Experts have made key recommendations to manage post-stroke fatigue, harness non-invasive brain stimulation technologies, and improve data on post-stroke mobility. The International Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Alliance aims to accelerate progress towards effective treatments that enhance the lives of millions affected by stroke.
A formulation of vitamin C has been proven effective in treating sepsis, a deadly condition responsible for 35-50% of hospital deaths. The next phase of clinical trials will recruit 300 adult septic patients to receive the treatment.
Researchers at The Florey and Austin Health have discovered a way to detect Parkinson's disease 20-30 years before symptoms appear using a known biomarker called F-AV-133. PET scans show significant neuronal loss in three key brain regions, suggesting the biomarker is more sensitive than current methods.
A recent study by the University of Melbourne found that severe bushfires followed by heavy rainfall are causing platypuses to abandon their homes. The research used environmental DNA sampling to track platypus movement before and after the 2019-2020 megafires, revealing a significant decline in platypus populations in affected areas.
Scientists at The Florey Institute have identified a brain chemical, CART, that affects the taste of alcohol in females. When inhibiting CART, female mice drank less, but consumed more when drinks were sweetened, suggesting a potential treatment for women's binge drinking.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a new simulation model that can predict flooding during an ongoing disaster more quickly and accurately. The Low-Fidelity, Spatial Analysis and Gaussian Process Learning (LSG) model can produce predictions as accurate as advanced models but at speeds 1000 times faster.
University of Melbourne researchers developed a novel approach to 'tissue engineering' blood vessels by combining multiple materials and fabrication technologies. The method creates blood vessels with complex geometries like native blood vessels, offering a transformative solution for cardiovascular disease.
A new study published in Scientific Reports has investigated the impact of long-term changes in ocean wave and storm surge conditions on sandy coastlines over the past 30 years. The research found no clear linkages between these changes and shoreline recession, with sediment supply, human management, and other factors likely playing a ...
Research suggests that air pollution particles can compromise insects' olfactory perception, making it harder for them to detect food and potential mates. This finding is particularly concerning as about 40% of Earth's landmass is exposed to high particle air pollution concentrations.
Researchers have discovered two types of bacterial clusters inside coral tissues, including a close relative of the chlamydia-causing bacteria. The study found that these bacteria steal nutrients and energy from their hosts to survive, adding complexity to understanding coral reef health.
Scientists create new 'phase change inks' using nanotechnology to regulate temperature in everyday environments. These innovative materials could transform how we heat and cool buildings, homes, and cars by adjusting radiation absorption based on surroundings, enabling passive climate control.
Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.
Researchers have developed a new 'hybrid' hydrogel that safely delivers stem cells to damaged brain tissue, repairing injuries in mice. The breakthrough solves a long-standing challenge and paves the way for potential treatments beyond the brain.
Aquaculture can help restore ecosystems by removing excess nutrients and promoting biodiversity. Conservationists are using aquaculture techniques to create healthy habitats for marine species, including shellfish reefs and fish populations.
A new study predicts devastating socioeconomic impacts of future extreme coastal flooding on developing nations caused by climate change. Without adaptation measures, the number of people affected could increase from 34 million in 2015 to 246 million by 2100, with expected annual damage costing over five percent of national GDP.
New research shows a strong link between atmospheric dryness and forest fire risk, with warmer temperatures increasing the drying power of fuels. The study found that over 30 million records of fire activity in the last 20 years reveal a predictable relationship between vapour pressure deficit and fire activity.
A new study by UNSW and the University of Melbourne found that estimates of Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) for large dams in Australia are expected to increase by 14-38% on average over the next 80 years. This is due to climate change and outdated modelling, which has not been updated since at least 20 years ago.
Researchers investigating replacing lost gut nerves with stem cells could restore normal gut health, offering new hope for thousands of people suffering from digestive diseases. The project aims to find alternative treatments for Australians experiencing digestive diseases.
Researchers found that children are more likely to develop asthma if their father was exposed to second-hand smoke as a child. The study also shows that the risk is higher for children whose fathers smoked themselves. Epigenetic changes may be responsible for passing on this increased risk through generations.
A review of 14 studies reveals that women who take on more unpaid labor experience increased depressive symptoms and psychological distress. The study highlights the need for greater attention to divide unpaid labor equally between men and women to improve mental health.
Researchers developed a statistical mapping tool to predict genetic markers of resistance to Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. The model uses data from the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network and fills in gaps by making continuous predictions in space and time.
A new gene, C18ORF25, has been discovered that promotes muscle strength when activated by physical activity. This finding has significant implications for understanding healthy aging, muscle diseases, and sports science. The research team hopes to develop new treatment options using this knowledge.
Research from the University of Melbourne found that children who had bronchitis at least once before age seven were more likely to develop lung diseases like asthma and pneumonia in later life. The study followed 8,583 people for 46 years, establishing a long-term link between childhood bronchitis and adult lung health outcomes.
A new study has identified over 300 novel genetic features in retinal ganglion cells affected by primary open-angle glaucoma. The research provides a detailed genetic roadmap that will help researchers develop new therapies to prevent vision loss and potentially reverse damage caused by the disease.
A new study from the University of Melbourne found that Australian doctors are more likely to be sued for medical negligence if they are unhappy, overworked, working in rural areas, or have suffered a recent injury or illness. Doctors with an 'agreeable' personality were less likely to be sued.
