Researchers at RMIT University created a 50% stronger titanium lattice cube than the strongest alloy of similar density used in aerospace applications. The material's unique lattice structure design distributes stress evenly, making it suitable for medical devices, aircraft, and rocket parts.
A global team of researchers has invented recyclable water batteries that don't catch fire or explode, addressing safety concerns in lithium-ion technology. The batteries use abundant materials like magnesium and zinc, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental risks.
A new study lists 16 medications with high risks and recommends safer alternatives for older people. The Australian PIMs list provides a resource to help clinicians identify risky medications and improve medication management.
A world-first report found that alternative reporting options could help increase the number of women who report sexual assaults to police. Trauma-informed interviews designed in line with best-practice techniques can improve outcomes for victim-survivors of sexual assault who use them.
Researchers from RMIT University found that Australians aged 20 to 40 years old take more selfies than teenagers and older Australians. Older participants used their smartphones for functional purposes like capturing information at work, whereas teenage participants preferred taking photos during exciting events or with friends.
A recent study by RMIT University and the Marine Mammal Foundation has revealed alarming concentrations of PFAS chemicals in Burrunan dolphins off the coast of Melbourne and Gippsland, south-east Australia. The findings are the highest reported globally, with one juvenile dolphin found to have a PFAS liver concentration of 19,500 nanog...
A new RMIT study reveals that feral horses can release significant amounts of carbon dioxide from Australian alpine peatlands, compromising their ability to capture and store carbon. The research found that degraded peatlands, caused by horse trampling and grazing, emit more carbon than intact sites.
A new wearable ECG device weighs only 10 grams and has just three 'dry' electrodes that are almost invisibly thin, capturing the heart's electrical activity with comparable precision to market devices. The device can be used for continuous monitoring and is ideal for patients in remote healthcare and ambulatory care settings.
Researchers developed a wearable device that harnesses energy from finger movement and stores data using bismuth oxide, enabling potential applications in health monitoring. The invention uses a single nanomaterial to generate power and perform memory tasks with high precision.
The Australian Long COVID services lack several categories, including early investigation, accessibility, and trustworthy public health information. Researchers propose building a response on US and UK guidelines that prioritize early detection, mental health support, and referral to multidisciplinary clinics.
A report by RMIT University found a significant gap in digital inclusion for First Nations people, with remote communities facing the largest disparities. The study highlights the need to address affordability and accessibility issues to ensure equal digital inclusion by 2026.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a nano-thin superbug-slaying material effective against drug-resistant bacterial cells. The black phosphorus-based nanotechnology achieved comparable results to antibiotics in eliminating infection and accelerating healing.
A study found that LGBTIQA+ Australians are 20 times more likely to consider suicide, but face unique barriers to accessing support due to intersecting identities. The research highlights the need for targeted early interventions and affirming services in remote areas.
Researchers discovered that titanium micro-spikes with rough surfaces can effectively kill drug-resistant fungus and Candida species through apoptosis. The findings suggest that these surface features may be a promising approach to combatting superbug resistance.
Engineers at RMIT University have developed a technique to make concrete 30% stronger using biochar made from roasted used-coffee grounds. This innovation reduces waste going to landfills and emits fewer greenhouse gases, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.
A new study published in the Journal of Safety Research found that drivers' takeover performance worsened with increasing levels of mental workload from activities such as working, watching videos, or taking a break. The study highlights the need for regulation to ensure driverless cars are safe, particularly for inexperienced drivers.
The Global Atlas of Literacies for Health (GALH) is an interactive map displaying levels of health literacy and digital health literacy from evidence-based studies. The atlas provides a critical tool for literacy reform, enabling targeted interventions for marginalized groups.
Designers created bespoke hospital scrubs and 3D-printed chill out pods to reduce stress and improve workplace mental health. The project, funded by WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund, aims to create safe environments for healthcare workers.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a novel method to grow pure mycelium sheets that can be layered into different uses, including fire-retardant cladding for buildings. The fungal-based material is biodegradable, non-toxic and produces naturally occurring water and carbon dioxide.
Recent studies have measured the impact of sudden wind gusts around city buildings on aircraft stability, revealing significant safety challenges for air taxis. To address this, regulations are being compiled globally to ensure safe operation in urban environments.
A team of engineers at RMIT University has developed a novel approach to recover heavy metals, including copper and zinc, from treated sewage sludge. The innovation enables the recycling of acidic liquid waste, reducing environmental harm and retaining nutrients for land applications.
Researchers created a small device that captures, processes, and stores visual information in a similar way to humans. This technology uses analog processing, reducing energy consumption and enhancing performance, with potential applications in bionic vision, autonomous operations, and advanced forensics.
Research reveals nearly 75% of respondents had a high connection to nature, but retirees and university students had lower rates. Increasing passive exposure and accessibility can help time-poor individuals engage with nature.
Researchers have developed strong and ductile titanium alloys by integrating alloy and 3D-printing process designs, enabling new sustainable applications in aerospace, biomedical, and energy technologies. The breakthrough utilizes circular economy thinking to produce alloys from industrial waste and low-grade materials.
Researchers at RMIT University have designed a new oral capsule that can deliver insulin and other protein drugs in a pain-free manner. The technology has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies, with good absorption rates for slow-acting insulin and potential for dosing over specific time periods.
