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University of South Australia


Women kicking goals on the field but still tackling entrenched sexism

Recent studies by the University of South Australia reveal that women footballers in general face an uphill battle gaining widespread acceptance in Australia and overcoming entrenched sexism. The research found growing support for women's sport, but minimal coverage from commercial outlets limits opportunities to demonstrate their prow...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralian Journal of Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 17, 2024

From ashes to adversity: Lessons from South Australia's business recovery amidst bushfires and pandemic

Research by UniSA economists explores how small businesses in South Australia's Kangaroo Island and Barossa Valley regions adapted to disaster recovery, highlighting the importance of financial stability, online presence, and community support. The study found that a 'dynamic capabilities approach' is key to long-term recovery, and reg...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalRegional Studies Regional Science·TypeCase study·DateApr 15, 2024

Targeted liver cancer treatment kills cancer cells and cuts chemo side effects

Researchers have developed a new treatment that uses tailored doses of anti-cancer drugs released directly into the surgical cavity to treat liver cancer. The approach has shown promise in reducing recurrence rates and minimizing chemotherapy side effects, with potential applications for other types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2024

Healthy sleep needs a healthy day: boost exercise to beat your bedtime blues

A world-first study from the University of South Australia reveals that getting a good night's sleep is tied to how you structure your day, with exercise at the heart of sleep quality. Children and adults with higher levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity had less troubled sleep, reduced tiredness, and better sleep quality.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalSleep Health·TypeCase study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Migrant and refugee children need early education supports too

Researchers found that childcare workers in informal creche settings need training to better support non-English speaking migrant and refugee children. The study showed that on-site professional learning improved emotional literacies and strategies for supporting these children, resulting in happier outcomes for families.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEarly Childhood Education Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Supports help keep Aussie firefighters safe

Research from University of South Australia shows professional firefighters have lower movement quality as they age, which could put them at greater risk of injury. Functional strength training can help maintain a fit and healthy workforce.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

Cracking the case for non-glass wine bottles

Researchers found that non-glass wine bottles are up to 51% more carbon efficient than glass, but Australian consumers prefer traditional glass due to perceptions of heritage and luxury. Alternative formats like cask and flat plastic bottles gained popularity, especially among younger generations.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeSurvey·DateJan 8, 2024

AI screens for autism in the blink of an eye

Researchers used AI to analyze electroretinogram signals from children's eyes, identifying unique features associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The test, completed within 10 minutes, shows promise for diagnosing ASD more accurately and efficiently than current methods.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 17, 2023

AI screens for autism in the blink of an eye

Researchers have developed an AI-powered system to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children using a single flash of light to the eye. The system uses electroretinography (ERG) to identify specific features that classify ASD, providing a faster and more accurate method for diagnosis than existing tests.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·TypeCase study·DateDec 12, 2023

Holidays crank up kilos for Aussie kids

Research shows that Australian children are at risk of excessive weight gain and declining fitness during school holidays. The two-year study found that body fat increased at a faster pace and aerobic fitness declined faster than in-school periods. Promoting physical activities during holidays could help address unhealthy weight gain.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeCase study·DateDec 11, 2023

Colored by numbers? Pack images get tick of approval to make product varieties stand out

New research from the University of South Australia found that images are more effective at signaling product variety than colors, with only 56% of color choices matching customer expectations. The study analyzed consumer perceptions of 576 products and recommended using images to convey variety and protecting master brand colors.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

Wastewater detects signs of antimicrobial resistance in aged care

A new study has detected high levels of bacterial resistance to antibiotics in two Australian aged care facilities, highlighting a concerning trend in the sector. The study used wastewater-based surveillance to detect antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and found above-average levels of gentamicin resistance in one facility.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

Weight loss? ‘Nuting’ to worry about with almonds

Researchers found that almond-supplemented diets resulted in significant weight loss and improved cardiometabolic outcomes. The study demonstrated the benefits of nuts as part of a balanced weight loss diet, with almonds providing unsaturated fats that can improve blood cholesterol levels and contribute to a healthy heart.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalObesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2023

Floating sea farms: A solution to feed the world and ensure fresh water by 2050

Researchers from the University of South Australia have designed a self-sustaining solar-driven system that evaporates seawater to recycle it into freshwater, growing crops without human involvement. The vertical floating sea farm has several advantages over other designs, including low energy consumption and high food production.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2023

AI helps ID cancer risk factors

A novel study from the University of South Australia identified 84 features that could signal increased cancer risk in a dataset of 459,169 UK Biobank participants. The study found several biomarkers linked to cancer risk, including urinary microalbumin and high levels of cystatin C.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2023

Poor report card for children’s wellbeing

A new study found that children's mental health and wellbeing gradually worsened over the past six years, with measures of life satisfaction, optimism, and emotional regulation declining consistently since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Australians, particularly those in higher year levels and from lower...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 22, 2023

Nauseous territory: outfoxing predators using baits that make them barf

A team of international researchers have successfully conditioned red foxes to avoid native prey by associating it with nauseous chemicals. The study, published in Conservation Science and Practice, used levamisole to induce nausea and vomiting in the predators. By hiding the taste and smell of the chemical, the researchers were able t...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

In-school occupational therapy creates positive education experiences for kids with autism

A new study finds that in-school occupational therapy can create positive learning environments for children with autism by supporting parent-teacher relationships and understanding their unique needs. The therapy helps teachers get to know the child's needs better and facilitate effective communication between parents and schools.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Occupational Therapy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

Out with the life coach, in with the chatbot

Researchers at the University of South Australia found that chatbots significantly improved physical activity, diet and sleep. Chatbots were effective across different age groups and more conducive to achieving positive outcomes than speech-based AI. A blended approach with human coaching may be the most beneficial.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalDigital Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 6, 2023

Hole in one, not hole from sun

A new study from the University of South Australia reveals that golfers have a higher lifetime prevalence of skin cancer compared to the general population. The research highlights the importance of sun protection strategies for golfers, who spend extended periods in the sun.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 31, 2023