Agricultural scientists at the University of Adelaide have identified a potential new tool for screening cereal crops for frost damage using terahertz imaging technology. The non-destructive method was found to successfully screen barley plants for frost damage, with individual grain positions along the spike also detectable.
Researchers have successfully applied CRISPR gene editing to influence the levels of beta-glucan in barley grain, with implications for brewing and distilling industries. The study provides insight into key genes responsible for barley grain composition, enabling plant breeders to accelerate breeding and develop new crop varieties.
A new study warns that climate change could drive Komodo dragons to extinction due to habitat loss and sea-level rise. The research suggests that conservation strategies are not enough to protect the species in the face of global warming.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide and Australian Wine Research Institute discovered complex microbial communities associated with natural fermentation of Eucalyptus gunnii sap. The study sheds light on traditional Australian Aboriginal practices and identifies new strains of yeast and bacteria unique to Australia.
Researchers analyzed past warming events to understand how species and ecosystems will cope with future climate change, identifying potential causes of extinction and ways to improve early-warning systems. The study informs effective conservation practice and policy for managing biodiversity under ongoing and future climate change.
Researchers developed a novel framework and model to analyze drivers of water theft and deterrents. The study found that social attitudes, institutions, and future supply uncertainty contribute to water theft, highlighting the need for stronger deterrents.
Researchers have identified a new enzymatic reaction involving carbohydrates in plant cell walls, which is essential for their structure and function. This discovery contributes to our understanding of how plant cell walls can be formed, structured, and re-modelled.
A study published in Nature Communications has found that plant hormones strigolactones reduce the transport of auxin, a key hormone involved in vein formation. This slowdown allows for more focused and efficient vein development, which can lead to improved crop yields and better adaptation to challenging climate conditions.
The study reveals a remarkable genetic connection between the tuatara, a reptile that lived with dinosaurs, and mammals such as platypus and echidna. The genome analysis shows an unusual combination of mammalian and reptilian components, with some sequences similar to those found in platypus.
Researchers have developed a tiny, flexible scope that can provide high-quality 3D images inside blood vessels, enabling better understanding of heart attack causes and progression. The device's miniaturization could lead to improved treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of early identification and management of T2D in Indigenous communities, where it is most prevalent. The guidelines recommend tighter diabetes control, transitioning adolescents to multidisciplinary care teams, and exploring newer medications for treatment.
A study found that revegetated urban green spaces have more native plant species and greater microbiota diversity, similar to natural environments. This can lead to improved immune function and reduced non-communicable diseases. Urban design principles could be influenced by the environmental microbiome to create healthier public spaces.
Researchers have found that South Australia's Grey-headed flying fox population has developed antibodies for Hendra, Cedar and Tioman viruses, indicating exposure. No evidence of Australian bat lyssavirus transmission was found, reducing the risk to humans in the region.
Researchers analyzed DNA of 89 ancient humans in the central Andes, finding early genetic differences between regions and surprising continuity. Genetic analysis revealed a north-south substructure of the Highlands developing by 5,800 BP, with minimal changes to the genetic structure of the central Andean region between 2,000 and 500 BP.
Researchers create true diploid genomes from a single individual using an innovative genome assembly strategy, applicable to cattle breeds and potentially other species including humans. The technique, called trio binning, disentangles maternal and paternal genomes, revealing important genetic differences between breeds.
A new study reveals that the world's most biodiverse regions are under threat from human-driven climate change, with tropical ecosystems expected to lose over 75% of their climate-safe habitats by the end of the century.
The study found good protection against meningococcal disease in vaccinated individuals, but no overall reduction in bacterial carriage. The findings highlight the importance of individual vaccination and identify high-risk behaviors associated with bacterial transmission.
A study of clinical interviews between psychiatrists and inpatients found that patients with thought disorder can communicate productively with their doctors. Psychiatrists use non-confrontational approaches, open-ended questions, and transactional techniques to build respectful relationships and achieve shared understanding.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have made significant progress in developing a novel Zika virus vaccine that prevents infection in pre-clinical models. The vaccine's effectiveness has been demonstrated in mouse models, offering a promising solution to prevent congenital effects in infants born to infected mothers.
New research from the University of Adelaide reveals that climate and economic factors are driving farmers out of their properties in the Murray-Darling Basin. The study found no significant association between reduced water extraction and farmer numbers.
The University of Adelaide team identified an enzyme that helps produce natural tartaric acid in grapes, enabling winemakers to balance sweetness and acidity. This discovery has the potential to save the Australian wine industry significant sums of money by reducing reliance on expensive additives.
New research from the University of Adelaide predicts that driverless cars could increase traffic congestion in Australia's City of Adelaide. The study, which surveyed over 500 commuters, found that autonomous vehicles may lead to an adverse impact on public transport, causing peak period vehicle flows to rise.
A systematic review of over 2.1 million allergy sufferers found that each kilogram increase in birth weight is associated with a 44% increase in the risk of food allergies and a 17% increase in the risk of eczema. However, increased birth weight has no influence on the risk of childhood hay fever.
Researchers found that overweight individuals had the lowest mortality risk among those with established heart failure, contrary to previous expectations. The 'obesity paradox' suggests that obese patients may tolerate disease-modifying and prognostic medications better than non-obese patients.
