Researchers have discovered that some lung cancers with EGFR gene mutations are uniformly treated throughout the tumor, while others have variable mutation presence. This finding has significant implications for diagnostic accuracy and precision medicine in lung adenocarcinoma.
Deaths from viral hepatitis have surpassed HIV/AIDS as a preventable cause of death in Australia, with an estimated 1,500 liver cancer deaths per year. Chronic viral hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated, but access to effective care and treatment can reduce these risks.
A systematic review found that iron supplementation boosts maximal capacity and exercise efficiency in women, even at submaximal exertion. Women who received iron had lower heart rates and higher efficiencies, especially those with initial iron deficiencies.
Researchers have identified a precise biochemical key that activates immune cells called MAITs, which defend against bacterial and fungal invaders. The breakthrough has potential applications in treating inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcers, and tuberculosis.
Scientists have discovered that changes in the hair growth cycle affect fluctuations in the thickness of underlying fat tissue, allowing skin to regulate fat production. This breakthrough could lead to topical creams that 'pause' fat cell growth, treating obesity and hair loss.
Researchers found that rotavirus infection accelerates type 1 diabetes development through a bystander effect, where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. The study suggests that treatments targeting this immune response could be beneficial for preventing type 1 diabetes in children at risk.
A 'stop mechanism' was found to regulate drinking behavior by detecting thirst levels and preventing overdrinking. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, identified brain regions that determine the signals to stop drinking, potentially preventing complications from excessive water intake.
A large analysis of international studies suggests a time-dependent link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Screening programs may be necessary for patients with new-onset diabetes, particularly those without significant risk factors.
A national survey found that people are more likely to disclose experiences of depression and early schizophrenia, with increased recognition of symptoms and reduced stigma. The study suggests that improved knowledge and beliefs about mental health problems contribute to the increase in willingness to disclose.
Researchers have found that rapid neuronal damage occurs 10-20 years before symptoms of inherited Alzheimer's disease appear, providing a crucial window for intervention. A clinical trial is underway to test the safety and efficacy of experimental drugs in this population.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that observers could detect changes in a person's appearance even when they couldn't visually identify the change. The researchers showed that this ability was not due to extrasensory perception or a sixth sense.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that some Indigenous people have limited immunity response to flu effects. The research suggests ethnic differences in immune responses to the H7N9 virus, which can lead to severe outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have identified a genetic marker that signals increased susceptibility to emerging influenza strains. This breakthrough allows clinicians to develop early intervention strategies for high-risk patients.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that oral garlic did not provide significant relief for women with vaginal thrush. The research involved 63 women who took either garlic tablets or a placebo for two weeks, with no notable reduction in Candida levels observed.
A review of 461 cases found strong associations between racism and detrimental health outcomes such as low self-esteem, reduced resilience, and behaviour problems in children and youth. The study identified an important issue that needs to be addressed in society, schools, and communities to improve child and youth health.
A new study reveals that E. coli bacteria can block a critical pathway in the gut, allowing them to survive and spread, leading to serious complications like kidney damage. The research provides valuable insight into how the gut fights infection and could lead to improved therapies for inflammatory bowel disease.
A case study published in the Medical Journal of Australia reveals that life insurance companies have made incorrect risk-assessment judgments based on genetic information. The authors call for a more collaborative approach between industry, government, and researchers to address these issues.
A recent study of over 1600 children found that cumulative incidence of stuttering by four years old was 11% higher than previous reports. Stuttering was associated with better language development and non-verbal skills, but no impact on mental health or temperament.
A new University of Melbourne-led study found that heavy traffic pollution and wood smoke from heaters significantly worsen asthma symptoms in middle-aged adults. The study revealed a 80% increase in symptoms for those exposed to heavy traffic pollution and an 11% increase for those exposed to wood smoke.
A global study using exome sequencing identified new genetic mutations causing severe childhood epilepsies, revealing common pathways to target the condition with drugs and therapies. The findings could lead to fast-tracking discoveries of genetic causes and improving treatment options for devastating childhood epilepsies.
A global study found that tamoxifen halves the breast cancer risk for women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. The medication has been used to treat breast cancer for decades and also prevents new cancers in many women.
Researchers developed a new strategy to coat microscopic materials, creating a particle system that can degrade under different conditions for timed release of substances. This innovation is expected to advance therapeutics in cancer, vaccines, cardiovascular disease and neural health.
A new study reveals that interactions between landslides and erosion, caused by rivers, explains why some mountain ranges exceed their expected lifespan. The study found that large landslides can overwhelm river transport capacity, while landslides also deliver abrasive agents to streams, accelerating erosion.
A recent study found that human influences through global warming increased the chances of Australians experiencing record hot summers like 2013 by more than five times. The research suggests that greenhouse gas emissions will lead to even more frequent and severe extreme heat events in the future.
Researchers have discovered a novel genetic mutation in the SERPINB6 gene that causes malfunction of an inhibitor enzyme, leading to accelerated hearing loss. In humans, individuals with this mutation typically lose their hearing from 20 years of age, while mice with the condition start losing their hearing at three weeks old.
