A Murdoch University study found that 56% of cooked shark products sold in Western Australian fish and chip shops are labelled ambiguously or incorrectly. DNA testing identified 16 different species, including 11 shark species, highlighting the need for stronger seafood labelling requirements.
A new study from Murdoch University found that ESG downgrades trigger larger share price losses for optimistic investors, with positive sentiment amplifying market losses. The study analyzed over 6,700 ESG rating events and found that investors react most strongly to ESG downgrades when they contradict a positive view of the firm.
Chronic wounds impact 450,000 Australians annually, requiring ongoing care and treatment. Family caregivers struggle to make decisions in uncertain situations, often with limited support. Digital tools are increasing, but decision-making support is lacking, putting immense pressure on caregivers.
The Australian facility aims to accelerate the use and availability of ASO therapeutics for genetic and acquired chronic diseases, including rare diseases. The PMC will establish educational and outreach programs to boost awareness among healthcare professionals, families, and policymakers.
A major review of bird and bat collision mitigation strategies concludes that future wind energy production must balance biodiversity protection. Smarter, combined approaches are needed to maximize wildlife protection at wind farms.
Researchers develop pangenome-guided breeding strategy to combine beneficial genes and traits for higher yields and stress tolerance in crops. The approach identifies and reintroduces lost genetic variants from wild species, resulting in improved seed size and high-altitude adaptability.
Scientists at Murdoch University mapped the genes of Salinivibrio bacteria from Rottnest Island's salt lakes, revealing their potential for producing biodegradable plastic. The study found seven new genes that may enable some strains to break down the plastic.
A scoping review of international research on moral distress among emergency department nurses found consistent patterns affecting nurses across healthcare systems. The study highlights the need for system-level changes, including safe staffing levels, supporting early-career nurses, and a culture that encourages staff to raise concerns.
A new research project using targeted gene technology aims to interrupt disease-causing signals at the genetic messaging stage. The therapy has shown promising results in early laboratory studies and is being tested in advanced human skin models to improve treatment precision and reduce side effects.
Researchers have uncovered tens of thousands of previously hidden structural variations influencing yield, nutritional quality and insect resistance in mung bean. The graph-based pan-genome captures over 75,000 gene families and identifies key agronomic traits for accelerating crop improvement.
A study by Murdoch University found that companies with aggressive tax avoidance strategies are more likely to use greenwashing as a way to manage their public image. This link was stronger for companies using 'defender' business strategies, which focus on efficiency and cost control.
A new study led by Murdoch University found that children of parents with severe mental illness are more likely to experience cognitive difficulties. The study analysed data from over 1.5 million people and found that offspring tended to perform lower across several cognitive domains, particularly where a parent had schizophrenia or bi...
A study from Murdoch University found that anger, rather than fear of infection, drives aggressive anti-Asian responses during COVID. The research suggests that addressing anger will be critical in preventing future waves of discrimination.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that maintaining good overall brain health can help reduce the impact of Alzheimer's-related changes on cognitive function. The research found a link between higher socioeconomic status and reduced cognitive vulnerability, highlighting the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles.
A new study found that captive-raised saltwater crocodiles do not return to their breeding centers after release into the wild. This discovery can help inform conservation efforts by revealing that larger, captive-bred crocodiles may be more suitable for reintroduction programs.
More than 50% of people with diabetes develop diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which causes painful sensations like burning, tingling, or shooting pains. The brain and spinal cord can also contribute to pain, as their pain-blocking systems are less effective in people with diabetes.
A new study published in Ecosphere found that drones do not disturb whale sharks when flown directly above them. Researchers attached motion-sensing tags to 13 whale sharks and compared their behavior with periods where no drone was flying overhead, revealing no evidence of disturbance.
Researchers have produced complete genome sequences for six peanut varieties, identifying two candidate genes linked to oil content and seed size. These findings provide a comprehensive blueprint for future peanut breeding and improvement strategies.
Citizen science projects are expanding globally to study bat ecology and support conservation. Methods include acoustic surveys and observations, providing valuable insights into bat distribution and seasonal activity. Collaboration with community members is crucial for advancing understanding of bat ecology and informing habitat prote...
The study found three distinct types of climate supporters: activists, anxious individuals who want to help but struggle with motivation, and hierarchy enhancers who use radical tactics for competitive reasons. Understanding these differences can inform effective communication strategies for climate movements.
A study from Murdoch University found that both music and traffic noise can make people's imagination more vivid. Music was particularly effective in creating positive and emotional journeys, while adding traffic noise somewhat dampened this effect.
A recent study from Murdoch University suggests that certain design elements in virtual reality environments can induce positive emotional states, including awe, joy, and calm. The research highlights the potential of virtual reality to be used for mental health and stress reduction, nature-based wellbeing, and education.
An international team is calling for a coordinated effort to map gene expression across every cell type and developmental stage of wheat. Spatial omics technologies can transform wheat research by revealing how individual cells respond to stress, regulate grain development, and control yield-related traits.
Researchers at Murdoch University have developed a forensic tool that uses facial similarity analysis to identify potential connections between victims of sexually motivated crime. The tool, called Face Similarity Linkage (FSL), analyzes 21 key facial landmarks and can flag potential links between victims even with imperfect photos.
A study from Murdoch University found that nature exposure does not necessarily translate to improved creative performance, but still has positive impacts on reducing mental fatigue and stress. The research also showed that built environments can increase stress levels, but this does not hinder creativity.
