Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
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.
Researchers found that COVID-19 disproportionately affects people with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), increasing their vulnerability to the virus and exposure to NCD risk factors. The study also revealed that COVID-19 disrupted essential public health services, further exacerbating NCD management.
Researchers have found a surprising solution to stabilize mixed-halide perovskites, a crucial material for efficient solar photovoltaics. Increasing the intensity of light can undo the disruption caused by lower intensities, allowing researchers to control the material's bandgap and improve device efficiency.
Researchers have discovered a unique type of silk produced by the Australian basket-web spider, which is rigid and robust. The study suggests that this silk could be used to create a new genetic material with potential applications.
A new study by the University of Exeter and the University of East Anglia demonstrates that Common Carp would evolve resistance to KHV, rendering it ineffective. The research highlights the need for alternative control methods to mitigate ecological damage caused by invasive carp.
A 30-year global study reveals that chronic illness and related risk factors like obesity, high blood sugar, and outdoor air pollution have fueled coronavirus deaths. People are living more years in poor health, despite treatment advancements, with stagnant life expectancy in many countries.
A new study found that 40% of tenant households in Australia struggled to afford essentials like bills, clothing, and food after paying rent, due to reduced incomes during the pandemic. Many renters also reported negative effects on their mental health, with around half indicating they were affected.
A 10-year study from Flinders University has found that removing only a portion of the tonsil can significantly reduce pain and bleeding after surgery. Children who underwent this partial removal procedure returned to normal activities in under half the time compared to those who had their entire tonsil removed.
The new T3 Cleanrooms facility at the Translational Research Institute is accelerating Australian medical innovations into clinical trials. The facility provides small-scale sterile product manufacturing and training capacity for researchers, start-ups, and companies.
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.
Research shows that creativity in science and arts are similar, indicating the need for holistic teaching approaches to foster creative capabilities. This study provides valuable insight into assessing and developing students' creative skills.
A new optical communications ground station is being built in Western Australia to receive high-speed data transmissions from space. The station will be part of a larger network and support groundbreaking projects, including NASA's Artemis mission.
A survey of 4,285 Australians found that only a few percent mentioned climate-related actions to help protect the reef. Instead, respondents emphasized the importance of reducing plastic consumption and suggested public-sphere actions such as banning sunscreens or stopping commercial fishing.
A University of Adelaide-led research project will analyze clinical data from injured koalas to inform future bushfire response and treatment strategies.
New research reveals SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces for up to 28 days, with longer survival times found on smooth surfaces like glass and stainless steel. The study suggests establishing surface survivability is critical for developing risk mitigation strategies in high contact areas.
A new study found that heat exposure has a stronger effect on health in less developed cities of Brazil, resulting in higher hospitalization rates. The research highlights significant socioeconomic disparities in vulnerability to heat, particularly among children and adolescents.
A randomized controlled trial found that restricting merchandising of unhealthy products in stores reduced the purchase of sugar sweetened drinks and confectionery by 2.8%, resulting in a reduction of free sugar purchased from food and drinks by 2.8%. Despite these reductions, business performance was unaffected.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics has confirmed the genetic link in cerebral palsy, revealing that rare gene mutations can cause this devastating movement disorder. The research, which analyzed DNA from 250 cerebral palsy families, found evidence of damaging genetic variants and inherited recessive gene variations.
Melbourne researchers have identified the primary immune pathway triggered by TDP-43 accumulation in MND patients, paving the way for a new treatment. By blocking the STING immune sensor, they can prevent inflammation and promote motor neuron survival, offering a vital first step towards a treatment therapy.
The availability of mpMRIp in Australia has led to a significant reduction in prostate biopsies by an average of 354.7 per month. This is estimated to save $13.2 million annually, making it a financially sensible policy from a healthcare perspective.
A new study found that people in Australia experienced twice as much depression and anxiety despite low COVID-19 rates. Financial stress and disruptions to social lives were key contributors to these outcomes.
