The research uses detailed ecosystem population data to build models that aid environmental managers in selecting interventions, determining their impact on species populations. The models can be right more than 70% of the time, providing a better outcome than gut feeling or decisions that can't capture ecosystem complexity.
A team of researchers from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute has completed the first MRI-based mapping of the squid brain in 50 years. They proposed 145 new connections and pathways, with more than 60% linked to vision and motor systems.
Research from the University of Queensland found that victims of intimate partner violence are at risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders later in life. The study also highlights equal levels of abuse by men and women and its impact on socio-economic backgrounds.
Researchers found that existing marine reserves need to be much larger to conserve shark populations, with reserves extending between 10-50km required for significant improvements. This study provides options for managers to address declines in shark populations and ensure healthy oceans.
A three-year UQ study aims to improve food security among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through a community-led framework and knowledge-sharing solutions. The study will capture participants' experiences and develop effective mechanisms to improve food security in remote Australia.
Researchers found that by prioritizing more effective 'umbrella' species, Australia's conservation efforts could be improved by a factor of seven. Different choices in the country could provide more assistance for threatened species, including koalas and red goshawks.
Researchers studied manta ray 'Whoopi' who suffered significant propeller cuts in 2015 and found she healed by 50% in just 46 days. The study reveals a unique adaptive immune system likely behind the high healing capacity of sharks and rays.
University of Queensland researchers combined quantum liquids with silicon-chip technology to study turbulence for the first time. This breakthrough allows observation of nanoscale quantum turbulence, mirroring cyclone behavior, and provides a new way to understand turbulent dynamics.
A University of Queensland-led team proposes a global goal to limit the loss of nature by setting a 'no net loss' target for natural ecosystems. The researchers considered socioeconomic factors across 170 countries and recognized the need for equitable contributions to conservation and restoration.
Researchers have developed a new biotechnology platform to produce safer 'hybrid' viruses for vaccines and diagnostics against mosquito-borne diseases. The Binjari virus, inert to humans, is used to create 'dangerous-looking' viruses like Zika and dengue that cannot grow in humans or animals.
Researchers propose transforming low-productivity agricultural land into conservation reserves, which could help nations meet their United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The approach recognizes the value of uncontested lands, allowing for quicker and cheaper conservation efforts than traditional methods.
A mutated gene, USP9X, regulates a network of genes underlying Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Focusing on this network may lead to therapy developments for neurological disorders.
The Quantitative Colour Pattern Analysis (QCPA) framework uses digital image processing techniques to analyze complex visual information in animals. This enables researchers to understand how animals see the world, including color patterns and behavior, which drives their behavior.
Persistent concussion symptoms in children may be a sign of reduced brain function and decreased grey matter, according to researchers at the University of Queensland. The study found that poor sleep was linked to decreases in brain grey matter and reduced brain function, allowing for predictions of recovery outcomes with 86% accuracy.
A new study has found that mussels, introduced to Australia's coastlines, have established themselves and may pose a threat to native species due to genetic pollution. However, the research also suggests that the invasive mussels may bring benefits, such as enhanced tolerance to warm conditions, which could safeguard Australian mussel ...
Humpback whales tend to socialize less in the presence of small fishing boats compared to when there are no vessels present. The noise from boats may be masking their signals, making it difficult for them to communicate and join together.
Researchers at University of Queensland have discovered markers in blood that differentiate benign moles from melanoma, as well as detect cancer spread to other areas. The blood test may monitor very early signs of the disease, allowing for better screening of patients with eye naevi.
A University of Queensland-led study found that healthy mangroves can support coral reef fisheries by providing alternative nurseries for fish. This allows them to grow larger and head out to the reef as adults, increasing their chances of survival.
Anemonefish have a unique visual system that allows them to detect ultraviolet (UV) light, which may aid in finding both friends and food. This specialisation in the eye enables them to distinguish colour and see UV light, making it easier to navigate their environment.
A group of international conservationists is urging governments to adopt a new approach to address the impact of economic development on the natural world. The new approach aims to achieve a net gain for nature and has been published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. The proposal calls for more ambitious measures to ensure greater benefit...
A recent study reveals that wombat jaws appear to change in relation to their diets, allowing them to adapt to tougher plants due to climate change. The research suggests that individual shapes of wombat skulls are related to an individual's diet and feeding preferences, enabling short-term adaptations.
University of Queensland scientists have identified a new reference material and used a state-of-the-art instrument to better date rock formations in central Asia. This new method could help establish the relationship between historical episodes of magma activity and mineral accumulation.
Research shows that losing intact tropical forests results in a 626% increase in climate impact, equivalent to two years of global land-use change emissions. The study highlights the devastating effects of deforestation on the climate and emphasizes the need for better funding and conservation efforts.
Researchers have developed a new technique to test paralytic neurotoxins without euthanizing animals, using optical probes and analyzing changes in light reflected back. This breakthrough reduces animal use in research testing while having significant biomedical implications for treating diseases and conditions.
