Researchers have developed fluorescent nano-barcodes that can detect biomolecules with high precision, surpassing existing methods like microarrays. This technology has the potential to accurately diagnose diseases and identify new molecular markers associated with them.
A new report from Research Australia reveals a strong link between childhood ear infections and exposure to passive tobacco smoke. The study found that Aboriginal children were more likely to develop middle ear infections and experience hearing loss due to early exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
A new study found that swimming pools in remote Aboriginal communities significantly reduced skin, ear, and chest infections. Infections were more than halved in both Jigalong and Mugarinya communities. The pools also provided social hubs and employment opportunities while reducing clinic visits and antibiotic prescriptions.
A study by researchers at the Howard Florey Institute in Melbourne found that manipulating the adenosine A2A receptor may contribute to heroin addiction. Mice without this receptor showed reduced desire for morphine and did not develop tolerance or conditioned place preference, suggesting a role in regulating opiate use and abuse.
New research from the LOOKING at Language project reveals that late-talking toddlers are more likely to continue struggling with language development, but a significant proportion will catch up. By seven years old, around 80% of late talkers have made progress and there is no evidence boys are at greater risk than girls.
Researchers at Melbourne's Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a key step in the 'puncture' mechanism of cell death, which drives apoptosis. The discovery has important implications for the development of drugs that can regulate cell death, with potential applications in cancer and degenerative disease treatments.
International health experts call for urgent action from international development banks and pharmaceutical companies to address blood pressure-related diseases affecting developing countries. The authors argue that deaths from heart disease and stroke are largely avoidable but lack of effort has resulted in over 50 million deaths, wit...
Climate change poses a significant threat to global HIV rates, exacerbated by economic pressures and food scarcity. The event aims to address the topic of an HIV-free future and features discussions on prevention, antiretroviral therapy, and integrated care.
Western Australian researchers have made a world-first discovery that could help treat life-threatening tumours by reversing angiogenesis. The team found that the gene RGS5 can normalise blood vessels in tumours, allowing for improved immune cell entry and increased survival rates in laboratory tests.
Research reveals female vets exposed to x-rays, anaesthetic gases, and pesticides are twice as likely to miscarry during pregnancy. The study emphasizes the need for veterinarians to prioritize preventive measures and use protective devices at work.
Two studies published in Blood journal provide insights into the regulation of red blood cell production, linking it to the Hls5 gene and thyroid hormone. This knowledge may lead to new treatments for anaemias that don't respond to current hormone therapy.
A study found that only 16% of Australians who started using asthma preventer medications regularly, while most new users stopped filling prescriptions after two years. The research highlights a significant gap between guidelines and real-world use.
The George Institute is tracking global funding for R&D of neglected diseases in developing countries through a 5-year survey. The study aims to provide donors with an updated overview of investment gaps and prevent duplication of efforts.
The Queensland Government's decision will ensure 80% of residents drink fluoridated water within two years and over 90% by 2012. Fluoride introduction is expected to reduce dental decay by up to 65% compared to non-fluoridated areas.
A new HIV estimate for India, based on population-based data from the National Family Health Survey, has been revised downward to 2.5 million people living with HIV/AIDS. This reduction is attributed to a flawed estimation method used previously, which overestimated the burden of HIV in India.
Research finds that elite rowers show a significant reduction in lactoferrin concentration after five months of sedentary lifestyle, but experience an increase in salivary proteins following moderate and high-intensity exercise. This study aims to test the effectiveness of nutritional interventions on the immune system.
Researchers at Griffith University develop a technique to measure microscopic distances with unparalleled accuracy, using single photons as a ruler. The team achieves measurement errors less than one ten thousandth of the width of a human hair, paving the way for breakthroughs in medical research and new technologies.
A team of scientists discovered that a cell protein plays a crucial role in protecting cancer cells from chemotherapy drugs. Blocking this protein's expression increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs in lung cancer cells, offering a potential target for improving treatment outcomes.
A new study is expected to reveal the true cost of persistent pain in Australia, with an estimated 1 in 5 Australians suffering from relentless pain. The research aims to identify priority actions to ease suffering and save healthcare dollars.
Researchers have identified microbial remains in ancient organic matter on Earth, dating back 3.5 billion years, using electron microscope techniques. The findings confirm the presence of primitive microbial communities, shedding light on the origins of life on Earth.
Research by Dr. Anthony Argentaro has advanced understanding of ATRX mutations that cause blood disorders and genital abnormalities in boys, finding excess or deficiency leads to developmental issues.
A new study demonstrates that ABT-737 can enhance the combined toxicity of common drugs against leukemia cells, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The results provide hope for children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a common form of childhood cancer.
A new study is providing community pharmacists with education and advice on controlling blood glucose levels through individual glucose meter uploads. The project aims to determine whether lifestyle advice from pharmacists improves glycaemic control and potentially reduces the burden of Type 2 Diabetes on healthcare systems.
Research reveals nearly half of people with diabetes use alternative therapies, which can interact with conventional medications and affect blood sugar levels. Healthcare professionals must be included in discussions about these therapies to document their use and identify potential problems.
The project aims to develop a cost-effective solution to reduce the financial burden of sleep disorders on the Australian healthcare system. The new web-based intelligent decision support system will enable more accurate diagnoses and help determine if a night at the sleep centre is necessary.
