Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
A team of researchers at Flinders University has developed a sustainable way to produce protein 'superfoods' from marine algae. The process involves cultivating single-cell organisms from the ocean and converting them into healthy cell patties, chips, pastes, jams, and even caviar.
Researchers at Flinders University suggest that a universal school-provided lunch model could ensure all children have access to healthy food, reduce stigma around food choices, and support learning. A study found that 40% of energy consumed by kids during school hours comes from unhealthy foods.
The study reveals a rapid warming of Southern Ocean waters to 800m depth, with temperatures increasing by 0.04°C per decade around the polar ice cap. Meanwhile, warm water is rising rapidly to the surface at a rate of 39m per decade, outpacing previous estimates.
A new type of ultra-efficient, nano-thin material has been developed by RMIT University that can convert mechanical pressure into electrical energy. The material is 800% more efficient than other piezoelectrics and can be easily fabricated through a cost-effective method using liquid metals.
A new study found that partially protected marine areas, which allow some fishing, had no more fish, invertebrates, or algae and did not attract users more highly than open areas. In contrast, fully protected areas had higher biodiversity and were valued more by coastal users.
Researchers found fewer aeromedical retrievals during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, but those who were evacuated had a higher proportion of vulnerable infants and adults with heart conditions. Post-lockdown, evacuations increased significantly as oncologists resumed cancer treatments after restrictions lifted.
A decade of data shows a significant drop in drowning deaths among children under 20 globally, with reductions averaging 49% in Australia, 51% in Canada, and 30% in New Zealand. However, adolescent females and First Nations peoples are experiencing a sharp increase in drownings.
A study found high levels of confidence in government among Australian and New Zealand citizens due to effective pandemic management. Trust in public health scientists also surged, leading to higher usage of government COVID phone apps.
A new study by palliative care specialists found that participants in an online course could use more pleasant words to express their feelings about death. The course aimed to change perspectives on death and dying, enabling better planning for end-of-life care.
A genomic study reveals four distinct genetic clusters of weedy seadragons in NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania, suggesting the Victorian population may form a subspecies. The findings highlight the need for conservation management to account for these distinct populations.
Researchers found that present-day Mariana Islanders' ancestry is linked to the Philippines, suggesting an Island Southeast Asia origin for the first settlers. The study also suggests a close link between Guam skeletons and early Lapita individuals from Vanuatu and Tonga.
Researchers identified successful coastal 'bright spots' for marine ecosystem restoration, which have delivered positive impacts for decades. These examples from around the world showcase effective techniques for restoring saltmarshes, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows, highlighting potential solutions to save struggling marine areas.
A new study published in Ecology has discovered that monitor lizards are ecosystem engineers, creating complex burrow systems used by various animal communities. These systems provide critical shelter and resources, but their destruction due to invasive species like the cane toad threatens ecosystem balance.
Researchers have identified a new species of prehistoric crocodile, Paludirex vincenti, found in south eastern Queensland waterways millions of years ago. The species is estimated to be at least five metres long and was one of the top predators in Australia.
Scientists have identified a novel skin disease in dolphins caused by climate change, with patchy and raised lesions covering up to 70% of their bodies. The study provides the first-ever case definition for freshwater skin disease in bottlenose dolphins.
A study by Flinders University has tracked the movements of 13 pygmy blue whales along Southern Australia's foraging grounds and migratory routes. The research provided new insights into the ecological data, highlighting the importance of upwelling centers in mitigating human activities' impacts on the species.
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.
Researchers have developed a new theranostic approach using copper radionuclides that improves survival rates and reduces tumor volume in neuroendocrine tumors. The new method produces high-quality PET images and demonstrates improved efficacy when delivered as two fractionated doses.
Researchers have developed a renewable energy-driven food processing and drying system that alleviates both pollution and landfill issues. The system uses high temperature thermal energy storage to provide heated air for drying, replacing fossil fuels and reducing air pollution.
A new $1 million Federal Government grant will enable a major upgrade to the Murchison Widefield Array, giving the giant radio telescope greater power to process signals from distant outer space. The upgrade will allow researchers to detect finer frequency and time observations, improving their ability to study the universe.
