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University of Adelaide


Skin may hold key to neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a non-invasive method to identify rare neurodevelopmental disorders in individuals, utilizing a small skin sample. This breakthrough approach enables the transcription of genetic variations into RNA, aiding in disease-causing gene determination and improving genetic diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 30, 2024

New Zealand’s flightless birds are retreating to moa refuges

Researchers have found that New Zealand's most threatened flightless birds are congregating in the same isolated areas where six species of moa once lived before extinction. The study reveals that these ancient habitats, including Mount Aspiring and the Ruahine Range, continue to harbor populations of takahē, weka, and great spotted kiwi.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2024

The ocean is becoming too loud for oysters

Research from the University of Adelaide reveals that human activity is interfering with oysters' natural settlement process due to increased noise pollution. The study found that acoustic enrichment techniques may not be effective in areas with high levels of anthropogenic noise.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJul 24, 2024

A mountainous mystery uncovered in SA’s pink sands

A University of Adelaide research team used a new method to date garnet grains in South Australian pink sand, revealing they are around 590 million years old. This age does not match local geological events, suggesting the garnet originated from an unknown ancient Antarctic mountain belt beneath the ice sheet.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 11, 2024

Human activity contributed to woolly rhinoceros’ extinction

Researchers used computer modeling and ancient DNA to discover sustained hunting by humans prevented woolly rhinoceros from accessing favorable habitats. The study reveals how climate change and human activities can lead to megafauna extinctions, with lessons for safeguarding Earth's remaining large animals.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2024

Gene could unlock big wheat yields for a growing population

Researchers have identified two transcription factors that can be edited to influence the number and arrangement of grain-bearing spikelets in wheat, potentially leading to increased yields. This discovery builds upon a traditional gene used to control wheat-flowering behavior, offering new avenues for improving crop productivity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

Genetic hope in fight against devastating wheat disease

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have identified a fundamental discovery that could help reduce the economic harm caused by Fusarium head blight, a fungal disease on the rise due to climate change. The study found that the TaHRC gene functions in wheat cells and can either increase or decrease susceptibility to FHB.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2024

Tropical fish are invading Australian ocean water

A University of Adelaide study found that climate change is helping tropical fish species invade temperate Australian waters. The warming current keeps baby fish warm, increasing their survival chances. As temperatures rise, these tropical fish will eventually grow to their full size and compete with native fish for resources.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Climate change impacts terrorist activity

Researchers found a correlation between climatological variables and shifting patterns of terrorist activity in India. The study suggests that climate change is not just an environmental issue but also linked to national security.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Applied Security Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Excess temperatures cause low flocking concerns

A study found that days above 32°C during the mating week caused a 2.1 million fewer lambs produced in Australia each year. If global warming increases by 1°C or 3°C, annual losses could increase to 2.5 million and 3.3 million, respectively. The research also found that heat stress can reduce lamb birthweight by 0.6-1.4kg.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Food·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Fast-charging lithium-sulphur batteries on the horizon

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new nanocomposite electrocatalyst that enables lithium-sulphur batteries to achieve full charge/discharge in less than five minutes. This breakthrough has significant implications for high-performance battery systems and energy storage technologies.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2024

Ancient DNA reveals Down syndrome in past human societies

Researchers identified six cases of Down syndrome and one case of Edwards syndrome in ancient human remains from Spain, Bulgaria, Finland, and Greece dating back to 4,500 years ago. The individuals were buried with care and special grave goods, indicating they were appreciated by their societies.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Polyethylene waste could be a thing of the past

A team of experts has developed a way to convert polyethylene waste into ethylene and propionic acid through atomically dispersed metal catalysts. This method uses renewable solar energy to produce valuable chemicals with high selectivity, alleviating the need for complex separation processes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

Perfecting the performance of nerve implants

Nerve damage can lead to severe and long-lasting effects, including depression. Researchers have developed new technology to repair and reconstruct damaged nerves using simple electrical circuitry in implants. This innovation has the potential to benefit people with injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBioelectromagnetics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2023

A stronger core for better plant breeding

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new software tool called CoreDetector to improve plant breeding through enhanced genome-sequencing powers. The tool can efficiently handle large and evolutionary diverse genomes, allowing for more resilient crops in a changing climate.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2023

New hope to treat and reverse osteoarthritis

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a novel population of stem cells responsible for osteoarthritis progression. Treatment with fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) stimulated cartilage recovery and reduced osteoarthritis, offering a potential pharmaceutical treatment to address the disease.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023

Private renting is making you age faster

A study by the University of Adelaide found that renting leads to faster biological ageing, with negative health impacts comparable to unemployment or being a former smoker. The researchers suggest policies like ending 'no-grounds' evictions and improving conditions could mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 11, 2023

Ocean acidification research is robust despite ebbs and flows

A new study published in Nature Climate Change assesses the last 24 years of ocean acidification research and finds that negative effects remain consistently observed. The researchers' efforts to reproduce early results have shown improvement over time, with sufficient data contributing to a rebuilt confidence in the community.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 25, 2023

New clues to the nature of elusive dark matter

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have uncovered new clues in the quest for understanding dark matter, a mysterious substance making up 84% of the universe's mass. The study suggests that the dark photon hypothesis is preferred over the standard model hypothesis, providing evidence for a potential particle discovery.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·DateSep 18, 2023

Holograms for life: Improving IVF success

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have created 3D holographic images of embryos to aid in selecting the best quality embryos for IVF, potentially improving success rates. The non-invasive approach uses miniscule amounts of light to provide insights into embryo development.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJul 5, 2023

New discovery set to boost disease-resistant rice

A new gene variant, RBL1, has been identified in a type of rice that can be modified to improve performance without yield penalties. This breakthrough could lead to more disease-resistant rice crops with high yields, addressing a major threat to the industry and meeting growing global demand.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2023

Failed antibiotic now a game changing weed killer for farmers

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a failed antibiotic that can effectively kill two of Australia's most problematic weeds, annual ryegrass and wild radish, without harming bacterial or human cells. This finding could lead to faster development of new weed killers, saving farmers billions of dollars each year.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2023

Fasting diet reduces risk markers of type 2 diabetes

A fasting diet that focuses on early eating has been shown to reduce the risk markers of type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that participants who followed a time-restricted, intermittent fasting diet experienced greater tolerance to glucose and reduced blood lipids compared to those on a daily, low-calorie diet.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2023

More predictable renewable energy could lower costs

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found that more predictable solar or wind energy generation can save millions of dollars in operating costs and prevent clean energy spillage. By analyzing six existing solar farms, they discovered that optimal locations changed when predictability was considered, leading to significant in...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPatterns·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2023

Playtime is purr-fect for your cat’s welfare

A new study by the University of Adelaide found that cats that engage in more play have better quality of life and stronger relationships with their guardians. The survey, which collected responses from 591 cat guardians worldwide, also highlighted the importance of indoor play for improving both cat welfare and human relationships.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAnimal Welfare·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 2, 2023

Seawater split to produce green hydrogen

A team of researchers has successfully produced green hydrogen from seawater without pre-treatment, achieving nearly 100% efficiency. This breakthrough uses a non-precious and cheap catalyst in a commercial electrolyser, offering a solution to directly utilize seawater for hydrogen production.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 31, 2023