Dr. Makrina Totsika is developing a new class of drugs to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, a major threat to public health worldwide. Her research focuses on disarming superbugs rather than killing them, with promising results in preclinical animal models.
Researchers from Queensland University of Technology have captured the first videos of a coral's bleaching behavior, showing how it employs pulsed inflation to expel Symbiodinium algae. The study suggests that this rapid expulsion may increase the coral's chance of survival during abnormally high sea temperatures.
A Queensland University of Technology road safety study found that bright light combined with caffeine improved driving performance and alertness in chronically sleep-deprived young drivers. The study also revealed that driver sleepiness accounted for 20% of all crashes in developed countries.
A Queensland University of Technology study reveals that parents play a significant role in shaping their children's behavior behind the wheel. Parents who actively encourage their young drivers to obey road rules are more effective at enforcing restrictions than traditional policing.
Experts say psychology is key to understanding road safety and autonomous vehicle success. The event aims to reduce road trauma by sharing the latest in road safety research.
A new Australian-first study found that nearly half of patients hospitalized due to diabetic foot disease were already showing symptoms. Diabetic foot disease causes significant costs, with estimated annual direct costs reaching $350 million for hospitalization alone.
A carrot and stick approach to workplace safety may not be effective, instead, QUT researcher Dr Jason Edwards is working on a new strategy that combines educative and directive methods to promote safety excellence. This research aims to develop evidence-based strategies to reduce productivity losses due to injuries and illnesses.
A QUT study of over 1000 Australian women found younger and more educated sperm donors are preferred, despite women having more freedom to choose. This suggests that resources and financial stability remain important considerations in reproductive decisions.
New research suggests mammals evolved and diversified after the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago, contradicting a long-held scientific theory. Fossil records support this finding, which was achieved by recalibrating DNA evolution rates using reliable fossil data.
A study found that Australian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face delays in diagnosis due to prolonged waiting periods for assessments. Practitioners cited having large waiting lists as a major factor, leading to delayed diagnoses and reduced access to evidence-based interventions.
Children can learn robotics skills from a young age, with even pre-school students showing complex conceptual thinking and creativity. Robotics provides an engaging way for students and teachers to work together, promoting problem-solving and hands-on learning.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that drivers can see trains from a distance, but struggle to estimate their speed. On average, drivers overestimated the train's speed by 36% at 750m away and 29% at 350m away.
A national survey found that social and emotional wellbeing is crucial for the success of autistic children in mainstream schools. The report highlights the need for teachers to be flexible and agile to meet individual needs, with many children experiencing difficulties in school due to their autism.
A new blackspot identification method developed by QUT uses a Bayesian latent class model to analyze multiple crash risk processes. The model identifies additional high-risk sites, resulting in improved prediction ability and accuracy.
QUT researchers are developing new technologies to turn sugarcane trash into renewable fuels for the sugar industry. The project aims to reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels in sugarcane production, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and cost savings.
A study led by QUT researchers has shown that pindolol, a drug already approved by the FDA, can reduce ethanol consumption and is a promising treatment option for alcohol use disorders. The preclinical study suggests that pindolol could be an inexpensive and effective approach to treating alcohol dependence.
A world-first study by QUT finds that drugs used to treat nicotine addiction can also reduce sugar cravings and consumption. The study highlights the importance of reevaluating our relationship with sweetened food, and may represent a novel new treatment strategy for obesity.
Research by Queensland University of Technology found that children who spend more time outdoors have slower eye growth and reduced myopia progression. The study recommends at least two hours of outdoor light exposure per day to help prevent myopia from developing and progressing.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed a new 3D printable material that mimics human tissue, allowing for the creation of tumor microenvironments to test anti-cancer drugs. This breakthrough enables rapid, personalized cancer treatment targeting tumors, not entire bodies.
A global study has identified hundreds of genes associated with 5 common inflammatory diseases, paving the way for new treatments. The research found that these conditions share similar genetic backgrounds and can occur together due to shared risk factors.
A third of young kids with unresolved sleep problems impact their school success. Children who regulate their own sleep by five years adjust to school more easily than those who don't.
The National Hand Hygiene Initiative in Australian hospitals successfully reduced risks of deadly infections, saving at least 96 years of life annually. However, the program was found to be expensive, with costs ranging from $8,988 to $29,700 per life year gained.
A QUT study suggests that excessive parental involvement in homework can lead to a decrease in children's ability to take responsibility for their work. Parents who endorse helicopter parenting beliefs are more likely to take on too much responsibility for completing homework and expecting teachers to do the same.
A QUT study published in PLOS ONE found that moderate intensity light exposure earlier in the day is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) in preschool children. The research also discovered that children who received more total light exposure at age 3 had higher BMI 12 months later.
A QUT study reveals that rumble strips are effective in alerting sleepy drivers to pull over, reducing the risk of fatal crashes. The research found that drivers hit a rumble strip after 20 minutes of driving and that taking breaks and using countermeasures like napping or caffeine can increase driver alertness.
