Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
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.
Research from Edith Cowan University found that consuming higher amounts of cruciferous vegetables daily can lower the risk of extensive calcification on the aorta, a key marker for structural blood vessel disease. Vitamin K may play a role in inhibiting this calcification process.
A team of biologists has determined how limbs evolved from fins using embryos of the Australian lungfish. The study suggests that a primitive hand was present in lungfish fins but unique anatomy of limbs with digits only evolved during the rise of tetrapods through changes in embryonic development.
Researchers have discovered that pumice rafts are delivering a surge of new coral and reef-building organisms to the Great Barrier Reef, boosting its health. The rafts, formed when frothy magma cools rapidly, carry a diverse array of marine life across thousands of kilometers.
Researchers investigated the impact of temperature on solar and wind energy production in Australia, finding small annual changes but significant effects during peak temperature days. The study aimed to inform electricity sector planning for reliability in different climate conditions.
Using local producer knowledge helps estimate groundwater use in modelling for mapping sustainable use of scarce resources. Farmers' land use, agricultural practices and water use are key factors in this approach.
Researchers found that 1.1 million unique acronyms are causing confusion, ambiguity, and misunderstanding in science. The top 20 most widely used acronyms have multiple common meanings, making science less accessible.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of ancient banana cultivation in the Western Torres Strait, dating back over 2,000 years. The findings challenge the common view that Australia's first peoples were solely hunter-gatherers.
Research by Queensland University of Technology reveals that elite-level cricket umpires make more errors when making leg-before-wicket (LBW) decisions in T20 cricket, with a hit rate of 86.15% and false alarm rate of 2.04%. The study found that the format of the game affects decision-making behavior.
A QUT study has developed a new model to track the probability of banana plant infection by aphids carrying the BBTV virus. The findings suggest that mathematical and statistical models can help predict areas of risk of infection and aid in disease management strategies.
Researchers found that households more socially connected to others taking action were more likely to do the same, suggesting a 'like-attracts-like' effect. Household connections with the marine environment also played an important role in determining responses to climate impacts.
A new study reveals that heavier smokers face a 17-fold increase in emphysema and an 8-fold increase in atherosclerosis. The study found associations with 28 separate health conditions, including lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
A pilot study found that Australian men who participated in a sports-themed weight loss program increased physical activity and lost more weight compared to those in the control group. The program, which included 12 weekly sessions, was deemed feasible and cost-effective.
Researchers explore how women with SE-AN experience it as profoundly embodied, highlighting why treatment becomes more difficult. A new holistic approach is proposed to improve quality of life.
Dingoes in poison-baited regions have increased in size by 6-9% over the last 80 years, according to a collaborative study. The growth is linked to reduced competition for food, as baiting campaigns favor the survival of larger dingoes.
A South Australian program to help victims of bullying and aggression has been adapted by several state education systems in Europe, showing positive results in Italy. The Preparation, Education, Action, Coping, Evaluation (PEACE) antibullying program produced a significant reduction in bullying and improvements in student wellbeing.
Researchers successfully demonstrated that interlayer coupling in a van der Waals material can be largely modulated by a protonic gate. This discovery opens the way to exciting new uses of vdW materials with potential applications in high-temperature devices and 2D multiferroics.
A new study suggests that coastal flooding events could impact up to 287 million people and assets worth US $14.2 trillion globally by 2100. The areas predicted to be most affected are north-west Europe, south-east and east Asia, and northern Australia.
A new 'lab-on-a-chip' technology has been developed to monitor swimming pools more affordably and reliably, improving water safety for Australians. The sensor can accurately measure chlorine and pH levels, reducing the risk of infection from incorrect pool chemistry.
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.
Researchers found that Dome A's unique combination of high altitude, low temperature, and stable atmosphere makes it an attractive location for optical and infrared astronomy. This location could lead to sharper images and the detection of fainter objects, overcoming a major challenge in Earth-based astronomy: atmospheric turbulence.
A new material combines recycled concrete aggregate and rubber in a mix precisely optimised to meet road engineering safety standards. The blend is more flexible than standard materials, making roads less prone to cracking and delivering both environmental and engineering benefits.