A new study found that 20% of households have too little allocated parking and 13.4% of surveyed households do not own a car but are still allocated a parking space. Experts are calling for planning policy to 'unbundle' parking spaces from apartments to reduce housing costs and alleviate street parking woes.
Researchers have created a spray-on electronic component using zinc oxide nanocrystals, enabling flexible displays and devices. The material is versatile, biocompatible, and abundant, making it suitable for various applications in electronics, energy, sensing technologies, and more.
The study found that phenolic extracts from roselle inhibited fat cell formation by 95%, while hydroxycitric acid had no effect. Researchers hope the plant's antioxidants can be used in health food products to manage obesity without side effects.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a method to produce hydrogen directly from seawater, skipping the need for desalination and reducing carbon emissions. The new approach uses a special catalyst that can be manufactured cost-effectively and has promise to significantly reduce the cost of electrolysers.
A new antimicrobial suture material has been developed to reduce infection rates and improve post-operative monitoring. The material, which combines iodine and nanoparticles, can be used for internal stitches and mesh implants, providing a promising alternative to existing products.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a method to remove rust from nanomaterial MXene, extending its lifetime and making it suitable for recyclable batteries. The innovation uses high-frequency sound waves to restore the material's electrical conductivity, paving the way for up to three times longer battery life.
A team of global experts has developed a new navigation system for lunar rovers using lithium niobate chips, which can detect tiny changes in laser light to measure movement without external signals. This technology also has potential applications on Earth, such as remotely detecting the ripeness of fruit.
Engineers at RMIT University have developed a method to boost green hydrogen production through electrolysis by up to 14 times using high-frequency vibrations. This innovation tackles the high cost of electrode materials and eliminates the need for corrosive electrolytes, making it cheaper and more efficient.
Researchers have developed an innovative magnetic adsorbent that can remove microplastics 1,000 times smaller than those detectable by existing wastewater treatment plants. The process takes just one hour, compared to days for current methods.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed an AI-powered system to predict how leg ulcers will heal based on thermal images from the first assessment. This innovation enables nurses to identify chronic wounds during the first visit, allowing for specialized treatment up to four weeks earlier than the current gold standard.
A new screening test App can produce accurate results using just people's voice recordings, improving the management of Parkinson's disease and severe COVID-19. The smartphone App takes just 10 seconds to reveal whether a person may have Parkinson’s disease and should be referred to a neurologist.
Researchers discovered lonsdaleite in ancient dwarf planet meteorites, confirming its existence and potential industrial applications. The unusual structure of lonsdaleite could help inform new manufacturing techniques for ultra-hard materials.
Researchers at RMIT University developed a method to recycle disposable PPE into stronger concrete, increasing strength by up to 22% and improving resistance to cracking. The study aims to create a circular economy approach for healthcare waste, reducing landfill waste and creating valuable resources.
Engineers at RMIT University have created a sustainable concrete using 100% recycled tyre rubber, reducing environmental impact and manufacturing costs. The innovative material can be used in various construction projects, including low-cost housing.
The €15.7 million AUFRANDE project aims to generate industry-relevant research by employing 64 early career doctoral researchers from French and Australian universities. Researchers will receive training and support, including annual workshops and group events, to foster high-performing early-stage researchers.
Researchers propose a roadmap for developing reproducible human-free sunscreen testing, reducing ethical concerns and increasing innovation in sunscreen development. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and Cancer Council Victoria support the shift, emphasizing the importance of sun protection and prevention.
Researchers developed a laser-based diamond sensor that can measure magnetic fields up to 10 times more precisely than standard techniques. This innovation could help improve on existing magnetic-field sensing techniques for mapping brain activity to identify disorders.
Researchers have developed a cryoprotectant that can effectively store organs and tissues for years, not just hours. The discovery could lead to the development of thousands of new cryoprotective agents tailored to specific cell types, reducing organ shortages and waiting lists.
Engineers at RMIT University discovered a bitumen blend that's both UV-resistant and withstands traffic loads. The mixture of crumb rubber from recycled tyres halves the rate of sun damage when mixed with bitumen, making it an ideal sustainable solution for roads.
A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Review found that binaural beats are being used as digital drugs by over 30,000 people worldwide, with users primarily seeking relaxation and mood change. The survey also revealed that binaural beat listeners are more likely to be younger and report recent use of prohibited drugs.
Scientists developed a natural antibacterial texture inspired by insect wings, killing up to 70% of bacteria. The innovation aims to reduce food waste, particularly in meat and dairy exports, and extend the shelf life of packaged food.
Researchers at RMIT University used high-frequency sound waves to turn stem cells into bone cells, overcoming challenges in mass production and pain associated with extraction. The innovative treatment is faster, simpler, and more efficient than existing methods.
Researchers developed a self-cleaning bioplastic that repels liquids and dirt like a lotus leaf, breaking down rapidly in soil. The bioplastic is made from cheap raw materials, compostable, and suitable for fresh food and takeaway packaging.
Researchers have developed a method to detect tiny plastic scraps on remote beaches using satellite technology. This innovation enables the tracking of plastics within satellite images, allowing for more frequent and reliable observations.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a smart and super-efficient way of capturing carbon dioxide and converting it to solid carbon, which can be integrated into existing industrial processes. The technology offers a pathway for instantly converting CO2 as it is produced, locking it permanently in a solid state.