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University of Sydney


Cooling paint harvests water from thin air

Researchers developed a nanoengineered polymer coating that reflects sunlight and radiates heat, capturing atmospheric water vapour to create a sustainable source of fresh water. The technology can be integrated into paint-like materials for large-scale use, complementing existing systems and addressing global challenges.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2025

Synthetic biology to supercharge photosynthesis in crops

Australian researchers have developed tiny compartments to help supercharge photosynthesis, enabling plants to fix carbon more efficiently. The team engineered encapsulins that can house the enzyme Rubisco in a confined space, allowing for fine-tuning of compatibility for future use in crops.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

Neutron scanning of coral fossils reveals Earth’s hidden climate history

A new method, pioneered by University of Sydney student Carra Williams, uses neutron computed tomography to identify well-preserved pockets of coral skeleton that can reveal precise timelines of sea-level and climate shifts. The technique has the potential to transform how scientists reconstruct ancient climates.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalGeochemistry Geophysics Geosystems·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2025

Popular type of yoga linked to higher rates of falls among older Australians, study shows

A major study from the University of Sydney has found that Iyengar yoga-based exercise programs increased falls among older people by 33% compared to seated relaxation yoga. The research suggests that yoga may not be an effective fall prevention strategy, particularly if taught online.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2025

‘Alarming’ rise in newborn babies with antibiotic-resistant infections, researchers find

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific found that most newborn infections in Southeast Asia are caused by bacteria unlikely to respond to current treatments, highlighting the need for updated diagnostic and treatment guidelines. Locally relevant data is crucial for guiding routine medical decisions, and new a...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2025

Family-based intervention programs are insufficient to prevent childhood obesity, major study finds

A landmark study by the University of Sydney found that family-based early obesity prevention programs did not improve BMI in young children. The researchers analyzed data from 17 international studies and concluded that environmental and structural drivers are key to addressing childhood obesity. Governments, health officials, and loc...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 10, 2025

Teens who lose teeth to decay and injury nearly twice as likely to be bullied, study reveals

A study of over 4,400 Australian children found that those experiencing tooth loss were more than four times as likely to be bullied. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and rural areas were disproportionately affected. The researchers highlight the need for improved access to dental care and prevention programs.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJDR Clinical & Translational Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2025

Experts urge shift in heatwave strategy to save lives

Heat-related deaths are projected to rise four-fold by 2050 if global temperatures reach 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Experts recommend a physiology-based approach that focuses on hot people, using tools like HeatWatch, to enhance heat adaptation and minimize carbon intensity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 6, 2025

Rethink the 10,000 a day step goal, study suggests

A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that walking 7000 steps a day offers similar health benefits as walking 10,000 steps. The research analyzed data from 57 studies and found significant improvements in eight major health outcomes, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 23, 2025

Hot weather causes children to sweat at the same rate as adults, study shows

Research from the University of Sydney reveals that children aged 10-16 years sweat at the same rate as adults in extreme heat, contradicting previous advice on dehydration and hyperthermia risk. The study's findings emphasize the importance of proper hydration for children during physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 10, 2025

Using lightning to make ammonia out of thin air

University of Sydney researchers have developed a method to produce ammonia in gas form using electricity, offering a more sustainable alternative to the current Haber-Bosch process. This new approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a promising solution for the agricultural and hydrogen industries.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2025

Targeting newly-identified brain protein brings hope of new treatment for Parkinson's disease

Researchers at the University of Sydney have identified a new brain protein involved in Parkinson's disease and found that targeting it with a drug treatment improved motor function in experimental models. The study suggests that this approach could slow or stop the progression of Parkinson's disease in humans.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

Australian native bee honey shows medical potential in the fight against antibiotic resistance

Researchers have discovered that Australian native bee honey exhibits remarkable antimicrobial properties, effective even after heat treatment and long-term storage. This unique feature makes it a promising alternative to synthetic antibiotics, with the potential to complement or replace them in therapeutic frameworks.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2025

Caution required when heading soccer balls

A new study from the University of Sydney found that non-concussive heading of a soccer ball alters the brain, causing subtle changes in brain structure and function. The researchers identified altered chemistry in a region involved in motor control and decreased electrical conductivity across several areas.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalSports Medicine - Open·DateJun 18, 2025

Quantum simulation of chemical dynamics achieved for the first time using Sydney quantum computer

Scientists successfully simulated real chemical interactions with light, marking a major breakthrough in applying quantum computing to chemistry and medicine. This achievement holds promise for understanding complex light-driven phenomena, such as photosynthesis and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Harnessing protein power to deliver medicine

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed protein cages that can package and deliver chemotherapy drugs with greater precision. The technology has the potential to reduce side effects associated with current treatment methods.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2025

Obesity a leading cause of knee osteoarthritis

A recent study published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage reveals that obesity is a leading cause of knee osteoarthritis. The research also found that certain lifestyle changes, such as following a Mediterranean diet and engaging in regular physical activity, can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 7, 2025

High-fat, high-sugar diets impact cognitive function

Research from the University of Sydney finds that high-fat, high-sugar diets can impair brain function, specifically location memory and spatial navigation. Participants who consumed fewer fatty and sugary foods were better able to navigate virtual reality mazes and recall locations.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2025