Researchers discovered that metformin significantly reduces the risk of early and preterm births for mothers at high metabolic risk. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, women taking metformin had a 35% lower odds of giving birth prematurely compared to those receiving a placebo.
Researchers have created miniature human kidneys from stem cells to study acute kidney injury and test potential treatments. The microscopic model reproduces key features of human kidney injury, allowing for the investigation of why some kidney cells recover while others develop persistent damage.
Researchers have discovered how bacterial antibiotic gladiolin can disarm Candida albicans, one of the leading causes of life-threatening fungal infections. The study reveals that gladiolin can switch Candida albicans from its tissue-damaging 'hyphae' form back into its benign 'yeast' form, potentially allowing lower, less toxic doses ...
Researchers discovered that psilocybin reorganizes brain patterns, revealing hidden order, with stronger reorganisation linked to positive psychological changes. The study's findings have implications for developing therapies to improve clarity and psychological flexibility.
Recent advances in human evolution challenge the current classification system, proposing a reclassification of Homo and its closely related species. The research aims to provide a more accurate and stable way to represent the complex evolutionary relationships revealed by the growing fossil record.
A landmark review suggests that simple supportive care delivers better patient outcomes in most cases, rather than unnecessary scans and invasive procedures. Most people recover from shoulder pain within one year through watchful waiting or anti-inflammatory medication.
Butterflies worldwide are experiencing extensive climate-induced range shifts, impacting ecosystems globally. As temperatures rise, butterfly populations are adapting to new habitats, altering species interactions and community dynamics.
A new multi-country study found that sustained exposure to extreme heat is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for mental and behavioural disorders. The study highlighted the vulnerability of older adults and residents in low-population-density areas, emphasizing the need for targeted preparedness during severe heatwaves.
A new Monash University study links sleep apnea with poorer memory and increased dementia risk factors in middle-aged adults. The research highlights the importance of identifying and managing sleep apnea early on to support long-term brain health.
Researchers discovered a combination regimen of two β-lactam antibiotics resulted in faster and greater killing of bacteria than using each antibiotic alone. The pairing suppressed resistance to both antibiotics, offering a promising approach to optimising and personalising antibiotic regimens against life-threatening infections.
Researchers predict Antarctica's ice loss over the next 30-50 years, providing a vital window for coastal planning and policy decisions. The study offers reliable estimations of sea level rise and highlights the need for climate action within this critical time frame.
A new clinical trial is investigating the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for persistent post-concussion symptoms. Researchers expect the drug to reduce neuroinflammation and enhance neural connections, with benefits lasting at least six months post-treatment.
Researchers found a copper-based compound significantly reduces toxic Alzheimer's proteins and improves long-term spatial memory in laboratory experiments. The treatment repairs the brain's waste-clearing pump, allowing it to clear out trapped toxic proteins and reduce amyloid buildup by 42%.
Monash University researchers found that exercise may boost muscle mass and strength in older adults by boosting a key protein called NOX4, which naturally declines with age. The study suggests restoring NOX4 levels could combat biological ageing and improve overall health.
Scientists have mapped the tiny antenna-like structures in giant kelp that allow it to efficiently capture light and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This discovery may lead to new ways to boost crop growth and capture carbon dioxide, providing sustainable food sources in a warming world.
A team of Monash University students has developed ANTRUM, a wearable tracking and navigation system designed for high-risk underground settings. The palm-sized device allows users to locate their exploration partner and navigate back towards the cave entrance.
The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration has released a new catalog of gravitational-wave detections, revealing distinct sub-populations of merging black holes. These sub-populations are thought to arise from different formation pathways, including the collapse of gas clouds and hierarchical mergers between black holes.
Researchers have developed a breakthrough nanoscale circuit that can generate, direct, and read light-based information on a single chip. The device overcomes long-standing challenges in valleytronics, an emerging field that could underpin faster, more energy-efficient computing and quantum technologies.
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a complex hormonal disorder impacting 1 in 8 women globally, affecting weight, metabolism, mental health, skin, and the reproductive system. The name change aims to improve diagnosis and care for this previously misunderstood condition.
Monash University researchers have made a breakthrough in using phage therapy to treat life-threatening infectious diseases. The treatment involves injecting viruses called bacteriophages to kill bacterial infections that have not responded to other treatments.
A study of over 2,100 Australian adults found that a daily increase in ultra-processed foods can significantly impact attention span and cognitive function. Even among those who consume a healthy Mediterranean diet, the degree of food processing plays a critical role in damaging brain health.
A new approach allows oral delivery of drugs previously requiring injection by piggybacking on natural fat absorption pathways. The medication, GlyphAllo, bypasses the liver's security checkpoint and is absorbed through the gut's lymphatic system, allowing it to enter the bloodstream directly.
A team from Monash University Biomedicine Discovery Institute has identified a tick-derived evasin that can bind to two major classes of chemokines, representing a novel finding in the field. This discovery opens up new opportunities to develop therapies that target chemokines driving inflammatory diseases such as RA and MS.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a way to permanently switch off cancer-causing genes, potentially leading to shorter treatment periods and reduced side effects. The breakthrough uses epigenetic therapy, targeting specific proteins that keep cancer-promoting genes switched on.
Researchers at Monash University have developed an AI-powered approach to create highly accurate and specific anti-CRISPR molecules, enabling faster development of gene editing tools for various applications. This breakthrough addresses the inconsistent performance and safety risks associated with CRISPR technology.
