Women's egg quality dependent on metabolic factors
Research found that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels impact egg quality and IVF success rates. NAD+ helps maintain cellular building blocks during egg maturation.
University of Queensland
Hot flushes and night sweats linked to 70% increase in cardiovascular disease
Women experiencing hot flushes and night sweats, also known as vasomotor symptoms, are 70% more likely to have heart attacks, angina, and strokes. The severity of these symptoms, rather than frequency or duration, is a key factor in increased cardiovascular risk.
Quantum physics provides a way to hide ignorance
Researchers at University of Queensland have successfully verified a counterintuitive idea from quantum theory that ignorance of the whole does not necessarily imply ignorance of the parts. This finding has implications for the security of quantum-based encryption.
Human-Artificial intelligence collaborations best for skin cancer diagnosis
A recent study by University of Queensland researchers found that AI improved skin cancer diagnostic accuracy when used in collaboration with human clinical checks. The highest diagnostic accuracy was achieved when crowd wisdom and AI predictions were combined, indicating the importance of human-AI collaborations in skin cancer diagnosis.
Ladder falls have long-lasting consequences for older blokes
A study by Queensland researchers found that half of individuals who fell from ladders experienced a deterioration in psychological wellbeing for at least six months after the incident. The study highlights the need for improved safety designs and injury prevention strategies to prevent ladder falls.
Global deal follows UQ superbug drug discoveries
The University of Queensland's antibiotic discoveries will be fast-tracked under a US$11 million international research deal. The funding supports the development of a new antibiotic, Octapeptin-X, targeting drug-resistant bacteria that evade current therapies.
African lion counts miss the mark, but new method shows promise
A recent study developed a new technique for photographing and data analytics to count lions, which has shown promising results in understanding their populations and movements. The current estimates of African lion populations are thought to be unreliable due to the use of outdated methods such as track counts and audio lure surveys.
Tracking Australia's gigantic carnivorous dinosaurs
Research led by Dr Anthony Romilio found evidence of massive predators in Jurassic-era fossil footprints in southern Queensland. The tracks suggest dinosaurs up to three metres high and 10 metres long roamed the area.
Maternal depression: seeking help sooner is better for mums and kids
A study by University of Queensland researchers found that maternal depression is linked to higher risks of behavioral problems and poor development in children. The study suggests that reducing depressive symptoms at any stage can improve outcomes for both mothers and children.
Ancient crocodiles walked on two legs like dinosaurs
Researchers discovered ancient crocodile footprints with evidence of bipedalism, similar to that of dinosaurs. The discovery suggests that these prehistoric creatures may have walked upright on their hind legs.
High-risk mothers missing out on mental health checks
One in five Australian mothers is not receiving critical perinatal mental health checks, according to a University of Queensland study. The study found that older mothers and those with emotional distress are less likely to be screened for mental health issues.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateJun 8, 2020
'Breast is best' push out of touch
Researchers found only 34% of mothers exclusively breastfed to six months due to milk shortages or breastfeeding difficulties. Mothers may need to supplement or stop if they experience problems.
Sharp drop in Australia's bad cholesterol levels -- but rising in Asia and Pacific
A recent study found that Australian bad cholesterol levels have decreased significantly over the past few decades. In contrast, countries in Asia and the Pacific region have seen a sharp increase in non-HDL 'bad' cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Stopping the clones may help win skin cancer battle
Researchers have found large clones of skin cells caused by UV exposure can be targeted to reduce skin cancers. This study suggests that stopping these clones may help win the battle against skin cancer.
Fighting parasites with poo
Researchers at University of Queensland are studying bacteria and fungi in sheep faeces and pastures to discover new natural antiparasitics. The goal is to prevent multi-drug resistance and safeguard livestock, with potential benefits for the environment and farming industry.
Fine-tuning treatment for triple-negative breast cancer
Boosting the activity of tumor proteasomes could improve chemotherapy treatment outcomes and enhance immunotherapy for aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. Researchers analyzed 3,500 breast tumors to make this finding.
The deep ocean is warming slowly -- but dramatic changes are ahead
The deep ocean is warming at a slower rate than the surface, with climate velocity accelerating to 11 times the present rate in waters between 200-1000 metres by the end of the century. This poses huge challenges for protecting areas and mitigating threats to deep-sea life.