Researchers have identified an anti-malarial compound, ML901, that inhibits the malaria parasite without harming mammalian cells. The compound works by hijacking a reaction to make the parasite self-destruct, showing rapid and prolonged action against resistant strains.
Dendritic cells, or 'sentinel' immune cells, are vital to maintaining the body's immune balance. Researchers have discovered their essential role in treating cancer and severe viral infections by preventing immunopathology.
A six-month telehealth-delivered exercise program improved pain, function, and quality of life for 400 individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The program, combined with a ketogenic diet, led to significant weight loss and reduced reliance on pain medications.
A recent clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that platelet-rich plasma injections had no significant benefits for reducing knee pain in people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. The study, which involved 288 participants, compared platelet-rich plasma injections to placebo injections and...
Researchers found a significant male bias in surgeon referrals, with male physicians more likely to refer patients to male surgeons. Female physicians were only 1.6% likelier to refer patients to a female surgeon, further widening the gender pay gap in medicine.
The new technology uses a 'tuneable' infrared LED that can detect multiple materials, including bacteria in meat and potentially lethal gases. It has the potential to improve safety for firefighters, miners, and military personnel, as well as be integrated into smartphones and other devices.
Scientists from the University of Melbourne and MIT have discovered a simple mechanical tube method to measure nanoparticle mass and size simultaneously. This breakthrough enables the simultaneous measurement of these properties, which is crucial for various applications such as drug delivery and nano-optics.
Researchers have discovered a unique 'gateway' that pneumococcus uses to steal manganese from the body, offering new potential therapies against antibiotic-resistant pathogen. Starving the bacterium of this essential nutrient could prevent it from causing disease.
A team of researchers has identified a mechanism explaining how Tpex cells can maintain their function for long periods, potentially improving the success rate of immunotherapy. The discovery was made by identifying increased amounts of an immunosuppressive molecule, which reduces activity of mTOR and dampens the immune response.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne found that liquid chalk is effective against both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A viruses. The study tested four different types of chalk, with three working incredibly effectively, and showed complete resistance to norovirus in some cases.
Scientists from University of Melbourne and University of Queensland have explained echidna's reproductive enigma, detailing testes that never descend or scrotum. The short-beaked echidna has a remarkable penis with four heads, which are functional in alternating erections.
A recent study by the University of Melbourne revealed that young clownfish living closest to shore are dying faster due to exposure to artificial lighting. The research team found that nearshore juvenile clownfish grew 44% more slowly under artificial light than those in natural conditions.
Researchers developed a mathematical model SSSAFE to predict landslides by analyzing slope stability over time. The model successfully predicted the 2017 Xinmo landslide, highlighting significant movement 10 months before the disaster occurred.
Researchers identified specific influenza targets to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from severe disease through a universal T cell-based vaccine. The study aims to harness immune responses to protect high-risk populations, including those with high HLA-A*24:02 protein prevalence.
Researchers from the University of Melbourne have identified four specific types of cytokines that cause severe inflammation during influenza virus infection. This allows clinicians to predict whether a patient will become severely ill with influenza, enabling early interventions and improved outcomes.
A new study by the University of Melbourne found that combining fishing and ocean warming has a devastating impact on fish populations. The research, published in PNAS, discovered that four generations are needed for the effects to manifest, with strongest declines observed where large individuals were fished out.
A newly discovered 'Goldilocks' black hole, approximately 55,000 times the sun's mass, provides insight into how supermassive black holes form and grow. The finding may indicate that these behemoths have ancient relics as seeds, potentially leading to a greater understanding of the universe.
New research at the UNESCO-listed 'Plain of Jars' in Laos establishes that stone jars were placed in their final position from 1240 to 660 BCE. The study used Optically Stimulated Luminescence and radiocarbon dating to analyze sediment samples, revealing enduring ritual significance across historical times.
The University of Melbourne is establishing a Contemplative Studies Centre, led by Dr Nicholas Van Dam, with a focus on evidence-based research and guidelines for contemplative practices. The centre aims to bring together experts from around the world to critically assess practices and provide authentic experiences.
Researchers have discovered how plants use their metabolism to sense time and conserve energy, shedding light on the 'plant clock'. This understanding could help optimize crop growth in various conditions, such as different seasons and latitudes. The study's findings may lead to more reliable food production and improved yields.
Researchers have identified a two-metre-long kangaroo painting in Western Australia's Kimberley region as Australia's oldest known in-situ painting, dated to 17,500-17,100 years ago. The discovery provides insight into the lives of ancient artists and the environment during the Last Ice Age.
A new commission report calls for eye care to be included in mainstream health services and development policies to achieve Universal Health Coverage and the 2030 SDGs. Improving eye health can have immediate benefits for individuals and nations, including economic gains of $AUD 530 billion a year.
A 270,000-year-old core from a Tasmanian lake provides the first Australian record of a geomagnetic excursion, where the Earth's magnetic field 'switched' and spectacular auroras were observed. This discovery has significant implications for understanding past climate change and developing new paleomagnetic dating tools.
Researchers have identified a key gene in zebrafish cardiac rhythm, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of cardiac arrhythmia in humans. The gene, Tmem161b, is found to play a central function in controlling heart rhythm, with mutations potentially causing fatal arrhythmias.
Researchers used micro-CT scanning and digital reconstructions to compare Tasmanian tiger and wolf skulls across development stages. The study reveals that Tasmanian tiger pups were more similar to wolf pups than other marsupials, with similarities established from newborns to adults.