The PUMA trial will compare two invasive monitoring devices in open-heart surgery, with patient leaders guiding the research. The study aims to reduce unnecessary treatments, shorten ICU stays and cut healthcare costs.
Researchers at Monash University discovered a tissue protein that acts as a central 'traffic controller' for immune cells, which can be hijacked by viruses to weaken immune responses. The study reveals that cytomegalovirus can block this system, derailing immune cell traffic and compromising the body's antiviral response.
A team of scientists has challenged long-held assumptions about how immune recognition works, discovering that lipid molecules can be displayed to T cells in a sideways orientation. This new model allows for more flexibility in the immune system's ability to survey its environment and respond to threats.
A nationwide pilot study tested for 10 medically actionable genes in 10,000 Australians aged 18-40, finding an estimated 1 in 50 carries a high risk genetic variant. Researchers urge government funding to progress a national preventive genomic testing program that could be available to all adult Australians.
Researchers have discovered trillions of microbes living in tree bark that remove greenhouse and toxic gases, enhancing the benefits of trees. The study found these microbes consume methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and volatile compounds, potentially removing millions of tonnes of climate-active gases every year.
A global study of over 1.6 million women found that around two-thirds experience unhealthy gestational weight gain, associated with increased risks of preterm birth, large birth weight, and maternal complications. The research highlights the need for international reference standards for healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
Higher levels of urban greenness are associated with a 7% reduction in hospital admissions for all cause mental disorders, with stronger associations for substance use disorders and psychotic disorders. The study suggests that greater exposure to greenness increases the protective effect on mental health.
Australian researchers discovered how rabies virus manipulates cellular processes with just a few proteins, enabling potential antiviral and vaccine development. The study reveals a new mechanism for multifunctional viral proteins to access and manipulate cell compartments.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a new strategy to improve CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors. By targeting the PTPN2 protein, they enhanced the efficacy of CAR T cells and generated long-lived memory T cells that can persist in circulation.
Researchers have discovered that hydrogen gas produced in the gut supports beneficial bacteria and helps maintain digestion. The study found that a specific enzyme called Group B [FeFe]-hydrogenase is mainly responsible for making hydrogen, which is then used by other microbes for energy.
A Monash University study of over 10,800 older people found that listening to music or playing music can reduce dementia risk. Always listening to music was associated with a 39% reduced risk, while playing an instrument led to a 35% decrease in dementia risk
A Brazilian city was effectively protected against dengue by introducing a bacteria called Wolbachia into the local mosquito population, significantly lowering dengue incidence. The program, led by Monash University and the World Mosquito Program, resulted in a nearly 90% reduction in dengue cases.
A large-scale study has identified hundreds of new viruses living inside bacteria in the human gut, which could be used to reshape the gut microbiome. The discovery provides a new approach to studying the gut microbiome and its influence on various diseases.
A large-scale study has found that menopause is not associated with an increased risk of disability progression in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). The research, published in JAMA Neurology, used data from the MSBase Registry and followed 987 Australian women with MS for over 14 years. The study's findings suggest that menopause may...
Researchers from Monash University have developed Entelli-02, a five-phage cocktail specifically designed to target Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) bacteria. The treatment has shown promising results in reducing bacterial loads by over 99% in infected mice.
Australian scientists used AI to generate a protein that can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria like E. coli, a major step forward in combating superbugs. The new approach enables efficient de novo design of proteins with specific characteristics and functions.
A Monash University-led study found that going to bed earlier is associated with higher levels of physical activity the next day. Participants who went to bed at 9pm recorded nearly 30 minutes more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily compared to those who stayed up until 1am.
A low FODMAP diet improved gastrointestinal symptoms in 60% of study participants, reducing symptom severity by 40% compared to a control diet. The diet also eased abdominal pain and bloating, normalizing stool consistency.
PanDerm, a new AI model, analyzes multiple types of images to improve skin cancer diagnosis accuracy by 11% when used by doctors. The tool also enhances diagnostic accuracy for non-dermatologist healthcare professionals by 16.5%.
A new study reveals that those affected by PCOS want a name change to overcome the misleading implication of being only an ovarian or gynaecological condition. The research, led by Monash University, involved international online surveys and face-to-face workshops, demonstrating that a name change can improve awareness, diagnosis, and ...
A Monash University study found that rare genetic variants affecting SCFA signalling increase hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk. However, adequate dietary fibre intake mitigates this risk, highlighting the importance of SCFAs in cardio-protection.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that telomere phages, previously thought to be a rarity, are highly prevalent in Klebsiella bacteria. The discovery improves understanding of viral mechanisms and has implications for bacterial management strategies.
A 20-year modeling study found that increasing urban vegetation by 30% could save up to 1.16 million lives globally from 2000 to 2019, with the greatest reduction in heat-related deaths in Southern Asia, Eastern Europe, and Eastern Asia.
A study published in JAMA found that metformin reduced knee arthritis pain over six months in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity. The treatment was shown to have a moderate effect on pain reduction, with the metformin group reporting a 31.3 point decrease compared to the placebo group.
A massive analysis of over 300 million hospitalizations records in eight countries found that flooding increases the risk of serious diseases like cardiovascular, respiratory, and infectious diseases. The study highlights the need for better preparedness and response to mitigate health impacts of floods.