Researchers found that female raft spiders test males before attacking, rather than being inherently aggressive. The study suggests factors like male size and age may play a role in determining aggression.
A study suggests global fires have a clear weekly pattern with Sunday being the least active day, resulting in 8% fewer fires than Tuesdays. The study's findings highlight the influence of human activities on natural phenomena.
A study by the University of Melbourne found that changing family living situations lead to avoidable conflict among young adults. The research shows that kids staying at home longer is often driven by stability and additional support needs, while parental factors like education and household income also play a role.
Every year, thousands of people in impoverished communities die from snakebites due to the unavailability and high cost of anti-venom treatment. Despite efforts to address this issue, many countries remain unable to provide affordable solutions.
An international team proposes a method for countries to choose their own 'fair' emissions cuts, paving the way for a global consensus. The approach requires one major power to set an ambitious target, with others following suit and choosing their own justice model.
A new framework provides eight key ways to improve the advice of experts, including using groups with diverse members and minimizing psychological bias. The framework aims to balance conventional expert advice with methods that alleviate biases and ensure accountability.
A study by the University of Melbourne found a significant disparity in bowel cancer deaths between European men and women. Lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption are linked to higher rates of bowel cancer in men. The researchers suggest that countries with high levels of screening have seen substantial reduct...
A world-first trial by the University of Melbourne has successfully reduced risk-taking behavior in teenagers through trained doctors. The study found that after discussions with GPs, young people reported fewer instances of illicit drug use, sexually transmitted illnesses, and unplanned pregnancies.
A new study has revealed that a certain gene can amplify the psychological impact of life events, with some people experiencing severe depressive symptoms if they have a history of child abuse. However, the same genotype may also lead to happiness in others without such a history.
A study of nearly 10,000 people from 14 European countries found a strong correlation between genes that increase height and those that produce reduced body mass index. This discovery could help explain why people from northern Europe are often taller and slimmer than others.
New research reveals that smog exposure can cause the formation of free radicals in lung proteins, leading to damage, inflammation, and breathing difficulties. The study, conducted in a controlled environment, suggests that ozone reacts with amino acids in lungs, triggering the creation of highly reactive species.
The world has lost 129 million hectares of forest area since 1990, with tropical forests taking the hardest hit. However, there have been positive signs, including a halving of net forest loss from 7.3 to 3.3 million hectares between 2010 and 2015.
A 25-year analysis of global cause-of-death data reveals that dietary risks and high blood pressure have replaced child and maternal malnutrition as leading causes of death. The study highlights the importance of preventing avoidable risks like smoking, poor diet, and environmental hazards.
A team of researchers has identified a protein family that helps plants grow on salt, revealing a mechanism for improving plant growth under salt stress conditions. The study found that these proteins support the cellulose synthase machinery during cellulose synthesis, helping plants maintain biomass production under salt.
A team of international scientists has dated a species of extinct monkey found in the Dominican Republic to over 1 million years old. The discovery sheds light on primate evolution in the region and provides evidence for the long-term survival of endemic native monkey species.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have captured images of immune cells responding to herpes simplex virus using state-of-the-art microscopy. The study reveals the dynamic choreography between killer T cells, helper T cells and dendritic cells as they work together to defeat an infection.
The Toxoplasma parasite's ability to infect and grow within various cell types is attributed to its broad culinary tastes. However, this adaptability comes at the cost of energy expenditure. Researchers have identified a critical enzyme, TgFBP2, that plays a crucial role in the parasite's survival.
Researchers discovered fundamental differences in brain formation between children with childhood-onset schizophrenia and their siblings, revealing similar delays in brain connectivity that normalize over time. This finding opens up new avenues for developing treatment approaches with fewer side effects.
A new study reveals that a shorter form of the brain protein beta amyloid can bind to copper safely, potentially offering a protective role against Alzheimer's disease. This discovery challenges the long-held copper hypothesis and may lead to new therapies targeting the condition.
Researchers have identified over 14,000 genes in the blowfly genome, which can now be investigated for potential drug and vaccine targets. The discovery provides insights into the fly's molecular biology and its interactions with sheep, offering new avenues for combating the devastating flystrike disease.
A new study highlights the benefits of strength-based parenting in reducing stress and increasing resilience in children. By cultivating positive states and processes, parents can help their kids develop essential life skills such as coping with change.
A University of Melbourne study found that glancing at a grassy green roof for 40 seconds markedly boosts concentration. Students who viewed the greener vista made significantly less errors and demonstrated superior concentration on the second half of the task.
Researchers used IBM's supercomputing power to model cellulose at the molecular level, revealing a new understanding of its structure and dynamics. The insights could lead to disease-resistant crop varieties and increased sustainability in the pulp and paper industry.
As the global population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, robotic pets are becoming increasingly popular, offering alternatives for those who cannot have live pets. However, concerns arise about the ethics of relying on robots for companionship and potential impacts on human relationships with real animals.
Researchers have created a method that can identify the mass and shape of individual molecules, opening up new possibilities for biologists and biomedical applications. The technique uses vibrations in a tiny device to measure the mass-to-charge ratio and then analyzes the resulting frequencies to determine the molecule's shape.
