A recent study by the University of Adelaide found that K'gari's largest lakes dried out around 7,500 years ago due to a strong drying event. The researchers also discovered that wind patterns may have influenced rainfall on the island, putting its lakes at risk of drying again in the future.
The study presents a near-complete cattle genome, allowing for the identification of hundreds of new genes and structural variants. This will improve breeding and result in better beef marbling, benefiting the $1 billion Australian beef export sector.
A University of Adelaide study found that promotional cues, product placement, and pricing interventions can empower people experiencing food insecurity to select more nutritious foods. The intervention led to an increase in turnover of healthy options and a decline in discretionary snacks.
Researchers used grocery store purchase data to identify areas with nutritionally deficient diets, focusing on low-income and minority communities. The study found that neighborhoods in London's east and northwest had high-sugar and high-carbohydrate purchases, suggesting residents were not accessing a nutritious diet.
Researchers closely tracked two species of sea snakes and discovered they perform a unique wiggle while foraging on the seafloor. The study found that this action may aid in buoyancy control, energy conservation, or foraging.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide discovered a gene responsible for a rare form of wheat that grows three ovaries per flower. The study found that a complex genome rearrangement was associated with the activation of a normally dormant WUSCHEL-D1 gene, leading to increased grain production and improved breeding technologies.
A new approach combines environmental DNA and visual surveys to track tropical fish migration patterns. This method improves knowledge of ocean species shifts due to climate change, revealing hidden species and enhancing detection rates for both methods.
A new review from the University of Adelaide highlights inconsistencies in Australian crop regulations, affecting the coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops. The current regulatory framework is inadequate, leading to varying standards across different sectors, making it difficult for farmers to ensure compliance.
A new report highlights emerging threats to Antarctic conservation, including extreme precipitation events, potential militarization, and global disruptions. The report identifies opportunities to strengthen and future-proof governance by responding to these threats with proactive measures.
Researchers discovered a large population of critically endangered Plains-wanderers in South Australia's arid interior, defying their previously believed habitat preference. The birds were found to select low-growing shrublands with specific composition over dense native grasslands.
Researchers predict significant declines in Arctic reindeer populations, with potential losses of up to 80% by 2100, due to climate change. This could have far-reaching ecological implications and exacerbate climatic warming.
Scientists have created a new process to break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water, producing harmless fluoride components. The breakthrough offers a low-energy solution for PFAS remediation with potential applications in water treatment and environmental cleanup.
A study has found that over 80% of parasites in kākāpō poo prior to the 1990s are no longer present in contemporary populations. This suggests a significant impact on parasite communities due to biodiversity loss.
Research found that tropical fish in mixed shoals learn new behaviours to thrive on temperate reefs, boosting survival. In contrast, temperate fish species suffer when facing tropical competitors.
Researchers have discovered that applying a beneficial fungus to soil leads to wheat accumulating more bioavailable zinc and iron. The fungus inoculation did not affect grain phytate content, resulting in greater estimated bioavailability of micronutrients.
The golden-shouldered parrot is abandoning areas of grassland it usually nests in due to woody plant encroachment, increasing predation risk. The study's findings highlight the importance of maintaining remnant grasslands for the conservation of grassland-dependent species.
Feralisation in rabbits leads to variable body sizes and skull shapes that don't simply revert to wild or domestic forms. The study suggests environmental factors drive these changes, potentially influenced by evolutionary pressures and habitat conditions.
A University of Adelaide study has revealed clear patterns in the flow of shark products between Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand. The research highlights Asia as the primary source of origin for seized products, particularly fin products, which are used in shark fin soup.
A new paper from the University of Adelaide emphasizes the importance of clear regulations in plant gene editing to ensure safe and responsible use. The review highlights the need for public engagement and regulation as a filter to remove problematic elements, making sure new technologies align with societal expectations and values.
A team of researchers from the University of Adelaide and other institutions has discovered a new sex-determination mechanism in monotremes, which include echidnas and platypuses. The AMHY gene plays a crucial role in determining sex in these animals, differing from the SRY gene found in all other mammals.
A new study projects that climate change will cause bowhead whale habitats to contract by up to 75% due to sea ice loss. The Arctic's suitable summer foraging habitat is expected to decline significantly, with viable habitat in the Sea of Okhotsk likely to vanish entirely by 2060.
A team of Australian researchers has discovered 71 new native bee species belonging to the resin pot bees, expanding our knowledge of these unique insects. The discovery brings the total number of known resin pot bee species to 78, with many still unknown to science due to funding constraints.
Coastal lagoons are becoming increasingly salty due to climate change, affecting microbial life and ecosystem services. Restoration efforts can mitigate the impacts by restoring environmental flows, upgrading wastewater plants, and increasing nutrient retention.
Research from the University of Adelaide reveals significant changes in echidna pseudo-pouch microbial communities during lactation, suggesting a unique environment that accommodates young with an immature immune system. The study's findings may inform breeding programs and conservation efforts for these egg-laying mammals.
The study identified enzyme components that regulate water flux and network formation in hydrolytic reactions, shedding light on the dynamics of water molecules. This knowledge could lead to optimized bioengineered enzymes for various applications, including food processing and biorefineries.
