New research from the University of Queensland shows that chronic stress can lead to a weakened immune response in cancer patients. The study found that lymphoma progression was accelerated in mouse models when stress pathways were induced, resulting in reduced effectiveness of immunotherapies.
The UQ dipstick technology enables fast and accurate diagnosis of human, animal and plant diseases in remote locations. The technology extracts DNA and RNA from living organisms in under 30 seconds without specialized equipment or personnel.
Scientists have discovered a new type of cell in the eye of deep-sea fish that enables them to see in twilight conditions. This finding opens up new avenues of research into how animals adapt to extreme environments and challenges existing theories about photoreceptor cells.
Physicists at the University of Queensland developed a new technique to reduce errors in atom measurement devices, boosting precision by exploiting quantum entanglement. This improvement enables more flexible design and operation of these quantum sensors, potentially moving experimental physics into real-world applications.
Researchers found bees display unique biases in left- and right-handedness when flying through obstacles, impacting flight efficiency. This discovery could lead to strategies for steering drone aircraft fleets, optimizing safe and collision-free routes.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified genes that control a cell protein holding wheat grain layers together, leading to improved milling efficiency and nutritional profiles. This breakthrough could increase flour yield by up to 10% and unlock new high-yielding field wheats.
A University of Queensland researcher suggests that conservation burials, where burial fees support threatened species conservation, have substantial potential to increase biodiversity. By generating revenue exceeding the cost of saving all threatened species, conservation burials could effectively protect endangered wildlife.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports has shown that the Nanopatch, a microscopic vaccine delivery platform, is more effective at combating poliovirus than traditional needles and syringes. This breakthrough has significant implications for the eradication of polio, a disease responsible for tens of millions of cases worldwide.
A University of Queensland team has made a breakthrough in understanding the vestibular system, which controls balance and movement. Using optical tweezers, they were able to activate the vestibular system without the animal moving, allowing for the study of neural circuits in the brain that mediate vestibular perception.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered modified peptides that can enhance plant growth and development. The study, published in Cell Chemical Biology, found that these peptides can regulate root development and increase productivity, leading to improved agricultural sustainability and food security.
Babies born between 37-38 weeks have a 57% higher risk of poor cardiorespiratory fitness, according to the study. Early term deliveries may lead to neurological, cognitive and respiratory issues in adolescence and early adulthood.
Scientists have identified a metabolic pathway that governs the loss of the human heart's ability to regenerate tissue. This discovery could potentially lead to the development of drugs to reactivate regeneration in adult hearts, allowing them to repair muscle damage caused by heart attacks and recover full pumping capacity.
The study recovers 8,280 bacterial and 623 archaeal genomes from environmental samples, increasing the number of known life forms by nearly 10%. This represents a significant boost to our understanding of microbial diversity and its role in critical biogeochemical processes.
Researchers at The University of Queensland found that strategic delays can improve conservation gains by leveraging investments, capacity building, and monitoring. This approach allows limited resources to protect more species and achieve better outcomes in less time.
A new study found extensive loss of branching corals and changes in coral community structure on the Palm Islands over the past century. The area's hard coral cover is declining, with recovery severely lagging behind predictions.
A new study suggests that coastal marine ecosystems can be better managed with restoration instead of protection on limited budgets, according to researchers from the University of Queensland. The model compared scenarios of restoration versus protection and found that active marine restoration may be the most cost-effective way over d...
A new study using old nautical charts and satellite data found that more than half of the coral reef habitat mapped in the 1770s was no longer there, with some areas experiencing up to 90% loss. The research has important conservation implications and highlights the need for a shifted spatial baseline.
A massive genetic study has identified 153 new gene variants linked to osteoporosis, which could lead to the development of a new treatment. The study found that removing a strongly implicated gene GPC6 in animal models resulted in increased bone thickness.
Researchers found that antivenoms produced using snakes from one region may perform poorly or fail completely against the same species of snakes from other regions. The study highlights a significant public health concern, with snakebites affecting millions globally and accounting for thousands of deaths annually.
A large international study has found that psychotic experiences in otherwise healthy people are more likely to have later suicidal thoughts or attempts. Children under 12 who experienced psychosis were at even greater risk of suicidal thoughts, with the risk five to six times higher than in other age groups.
A research team led by Professor Bhesh Bhandari has discovered that small fat globules can impart stability to cream and give cold butter a softer texture. The breakthrough uses nanoemulsions to create innovative dairy ingredients with potential to increase the return on investment for dairy manufacturers.
Researchers have discovered that Australian tiger snake venom is highly conserved across species, making the corresponding antivenom effective against many other snake bites. This finding has significant human medical benefits and upends a long-held theory on venom evolution.
A discovery by a UQ-Columbia University-University of Washington research group has explained the regulation of pyruvate carboxylase enzyme in Lactococcus bacterium, crucial for efficient milk acidification and cheese production. The findings have significant implications for Australia's billion-dollar cheese industry.
A new study found that humpback whales avoid loud ocean mining noise triggered by seismic air gun surveys, suggesting a clear avoidance reaction within a certain distance from the vessel. The research aims to improve current mitigation measures to prevent adverse effects of seismic air gun noise on large whale behavior.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered that adult brains can produce new cells in the amygdala, a region important for processing emotional memories. This finding has significant implications for understanding the brain's ability to adapt and regenerate.
