A new genetic editing technique called Allele Sail can modify wild populations with greater control and lower risk than existing methods. By introducing genetic changes at low frequencies, researchers can target specific traits without disrupting the population as a whole.
A new method, conditioned taste aversion, has been trialled to protect freshwater crocodiles from deadly invasive cane toads. The trial was successful in reducing crocodile death rates by up to 95% in areas where cane toads were present.
Scientists at Macquarie University propose using genetically engineered black soldier flies to transform waste management and sustainable biomanufacturing. The flies can consume large volumes of waste quickly, producing valuable industrial inputs such as enzymes and lipids.
A study published in Nature has found that artificial heat shelters can significantly reduce chytrid infections in frogs, allowing them to co-exist with the deadly disease. The simple intervention uses readily available materials and can be easily scaled up for community involvement.
A world-first study found that walking regularly can reduce the recurrence of low back pain by almost twice as long as not exercising. The study, conducted by Macquarie University, followed 701 adults with a history of low back pain and randomly allocated them to either an individualized walking program or a control group.
Astronomers at Macquarie University have successfully tested a new technique for observing celestial objects during the day using the Huntsman Telescope. The array of camera lenses can accurately measure stars, satellites, and other targets even when the Sun is high overhead, allowing continual monitoring of bright stars like Betelgeuse.
A study by Macquarie University found 70% of shark meat sold in Australian markets was mislabelled, including threatened species. The research highlights the need for improved labelling standards and enforcement to support sustainable consumption.
Macquarie University researchers debunked a 75-year-old theory about sound localization, revealing that humans use a simpler neural network. This finding could unlock next-generation hearing devices and improve smart devices' ability to understand speech in noisy environments.
A landmark study by Macquarie University researchers shows that juvenile 'taster toads' can teach goannas to avoid eating poisonous cane toads, preventing population collapse. Goanna populations increased by up to 140% in areas where the 'taster toad' method was trialled.
Research sheds light on how concentrations of metals used in renewable energy technologies can be transported from deep within the Earth's interior mantle by low temperature, carbon-rich melts. Carbonate melts effectively dissolve and transport base metals, precious metals, and oxidised sulfur.
Research finds pythons convert feed into weight gain efficiently compared to conventional livestock like chickens and cattle. Pythons outperform mainstream agricultural species in terms of food and protein conversion ratios.
A new study published in Proceedings B of the Royal Society found that every injury from rope entanglements impacts North Atlantic right whale population recovery. Modelling data shows female whales who get tangled in fishing gear are less likely to calve, potentially leading to extinction.
Scientists have developed a single-dose genetic medicine that halts the progression of both ALS and frontotemporal dementia in mice. The treatment targets pathological TDP-43 build-ups in brain cells, which may also treat common forms of dementia like Alzheimer's disease.
A new quantum optics technique has been introduced to explore light-matter interactions in semiconductors. The technique, called photon-cascade correlation spectroscopy, uses spectral filtering and photon-correlation analysis to reveal interactions between semiconductor exciton-polaritons.
New evidence reveals that giant ape species 'Gigantopithcus blacki' went extinct between 295,000 and 215,000 years ago due to its inability to adapt to changing climates and food preferences. The study used multiple dating techniques and environmental analysis to confirm the extinction timeline.
Researchers at Macquarie University warn that a pollination crisis in Australasia could have severe consequences for the region's biodiversity and food supply. The study found that environmental threats such as habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and introduced species are affecting local pollinators.
A global team has discovered the most ancient and distant fast radio burst, located 8 billion years ago, confirming that FRBs can be used to measure the 'missing' matter between galaxies. The source was found to be a group of merging galaxies, supporting current theories on the cause of fast radio bursts.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that autistic individuals may produce iconic gestures at a similar rate to, or even more frequently than, neurotypical individuals. This challenges the prevailing belief that autistic individuals tend to use fewer gestures in diagnosis assessments.
A global research team warns that rapid sea level rise and coastal habitat retreat will happen again if warming levels rise above Paris Agreement targets. Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, marshes, and coral reefs are essential to protect coastlines, trap carbon, and sustain millions of coastal residents.
Researchers found that over 80% of honey bees sampled were positive for antimicrobial resistance targets, highlighting the need to monitor pollutants and implement clean-ups. The study also suggests that local waterbodies are a critical source of contamination, particularly in densely populated areas.
Researchers from Macquarie University have found that the Earth's gradual cooling led to a flip in the deep cycling of carbon and chlorine between the surface and interior. Most carbon accumulates into solid carbonate sediments, while chlorine typically returns to the surface as volcanic gases.
Macquarie University engineers have developed a new technique to make nanosensors using a single drop of ethanol, bypassing the need for high temperatures. The method improves efficiency and responsiveness, opening up new possibilities for the trillion-dollar global industry.
Researchers discovered that honey bees make rapid and accurate decisions by balancing effort, risk, and reward. By studying the bees' brain structure, they created a computer model that replicated their decision-making process, showcasing how simple brains can be efficient.
A new study finds that young people hospitalized due to burns are less likely to finish high school than their peers, with girls at higher risk of not achieving national minimum standards in reading. The research highlights the need for monitoring academic progression and learning support after a burn injury.
The study reveals five distinct brain types, each suited for its purpose, from a jellyfish's diffuse neural network to the human brain's reflective capabilities. Researchers suggest that autonomous machines can learn from coordination in bees, rapid thinking in birds, and single-mindedness in worms.
