A study from UniSA researchers found associations between metabolic profiles and adverse brain findings, including lower hippocampal and grey matter volumes. People with metabolic profiles linked to obesity were more likely to have higher accumulation of iron in the brain.
Researchers from the University of South Australia found that households with solar panels and batteries can significantly reduce their annual electricity costs when charging electric vehicles. With off-peak charging, EV owners can save up to 39.6% on energy costs, making it a more affordable option for environmentally-friendly driving.
Researchers at the University of South Australia are using new technologies to speed up blood cancer diagnosis and treatment. The project aims to identify genetic variants that cause cancer, enabling clinicians to provide targeted treatments and improve patient management.
Researchers Dr Zoe Doubleday and Dr Jasmin Martino created a map of ocean chemistry that distinguishes the origin of seafood between south-east Asia and southern Australia. The universal chemical fingerprints can track where individual seafood comes from, helping to combat seafood fraud and ensure consumer trust.
The Healthy-Day-App assesses time use patterns in children and predicts outcomes on body fat percentages, wellbeing, and academic performance. Shifting screen time to physical activity results in improved health outcomes, including 4.2% lower body fat and 2.5% better wellbeing.
A recent study found that poor management is the biggest risk factor for workplace bullying, with a new evidence-based screening tool developed to address the problem. The tool identifies nine major risk areas in day-to-day practices, highlighting the need for organisations to proactively assess and mitigate underlying risk factors.
A new study from the University of South Australia shows that captive frogs can be protected from the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) through natural skin shedding processes. However, captivity also reduces skin bacteria diversity and richness, potentially affecting the frogs' resilience to pathogens.
A new Australian study reveals that despite growing interest in nature-based learning, teachers need professional development to effectively integrate it into their teaching practices. The research found that seven out of ten teachers felt limited by their knowledge and confidence in using nature play areas to support curriculum goals.
Researchers studied the impact of withholding nitrous oxide on labor pain and found no adverse outcomes for mothers or children. Opioid use increased significantly but no change in other measures such as epidural use or Caesarean section rates were observed.
Researchers found that two new techniques can help reduce needle fear in primary-aged children, including a distraction game and positive memory reframing. The study involved 41 children and showed promising results for broad vaccination programs.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed tiny optical fibre sensors to monitor movement and record vital signs, reducing the risk of pressure sores. The technology can detect when patients remain motionless for extended periods, prompting nurses to adjust their position.
A world-first study reveals a direct link between low vitamin D and high inflammation, providing a biomarker for those at risk of chronic illnesses. Boosting vitamin D in people with deficiencies may reduce chronic inflammation.
A new study from the University of South Australia identifies five key approaches for parents and caregivers to discuss everyday pain with young children. Teaching children that they can control their pain and empowering them to actively engage in pain management can promote lifelong helpful pain behaviors and encourage recovery. By he...
Researchers found wearable activity trackers encourage users to walk up to 40 minutes more each day, resulting in a significant weight loss of 1kg over five months. The study, which reviewed almost 400 studies involving 164,000 people, also found benefits for blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have discovered that combining anti-rejection medication with immune checkpoint inhibitors can significantly reduce the risk of organ rejection and eliminate cancer cells in a quarter of patients. The study involved 22 patients with renal transplants and incurable locally advanced or met...
A study by University of South Australia researchers documents the benefits of fathers using kangaroo care with premature newborns. The practice mimics the marsupial model, providing a nurturing environment that reduces pain and stress for both baby and caregiver.
A long-term high-fat diet has been shown to cause significant weight gain and metabolic disorders in mice, leading to anxiety, depression, and worsening Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a clear link between chronic obesity and diabetes with cognitive decline.
A study of over 1000 consumers from Australia and NZ found that 27% would pay nearly double the price for 'healthy' drinks with low/no sugar, natural/no additives, or vitamins and minerals. Younger consumers (18-24 years) are more likely to be interested in healthy drinks.
A new study found that children who participate in extra-curricular activities experience heightened wellbeing, while those glued to screens show lower levels of happiness and health. The research highlights the importance of encouraging children to engage in physical activities beyond screens.
New research from University of South Australia and Flinders University uses retina recordings to identify distinct signals for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing a potential biomarker for each condition. Children with ADHD showed higher overall energy, while those with ASD sho...
A world-first study from the University of South Australia found a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of dementia and stroke. The study analyzed data from 294,514 participants and found that up to 17% of dementia cases might have been avoided by boosting vitamin D levels.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that dispositional mindfulness can significantly reduce and protect elite athletes from stress. Athletes who demonstrated greater mindfulness had lower levels of stress, both immediately after a COVID-19-related shutdown and at the end of their competitive season.
A new study proposes designing permeable pavements to reduce flood impacts in Australia, with the potential to store up to 50% of rainfall and reduce urban flooding by up to 50%. The proposed system takes into account local soil types and rainfall intensity, and has been tested on 107 towns and cities across Australia.
Australian secondary students' math rankings have dropped to 29th place globally, with a new study suggesting hand gestures are crucial for understanding mathematical concepts. Online learning has exacerbated the issue, making it harder for students to grasp math concepts without human motor and sensory skills.
