A global review of rainfall data found that extreme rainfall events are increasing in intensity and frequency due to rising temperatures. The study, published in the Journal of Climate, shows a 7% increase in extreme rainfall for every degree rise in atmospheric temperature.
A new population modelling approach contradicts the widespread belief that disease must have been a factor in the thylacine's extinction. The study found that European settlement, including hunting and habitat loss, was powerful enough to drive the species to extinction without invoking a mystery disease.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide discovered that dragonflies can lock onto one visual target while ignoring others, a phenomenon similar to selective attention in humans. This finding has significant implications for neuroscience and engineering applications.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have made a promising breakthrough in reducing adverse inflammatory responses to blood transfusions in preterm babies. By understanding the mechanisms behind these responses, they aim to improve blood transfusion safety and reduce complications.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have identified a genetic link between pre-eclampsia and a variant of the AGT2R gene. Women who are overweight or obese during pregnancy are more likely to carry this variant, which increases their risk of developing the condition.
Researchers develop novel sensor systems using RFID and sensors to monitor human activity, enabling timely assistance for older people living independently. The system adapts to individual routines and context-aware reasoning, producing alerts when necessary.
A national research effort is underway to monitor antibiotic resistance in Australian livestock and companion animals. The study aims to provide a clearer picture of the state of Australian livestock and inform mitigation strategies.
A large Australian family's genetic mystery has been solved, revealing the cause of their rare intellectual disability as altered protein regulation. The study found that a specific gene and its regulation played a key role in triggering the disability, which affects only male family members.
Researchers have identified a molecule that plays a crucial role in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) in MS animal models. Blocking this molecule reduces inflammation and reverses clinical signs of the disease.
Researchers have discovered a small wasp that hunts and paralyses redback spiders, reducing their population. The Agenioideus nigricornis wasp, previously forgotten for over 200 years, is widespread across Australia and plays a crucial role in controlling the redback spider population.
Researchers in Adelaide and Italy are working on projects to improve the quality of pasta by increasing dietary fiber and starch levels. The goal is to create 'super spaghetti' that offers potential health benefits, such as reducing heart disease risk or colorectal cancer risk.
Scientists have discovered a key mechanism in the body's immune system that amplifies opioid addiction. Laboratory studies show that the drug (+)-naloxone selectively blocks this immune-addiction response, reducing cravings for opioid drugs without targeting the brain's wiring.
A study of over 7000 children found that those with a healthy diet from six months to two years old had an IQ up to two points higher by age eight. Conversely, children fed junk foods during this period had IQs up to two points lower.
A large international study found that marijuana use during pregnancy more than doubles the risk of premature birth. The study identified strong family history, pre-eclampsia, vaginal bleeds, and diabetes as major risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth.
Researchers analyzed leaves from herbarium specimens and found a 2mm decrease in leaf width over 127 years. This response highlights the impact of climate change on Australian plant species, with Narrow-leaf Hopbush exhibiting narrower leaves in warmer temperatures.
A new study suggests that women carrying twins should aim to give birth at 37 weeks, as this reduces the risk of serious complications. Babies born early were found to be less likely to be small for their gestational age compared to those born later.
A University of Adelaide study found a significant association between assisted reproduction and major birth defects, with IVF and ICSI carrying higher risks. The study also identified cryopreservation as a protective factor, while clomiphene citrate use outside of supervised clinical settings tripled the risk of birth defects.
A group of environmental scientists suggest applying insurance policies and premiums to strengthen the REDD scheme, addressing leakage, permanence, and additionality issues. This new scheme, iREDD, aims to protect forests and promote biodiversity by ensuring both buyers and sellers are protected.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide have discovered that pollen diversity is limited in mahogany forests due to extensive exploitation, affecting seedling growth and forest re-growth rates. The study suggests that collecting high-quality seeds from healthy trees could improve restoration efforts.
Researchers have discovered how opioid drugs like morphine create an inflammatory response in the brain by activating an immune receptor. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic drugs that improve morphine's effectiveness while reducing its problematic side effects.
A University of Adelaide study reveals that unnecessary induction increases risk of cesarean sections and newborn treatments. Women with uncomplicated pregnancies are advised to wait for spontaneous labor between 38-39 weeks for lowest risk of adverse complications.
A major study led by the University of Adelaide found that women who had one prior cesarean can lower the risk of death and serious complications for their next baby. Infants born to these women had a significantly lower risk of serious complications compared to those born after a vaginal birth following a prior cesarean.
A team of Australian scientists has bred salt tolerance into a variety of durum wheat, showing improved grain yield by 25% on salty soils. The research uses non-GM crop breeding techniques and introduces a salt-tolerant gene that works by excluding sodium from the leaves.
A recent study using 30,000-year-old bison bones discovered in Canadian permafrost provides clues on animal adaptation to environmental changes. Researchers measured epigenetic modifications in extinct animals and populations, showing that it is possible to accurately measure these changes in ancient DNA.
A recent study has found that many US species at risk of extinction are not on the country's official Endangered Species Act (ESA) list. The IUCN Red List, a leading global threatened species list, reveals that up to 95% of certain species groups are missing from the ESA.
