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.
The genomes of platypus and echidna have been published in Nature, providing a valuable resource for research on mammalian biology and evolution. The study sheds light on the unique biology and reproductive strategy of these animals, offering new leads for drug development and genetic management of threatened populations.
Researchers developed two new mammogram-based measures of risk, combining them to predict breast cancer risk more effectively than known genetic and breast density factors. The new measures could improve screening, reduce mortality, and make it less stressful for women.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an escalation of civil wars in several war-torn countries, including India, Iraq, and Libya. Conflict parties have exploited state weakness and lack of international attention due to the pandemic.
A new 30-year study found that public health services worldwide have failed to meet targets for reducing avoidable sight loss, with cataract and uncorrected refractive error being major contributors. The number of cases of blindness and severe vision impairment is expected to rise dramatically by 2050.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that three percent of primary school-aged children have self-harmed by age 11-12. Factors associated with self-harm include persistent symptoms of depression or anxiety, bullying, and poor emotional control. Early intervention strategies are necessary to address these issues.
The Fiji national vaccine program against pneumonia and rotavirus has reduced morbidity and mortality among children in the country. Morbidity rates for rotavirus diarrhoea fell by 87% in under-fives, while hospital admissions decreased, resulting in a 39% drop in mortality for young children.
A new study published in Science reveals that more than 4,400 species are at risk due to excessive or insufficient fire activity. The research highlights the impact of climate change, land-use changes, and invasive species on fire regimes, threatening biodiversity hotspots worldwide.
A study found that food labelling can encourage manufacturers to improve product nutrition. HSR labelling causes some products to become healthier, with positive reformulation examples including reduced fat and sodium content in instant soups and flavoured crackers.
Researchers have discovered a potential broad-spectrum anti-viral drug target by identifying how encapsulated viruses hijack the protein manufacturing and distribution pathways in cells. This approach offers an attractive alternative to developing individual drugs for each virus, with the same compound targeting multiple viruses.
A tiny brain device called Stentrode has been shown to help patients with upper limb paralysis text, email and even shop online. The device was implanted successfully in two patients with severe ALS and enabled them to complete daily tasks wirelessly.
Research across 40 low- and middle-income countries found that adolescent girls face high burdens of poor sexual reproductive health, violence, and child marriage. Boys experience poorer outcomes in areas like mortality, substance use, and labor, highlighting the need to address gender inequality during early adolescence.
Researchers have discovered a unique type of silk produced by the Australian basket-web spider, which is rigid and robust. The study suggests that this silk could be used to create a new genetic material with potential applications.
A 30-year global study reveals that chronic illness and related risk factors like obesity, high blood sugar, and outdoor air pollution have fueled coronavirus deaths. People are living more years in poor health, despite treatment advancements, with stagnant life expectancy in many countries.
Research at University of Melbourne found that low doses of Imidacloprid trigger neurodegeneration, disrupting energy production, vision, movement, and immune function in vinegar flies. Even small exposure can lead to blindness and movement problems.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have created a new microscopy technique that allows direct observation of the magnetic properties of ultrathin 2D materials, such as graphene. The findings reveal that these materials are weakly magnetic and can be easily demagnetized.
Researchers have developed a tool called COVID-3D to monitor mutations in the COVID-19 virus, helping to inform vaccine and drug development. The tool uses genomic and protein information to aid researchers in identifying effective targets for new treatments.
A world-first study found that an engineered form of the SMOC1 protein can decrease blood glucose levels and improve metabolic health in people with type 2 diabetes. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to create a new class of treatments for the condition.
A team of researchers from the University of Melbourne has identified new mediators of immune exhaustion that may be targeted in therapies for cancer and severe viral infections. T cells can lose function within just a few days of severe infection, contrary to previous thought that it takes longer.
The COVID-19 Health Worker Voices project uses anonymous WhatsApp channel to collect stories and insights from healthcare workers, providing valuable information on challenges, innovations, and coping strategies. Researchers aim to engage frontline workers, give them a voice, and share their experiences to support global health efforts.
A study by University of Melbourne researchers has confirmed that rapid warming events in the Arctic during the Last Glacial Period were synchronised with temperature increases across continental Europe and changes in rainfall regions. The findings, published in Science, provide important information for testing numerical models used t...
Researchers measure neurological responses to light pollution in wildlife, finding both magpies and pigeons' sleep disrupted by artificial white and amber lighting. The study suggests that using short-term solutions like switching off porch lights and installing sensor lights can help mitigate the impact of light pollution on bird sleep.