Researchers used a new method combining observations and climate models to project future warming, finding 63% of uncertainty came from single sources such as climate sensitivity. The study suggests that exceeding 6 degrees warming is unlikely, while exceeding 2 degrees is very likely for business-as-usual emissions.
A large scientific study has discovered two new genes associated with severe seizure disorders in infants and children. The finding will lead to new tests to diagnose these conditions and promises to improve outcomes for affected families.
A study of young Australians found a small increase in cancer risk after receiving CT scans, particularly at younger ages. The risk increased with the number of scans, but the benefits of early diagnosis and monitoring largely outweigh the risks.
A world-first clinical study by an Australian team has found Kava significantly reduced symptoms of people suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorders. The study revealed Kava could be an alternative treatment to pharmaceutical products, with no significant adverse reactions or differences in liver function between the groups.
A world-first study led by Professor Mark Cook has accurately predicted epilepsy seizures in humans using a device implanted between the skull and brain surface. The system correctly predicted seizures with a high warning rate of 65% of the time, offering new management strategies for epilepsy.
A new study found that up to 10% of children have specific learning disabilities, and these co-occur more often than expected. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are particularly affected, with 33-45% also suffering from dyslexia and 11% from dyscalculia.
Researchers from the University of Melbourne have made a groundbreaking discovery that enables ultrafast high-resolution imaging in real time. By generating ultra-short durations of electron bunches, they can achieve both cold and fast electrons, paving the way for new advances in the field.
A local GP intervention program has been found to positively impact the lives of women living in fear of their partner, improving their safety planning and mental health outcomes. The study, led by Associate Professor Kelsey Hegarty, tested the effectiveness of screening and brief counseling for abused women in primary care settings.
Researchers identified several risk factors, including the number of previous complaints and specialty, which could help predict future complaints. The study suggests that identifying high-risk doctors earlier can lead to targeted interventions to improve quality care.
Scientists have discovered how influenza viruses evade T cell immunity, enabling researchers to design vaccines targeting distinct virus strains for universal protection. This breakthrough may lead to the development of a new universal influenza vaccine to combat both seasonal and pandemic outbreaks.
A 10-year study found that daily walking increased as residents had more access to local transport and recreational destinations. For every shop or facility available, residents walked an extra 5-6 minutes or 21 minutes per week respectively.
A new international study shows that a male fairy-wren's low-pitched song is linked to its body size, providing insight into reliable communication between animals. The study, led by University of Melbourne researcher Dr Michelle Hall, found that larger males sing at lower pitches.
Researchers have found that immature malaria parasites are significantly less sensitive to artemisinin-based drugs than mature ones. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments for malaria and a better understanding of how the parasite develops resistance to drugs.
Researchers found that most tough-leaved shrubs and trees in South East Australia went extinct during the ice ages, contradicting the long-held theory that evolution drives biodiversity. The study suggests that extinction is equally important to diversity as evolution.
Researchers have identified a key protein, IFITM3, in T-cells that provides resistance to influenza. Increasing the production of these resistant T-cells could lead to longer-lasting immunity.
Researchers have discovered that some water catchments exhibit a finite resilience to wet and dry years, switching between two steady states. This finding allows for better prioritization of investment and informed decision-making in water resourcing.
HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has been announced as patron of the Australian Twin Registry, a pioneer in twin medical research. The registry's work has contributed to breakthroughs in understanding human development and aging, including serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
A recent study analyzed online campaign ads from the 2012 French and American presidential elections. The research found that American ads had a significantly higher negative tone compared to French ads. The study's findings suggest that non-professional media creators in America are pushing the boundaries of attack advertising.
Scientists have discovered that microscopic protozoa stole genes from algae to produce energy, leading to the evolution of a new species. This process, called endosymbiosis, reveals a key moment in the history of life on Earth and may have implications for algae biofuel production.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that female Komodo Dragons live significantly shorter lives than males, with an average lifespan of 32 years compared to 60 years. The research suggests that females invest excessive energy in building nests and guarding eggs for up to six months, leading to reduced body size and weight.
A pilot study of over 100 interviews with professional staff found that confidence levels at primary and high school ages significantly impact occupational success. Workers with higher confidence reported better wages and faster career advancements.
Researchers discovered that immune cells use vitamin B products to recognize bacterial infections, triggering an immune response. This finding opens up potential targets for improving treatments or developing a vaccine for tuberculosis.
Researchers have identified a specially engineered steel surface that suppresses bubbling, reducing the risk of liquid explosions and fostering gentle heating. The textured surface maintains vapor layer stability, preventing boiling over and frost formation.
A new genetic test developed by University of Melbourne researchers can predict the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with over 70% accuracy in people of central European descent. The test identifies genetic markers that either contribute to or protect an individual from developing ASD, allowing for early interventions ...
Scientists have discovered a way to screen people for Mad Cow disease using a simple blood test, which could help boost critical blood stocks. The breakthrough involves recognizing specific 'signature genes' in the blood stream.