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University of Adelaide


Reducing population is no environmental 'quick fix'

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that even stringent fertility restrictions or catastrophic mass mortality would not significantly reduce the world population by 2100. Instead, researchers suggest focusing on policies and technologies that reverse rising consumption of natural resources...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2014

Early intervention could boost education levels

Researchers found that progressive educational interventions can improve school entry academic skills and later educational outcomes, leading to a potential 5% increase in population-level academic achievement. The study suggests that pre-school education is crucial in setting children on the right path, with the potential to reduce so...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalChild Development·DateOct 22, 2014

Diet and exercise during pregnancy has hidden benefits

Research from the University of Adelaide found that healthy eating and increased physical activity during pregnancy are associated with significant improvements in baby outcomes. Pregnant women who received dietary and lifestyle advice experienced reduced weight gain, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and improved respiratory ...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 14, 2014

Predicting the future course of psychotic illness

Researchers developed a predictive model based on clinical symptoms, cognitive abilities, brain structure, and biomarkers to forecast patient outcomes. The model aims to improve treatment for mental illnesses like schizophrenia and could lead to more personalized care.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2014

Continuing Bragg legacy of structure determination

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have made significant advances in crystallography, allowing them to study chemical reactions in their native state. The new technique uses a metal-organic framework to bind reactants and enables the examination of reaction products without isolating or growing crystals.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 7, 2014

Intervention needed for survivors of childhood burns

A new research study by the University of Adelaide found that adults who were hospitalized for burns as children are at a higher risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. The study, which followed up with 272 people who were burned during childhood, found that 42% had suffered some form of mental illness and 30% experienced depression.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBurns·DateAug 29, 2014

Piglet weaning age no bar to litter frequency

Research at the University of Adelaide found that providing daily contact with boars during lactation stimulates oestrus in sows, allowing for increased piglet weaning age without compromising litter frequency. This could lead to improved post-weaning growth and better welfare for piglets.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAnimal Reproduction Science·DateAug 26, 2014

Warning to parents on high acidity drinks

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that acidity from soft drinks and fruit juice can cause lifelong damage to young people's teeth within 30 seconds. Parents are advised to limit their children's consumption of acidic beverages to prevent long-term dental issues.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Dentistry·DateAug 5, 2014

Phases of clinical depression could affect treatment

A new model for clinical depression takes into account the dynamic role of the immune system, highlighting different phases and their implications for treatment. This understanding may lead to more effective treatments, as common medications may not work for all patients in certain phases of illness.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·DateAug 4, 2014

Shrinking dinosaurs evolved into flying birds

Researchers discovered that the theropod dinosaur lineage, which gave rise to modern birds, underwent an unprecedented phase of shrinking and evolutionary innovation. This transformation allowed bird ancestors to adapt to new environments, such as climbing trees and flying, ultimately helping them survive a deadly meteorite impact.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2014

Game changer for leukemia therapy

Researchers have found that cancer cells decide whether to live or die after a short period of intense exposure to targeted therapy. This discovery presents a new treatment strategy with significant potential for reducing side effects in patients.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalLeukemia·DateJun 10, 2014

World's best thermometer made from light

University of Adelaide researchers have created the world's most precise thermometer, using light to measure temperature differences of 30 billionths of a degree in just one second. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize industrial and medical applications where trace amount detection is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2014

Ancient DNA ends Aussie claim to kiwi origins

A new study by the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA has solved a 150-year-old evolutionary mystery about the origins of giant flightless birds. The research found that the kiwi is most closely related to the extinct Madagascan elephant bird, contrary to previous claims.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2014

Stem cells from teeth can make brain-like cells

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that stem cells taken from teeth can grow to resemble brain cells, suggesting they could be used as a therapy for stroke. These cells have the potential to form complex networks and communicate like normal neurons, offering hope for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateApr 30, 2014

Bizarre parasite may provide cuttlefish clues

Researchers have discovered 10 new parasite species in Australian cuttlefish, revealing complex life cycles and infection patterns. The parasites' ability to reinfect hosts independently suggests a high degree of specificity, making them potential biological tags for assessing population structures.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalFolia Parasitologica·DateApr 14, 2014

New tool to unlock genetics of grape-growing

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a web-based tool to examine the genetic interactions behind grapevine development. The 'VTCdb' database enables scientists to identify genes working together in networks, leading to better understanding of complex traits and improved wine production.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Genomics·DateFeb 27, 2014

Grape seed promise in fight against bowel cancer

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that grape seed extract improves chemotherapy's potency and reduces intestinal damage in laboratory studies. Grape seed extracts showed no side effects on healthy intestine, decreased inflammation by up to 55%, and increased growth-inhibitory effects on colon cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2014

Stopping liver failure from painkiller overdose

University of Adelaide researchers have identified a crucial mechanism that can prevent liver failure resulting from excessive paracetamol consumption. By targeting the transient receptor potential melanostatine-2 (TRPM2) channel, they hope to develop new treatments for paracetamol overdose and potentially other liver-damaging poisonings.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2014