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.
A new study found that nearly half of over-35s lack confidence in recognizing cardiac symptoms during strenuous exercise. The survey of 153 Masters football players aged ≥35 years highlights the importance of education and knowledge in mitigating serious cardiac risk.
Researchers found that some painkillers and fever medications may help fight infection, while others can weaken the immune system. The review highlights the need for more studies on the impact of these medicines on infectious diseases.
A new variant of the Hendra virus has been detected in Australian horses, emphasizing the need for ongoing disease surveillance. The discovery was made possible by a seven-year effort to create a network of frontline veterinarians and researchers aiming to detect new viruses.
Researchers discovered all-female, forest-dwelling drywood termite colonies in Japan and found they evolved through human-assisted hybridization, leading to stronger offspring and double breeding. This can outcompete incumbent species, posing a risk to homeowners with drywood termite infestations.
Nano-engineered wrinkled coatings can reduce liquid drag by up to 38% in microdevices, reducing fouling and damage to biological samples. The discovery uses nanobubbles to create a slippery surface, allowing for lower friction and pressure.
Researchers found delaying cord clamping reduces a child's relative risk of death or major disability in early childhood by 17 percent, including a 30 percent reduction in mortality before the age of two. In addition, fewer infants in the delayed-clamping group needed blood transfusions after birth.
Researchers found that topical ivermectin treatment is highly effective against hookworm infection in Australian sea lion pups, with a success rate of 96.4 percent. Early treatment before disease development significantly improves overall survival rates.
Computer scientists and mathematicians have used artificial intelligence to help prove or suggest new mathematical theorems in complex fields. The breakthrough uses DeepMind's AI processes to explore conjectures in mathematics, leading to a completely new theorem in knot theory.
A University of Sydney study found that diet has a stronger impact on ageing and metabolic health than three common diabetes drugs. The research suggests changing one's diet can be more effective in improving metabolic health than taking medications.
The University of Sydney's project searches for Earth-like planets around Alpha Centauri to determine if life could survive there. The team is using advanced telescope technology to analyze the stars' atmospheres and detect signs of life.
A new study published in The BMJ has found that women with kidney failure experience significantly reduced life expectancy compared to men, with an average loss of 3.6 years of life. Women under 15 also experienced the most significant loss in life expectancy, with a 33-year loss for females.
Researchers identified molecular targets of transplant rejection and developed a laboratory procedure to quantify donor-reactive T cells in mice. The study's findings could lead to improved immune monitoring of clinical transplant recipients and potentially replace invasive procedures like biopsies.
A study published in Nature Communications found that the diameter of participants' pupils varies according to the perceived number of dots, indicating a relationship between numerical information and perception. This ability has practical implications for early identification of dyscalculia in young children.
Fish from the Gobiidae family change color more efficiently and effectively when alone, contrary to previous assumptions. This is likely due to reduced stress levels, allowing for faster and more accurate camouflage.
Astronomers detected a unique signal with high polarisation and dramatic brightness variations, puzzling existing theories of stellar objects. The discovery was made using the CSIRO's ASKAP radio telescope and MeerKAT in South Africa.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered three rare cannabinoids that reduce seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. These findings provide new insights into the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis extracts on treating epilepsy.
A study of ancient civilizations and climate change found that investing in resilient landscapes can help both urban and rural communities survive climatic stress. Long-term investment in soil fertility, water storage, and biodiversity can enable tolerance to periods of climate variability.
A century-old Montessori method has received empirical validation, showing finger tracing reduces cognitive load and increases learning motivation. Tracing with imagination amplifies its positive effect, making it a simple yet effective technique for teaching math and science.
Researchers discovered that male milkweed butterflies feed on live, dead, and dying caterpillars of other milkweed butterflies to supplement their diet with toxic chemicals. These chemicals help produce nuptial pheromones for courtship, raising questions about the ecology of these well-known butterflies.
A new strategy using a pill containing four medicines has been shown to be more effective in getting blood pressure under control compared to traditional monotherapy, with 80% of participants achieving blood pressure control within 12 weeks.
A University of Sydney study found that reading informational articles on the nature of sexual orientation can change how people interpret their underlying feelings. This led to a significant increase in reported non-exclusive heterosexuality, with participants being more willing to engage in same-sex activities.
Scientists have solved a long-standing mystery about the Sun's internal magnetic field, which could help predict space weather and prevent devastating geomagnetic storms. The new study provides a strong theoretical framework to improve understanding of the Sun's electromagnetic behavior.
Australian scientists found that COVID-19 survivors produced sustained antibodies but they were less effective against contemporary variants. The study suggests vaccination is more effective than the body's natural response and highlights the need for new vaccine designs to keep pace with emerging variants.
Researchers have found that our brains use the same cognitive processes to identify both real and imagined human faces. This 'face pareidolia' allows us to quickly detect faces in objects like the moon or cheese on toast, but also enables us to analyze their expressions.
Scientists at the University of Sydney and Japan's National Institute for Material Science discover an artificial network of nanowires can be tuned to respond in a brain-like way when electrically stimulated. By keeping the network at the edge of chaos, it performs tasks at an optimal level, suggesting neural intelligence is physical.
A new study by University of Sydney researchers found that the Anglo-Saxons were a mix of continental European and local ancestry, with 50-70% of Middle Anglo-Saxon individuals being of local ancestry. The findings suggest that being Anglo-Saxon was more likely a matter of language and culture, not genetics
A new recycling robot will use AI and computer vision to sort recyclable waste, separating soft plastics from other materials. The system aims to drastically increase soft plastic recycling in Australia, diverting millions of tonnes of waste from landfills.
A new study challenges outdated public health guidance on fan use during heatwaves, proposing increased temperature thresholds for young healthy adults. Electric fan use can be recommended most of the time in most regions, except extremely hot and arid areas.
A low-protein diet with mostly resistant starch produces the healthiest outcomes, while a 50:50 glucose-fructose mixture leads to obesity and poor metabolic health. This study builds on previous findings that low protein-high carbohydrate diets in mice result in long lifespan and cardiometabolic health.
Researchers developed an electrochemical system that converts a greater amount of CO2 into valuable products. The system utilizes captured carbon, water, and electricity to create high-value products like ethylene, with over 70% of CO2 being converted.
Researchers found that men are more likely to exhibit extreme behaviors in various areas, such as altruism, trust, fairness, and risk-taking. The study suggests that policies aimed at regulating these behaviors should be tailored towards men.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with overweight or obesity are at a greater risk of developing liver diseases compared to those within a healthy weight range. The study analyzed data from nearly half a million participants and found that even moderate alcohol consumption can lead...
A study found that introduced plant species on Christmas Island do not provide a balanced meal for fruit bats, putting their survival at risk. The researchers suggest preserving the animals' complex foraging habitats is key to their conservation.
A device created by Dr Matthew Griffith uses absorbed light to fire neurons transmitting signals from the eyes to the brain, acting as an artificial retina for those with lost capacity. The goal is to provide a biomedical solution to vision impairment caused by retinitis pigmentosa and AMD.
Degrowth scenarios, focusing on global North reduction in energy and material use while maintaining wellbeing, have clear advantages over established pathways. Combining social change with technological improvements can achieve net-zero carbon emissions more easily.
A new study has found Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in endangered Australian sea lions and fur seals, with high concentrations detected in newborns. The presence of PFAS poses a threat to the species' survival, as well as potential risks to humans through contaminated seafood and water.
New research reveals coral can fight back against juvenile crown of thorns starfish with stinging cells, damaging their arms and delaying growth. The study shows coral's defensive mechanism may not be enough to protect it from other threats like climate change.