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University of New South Wales


Ignoring cues for alcohol and fast food is hard -- but is it out of our control?

Researchers have shown that people's general inability to ignore reward cues is not just a lack of control, but rather a limitation of their executive control processes. In an experiment, participants struggled to resist fast food and alcohol cues when under cognitive pressure or high memory load. The findings suggest strengthening exe...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 8, 2019

Leaving microbes out of climate change conversation has major consequences, experts warn

Experts warn that leaving microbes out of the climate conversation has major consequences. Microbes are crucial in regulating climate change, supporting animal and human health, agriculture, and the global food web. Climate change impacts microbial populations, exacerbating disease spread and threatening global food supplies.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateJun 18, 2019

Scientists crack genetic code of cane toad

A team of researchers has successfully sequenced and assembled the cane toad genome, providing a reference for understanding its interplay with ecosystems. The findings also identify three new viruses that could potentially be used as biocontrol agents, offering new hope in controlling the invasive species' population.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGigaScience·DateSep 19, 2018

A bird in the bush is worth $223,851 in the hand

A single Black-backed Oriole bird's arrival in rural Pennsylvania attracted over 1,800 birders from across the US and Canada, generating an estimated $223,851 for the local economy. The study reveals that ecotourism events can have a substantial impact on the economy through travel, food, and accommodation costs.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalHuman Dimensions of Wildlife·DateDec 9, 2017

Living on thin air -- microbe mystery solved

Researchers have discovered that microbes in Antarctica can scavenge hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from the air to sustain their energy needs. This discovery has significant implications for the search for life on other planets, suggesting that extra-terrestrial microbes could also rely on trace atmospheric gases.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2017