Research led by University of Queensland scientist Associate Professor Bryan Fry reveals that brown snake venom attacks the nervous system in young snakes and circulatory system in older ones. This transformation allows the venom to become more potent and deadly, causing internal bleeding and death in humans.
Researchers found that years of gradual weight gain more than doubles the risk of hypertensive disorders, including high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, during pregnancy. Women who gained moderate to high annual weight gains had a higher risk of developing hypertensive disorders.
A new study links high-altitude cooling around Antarctica to climate change in the subtropics, affecting Southeast Asia's rainfall patterns. The research uses sediment cores from the Australian continental shelf, providing a long-term history of climate changes.
Scientists at the University of Queensland have identified a new type of lymphatic brain cell in zebrafish that surrounds the brain and clears damaging cellular waste. This discovery provides insight into how the brain forms and functions, potentially leading to new treatments for neurological diseases like stroke and dementia.
A study published in Nature Communications found that migratory shorebirds are declining due to dependence on mudflats in the Yellow Sea. The researchers analyzed citizen science data and found that even brief visits to the mudflats were crucial for population trends.
Researchers at University of Queensland and University of Sussex have developed a way to recycle atoms, improving the performance of atom interferometers. This technique enables ultra-precise measurements of accelerations, rotations, and gravitational fields, with applications in mineral exploration, hydrology, and navigation.
A research team led by Professor Bernard Degnan and Associate Professor Sandie Degnan has discovered that crown-of-thorns starfish gather in large groups due to pheromone release. The team plans to use this knowledge to develop environmentally safe baits to capture the pests, making it easier to protect coral reefs.
Research tracked over 3,000 women and found that small weight gains within the healthy BMI range doubled their risk of gestational diabetes compared to those with stable weights. Women who gained more than 2.5% of their body weight each year had almost triple the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
A study of 129 kangaroo offspring found that those spending time with their mothers grew faster and gained more weight, while those alone had higher survival rates. Social interaction also allows young kangaroos to avoid harassment from adult females.
The fang blenny's opioid peptides inhibit pain rather than cause it, making them a potential source of new painkillers. The unique venom also gives the fish an advantage in the wild, allowing it to escape predators or defeat competitors.
A PhD student is conducting research on the Australian night parrot, a cryptic and nocturnal species from arid Australia. Preliminary data suggests low breeding success rates, but the project aims to improve conservation efforts through studies of ecology and survival in arid landscapes.
The University of Queensland has opened a new imaging facility to study the effects of anti-cancer drugs on human and animal cancers, enabling the development of new treatments. The facility will run Australia's first comparative oncology research program, studying naturally occurring cancers in companion animals.
A team of palaeontologists has discovered an unprecedented 21 different types of dinosaur tracks on the Dampier Peninsula coastline. The diversity of these tracks makes the area globally unparalleled and provides a unique glimpse into Australia's dinosaur fauna during the Early Cretaceous Period.
Researchers have discovered a small protein, Hi1a, that protects the brain from stroke-induced injury. Administered up to eight hours after stroke, Hi1a blocks acid-sensing ion channels and improves neurological performance.
A new study has estimated that one in four Australian women over 70 will develop dementia. Researchers used a unique technique called capture-recapture to provide an up-to-date estimate for dementia in the Australian population.
Researchers localized and visualized hydrogen in steels and alloys at atomic resolution, overcoming a major engineering challenge. This discovery enables the development of new alloys with greater endurance.
Researchers at the University of Queensland found that pregnant mice treated with vitamin D supplements did not develop autism traits in their offspring. Vitamin D is crucial for brain development and maintaining healthy bones, but its role in preventing autism remains unclear.
A University of Queensland study found that older Australian women taking cholesterol-lowering statins face a significantly increased risk of developing diabetes. The risk was highest for those taking higher doses of statins, with a 50% increase in the likelihood of new-onset diabetes.
A University of Queensland-led study reveals how cobras evolved their potent flesh-eating venom alongside distinctive hoods and warning colors. The research found that cobras' venom is used both for predation and defense, with increased potency linked to warning strategies.
Researchers analyzed data from over 4700 women to find a significant association between early puberty and later development of gestational diabetes. Women who started their periods before age 11 were 50% more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
A new study suggests that reviving extinct species may lead to a loss of biodiversity rather than an increase. The research found that funding conservation efforts for some revived species would come at the expense of others.
A University of Queensland-led study found that cars and chlamydia were the top causes of a 80% decline in south-east Queensland koalas over two decades. At least a quarter of healthy, breeding koalas died from car accidents, while half the population was affected by multiple diseases or health problems.
A new framework developed by the University of Queensland has improved the accuracy of biodiversity models in ecology, conservation biology, and global change research. The framework assesses species interactions and detects higher-order interactions that were previously overlooked.
A genetic study has sequenced the genomes of 50 top Brahman bulls in Australia to understand how genes from temperate cattle have influenced production traits. The research found that these genes, which account for 7-10% of the breed's genome, may be associated with fertility, growth and temperament.
A new study suggests that deep coral reefs are unlikely to 'reseed' shallow reefs, contradicting previous hopes for their recovery. The research found that the genetic similarity between coral populations varies greatly between species on a reef, making it difficult for deep reefs to aid shallow reefs.