Marine scientists have mapped previously unknown foraging grounds and migratory routes of Western Australia's green turtles to support conservation. The study tracked 20 female turtles with satellites, combining their data with previous studies to identify key areas.
A $2.5 million project aims to develop a virtual assistant tool for dementia carers in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The tool will provide video instructions and translate into different languages, improving mental health and wellbeing for over two million carers.
Iron deficiency affects two billion people, causing anaemia and serious health consequences. The new guidance outlines evidence-based approaches to diagnose and manage iron deficiency, leading to improved health outcomes.
A recent study by the CMCC Foundation suggests that Australia could become a major hub for hazelnut production due to its favorable climate. Climate change is expected to increase hazelnut yields in southeastern Australia, with potential increases of 18-52% projected between 2020 and 2039.
A comprehensive review of existing literature suggests that wind turbine noise can affect sleep stages and deep sleep time. Researchers are calling for further well-controlled experimental studies to better understand the impact on sleep.
Researchers found southern Australian long-finned pilot whales can mimic killer whale calls and engage in 'duetting' with other whales, revealing a complex acoustic communication system. The study's findings raise questions about the extent of home ranges for these whales.
A study published in Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences reveals wide variations in mechanical restraint use across Pacific countries, with Japan having the highest rate at 98.9 events per million population per day.
An 81-year-old midnight snapper caught off the coast of Western Australia has become the oldest recorded tropical reef fish, surpassing the previous record by two decades. The study found that long-lived fish are generally considered vulnerable to fishing pressure, highlighting the need for sustainable management of commercial fisheries.
Researchers discovered a surprising trove of wild sorghum relatives in Australia, offering potential solutions to combat drought and extreme heat. However, these economically important plants are in peril due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.
A study of over 600 men found that grip strength was associated with hypoxemia-induced reductions in peripheral neural innervation. Sleep apnea was also linked to fat infiltration of muscle and endothelial dysfunction, highlighting the importance of addressing this common sleep problem.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that keyhole wasps at Brisbane Airport were responsible for fully blocking replica pitot probes, which measure airspeed. The researchers emphasize the importance of developing risk-mitigating strategies to address this issue and highlight the potential consequences of not doing so.
A new World Health Organization Labour Care Guide was evaluated in six countries for its usability, feasibility and acceptability among healthcare providers. The study found that the guide supported woman-centered care and precise monitoring during labor, with providers identifying design improvements.
A multi-institution team identified the genetic mechanisms enabling the production of Victorin, a deadly toxin causing Victoria blight in oats. The study discovered that Victorin genes are scattered across repetitive regions in the pathogen genome, expanding the potential for small molecule discovery.
A study found that food labelling can encourage manufacturers to improve product nutrition. HSR labelling causes some products to become healthier, with positive reformulation examples including reduced fat and sodium content in instant soups and flavoured crackers.
A study led by Edith Cowan University discovered that swamp wallabies are effective at dispersing truffle spores across the environment. The animals can move hundreds of metres from the original truffle source before spores appear in their poo, making them a key factor in forest survival.
Forensic experts at Flinders University developed a system to trace dust DNA for terrorist investigations, matching soil profiles from specific regions or countries. This technique complements existing forensic intelligence tools and provides evidence of travel history.
An international team led by The University of Western Australia has been shortlisted for the prestigious Gordon Bell Prize for outstanding achievement in high-performance computing. The team developed data pipelines for the future Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope and achieved record-breaking performance on the Summit supercomputer.
A study analyzing meal kit recipes found high energy from fat and protein, while also being relatively high in sodium. However, the researchers suggest that improving vegetable and wholegrain ingredients could enhance nutritional value.
Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have developed a new nanoscale building method that can arrange tiny gold rods into precise patterns. This technique has potential applications in renewable energy, smartphones, laptops, and efficient lighting, as well as improving security features in banknotes and passports.
A study of ancient star orbits reveals unexpected patterns, contradicting previous assumptions about the Galaxy's metal-poor stars. The research, conducted by a team of astronomers, found that some of these stars orbit in previously unpredicted paths, similar to the Sun's path within the disk.
A longitudinal study found that consuming one or more eggs per day increases the risk of diabetes by 60%. Higher long-term egg consumption is also associated with an increased risk of diabetes, especially in women. The study's findings highlight the importance of a balanced diet in preventing type 2 diabetes.
