquarie University have developed a new laser technique that enables precise control over diamond surfaces at the atomic scale. The method allows for the controlled removal of as little as 1 per cent of an atomic layer, resulting in enhanced conductivity and promising implications for quantum technologies.
A 16-year study on Seychelles warblers found significant correlations between rainfall fluctuations and the likelihood of 'divorce' in pair bonds. This research highlights the impact of environmental factors on social dynamics and reproductive strategies in wildlife, particularly in species vulnerable to climate change.
Researchers develop counterillumination technology to trick great white sharks' visual systems, making them less likely to attack humans. By using LED lights in specific patterns and brightness, the device disrupts the shark's silhouette, reducing the risk of bites.
A study by Macquarie University researchers found that plants can salvage resources from wilting flowers and reuse them to promote future reproduction. The study showed that plants transfer resources underground in corms and roots to produce new flowering stems in the subsequent season, often a year later.
Researchers used a virtual cow game to study human movement and navigation, developing a model that can simulate human behavior and predict choices. The study found that humans make decisions based on angular distance and previous choices, and the developed model could accurately mimic these patterns.
A new guide provides a roadmap for developing cell-penetrating peptide clusters to deliver lifesaving treatments across biological barriers. The clusters could improve patient outcomes dramatically by allowing minimum doses of treatments, reducing toxicity.
A new study reveals that islands are home to around one in three of the world's plant species, with 63,280 endemic species native to islands. The research provides a comprehensive assessment of vascular plants native and endemic to marine islands worldwide.
A decade-long analysis of wildlife rescue records in NSW reveals a bias towards larger reptiles, with two species accounting for almost two-thirds of all rescues. Human behavior and environment play significant roles in shaping these interactions.
High-contrast patterns on humbug damselfish bodies serve dual purpose: camouflage when stationary and motion dazzle when moving. The fish adapt their behavior based on environment, using motion dazzle to confuse predators when feeding outside coral colonies.
Researchers at Macquarie University discovered that oral cancer cells use protein interactions to block the immune response, offering new clues for treatment. The study found that a protein called STAT3 and its partner proteins may be involved in pathways that help cancer avoid the immune system.
Researchers at Macquarie University developed a new software package, TMATSOLVER, that accurately models complex wave scattering for metamaterial design. The tool enables rapid prototyping and validation of new metamaterial designs, accelerating research and development in this growing global market.
A new review found that one-third of children with chronic pain also meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder, while one in eight meets the criteria for a depressive disorder. The study suggests that clinicians should consider screening for mental health issues when treating young patients with chronic pain.
Researchers at Macquarie University have developed a new way to produce ultraviolet light sensors using acetic acid vapour, improving performance without high-temperature processing. The study shows the sensors can be made more responsive and reliable by exposing them to vinegar vapour for around 15 minutes.
A new mathematical theory offers insights into how heat travels through sea ice, which affects global climate predictions. The study provides a way to relate sea ice's thermal properties to its temperature and salt content, allowing for more accurate climate models.