A new UQ project aims to improve Great Barrier Reef management by developing maps and a monitoring program to identify areas most likely to benefit from conservation efforts. The research will focus on the reef's ecological integrity and address local and global stressors threatening its survival.
A new study shows a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened drinks could reduce annual health expenditure by up to $29 million. The tax would also result in an estimated 800 fewer new Type 2 diabetes cases each year.
Researchers have identified a core component of a conotoxin from marine snail venom that retains its pain-relieving properties after simplification. This modified conotoxin successfully treated pain in a laboratory rat model similar to human irritable bowel syndrome.
Researchers at University of Queensland have developed a new plant-derived drug, T20K, that can block the progression of multiple sclerosis. The treatment, extracted from the Oldenlandia affinis plant, has shown success in an animal model and may offer a new quality of life for people with the debilitating disease.
Research suggests that the sperm whale head's connective tissue partitions could function as a shock absorber, reducing impact stress and protecting the skull from failure. The study's findings may have implications for understanding aggressive behavior in other species.
Scientists have discovered a new way to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by using modified cholesterol as an energy source. This breakthrough holds promise for the development of new treatments for tuberculosis, a highly infectious lung disease that kills one person every 21 seconds.
Caribbean coral reefs face mounting pressure from global warming, local pollution, and over-fishing of herbivorous fish. A new study suggests that implementing size limits and catch limits can help maintain reef resilience. The research provides tools for fisheries managers to revise current practices and sustain fishers' livelihoods.
A University of Queensland-led study assesses the amount of carbon stored in tropical forests recovering after land-clearing practices in the Philippines. Regenerating secondary forests are substantial carbon sinks, increasing their capacity to store carbon with abandonment age.
Researchers used advanced calcium imaging to monitor neural activity in zebrafish brains, showing the tectum responds to multiple stimuli like sight, sound, and water flow. This discovery suggests a unified sensory view for both humans and fish, improving understanding of human sensory perception.
A University of Queensland-led study has discovered two new species of extinct kangaroos that couldn't hop but may be ancestral to modern wallabies and kangaroos. The ancient creatures lived around 15-23 million years ago in a densely forested landscape, outcompeting their fanged cousins.
Researchers found two proteins that play a crucial role in axonal degeneration, the first part of neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery creates new avenues for finding ways to protect neurons from damage.
Researchers determine when coral died with precision of up to one to two years, revealing dramatic loss of coral cover near Bowen, Queensland. The study provides a benchmark for monitoring the recovery of these reefs.
Researchers discovered that certain sea slugs selectively store the toxin Latrunculin A, which is more toxic to cancer cell lines than other compounds. Bright colours and chemical defences are used by these creatures to warn potential predators away.
A new international study developed a framework to explain Earth's diverse plant growth forms, functions, and ecological roles. The framework predicts plant population responses to environmental change, offering insights into land recovery projects.
A University of Queensland study finds that climate warming causes saltwater crocodiles to spend less time submerged, compromising their ability to avoid predators and forage underwater. The research suggests that elevated water temperatures pose a significant threat to the species' survival.
A new study highlights huge gaps in the conservation of migratory birds, particularly across China, India, and parts of Africa and South America. More than half of migratory bird species have suffered serious population declines over the past 30 years.
A recent study led by the University of Queensland found that non-bee insect pollinators, such as flies and butterflies, are crucial for crop pollination. These insects performed 25-50% of total flower visits and provided similar pollination services to bees.
Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that mantis shrimp use circular polarised patterns as a means to covertly advertise their presence to aggressive competitors. This new form of light communication has potential applications in satellite remote sensing, biomedical imaging, and computer data storage. The study also f...
Researchers have discovered a new virus, Parramatta River virus, carried by saltmarsh Aedes vigilax mosquitoes, which do not pose direct health risks to humans. The discovery may lead to stopping outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases by preventing the spread of 'bad' viruses.
Research found that exposure to dust mite and cockroach allergens triggers distinct asthma responses, with eosinophilic and neutrophilic asthma requiring separate treatment options. The study suggests that current 'blanket approach' to asthma treatment may not be ideal.
A recent study by University of Queensland researchers has tracked the re-emergence of scarlet fever-causing bacteria, resulting in a significant increase in cases worldwide. The rise in scarlet fever could pre-empt a future rise in rheumatic heart disease, highlighting the need for swift identification and treatment.
Researchers have discovered two new organisms that play an unknown role in greenhouse gas emissions and consumption, belonging to a previously unexplored group called Bathyarchaeota. The discovery expands our understanding of life on Earth and suggests we are missing other organisms involved in carbon cycling and methane production.
