Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Queensland


Natural restoration is key to reviving threatened tropical rainforests

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...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2026

Severe mental illness linked to preventable physical disease and shorter life span

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 12, 2026

Study shows AI could support low-cost foot health technology

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalSensors·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Muscle radar unlocks potential for future robotic limbs

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...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

Using AI to tackle global superbug crisis

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Cheminformatics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2026

Hidden antibiotic reservoirs drive antimicrobial resistance

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2026

Egg allergy rates declining in Australia

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%.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2026

One pot process to convert sugarcane waste to jet fuel

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBiofuels Bioproducts and Biorefining·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

Cellular changes linked to depression related fatigue

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...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 10, 2026

Empowering women boosts conservation success

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 8, 2026

Blood clot sting in the tail of scorpion venom

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBiochimie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026

Desperate race to resurrect newly-named zombie tree

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAustral Ecology·DateJan 22, 2026

Looping long-necked dinosaur site reveals its secrets

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGeomatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 25, 2025

Australian scientists uncover secrets of yellow fever

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 4, 2025

Miniscule wave machine opens big scientific doors

University of Queensland researchers have developed a microscopic 'ocean' on a silicon chip, allowing for the study of wave dynamics at an unprecedented scale. The device, made with superfluid helium, enables the observation of striking phenomena, including waves that lean backward and shock fronts.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2025

‘Mob want to see mob’: First Nations clinics a priority for many young Indigenous Australians

A study examined factors supporting or hindering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from accessing primary healthcare services. Young participants preferred to use Aboriginal providers where they could be themselves, valuing a cultural connection and feeling safer and welcomed.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateOct 21, 2025

Koala stress linked to disease threat

Researchers have found a clear relationship between koala stress and increased risk of disease, including Chlamydia. The study suggests that high KoRV loads may be weakening the immune system, making koalas more susceptible to diseases such as blindness and infertility.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of General Virology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2025