Astronomers have discovered entwined dwarf stars emitting radio pulses, challenging the long-held assumption that only neutron stars were responsible for these emissions. The discovery was made using follow-up observations of two stars orbiting each other every two hours.
A recent study highlights the unique challenges facing Sydney's koala population, which is one of the last strongholds for New South Wales' koalas in NSW. The populations have low genetic diversity, making them highly susceptible to environmental threats and disease outbreaks.
A global study found that social media influencers promote controversial medical tests with limited scientific evidence, often without mentioning potential harms. The tests include full-body MRI scans, genetic testing, blood tests, and gut microbiome tests. Experts warn that these tests can lead to overdiagnosis and overuse.
A groundbreaking study published in eBioMedicine has shown that a new mRNA vaccine is effective in boosting immunity against tuberculosis. The vaccine demonstrated potent immune responses in infected mice and improved long-term protection when combined with the BCG vaccine.
Researchers at the University of Sydney are using Zwitterions to create materials that can prevent blood clots from forming in medical devices and implants. They have successfully created a zwitterionic coating that repels water beyond the material's boundaries.
Researchers at the University of Sydney recommend adopting a primarily plant-centric fibre-rich diet to enhance overall health and longevity. The plan involves incorporating more plant-based meals into one's diet, starting with two days a week and increasing to five days as recommended by Professor Luigi Fontana.
A study led by Dr Eliane Deschrijver found people tend to discriminate in favour of individuals who show a similarity to them, regardless of group affiliation. The research used a simple coin toss as a trigger for discriminatory tendencies, suggesting individual processes may play a role in discrimination.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people tend to discriminate in favor of individuals who show a similarity to them, even when the similarity arises from a random event. The research suggests that individual differences are enough to trigger discrimination, contradicting traditional theories.
A narrative review of over 1,700 papers found only seven papers addressing dexamphetamine addiction directly. The study raises questions about the evidence underpinning its restriction by regulatory agencies. Dexamphetamine is effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy but may have benefits in treating obesity.
A landmark global study has found that two-thirds of species are losing genetic diversity, but conservation efforts are helping to reverse this trend. The study, published in Nature, highlights the importance of initiatives such as habitat restoration, animal translocations, and population control.
An English literature graduate has developed a new method for large language models to understand and analyze short text chunks, such as those on social media profiles. The method successfully grouped nearly 40,000 Twitter user biographies from accounts tweeting about US President Donald Trump into 10 categories.
A recent study revealed that 66% of coral colonies on the southern Great Barrier Reef were bleached by February 2024, with 80% by April. The research team tracked the health of 462 coral colonies over 161 days and found that 44% of the bleached colonies had died, including a staggering 95% mortality rate for some species.
A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that levofloxacin substantially reduced the risk of developing drug-resistant tuberculosis. The study found that levofloxacin reduced the risk of multidrug-resistant TB in adults and adolescents by 45 percent, and also significantly reduced the risk among family m...
A randomised controlled trial found integrating lifestyle support into back pain care reduced disability by 1.3 points and helped participants lose an average of 1.6kg more than the control group
Researchers found integrating lifestyle support into back pain care reduced disability by an average of 1.3 points on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, while participants in a 'Healthy Lifestyle Program' also lost an average of 1.6kg more than the control group.
A new clinical pathway aims to address the intense fear of cancer returning, empowering patients to regain confidence. The three-step plan involves assessment, diagnosis, and stepped-care support to tackle moderate to severe anxiety, which affects 60% of people living with or beyond cancer.
A study found that middle-aged women who engaged in short bursts of vigorous physical activity, such as carrying shopping or power walking, had a significantly lower risk of heart attacks and heart failure. Women who averaged 3.4 minutes of daily activity were 45% less likely to experience a major cardiovascular event.
Scientists at the University of Sydney create programmable nanostructures using DNA origami, enabling rapid prototyping of diverse configurations. These custom-designed nanostructures have potential applications in targeted drug delivery, responsive materials, and energy-efficient optical signal processing.
A recent study has found that climate change is closely linked to global conflict crises, particularly in understudied regions such as South America, Oceania, and Southeast Asia. The research highlights the need for integrated peacebuilding and climate adaptation efforts to address these compounding issues.
Research by the University of Sydney has identified CBN as a constituent that improves sleep in rats. The study showed that CBN increased both NREM and REM sleep, leading to increased total sleep time.
A three-dimensional quantum error correction architecture was discovered, which can handle errors scaling like L<sup>2</sup> (LxL) in two-dimensions. This breakthrough promises to enhance the reliability of quantum information storage and reduce physical computing resources needed for 'logical qubits', paving the way for a more compact
Researchers found using a fan with skin wetting reduces heat-induced cardiac strain in older people in hot and humid conditions. However, in very hot and dry conditions, fan use had an adverse effect, while skin wetting alone was effective in reducing heart work.
A new study suggests that adding physical activity into daily life can help lower blood pressure. Replacing sedentary behaviors with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day was estimated to lead to a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure, while just five minutes of activity a day was also associated with reduced levels.
Researchers successfully generate guided sound waves on a microchip using lasers, enabling interactions with the environment and paving the way for new sensing technologies. The innovative approach uses special glass to contain sound waves, making it ideal for applications in signal processing and communication technologies.
Research suggests standing for long periods does not improve cardiovascular health and may increase circulatory issues. Sitting for over 10 hours a day was found to increase cardiovascular disease risk, highlighting the need for regular movement throughout the day.