Researchers reconstruct when most stars formed in the Universe, agreeing with telescope observations for the first time. They use a new algorithm to model energy and wavelengths of light coming from 7000 nearby galaxies.
The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute will establish a biobank of biological samples from people with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Angelman Syndrome, two rare genetic diseases affecting 1 in 15,000 people. The biobank will help researchers better understand the causes of these disorders and develop new treatments.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have analyzed the costs of producing green hydrogen using electrolysis and solar power, finding that it can range from $2.89 to $4.67 per kilogram. The cost is influenced by factors such as electrolyser efficiency, available sunlight, and capital costs of electrolysers. To make green hydrogen more competitive...
Researchers at the University of South Australia found that increasing meal sizes can improve nutrition intake among aged care residents. The study showed a correlation between portion size and food consumption, with each kilojoule increase in served energy resulting in a 0.73 kilojoule increase in consumed energy.
Researchers have discovered 572 previously unknown rock art images in northwest Arnhem Land, dating back between 6,000 and 9,400 years. The images depict large, naturalistic humans and macropods with animals often shown more frequently than human figures.
A study published in Global Public Health reveals that tobacco companies are using cash payments, holidays, and exclusive events to incentivize retailers, bypassing current laws. Former employees describe the tactics as aimed at increasing market share and driving sales through retailer loyalty.
A global study maps areas with high carbon returns from natural forest regrowth, highlighting climate's role in carbon storage. Climate change mitigation strategy: restoring degraded woody vegetation could store substantial amounts of CO2.
Researchers have engineered a red-algae-like Rubisco enzyme into crops, doubling CO2-fixation rates. The breakthrough aims to increase crop production and improve photosynthesis efficiency.
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.
The Australian Quantum Vortex team has been named a finalist in the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for their groundbreaking study on turbulence. The team's use of laser technologies to observe quantum origins of turbulence has provided new insights into the behavior of vortices, which influence global weather and flight patterns.
A recent study from the University of South Australia found that Australian boards struggle with gender diversity, resulting in unbalanced decision-making. The research highlights the importance of promoting women's participation on boards to effectively address corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
An international research team confirms Alan Turing's theory for Australian fairy circles, showing that the grasses within them act as 'eco-engineers'. The unique gap pattern emerges due to ecohydrological biomass-water feedbacks from the grasses.
Researchers identified 22 additional δ-hexatoxins from 10 Australian funnel web spider species, suggesting the venom plays a defensive role. The toxins' high human toxicity may have emerged as a result of their original function against nonhuman vertebrate predators.
Researchers found 92 endangered and 11 critically endangered species of seafood were caught globally. The seafood industry lacks effective conservation policies due to international supply chains.
Researchers propose national and global citizens' assemblies to examine the ethical and moral issues surrounding genome editing, involving laypeople from diverse backgrounds. The goal is to develop moral and political regulation and ensure fair access to the technology.
A study found that freshwater turtles, like Emydura macquarii, help clean up fish carcasses and improve water quality by removing toxic ammonia. Turtles accelerated carp decomposition and restored ecosystem balance.
Researchers have confirmed that calcium atoms create a high-temperature superconductor when injected into graphene on a silicon-carbide substrate. The calcium atoms 'float' between the upper graphene layer and the lower 'buffer' sheet, surprising scientists who had expected them to be between two carbon layers.
A University of South Australia researcher explores how Italian culture influences women's relationships with food, finding that 'food is everything' and 'making a good impression' are central themes. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive support to address disordered eating among migrant women.
On average, four and a half people are killed annually in Australian coastal rescues, with victims often being male beachgoers trying to help minors. The study highlights the risks of bystander rescues and emphasizes the need for caution when intervening in water emergencies.
Female whale sharks grow more slowly than males but eventually surpass them to reach an average adult length of 14 metres. The study found that only one pregnant whale shark had produced 300 young, highlighting the benefits of large size for female whales.