An international team has discovered a previously undescribed Jurassic volcanic landscape in central Australia, revealing around 100 ancient volcanoes and magma chambers. The research uses advanced subsurface imaging techniques to identify the volcanic craters and lava flows, challenging previous understanding of Earth's past processes.
A study of 174 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand reveals that the rate of cardiac device complications varies significantly, with some hospitals reporting much lower complication rates than others. The study suggests that improving quality of care is crucial to reducing these complications.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia found that people with diabetes taking gliflozin medications are at risk of ketoacidosis during surgery. Euglycaemic ketoacidosis can be deceiving, presenting with normal blood sugar levels, and may be missed easily by clinicians.
Researchers found evidence of interbreeding between modern humans and Neandertals, Denisovans, and two unnamed archaic groups in Island Southeast Asia and East Asia. The ancestors of modern humans mixed with these groups before they became extinct.
A study by the University of Adelaide and international researchers has shown that it is possible to breed cattle with reduced methane emissions. The genetics of an individual cow strongly influence the make-up of microorganisms in its rumen, allowing for selection of cows with lower levels of methane-producing bacteria.
Scientists propose that Earth's continental crust may have been thicker and present as far back as four billion years, with continents possibly rising from the sea much earlier than previously thought. The new model suggests that the survival of early crust was dependent on radioactivity levels.
A new species of trilobite, Redlichia rex, has been found in Australia, providing insights into the Cambrian 'explosion' and the evolution of defence mechanisms. The discovery reveals a giant size and formidable legs, suggesting an 'arms race' with predators.
A recent study from the University of Adelaide found that having braces does not necessarily lead to increased happiness or psychosocial outcomes in later life. In fact, people who did not receive orthodontic treatment were significantly more optimistic than those who had braces treatment.
Children with type 1 diabetes experience a 20% reduction in medication adherence during school holidays, weekends, and public holidays. This can have serious consequences for their health, increasing demand on healthcare systems and potentially leading to hospitalization and mortality.
A new study reveals that restoring degraded landscapes to biodiverse ecosystems favors more stable and specialist bacteria over opportunistic ones. This shift in bacterial composition has potential immune-boosting effects, suggesting a connection between healthy ecosystems and human health.
Scientists have developed a new single vaccination approach that simultaneously protects against both influenza and pneumococcal infections, overcoming the limitations of current vaccines. The approach combines vaccines targeting different components of the virus and bacteria, inducing enhanced cross-protective immunity.
Children with protruding teeth are at a higher risk of damage, but regular check-ups can reduce this risk. Early identification and protection through braces and good oral habits can prevent long-term dental issues.
A study published in Human Molecular Genetics reveals that DNA mutations trigger an inflammatory response, leading to cell death and progressive neurological damage. The discovery may lead to effective treatments using existing anti-inflammatory drugs.
A large study found Australian doctors are overprescribing flu antivirals to patients at low risk of complications, putting them at risk of unnecessary side effects. The indiscriminate use of antivirals can lead to increased risk of antimicrobial resistance, researchers say.
A randomized crossover trial found time-restricted eating improved glucose control, regardless of when the men chose to stop eating. The study's results suggest modulating meal times can improve glucose control and may lead to weight loss.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide named ten new parasitic wasp species inspired by everyday objects like chocolate biscuits and Doctor Who aliens. The discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy in understanding and documenting ecosystems.
Researchers discovered sea snakes can dive as deep as 250 meters in the mesopelagic zone, challenging previous assumptions about their habitat. The ability to cope with diving sickness allows them to access previously unexplored ecosystems.
Replanting urban environments with native flora could help address chronic health problems by promoting healthy microbial diversity. Restoration of urban biodiversity is estimated to have generational health benefits and huge savings for healthcare sectors.
The SCOPE project aims to harness plasma energy to transform the production of fertilisers, enabling tailored production for individual environmental conditions. Successful completion could lead to small-scale, flexible fertiliser plants that can produce up to 50,000 tonnes per year.
A new study found that the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report underestimated the threats of climate change by overemphasizing uncertainty. The report suggests that the agency's language is too cautious, hiding the true extent of human impact on the environment.
Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the US reveal that the African origins of New Zealand's giant extinct adzebill bird were traced to the tiny flufftails found in Madagascar and Africa. Genetic data analysis suggests a close relationship between the adzebills and their living relatives.
Researchers discovered that some Australian sea snakes can sense light on their tail skin, prompting them to withdraw their tails under shelter. This unique ability, found in only six species of sea snakes, helps protect their vulnerable paddle-shaped tails from predators.
Researchers reconstructed past rainfall patterns in south-east Queensland using preserved paper-bark tea tree leaves from North Stradbroke Island, finding a generally wet period around 5000-6000 years ago. The study suggests that the probability of a drought worse than the Millennium Drought may be as much as 10 times higher.
A University of Adelaide study found that orthodontic treatment has no long-term impact on dental health. The research followed 448 participants from age 13 to 30 and found that those with straight teeth still required regular brushing and check-ups to prevent decay.
Research by University of Adelaide scientists has revealed that poor blood oxygenation during sleep is a significant indicator of the chance of heart-related death. Extended episodes of interrupted breathing while asleep also increase the risk.
Researchers conducted a randomized study involving 73 adults with mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis, finding that pooled donor FMT induced remission in 32% of patients, compared to 9% with placebo. The study used anaerobically processed stool to preserve bacteria, which survived and administered to patients.