A new subtype of depression called 'circadian depression' has been identified, affecting around a quarter of people with severe depression. This subtype is linked to the body's internal clock and is more responsive to behavioural and medical therapies targeting the body clock's unique brain circuits.
Researchers used drone-mounted laser scanning to identify three previously unregistered rock shelters containing rock art and stone artefacts in the Blue Mountains. The new methodology enables faster and more accurate location of sites in rugged environments, helping Aboriginal communities protect cultural heritage.
Researchers found that bee hives have a natural immune system that works to protect the bees, their offspring, and food supplies from disease. The system relies on the quality of resources available to create the hive's building materials, with hives in areas with diverse plant species showing stronger natural defences.
Researchers found that eating one extra serve of fruit daily reduced depression symptoms by 13% and anxiety symptoms by 7%. Higher sugar-sweetened drink consumption was associated with increased risk of depression and anxiety.
A PhD student at the University of Sydney has developed the first comprehensive classification system and map of Martian soils, grouping them into 10 major realms, 100 assemblages and 2000 detailed forms. The map shows the distribution of different soil types across 92% of the Martian surface, highlighting promising locations for futur...
Research from the University of Sydney reveals that people who join shark ecotourism tours are more likely to take action to protect sharks, including engaging in conservation activities, two years after their tour. This positive shift in behavior is attributed to immersive experiences and positive media coverage, suggesting that the b...
Researchers have detected the most distant fast radio burst, which travelled over 10 billion years to reach Earth. The burst originated when the Universe was only three billion years old, providing a rare opportunity to study the evolution of galaxies and the vast matter between them.
A University of Sydney study has identified three common factors tied to conservation success in fragile ecosystems, including local knowledge, community involvement, and adaptive management. These factors were found to be crucial in supporting ecosystems despite climate change and habitat loss, providing a framework for conservation e...
Researchers found that the cancer drug zavondemstat and a closely related compound QC6352 do not primarily target KDM4, but instead work by blocking DHODH, an enzyme cancer cells rely on to produce molecules needed for rapid growth. This discovery highlights a broader challenge in cancer drug development, emphasizing the need for great...
Researchers at the University of Sydney developed a computational framework to evaluate the biological accuracy of lab-grown human embryo models. The study found that while some models perform well, none yet fully capture the complexity of early human development.
Research finds that controlled Crown-of-thorns starfish populations can support coral diversity by preventing dominant species from monopolizing reef space. This helps increase coral diversity. COTS feeding on fast-growing corals like Acropora creates space for slower-growing species like Montipora and Porites to persist.
Researchers have discovered two new species of large stick insects in Australia, one with unique 'lidded' eggs, and three previously recognized species are now reclassified as five distinct species. The findings have practical implications for managing plague-like population outbreaks in forestry and agriculture.
Research shows that weather information alone won't shield poor livestock farmers from climate change impacts, highlighting the need for paired climate forecasts and risk-smoothing measures
Researchers develop biodegradable nanobone material that activates body's own healing properties to regrow bone, reducing need for invasive procedures. The material generates 80% more new bone than a material control and activates a key bone-repair growth factor with 10 times the level achieved using conventional methods.
A study found that the FKBP5 gene, regulating stress hormones, is 'stuck on' in schizophrenia brains, leading to increased stress response and vulnerability to psychiatric conditions. The research suggests new treatment targets, targeting the gene, may develop to address this altered stress response.
A four-million-year study modelled the glucose needs of humans and their ancestors, finding natural sugars supplied energy for growing brains before cooking made starch-rich foods easier to digest. The research suggests earliest hominins were highly reliant on carbohydrate-rich foods, particularly fruit.
A recent study published by the University of Sydney found that dexamphetamine and methylphenidate are equally effective in treating ADHD in children, with no significant differences in symptom improvement. However, children taking dexamphetamine experienced greater weight loss compared to those taking methylphenidate.
A review paper synthesizes nearly 20 years of research on the Great Barrier Reef's responses to sea-level shifts, finding five distinct reef phases that formed, drowned, and reformed over 30,000 years. The study highlights the reefs' dynamic nature and reveals they were shaped by multiple environmental pressures.
The Sports Heat Tool, developed at the University of Sydney, provides personalized heat risk assessments for various sports. Users can input their location and chosen sport to receive a heat-risk score and practical steps to mitigate risks, taking into account factors such as temperature, humidity, and exertion.
A study by geoscientists at the University of Sydney reveals why some ancient continental edges became fertile sites for major mineral deposits, while others did not. The research developed a dynamic model of the Earth going back 1.8 billion years to identify how mineralised ores formed in specific places.
The study found that during surprising events, the brain allocates more energy to sensory information, leading to better memory recall. In contrast, predictable situations stimulate faster responses but less detailed encoding.
A genomic study reveals koalas experienced a severe population decline around 100,000 years ago due to climate change and habitat loss. This finding overturns earlier studies that suggest human arrival led to the decline.
New research from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre found that alcohol can trigger biological pathways that increase levels of the hormone FGF21, which is linked to protein appetite. This can lead people to overconsume savoury ultra-processed foods, contributing to excess energy intake and weight gain.
A team of astronomers has identified a rare stellar system that provides a unique natural laboratory to study extreme physics. The system, called ASKAP J1745−5051, consists of a white dwarf and a red dwarf star, producing powerful bursts of radio waves and X-rays.
A new study found limited evidence that front-of-pack food labels help lower sugar intake among disadvantaged groups. Simplified nutrition labels can influence consumer behavior overall, but their effectiveness for lower-income or disadvantaged populations is unclear.
