Researchers have discovered a potential method to detect and track MND by analyzing tongue muscle volume and shape using MRI scans. This approach could lead to earlier diagnosis, faster treatment, and better patient outcomes. The study also sheds light on the importance of early intervention in MND.
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.
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.
A new framework models evolution by combining short-term natural selection with species-wide changes over millions of years. This resolves a long-standing debate in biology, allowing researchers to study trait evolution across multiple scales.
A new multi-diversity index (MDI) developed by the University of Queensland has opened up a market for coastal wetland restoration projects. The index measures biodiversity gains in restored ecosystems, enabling landholders and communities to earn tradeable certificates with a market value.
A study at University of Queensland found that mamba venom attacks two points in the nervous system, causing flaccid paralysis and spastic paralysis. Current antivenoms can treat flaccid paralysis but not spastic paralysis.
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.
A University of Queensland study suggests the antivenom given to people bitten by Eastern Brown Snakes may not be as effective as it could be due to geographic variations in venom. The research found that venom from southern Australia has a strong, stable blood clot, while northern populations trigger fragile but rapid clots.
A University of Queensland researcher developed a new mathematical model explaining the universe's evolution, including collapsing regions of matter and expanding voids. The model resolves long-standing issues like Hubble tension and dynamical dark energy, showing complexity in the universe impacts cosmological measurements.
A new database compiled by researchers at the University of Queensland provides a detailed picture of the frog and freshwater fish species on hundreds of Australian islands. The study found that 536 islands have freshwater habitats, with 102 amphibian species and 95 freshwater fish species recorded.
Researchers studied similar spiral galaxies and found they 'dance' with closely located dwarf satellites, potentially revealing the formation and evolution of our galaxy's satellite system. The study aims to refine models of galaxy evolution and cosmic structure, offering new insights into our understanding of the universe.
Researchers found that increasing tree cover on cocoa farms across Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire to a minimum of 30% could sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide equivalent, benefiting the environment and ecosystems. Agroforestry has the potential to deliver meaningful mitigation for the chocolate industry.
Australian skinks have developed tiny changes in a muscle receptor that blocks nerve-muscle communication, preventing paralysis and death. This finding could inform the development of novel antivenoms and therapeutic agents to counter neurotoxic venoms.
Researchers at University of Queensland have found that Brazilian Nightshade and Climbing Asparagus can be converted into market-grade pellets, providing an alternative to wood-based biofuels. The study aims to reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture by utilizing invasive weeds as a source of biomass.
Researchers at University of Queensland have discovered a nanobody to combat two highly lethal viruses with no approved vaccine or cure. The DS90 nanobody can access hard-to-reach areas of the virus to block infection.
Research from the University of Queensland found that coral larvae traveling further can make populations stronger, as they share genetic variation among nearby reefs. This study quantified for the first time how far coral larvae disperse on the Great Barrier Reef and its impact on population connectivity.
Australian scientists developed a new method to evaluate the risks posed by toxicants like insecticides in waterways. The Temporal Response Surface (TRS) approach integrates exposure duration into ecosystem protection guidelines, providing a more accurate assessment of delayed and time-cumulative aquatic ecosystem risk.
A 1,200-tonne boulder in Tonga is one of the largest known wave-transported rocks, providing new insights into past tsunamis. Numerical modelling suggests tsunami heights of 50m lasting 90 seconds dislodged the boulder from its cliff-edge origin.
A University of Queensland study reveals that non-English language papers on bird, mammal, and amphibian protection have significantly fewer citations than their English-language counterparts. Providing an English abstract can boost citations by 1.5 times.
A University of Queensland-led research team used advanced digital modelling techniques to reconstruct the Phoenix Trackway, a 70-meter-long set of footprints made by a two-legged predator. The study reveals the dinosaur walked at a steady 5.3 km/h, stood 1.13 meters tall, and weighed up to 292 kilograms.
The University of Queensland and Duke University scientists have developed a global map to show the migratory patterns of over 100 marine species. The MiCO database highlights critical areas and connections that transcend political boundaries, emphasizing the need for globally-aligned conservation efforts.
University of Queensland scientists used machine learning to predict when bacteria evolved oxygen use, finding some bacteria used it before photosynthesis. The study suggests aerobic metabolism occurred before oxygenic photosynthesis, dating back around 3.2 billion years.
A team at University of Queensland has made a breakthrough in muonic atom research, showing that nuclear polarisation does not limit studies of muonic atoms. The finding provides a clear path for using muonic atoms to better understand the magnetic structure of the nucleus.
A University of Queensland researcher has identified 66 fossilized footprints from 47 individual 3-toed dinosaurs that walked along a waterway during the Early Jurassic period. The footprints provide an unprecedented snapshot of dinosaur abundance, movement and behaviour from this time period.
University of Queensland researchers found gay discrimination prevalent in gig economy, affecting workers' interactions and ratings for tasks with close proximity requirements. The study highlights the need for infrastructure changes on online platforms to address this bias and promote a more inclusive labor market.
Australian scientists have identified the origin of the restoring force in elastic crystals, allowing for the design of new hybrid materials. The study found that energy is stored in molecular interactions under compressive and expansive strain, enabling the crystal to return to its original shape.
