A recent study has discovered a profound loss of ability to experience pleasure in people with early-onset dementia, known as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Grey matter deterioration in the 'pleasure system' of the brain was found, distinct from those implicated in depression or apathy.
Researchers have optimized a second-year physics project to effectively double its capacity to correct errors in quantum machines. The simple yet ingenious change has been adopted by Amazon's quantum computing program and Yale University, enabling a shorter timeline for achieving scalable quantum computation.
A comprehensive analysis of 80 scientific studies found a 'window of impairment' of 3-10 hours caused by moderate to high doses of THC. Impairment duration varies depending on dose, method of consumption, and user's regularity., The study suggests that laws should focus on safety on the roads rather than arbitrary punishment.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have made a breakthrough in understanding ferroelectric fatigue, a major cause of electronic device failure. By observing the degradation process at the nanoscale, they hope to inform the design of longer-lasting devices with better endurance.
A recent study by the University of Sydney found that 64% of the world's arable land is at risk of pesticide pollution. The research highlights concerns about human health and environmental impacts associated with widespread agricultural pesticide use, particularly in regions like Asia and Europe.
A new study by the University of Sydney suggests that climate change and environmental pressure are key factors in predicting the emergence of pandemics. The researchers found a link between higher human population density, forest coverage, and disease diversity, particularly in countries with larger land areas and more dense populations.
Researchers have proposed a new standard to measure moisture leaks into bionic devices, aiming to increase confidence in their operation. The improved moisture-testing regime could also be applied to the renewable energy industry.
A silent killer, Enterococcus lacertideformus, has been discovered as the cause of mysterious deaths in native reptile populations on Christmas Island. The bacterium grows in the animal's head and internal organs, causing death through direct contact or biting, highlighting the need for targeted antibiotic trials.
A new recycling method for carbon fibre composites has been developed by researchers from the University of Sydney, maintaining 90% of their original strength. The process uses a two-phase approach, including pyrolysis and oxidation, to preserve the functionality of carbon fibres.
Researchers mapped out changes in fat tissue during intermittent fasting, showing visceral 'belly' fat becomes resistant to weight loss by adapting to repeated fasting periods. The study provides insights into the mechanisms behind this resistance and potential diet interventions.
A new study reveals that fairy wrasses' diverged in form and colour after repeated sea level rises and falls during the last ice age, driven by an 'evolutionary arms race' to court females and chase off rival males. The research used a novel genome-wide dataset to reconstruct the fish's evolutionary history.
A recent study published in the Journal of Social Networks found that team-building interventions can have mixed feelings among employees, with some regarding them as a waste of time. The researchers suggest that some degree of openness and vulnerability is necessary for effective connections with colleagues.
A University of Sydney-led team has revealed the shape of the glutamate transporter, a tiny protein controlling cell-to-cell communication. The discovery using cryogenic electron microscopy could help design drugs for diseases such as episodic ataxia and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers propose new model to accurately represent iceberg melt speed, with implications for oceanographers and climate scientists. Icebergs do not melt uniformly but at different speeds depending on shape.
A team of geoscientists has created an entirely new model of Earth evolution over the last billion years, showcasing how geological processes, like plate tectonics, provide a planetary life-support system. The research helps understand planetary habitability and finding critical metal resources needed for a low-carbon future.
Businesses are increasingly required to assess their vulnerability to climate change, but complex climate models pose a challenge for risk assessment and decision-making. A paradigm shift is needed to elevate climate modeling to operational weather forecasting level, providing tangible value to businesses.
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.
Researchers at the University of Sydney and Microsoft have created a single chip that can generate control signals for thousands of qubits, revolutionizing quantum computing. This breakthrough resolves a key limitation to scaling up quantum machines, paving the way for more powerful computers.
A global study shows that human disturbances, such as hunting and recreation, trigger significant changes in animal movement, forcing species to travel 35% more or less than usual. This widespread impact threatens biodiversity and ecosystem processes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Researchers found that antidepressants were either ineffective or provided a small effect on chronic back pain, with effects being even smaller for osteoarthritis. The study suggests antidepressants may not be the best treatment option for these conditions and could even cause adverse events.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a novel method to rapidly synthesize safe vaccines using protein-based immunization. The approach demonstrated strong immune response in mice against tuberculosis and has potential applications for respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
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.
A landmark study led by the University of Sydney found that cannabidiol (CBD) in cannabis does not affect driving ability. In contrast, moderate amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produce mild impairment lasting up to four hours.