A study by University of Queensland researchers found that most conservation initiatives follow a slow-fast-slow model, where adoption is slow initially but grows quickly as early adopters connect with potential adopters. The research aims to help designers create initiatives that reach scale and have a lasting impact on biodiversity.
A recent proposal aims to test Einstein's twin paradox using quantum particles in a 'superposition' state. The goal is to measure time passing at different speeds for objects moving at high velocities or near massive objects.
Research from The University of Queensland found that even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can cause insulin-resistance in male rats. Male rats exposed to low levels of prenatal alcohol showed signs of becoming diabetic at six months old.
A unique immune system found in koalas protects their DNA from viruses, opening a new field of research. This 'immune response' helps prevent the spread of diseases like chlamydia and cancer.
Women who reach menopause before age 50 are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, according to researchers from The University of Queensland. Early menopause is associated with a 40% increase in cardiovascular conditions and nearly twice the likelihood of non-fatal cardiac events.
University of Queensland researchers studied human responses to unexpected changes in environment, like falling into a hole. They found that humans use different strategies to stabilize themselves based on the drop height and utilized distal lower-limb joints such as the ankle for energy absorption at low drop heights.
A long-term study found that a giraffe's spot color strongly relates to their social patterns, not age. Darker males may use their color to signal competitive ability and attract females.
Researchers have sequenced the genomes of corals and their microbial partners, revealing new insights into symbiotic relationships and nutrient sharing. The study aims to aid in the revival of threatened coral reefs by understanding how they interact with their environment.
A new study by University of Queensland scientists warns that acting on climate change is more cost-effective than repairing its damage. The research, published in Science, suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can save trillions of dollars in long-term costs.
A University of Queensland and CSIRO study finds that wilderness areas reduce species extinction risk by half, highlighting the urgent need for protection. Vital 'at-risk' wilderness areas require immediate conservation efforts to prevent loss of biodiversity and ecosystem disruption.
A University of Queensland-led study models future ethanol demand scenarios, forecasting potential expansion of sugarcane farming land in Brazil to 5 million hectares by 2030. The high demand scenario could lead to doubling current ethanol demand and necessitate additional 5 million hectares of land for sugarcane crops.
Research by University of Queensland found children with access to fixed play equipment like swings and slides are more likely to meet national physical activity guidelines. The type of play equipment at home is directly related to the amount of physical activity a child does.
A $40,000 grant from The Emergency Medicine Foundation is supporting a study to increase awareness among parents about sepsis signs in children. Researchers hope this will lead to improved recognition strategies and faster diagnosis of sepsis.
A University of Queensland-led study reveals critical failures in Australia's environmental protection laws, with over 7.7 million hectares of threatened species habitat destroyed between 2000 and 2017.
Researchers have isolated specific cells that can target rogue immune T-cells, potentially rebooting the immune system. This 'antigen-specific immunotherapy' shows promise in treating existing inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
A new study has found that habitat loss is a major concern for hundreds of Australian bird species, particularly those in south-eastern Australia. The research, led by the University of Queensland, used the Loss Index to quantify the impact of habitat destruction on native bird populations.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have found that human-induced landcover change was globally extensive by 2000BC, four millennia ago. The study used crowdsourcing-from-experts approach to gather archaeological data and found long-term cumulative changes caused by early food producers.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered a new way of understanding time in the quantum world, where events can be in multiple states simultaneously. This 'quantum time order' challenges our classical notion of cause and effect.
A study by researchers at the University of Queensland and University of Cambridge found high levels of agreement among scientists and research stakeholders on principles to prevent conflicts of interest with the food industry. However, there is ongoing debate about what constitutes acceptable interactions and funding arrangements.
Researchers have discovered common ways human and plant cells bring about cell suicide, which may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that a particular protein plays a crucial role in the breakdown of brain cells across different diseases, paving the way for potential drugs.
Researchers discovered that genetic variations influencing body mass index (BMI) are sensitive to environmental conditions, while those affecting human height are stable across environments. This finding could help determine whether specific traits are influenced by genetics or environment.
Researchers found that faecal inoculations changed the koalas' microbiomes, allowing them to eat messmate. This could affect all aspects of their ecology, including nutrition and habitat selection. The study provides a proof of concept for using encapsulated faecal material to introduce new microbes in koalas' guts.
An international study found that longline fisheries globally impact migrating shark populations, with approximately a quarter of their migratory paths affected. The research used satellite tracking and big data analysis to examine shark movements at a global scale.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified specific gene variations that affect mole patterns and melanoma risk. By studying the number and types of moles on the body, doctors can provide more holistic care to patients who may be at risk of developing melanoma.
A University of Queensland-led study identified factors fuelling Colombian deforestation, including conflict between illegal groups and government forces, as well as proximity to coca plantations and mining concessions. The research highlights the importance of stable governance in retaining forests and reducing deforestation risk.
Researchers followed a long-term UTI sufferer and found that recurring infections came from a single bacterial reservoir in the body. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments by targeting the intestinal reservoir rather than just treating the bladder.