A world-first study from the University of South Australia exposes the real weight gains of everyday Australians, finding that weight fluctuates throughout the year. The study highlights the importance of targeting temporal hot spots to curb unhealthy weight fluctuations and prevent unwanted weight gain.
A recent study found that PCSK9 inhibitors may impair lung function in some patients, while statins have a protective effect on the brain, increasing hippocampus volume which may reduce dementia and depression risk. The study used genetic data from 340,000 UK Biobank participants.
A study by University of South Australia found that long work hours, job insecurity, and mental health challenges are driving suicidal thoughts among Australian construction workers. The research also highlights the importance of addressing stigma around mental health and suicide in the industry.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have discovered three new biomarkers for prostate cancer that can accurately visualize and grade the disease. The breakthrough technology will enable clinicians to determine which patients require immediate treatment, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.
Researchers found that lack of trust and information hindered conservation efforts, while agronomists played a crucial role. To save remnant native habitats, farmers must be empowered as leaders, supported by government agencies.
The research found that immigration status and inability to secure an ongoing income are significant barriers for human trafficking and modern slavery survivors to access accommodation. The wait time for social housing is often more than 10 years, and strict guidelines limit eligibility.
A team of researchers from the University of South Australia used a contact-free technique to extract cardiac signals from chimpanzees by filming subtle movements in their face or thorax. The study found that chimpanzees show similar responses to human babies when experiencing fear, excitement, or joy, and that nature scenes can calm t...
Researchers found that while parents and educators recognize the benefits of nature play, they struggle with certain aspects, particularly risk. A key move will be to boost educators' knowledge about nature-based learning to promote enabling factors.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that wearable activity trackers improve patient activity, reduce sedentary behavior, and enhance physical function, supporting faster recovery in hospitalized adults. The study examined 15 studies with a combined total of 1911 patients and found significant improvements in clinical outcomes.
Research at University of South Australia finds that concussions can lead to a significant increased risk of future injury, even after recovery. The study suggests longer recovery times may be needed for youth athletes suffering from head trauma.
A new study from the University of South Australia shows that the Mediterranean diet is not only good for health but also for your weekly budget. Compared to the typical Australian Western diet, the Mediterranean diet costs less, with a family of four saving $28 per week and nearly $1500 per year
A new study suggests that modular production techniques can minimize construction delays caused by weather, resulting in cost savings for builders. The research estimates that using modular construction can reduce costs by approximately AUD$40,000 on a $6.4 million project.
Experts urge clinicians to adopt a whole-of-person approach to medical care to address chronic disease and mental health issues related to child abuse and neglect. A trauma-informed biopsychosocial model of health can help reduce the negative impacts of exposure to serious child abuse and neglect.
Researchers at the University of South Australia analyzed Instagram fitspiration accounts, finding nearly two-thirds published dubious fitness information. Hyper-sexualized content, objectification, or nudity was present in around a quarter of accounts, promoting unhealthy body shapes and driving body image issues.
A new study by University of South Australia researchers found that golfing reduces psychological distress and improves general health in people with osteoarthritis. Golfers experience lower levels of psychological distress compared to the general population.
Researchers found that primary school children spend more time on screens, exercise less, and eat unhealthy food during the holidays. Adding structure to their days with regular activities and limited screen time can encourage healthier behaviours.
A nurse has shared her experience of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) after a mild COVID-19 infection. She highlights the importance of clinicians including SSNHL as a potential side effect of COVID-19 and recommends high-dose corticosteroids as treatment.
A study of 308 adults found that people displayed more active and healthy behaviors during a three-day holiday, with increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behavior. The extra time off also led to improved sleep patterns, with participants gaining an average of 21 minutes of sleep per day.
Researchers found a therapy for babies with early autism signs can reduce long-term disability and associated costs, saving $10,695 per child by age 13. Early intervention may also alleviate strain on health, education, and family systems.
A new study by the University of South Australia found that dedicated nature play areas are underutilized at schools, with most being used for play instead of learning. Researchers are encouraging teachers to incorporate more outdoor learning to boost student wellbeing and development.
A comprehensive product stewardship scheme has been proposed to address the environmental impact of solar panel disposal in Australia. The plan includes recycling steps, serial numbers for tracking, and legislation to ensure environmentally friendly disposal.
A world-first study from the University of South Australia is providing valuable insights into how young people understand chronic pain, potentially helping thousands of sufferers to better manage their symptoms and long-term wellbeing. Researchers found that young people tend to make sense of chronic pain by explaining it as a softwar...
A large study of women with rheumatoid arthritis found that those taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy had a greater chance of achieving remission. The study suggests female sex hormones could play a major role in improving outcomes for these patients.
A Mediterranean diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables helps prevent prostate cancer and speeds up recovery after radiation treatment. Foods such as tomatoes, melons, and nuts are particularly beneficial due to their high levels of lycopene and selenium.
New research reveals that gender targets in the Australian public service do not lead to expected improvements in gender equity for women in leadership. The study suggests that effective policies, such as having at least two women on shortlists and leadership training, are crucial to increasing female representation in senior roles.
