A new study by UNSW researchers predicts the heat tolerance of 60% of the world's amphibian species, revealing that 2% are already exposed to overheating in shaded terrestrial conditions. A 4°C global temperature increase could push 7.5% of species beyond their physiological limits.
Researchers from UNSW Sydney have discovered a potential new exoplanet using the transit timing variation method. The new planet is estimated to be 10-16 times the size of Earth and orbits its star in under 16 days.
A team of scientists has discovered that some key hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) decompose into persistent greenhouse gas pollutants, including compounds banned internationally. The chemicals are used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and in foamed plastics.
A high-resolution map and hierarchical classification system of Antarctica's ice-free lands reveal nine Major Environment Units, 33 Habitat Complexes, and 269 Bioregional Ecosystem Types. This unprecedented level of detail provides a critical foundation for protecting biodiversity in the continent's fragile ecosystems.
A global assessment of dung production has revealed hotspots in central Africa, Australia, and Eurasia, indicating the presence of herbivores. The study also highlights the importance of accurate livestock density assessments for agriculture and food security.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have demonstrated a novel method for quantum error detection and correction, leveraging an antimony atom's eight possible spin directions to create a robust system. This breakthrough has significant implications for building reliable quantum computers.
A new study analyzing FIFA World Cup finals footage found significant increases in total stoppage time, ball speed, and passing rates for both men's and women's games. The study suggests that the game is evolving towards a faster-paced, high-intensity style.
Researchers identified stability and predictability as key factors associated with good mental health in refugees. Building individual skills and capabilities to cope and thrive is crucial to promote well-being. Social engagement and support from both the refugee's own community and the host community also linked to increased wellbeing.
A novel sensory CBT treatment strategy has demonstrated its potential in a pre-clinical study, improving participants' ability to discard items and reducing anxiety and distress. The study found that imagery rescripting was more effective than other techniques in promoting discarding behavior and reducing negative emotions.
Researchers used accelerometers to observe the movement and behavior of green turtle hatchlings as they emerge from their nests. The findings show that hatchlings maintain a head-up orientation and move vertically through the sand by rocking forwards and backwards.
Researchers found that seabirds' food-stealing behavior, known as kleptoparasitism, could be a transmission point for the deadly H5N1 avian flu virus. This behavior involves birds forcing others to regurgitate their prey, potentially spreading the disease through contaminated food items.
Researchers found three new Thylacine species in Australian fossils, including a large species weighing up to 11kg and a highly carnivorous one with elongated cutting blades. These discoveries reveal the diversity of marsupial carnivores during the late Oligocene and challenge previous ideas about Australia's ecosystem.
Researchers found that floating objects can reach Antarctic waters from more sources than previously thought, threatening the continent's unique ecosystems. Non-native marine species can colonize Antarctica by catching a ride on kelp, driftwood, and plastic debris.
Scientists have discovered a novel mechanism of dosage compensation in platypus and chicken, where protein levels are balanced despite imbalanced mRNA levels. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the role of RNA in gene expression.
Researchers from UNSW used magnetic fields to study singlet fission, a process that breaks light particles into smaller chunks, increasing efficiency. The study could lead to improved silicon solar cell technologies, potentially achieving over 30% efficiency and reducing energy costs.
A new ketamine tablet form has shown promise in treating severe depression with negligible side effects and convenience. The study found that patients on the strongest dose of ketamine had the best results compared to placebo.
A new UNSW-led international study reveals that much of the world's global source water contains PFAS levels above recommended drinking water guidelines. In Australia, firefighting foams used in military institutions and fire training facilities are a common source of contamination, with many locations exceeding safe limits.
A new international study led by UNSW Sydney found no increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning difficulties after exposure to antipsychotics during pregnancy. The study tracked the long-term risk of intellectual disability, poor academic performance in maths and language, or learning, speech and language disorders.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a new technology offering test strips for rapid, on-the-spot disease detection. The test strips are accurate and cost-effective, making them suitable for various applications including public health, environmental diagnostics, and cancer cell detection.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have successfully encoded quantum information in four distinct ways using a single antimony atom. This breakthrough enables more flexibility in designing future quantum computing chips, with each method offering unique advantages and potential trade-offs.
A recent twin study published in Human Brain Mapping has found that genetics play a significant role in brain activity during emotional and cognitive tasks, with some factors being exclusive to environment. The study used functional MRI scans on twins to analyze the relationship between genetics and environment in brain function.
Researchers have discovered how lenacapavir disrupts the HIV life cycle by fortifying the capsid and making it brittle. This leads to a premature breakage of the capsid, exposing the viral genetic material to the host cell cytoplasm.
Researchers discovered how HIV enters the cell's centre by mimicking host proteins, enabling it to produce genetic copies and infect other cells. The study provides insight into host-pathogen interactions beyond HIV biology.
A new study published in Nature Cities suggests that a combination of cooling technologies and techniques can reduce the temperature of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by nearly 4.5°C during summer. The strategy involves using highly reflective 'super cool' building materials, irrigated greenery, and energy retrofitting measures.
Researchers found that nearly all male southern elephant seals are specialists, consistently eating the same food items over time with little variation. The study suggests that specialization could improve foraging success rates and help them compete for breeding rights.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a method to produce ammonia without high temperatures, pressures, and infrastructure. The new technique enhances energy efficiency and makes environmentally friendly ammonia economically feasible.