A new study reveals that ectotherms, including fish and reptiles, are unable to fine-tune their physiology to cope with daily temperature changes, leaving them vulnerable. The research suggests that these animals will rely on behavioral strategies or genetic adaptation to survive in a warmer climate.
New research from Murdoch University found that antenatal care can reduce the likelihood of traumatic birth experiences in Australian women. Low-cost interventions like childbirth plans and midwifery-led psychoeducation showed potential to reduce fear of childbirth and improve women's experiences.
A thriving edible garden in Brisbane attracts thousands daily, offering a blueprint for local governments to provide fresh food as a public service. The Epicurious Garden boosts biodiversity and provides education, inspiration, and sensory enjoyment, connecting people with nature.
Researchers found artificial waterbodies support healthy mussel populations, acting as 'arks' for vulnerable mussels. Successful management is crucial to prevent ecological traps and ensure conservation.
A new study reveals that Australia's mental health system inadequately protects patients from high healthcare costs, leading to financial burden. The research emphasizes the need for increased rebates for mental health services to address this inequity.
A new study reveals that Western Australia's critically endangered western ringtail possum is severely impacted by extreme heatwaves, with nocturnal activity declining by up to 43% in males. The findings highlight the need for conservation efforts to protect cooling habitats and account for behavioral stress in climate-risk planning.
A Murdoch University review found that people with MS experience difficulties navigating society and feel ashamed about their condition. The study highlights gaps in the ICF framework, which may not capture the full emotional and social burden of living with MS.
A new study finds that greenwashing enhances firms' stability in the short term by appearing less risky in the market, but this benefit weakens over time. In reality, companies engaging in greenwashing report ESG scores higher than their actual carbon emissions.
A new study from Murdoch University found that 66% of participants with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) experienced migraines that started or worsened after CRPS onset. This research highlights the connection between CRPS and migraine, suggesting a possible common cause for both conditions.
Wearing blood flow restriction cuffs while walking can worsen balance in older adults, regardless of speed. However, long-term training with BFR could potentially improve balance and strength in this age group. The study's findings highlight the importance of exercising safely under professional supervision.
A decade-long study of 1,051 participants found that slower peak angular velocity was linked to a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, with estimated turning speeds declining 8.8 years before clinical diagnosis. The study used wearable sensors and machine learning models to predict Parkinson's cases with high accuracy.
A new study found that Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback significantly improves symptoms of both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. Participants who completed a six-week HRV biofeedback program showed a 24% reduction in PTSD symptoms and nearly 25% improvement in pain-related interference.
Research reveals that even native ecosystems can't adapt to extreme drought conditions, leading to significant impacts on plant growth and productivity. Productivity declines by up to 77% in four years under consecutive extreme droughts.
A new study published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues found that nearly half of Australians are unfamiliar with the term 'coercive control' or its meaning. The research highlights a critical need to increase public awareness, particularly among younger adults and those with lower educational attainment.
Researchers discovered a new stage of development during butterfly wing scale growth, finding gyroid structures resemble braids or ropes before becoming smooth. This discovery challenges the previous assumption and offers insights into how complex network-like structures form in butterflies and insects.
A new study published in Psychology and Health journal found that individuals with chronic pain experience higher levels of perfectionism and lower levels of self-compassion. Researchers suggest that increasing self-compassion and addressing perfectionistic tendencies may be beneficial for managing chronic pain.
A new study from Murdoch University found that overlapping sleep problems increase the chances of accidents on the road and at work. Young adults with sleep disorders, insufficient sleep, and shift work were more likely to experience near-miss road incidents and fall asleep while driving.
Researchers created a comprehensive genetic resource for Australian chickpea varieties, uncovering previously uncharacterized genetic diversity. The pangenome analysis identified 34,345 gene families, including those associated with key agronomic traits like yield, flowering time, and disease resistance.
Research by Dr Alannah Cooper found that peer support groups promoted social support in the workplace, leading to improved wellbeing scores among mental health nurses. The intervention addressed underlying issues with workplace conditions, highlighting the importance of flexible attendance and supportive nurse managers.
A comprehensive review reveals that agricultural soils contain 23 times more microplastics than oceans, with plastics linked to reproductive issues, neurodegenerative disease, and early death. The study highlights the need for coordinated scientific and regulatory efforts to address the plastic crisis.
Rajeev Varshney, a Murdoch University professor, has been elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. He is recognized for his groundbreaking work in genomics, genetics, and pre-breeding, helping to secure food production in the face of climate change.
Researchers identified crucial structural variations that determine seed size and weight in peanuts, paving the way for improved legume crops. A pangenome of peanut was assembled, serving as a fundamental resource for genetic enhancement.
A new study from Murdoch University confirms that COVID-19 vaccinations do not cause significant metabolic changes. The research monitored 167 metabolic markers in 33 participants over 480 days post-vaccination, showing no significant impact on key health indicators.
Scientists have developed a low-cost and easy-to-use diagnostic tool for assessing cardiovascular disease risk using molecular blood screening. The technology enables high-throughput analysis of key lipoprotein markers in under 15 minutes, providing clinicians with a rapid and reliable diagnostic tool.
A new study from Murdoch University found that companies adopting Integrated Reporting and Combined Assurance practices can significantly improve their stock market performance. Key findings include the importance of non-financial information, the detection and reduction of earnings management, and the enhancement of report credibility.