Researchers found patients in multidisciplinary clinics experienced greater symptom relief and improved wellbeing compared to standard care. Multidisciplinary clinics showed a 84% improvement rate, while standard care had a 57% improvement rate.
The University of Melbourne will develop a small, powerful satellite called SpIRIT to launch in 2022. The spacecraft will host an X-ray detector provided by the Italian Space Agency and demonstrate Australian-made space capabilities.
A University of Melbourne-led study developed a world-first framework that identifies health practitioners' readiness to address family violence. The CATCH model highlights five vital themes: Commitment, Advocacy, Trust, Collaboration, and Health system support.
Seismological studies revealed that weak rocks formed over 500 million years ago controlled the pathways of the 2016 magnitude 6.0 Petermann earthquake. The unusually long and smooth rupture was guided by these zones of weaker rocks, which can help forecast future earthquakes.
Researchers found that 62% of participants had physical multimorbidity in 2015, with the condition increasing with age, female gender, and educational level. The study concludes that concerted efforts are needed to reduce health inequalities due to multimorbidity and its adverse economic impact.
A University of Melbourne study finds that parts of the Eastern Highlands in Victoria may be as young as 5 million years, contradicting previous estimates of 90 million years. The team used speleothem dating to determine the age of stalagmites and flowstones in nearby caves.
Researchers stress importance of detecting neutralizing antibodies in recovered patients. Studies on animal models inform vaccine design to prevent severe disease and death. Professor Subbarao draws parallels between SARS and COVID-19 viruses.
Melbourne researchers have identified a microscopic protein, RPL6, that can be added to a malaria vaccine for efficient protection. The combination offered complete protection against malaria in mice, building upon the 2016 discovery of T cells resident in the liver and the 'prime and trap' vaccination strategy.
A new commentary paper highlights the urgent need to address environmental degradation using big data and technological advances. The study shows that despite increased computing speeds and data storage, the planet is still facing serious declines in forest cover and tidal flats.
Researchers at University of Melbourne and Imperial College London tested baloxavir, the first new treatment for influenza with a novel action mechanism, against oseltamivir. Baloxavir significantly reduced transmission of the flu virus in ferrets under conditions mimicking household settings.
A new study published in Global Environmental Change journal found that climate-related disasters enhance armed conflict risks in vulnerable countries. Researchers discovered that almost one-third of all conflicts onsets in these countries are preceded by a climate-related disaster within seven days.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne mapped immune responses from a patient with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms, showing the body's ability to recover from the infection. The study found that broad immune responses were associated with clinical recovery, similar to what is seen in seasonal influenza infections.
A study by University of Melbourne researchers found that increased tilt angle of the Earth's axis triggers warmer summers, melting Northern Hemisphere ice sheets and ending ice ages. The team used stalagmites and ocean sediment records to determine the age of two terminations around 960,000 years ago.
Countries can improve health outcomes by collecting accurate birth and death data, with training strategies showing a 28-43% reduction in incorrect certificates. Automated verbal autopsy methods also produce reliable cause of death information.
Researchers discovered that female swamp wallabies are permanently pregnant throughout their lives due to two uteri, allowing for continuous embryonic development. This unique reproductive strategy enables females to return to oestrus in late pregnancy and conceive new embryos.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne discovered striking differences in male and female immune systems that may explain why men are more susceptible to obesity. The study found a novel type of stromal cell that communicates with Treg cells and is specific to males, leading to a sex-specific chain of events.
A promising new study by University of Melbourne researchers suggests that wearing hearing aids may delay cognitive decline in older adults. The study found significant improvements in executive function, working memory, and quality of life for participants aged 62-82 years with hearing loss.
Researchers found over 350 huge phages with genomes four times larger than average, including the largest bacteriophage to date. These viruses carry genes normally found in bacteria and use them against their hosts, bridging the gap between non-living and living organisms.
Researchers conducted a large trial of MRSA blood infections and found that combining two antibiotics was not more effective than using one alone, but led to more kidney injuries. The study's findings aim to guide best management for patients worldwide.
Researchers have dated ancient Aboriginal rock art in the Kimberley region using wasp nests, confirming that Gwion style paintings are around 12,000 years old. The technique used involves analyzing the age of wasp nests under and over the paintings to establish a date range.
Researchers have completed the most comprehensive study of whole cancer genomes to date, revealing key mutations driving cancer growth. The atlas provides a solid foundation for understanding which genes are damaged in each cancer type.