A new study reveals ocean warming rates nearly doubling since the 1990s, with some areas absorbing more heat than others. The Southern Ocean saw the largest increase in heat storage over the past two decades.
Researchers discovered cancer cells use a force-generating rescue mechanism to stabilise essential cell structures and resist chemotherapy. The study paves the way for developing drugs that target this mechanism to improve cancer therapies.
Scientists at UNSW Sydney have created a new material that can mimic human tissue, fight bacteria, and heal itself. The hydrogel material is made from simple peptides and has implications for biomedical research, medicine, and manufacturing technology.
A nearly intact fossilized bat skull discovered in a 50-million-year-old cave has provided crucial insights into the evolution of bats and their use of echolocation. The find, part of an analysis published in Current Biology, suggests that early bats may have used a form of echolocation similar to that employed by modern species.
A recent study reveals that start-up founders' core Big Five personality traits significantly differ from the general population and are more important for success than previously thought. Successful entrepreneurs tend to have preferences for variety, novelty, and being the centre of attention, while also exhibiting high activity levels.
An online course designed to curb negative thinking has shown strong results in reducing ruminating and worrying. The program, featuring three lessons over six weeks, significantly improved mental health outcomes for participants.
A new study led by UNSW Sydney reveals the pygmy right whale's behavior is quite different from its larger relatives, with no long-distance migrations to Antarctic waters. The whales instead remain in mid-latitude waters off southern Australia, feeding on krill and copepods throughout the year.
A low-cost version of ketamine has shown strong results in treating treatment-resistant depression, with over 20% participants achieving total remission and a third experiencing symptom improvement. The study's findings bring definitive evidence to the field, which can be more affordable than existing treatments.
A new machine learning algorithm analyzed high-resolution digital images of herbarium specimens, revealing that factors other than climate have a strong effect on leaf size within a plant species. The study also demonstrates how AI can be used to transform static specimen collections and quickly document climate change effects.
Scientists discover that warmer temperatures cause sea sponges to lose essential microbes, leading to tissue poisoning and necrosis. This study highlights the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and the potential loss of medicinal molecules.
A new study finds coral disease is spreading globally, tripling over the past 25 years to 9.92%, and predicts 76.8% of reefs will be diseased by 2100 if temperatures continue to rise. Coral reefs support a quarter of the world's fish and are crucial for coastal communities.
Researchers Dr Joshua Hamey and Professor Marc Wilkins have completely defined the essential cellular process of methylation, emphasizing its role in creating proteins. The study reveals that methylation is crucial for controlling protein synthesis and cell behavior, opening up new avenues for understanding and manipulating this process.
New DNA testing technology shows that a majority of wild dingoes in Australia are pure, with less dog lineage than previously thought. The study found significant regional variation in dingoes and suggests that previous studies overestimated the prevalence of dingo-dog hybrids.
Engineers at the University of New South Wales have created a solution for overcrowded circuitry in quantum computer chips by developing jellybean quantum dots in silicon. The device allows for spaced-out qubits that can interact with each other, enabling more efficient quantum computing.
A team of researchers has developed an AI tool called CRANK-MS that uses neural networks to analyze biomarkers in patients' bodily fluids and predict Parkinson's disease onset with an accuracy of up to 96%. The tool may help identify early warning signs for the disease, which can be challenging to diagnose.
A global study found that mosses cover over 9.4 million km² globally, providing essential services to the environment. Mosses support plant ecosystems by laying the foundations for plants to flourish and may play an important role in mitigating against climate change by capturing vast amounts of carbon.
A large study found that people with dementia are at higher risk of self-harm within the first 12 months after diagnosis. The researchers emphasize the importance of providing psychosocial and mental health supports to patients upon diagnosis, particularly men, who are more likely to develop dementia after self-harm.
A new online tool, CogDrisk, has been found to be effective in assessing dementia risk, providing a personalized report for patients and GPs. The tool uses a combination of statistical methods and modifiable risk factors to predict dementia risk, including physical activity, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, and poor diet.
A new study predicts that Antarctic deep ocean currents will slow by over 40% in the next 30 years and may collapse, with significant impacts on climate and marine ecosystems. The decline of this circulation could stagnate the bottom of the oceans and trap nutrients, affecting marine life for centuries to come.
A study led by UNSW Sydney found that Tasmanian devils in human-modified landscapes have limited diets compared to those in undisturbed environments. The researchers analyzed stable isotopes in whisker samples to determine the devils' prey, finding they fed on smaller animals and less varied food items in altered habitats.
A study of 742 pregnant participants found that pandemic-related stress had a significant impact on mental health, particularly among those with low social support and high levels of worry. The research also showed that COVID-19 related stress during pregnancy was associated with poor postpartum maternal mental health outcomes and incr...
Despite centuries of documentation, many native Australian plant species remain unphotographed. Citizen scientists can contribute to filling this gap using digital cameras, helping researchers identify species and support conservation. The study highlights the importance of photographic records in protecting threatened plant species.
A new device developed by quantum engineers can measure the spins in materials with high precision, breaking the current record of thousands of spins. This breakthrough enables researchers to study systems that were previously inaccessible, such as microscopic samples and two-dimensional materials.
A systematic review of Cognitive Functional Therapy found it to be no better than traditional therapies in reducing pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain. The researchers call for future trials featuring blinded participants and larger sample sizes to improve current evidence.