Researchers found that the typically 'bad' APOE ε4 variant can also protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes, while the 'good' ε2 variant increases risk of certain conditions. The study's findings provide valuable insights into how the APOE gene impacts health and disease.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a patented technology that harnesses the power of biosolids to produce hydrogen from wastewater, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to existing methods. The approach traps carbon emissions while producing clean fuel, offering a true environmental and economic win.
A comprehensive international study found that pregnancy can delay the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) by more than 3 years. The study used a global database of over 70,000 MS patients and suggested that pregnancy may reduce abnormal immune system activity that causes MS.
The Australian labradoodle breed is primarily composed of poodle genetics, with smaller contributions from Labrador retrievers and spaniels. This study's findings suggest that selective breeding for a poodle-like coat has led to the development of hypoallergenic traits in the breed.
A QUT researcher argues that Netflix has metamorphosed into a global television service, commissioning series in multiple countries and making them available to its 150-million subscribers. The study highlights the unprecedented impact of Netflix on national television markets and competitive fields.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide and Australian Wine Research Institute discovered complex microbial communities associated with natural fermentation of Eucalyptus gunnii sap. The study sheds light on traditional Australian Aboriginal practices and identifies new strains of yeast and bacteria unique to Australia.
A new study suggests that lifestyle improvements can lessen cognitive decline in older adults by improving their lifestyles and boosting cognition. The results indicate that brain neuroplasticity can be retained through targeted interventions, enabling individuals to bounce back from decline.
Researchers from Australia and international partners discovered five undescribed coral species, including black corals and sponges, and recorded a rare fish in the Coral Sea. They also collected critical habitat samples to improve understanding of seabed features and marine ecosystems.
Astronomers used the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) telescope to scan a patch of sky known to include at least 10 million stars. The study found no technosignatures, or signs of powerful radio emissions that could indicate intelligent life.
A new study by Flinders University and The University of Queensland reveals that rodents' skull shapes are similar across habitats, contradicting expectations. This conservation of shape may be due to the specialization of rodent jaws, allowing for a versatile arrangement that discourages evolutionary change.
Researchers investigate transvaginal ultrasound as an alternative to invasive laparoscopic surgery for diagnosing deep infiltrating endometriosis. The study finds TVUS to be highly accurate in detecting the condition, reducing diagnostic delays and improving patient outcomes.
A recent study published in Nutrients found that consuming red and processed meat increases a protein compound linked to heart disease. High-heat caramelization during cooking can create compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which accumulate in the body and interfere with normal cell functions.
A study of WWII art made by prisoners of war in Australian and New Zealand internment camps uncovers surprising quality and artistic confidence among the works. The artworks, created between 1942 and 1945, depict alluring female figures and cultural symbols, providing insight into the lives of ethnic and part-Japanese detainees.
A study found that reef manta rays live and travel long-term between two UNESCO World Heritage areas in Australia, visiting protected sites for over a decade. The research uses satellite tags and photographs to fill gaps in migratory patterns for this large species of rays.
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.
The COVID-19 crisis has exposed Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) shortcomings, with over 1 million households lacking internet access at home. The Flinders University researchers found that the NBN rollout prioritized politics and commerce over equity considerations, leading to unequal access to high-speed broadband services.
Researchers found similarities in northern quoll skulls across a 5000km range, raising hopes for conservation. The study suggests cross-breeding isolated populations may be feasible without losing adaptations.
A comprehensive review of animal and cellular models of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 highlights the importance of understanding underlying diseases in predicting mortality. The study identifies key factors, including age, male sex, social deprivation, and chronic conditions, that increase the risk of severe disease.
A study found that Australians prefer pets from threatened species, invasive species, and popular US imports, posing a risk to native populations. The trade of these animals is often unregulated, making it difficult to track demand and assess the public's interest in owning exotic pets.