A study by Macquarie University researchers explores how players respond to morality meters in games, showing that most ignore clear moral choices but use them when ambiguous. The research provides insights into the impact of morality meters on player behavior and has implications for moral education and awareness.
The discovery of human fossils at Tam Pà Ling cave in northern Laos reveals that modern humans spread from Africa through Arabia and to Asia much earlier than previously thought. The findings confirm that early Homo sapiens did not just follow coastlines and islands, but also traveled through forested regions along river valleys.
Researchers at Macquarie University have discovered how superbug A. baumannii survives harsh environments and resists antibiotics by exploiting its strong drug pumps to expel essential metals from the cell. Disrupting this master regulatory protein, DksA, breaks the pumping system and allows for control of the bug.
Researchers at Macquarie University identified rare genetic defects in MND and FTD patients that also cause other neurodegenerative diseases. These short tandem repeat expansions are found in over 20 diseases and may contribute to neuron death.
Researchers at Macquarie University have developed a microwave technology that improves solar cell production by reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency. The new method allows for selective heating of silicon, making it easier to recycle and reuse components.
A study in Nature Communications Earth and Environment shows progress in Australia's nature-based rehabilitation efforts for sustainable environmental restoration. The research highlights the importance of adopting UN environmental goals as principles in river management to conserve river health and improve resilience.
Researchers analyzed chemical isotopes in 1002 skin samples to study the distribution of southern right whales and long-term environmental changes in the Southern Ocean. The study shows that the whales' foraging grounds have shifted, reflecting changing prey distributions, and that climate change has driven recent shifts.
Researchers have characterised the mutually beneficial relationship between Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, two pathogens responsible for severe infections. This relationship enables Klebsiella to survive in higher antibiotic concentrations, making it more deadly and resistant to treatment.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that the lifespan of a tree leaf is determined by environmental factors such as climate and soil conditions. The researchers found that evergreen conifers make longer-lived leaves in colder climates, while deciduous trees produce shorter-lived leaves in warmer environments.
A team of astronomers used JWST images to piece together the death of a 500-million-year-old star, which created shrouds of gas and left a remnant dense white dwarf. The study reveals evidence of two or three companion stars that hastened its death, with implications for supernovae and gravitational wave systems.
Researchers argue that academic journal rules are undervaluing the contributions of citizen scientists and indigenous knowledge. To address this issue, they suggest crediting non-professionals as group co-authors for their work on projects like online species identification apps. This approach aims to recognize their valuable contribut...
A group of seven snorkelling grandmothers has helped scientists document a large and previously underestimated population of venomous greater sea snakes in the bay. The project revealed over 249 individual snakes, with new information on breeding patterns and numbers of young.
Researchers have found that white sharks gather in large numbers at seal nurseries, forming persistent communities that persist for years. The study used photo-identification and network analysis to show that the apex predators choose who they hang with, driven by sex-dependent patterns of visitation.
Researchers studied 2016 El Nino event to evaluate the role of excess heat in coral bleaching. They discovered that bleaching is driven by a variety of stressors, with each region responding differently.
A new study reveals the narrow escape problem, a classic math puzzle, plays a key role in determining immune responses. The unique shape of T cells creates a close-contact zone for triggering molecules, and the size of this zone depends on the surface protrusions, keeping the process sensitive to invaders.
Researchers at Macquarie University have created a simple method to bypass diffraction limitations using standard optical imaging tools, enabling everyday bio-imaging techniques. The uSEE approach improves resolution by reducing illumination intensity, making it suitable for any biological lab with minimal extra cost.
A team of Australia-UK researchers identified the molecular machinery used by bacteria to resist chemicals, which could be repurposed to produce precursors for new polymers like nylon. This discovery sheds light on how bacteria develop resistance and may lead to the development of new antimicrobial agents.
Researchers found that turtle embryos move towards warmer ends of eggs and develop into females or males based on the temperature gradient. This study provides a rare 'good news' story about conservation, as it suggests that turtles may be more resilient to climate change than thought.
Researchers found baby eastern blue-tongue lizards learn at adult levels from a young age, outperforming their adults in cognitive tasks.
A team of scientists has developed a 5-step program to keep New Guinea's frogs safe from the species-destroying chytrid fungus. The plan, published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, aims to prevent the fungus from reaching the island while building local capacity for science and disease surveillance.
New research has confirmed that salts trapped in many diamonds come from ancient seabeds buried deep beneath the Earth's crust. Marine sediment reacts under extreme pressures and temperatures to produce a balance of salts found in diamond.
A new study by Macquarie University reveals that more protected areas are needed in New South Wales' west to safeguard native species from climate change. The researchers identified suitable habitats for vulnerable species like the spotted-tailed quoll and squirrel glider but found inadequate protection in central-western NSW.
A team of researchers from Australia, France, New Zealand, and the UK have discovered a group of brain cells that function as a 'master-controller' for the cardiovascular system. These cells, found in the medulla oblongata, coordinate activity across the cardiovascular system, including blood flow to the heart and blood vessels.
Lab tests show plastic chemicals impair growth and function of ocean's most abundant photosynthetic bacteria, Prochlorococcus. Exposure to plastics alters gene expression, potentially harming entire ecosystem.