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.
A study published in Pediatrics found that there is no consistent medical definition of growing pains, with over 93% of studies not referencing growth or age. The condition's vague and contradictory definitions raise questions about its connection to growth and cause.
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind sprayable coating that repels viruses and bacteria through an air-filled barrier and kills pathogens with microscopic materials. The coating provides a permanent surface layer proven to protect surfaces from contamination by viruses, offering a safer alternative to existing disinfectants.
A large study found that high levels of physical activity do not offset a poor diet's impact on mortality risk. Those with both high-quality diets and regular exercise had lower mortality rates compared to those with the worst diets.
A study by University of Sydney neuroscientists found that people's brains can detect AI-generated fake faces with a 54% accuracy rate. However, verbal identification was only successful 37% of the time, highlighting the potential for using brain activity to flag deepfakes on digital platforms.
Researchers found that Mediterranean sea urchins can withstand unprecedentedly warm sea temperatures and acidic oceans, a concerning sign for coastal ecosystems. As the ocean warms, these urchins are likely to spread throughout the Mediterranean, ravaging kelp forests and causing the demise of other species.
Research finds that transportation accounts for 19% of global food-related emissions, with rich countries contributing disproportionately. Eating locally can reduce emissions by nearly half, but requires consumer behavior change.
The study found increases in screen time, alcohol use, and poor sleep among Australian girls during the pandemic. However, overall sleep improved, and some dietary choices improved during lockdown.
A study published in Journal of Psychopharmacology found that consuming up to 1500mg of CBD daily has no impact on driving abilities. The research involved 17 participants who completed simulated driving tasks after taking different doses of CBD, with no dose inducing feelings of intoxication or impairing cognitive performance.
A study found that COVID-19 disrupted RSV's seasonal pattern, leading to a 'collapse' of existing strains and emergence of new ones. The pandemic also accelerated the spread and evolution of other viruses like influenza.
Astronomers at the University of Sydney have discovered slimmer red giant stars, which have undergone dramatic weight loss. The unusual stars are thought to have lost mass due to their stellar neighbors, providing valuable insights into star evolution and life in the Milky Way.
The study found that richer nations increase species extinction risk in poorer ones due to global consumption patterns. The impact of a single coffee purchase can contribute to biodiversity loss in distant countries.
Researchers found that using indoor fans can increase the indoor temperature threshold before discomfort sets in by 3-4°C, reducing the need for air conditioners. The study also revealed a significant reduction in energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%.
A study has decoded the DNA of the Arabian Oryx, a vulnerable species that was on the brink of extinction. The researchers analyzed the genetic data to inform breeding programs and found moderate diversity in the population's gene pool.