The review paper reveals the intricacies of bacterial organelles, which support functions essential for survival and growth. Organelles enable bacteria to perform extraordinary tasks, such as photosynthesis and orientation relative to magnetic fields.
African carder bees have been spotted in Western Australia for the first time, according to Curtin University research. The invasive species was previously recorded in Queensland and has since spread throughout eastern Australia, raising concerns about its potential impact on native ecosystems.
Researchers in Australia analyzed urine and wastewater samples to estimate changes in bisphenol exposure over six years. They found that urinary levels of BPA decreased, while BPS increased, with higher levels detected in younger age groups. In wastewater, BPA and BPS were consistently detected, with BPF also present in 29% of samples.
Research shows that climate change will shift the timing of prescribed burning windows along the east coast of Australia, with some months experiencing more frequent fires. However, the overall number of prescribed burning days is expected to remain similar or even increase in some cases.
A new study found elevated psychological distress, including depression and anxiety symptoms, among Australian adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey revealed that over half of participants reported moderate to extreme loneliness and worry about their financial situation.
A recent study reveals that nearly three-quarters of women experience good psychological well-being prior to partner abuse, yet more than half are diagnosed with a mental illness after. Professor Nicole Moulding calls for a new approach focusing on societal issues and support beyond medication and counseling.
A recent study has identified trehalulose, a rare sugar in native stingless bee honey, as having a low glycaemic index and not causing tooth decay. This discovery strengthens the market for stingless bee honey and creates new opportunities for its use in food products.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found a significant increase in heat-related cardiovascular hospitalizations in Queensland, Australia between 1995 and 2016. The daily mean temperature in the region rose from 20.9°C to 21.7°C, leading to an increase in annual cardiovascular hospitalizations from 46,730 to 123,477.
A recent study by Flinders University highlights the escalating gendered burdens faced by women during the pandemic, particularly in frontline healthcare roles and unpaid care work. Women experienced discrimination, eviction threats, and restricted access to essential services under COVID-19 restrictions.
A multidisciplinary group of Indigenous scholars, including professors and graduate students from Canada and the US, met in Hawai'i to brainstorm how Indigeneity intersects with AI. Their completed position paper offers diverse perspectives on what AI means and offers to Indigenous peoples, challenging long-held assumptions about Weste...
New research highlights the importance of soil biological health and organic farm inputs for crop production in Australia. The study found that native vegetation acts as a reservoir for beneficial actinobacteria, which can enrich adjoining agricultural soils.
The QUT Centre for Robotics will train researchers, engineers, and manufacturers with expertise to boost safety, quality, and productivity. The five-year centre will develop collaborative robotics applications to help Australian manufacturers compete globally.
A breakthrough in understanding rubisco, a crucial enzyme in photosynthesis, could lead to significant gains in crop production. By revisiting a billion-year-old strategy, scientists have identified new ways to enhance rubisco activity.
Researchers at RMIT University and ANU are developing ultra high-performance gyroscopes that can detect tiny changes in light signals to provide pinpoint precision. The new technology promises to shrink the size and cost of traditional gyroscopes, enabling new commercial applications.
A study found that Australians prioritize paramedic safety and expect them to attend cases involving children or immediate families during a pandemic. However, concerns arise when PPE is scarce, as responders feel it becomes 'above and beyond the call of duty',
New research reveals the oldest Indigenous site along Australia's longest river system, confirming a 29,000-year-old occupation timeline for the River Murray region. The findings provide deeper insights into how Aboriginal people responded to climate challenges and stress during the Last Glacial Maximum.
A new study by University of South Australia medical imaging student Elio Arruzza found that whole-body CT (WBCT) scans can diagnose traumatic injuries faster and more accurately than conventional radiology procedures. WBCT also reduces the time spent in emergency departments, which could help alleviate overcrowding.
Australian experts warn of a surge in chronic liver disease due to alcohol misuse and obesity-related liver disease. The number of cases has increased three-fold over the past 10-15 years, with over 6 million Australians affected.
