Australians waste 7.6 million tonnes of food annually, with poor label design and inconsistent packaging being key reasons for this problem. Clearer date labels and storage advice could drastically reduce edible food waste.
A team of Australian engineers has developed a process to convert low-grade illite and kaolin clays into high-performance cement supplements, reducing CO2 emissions and increasing concrete strength. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using these clays as substitutes for traditional cement in construction materials.
A protein from insect resilin has been used to create antibacterial coatings that can block bacteria from attaching to surfaces. The coatings were tested on E.coli bacteria and human skin cells, demonstrating 100% effectiveness in repelling bacteria while integrating well with healthy cells.
A decade-long study of snowsport instructors reveals that pursuing a career in a field you enjoy can be taxing, requiring financial, mental, and physical sacrifices. However, the research also found that participants reported experiencing significant personal growth and fulfillment.
Engineers at RMIT University have invented a neuromorphic device that detects hand movement, stores memories, and processes information like a human brain without an external computer. The device uses molybdenum disulfide to capture light and process visual information instantly, enabling real-time decisions.
Researchers at RMIT University developed a sponge-like device that captures water from the atmosphere and releases it in a cup using solar energy. The device remained effective across a broad range of humidity levels and temperatures, demonstrating its potential for off-grid water harvesting systems.
RMIT University has transferred patents and intellectual property related to the Atmo Gas Capsule, a real-time gut health monitor, to medical device company Atmo Biosciences. The capsule measures biomarkers directly at the source of production in the gut to aid diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders.
RMIT University's PYROCO technology converts treated sewage into a carbon-rich product called biochar, which acts as a catalyst to produce phenol-rich bio-oil. The technology has been applied to several circular economy applications and offers a sustainable way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
A new classification system classifies dietary fibres into five key features, providing a more nuanced understanding of their health impacts. The researchers argue that current classifications are simplistic and do not capture the diverse structures and complex mechanisms through which dietary fibres influence human physiology.
The PREMSTEM Conference will present cutting-edge research on neonatal brain repair, focusing on human mesenchymal stem cells as a potential therapy for preterm birth-related brain injury. Associate Professor Atul Malhotra's keynote address will highlight successes and lessons learned from his ongoing stem cell-based therapy trials.
Water movement on surfaces creates an irreversible electrical charge, with potential applications in improving safety and energy storage. The study found that the charge is generated at the interface between liquid and solid and can be retained in droplets as they move over the surface.
Countries are urged to update their National Determined Contribution plans to address plastic waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The team suggests specific goals, such as cutting plastic production and incentivizing sustainable manufacturing.
The new guide aims to eliminate wasteful designs and promote durable fashion. By focusing on maximising product lifespan and materials, the guidelines enable businesses to implement circular clothing design.
Researchers developed a new material inspired by the Venus' flower basket deep-sea sponge, showcasing remarkable compressive strength and stiffness. The double lattice design overcomes limitations of existing auxetic materials, offering potential applications in construction, sports gear, and medical devices.
A new industry report highlights the potential risks of generative artificial intelligence in journalism, including misleadings content and bias, while also identifying opportunities for AI-assisted tasks. News audiences are more comfortable with AI when they use it themselves, but concern about job displacement remains.
A new RMIT University study explores how Australia can share its drug checking data with the public, finding strong preference for open access. The researchers suggest sharing comprehensive results through engaging dashboards to empower individuals making informed decisions about drugs.
A new blood test developed by RMIT University researchers could help personalize cancer treatments, making them safer and more effective. The test assesses how well different nanomedicines target cancer cells in the blood of leukemia patients, allowing for more tailored therapies.
A global study using teabags to measure carbon release from soil in wetlands found that warmer temperatures led to increased decay of organic matter, reducing carbon preservation. Freshwater and tidal marshes showed the highest potential for carbon storage.
A new gold-based compound has been developed that slows tumour growth in animals by 82%, targeting cancers more selectively than standard chemotherapy drugs. It also blocks cancer cells' ability to form new blood vessels, a promising approach to reducing toxic side effects.
A study published in Nature Cities analyzed textile waste in various cities, finding that most donated clothes are exported or thrown away. Experts call for a change in how cities handle fashion waste, suggesting the need for local recycling and reuse facilities.
A new study by RMIT University found that eight major global cities have inadequate canopy cover despite having an abundance of trees. The '3-30-300' rule, which aims for 30% canopy cover and a view of at least three trees, was used to measure access to nature in the cities.
Researchers found that confined environments influence sense of smell, while VR simulations evoke stronger emotions and aroma perceptions. The study aims to improve diets for isolated individuals by personalizing aromas.
Engineers from RMIT University have invented a protective coating for concrete pipes that can help drastically reduce the formation of fatbergs in sewers. The coating reduces build-up of FOG on concrete by 30% and is stable in water, withstanding temperatures up to 850 degrees Celsius.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a technique using waste carpet fibers to reduce early-age shrinkage cracking in concrete by up to 30%, improving durability. The team aims to address the massive environmental challenge of textile waste disposal, which poses significant concerns for firefighting materials.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new method for spotting plastic rubbish on beaches, which can be seen from over 600km above. The Beached Plastic Debris Index uses differences in reflected light to distinguish between sand, water, and plastics.
