Researchers highlight the potential of wearables to unlock new insights into physical activity and health risks. However, they also underscore challenges including data standardization, industry-academia gaps, and unequal access to these devices.
Researchers found that just 4.5 minutes of vigorous activity per day can reduce the risk of some cancers by up to 32 percent. This type of physical activity, known as VILPA, involves short bursts of activity such as housework or power walking.
Researchers found that honeypot ant honey is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and two species of fungi, including Aspergillus and Cryptococcus. This discovery validates the therapeutic use of ant honey by Indigenous peoples for sore throats and skin infections.
Researchers have discovered the coldest star yet to produce emission at radio wavelengths, with a surface temperature of 425 degrees centigrade. The ultracool brown dwarf is a rare find, as most do not emit radio waves due to their dynamics.
A study examining unemployment and underemployment figures and suicide rates in Australia found both to be significant drivers of suicide mortality between 2004-2016. Economic policies prioritizing full employment should be a core part of any comprehensive national suicide prevention strategy.
Approximately 70,000 tonnes of pesticides leach into aquifers each year, impacting ecosystems and freshwater resources. The study showed that about 80 percent of applied pesticides degrade into daughter molecules, persisting in the environment for a long time and posing significant harm to marine wildlife and coral reefs.
Researchers have identified a 36-million-year geological cycle that drives biodiversity in marine species. The study suggests that fluctuations in sea levels trigger changes in habitats, providing opportunities for organisms to thrive or die.
Researchers used quasar data to analyze time dilation in the early universe, confirming that it was running at five times slower. By observing nearly 200 quasars, scientists were able to standardize their 'ticking' and chart the expansion of space.
A new recycling method for carbon and glass fibre composites has been developed by researchers at the University of Sydney, which can reduce energy use by 70% and preserve mechanical properties. The approach ensures increased material recovery and improved energy efficiency compared to previous methods.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a photonic radar system that can accurately detect pauses in breathing patterns remotely. The system has been tested on cane toads and simulated human breathing devices, demonstrating its potential for non-invasive vital sign monitoring in clinical environments.
A world-first trial by the University of Sydney found that opioids do not alleviate acute back and neck pain, but may cause harm. The researchers recommend updating treatment guidelines to advise against opioid use for this purpose.
The University of Sydney-led guidelines recommend personalized deprescribing plans and gradual dose reduction to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Clinicians should avoid abruptly stopping opioids without support or pain management plans, especially for patients with severe opioid use disorder.
Researchers found spiral-shaped brain signals that organize activity and facilitate distributed neural computations, opening new avenues for understanding the brain and advancing powerful computing machines.
Research shows higher physical activity levels can lower type 2 diabetes risk in people with high genetic risk. Regular exercise, especially moderate- to vigorous-intensity activities, was associated with a 74% lower risk of developing the condition.
A non-toxic method using wheat germ oil has been shown to reduce seed loss by up to 74 percent, even during mouse plagues. The technique works by camouflaging the seed odour, making it hard for mice to find food.
A growing number of people worldwide will be affected by low back pain by 2050, with Australia facing a nearly 50% increase. The study highlights the need for effective prevention and management strategies to address this growing burden.
Researchers have developed advanced human lung models in the lab, allowing for accelerated discovery of new drugs and reduced reliance on animal testing. The mini lungs can be personalized to individual patients and tested for a range of reactions, including toxicity from pollutants.
Researchers at University of Sydney demonstrated nanowire networks can exhibit short- and long-term memory, mirroring human brain function. The network outperformed in tasks requiring recognition and recall, showcasing its potential to enhance robotics and sensor devices.
A new study found that people of diverse cultures, including those from England, Italy, Poland, and Russia, tend to help others in everyday life. The researchers analyzed video recordings of social interactions in 350 individuals from eight languages and cultures and found that the human tendency to help others is a universal principle.
Researchers at the University of Sydney successfully biodegrade polypropylene using two common fungi strains, reducing plastic waste by up to 27%. The discovery holds promise for developing new recycling technologies that minimize environmental impact.
A new study maps the pathways leading to childhood obesity, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions beyond diet and exercise. Factors such as socio-economic status, parental education, and social disadvantage play a significant role in determining a child's risk of developing obesity.
The new technology enables compact, low-power, fast, and energy-efficient devices for fibre-optical communications, sensors, and future quantum computers. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in applications such as 3D imaging for autonomous vehicles and photonic-assisted computing.
Researchers at the University of Sydney and the University of Basel have demonstrated the ability to manipulate and identify small numbers of interacting photons with high correlation. This achievement represents a significant step towards advancing medical imaging and quantum computing technologies.
Researchers developed an acid-based electrochemical process to convert CO2 captured from emission sources or air into multicarbon products such as ethylene and ethanol. The new method improves energy efficiency by twofold compared to previous benchmarks.
The University of Sydney and EnduroSat are collaborating on a mission to search for habitable planets around Alpha Centauri, just four light years from Earth. The team will use a custom-designed mini satellite to explore the star system's 'Goldilocks' zone for signs of life.
A new study found that poor sleep is associated with compromised cardiovascular health in middle and old age, with men losing nearly 7 years of heart disease-free life compared to healthy sleepers. Women also experienced a significant loss of normal heart health, with up to 2 years lost due to general poor sleep.