QUT scientists uncover the secrets of Aussie 'resurrection' grass, a native species that can survive droughts by selectively culling its own cells. The research reveals sugar manipulation and autophagy as key survival mechanisms, potentially leading to the development of stress-tolerant crops like chickpea.
A researcher from QUT found that people worldwide are willing to act on climate change by reducing carbon footprints and supporting government action. A 'Plan B' is proposed to develop policies and communication strategies tying climate change to a more caring and ethical society, leveraging the influence of religious leaders.
A QUT study found that 44% of child injuries in emergency departments are associated with consumer products, but 13% of cases have inadequate records to determine the cause. The study highlights the need for better injury data to improve product safety initiatives.
Research reveals widespread use of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in the Australian Defence Force, with men and women making requests for flexibility in equal proportions. FWAs are valued by personnel across all ranks, with 78% of requests fully granted.
A QUT research found that sharing economy model could be developed to support people experiencing financial hardship by providing essential services like food relief. Clients who interacted with each other at the centre appreciated social value and gained useful knowledge, while stigma attached to seeking help was reduced.
A QUT survey found young people struggle with managing car loans, credit cards, and mobile phone deals. Experts urge educators to include financial literacy workshops in schools before students leave.
Research suggests that prescription medication can impair drivers' abilities, with Benzodiazepines increasing the risk of crashes. The symposium aims to address the issue through increased awareness and testing procedures.
A QUT study found that men with these traits were more likely to be chosen as sperm donors. The research also showed that women kept in touch with their donor children through various means.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology are investigating innovation systems to guide businesses and stimulate economic growth. The project aims to develop a theory of innovation systems to analyse which processes are most beneficial for organisations.
QUT research has received a $1M funding boost to explore the use of Australian plants in combating golden staph infections, healing chronic wounds, and treating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The project aims to improve treatment options for millions of people worldwide suffering from these conditions.
QUT scientists have discovered a gene in the Pitjuri plant that allows it to rapidly grow and survive in harsh conditions, including space. This discovery could lead to growing food in space and has implications for future genetic research.
Research by Queensland University of Technology found that people living alone are more likely to have poor dieting habits due to inadequate cooking skills and lack of motivation. The study also found a gender disparity in healthy eating practices, with men living alone having poorer diets than women.
A QUT study of 48 pre-schoolers found moderate intensity light exposure earlier in the day was associated with increased BMI, while physical activity was not linked to body mass. The research suggests that artificial lighting contributes to global increases in childhood obesity.
QUT researchers warn that smart cars are vulnerable to cyber attacks without proper safeguards. The university's experts highlight the need for a secure system to protect connected vehicles from malicious hacking.
Researchers found a mix of criticism and sympathy for fatigued drivers on YouTube, with most videos portraying driver fatigue as dangerous. In-vehicle footage was the most popular type, but those trivializing sleepy driving received more views.
A QUT study found young drivers are more likely to drive sleepy than drunk, with 20% of fatal crashes attributed to drink driving and 15% to fatigued driving in Queensland. Young drivers are also more accepting of enforcement practices for drink driving than sleepy driving.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed a virtual reality platform to help protect endangered animals. The platform uses 360-degree cameras and real-time data analysis to predict the locations of critically endangered species such as rock wallabies and Sumatran orangutans.
A new DIY experiment by QUT physicists demonstrates how oceans expand as they heat up, causing sea levels to rise. The study finds that thermal expansion is responsible for most of the rising sea levels during the past century, with melting ice sheets contributing to further increases.
The Queensland University of Technology has created a virtual dinosaur zoo featuring five iconic Australian species, including Australovenator and Muttaburrasaurus. The interactive learning display allows for realistic movements and behaviors, backed by the latest research and evidence.
Research finds child labor stubbornly persists in developing countries due to unequal access to education and income inequality. The QUT study suggests that targeting schooling costs for the poor and improving public health infrastructure could help eliminate child labor.
QUT's YuMi Deadly Maths program is expanding to reach more Indigenous students, aiming to improve their understanding of mathematics and increase representation in STEM careers. The program, developed by CSIRO and the BHP Billiton Foundation, uses a unique kinaesthetic approach to learning.
The trend of modern audiences getting involved in theater productions is explored in a new book by Caroline Heim. Audiences are increasingly exuberant participants, participating in actions like screaming, taking photos, and drinking during performances.
A QUT study found that solo travelers prioritize freedom, meeting new people, and self-discovery over having a companion. Despite challenges like extra costs and safety concerns, the positives outweigh the negatives, making solo travel an increasingly popular option.
Researchers have developed an upgrade to the Internet's core encryption protocol, making it resistant to future-proofing by powerful quantum computers. The new protocol uses a mathematical technique called 'ring learning with errors problem' to protect information.
A three-year study led by QUT found that controlling feral pigs is the most cost-effective strategy to conserve 148 endangered plant and animal species in the Lake Eyre Basin. Implementing these strategies could increase food production by up to 10% and save the Australian economy $5 billion annually.