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University of Sydney


Knowing risk factors could help catch melanomas

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that patients with a family history of melanoma, multiple primary melanomas, or many moles are at higher risk for developing melanoma. The researchers recommend tailoring surveillance programs to individual risk factors to improve early detection and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateNov 9, 2016

Increasing muscle strength can improve brain function: Study

A recent study published in Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that increasing muscle strength can improve brain function in adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment. The SMART trial involved 100 community-dwelling adults who performed resistance exercise and showed significant improvements in global cognition and brain function.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 24, 2016

Tooth decay -- drilling down to the nanoscale

Researchers from the University of Sydney have created three-dimensional maps showing the positions of atoms critical in the decay process using atom probe tomography. The study reveals magnesium-rich regions between hydroxyapatite nanorods, which play a key role in governing tooth behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 7, 2016

Newborns with borderline thyroid function at higher risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes

A University of Sydney study found that infants with moderately high thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations have a higher risk of poor educational and development outcomes. Infants with TSH levels below the screening cut-off but in the top quartile have an increased likelihood of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes at school age.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 27, 2016

The pains and strains of a continental breakup

Researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Potsdam have uncovered a distinct two-phase separation process for continental breakup, involving gradual rifting and eventual rapid subsidence. The study highlights a phenomenon difficult to explain within conventional plate tectonics, shedding new light on the process.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 2016

Help at hand for people watching their weight

Researchers from the University of Sydney have developed a portable and easy-to-use method to help people estimate portion size using only their hands. The 'finger width' method was found to be more accurate than household measures, with 80% of food sizes assessed within 25% of their true weight.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Nutritional Science·DateJul 12, 2016

Why artificial sweeteners can increase appetite

A new study reveals that artificial sweeteners can stimulate appetite by integrating sweetness with energy content in the brain, leading to increased food consumption. Researchers found that chronic exposure to sucralose increased the animal's motivation to eat more food, even when they had enough calories.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 12, 2016

Obesity on the rise in Indonesia

A recent study reveals that obesity is on the rise in Indonesia, exacerbated by a 'double burden of malnutrition' affecting children. Children stunted due to undernutrition are more likely to become overweight, posing serious health risks.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2016

World's oldest axe fragment found in Australia

A team of archaeologists from the University of Sydney has discovered a piece of the world's oldest axe, which dates back to a Stone Age period of 45,000 to 49,000 years ago. The axe fragment was found in Western Australia and reveals that the first Australians were technological innovators.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAustralian Archaeology·DateMay 10, 2016

Breakthrough technology to improve cyber security

A research team at the University of Sydney has developed a major breakthrough in generating single photons, enabling the creation of secure cyber security systems. This innovation resolves a key issue holding back password exchange and can be scaled up to generate single photons with 100% probability.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 21, 2016

Retirement is good for your health

A landmark study by the University of Sydney found that retirement leads to positive lifestyle changes, including increased physical activity levels, reduced sitting time, healthier sleep patterns, and lower rates of smoking. Retirees were more likely to engage in physical activity and pursue healthier habits after leaving work.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 11, 2016

Global nitrogen footprint mapped for first time

The study found that the US, China, India, and Brazil are responsible for 46% of global nitrogen emissions, while developing countries export large amounts of nitrogen through food, textiles, and clothing. The results highlight the need for policies to reduce nitrogen pollution globally.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 25, 2016

New discoveries redefine Angkor Wat's history

The temple of Angkor Wat has been found to be significantly larger and more complex than previously believed, featuring an entire ensemble of buried 'towers' and a massive structure bounded on its south side. The discovery challenges traditional understanding of the social hierarchy of the Angkor Wat community.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAntiquity·DateDec 8, 2015

'Rat vision' may give humans best sight of all

Researchers found that human brains have a subset of cells that fire in response to inputs from both eyes, similar to those in rodents. This discovery suggests that humans have the best possible visual system, with primitive pathways allowing for quick spotting of danger and complex behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 19, 2015

Forming planet observed for first time

Researchers from the University of Sydney and other institutions have directly observed a planet in formation for the first time. The planet, located 450 light years away, is surrounded by a vast disc of dust and gas, and its presence has been confirmed through images and spectral fingerprint analysis.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2015