A recent study using AI has discovered over 160,000 new RNA virus species, shedding light on the diversity of life on Earth. The machine learning tool, LucaProt, was able to organize and categorize genetic sequence data, revealing a previously unknown branch of life.
A recent study from the University of Sydney found that international conservation efforts account for approximately 10 percent of fish biomass on coral reefs. Increasing Marine Protected Areas and implementing fisheries restrictions are key to sustaining fish populations, but more work is needed to meet the 30x30 initiative.
Research reveals people's perception of a food's appeal and calorie content is biased towards their previous rating, creating a chain reaction. This 'serial dependence' can inform strategies for food marketers and have potential applications in addressing eating disorders.
A University of Sydney-led study found multiple surgeries contribute to memory and brain health issues in older adults, with physical differences observed in brain areas responsible for memory. Cognitive decline is noticeable with each additional surgery.
New research reveals ancient dingo fossils are most similar to Japanese dogs, 'singing dogs' of New Guinea, and highland wild dog of Irian Jaya. Modern dingoes have evolved to become larger and leaner over 3,000 years.
Researchers found limited evidence to support antidepressant use in older adults for most pain conditions, highlighting the need for a multidimensional approach and non-pharmacological strategies. Antidepressants were associated with increased negative effects, such as falling and injury, compared to placebo groups.
Research reveals that crown-of-thorns starfish thrive in degraded coral habitats, benefiting from the loss of live coral. This 'degraded reef hypothesis' explains how juvenile COTS accumulate in rubble habitats, promoting a pulsed emergence as adults and exacerbating the cycle of coral loss.
Researchers found that AI-integrated apps often struggle with mixed dishes, such as Asian cuisine, which can lead to errors in energy content calculations. Manual food-logging apps also overestimated or underestimated energy intake for certain diets, highlighting the need for improved accuracy and cultural diversity.
A study of over 5,000 Australian high school students found that those with severe depressive symptoms were more than twice as likely to have tried e-cigarettes. The research highlights the urgent need for effective mental health support to prevent vaping onset during early adolescence.
Researchers found that nitrogen emissions from human activities cool the climate by minus 0.34 watts per square metre, but also cause harm to health, biodiversity, and the ozone layer. The study warns against increasing atmospheric nitrogen as a means of combating global warming.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have proposed a new way to reduce industrial emissions by utilizing liquid metals in chemical reactions. This approach aims to decrease energy requirements and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
A team of scientists at the University of Sydney has repurposed a commonly used blood thinner, heparin, as an inexpensive antidote for cobra venom. The discovery could drastically reduce the impact of snakebites worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where cobra species account for most snakebite incidents.
A new microscopy method has allowed researchers to detect tiny changes in the atomic-level architecture of crystalline materials. The technique could advance our ability to understand the fundamental origins of materials properties and behaviour.
Researchers suggest eyed needles were used for adornment, signifying the transition from utilitarian to social purposes in clothing. The innovation allowed for more complex, layered clothing and decorative items, marking a significant shift in human attire.
Researchers found that starting resuscitation with high concentrations of oxygen (90% or greater) can increase survival chances for premature babies. The study examined over 1,000 premature babies and found a significant reduction in mortality rates by using higher oxygen levels.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed SeekRNA, a programmable tool that can precisely target and relocate genetic sequences with high accuracy and flexibility. This breakthrough technology surpasses current limitations of CRISPR, enabling more precise editing and reducing errors.
A recent study by the University of Sydney reveals that tight-knit communities can resist environmental initiatives due to the creation of echo chambers and groupthink. Strong local bonds can lead to resistance against sustainability programs and greenhouse gas reduction projects, making it challenging for policymakers to implement eff...
Astronomers from the University of Sydney and CSIRO have detected a slow-spinning neutron star with a period of nearly an hour, breaking all known rules. This discovery provides new insights into the complex life cycles of stellar objects and may prompt a reconsideration of our understanding of neutron stars or white dwarfs.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Black drivers in Chicago are disproportionately more likely to be stopped by police (70% vs. under 20%) than being ticketed by speed cameras (54% vs. just under 50%). Researchers call for authorities to investigate racial biases in traffic systems.
A new interface developed by researchers at the University of Sydney aims to reduce the spread of misinformation on social media. The tool adds a 'more information' button to posts, linking users to details about retracted science claims, which can help them make informed decisions about their health.
A study reveals childhood maltreatment causes an estimated 41% of suicide attempts, 35% of self-harm cases, and 21% of depression in Australia. The researchers advocate for policy-driven prevention and interventions to address childhood abuse and neglect.
Researchers used a dynamic model to chart the changing landscape and estimate human migration routes across Sahul, with results consistent with previous findings. The study suggests a radiating wave of migration following rivers and coastlines, correlating with known migration corridors.
University of Sydney researchers have developed a chemical process using plasma that could create sustainable jet fuel from methane gas emitted from landfills. This process has the potential to eliminate the need for traditional and sustainable jet fuels, which add further emissions into the atmosphere. By capturing almost the exact co...
Researchers have developed a new anticoagulant with an on-off switch, providing rapid control of bleeding risks in surgery and blood clots. The supramolecular approach combines a tsetse fly protein with a synthetic peptide, allowing for the anticoagulant to be rapidly deactivated by introducing correctly matched strands of free PNA.
The study found that elevated nutrient levels impacted reef growth, leading to the establishment of slower-growing and more sediment-tolerant coral communities in deeper water. This provides evidence on early Holocene water quality and demonstrates the capacity of the reef to grow under conditions typically considered unsuitable.