A study analyzed blood samples from individuals who received an mRNA vaccine booster to understand its circulation and breakdown in the bloodstream. The research found that higher levels of mRNA and fatty nanoparticles were linked to increased anti-PEG antibodies, suggesting potential issues with future mRNA treatments.
A nationwide study found that Australians are buying too many clothes and need guidance on responsible disposal. The study revealed that age was the most significant factor in determining consumer clothing practices, with younger generations more likely to buy second-hand and repair clothes.
Engineers at RMIT University have designed a self-locking tubular structural system inspired by curved-crease origami that can be packed flat for easier transport. The system transforms into strong building materials, suitable for large-scale use, with capabilities to support heavy loads.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a low-carbon approach to producing ammonia, which is used in fertilizers and as a carrier for hydrogen. The new method uses liquid metal catalysts, reducing energy consumption by 20% and carbon emissions by 98%. This could significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and sup...
A new study found that Australians are wasting a third of all food in the country every year due to confusion over use-by and best-before dates. The research suggests that clearer date labels and more practical storage advice could help reduce food waste.
The DREAM+PLAN program will recruit up to 32 PhD researchers to develop pathways for solving local and global climate emergencies through resilience, restoration, and regeneration. The program's goal is to create a positive impact on a more sustainable, fair, inclusive planet.
Researchers warn that animals we eat could be the gateway for a pandemic in the form of antimicrobial resistance. The World Health Organization estimates up to 10 million deaths by 2050 from drug-resistant diseases.
Kids are missing out on local content due to algorithmic curation and platform interfaces. Researchers found US-based global streaming video platforms like Netflix and YouTube restrict children's access to available local options.
Researchers studied kestrels' hovering flight behavior, revealing insights that could improve drone stability in turbulent conditions. The study found that birds use changes in wing surface area to achieve stable flight, a method that could be applied to morphing wings in drones.
Researchers have created a cost-effective and efficient method to test seabed soil when designing offshore wind farms. The new device, based on a modified speargun, can penetrate sandy seabeds more effectively than existing probes, offering significant time and cost savings.
Researchers discovered that a particular sweet chemical in vanilla and almond aromas could explain the change in perceptions, along with individual sensitivity. The study also found that spatial perception played a significant role in how people smell aromas in isolated settings.
A world-first study found that low-dose aspirin can create better blood flow to the placenta during pregnancy, potentially preventing complications caused by flu infections. The research also showed that mice treated with low-dose aspirin had improved fetal development and offspring survival.
Researchers have developed a new way to measure incredibly minute forces at the nanoscale in water, pushing the boundaries of what scientists know about the microscopic world. The technique, known as super-resolved photonic force microscopy (SRPFM), can detect forces as small as 108.2 attonewtons.
A new AI-powered smartphone tool can detect stroke in seconds, improving diagnosis time and reducing permanent brain damage. The tool uses facial expression recognition to identify patients who need prompt treatment.
Researchers are developing solutions to recycle solar panels and recover strategic metals like silver and copper, reducing waste and creating jobs.
A global study found 14.5% of respondents reported being victims of sextortion, while 4.8% admitted to being perpetrators. LGBTQ+ people and men were more likely to report victimisation and perpetration.
Researchers developed a compact sensor system with infrared imaging capabilities that can be fitted to drones for remote crop monitoring. The system can rapidly switch between edge detection and detailed infrared imaging, allowing farmers to pinpoint specific crop needs and boost harvests.
RMIT's low-carbon concrete has been shown to recycle double the amount of coal ash compared to current standards, reducing cement requirements by half. The new mixture also performs exceptionally well over time, with large concrete beam prototypes meeting Australian Standards for engineering performance and environmental requirements.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new silicone rubber composite material that can prevent fires and electrical sparking on power poles. This innovation could save power companies time and resources by reducing damage to assets.
A new study by RMIT University found that only over a third of media organizations have an image-specific AI policy in place, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines. The research highlights the challenges of navigating generative AI technologies in visual journalism, including algorithmic bias and copyright concerns.
A new virus-killing surface made of silicon nanospikes has shown 96% effectiveness against the hPIV-3 virus, damaging its structure and membranes. The surface can be incorporated into devices and surfaces to prevent viral spread and reduce disinfectant use.
A study found 35% of illicit drugs sourced from the dark web contained unexpected substances, including mixtures or no advertised substance at all. This highlights the urgent need for more local drug testing facilities in Australia to prevent harm and overdose.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a reprogrammable light-based processor that could enable efficient quantum computations. The device, which uses photons to carry information, reduces 'light losses', a critical factor in maintaining computation accuracy.
Scientists have developed a new way to alter the DNA of bacterial cells using high-frequency radio waves, outperforming traditional industry techniques. The process shows high efficiency and gentleness, with 91% of E. coli cells taking on the DNA after just three minutes.
A longitudinal study of 5,000 Australian children found a strong correlation between parents who smoke and their children's consumption of high-calorie, unhealthy foods. The link between parental smoking and childhood obesity transcends socio-economic classes.