A remarkable 250 million-year-old fossil found in China shows an embryo inside the mother, providing clear evidence for live birth. The discovery rewrites the understanding of reproductive evolution in a wide group containing birds, crocodilians, dinosaurs, and pterosaurs.
A comprehensive study published in Nature Climate Change found that nearly 700 bird and mammal species have already been impacted by climate change. The research suggests that around half of threatened mammals and 23% of threatened birds are likely to be negatively affected by future climatic changes.
A new research framework developed by the University of Queensland aims to identify and track ecosystem services at risk due to growing human demand. The framework allows for analysis of supply and demand, natural system condition, and future demand changes, providing a basis for global assessments.
A Queensland-led team has developed an effective and economical Ebola treatment made with antibodies from horses, which could be used in the next outbreak. The post-exposure treatment is a cost-effective alternative to monoclonal antibodies, which require significant investment for scale-up and manufacture.
A new type of bacterial structure with pore-like features has been discovered in Gemmata obscuriglobus, a complex bacterium. The finding suggests that the evolution of complex cell structures may not be unique to eukaryotes.
A University of Queensland-led study has highlighted the minute details of how plant immune systems lead to resistance against diseases. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the interactions between immune receptors and their signals, which are crucial for plant resistance.
A University of Queensland-led study warns that over 100 Natural World Heritage Sites are being destroyed by encroaching human activities, with 63% experiencing increased Human Footprint over the past two decades. The most impacted sites were found in Asia, including India and Indonesia, which have suffered significant deforestation.
A large international study has linked early puberty and childlessness to an increased risk of early menopause. Women who had their first period before age 11 were 80% more likely to experience premature or early menopause.
A new marine bacterium, Fuerstia marisgermanicae, has been named in honour of UQ microbiologist Emeritus Professor John Fuerst. The discovery reflects the global scientific community's high regard for Professor Fuerst's contributions to planctomycete research.
Feral cat population in Australia is estimated to be around 2-6.3 million, with densities higher on islands and in inland areas with low rainfall. The research also found that feral cats are undermining conservation efforts, driving species extinctions across the country.
Researchers urge environmental movement to proactively seize opportunities under a Trump presidency, citing China and other countries' plans to implement the Paris climate treaty regardless of US involvement. The next four years will be challenging, but proactive action can strengthen the movement beyond the Trump presidency.
A recent study found that habitat destruction has far surpassed habitat protection globally, with nearly half of the world's ecoregions classified as 'very high risk'. This loss has been particularly pronounced in Europe, South Asia, and North America, with many species facing extinction due to human activity.
A new discovery by researchers at the University of Queensland reveals that beta glucans in oats actually reduce circulating bile, leading to lower and slower absorption of fat. This finding could lead to ways of boosting the cholesterol-fighting properties of other cereals like wheat.
A team of researchers has discovered that wheat seeds also undergo photosynthesis, contrary to long-held assumptions. This finding could lead to the development of new, more efficient crop varieties better adapted to hotter, drier climates.
A University of Queensland study found that over a decade after hysterectomy with ovary conservation, nearly one-third of women experienced persistent hot flushes, while almost half suffered from frequent night sweats. The study suggests an abrupt decline in estrogen levels may contribute to this increased risk.
Researchers have identified three new genes that increase the risk of motor neuron disease (MND), a debilitating condition with no effective treatments. The discovery provides new opportunities for targeted research and potentially improved outcomes for Australian patients, who are expected to benefit from increased genetic discoveries.
A new study predicts that climate change will restrict migratory birds to small islands in the Arctic Ocean as they retreat north, leading to declines in hard-hit regions and changes in migration pathways.
Researchers harness 3D x-ray imaging technology and computer simulations to understand the effect of stainless steel horseshoes on skeletal stresses in horses. The method was used effectively in a preliminary case study, paving the way for new research directions to minimize foot injuries.
Researchers at the University of Queensland are testing a new drug that targets IL-33 protein to slow or reverse asthma development. The drug has shown promise in mouse model research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
A study by the University of Queensland found that spending 30 minutes or more in parks per week can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stress, anxiety, and depression. The research suggests a minimum
An international team has identified interactions between immune system pathways that could improve the treatment of diseases such as colitis. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for millions of IBD sufferers by targeting both adaptive and innate immune systems.
Kenya's ivory burn has increased by over 600% since 2011, with a recent record-breaking burn valued at up to $220 million. The scientists argue that tracking the impact of these burns is crucial to reduce poaching and illegal ivory trade.
New UQ research enables ultra-precise measurements of movement and gravity, benefiting industries like mining and environmental hydrology. The technique improves sensitivity of measurement devices and tracks water movement, glaciers and polar ice caps.
Researchers discovered a specific protein in spider venom that stimulates pain-sensing nerves, underlying abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome patients. Developing molecules to block this protein could lead to novel treatments for the condition.
A University of Queensland project aims to develop a compact detector for explosives using dendrimer technology, which can detect vapours with high sensitivity and selectivity. The Queensland Government has awarded funding under the Advance Queensland Research Fellowships Scheme.