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University of Adelaide


Nothing fishy about better nutrition for mums and babies

A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that adding thiamin to fish sauce improves blood markers of thiamin status, making it a potential means of preventing thiamin deficiency in Cambodia. Thiamin deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including beriberi, which is often fatal in infants if left untreated.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 10, 2017

Increasing cost of natural hazards as climate changes

A comprehensive study of Australian natural hazards finds increasing heatwaves and extreme bushfires, but uncertain projections for storms and rainfall. Temperature-related hazards are projected to become more extreme, while others may see increased frequency or intensity, with complex interlinkages between climate extremes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalClimatic Change·DateNov 7, 2016

Developing a sensor for vitamin B12 deficiency

A novel optical sensor has been developed to detect vitamin B12 in human blood serum, enabling early intervention and tracking of levels in high-risk patients. The device uses Raman spectroscopy to produce a unique optical fingerprint of vitamin B12, offering a promising first step towards a point-of-care solution.

Temporary extinction reprieve for some frogs

Researchers found that three frog species in the protected Wet Tropics of Queensland UNESCO World Heritage Area might have sufficient time to conserve before extinction due to climate change. The study suggests that conservation managers could intervene successfully with translocation programs.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 11, 2016

Invasive insects cost the world billions per year

A new study estimates that invasive insects globally incur at least US$70 billion in annual costs to goods and services, while also resulting in significant health expenses. The researchers stress that these figures are likely underestimates due to the lack of research on the topic in many regions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2016

New technique for finding weakness in Earth's crust

Scientists developed a method to estimate weakness in the Earth's outer layers, allowing for more accurate predictions of volcanic activity and earthquakes. The new model uses surface-based electromagnetic imaging techniques to estimate viscosity variations, which can be used to understand processes driving tectonic plate deformation.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2016

Study shows how Chinese medicine kills cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have shown how a complex mix of plant compounds derived from ancient clinical practice in China kills cancer cells. The study characterised the molecular action of a Traditional Chinese Medicine, finding that it alters cell cycle regulation to push cancer cells down the death pathway.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateSep 8, 2016

Smarter brains are blood-thirsty brains

A University of Adelaide-led project found that the human brain evolved to become more energetically costly and blood-thirsty, increasing in size by 600% while its metabolic activity grew. This increase is linked to the development of complex thinking and learning abilities.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 30, 2016

New technique takes guesswork out of IVF embryo selection

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new technique to choose the best embryo for implantation, boosting IVF pregnancy success rates. The method uses digital imaging and mathematical modeling to analyze differences in embryos not visible under a microscope, helping embryologists make more informed decisions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Reproduction and Development·DateAug 25, 2016

Meat consumption contributing to global obesity

A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that meat consumption contributes to global obesity at the same extent as sugar, with protein in meat digested later and converted to excess energy. The study suggests dietary guidelines may need to advise eating less meat alongside reducing sugar intake.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Nutrition·DateAug 1, 2016

NZ wren DNA analysis reshapes geological theory

A DNA study of New Zealand's acanthisittid wrens has provided evidence that the country was not completely submerged under the ocean around 21 to 25 million years ago. The research found divergences among the species, suggesting they have been resident in New Zealand for over 25 million years.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateJul 27, 2016

Light-bulb moment for stock market behavior

University of Adelaide physicists discovered the timing of electronic orders on the stock market follows a Weibull distribution similar to light bulb lifetimes, showing rational behavior when intervals exceed 10 milliseconds. The finding could help predict dramatic movements and detect irregularities in market abuse.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPhysics Letters A·DateJul 21, 2016

Ancient DNA shows perfect storm felled Ice Age giants

A new study reveals that Ice Age species, including sabre-toothed cats and giant sloths, died off around 12,300 years ago due to a combination of human arrival and rapid warming. The research found that it was only when the climate warmed, long after humans first arrived in Patagonia, did the megafauna suddenly disappear.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2016

Glass now has smart potential

Australian researchers have developed a method to embed light-emitting nanoparticles into glass without losing their properties. The new 'hybrid glass' combines nanoparticles' luminescence with glass' transparency and versatility, opening up possibilities for ultra-high-tech applications like biological sensing and 3D displays.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 7, 2016

Weed stems ripe for biofuel

Researchers have identified a type of wild sorghum, known as Arun, which yields significantly more bioethanol than other varieties. The plant's stems contain high levels of a component thought to inhibit bioethanol production, but a high level of easily fermentable sugar negates this effect.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 30, 2016

Call to minimize drone impact on wildlife

University of Adelaide researchers recommend a 'code of best practice' to minimize the impact of drones on wildlife and mitigate potential disturbances. The guidelines cover various factors, including species, environment, and UAV operation, to ensure informed use of drones in field research.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2016

New study suggests rethink of dementia causes

Researchers propose an out-of-control immune system as a common cause of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. The theory suggests that prolonged activation of the innate immune system leads to brain cell death, contributing to the decline in these diseases.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateMay 12, 2016