Global measles vaccination rates for children under 5 have declined post COVID-19, with estimated cases rising 40% from 11.1 million in 2019 to 15.6 million in 2023. The resurgence coincides with COVID-19-related disruptions to immunization programs and health systems.
A global study of 1,352 vaccinated participants found that, in most cases, COVID-19 vaccination did not improve persistent smell and taste problems. Researchers say the findings provide reassurance for most people, but note that natural recovery may also have played a role. The study's results highlight the importance of clinicians ass...
A global study found that endometriosis guidelines worldwide are often underrepresented by adolescents, gender-diverse people, and those with lived experience. The review aims to develop standardized international guidelines to ensure consistency in diagnosis, treatment, and self-care.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed new visual tests to diagnose early signs of dementia in Lewy body disease, including Parkinson's disease. The tests, which examine visual processing pathways, can detect even mild deficits and track changes over time.
University of Queensland scientists created a benchmarking dataset, PlantMicro, to guide AI platforms towards accurate analysis of plant microscopy. The dataset confirms VLMs struggle with plant host and disease identification, with average accuracies of about 30%.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed a new approach to breeding crops for farming systems, which could lead to more sustainable and efficient farming practices. By selecting crop varieties based on their legacy, or the impact they have on the soil and subsequent crops, farmers may be able to reduce fertiliser bill...
Researchers have developed a self-repairing coating that can protect steel components from corrosion for over 100 years, reducing maintenance needs. The coating uses nanoarchitects to release rust-inhibiting molecules and can restrict corrosion by 37 nanometers per year.
Researchers used snail shells to recreate prehistoric cyclones in South East Queensland, Australia, by analyzing growth rings and stable isotopes. The study showed that snails responded to extreme rainfall events, not annual wetness, providing a new climate archive for the region.
Researchers have developed paramedic cockroaches with cameras and medical injectors to deliver supervised emergency care to people trapped in collapsed buildings. The 'Paraborgs' achieved 95% success with close-range injection, demonstrating their potential to extend the reach of emergency medicine.
A study by the University of Queensland suggests that urban parks lack vital midstorey vegetation, which is essential for small animals and birds. The researchers propose designing parks with denser, midstorey vegetation to improve the quality of urban green space and support wildlife, while also promoting community wellbeing.
A study found that natural forest regeneration delivered significant carbon and biodiversity benefits, and could be up to 96% cheaper than traditional tree-planting programs. The research identified 'holistic hotspots' in areas like Indonesia, Madagascar, and the Amazon basin where natural regeneration provided high carbon benefits and...
Research found that severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can lead to preventable physical diseases, reducing life expectancy by up to 20 years. Patients often develop multiple chronic conditions affecting different systems, emphasizing the need for holistic treatment approaches.
Researchers developed an AI model capable of generating accurate, high-resolution pressure maps using just a few anatomical landmarks, enabling lower-cost foot health monitoring in rural and remote regions. The study demonstrates the potential for AI to overcome challenges associated with traditional plantar pressure monitoring systems.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed ultra-wideband radar sensors to measure muscle forces in a non-invasive way. This technology has the potential to improve rehabilitation, injury prevention, and recovery for people with motor neuron disease or aging. The goal is to eventually use real-time sensor data to assist...
A clinical trial found that a standardized peritoneal dialysis training program reduced infection risk compared to existing training. The study recruited 1462 patients and demonstrated the impact of training delivery on PD-related infections.
Researchers found tyre particles and potentially toxic tyre chemical additives in dust collected from Brisbane residential balconies. The study provided the first quantitative evidence of tyre pollutants on Australian balconies, including a chemical called 6PPD-quinone.
A new study has found that most skin's temperature sensitive nerve cells can sense both cool and warmth, not just one. This discovery could help explain why people with certain conditions struggle to regulate their body temperature.
A review of 60 studies found that existing assessments of nutrition recovery in people with eating disorders are inadequate and focused on the use of BMI or weight. The researchers emphasize the need for better ways to measure and communicate nutrition-related change to tailor treatment to individual needs.
Australian researchers found short bursts of intense UVB radiation caused 50% more DNA damage in tadpoles than a lower level for a longer period. This type of damage could impact frog growth and survival.
Researchers call for hearing tests to be a standard part of diabetes care due to its high prevalence among adults with type 2 diabetes. A systematic review of 29 studies found that hearing loss is a significant yet under-recognised complication, affecting daily conversations and quality of life.
A new framework tests AI reliability in antibiotic development, highlighting its potential to speed up the discovery of new antibiotics. The study found that while AI models were good at spotting known antibiotic structures, they struggled to explain their reasoning, a critical step towards trustworthiness.
Research finds that antibiotics and their breakdown products can contribute to resistance, even after treatment. The study suggests that wastewater treatment plants act as hidden reservoirs of bioactivity, leading to increased antibiotic resistance. Human usage of antibiotics is also identified as a major driver of this issue.
Research led by University of Queensland found a 17% drop in egg allergy rates among Australian children after implementing guidelines recommending egg introduction at 6 months of age. The study also showed a significant reduction in egg allergy rates among babies with eczema, from 35% to 22%.
A large study found significant genetic similarities between gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes, with 37 genetic variants associated with gestational diabetes. The research also suggests that genetic effects may differ across populations, offering new insights into the underlying causes of these conditions.