Mangrove forests around the Indo-Pacific region are at risk of submersion due to sea-level rise. However, some areas such as east Africa and north-western Australia may be able to persist despite rising seas.
Climate change may increase Antarctic soil fungal diversity by 25% by 2100, potentially aiding invasive species. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, found that rising temperatures are the primary factor determining soil fungal diversity in this region.
Researchers have found evidence of giant killer lizards coexisting with early Australian humans around 50,000 years ago. The discovery sheds light on the potential drivers of megafauna extinction during this period.
The study found regions with high multi-species genetic diversity could be included in marine reserve design to help species adapt to climate change. Understanding patterns within species is also key to understanding how species form and evolve.
A genetic study by University of Queensland researchers found a strong correlation between genes that result in greater height and those that reduce body mass index. The study, published in Nature Genetics, suggests that genetic variation may play a role in creating national differences in disorders such as dementia and heart disease.
A study by the University of Queensland found that over half the world's sea turtles have eaten debris, including plastics and other human waste. This poses a significant threat to their survival due to blockages or toxic chemical releases.
Researchers have discovered that the dengue virus NS1 protein acts as a toxin, similar to bacterial cell wall products. This finding allows them to re-purpose existing drugs for a potential dengue treatment.
A University of Queensland scientist cautions against shark culling, citing challenges in managing populations and predicting long-term ecological impact. The expert's research uses DNA analysis to estimate shark numbers and predict population trends.
A University of Queensland study has found that drinking alcohol around the time of conception increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity in early middle age. Research using laboratory rat models showed that exposure to five standard drinks before implantation causes changes to the embryo, leading to increased risk.
A new species of insect has been discovered in South East Queensland, exhibiting sexual dichronism and intersexual phoresy. The newly recognized species, Cystococcus campanidorsalis, was identified by a University of Queensland graduate through physical characteristics and DNA sequence data.
Researchers urge caution when using biodiversity offsets to compensate for development damage, as it can lead to 'stealth' reneging on existing conservation goals. Properly designed offsets can help reconcile development with conservation, but improper use can cause more harm than good.
Researchers have discovered a potential new class of antibiotics inspired by sugar molecules produced by bacteria, offering a new hope in the fight against drug-resistant superbugs. The modified sugar molecules target a crucial part of the bacterial cell wall, killing the bacteria without developing resistance.
Researchers tracked male koala interactions using GPS collars, finding they bellowed to avoid confrontation with competitors. Meanwhile, females spent more time together during the mating season, suggesting female mate choice plays a role in koala social dynamics.
Researchers have discovered thousands of new peptide toxins in the venom of a single type of Queensland cone snail, opening up promising leads for new pain and cancer treatments. The study's innovative method allows for deeper analysis of venom toxins than ever before.
A recent Australian and Canadian study on fruit flies reveals that too much male sexual attention hinders the species' adaptation to new conditions. The research found that sexually attractive females were overwhelmed by male suitors, leading to a decrease in their egg-laying ability.
The Community for Open Antimicrobial Drug Discovery aims to screen over 50,000 chemical compounds in the next 18 months to combat superbug-resistant bacteria, with the goal of preventing millions of deaths by 2050.
A world-first vaccine-style therapeutic approach has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in suppressing the immune response in a phase one clinical trial for rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment targets high-risk genes and antibodies associated with the disease.,
Scientists have discovered two distinct types of stem cells in the hippocampus, a region critical for learning and memory. The discovery may lead to new treatments for learning- and mood-related disorders.
A comprehensive international study found that approximately five percent of the general population experiences hallucinations and delusions at some point in their lives. The study, involving over 31,000 participants from 19 countries, revealed that these experiences can be temporary and not always linked to serious mental illness.
Researchers discovered ovarian cancer cells can lock into survival mode and avoid chemotherapy destruction. The study, published in Nature, used whole genome sequencing to analyse tumour DNA samples from 91 patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Researchers discovered two distinct types of nervous systems in the respiratory circuit, one for upper airway sensations and another for lower lung region emotions. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for cough hypersensitivity and related respiratory diseases.
Researchers at University of Queensland discovered a molecule called C5aR exacerbates inflammation and tissue damage after spinal cord injury. Administering an experimental drug that inhibits C5aR can improve recovery when given early after injury, potentially treating patients with spinal cord trauma.
Researchers at University of Queensland found Botox toxin travels through nerves to central nervous system, where it can intoxicate neighboring cells. This discovery has implications for disease treatments and raises questions about the toxin's long-term effects.