Hunting threatens one of the world's most amazing wildlife migrations
Migratory shorebird species in the Asia-Pacific region are under threat from widespread and unsustainable hunting. The study found that hundreds of thousands of birds are killed annually, with several species on the brink of extinction.
Belt and Road's financiers fall short on biodiversity
The Belt and Road Initiative's six terrestrial infrastructure corridors crisscross ecologically fragile geographies, threatening 150,000 square kilometers of critical habitat. Financiers' lack of binding biodiversity impact mitigation requirements poses significant risks to the world's species.
Better antibiotic dosing could save lives in ICU
The University of Queensland's new Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) guidelines aim to personalise antibiotic treatment for critically ill patients in ICU. By using advanced software to predict accurate drug dosages, the guidelines have shown promise in reducing adverse outcomes and improving patient response.
Blueprint to protect the mental health of frontline medical workers
Researchers developed a set of recommendations to manage the mental health of frontline medical workers, including clear communication, training, and infection control procedures. These changes aim to reduce psychological distress among clinicians during viral outbreaks.
Recent Australian wildfires made worse by logging
New research suggests that logging of native forests significantly increases fire risk and severity, exacerbating Australia's recent catastrophic bushfires. The study highlights the importance of preventing logging in moist forests and reducing forest fragmentation to mitigate future wildfires.
Extinguishing fearful memories depends on the flexibility of your DNA
The ability to extinguish fearful memories relies on DNA flexibility, which enables rapid changes in gene activity and RNA editing. Researchers found that the enzyme ADAR1, which converts Z-DNA back into B-DNA, plays a critical role in fear extinction.
Liver surgery success boosted by growth hormone
A study at The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute found that growth hormone boosts liver regeneration in mice by suppressing inflammatory responses. Mice with normal growth hormone receptors survived liver surgery and experienced full liver regeneration.
Stopping deforestation: lessons from Colombia
Researchers found that protected areas in Colombia experienced 40% less deforestation than similar non-protected sites. However, regional differences showed that Pacific protected areas were less effective due to high biodiversity and endemic species.
Mapping health risks for people with mental disorders
A University of Queensland study reveals that people with mental disorders are significantly more likely to develop other health conditions. Women with anxiety disorders have a 50% increased risk of heart conditions or stroke over 15 years, and men with substance use disorders have a 400% increased risk of gut or liver disorders.
Conservation goals may be stymied by a lack of land for biodiversity offsetting
A study by University of Queensland found that developers face challenges in finding enough land to offset biodiversity impacts, limiting global conservation goals. The research highlights the limitations of existing offset policies and the need for governments to account for land availability constraints.
New tool measures quality of life in people with dementia
A new tool measures quality of life in people with dementia by assessing five key domains: physical health, mood, memory, living situation, and ability to do fun activities. The tool reveals that living situation is the most important contributor to quality of life, followed by the ability to engage in fun activities.
Genetics linked to childhood emotional, social and psychiatric problems
Research analyzing genetic data of over 42,000 children reveals a strong link between childhood emotional and psychiatric issues and increased risk of adult depression, insomnia, and other conditions. Higher genetic vulnerability scores were associated with reduced educational attainment and emotional wellbeing.
Traditional vegetable diet lowers the risk of premature babies
A traditional vegetable diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients can lower the risk of premature birth. Consuming high amounts of carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and other vegetables before conception helps women reach full term pregnancy.
Spider venom key to pain relief without side-effects
Researchers at the University of Queensland have designed a novel tarantula venom mini-protein that can relieve severe pain without addiction. The mini-protein, Huwentoxin-IV, binds to specific pain receptors and has been tested in mouse models with promising results.
COVID-19 drug lead treatments identified
An international team of researchers has identified six potential COVID-19 treatment candidates after testing over 10,000 compounds. The targeted therapeutics were found to be effective in inhibiting the main protease enzyme of the virus.
Natural sunscreen gene influences how we make vitamin D
Researchers discovered genetic variants linked to vitamin D concentration and found that certain genes influence the body's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight. These findings provide new insights into how our bodies handle vitamin D and may help explain why low levels are associated with poor health.
Our oceans are suffering, but we can rebuild marine life
A new study outlines steps needed for marine ecosystems to recover from damage by 2050, citing examples of recovery following conservation interventions.