Researchers discovered that combining artemisinins with a low dose of an anti-cancer drug can increase the effectiveness of anti-malarial drugs and overcome the parasite's defences. This finding has the potential to combat resistant malaria parasites, which are currently spreading globally.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that Wolbachia can block dengue virus infection in mosquitoes, leading to a significant reduction in transmission. The discovery has the potential to improve strategies for controlling dengue outbreaks, particularly in regions with low or moderate intensity of transmission.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have discovered a new method for DNA sequencing using graphene, a one-atom thick sheet of carbon. This technique promises to improve speed, throughput, reliability and accuracy while reducing costs compared to current methods.
Researchers from the University of Melbourne found that genetic variation affects the protective effect of aspirin on bowel cancer risk. The study analyzed data from 8,624 participants and found that about 1 in 25 people do not benefit from taking aspirin, potentially increasing their risk.
The new membranes show comparable performance to existing commercial membranes but with greater resistance to chlorine-containing chemicals. This technology can reduce operating costs and prevent decreased water flow due to biological fouling.
A new study published in the Review of Financial Studies suggests that regulating CEO payments and performance bonuses can lead to more profitable companies in the long term. The research found that relying on bonuses can encourage CEOs to pursue short-term gains, leading to poor strategic decisions.
A new study reveals that up to two-thirds of Australian smokers can expect to die from their habit if they don't quit, with a three times higher risk than non-smokers. The research found that smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and cancer, highlighting the need for continued tobacco control efforts.
The University of Melbourne-led study cracks the genetic code of T. canis, revealing its molecular biology and providing valuable insights into combating deadly outbreaks. The findings will aid future research on other related parasites, improving global health outcomes.
A new international collaboration reveals a vital relationship between diet quality and potential nutritional deficiencies and mental health. The study finds that nutrient-based prescription has the potential to assist in managing mental disorders at an individual and population level.
Researchers have discovered a highly sought-after material that can lead to vastly improved organic solar cell performance, increasing efficiency from 8% to 9.3%. The new discovery enables the production of cells that are double in thickness and opens up opportunities for the development of new materials with improved performance.
Research found that gliding lizards in Borneo mimic the colours of falling leaves to camouflage, using extendable gliding membranes. The study suggests that populations have evolved different coloured membranes to match their habitats, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings.
Researchers at University of Melbourne developed a new laser treatment that improves eye health in AMD patients by reducing disease signs and enhancing supporting cells. The nanosecond laser does not cause damage to the retina, raising hope for monocular treatment options.
Researchers have discovered a single mutation in a gene that explains a significant proportion of unsolved cases of progressive myoclonus epilepsy. The mutation disrupts brain signal transmission, leading to epileptic seizures and muscle twitching starting in childhood.
A new study has identified a human gene that provides natural resistance to typhoid fever. The HLA-DRB1 gene codes for a receptor important in the immune response against invading bacteria. This finding holds promise for developing improved vaccines and treatments for typhoid fever.
A new blood test has been developed to diagnose early onset Alzheimer's disease, detecting changes in the brain two decades before symptoms appear. The test shows high accuracy in predicting AD risk and has the potential to improve treatment options.
A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that substantial weight loss is more likely achieved through rapid weight loss programmes. Researchers compared two groups: one following a 12-week rapid weight loss programme with an average weekly weight loss of 1.5kg, and the other on a 36-week gradual weight loss pr...
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the similarities and differences between two neurodegenerative diseases, progressive supranuclear palsy and Parkinson's Disease. The study reveals that individuals with PSP experience more severe cognitive impairments than those with PD early on.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that brain activity can predict abstract judgments, such as time reference, even when participants were unaware. The research also sheds light on how images can prompt people to think about the present or future, contributing to our understanding of impulsive behaviors.
A new study from the University of Melbourne found that acupuncture did not improve chronic knee pain in patients older than 50. The research, published in JAMA, involved 282 participants who received either real or sham acupuncture for 12 weeks.
A collaborative study estimated long-term costs and health outcomes of depression-related absence compared to working employees with depression. Researchers found that continuing to work while experiencing a depressive illness may offer certain health benefits.
A global study has successfully mapped the genes of a parasitic worm in pigs, which could lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and autism. The genetic sequence of the 'pig whipworm' provides insights into its interaction with human immune systems.
A VicHealth-funded survey found that nearly all Aboriginal Australians experienced racism in the past year, with racism in healthcare settings linked to high psychological distress. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address racism in healthcare and promote better mental health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
A recent study published in JAMA found that physiotherapy for adults with painful hip osteoarthritis does not produce greater improvements in pain or function compared to a placebo treatment. The study suggests questioning the benefits of specific physiotherapy components for this patient population.
Researchers developed a family history screening questionnaire to assess predisposition to various diseases. The tool has been validated as effective in primary care, enabling healthcare providers to identify high-risk individuals and provide tailored interventions, including genetic testing and lifestyle management.
A review of 37 studies found evidence of racist beliefs and practices among healthcare providers, including negative perceptions of black patients' intelligence and compliance with medical advice.