A new Australian study found that assistance dogs used in conjunction with traditional therapies provide the most effective treatment outcomes for defence veterans' mental health. Almost 90% of veterans reported improvements in post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety after being matched with an assistance dog.
A recent study from the University of South Australia found that teenagers with a 'late sleep chronotype' who use technology before bed on weekends are at greater risk of disturbed sleep. This can lead to a serious sleep deficit, negatively impacting their daily tasks and wellbeing.
Researchers are developing a deep learning model to predict where waste is accumulating in cities and how often public bins should be cleared. This can help councils optimise their waste management services, schedule bin clearances and relocate rarely used bins.
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counselling or medications in managing depression. The review of 97 reviews and 1039 trials shows that exercise interventions, especially those lasting 12 weeks or less, can significantly reduce mental health ...
Researchers found that the feathers of large seabirds contained nutrients from multiple ocean basins, while smaller birds had elements matching their local foraging environments. This discovery may explain the long-distance migrations of threatened species.
Scientists made a groundbreaking discovery that lymphatic vessels can produce both red and white blood cells, challenging the long-held belief that blood cells come solely from bone marrow. The study suggests that lymphatic vessels may play a role in fighting infection and could be important for treating certain blood cancers.
Researchers have developed a gold nanoparticle probe to detect porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV), a devastating disease causing severe diarrhoea and high death rates. The new tool promises fast, affordable diagnosis on-site, critical for preventing future outbreaks and protecting the industry from economic losses.
Researchers at the University of South Australia are developing new biomarkers to improve melanoma detection and avoid delayed treatment. The current markers used in clinical practice are not always sensitive or specific, leading to fatal consequences if cancerous cells are missed.
A study published in Addiction journal found a significant decrease in codeine consumption across Australia after the country's most misused legal opioid was switched to a prescription-only medicine. The switch led to a 37% overall drop in codeine consumption, with smaller decreases observed in regional areas.
A recent clinical trial found that walnut consumption reduced stress and depression levels in university students. The study also showed improved metabolic biomarkers and overall sleep quality in the longer term. Walnuts contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and melatonin, which promote healthy brain and gut function.
A new study reveals that child abuse and neglect are associated with significant excess public hospital costs in South Australia. The research found that individual costs increased with age and severity of abuse or neglect, resulting in an 18% cost penalty on the state's public hospital system.
Researchers found that a Mediterranean diet can improve fertility outcomes by reducing inflammation and increasing sperm quality in men. The anti-inflammatory properties of the diet may also enhance couples' chances of conception.
A world-first study found that chronic pain in stroke survivors can alter body perception, increasing accident risk. Researchers discovered that nearly three times as many stroke survivors with chronic pain experience altered body perception compared to those without.
Australian children are spending too much time glued to screens and not enough on physical activity, with 80% of kids failing to meet national guidelines. A new review calls for a National Physical Activity Plan involving multiple sectors to address the issue.
Researchers at University of South Australia have developed a non-contact system to accurately measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure using AI algorithms and a camera. The system achieved 90% accuracy in readings, outperforming existing methods.
A study of over 1000 Australian adults found that people with trouble sleeping were more likely to have indicators of poor cardiometabolic health, including inflammatory markers, cholesterol, and body weight. Prioritizing a good night's sleep is crucial for maintaining good health, according to researcher Dr Lisa Matricciani.
New research reveals mangroves can withstand heavy metal contamination without adverse health impacts. Grey mangroves were found to tolerate high lead and zinc levels in contaminated sediment, highlighting their role in stabilising polluted regions.
Researchers have found that cyclones and fires can interact in devastating ways, causing more damage than either event alone. The study suggests that high-intensity bushfires could be followed by cyclones, encroaching on previously low-risk areas and extending damage zones.
A University of South Australia physicist has solved the long-standing mystery of lightning's zig-zag pattern and dark electric column. The breakthrough explains how singlet-delta metastable oxygen molecules create these steps.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that eating 30-50 grams of almonds can help people cut back on kilojoules consumed each day. This leads to a reduced energy intake by 300 kilojoules, mostly coming from junk food.
Researchers found that 90% of surveyed individuals did not recognize six out of seven endangered species. Increasing public knowledge and recognition can boost conservation support for these vulnerable animals. The study highlights the need for targeted marketing initiatives to change people's perception of lesser-known species.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that mimicking facial expressions of actors or moving the corners of one's mouth to cheeks increases happiness. Researchers from Stanford University and UniSA tested three techniques, with two yielding noticeable results.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of mortality. The research evaluated 307,601 records from the UK Biobank and found that individuals with low vitamin D levels had a significantly decreased risk of death over a 14-year follow-up period.
Researchers from the University of South Australia found that fairy tales are a valid resource for teaching primary students about social justice and emotional intelligence. Experienced teacher Glenn Saxby suggests presenting fairy tales in a critical and inclusive manner to help explain complex issues to children.
Researchers from University of South Australia found that porous silica can prevent fats and carbohydrates from being adsorbed in the body. Engineered particles of purified sand are designed to soak up digestive enzymes, fats, and sugars within the gastrointestinal tract.