New research from the University of Sydney reveals that moderate temperature rises increase koala hospital admission and mortality risk. Koalas in inland north-west NSW are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, with populations on the brink of extinction.
A study found that scuba diving tourism causes frequent and often hidden damage to coral reefs, with most damage being unintentional or unnoticed. The research identifies factors such as underwater camera use, gloves, and peer behavior that contribute to reef damage.
Researchers found significant increases in invertebrate abundance following rodent eradication, particularly among larger-bodied species vulnerable to predation. The study highlights the crucial role of invertebrates in ecosystem function and recovery.
A new study analyzing ancient DNA alongside archaeological data suggests that population movement along Peru's Pacific coast began at least 800 years ago, centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire. Genetic evidence reveals mixed ancestry between people from different coastal regions over subsequent generations.
New AI tools can accelerate soil science by speeding up early-stage work, improving predictions to support decisions on land-use, carbon, and climate adaptation. The system successfully mimicked key parts of the scientific process, with outputs beyond what's currently being used that strongly align with expert research.
A millennium-old dingo was deliberately buried by Barkindji ancestors with great care, suggesting an ongoing relationship between local people and dingoes. The discovery provides new insights into ancestral dingo burial practices extending beyond southeastern Australia.
The study reveals climate change is a growing social crisis, disrupting connections and community belonging, with impacts felt through heatwaves, air pollution, and economic strain. Vulnerable populations, such as those on low incomes or living with disability, are disproportionately affected by climate-related isolation.
A study published in Aging Cell found that reducing dietary fat or animal-based protein can reduce 'biological age' in older adults. After just four weeks, participants showed significant reductions in biomarker profiles indicative of improved health and aging outcomes.
Researchers found a diverse bacterial ecosystem in seagrass habitats that was disrupted by increased water temperature, leading to reduced seagrass biomass and tolerance to climate change. The study highlights the importance of considering microbial communities in understanding marine plant responses to environmental stress.
A national survey of Australian tunnel construction workers found significant silica dust exposure risks, with many reporting barriers to effective dust control measures. The study calls for stronger regulatory enforcement and oversight to prevent preventable disease in the high-risk industry.
A new study by the University of Sydney found that toddlers' pretend play ability is significantly associated with fewer emotional and behavioral difficulties at primary school. The researchers analyzed data from over 1400 Australian children and found that stronger pretend play ability among two- to three-year-olds was linked to bette...
An international analysis found that intrauterine administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) before embryo transfer does not increase pregnancy or live birth rates. The study urges patients and clinicians to rethink the commonly offered IVF add-on, citing concerns about unreliable trial data.
A University of Sydney physicist has developed a new approach to quantum error correction that could significantly reduce the number of physical qubits required to build large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers. The study introduces gauge theory-inspired design for efficient processing and logical information storage.
A team of archaeologists used uranium–thorium dating to establish precise construction timelines for houses built out of coral in French Polynesia. The findings reveal previously hidden patterns of architectural development and cultural life in Pacific societies, challenging earlier theories about coral reuse.
A new paper by the University of Sydney reveals that corporations manufacturing and marketing health-harming products are primary vectors of non-communicable disease. The authors propose solutions such as policy safeguards, stronger research focus, and prohibition on financial ties between industry and researchers.
A comprehensive review of 54 randomized controlled trials found no evidence that medicinal cannabis is effective in treating anxiety, depression, or PTSD. However, the study suggests that medicinal cannabis may be beneficial for certain conditions, such as reducing seizures associated with epilepsy and managing pain.
Scientists at the University of Sydney have developed an ultra-compact AI chip that harnesses the power of light to perform calculations, potentially lowering energy consumption and increasing speed. The prototype, built in-house, achieved 90-99% classification accuracy in image classification tasks.
A recent study analyzing koala genomes found that populations previously considered most at risk are now showing signs of genetic regeneration. The research, published in Science, challenges long-held assumptions about genetic risk in endangered species.
A University of Sydney-led study found that honey made from mixed floral sources has superior performance against bacteria, with high levels of bioactive compounds. The findings could help develop new treatments for drug-resistant infections while supporting bushfire recovery and sustainable beekeeping practices.
A team of scientists at the University of Sydney has discovered how three naturally occurring antibiotic compounds disrupt the ClpC1–ClpP1P2 complex, a vital protein degradation machine in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This finding uncovers surprising complexity and provides valuable insight into designing more effective anti-TB treatments.
The study found that opioids provide only small, time-limited pain relief for certain pain conditions, such as stomach pain and dental surgery. Regular use of opioids comes with a risk of harm, including dependence and overdose.
Lifespan-extending treatments and dietary restriction have increased variance in age-at-death in vertebrates, failing to 'square the survival curve'. The findings highlight that current interventions do not equally benefit all individuals, leading to a biological lottery.
A new study reveals that seabird guano was a driving force behind the Chincha Kingdom's sociopolitical expansion on Peru's coast. The nutrient-rich bird droppings boosted corn yields and supercharged agriculture, fueling the kingdom's economy, trade, population growth, and regional influence.
Researchers have created a process to produce clean hydrogen from freshwater and seawater using liquid metals powered by sunlight. The method avoids many obstacles in current hydrogen production methods, including the need for purified water and high costs. The team is working to improve efficiency for commercialization.
Researchers have designed antibodies that recognize a unique sugar found on bacterial cells, providing a potential new treatment for multidrug-resistant hospital-acquired infections. The target of the antibody is pseudaminic acid, a sugar molecule produced exclusively by bacteria and used to evade immune responses.