Researchers are developing a novel MRI nanotechnology that targets specific markers in solid tumours, including high-grade brain cancers. The new imaging technology has shown promising preclinical results and is set to be tested in a first-in-human clinical trial.
A new study by the University of South Australia found that up to a quarter of people aged over 50 with undiagnosed visual problems like cataracts or AMD are misdiagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Cognitive tests relying on vision-dependent tasks can skew results.
Researchers have discovered a way to suppress a specific protein that promotes resistance to drugs commonly used to treat AML patients. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize treatment and prolong survival for those affected by the disease.
A study found that regular pharmacist visits reduced medicine-related problems by 60% and improved cognition scores. The research highlights the need for personalized pharmaceutical support within the aged-care sector to prevent harm from medicines.
Research reveals mental illness disrupts autonomic functions, leading to greater blood pressure variations during the day. People with mental health issues often experience reduced heart rate variation, indicating poor stress response and exacerbating chronic stress effects.
Researchers found that Australian native rushes, including Phragmites australis, can significantly remove PFAS chemicals from contaminated surface water. The study used floating wetlands as a mechanism for plants to grow hydroponically and showed a 42-53% removal of legacy PFAS contaminants.
Children's physical fitness and health-related quality of life decreased significantly after the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy weight and overall well-being.
A new virtual reality (VR) experience is educating children aged 10-12 about bushfires, helping them learn how to be safer in emergencies. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of immersive VR experiences in delivering positive learning outcomes for primary children.
Researchers develop new technologies to extract minerals from waste and tailings, recycling spent batteries and magnets. This project aims to reduce toxic waste and promote sustainable mining practices in Australia and India.
Research by University of South Australia found that knowing the 'right' people is crucial for securing a job, while African migrants often struggle due to systemic discrimination and racism. The study highlights the importance of anti-racism work and social networks in migrant labor market integration.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a novel approach to rubber recycling that repurposes end-of-life tyres into concrete for residential constructions. The study found that crumb rubber concrete is a safe, green alternative with higher impact resistance, toughness, and ductility compared to conventional conc...
A recent study of Australian suburbs found that tree-inclusive gardens provide up to a 30-metre buffer during summer heatwaves, reducing energy costs. Researchers recommend incorporating deciduous trees into housing designs for better energy efficiency and urban aesthetics.
Australian researchers have mapped the visual systems of hoverflies to detect drones' acoustic signatures, showing a 30-49% improvement in detection rates compared to traditional methods. The technology has potential applications for aviation safety and combatting IED-carrying drones.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a new way to deliver chemotherapy drugs, using liposomal formulations that target tumors more effectively. This breakthrough could improve treatment outcomes for thousands of cancer patients, reducing side effects and improving quality of life.
A study from University of South Australia found that reading aloud to children can triple a child's resilience at school, particularly for those who have suffered abuse or neglect. The study identified reading as a key factor in supporting children's emotional, social and physical development before they start school.
A new study from the University of South Australia has found that popular weight loss diets can be expensive, with costs ranging from $345 to $625 per week. The most cost-effective diet was modelled on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and adapted for weight loss through calorie restriction.
A world-first discovery has identified a genetic mutation responsible for a lymphatic disorder that may cause stillbirth or severe chronic disease in affected children. The mutation, MDFIC, controls the growth and development of lymphatic vessels in the fetus, leading to fluid accumulation in critical organs.
Researchers developed a system using facial expressions to manipulate objects in virtual reality environments, outperforming handheld controllers in terms of immersion. The technique has potential applications for people with disabilities, including amputees and those with motor neurone disease, allowing hands-free interactions.
Researchers discover unique bat-pollination system in Fiji's kuluva trees, highlighting co-dependence between species and urgent conservation needs. The novel chiropteropisteusis system sheds light on the evolution of flowering plants and threatens tree and bat species.
A new research paper from the University of South Australia reveals that older generations hold a significant portion of housing properties, locking out younger Millennials. The study highlights how government policies designed to protect one generation can hinder another, creating severe housing tenure inequalities.
A University of South Australia study suggests that nature-based citizen science projects can alleviate stress and isolation, while improving mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. By engaging with natural environments, individuals can experience lower stress levels, improve their wellbeing, and feel connected to a community.
The UniSA-designed algorithm helps robots navigate paths without collisions, outperforming existing algorithms in simulations. It can direct robots to stop, turn, or reverse direction to avoid obstacles, with potential applications in industrial warehouses, agriculture, and more.
A mixed-methods survey found that pain science education helped people recover from chronic pain by understanding it was not tissue damage and that stress and emotion could heighten perceptions. The study also identified seven learning objectives to help teenagers better understand pain, including reframing perceptions of pain as an 'o...
Researchers found alarmingly high attendance rates at hospital emergency departments for children, teens, and adult victims of child abuse and neglect. Children exposed to child maltreatment have substantially increased risk of attending emergency departments during childhood and early adulthood.
Academics and professional staff who responded to emails out of hours were more likely to experience burnout, psychological distress, and poor physical health. Researchers found that workers who kept their work boundaries in check experienced less stress and pressure.
New research from UniSA finds that confusion, lack of knowledge and disinterest are hindering businesses' progress in addressing modern slavery. The study provides a framework to help companies improve their approaches, but warns that without effective measures, global efforts to stop modern slavery will be unlikely to succeed.