The study reveals rare behavior of the Bigfin Squid in the Great Australian Bight, providing new insights into its distribution patterns. Multiple observations suggest a deeper understanding of this deep-sea species can be gained through further research.
The papaya mealybug, native to Mexico, can have severe impacts on livelihoods and food security, with a 65% yield loss in Ghana. Researchers mapped potential global spread using location data from India, Africa, and the Americas, highlighting areas such as southern DRC, northern Cameroon, and western Ethiopia.
A novel method of authenticating wine using fluorescence spectroscopy has been developed by University of Adelaide researchers, offering a potential solution to the estimated billions of dollars' worth of wine fraud globally. The technique provides a unique 'fingerprint' of wine samples and has been proven effective in detecting region...
Archaeologists discovered a rare child burial on Alor Island, Indonesia, dating back 8,000 years. The burial provides insights into burial practices of the time, with ochre pigment applied to the child's cheeks and forehead.
Australian public attitudes and perceptions on pandemic measures reflected through Twitter data, influencing policy decisions, shows QUT research. Effective government social media use enhances public health education and awareness concerning social distancing restrictions.
A recent study on the Great Barrier Reef reveals that crown-of-thorns starfish can navigate back to their shelters at dawn after feeding on corals at night. The research found that only starfish with a well-stocked larder, meaning they have an ample supply of coral prey, were able to find their way home.
Researchers are exploring three approaches using the Wolbachia bacterium to control the buffalo fly population and prevent its spread southwards. The methods include artificially infecting adult flies or pupae, releasing sterile males into overwintering areas, and blocking transmission of nematodes closely related to Stephanofilaria.
A volcanic province in the Indian Ocean was the world's most continuously active supervolcanoes, erupting for 30 million years, fueled by a constantly moving magma conveyor belt. This allowed for an enormous accumulation of volcanic rocks, equivalent to filling up 184,000 Olympic-size swimming pools with lava every year.
A nationwide ban on industrial trans-fatty acids in Australia's food supply could prevent around 2,000 deaths and 10,000 heart attacks over the first ten years, and up to 42,000 deaths from heart disease over a lifetime. The estimated cost of implementing this legislative measure was A$22 million during the first ten years.
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.
Two Australian bee species have been identified as having adapted their vision for night-time conditions, allowing them to forage in darkness. The study found that these bees develop enlarged compound and simple eyes, enabling them to gather more light than their daytime counterparts.
A global team of researchers found a record-setting smoke cloud from Australian wildfires that measured 1,000 kilometers across and remained intact for three months. The team's findings provide critical information on the impact of wildfires on the Earth's atmosphere, which is expected to increase due to climate change.
A study mapping toxins produced by tube-dwelling anemones identified 525 genes encoding proteins that act on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and cell walls. Preliminary results showed a toxin effective against breast cancer cells, highlighting potential for novel medications.
Researchers found that recycled wastewater achieved the best overall results for crop development, yield, and water productivity. Deficit irrigation strategies at 80% capacity also performed well, ensuring maximum water efficiency while maintaining excellent crop growth and yield levels.
Researchers used lower-cost domestic drones to detect Chironex fleckeri jellyfish in waters off northern Australia. The drones achieved significantly high detection rates, even under varying weather conditions. This innovative approach aims to improve beach safety and reduce the risk of jellyfish stings.
Research on Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes reveals associations between UBE3A gene expression levels and social communication difficulties in PWS, as well as fine motor skills impairment in AS. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inflammatory pathways and disease severity in these conditions.
New research from the University of South Australia found that lower light physical activity is related to better numeracy and literacy skills in children. Parents can boost their child's academic success by ensuring they get enough sleep, exercise, and study time, as excessive light physical activity can displace these activities.
A 29-year analysis of koala rescue data in New South Wales highlights the impact of increased human activities and bushfires on koala populations. Disease, particularly chlamydia, was found to be a major stressor, with incidents increasing over time, while release rates dropped and euthanasia rates rose.
A new study by the University of South Australia aims to break the cycle of maths anxiety by building student confidence in maths. The research shows that boosting student confidence can counteract negative emotions and lead to better maths achievement.