Scientists have discovered a direct connection between stress and obesity, revealing that neuropeptide Y can 'unlock' fat cells. Blocking the Y2 receptor may prevent fat growth or even kill fat cells.
The Cervarix vaccine demonstrates effective protection against high-grade cervical pre-cancerous lesions caused by HPV types 16 and 18, and also provides additional protection against other strains of HPV that account for 10% of cervical cancers. The study involved over 18,000 women aged 15-25 years from around the world and found the ...
Researchers at Deakin University have identified a rogue cell type that may contribute to the spread of breast cancer. By studying a cell model mimicking human breast tissue, they found that abnormal fibroblasts can trigger breast cells to change and migrate.
A new study by Research Australia found that carrying passengers increases the likelihood of a crash by 60% compared to using a mobile phone while driving. The risk is lower than mobile phone use but higher due to the prevalence of passenger transport.
A recent study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the relationship between birth weight and future heart disease risk is not as strong as previously thought. The research suggests that other risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, have a greater impact on heart health.
A cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention has been demonstrated to increase CPAP use among OSA sufferers, with 77% using the device for at least four hours a night. The study found major positive health implications, with improved adherence and reduced refusal rates compared to treatment as usual.
Research Australia's Woolcock Institute study highlights occupational sleepiness in white-collar workplaces, including courts and hospitals. The report emphasizes the need for active monitoring and screening to treat sleep disorders, preventing situations like Judge Dodd's cancelled driver's licence.
A recent study by Dr Yin Paradies and colleagues reveals that indigenous people do not have a genetic predisposition to diabetes. The research shows that social factors such as poor diet, reduced physical activity, stress, and low birth weight contribute significantly to the high rates of diabetes among indigenous populations.
A recent study by Deakin University found that Australian teenagers eat fast food daily, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Only one-third of teens consume a variety of foods from the five food groups every day.
The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank has collected its first batches of cancer tissue, providing a valuable resource for researchers to study the cause, progression, and potential treatment of cancer. This step forward in cancer research is expected to lead to significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment.
Associate Professor Mazza aims to work with GPs to increase folate supplementation, which can prevent 70% of NTD cases. The project will also develop patient-focused education material to address the gap between evidence and practice.
The National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS) has awarded six Fellowships to support the development of experts and leaders in evidence implementation. The fellows will work on projects addressing gaps between evidence and practice in areas such as stroke rehabilitation, mental health, and Indigenous health.
Ms Bhavini Patel, Director of Pharmacy at Royal Darwin Hospital, has received a two-year Fellowship to address the evidence-practice gap in treating chronic kidney disease in Indigenous Australians. She aims to increase use of arteriovenous fistula for haemodialysis, reducing hospitalizations and complications.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology shows that quitting smoking can reduce lung cancer risk by up to 70%. The research highlights the importance of effective tobacco control policies and notes that women smokers face a significantly higher risk compared to men.
Researchers at Research Australia have made a major breakthrough in understanding how platelet life span is controlled. By regulating apoptosis, two specialized molecules can extend or shorten platelet lifespan, opening up new possibilities for improving patient care and managing diseases such as cancer and blood clots.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment for malaria, which showed that longer-acting drugs can prevent patients from getting sick again within six weeks. The study found that combining two drugs increased the effectiveness of treatment and reduced the risk of relapse.
Professor Ian Frazer, a renowned cancer vaccine innovator, has been awarded the prestigious Florey Medal for his groundbreaking work on cervical cancer prevention. The award recognizes the significant public health impact of his research, which aims to control cervical cancer rates in developing countries.
A new study aims to improve diabetes management by linking patients' glucose levels to their pharmacists. Half of the participants will share their data with their pharmacist for lifestyle advice, while the other half will manage it themselves.
Researchers are developing an online outpatient rehabilitation service to monitor and counsel patients after heart surgery, aiming to reduce the risk of recurring heart problems. The service will provide convenient access to lifestyle changes and health guidance for patients nationwide.
Research from Griffith University's Genomics Research Centre reveals that migraine significantly affects the lives of Australian men, causing poorer physical functioning and energy levels. Men with migraine often struggle to plan their lives due to unpredictable symptoms and apprehension, leading to reduced quality of life.
A new study found a significant improvement in survival rates after stroke in Auckland, New Zealand, with a 40% decline in deaths over the past 25 years. The research attributes this increase to better hospital admission and brain imaging during the most severe phase of the illness.
A study conducted by The George Institute found that 60% of drivers in NSW and WA use their mobile phones while driving, leading to a significant increase in crashes and near-misses. Younger drivers, men, and metropolitan residents are the worst offenders, with over 30% writing text messages while driving.
Research shows pro-vitamin E, alpha-tocopheryl succinate, reduces tumour volume in experimental animals with high HER2 levels. The compound induces controlled cell death and has the potential to be an effective treatment for hard-to-treat breast cancers.
Two young Australian researchers, Dr Denise Doolan and Dr Stephen Turner, have been awarded $1 million each to pursue biomedical research. Their funding will support the development of vaccines against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, pandemic influenza, and malaria.
Women cancer carers face unique challenges, including 24/7 caregiving responsibilities, isolation, and lack of emotional support. In contrast, male carers tend to view caring as a competency task with less emotional labor.