A Monash University study using roundworms found that certain foods, such as apples and herbs, can help protect against brain function deterioration. The researchers discovered that a molecule present in these foods, ursolic acid, causes a gene to turn on, making a specific type of fat that prevents axon fragility.
Researchers discovered a protective immune feature lacking in people chronically infected with intestinal worms, leading to potential human vaccines and treatments. The study used animal models and found that blocking the T follicular helper response impaired worm clearance and promoted chronic infection.
Researchers at Monash University developed a co-training AI algorithm that can effectively mimic human oversight in medical imaging. The algorithm achieved an average improvement of 3% compared to state-of-the-art approaches using limited annotated data, enabling AI models to make more informed decisions and uncover accurate diagnoses.
Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2 infects the placenta by targeting specific cells expressing the ACE2 protein, leading to inflammation and reduced production of crucial pregnancy hormone hCG. Anti-ACE2 antibody treatments and antiviral drugs show promise in preventing infection and restoring normal function.
A recent study found that international migrants in Australia are at increased risk of HIV infection due to reduced access to PrEP, a highly effective prevention measure. The study identified multiple barriers, including lack of awareness, low risk perception, and provider discrimination, which hinder their ability to access PrEP.
A comprehensive study found that increased exposure to wildfire-related PM2.5 was associated with a higher risk of all-cause and nonaccidental mortality, as well as an increased risk of dying from neoplasms. The research used a large-scale national cohort database from the UK Biobank, involving 492,394 participants.
A 12-month lifestyle intervention led by community health workers reduced systolic blood pressure in Nepal. However, a 5-year follow-up found that the benefit was not maintained, with blood pressure rising again after the intervention ended. This highlights the need for ongoing education and follow-up to prevent potential harm.
A new study analyzing data from the ASPREE trial found that prolonged daily aspirin use increases the risk of anaemia by 20 per cent in people mostly aged 70 and over. Regular monitoring for anaemia should be considered for older adults taking low-dose aspirin.
A new study has found that the drug tranexamic acid significantly improves survival rates among severely injured patients, with approximately four extra survivors for every 100 treated with the medication. However, the long-term outcomes of care and quality of life remain a concern, highlighting the need for further research.
A recent study published in Flora used social media images of cherry blossoms to track climate patterns and identify subtle off-season blooms. The researchers analyzed 10 years of data from Flickr and compared it with official records of cherry flowering times in Japan, finding a detailed seasonal pattern of blooming across the country.
A Monash University study found that the shape of a person's brain, rather than its complex connections, plays a crucial role in how we think, feel, and behave. The research used magnetic resonance imaging to identify eigenmodes, natural patterns of vibration, which are influenced by the brain's structural properties.
Researchers at Monash University have characterized a critical time in mammalian embryonic development using innovative imaging techniques. They discovered how the distribution of RNA subtypes determines what cells will become, with implications for regenerative medicine treatments.
Researchers discovered that African killifish muscles reverse to an early-life state towards the end of life, slowing mortality. The study suggests mechanisms preventing further deterioration and may lead to new treatments for age-related muscle loss.
A recent study by Monash University researchers found that a unique subtype of an immune cell produces long-lasting antibodies in response to certain vaccinations. This discovery may lead to the development of improved vaccines providing life-long protection.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a key mechanism to control the inflammatory response to infection. The study found that the termination of STING responses is mediated via ESCRT-dependent degradation.
A recent study has discovered a shared protein sequence among bacterial pathogens, recognized by human T cells in a conserved manner. This finding suggests that T cells may provide broad antibacterial immunity against a range of diseases, potentially informing the development of more effective vaccines.
A low-cost, high-effective program provides community-based groups to teach women and partners about nutrition, caregiving, and health from pregnancy to age one. The study found significant improvements in brain development, cognitive skills, and language abilities at age two compared to usual healthcare.
Australian scientists have discovered an enzyme called Huc that converts air into energy by using the low amounts of hydrogen in the atmosphere. This discovery opens the way to create devices that produce energy from thin air, offering a sustainable alternative to solar-powered devices.
A new study by Monash University found that almost nowhere on Earth is safe from air pollution, with only 0.001% of the global population exposed to safe levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The study, which analyzed data from 2000-2019, revealed increasing pollution levels in Southern Asia, Australia, and Latin America.
Researchers have discovered a new group of immune cells called NKRM cells that limit immune responses in tissues and prevent autoimmunity. This discovery may lead to new treatments for conditions like Sjogren's Syndrome and chronic inflammatory diseases.
A new study published in Nature Microbiology reveals that many ocean microbes rely on chemosynthesis, a process using inorganic compounds, to survive in deep-sea environments. The research found that trillions of microbes in the ocean use hydrogen and carbon monoxide as fuel.
A world-first study has identified genetic markers for people with diabetes at risk of developing kidney disease. The findings could lead to the development of a predictive test that can detect adults with Type 1 diabetes at risk before symptoms appear, allowing for early-stage interventions.
A recent study reviewed 3299 studies and found no standard tools for measuring the carbon footprint of digital health interventions globally. The researchers emphasize the need for end-to-end systems-based environmental assessments to encourage greener digital healthcare solutions.
A Monash University research team has discovered how immune memory cells are stored in the bone marrow after vaccination. Long-lived plasma cells accumulate at a constant rate from early in an immune response and can persist for decades, providing ongoing protection against disease.