University of Queensland researchers have successfully introduced genetic material into plants via their roots using nanoparticle technology, enabling rapid crop improvement. This innovative approach could lead to the development of new crop varieties with improved yield and quality without traditional breeding methods.
A study by University of Queensland researchers found nearly 70% of suspected frontotemporal dementia patients did not have the disease. Misinterpretation of brain scans and cognitive tests led to many incorrect diagnoses, highlighting the need for careful interpretation.
A team of international researchers has developed an innovative approach to detect dark matter by analysing data from ultra-stable lasers connected by fibre optic cables and atomic clocks aboard GPS satellites. They identified subtle effects of oscillating dark matter fields, which were invisible in previous searches.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified a new henipavirus, Camp Hill virus, in shrews in Alabama, USA. The discovery suggests these viruses may be more globally distributed than previously thought, with implications for human health and vaccine development.
New research reveals widespread resistance to benzimidazole-based dewormers among canine hookworms in Australia. This increases the risk of gastrointestinal parasites, anaemia, diarrhea, and malnutrition in dogs, as well as cutaneous larva migrans disease in humans.
A new study reveals that corals must be within 10 meters of each other for fertilization to take place, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to maintain coral populations. The research found that as distance increases, reproduction success declines significantly.
Researchers discovered a species of damselfish actively eating gnathiid isopods, which are common reef parasites, to protect their young. This unique 'great fish parenting' behavior increased the survival rate of juvenile fish by three times.
A University of Queensland-led study reveals greenhouse gas emissions from tourism have grown more than 2 times faster than the rest of the global economy. Tourism accounts for 9% of world's total emissions, with annual increases expected to double in carbon footprint every 20 years.
A new study reveals that less than a quarter of the world's tropical rainforests have sufficient quality to support thousands of threatened species. The research highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies that prioritize forest integrity over mere preservation of cover.
A study by University of Queensland researchers found a significant link between genetic risk of depression and heart disease in women, even in the absence of a depression diagnosis. The study highlights the need to understand this relationship separately in men and women due to varying risk factors.
A recent study suggests coral heat tolerance adaptation may not keep pace with ocean warming, and some sensitive species may face extinction. The research modelled different climate scenarios, revealing that natural selection may be insufficient to ensure coral survival under expected warming levels.
Researchers have developed a new class of oral painkillers to suppress chronic abdominal pain. The painkillers are based on the peptide hormone oxytocin, which drives childbirth contractions, and work in the colon without crossing into the bloodstream.
A global study of nearly 30,000 participants found that frailty accelerates dementia diagnosis by up to 9 years, with every additional health problem increasing the risk by 40%. Researchers emphasize the importance of targeted interventions and frailty screening for early disease prevention.
Researchers found elevated levels of cytokines in the blood of long COVID patients, which could explain cardiovascular symptoms. The study also showed that these trace-level cytokines had a direct effect on cardiomyocytes, the heart's pumping cells.
Researchers used 16 years of radar weather data to monitor bird migration patterns from Tasmania to northern Queensland, finding millions of birds migrate each year. The study revealed unique patterns, including variation in migration direction, timing, and intensity compared to Northern Hemisphere birds.
Researchers from University of Queensland discovered a toxin in ant venom that causes extreme pain by hyperstimulating sodium channels. The study uses electrophysiology and pharmacology to understand the mechanism, which may also apply to other insects like wasps and bees.
A University of Queensland-led study has failed to find any strong links between drinking coffee during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental difficulties in children. The researchers used genetic data from mothers, fathers, and babies to analyze the impact of caffeine consumption on fetal brain development.
Researchers have developed a lab-grown spine model that can test the effects of valproic acid on fetal development. The study found that co-treatment with Rapamycin can prevent the negative effects of valproic acid, enabling women to take life-saving medication while having healthy children.
A University of Queensland study found that koalas are at high risk of euthanasia due to diseases like chlamydia and threats from habitat loss, with only 25% rescued and released into suitable habitat. The research analyzed over 50,000 koala sightings and hospital admissions between 1997 and 2019.
Research reveals that informing tourists about climate change does not harm their experience and can encourage sustainable actions. Eighty percent of participants wanted more information on climate change to help, highlighting an opportunity for tourism operators to enhance visitor experiences while advancing climate action.
University of Queensland researchers identified two enzymes that regulate adenine methylation in mitochondrial DNA, which controls disease-causing mutations. Enhancing levels of this modification may slow disease progression and provide a new perspective on genetic and epigenetic factors in health and disease.
Research by University of Queensland reveals that Australian environmental laws are inadequate in stopping high rates of tree clearing for agriculture and development. The study found that 75% of cases in Queensland were exempt from assessment under the state's main vegetation management law, leading to severe deforestation rates.
Researchers have created a global library of hailstones to better understand and predict damaging storms. The study found that non-spherical, naturally shaped hailstones significantly affect storm modeling outcomes, leading to different pathways, growth, and landing locations.
Researchers discovered that crown-of-thorns starfish larvae feed on Trichodesmium bacteria, a toxic and nutrient-poor food source. This finding may contribute to the increase in COTS populations devastating coral reefs worldwide.