A new review found that spinal cord stimulation is no better than a placebo for treating low back pain, with probably little to no benefit for people with the condition. The review also highlighted gaps in clinical data and called for future trials to be longer and more comprehensive.
A detailed and dynamic model of the Earth's surface over the past 100 million years provides a high-resolution understanding of its creation and sediment flow to oceans. The model will help scientists predict future changes and understand ocean chemistry.
A new study finds that women and young people are more influential than older men in influencing others to implement sustainable practices. Women's recommendations often led to real action, despite being less likely to be identified as opinion leaders.
Researchers identified a protein in lung cells that blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection and forms a natural protective barrier. The discovery opens up an entirely new area of immunology research around LRRC15 and offers promising prospects for developing new drugs to prevent viral infection or treat fibrosis in the lungs.
A new psychology study from the University of Sydney found that both gay men and heterosexual men prefer masculine-presenting gay men for high-status roles, suggesting feminine gay men may face implicit discrimination in the workplace. This study highlights internal bias and potential discrimination against feminine-presenting gay men.
A single test can now identify all three genotypes of the Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV), a deadly virus that primarily affects fish. The development of this test has significant implications for fisheries and aquaculture, as ISKNV poses a substantial threat to these industries.
A comprehensive review of antidepressant use in chronic pain found that some classes were effective in treating certain conditions, while others showed unclear or unknown benefits. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine demonstrated efficacy for various pain conditions.
Research found that three to four one-minute bursts of vigorous physical activity per day can lead to significant reductions in mortality from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study, led by the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre, used wrist-worn tracker data from UK Biobank to measure incidental physical activity.
A new, low-cost battery made with sodium-sulphur holds four times the energy capacity of lithium-ion batteries and is cheaper to produce. This breakthrough has the potential to dramatically reduce costs and provide a high-performing solution for large renewable energy storage systems.
Research has found that extreme ocean waves can arise from modulation instability in multi-directional wave systems, challenging previous assumptions. The study demonstrates that crossing sea waves can trigger the formation of extreme waves, posing a growing risk to marine infrastructure and coastal communities due to climate change.
Researchers created a detailed map of the hippocampus's connections to the rest of the brain, finding fewer links with frontal lobes but more with visual networks. This discovery may change how we think about human memory and cognition, potentially shedding light on why some primates excel at certain memory tasks.
A large-scale Australian study found that highly processed and refined foods are the primary contributor to rising obesity rates. The 'Protein Leverage Hypothesis' suggests that people overeat fats and carbohydrates due to their strong appetite for protein, leading to an increased risk of chronic disease.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a method to manufacture materials that mimic the structure of living blood vessels, with promising implications for future surgery. The technology allows the body to accept and transform the implanted material into a functional 'living' blood vessel.
Researchers from the University of Sydney explain that the James Webb Space Telescope's 'spiderweb' image is not an alien megastructure but rather a series of concentric dust shells created by a binary system. The team discovered that the stars in the system interact through stellar winds, producing shock fronts and spiral-shaped plumes.
Geoscientists at the University of Sydney have created a method to assess the health of coral reefs from space by analyzing sand aprons. The research reveals that sand aprons can be used to predict carbonate sediment productivity, with significant declines detected in recent years, indicating potential effects of climate change.
A large wingless wood-eating cockroach unique to Australia's Lord Howe Island has been rediscovered at the foot of a single Banyan tree. The species was thought extinct since the 1930s, but its genetic difference from offshore relatives suggests it may have survived due to co-evolution with ground-dwelling insects.
Researchers found that song elements' order strongly correlates with rhythmical timing, suggesting a similar processing mechanism as humans. This discovery sheds light on the cognitive processes of songbirds and their potential for musicality.
A new study has created the first map of the Milky Way's ancient dead stars, which reveals a 'galactic underworld' stretching three times the height of the galaxy. The map shows that almost a third of objects have been flung out from the galaxy, with neutron stars and black holes formed when massive stars collapse.
A study by the University of Sydney and Curtin University reveals that over a third of Generation Z respondents understand the climate impact of meat consumption. Despite this, livestock and meat production contribute significantly to emissions.
A new study published in leading journals found that achieving 10,000 steps a day can lower the risk of dementia, heart disease, cancer, and death. However, a faster stepping pace showed even greater health benefits, making walking faster a crucial factor for overall health.
Researchers warn that climate change will increase uncertainty in international law governing maritime zones, affecting small island states. Technologies like GPS and satellite bathmetry may help solidify claims, but more data is needed to accurately delineate existing boundaries.
Researchers have identified genetic signatures explaining ethnic differences in prostate cancer severity, particularly in African men. The study found a new prostate cancer taxonomy and cancer drivers that predict life-threatening cancers, providing a critical key to understanding the disease.
A study found that Australia's 'Black Summer' megafires increased the load of fire-derived pollutants in estuaries, posing a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Researchers recommend prioritizing riverside vegetation for protection and incorporating bushfires into catchment management plans.
New University of Sydney research models the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on Australia's food systems, finding potential job losses, nutrient availability declines, and localized food price increases. The study highlights the need for climate preparedness and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable populations.