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University of Sydney


Student astronomer finds galactic missing matter

A student astronomer has developed a method to track down the Milky Way's missing matter using distant galaxies as 'locator pins'. The technique detects radio sources that have passed through a cold clump of gas, revealing a massive, invisible cloud about 10 light years from Earth.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 4, 2021

Secret of Australia's volcanoes revealed

Scientists at University of Sydney discover volcanic activity along Australia's east coast is caused by a special volatile mix of molten rock bubbling up from the younger, thinner crust. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest there could be more volcanic activity in the future.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2020

New study reveals poisoning exposures in Australian schools

A new study found poisoning exposures in children and adolescents while at school are relatively common and increasing, requiring improved safety strategies to prevent preventable poisonings. The study highlights the need for school-based initiatives and programs to make the school environment safer for students.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 2, 2020

In the eye of a stellar cyclone

Apep, the newest star to join an elite club of elegant binary pairs, has been found to break all rules. Its dust spiral is expanding four times slower than the measured stellar winds, a phenomenon unheard of in other systems. This discovery makes Apep a strong contender for producing a gamma-ray burst when it does finally explode.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 11, 2020

Low level alcohol use during pregnancy can impact child's brain development

Research finds that even low levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy can impact a child's brain development, leading to anxiety, depression, and poor attention. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, suggests that any alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with subtle yet significant behavioural and psyc...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 25, 2020

Gen Z not ready to eat lab-grown meat

A recent study found that 72% of Gen Z are not ready to accept lab-grown meat, citing concerns over taste, health, and environmental impact. Despite this, 41% believe it could be a viable nutritional source for transitioning to more sustainable food options.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateSep 7, 2020

Scientists unlock crops' power to resist floods

Researchers have discovered a way to make staple foods resistant to flooding triggered by climate change. By manipulating enzymes that control plant responses to low oxygen levels, scientists hope to create flood-tolerant crops that can help mitigate the devastating impact of extreme weather events on food production.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Applying machine learning to biomedical science

Researchers have developed a new approach to machine learning combining ensemble methods and deep learning to diagnose cancer, predict viral attacks, and revolutionize molecular biology. This emerging field has the potential to transform bioinformatics and biomedical sciences.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateAug 17, 2020

The stars that time forgot

Astronomers have found a strange dismembered star cluster at the galaxy's edge, with lower quantities of heavier elements than other globular clusters. The discovery poses significant problems for current ideas on globular cluster origins.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2020

Engineers use electricity to clean up toxic water

Researchers from the University of Sydney developed an electrochemical oxidation process to clean up complex wastewater containing toxic chemicals. The process transforms organic contaminants into harmless gases or minerals without requiring additional chemicals or severe operation conditions.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAlgal Research·DateJul 7, 2020

Great white shark diet surprises scientists

A new study reveals that great white sharks spend most of their time foraging just above the seabed, contrary to the common stereotype of a shark's dorsal fin above the surface. The diet of juvenile white sharks consists mainly of fish species that live on or near the seafloor.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJun 7, 2020