A 21-year study found people living in remote areas were three times more likely to have a notifiable disease, with STIs six times higher. Indigenous Australians make up only 3% of the population but represent 8% of notified cases, highlighting significant under-reporting.
Researchers at Monash University have made a groundbreaking discovery about how T cells recognize viruses, challenging decades-old immunological concepts. By using the National Synchrotron, they gained key molecular insights into the T cell-virus interaction, revealing a new way T cells 'see' viruses and triggering an immune response.
A Monash University study revealed a 'swallowing inhibition' mechanism in the human body to regulate fluid intake and prevent over-drinking. The research showed that drinking too much water can cause potentially fatal water intoxication, highlighting the importance of listening to thirst cues rather than following an elaborate schedule.
A Monash University and Harvard researchers have discovered the molecular cause of the itchy, painful rash caused by poison ivy. The finding identifies CD1a as a crucial immune molecule in mediating skin inflammation and irritation after contact with urushiol, a key player in triggering skin-based allergic reactions.
A new study published in Nature Medicine shows that a natural immune system protein called IL-2 can help restore balance to the overactive immune system of lupus patients. The drug, originally used to boost the immune system for cancer treatment, has been found safe and effective in clinical trials.
A new four-dimensional lung scanning platform developed at Monash University has the potential to transform treatment for millions of people with lung disease. The technology allows clinicians to detect changes in lung function earlier, enabling them to quantify the effects of treatment.
Scientists have discovered specialized killer T cells that can migrate into lymphoid tissue to control hidden infections like HIV and glandular fever. This breakthrough discovery could lead to new therapies to treat chronic infections.
In a study of Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens, researchers found that females are more likely to initiate divorce due to dissatisfaction with their territory. Divorce allows females to gain better territories, which are crucial for reproductive success in this species.
Researchers found that a western-style high fat diet can affect the immune system prior to weight gain, altering T cell responses and potentially leading to autoimmune disease. The study revealed that dietary lipids directly influence T cell activation and responsiveness by changing the composition of the T cell membrane.
A high-fibre diet shaped by fibre and short-chain fatty acids boosts dendritic cells, which control allergic responses, reducing allergy symptoms. The study suggests that a lack of fibre may promote food allergies in infants due to low levels of vitamin A.
A Monash University-led research team has discovered that about half of the stars in the M4 globular cluster are dying prematurely, skipping the Red Giant phase and becoming White Dwarfs millions of years ahead of schedule. The cause of this phenomenon remains a mystery, but it is believed to only occur in sodium-rich/oxygen-poor stars.
Researchers at Monash University discovered a potential novel way to treat antibiotic-resistant superbugs by targeting the E. coli cell membrane's anchoring filaments. The 'anchors' are crucial for the bacteria to latch onto the urinary tract surface, and blocking them could lead to effective treatment.
A new study published in Nature found that Earth's ancient upper atmosphere contained about the same amount of oxygen as today, with a methane haze layer separating the oxygen-rich upper layer from the lower, oxygen-starved atmosphere. This challenges the accepted view that Earth's ancient atmosphere was oxygen-poor.
Monash University researchers have discovered a new mechanism that enables plants to regulate their flowering in response to raised temperatures. The finding could lead to the development of technology allowing us to control plant physiological responses and mitigate warming impacts.
Researchers at Monash University found that drones are more precise than traditional ground counts for monitoring seabird colonies. Drones' down-facing perspective reduces the likelihood of missing birds and provides a more accurate count.
Graphene, known as 'black gold', has high surface area and can effectively purify contaminated water due to its unique structure. Using light, researchers can extract the graphene and contaminants, enabling easier purification.
A study led by Dr Alistair Evans from Monash University has simplified the understanding of human tooth evolution, allowing for predictions on missing teeth. The 'inhibitory cascade' rule reveals a pattern in tooth size that was previously thought to be more complex.
Researchers from Monash University have developed a new image modulation technique called SWIFT to study how the brain categorizes objects. The study found that SWIFT can stimulate specific neural activity patterns in the brain, enabling greater understanding of human visual processing and its potential applications.
Monash University researchers have solved the X-ray crystal structure of stonefish venom's lethal factor, providing insight into a crucial human immune response. The discovery aims to develop immunosuppressants to improve transplant therapy success rates for leukaemia treatment.
Researchers at Monash University have found that perforin-like proteins control the release of a critical growth factor governing head and tail development in fruit flies. This discovery may provide new opportunities for treating brain developmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Researchers at Monash University discovered that regulatory T cells can function even when their receptors bind to MHC in a completely different orientation, challenging established views on the immune system. This finding opens up new avenues for investigating and potentially treating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.
Monash University researchers have discovered the mechanism behind how proteins enter mitochondria, a crucial step in cellular energy production. The breakthrough uses novel technology to visualize the process at an atomic level, enabling scientists to study fundamental biological pathways.
New research from Monash University finds that Australian children and adolescents receive millions of exposures to alcohol advertising during daytime TV viewing of AFL, NRL, and Cricket. The study suggests removing a clause allowing alcohol advertising during daytime in sport could halve children's exposure.
Researchers at Monash University developed a new non-invasive image processing technique to visualize embryo formation, challenging the prevailing model of cell placement. This breakthrough offers potential for improving IVF success rates by selecting embryos with optimal inter-cellular forces.