A cutting-edge study has identified ATAD3 as the most common cause of lethal mitochondrial disease in children dying soon after birth. The study found that spontaneous gene alterations resulted in fatal heart failure, but parents have a low risk of passing the disease to their next child.
A new ageing well initiative aims to bring together children with older people in a structured way, delivering health and wellbeing benefits for all. The Child Care in Aged Care project promotes meaningful community connections and challenges stereotypes through intergenerational activities.
A recent study published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that parental smartphone use is rarely associated with poor parenting. In fact, at low levels of displacing family time, more smartphone use was linked to better parenting.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that toddlers who were obese or overweight showed signs of cardiovascular disease by age 11-12. The study, led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, highlighted the need for early intervention to prevent obesity-related problems with heart health.
A new study reveals that seagrass loss in Australia has led to a 2% increase in annual carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to 5 million cars per year. The research highlights the vital role seagrass meadows play in mitigating climate change and urges preservation and restoration of these ecosystems.
Research found that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels impact egg quality and IVF success rates. NAD+ helps maintain cellular building blocks during egg maturation.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of early identification and management of T2D in Indigenous communities, where it is most prevalent. The guidelines recommend tighter diabetes control, transitioning adolescents to multidisciplinary care teams, and exploring newer medications for treatment.
A global assessment of heatwaves has found increasing frequency and duration since the 1950s, with regions like the Mediterranean experiencing rapid changes. The cumulative heat metric shows accelerating trends worldwide, but not in heatwave intensity.
Researchers have identified two submerged archaeological sites off the Australian coast, dating back at least 7,000 and 8,500 years. The findings demonstrate the potential of new exploratory techniques for locating ancient cultural artefacts on the continental shelf.
The discovery of two underwater archaeological sites off northwest Australia dates back to when the current seabed was dry land. Hundreds of stone tools made by Aboriginal peoples have been found at these sites, providing new evidence of their ways of life.
Researchers have developed a low-cost and reliable method to synthesize functional silica beads using a Teflon pipe. The new approach enables efficient mixing of precursor fluids and produces uniform-sized particles with improved homogeneity.
Scientists have discovered previously unrecognized structural lines 100 miles down in the earth, signaling locations of giant copper, lead, zinc deposits. The discovery could narrow search areas and reduce future mine footprints.
A new study reveals that two key species of Australian aquarium corals are particularly susceptible to bleaching due to recurrent heatwaves. The study's findings emphasize the need for targeted in-situ monitoring to ensure the long-term sustainability of the coral industry.
The project aims to develop advanced compression space suits designed to protect astronauts from physical strains in space missions. The technology is also transferable to medical applications for burns, sports injuries, lymphedema, osteoporosis, and cerebral palsy.
A team of researchers has discovered a new family of extinct marsupials, Mukupirnidae, including the giant wombat-like creature Mukupirna nambensis. The species is estimated to be around 25 million years old and was likely a gentle giant that subsisted on plants.
Three species of pink flamingos evolved to live in shallow lakes and breed during seasonal blooms of algae and zooplankton before the inland lakes dried up due to climate change.
Researchers found that ancestors of distinctive Australian pollinating bees likely originated in tropical Asian countries, islands in the south-west Pacific or greater Oceania region. This study aims to better understand the origin and radiation of insects and other animals, helping environmental management during changing climates.
Spin-gapless semiconductors (SGSs) bridge zero-gap materials and half-metals, exhibiting fully spin-polarized electrons and holes. Dirac type SGSs show extremely high electron mobility, enabling dissipationless edge states for ultra-fast electronics.
A remote at-sea science expedition has completed a first look at the deep waters of the Coral Sea, discovering new corals and possible species never before seen. The team mapped over 35,500 square kilometers of seafloor, creating detailed maps that will be available for scientific research and management.
The discovery of Mukupirna nambensis, a big-boned marsupial, sheds light on the evolution of wombat burrowing behavior. The fossil, dating back to the late Oligocene period, reveals adaptations indicative of digging behavior but also suggests that early wombats may not have been capable of true burrowing.