Renewable energy developments threaten biodiverse areas
Over 2000 renewable energy facilities are built in biodiverse areas, posing a significant threat to plant and animal species globally. The research team urges governments and industries to reconsider locations and prioritize biodiversity conservation.
Parkinson's disease linked to gene targeted by blue-green algae toxin
Researchers discovered a link between Parkinson's and reduced activity of a gene targeted by blue-green algae neurotoxin. This finding highlights the potential role of environmental toxins in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
Rejuvenating the immune system supports brain repair after injury
Researchers found that rejuvenating immune cells, specifically microglia, significantly improved brain repair and learning abilities in animal models. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that microglia drive inflammation after brain injuries.
New drug combination could support better cancer treatments
Researchers have identified a promising new drug combination that can help the immune system target and kill cancer cells. By combining an anti-nausea drug with existing cancer treatments, the treatment works by altering the surface of tumor cells to make them more recognizable to the immune system.
Gold nanoparticles detect signals from cancer cells
A novel blood test using gold nanoparticles detects cancer-derived extracellular vesicles, enabling earlier diagnosis and better treatment tracking. The technology has been successfully tested on melanoma patients and shows promise as a potential complement to existing cancer imaging technologies.
Metals could be the link to new antibiotics
University of Queensland researchers have discovered 23 metal compounds with antibacterial and antifungal activity, selectively killing bacteria like MRSA but not human cells. The findings offer promise for outwitting bacterial resistance, as the new compounds may use different mechanisms than existing antibiotics.
A plan to save Earth's oceans
A University of Queensland-led international study found that at least 26% of the world's oceans need urgent conservation attention to preserve Earth's marine biodiversity. The study identified a total ocean area required for conservation varying from 26-41%, depending on species range conservation proportions.
Reporting the facts on indigenous STIs
Young Indigenous people are being discouraged from getting routine STI screenings due to incorrect assumptions. This stigma can lead to poorer health outcomes, as it discourages them from reporting underlying infections. The median age for first-time sex is around 16 years old in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Solar technology breakthrough at the University of Queensland
Researchers at the University of Queensland have achieved a significant breakthrough in solar technology by developing a unique surface engineering strategy that improves the conversion of solar energy to electricity. The team set a world record for quantum dot solar cell efficiency, reaching 16.6%, which is a major improvement over pr...
Ancient plant foods discovered in Arnhem Land, Australia
A team of archaeologists and Traditional Owners identified 10 plant foods, including fruits, nuts, roots, and palm stem, preserved as charcoal at the Madjedbebe archaeological site. The discovery provides insights into the complex lifestyle of the earliest Australian Aboriginal people.
The dinosaur in the cupboard under the stairs
Researchers discovered that the dinosaur footprints on a cave ceiling were made by two plant-eating dinosaurs that walked bipedally along an ancient lake shore. The discovery was made possible by access to high-resolution photographs and detailed notebooks of the tracks, which had been stored in a Sydney cupboard under the stairs.
Immunity key to motor neurone disease treatment
Researchers at University of Queensland found certain immune cells linked to distinct MND features, including impaired swallowing, speech, and breathing. The study suggests immune-blocking drugs could be personalized to treat each patient's unique disease symptoms and stages.
Second antibiotic no advantage for treating super-bug Golden Staph
A new clinical trial has found that using more than one antibiotic to treat MRSA infection provides no health benefits and increases the risk of side effects. The three-year study involved over 350 patients and tested whether adding a second antibiotic improved health outcomes.
Biodiversity offsetting is contentious -- here's an alternative
Target-based ecological compensation provides a framework for linking compensatory requirements to biodiversity targets, ensuring no net loss of species habitats. This approach resolves uncertainty and promotes better outcomes for the planet and people.
Research reverses the reproductive clock in mice
A study at the University of Queensland found that a non-invasive treatment can maintain or restore egg quality and alleviate the biggest barrier to pregnancy for older women. The treatment uses a metabolic compound to boost energy levels in cells, which were found to be lower in older female mice.
'Rule breaking' plants may be climate change survivors
Research found that plantains, a small plant native to Europe, have become one of the world's most successfully distributed species by adapting in unconventional ways. The study revealed that multiple introductions into new environments led to high genetic diversity and adaptability, making invasive plants more successful.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2020