A team of researchers identified multiple defects in macrophages that leave people with CF vulnerable to MABS infections. The study found that even the most effective CF drug doesn't boost macrophage's ability to kill MABS.
Researchers have found that mitochondrial fission enhances the body's antibacterial response to infections, and that an experimental treatment can re-activate this process. This could lead to the development of new host-directed therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
A new study analyzes global nickel demand and its environmental costs, finding that meeting future demand could harm biodiverse ecosystems. The research calls for sustainable mining practices and stronger regulations to minimize ecological impacts.
Researchers created a detailed map of neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, using cutting-edge technology. They found that high-risk tumors carry a defense mechanism against ferroptosis, a natural cancer-killing process, but it's shielded by the protein GPX4.
A joint project between The University of Queensland and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has led to the development of an eco-friendly process to convert sugarcane waste into biofuel. PhD candidate Ms Neethu Joshikumar successfully tested a one-pot method using deep eutectic solvent, reducing electricity and time requirements.
A new study reveals that Australia's national park expansion has not effectively protected threatened species and ecosystems. Despite doubling the size of protected areas since 2010, critical conservation priorities are being overlooked.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have made a breakthrough in understanding the cellular changes that occur in depression. They found that cells in people with depression produce more energy molecules when resting, but have a reduced ability to increase energy production under stress. This study offers a new potential approac...
Researchers developed the Simplified Adolescent Factors for Endometriosis (SAFE) score, a 5-minute questionnaire to identify at-risk patients and fast-track specialist referrals. The test aims to reduce the average 6-8 year diagnostic delay, allowing for early treatment and improved quality of life.
A global review of 32 wildlife management projects found that empowering women leads to improved species recovery, habitat restoration, and reduced poaching. Women's unique insights and knowledge, often overlooked in conservation research, are essential for effective community-based wildlife management.
Scientists at The University of Queensland discovered that certain species of wasps and frogs share a pain and inflammation peptide similar to one found in vertebrates. This finding contributes to a shifting view of how evolution works and highlights the role of convergent evolution in shaping life.
A global study found that safeguarding 7.3% more mangrove areas can increase their resilience by 13.3%, with climate-smart conservation being achievable and affordable
A new study found that a diet with a lower ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids can make T cells more resilient and resistant to cell death. This discovery could potentially enhance vaccine protection and improve the success of cancer treatments.
A study by Professor Bryan Fry and Sam Campbell from the University of Queensland found that scorpion venom activates major clotting factors in human blood, particularly Factors VII and X. The research also identified small-molecule metalloprotease inhibitors that can neutralize the procoagulant effect.
Researchers have discovered a genetic region controlling resistance to Fusarium wilt Sub Tropical Race 4 (STR4) in a wild banana subspecies called Calcutta 4. This finding holds promise for developing sustainable and disease-resistant commercial banana varieties.
Researchers discovered a unique photoreceptor cell that optimizes vision in low-light conditions, combining the benefits of both cone and rod cells. This finding has potential applications in developing more efficient cameras and medical treatments for eye conditions such as glaucoma.
A 230-million-year-old footprint discovered in Brisbane is now recognized as Australia's oldest dinosaur fossil. The small, two-legged dinosaur, likely an early sauropodomorph, stood about 75-80 cm tall and weighed around 140 kg.
Researchers at University of Queensland conducted hearing tests across ocean off Australian coast, finding humpbacks react to higher frequency sounds than expected. The study provides direct evidence humpbacks are highly sensitive to higher frequencies at the upper end of human hearing range.
A recently identified tree species in Australia, Rhodamnia zombi, is facing extinction due to myrtle rust, a fungal disease that attacks and kills its young shoots. Researchers are working on finding clean cuttings and propagating them to grow resistant seedlings, which may hold the key to resurrecting the 'zombie' tree.
Researchers have identified a delicate balance in Antarctic ocean processes that control the formation of dense water, which drives global ocean circulation and climate patterns. Melting ice shelves and changes to sea ice could lead to significant impacts on global climate.
A unique looping trail of ancient footprints in Colorado has provided insights into the behavior of a long-necked dinosaur, including possible evidence of limping. The analysis of over 130 footprints revealed subtle patterns, such as variations in footprint width and step length differences between left and right feet.
The event will explore topics such as structural homology detection and phylogenetic inference from protein structure, with practical experience through interactive workshops. Registration is free, with travel grants available for students and early career researchers.
A landmark study has used genome sequencing to quantify how much trait differences between people can be explained by genetic factors. The research found that genetic factors can explain an average of 30% of differences between people for characteristics such as height, body mass index, and cholesterol levels.
Researchers found somatoform disorders impact 4.6% globally, with 662 years of life lost per 100,000 people due to these conditions. The study highlights the need for increased resource allocation and awareness about these often-diagnosed-incorrectly disorders.
A new study models the impact of climate change on the GBR, forecasting a rapid coral decline before the middle of this century. However, curbing emissions and strategic management can help improve coral resilience, especially in well-mixed waters with good larval replenishment.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have captured high-resolution images of the yellow fever virus, shedding light on its structural differences between the vaccine strain and disease-causing variants. The study reveals that these differences impact how the immune system recognizes the virus.
Researchers from the University of Queensland and New York University successfully made semiconducting element germanium superconducting. The discovery unifies classical electronics and quantum technologies, opening a pathway for hybrid quantum devices.