Scientists create two innovative electrolysis systems that use urea found in urine and wastewater to produce green hydrogen at a lower cost than traditional methods. The breakthrough overcomes limitations such as toxic by-products and corrosion issues, paving the way for scalable production.
Researchers found that most sustainability claims in agricultural genomics publications are causal claims, proposing a cause-and-effect relationship. The study suggests that academics should define complex concepts like sustainability using credible academic sources and providing details on their scientific results.
Research from the University of Adelaide found that nutrition-conscious consumers have habits reducing food waste, with 1030 Australians surveyed.
A nationwide mixed-methods approach found 85% of women deemed their science communication work as non-valuable, yet 84% continued contributing. Women often feel personally responsible for unpaid and undervalued roles.
A major new study reveals that tropical forests across the Americas are not adapting quickly enough to climate change. The study found that tree communities are responding too slowly to shifting temperatures and rainfall patterns, making them more vulnerable to extreme climate events.
A new enzyme discovered can extract high-value molecules from lignin, a forestry by-product, using a hydrogen peroxide-driven process. This breakthrough could support the development of green chemistry 'enzyme factories' to produce valuable chemicals.
New research suggests converting whey waste into a valuable food product is feasible with significant industry-wide potential. Only a small number of cheese manufacturers have adopted innovative technologies and business models to upcycle whey, highlighting the need for clearer incentives and enabling conditions.
Participating in insect-related citizen science projects boosts students' intentions to change their personal behavior and encourage others to protect nature. Teachers also report increased interest in incorporating insect-related topics into their teaching, leading to a positive association with student pro-environmental behavior change.
Researchers propose a legalisation of polygamy in Australia that would allow for the recognition of non-monogamous relationships. The proposed law would not disrupt the foundations of Australian marriage law and could provide greater freedom for couples.
Researchers have discovered that the earliest days of embryo development impact a person's future health and aging. Cellular processes within the egg at fertilization determine telomere length in offspring, increasing lifetime risk of chronic diseases.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide used quantum-sensitive cameras to image embryos, capturing biological processes in their natural state. The sensitive detection of photons allows for gentle illumination and minimizes damage from light, enabling researchers to study live cells and developing specimens.
A study by Dr Jared Dmello and colleagues found that extremist groups with contrasting ideologies overlap in their anti-queer sentiment, using similar tactics and propaganda to justify attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. This research highlights the need for more research into extremist narratives to better safeguard vulnerable populations.
Researchers have created a detailed map of the forces acting inside a proton, simulating how the strong force varies across different regions. This breakthrough reveals massive forces of up to half a million Newtons, equivalent to 10 elephants, at minuscule scales.
New research from the University of Adelaide reveals a lack of global diversity in criminology education, with only 9.13% of publications having an author from outside the US. The study highlights the need for greater inclusion of international voices and perspectives to decolonize curricula and promote cross-border collaboration.
Researchers discovered that native Australian Plantago species can produce mucilage, improving gluten-free bread elasticity and texture. Whole-seed flours containing mucilage are preferable to purified psyllium husk, offering a more sustainable alternative.
Researchers have discovered a three-dimensional map within a quartzitic sandstone megaclast in the Paris Basin, created around 13,000 years ago. The miniature landscape model depicts natural water flows, valleys, and lakes, suggesting that early humans understood the importance of water flow and landscape features.
A recent study published in PNAS found almost 30,000 wild species were traded in the US over a 22-year period, with 50% sourced from the wild. The majority of these species were not subject to assessments ensuring sustainable harvest, highlighting a major gap in global monitoring and management.
A new study provides genomic evidence of early migration from New Guinea into the Wallacea archipelago, addressing major gaps in human genetic history. The research shows that Papuan ancestry is widespread across Wallacea, pointing to historical migrations from New Guinea.
Researchers discovered a grapevine transport protein that acts similarly to animal proteins, mediating ion uptake and solute distribution. This finding has implications for agricultural biotechnology and could lead to higher quality crops.
A brotherly research duo has discovered a property known as magic when the LHC produces top quarks, which has implications for quantum computing and the development of quantum computers. The study explores how difficult it is for non-quantum computers to calculate quantum systems, with higher magic levels requiring more quantum computers.
A new study from the University of Adelaide has identified key markers that influence how commercial behaviour is perceived by courts, providing practical guidance for consumers, businesses, and legal professionals. The research clarifies the line between legal and illegal conduct in commercial law, highlighting the distinction between...
Research found that most people follow dog-lead rules for safety reasons, but some don't understand the regulations or choose not to use leads. The study suggests that communicating positive messages can strengthen social norms around keeping dogs on lead.
A new study estimates that more than 9,000 invertebrates, including pollinators and earthworms, have become extinct in Australia since European arrival. The study suggests that many species remain at high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and climate change.
Australian backyard chicken owners view their chooks as a blend of pet and livestock, prioritizing utility and trustworthiness. However, participants were unlikely to seek veterinary care due to cost concerns.
A new study suggests that brands can address growing consumer scepticism by being transparent about topics impacting consumers, such as cost-of-living pressures. Brands must communicate openly, clearly, and evidence-based information to build trust and credibility.