A study by University of Queensland researchers has confirmed that microbial communities necessary for plant development have a significant impact on crop and plant yields. The study also found that plants' limited ability to vertically transmit microorganisms between generations is a key factor in their relationship with microbes.
Researchers have discovered evidence of modern human presence in West Sumatra, dating back to 73,000 years ago, suggesting a possible early migration to Australia. The findings, published in Nature, shed new light on the origins of humans in Southeast Asia and challenge the current timeline.
Researchers have found a close link between early brain developmental events and changes in cognitive function in adulthood. Disruptions to the ability of developing brain cells to form connections were associated with increased fear-related memories.
Researchers studied lizard venom to discover novel compounds with potential in treating stroke and deep-vein thrombosis. The study identified selective action on fibrinogen chains, a targeted approach successful for snake venom treatments.
Animals use color in diverse ways, including for reproduction and predator-prey interactions, with species-specific purposes in mind. Mantis shrimp have four times as many colour receptors as humans, allowing them to perceive ultraviolet light.
Researchers studied zebrafish to understand how early life affects brain development and behavior in adults, finding that visual environment influences spontaneous brain activity. Dark rearing also reduced the larvae's ability to catch prey, suggesting environmental input impacts brain wiring and behavior.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the immune system's molecular mechanisms, providing new foundations for treating various diseases. The study reveals that 'toll-like receptors' play a key role in both protecting against infection and triggering pathological inflammatory responses.
A team of archaeologists has confirmed the existence of Aboriginal people in Australia for at least 65,000 years, significantly earlier than previously believed. The discovery reveals a sophisticated toolkit and evidence of ochre processing techniques, shedding new light on local customs and lifestyle.
A new study challenges the long-debated 'late equals large' hypothesis, which proposes that brain proportions are shaped by a universal rule related to size. The research found that this hypothesis does not work when considering brain growth in different mammals, including marsupials.
A University of Queensland-led study highlights the urgent need for increased wilderness conservation in World Heritage Sites, which currently protect only 1.8% of global wilderness areas. The World Heritage Convention can play a crucial role in addressing this gap by recognizing and protecting these critical ecosystems.
A new study found that ice-free areas in Antarctica could increase by up to 25% by the end of this century, potentially creating new habitat for biodiversity. However, the warming climate may also facilitate invasive species to establish themselves.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding life's nanoscale machinery by developing a diagnostic technique that can detect tiny molecules signalling the presence of cancer. This technique uses quantum technologies to observe the behavior of single biomolecules without damaging light intensities.
Researchers are developing new approach to computer technology, using mechanical vibrations for computations in aerospace applications. This method makes the computers more robust to radiation exposure and has potential for future commercial impacts.
Scientists at The University of Queensland discovered that dendrites in the retina's nerve cells play a critical role in decoding images. The study reveals that dendritic processing enables the retina to convert and refine visual cues into electrical signals.
Researchers have successfully 'turned off' the immune response that causes allergic reactions in animals using gene therapy. The treatment, which targets specific immune cells, has shown promise in de-sensitizing the immune system to proteins, potentially treating severe allergies like asthma and peanut allergies.
Researchers applied novel method to test 'Einstein's equivalence principle' using rubidium atoms in quantum superposition states, confirming its validity with high precision. The study has potential applications in navigation, time measurements, and searching for mineral deposits.
Researchers discovered that cane toads increase active re-uptake of salts and transport proteins to maintain internal salt levels when shedding their skin. This adaptation helps them regulate water and salt balances, which is crucial for their survival.
Researchers discovered that microorganisms initiate beachrock formation, providing a natural coastline stabilisation strategy for vulnerable sandy beaches on coral reef cays. This finding could help protect unique habitats and prevent erosion of these critical ecosystems.
Researchers found that forest biomass had a major peak at altitudes of 2400-3100m, where forests struggle to reach more than 15m tall. This discovery challenges the assumption that tall mountains make small trees and reveals unique climate conditions on mountain tops of PNG.
A global research team has identified a new gene behind autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a rare form of childhood kidney disease. The discovery uses whole exome sequencing to analyze genes simultaneously, revealing errors in the DZIP1L gene that cause kidney defects.
Women who become caregivers after intimate partner violence experience increased depressive symptoms and stress. They also have worse physical health than other women, with nearly one in 20 middle-aged women in this position.
Researchers developed a 'good heart' muffin to help reduce the risk of heart disease through soluble fibre, meeting food standard guidelines for cholesterol-lowering properties. The muffins contain three grams of beta glucans, a healthy ingredient found in oats and cereals.
Researchers successfully synthesized Zika virus from a viral sequence detected in infected tissue, allowing them to induce microcephaly in pregnant mice and study its transmission by mosquitoes. This breakthrough helps advance research into the mysterious emergence of Zika virus, which causes devastating foetal brain infections.
A new study by Dr John Dwyer and Professor Daniel Laughlin has improved understanding of how climatic stress controls plant diversity in Australian wildflower communities. The research found that species with different combinations of traits can grow together in certain environments, but are likely to struggle under climate change.
A new study reveals that a consistent supply of coral larvae from neighboring healthy reefs is crucial for the recovery of degraded reefs. This allows corals to colonize in groups and thrive in areas with low seaweed abundances and cryptic spaces.