Researchers found highly acute vision in Anomalocaris, rivalling that of modern insects and crustaceans. The giant marine predator's compound eyes were exceptionally preserved, with each eye containing over 16,000 lenses.
A University of Adelaide scientist highlights the potential of freely available software tools to predict the spread of diseases in Australian wildlife and commercial stock. The team used these tools to estimate that up to 100,000 buffalo would need to be culled annually for 15 years to reduce TB prevalence near zero.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have identified a key gene that regulates the immune system, providing vital clues to reversing autoimmune diseases. The discovery is part of a $2 million grant to investigate new therapies for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.
A new study from the University of Adelaide reveals a strong link between cardiovascular disease in both parents and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in their daughters. Mothers with PCOS are more likely to have high blood pressure, while fathers are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
A University of Adelaide study found that an immune response in the brain contributes to how people respond to alcohol, influencing behavioral changes such as difficulty walking or talking. Blocking toll-like receptors may help reduce these effects and potentially treat alcohol dependence.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found a direct link between obesity and electrical abnormalities in the heart muscle, leading to atrial fibrillation. Obesity can increase blood pressure and put strain on the heart, increasing the risk of developing this common heart rhythm disorder.
Researchers found a nearly two-fold increased risk of congenital malformation in surviving babies and a threefold increase in multiple birth defects. Early loss of a co-twin was linked to the risk of birth defects in the surviving twin.
Fossils discovered on Kangaroo Island, Australia, reveal that early animals had excellent vision, with compound eyes containing over 3000 lenses. This suggests a rapid evolution of visual organs due to the adaptive advantage of sharp vision for hunting and finding food.
Tiny metallic particles produced by University of Adelaide researchers have been found to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen using solar radiation. This process has the potential to produce cheap, clean, and portable hydrogen energy.
Researchers use computerized 3-D models to estimate plant yield based on measurable attributes, enabling rapid and accurate prediction of large numbers of plants' potential yields. The project aims to improve Australian agriculture's efficiency and competitiveness by producing more food for a growing population.
Acoustics researchers at the University of Adelaide are developing a computer model to predict wind farm noise output, aiming to reduce 'wind turbine syndrome'. The team hopes to control noise through blade shape changes and active devices, improving wind energy efficiency.
Researchers studied 'greenhouse oceans' using core samples from the ocean bed off western Africa, finding significant organic material buried in deoxygenated layers. The study suggests that natural processes can remove excess carbon from the atmosphere, potentially mitigating the effects of climate change.
Researchers discovered peppermint's effectiveness in relieving Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) pain by activating the TRPM8 anti-pain channel. IBS affects 20% of Australians, causing abdominal pain, bloating, and digestive issues.
A new index called SAFE (Species Ability to Forestall Extinction) measures how close a species is to extinction. The index provides a formula for calculating the minimum viable population size, allowing conservationists to prioritize resources on species most likely to be brought back from the brink of extinction.
A new study has successfully trialed a synthetic universal flu vaccine in mice, providing 100% protection against the H3N2 strain and 20% against the highly pathogenic bird flu. The vaccine uses peptides that trigger an immune response to a region of the flu virus present in all influenza A and B viruses.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has found that a brain gene called SOX3 can be activated to trigger male development in mice without a Y chromosome. This discovery has implications for understanding disorders of sexual development and may lead to new treatments.
Researchers synthesize traffic matrices based on real network patterns, enabling network researchers to test communication network designs. This will help network providers make efficient and reliable networks.
A team of Australian researchers has identified a new, critically endangered species of ground parrot in Western Australia, using DNA from museum specimens up to 160 years old. The discovery highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect the remaining 110 birds in the wild, which are confined to a single national park.
A recent genetic study has overturned current thinking on the origins of European farming populations. The research, published in PLOS Biology, found that these early farmers were more closely related to populations living in modern-day Turkey, Iraq, and other parts of the Ancient Near East than to local hunter-gatherers.
A recent study published in JAMA rejected the benefits of fish oil capsules during pregnancy, contradicting international recommendations. Researchers found no significant difference in post-natal depression or neuro developmental outcomes between women taking fish oil and those taking vegetable oil capsules.
Atrial fibrillation hospital admissions in Australia have increased by over 200% since 1993, resulting in an alarming number of hospitalizations.
The new ARC Center of Excellence in Plant Cell Wall Biology will enhance biotechnologies for crop industries, associated food industries, and renewable transport fuels. The center will be led by the University of Adelaide and involves collaboration with international partners to develop new technologies and processes.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are exploring ultrasound to combat blue-green algae blooms in water supplies, a significant global problem. They aim to develop an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method using low-amplitude ultrasound to immobilize the algae without releasing toxins.
Research suggests that small and isolated reefs are more susceptible to local species extinctions due to variable fish populations. Larger, connected habitats see fewer fluctuations in population sizes, making them more resilient to changes.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide discovered how insects judge speed and motion in a natural setting, revealing additional brain mechanisms. Insects use visual motion analysis and adapt to different light conditions, similar to humans.