Research reveals 87% of daytime alcohol adverts appear in sport TV, affecting hundreds of thousands of children. The study suggests stronger restrictions on alcohol advertising in sport could halve children's exposure to adverts.
Researchers have developed a novel imaging method to capture the 3D structures of nanocrystals, which could be used to fight cancer and collect renewable energy. The method reveals asymmetrical multi-domain structures in platinum nanoparticles.
Researchers have developed a new non-invasive brain stimulation technique that increases brain excitability, potentially improving physical performance and treating neurological disorders. The technique, called transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), produces larger changes in the brain than conventional methods.
Researchers found a strong association between exposure to tiny particulate pollutants from wildfire smoke and the risk of heart-related incidents, including cardiac arrests, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. The study suggests that fine particulate matter may act as a trigger factor for acute cardiovascular events.
A review of 34 countries' policies on children's exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from technology found varying degrees of advice. Dr. Mary Redmayne recommends minimizing exposure by turning off devices at night, using flight mode, and storing them 20cm away from the body.
Scientists have revealed the Antarctic region is rich in species, with diverse ecosystems and micro-organismal life. The study highlights the need for comprehensive protection of the Ross Sea and improved conservation efforts to preserve this unique biodiversity.
Researchers at Monash University found that extreme endurance events can lead to sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Fitter individuals with a steady training program can adapt and counteract this effect without side effects.
Researchers uncover detailed information on AnAPN1 protein shape and antibody binding sites, enabling the design of more effective mosquito-based vaccines. This breakthrough may lead to a reduced number of infected mosquitoes and eventual disease eradication.
Research from Monash University and Harvard Medical School reveals that restricting teenagers from driving unsupervised at night can significantly reduce car crashes. The study found a 19% decrease in crash rates for drivers aged 16-17, as well as substantial reductions in nighttime crashes and fatal injuries.
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Steve Bellan and including Associate Professor Manoj Gambhir from Monash University, have identified the most effective human trial design for testing Ebola vaccines in Sierra Leone. The study suggests that a modified randomized control trial is the best approach to detect an effective and safe vaccine.
A new therapy with high cure rates is available, but the high cost of direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment limits access for many hepatitis C virus patients. Increasing treatment efficacy and accessibility could avert significant liver-related deaths and end-stage liver disease in Australia.
Researchers identified a previously unknown drop in pressure when magma stalled to form a horizontal sill, which can drive the release of dissolved gases and cause eruptions.
Researchers have discovered a way to stop lupus without suppressing the immune system by focusing on the TACI receptor. Deleting this receptor eliminates lupus in high BAFF levels, leaving natural immunity intact.
Researchers from Monash University discovered the origins of Australia's two largest basins by reconstructing geological evolution and using seismic tomography models. The study found that both basins are located above a deep mantle slab, which is sinking into the Earth's interior.
A Monash University study found that women's expectations and attitudes about birth are shaped by popular media, particularly magazines, leading to biased decision-making. Women exposed to magazine articles endorsing non-medicalised birth were more likely to change their intention towards a natural birth.
Researchers have identified a new gene, ICARUS1, that enables plants to grow optimally in different temperatures. This discovery could lead to the development of crops that can withstand elevated temperatures, addressing the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity.
Monash researchers, in collaboration with Illycaffè, conducted a comprehensive study on the behavior of free radicals and antioxidants during coffee brewing. They discovered that under certain conditions, coffee can act as an antioxidant, providing a deeper understanding of its potential health benefits.
A new study led by Monash researcher Dr Pascal Molenberghs found that brain activity in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex increases with guilt when participants imagine unjustified violence, but not when imagining justified violence. The research provides insights into how people justify extreme violence in certain situations, such as war.
Researchers found that 17beta-trenbolone alters male reproductive behavior in guppy fish, influencing mating success and potentially devastating long-term impacts. The study demonstrates the capacity of agricultural contaminants to disrupt mating systems in wild populations.
A Monash University study reviewed over a million ICU patients in Australia and New Zealand, finding one in eight did not meet current sepsis criteria. The classic definition of sepsis may be missing critically ill patients, particularly the elderly or those on medications that affect heart rate or immune systems.
Researchers have discovered a magnetic material that can heat cancer cells to high temperatures without harming healthy tissue. This breakthrough material uses a unique Curie temperature-dependent heating effect that stops quickly and cannot get hotter.
Researchers have deciphered the mechanism of interleukin 37 (IL-37), a powerful inhibitor of inflammation, revealing its ability to regulate and control inflammation by binding to specific receptors on target cells. The findings hold promise for developing new drugs to treat inflammatory diseases such as stroke, heart attack, and autoi...
A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that Australia's mental health care system is multi-tiered rather than universal, with those living in disadvantaged areas receiving fewer services and from less highly trained providers. The research highlights a disparity in access to psychiatric and clinical psychologis...
A new study suggests that an excise tax on sugar-sweetened drinks can effectively reduce consumption rates, especially among heavy drinkers. The research found that adding a 20 cents per litre tax was more effective than a sales tax of similar levels in lowering consumption rates.
Researchers say treating human health as part of an ecosystem can resolve problems like antibiotic crisis and obesity epidemic. Professor Mark Wahlqvist advocates for integrative approaches to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of nature and varied diets.
Scientists at Monash University have made a major breakthrough in understanding how the brain adapts to vision loss by discovering a second pathway for visual information. This new pathway, through the pulvinar area of the brain, plays a crucial role in rerouting visual information following injury or trauma.