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Monash University


Store remodelling benefits bottom line

Research from Monash University found that store remodelling increases retail sales by nearly 50%, with new customers driving a 43-44% increase in sales. Existing customers see a 7-10% boost. The study suggests remodelling should be viewed as a marketing investment to retain and attract new customers.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateDec 22, 2014

Social connections keep workers on board

A new study found that some employees respond positively to change in the workplace by implementing new methods or techniques, coaching team members, or establishing new goals. Experts say organizations should review their recruitment and selection processes to ensure compatibility between employees' values and work environment.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·DateDec 16, 2014

'Good fat' could help manage type 2 diabetes

Researchers have discovered that brown fat, which burns calories and absorbs excess sugar, could be used to control blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The study found that activating brown fat cells could lead to a new way of managing the disease without daily insulin injections.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateNov 23, 2014

Spice up your memory

A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adding one gram of turmeric to breakfast improved working memory in older adults with pre-diabetes. The spice's active compound, curcumin, has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and improve cognitive function.

SourceMonash University·JournalAsia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 17, 2014

Grant success for Monash economists

Researchers will study past interventions and decision-making processes at the household level to understand what works and what doesn't. The project aims to identify drivers of food security status and constraints on improvements at the household level.

Molecule could suppress immune system's 'friendly fire'

Researchers have discovered a molecule, IGF-1, that can induce the production of T-reg cells, suppressing symptoms of autoimmune diseases. The findings confirm IGF-1's direct action on T-reg cells, making it a promising therapeutic option for conditions like type-1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

SourceMonash University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 22, 2014

A heart-felt need for dairy food

A study of nearly 4000 Taiwanese found that increased dairy consumption lowered cardiovascular mortality and stroke risks. Moderate dairy intake, even in lactose intolerant individuals, is beneficial for overall health.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateSep 15, 2014

Endometriosis a burden on women's lives

A Monash University study found that endometriosis often takes a long time to be diagnosed and impacts various areas of a woman's life. Common symptoms include painful menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care·DateSep 10, 2014

An appetite for life

A study published in Appetite found that elderly people with fair or poor appetites had higher risks of mortality than those with good appetites. Those with poor appetites consumed a less diverse diet, leading to lower energy and nutrient intake.

SourceMonash University·JournalAppetite·DateSep 9, 2014

Light detector to revolutionize night vision technology

A team of researchers at Monash University has developed a light detector based on graphene that can detect light over an unusually broad range of wavelengths, including terahertz waves. This breakthrough could lead to inexpensive infrared cameras or night-vision goggles with unparalleled sensitivity and speed.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 8, 2014

Copper shines as flexible conductor

Researchers at Monash University have developed copper nanowire aerogels that combine conductivity with flexibility, enabling the creation of stretchable conductive rubbers. The addition of a small amount of poly(vinyl alcohol) improves mechanical strength without impairing conductivity.

SourceMonash University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 28, 2014

Recognition for Monash rheologist

Renowned Monash rheologist Professor Tam Sridhar has been awarded the ASR Medallion for his distinguished contributions to rheology science and technology. He is the fifth recipient of this award in the past 20 years, recognizing his exceptional service to the field.

Protected areas proven to protect biodiversity

Researchers from Monash University and international collaborators analyzed past 30 years of research to determine the impact of protected areas on biodiversity. The study found that these areas generally have larger plant and animal populations and more species than adjacent non-protected areas.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2014

New X-ray imaging developed by scientists

Scientists at Monash University developed an x-ray imaging system that allows researchers to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for cystic fibrosis. This breakthrough enables non-invasive assessment of treatment efficacy on airway surfaces, accelerating development of new treatments.

SourceMonash University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2014

Step closer to birth of the sun

Researchers have dated the final addition of heavy elements like gold and platinum to the solar system 100 million years before the sun's birth. This discovery has shed light on the sun's prehistory, including the duration of an 'incubation' period that preceded its formation.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2014

Vaccine website could increase uptake

A dedicated website for the MMR vaccine is proposed as a simple yet effective way to boost vaccination rates. The study found that providing parents with online information reduces concerns and is more cost-effective than traditional methods like leaflets or face-to-face consultations.

SourceMonash University·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateJul 28, 2014

Minimizing drag to maximize results

Researchers from Monash University studied how riders' drag is affected by the relative position of multiple cyclists in a breakaway group. They found that drafting can significantly reduce drag, with up to 49% drop for trailing riders and 5% for lead riders.

SourceMonash University·JournalProcedia Engineering·DateJul 23, 2014

Night-time brilliance lights up political patronage

A new study by Monash University researchers links night-time light intensity to regional favouritism and GDP growth, finding that countries where political leaders were born tend to have higher night-time light levels and regional GDP. The study also highlights the impact of authoritarian leadership on foreign aid distribution.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateJul 9, 2014

Global toolkit to diagnose menopause

The Practitioner Toolkit for Managing the Menopause is a new resource that helps doctors diagnose and treat menopausal conditions in women globally. The toolkit includes a diagnostic tool, approved hormone therapies, and non-hormonal therapies with evidence-based support.

SourceMonash University·JournalClimacteric·DateJul 6, 2014

Water bonus flows from climate change measures

A new study by Monash University found that implementing efficiency measures addressing climate change can reduce water consumption. Energy efficiency measures, such as wind power and solar photovoltaics, were identified as key options for saving water while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceMonash University·JournalClimatic Change·DateJul 4, 2014

Victoria's volcano count rises

Three previously unrecorded volcanoes have been found in southeastern Australia, adding to the Newer Volcanics Province's 400 volcanoes. The discovery provides new insights into an area of volcanic centres already known to geologists.

SourceMonash University·JournalAustralian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateJun 26, 2014

Battle of the bulge occurs in the liver

A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that free radical molecules contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease by inactivating protein tyrosine phosphatases. This inactivation leads to a cascade of events promoting disease progression.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 23, 2014

A call to better protect Antarctica

A new study finds that most protected areas in Antarctica are at high risk for biological invasions, with five eco regions having no protected areas. The continent's biodiversity is vulnerable to invasion by exotic species, threatening its unique wildlife and plants.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 17, 2014

'Jekyll and Hyde' protein linked to type 1 diabetes

A new study published in PNAS reveals how the GAD65 protein changes shape when activated, potentially linking it to type 1 diabetes. The research found that antibodies interact with the protein differently depending on its state, which may affect vaccine development for the disease.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

Boring cells could hold the key to heart disease

Researchers found that cardiac fibroblasts are unique cells with organ-specific functions and can be used in replacement therapies for congenital heart disease and heart failure. They have specific genes that tell them to become heart cells, making them a promising alternative to heart transplants.

SourceMonash University·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 24, 2014