Researchers found that human kidneys with more blood filters (glomeruli) contained more podocytes per filter. This means that people with more glomeruli not only have more units of podocytes overall, but these cells are more concentrated in each filter. Early discoveries suggest expectant mothers can reduce their babies' future kidney ...
Advanced imaging technology reveals how Candida albicans uses 'alien-like' shape shifting to evade immune cells and trigger harmful immune responses. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind this escape, revealing several escape mechanisms enabled by fungal toxin candidalysin.
Australian researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which T cells can react to lower doses of antigens, leading to a 50-fold increase in T cell activation sensitivity. This finding opens up new possibilities for developing more effective immunotherapies.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a new pathway to regenerate insulin in pancreatic stem cells, which could lead to new therapies for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study uses a drug approved by the US FDA to reactivate dormant insulin-producing cells, paving the way for potential treatments.
A 30-year study of over 1200 participants found that children with higher levels of cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness had better midlife cognitive function. Conversely, those with higher waist-to-hip ratios were at increased risk for dementia later in life.
A landmark study published in Frontiers in Physiology suggests that eastward travel can significantly impact home teams' performance in the NBA Finals. The research found that teams playing with 1 hour of eastward jet lag experienced a 0.72-point drop in point differential compared to teams without jet lag.
A Monash University study found that microbial fermentation of dietary fibre in the gut protects against allergic skin disease. The researchers used mice with a diet high in fermentable fibre or purified SCFAs, showing that butyrate enhances the metabolism of keratinocytes and fortifies the skin barrier.
A clinical trial found that sodium selenate stabilizes escalating behavioural issues and slows brain shrinkage in patients with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia. The treatment has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, with reduced rates of cognitive and behavioural symptoms.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a faster, more efficient nanodevice to filter proton and alkaline metal ions. The device mimics biological ion channels and enables ultrafast transport of ions with atomic-scale precision.
A new design motif from animal exoskeletons helps create high-strength, lightweight cement composites with improved damage tolerance. This discovery aims to reduce carbon emissions by improving the material's performance.
Pregnant women with anorexia are at higher risk of stillbirth, underweight baby, or pre-term birth. A new set of guidelines provides recommendations for multidisciplinary management to ensure optimal outcomes for women and their infants.
A global study by Monash University found that large daily temperature variations increase the risk of heat-related deaths, with fluctuations in Central Europe posing a significant threat. The research highlights the importance of considering temperature variability in heat-related mortality studies.
A collaborative study from Monash University has identified a new immune checkpoint, PTP1B, that can be exploited for cancer therapy. Inhibiting this protein in T cells enhances the body's immune response to cancer, helping to repress tumour growth.
A recent study by Monash University found that tick saliva proteins, called evasins, can be modified to block the activity of important proteins in human inflammatory diseases. The study identified the structural basis of chemokine recognition and establishes a foundation for engineering evasins.
Researchers from Monash University have discovered an enzyme called NOX-4 that enhances insulin responsiveness and promotes metabolic health. This discovery has opened up the possibility of developing drugs to target this enzyme and protect against age-related diseases like type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from Monash University have developed a method to determine which genes are responsible for congenital heart disease (CHD). The technique identified 35 new genes not previously suspected in the disease, opening the way for more accurate pre-natal genetic testing.
The new method can boost the potency of drugs reaching their target, increasing the effectiveness of treatments and reducing side effects. With the potential to personalize treatment and optimize doses, this technology may eventually change the current dosage needed for patients.
A new study reveals that gamma delta T cells play a critical role in promoting clinical protection against malaria. The unique T cell receptor on these cells enables them to recognize and tolerate Plasmodium falciparum parasite fragments, providing a vital component of an effective immune response.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered how gamma delta T cells recognize the MHC-like molecule MR1, providing key insights into the immune system's ability to detect infections and diseases. The study sheds light on the unique ways these cells interact with MR1, paving the way for new immunotherapies.
A recent study in mice has uncovered a protein called BMI-1 that gets turned on too early in B cells during chronic viral infection, resulting in low-quality antibodies. Targeting this protein can change the nature of the B cell to produce higher quality antibodies, potentially providing a new therapeutic pathway.
A recent study by Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute has discovered a conserved syndecan protein that coordinates communication between the germline and the rest of the body. This mechanism is required for germ cells to divide correctly, generating offspring.
Researchers found that the therapeutic effects of MSCs are due to the recipient's immune cells responding to dying MSCs undergoing apoptosis, promoting anti-inflammatory effects. This understanding may lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting the responding immune cell population.
A landmark Monash University study found moderate drinking is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in healthy older adults. The study of over 18,000 participants aged 70+ found that consumption of 51-100 g/week was linked to lower CVD event risks and all-cause mortality.
A nationwide study in Brazil found that temperature changes contributed to over 202,000 cases of kidney disease between 2000-2015. The study showed a strong association between increased temperature and hospitalizations for renal diseases.
A new research discovery at Monash University has found a way to make antibiotics more effective against 'superbugs' by attaching chemoattractants to antibiotics, enabling the recruitment of immune cells and improving killing ability. The findings have shown a 2-fold increase in effectiveness with lower doses.
A review of bats' responses to SARS-CoV-2 may provide key insights into therapies for COVID-19. Bats show minimal disease despite contracting the virus, suggesting that emulating their immune response could relieve suffering and save lives.