A new study reveals that up to 20% of the world's most connected cities are at risk of harboring spillovers from wildlife, potentially leading to global pandemics. The research identifies areas with poor health infrastructure and high human pressure on wildlife as hotspots for potential outbreaks.
A new global study from the University of Sydney found evidence of undernutrition in countries worldwide, with optimal supplies changing with age. For early life, high fat and protein supplies minimize mortality, while later life reduces fat and increases carbohydrate intake leads to lowest mortality rates.
Researchers from the University of Sydney have reconstructed ancient seasonal migration routes of Bronze Age herders in Xinjiang using satellite imagery and archaeological evidence. This innovative methodology provides new insights into how Bronze Age people adapted to life in the region and capitalised on available resources.
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.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new 'photonic wavefront sensor' using AI and machine learning to correct atmospheric distortion, allowing for direct imaging of exoplanets from Earth. This innovation could revolutionize the study of exoplanets and their potential for life.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new method to predict speech perception for individual recipients, enabling personalized cochlear implant configurations. This study aims to further improve the performance of cochlear implants in noisy environments.
An all-female scientific coalition is advocating for a Marine Protected Area in the Western Antarctic Peninsula to mitigate the impacts of climate change on threatened species. The proposal aims to conserve and protect the unique ecosystem and its wildlife, including penguins, whales, and krill.
Researchers found that human activities since 1940 have increased the risk of acidification in the Murray estuary during droughts. The study uses historical data and geological records to understand the estuary's formation and evolution. Improved management of the Murray-Darling system is crucial for water resource sustainability.
Researchers found that the Tweed River valley could absorb millions of tonnes of CO2 through olivine rock weathering, but this is a small fraction of global emissions. The study used modelling data to estimate carbon absorption rates and their impact on sea-level rise.
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.
A University of Sydney-led study found that human-operated Twitter accounts dominate vaccine-related discussions, with most users unlikely to see or engage with bot-generated content. The researchers suggest that resources could be better spent on education interventions and media literacy training.
Researchers found that tobacco companies use cash payments, holidays, and events to incentivize retailers to promote their products, reaching consumers indirectly. The study calls for strengthened laws to prohibit all marketing of tobacco products, with no contributions allowed.
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...
A new study found that smaller operators can deliver harder logistic shocks to a community when disrupted, rather than larger organizations. The research analyzed 154,862 organizations across ten countries and identified industry sectors and countries with strong supply chain communities.
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.
A study by the University of Sydney found that the calcified scaffolds in the Great Barrier Reef become thinner and weaker as pH levels drop, indicating a risk to reef stability. This 'glue' can now be used as an accurate measure for historic ocean acidification.
A new study has quantified the extent of human development in oceans for the first time, mapping an area of approximately 30,000 square kilometers modified by human construction. This footprint is comparable to urbanized land and greater than some natural habitats like mangrove forests and seagrass beds.
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.
A study by the University of Sydney found that lower humidity is associated with higher COVID-19 transmission rates. The researchers estimated a 7-8% increase in cases for every 1% decrease in relative humidity, highlighting the importance of wearing masks in dry conditions.
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.
Researchers have found that male seahorses transport nutrients to their developing babies during pregnancy, a complex process similar to human pregnancy. This breakthrough provides new insights into the biology of seahorse pregnancy and its potential parallels with human reproduction.
Researchers have developed a quantum algorithm that can diagnose noise in large quantum systems, enabling the creation of more reliable and scalable quantum computers. The algorithm was tested on a 14-qubit machine and discovered correlations not previously detected.
A new study reveals that marine angelfish exhibit the highest incidence of hybridization among coral reef fish, with nearly half of all known species creating hybrids. The research found that angelfish can hybridize even between distantly related species and across vast genetic distances.
Research findings from the University of Sydney confirm minimal COVID-19 transmission rates in NSW schools and early childhood education services. Transmission rates were lower than those seen for other respiratory viruses like influenza, supporting effective pandemic response strategies.
A University of Sydney team has developed a plasma technology to attach hydrogels to polymeric materials, allowing for better interaction with surrounding tissue. The technology has shown promising results in tests using biomolecules found in the body.
A new study suggests electric fans and self-dousing with water could effectively cool people at home during extreme heat. Researchers found that up to 65% of the US population could stay cool on all summer days using this strategy.
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.