Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers used advanced imaging to visualize MLKL's role in necroptosis, a form of cell death triggered by inflammation. They found that inherited variants of MLKL are connected to human inflammatory diseases and have been subject to evolutionary pressures.
A global study found broad support for alcohol warning labels in seven countries, including Australia (68%) and New Zealand (67%). The study suggests that governments should introduce clear and visible health warnings on alcohol products to improve public health.
A new plant species, Keraphyton mawsoniae, has been discovered in a 372-359 million year old Australian fossil. The fern-like plant shares similarities with modern ferns and horsetails, providing valuable information on plant evolution during the Devonian-Carboniferous period.
Research led by Dr Anthony Romilio found evidence of massive predators in Jurassic-era fossil footprints in southern Queensland. The tracks suggest dinosaurs up to three metres high and 10 metres long roamed the area.
The University of Melbourne will develop a small, powerful satellite called SpIRIT to launch in 2022. The spacecraft will host an X-ray detector provided by the Italian Space Agency and demonstrate Australian-made space capabilities.
A comprehensive study found synthetic cathinones and N-ethylpentylone in Australian wastewater, with users attracted to novel effects and potential risks of paranoia, hallucinations, and panic attacks
A 50-million-year-old insect fossil found in British Columbia provides crucial insights into the global movement of animals across deep time. The discovery suggests a previously unknown Canada-Australia connection, with modern relatives of the insect found exclusively in Australia.
A study found that Night Parrots' visual system is not well-adapted to life in the dark, contrary to expectations. Their eye size and optic nerves are similar to other parrots, with poor resolution vision, making it difficult to distinguish obstacles.
A special issue of Austral Ecology celebrates the work of Professor Mike Bull, a leading expert in lizard behavior and ecology. The issue features 12 new studies on species like pygmy bluetongues and sleepy lizards, exploring topics such as parasites, environmental change, and sociality.
A new study from UC Riverside asserts the world population may have much more in common than it has differences. The research, which included data from 15,318 members of university and college communities, found that people within countries are more similar than expected, while those across different countries exhibit smaller differences.
The study, published in Journal of Mental Health, demonstrates the positive clinical outcomes of NewAccess in addressing known barriers to access of evidence-based early intervention for depression and anxiety in Australia. The program offers free therapy with no co-payment, accessible by phone, face-to-face, or self-referral.
Researchers created an ultrathin membrane with high porosity that can filter potentially harmful ions from water. The membrane has potential to deliver clean water for millions of people globally through purification and desalination processes.
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.
A study by Chinese researchers suggests that fencing is necessary in severely overgrazed areas but short-term fencing options should be considered. The authors propose encouraging traditional free grazing practices and removing existing long-term fences to benefit wildlife.
Researchers have identified 31 populations of herbicide-resistant annual bluegrass in Australia, highlighting the narrowing options for effective control. The weed has developed resistance to multiple herbicides, including propyzamide and rimsulfuron, with levels of resistance ranging from two-fold to 56-fold.
Clinical genetics services are struggling to cope with the influx of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing referrals, with many GPs ill-equipped to interpret results. The lack of resources and funding is exacerbating the issue, with only 10% of DTC test results validated.
Seismological studies revealed that weak rocks formed over 500 million years ago controlled the pathways of the 2016 magnitude 6.0 Petermann earthquake. The unusually long and smooth rupture was guided by these zones of weaker rocks, which can help forecast future earthquakes.
A new study found that the alien spotted-thighed frog has an indiscriminate diet, devouring up to six prey items per frog, including native geckos, young frogs, and mice. The invasive species could have devastating impact on invaded habitats, displacing or destroying local food webs.
A recent study found that Australian bad cholesterol levels have decreased significantly over the past few decades. In contrast, countries in Asia and the Pacific region have seen a sharp increase in non-HDL 'bad' cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have developed a highly efficient and controllable method to assemble single nanoparticles directly into pre-patterned templates using electrophoretic deposition. The technique has been applied to various materials, including gold nanocrystals, semiconductor quantum dots,...
A study by University of South Australia researcher Dr Emily Reeve found that one in six medications prescribed to older people cause more harm than good. The research aims to address the issue of polypharmacy, which is on the rise globally and has serious health consequences.
A study found an association between lower humidity and increased COVID-19 cases in Sydney. Lower humidity makes airborne viruses more transmissible due to smaller aerosol size, increasing exposure for others. Further research is needed to determine this relationship's extent and impact on case notification rates.
New climate model projections indicate that droughts will become longer and more frequent globally, particularly in regions like the Amazon, Mediterranean, and southern Africa. The study's findings suggest that variability in rainfall is a key factor in predicting future drought intensity.
Researchers investigated brain responses to imagined thirst in trained hypnosis practitioners, finding dissociation between subjective experience and dehydration stimulus. The study revealed a network of brain regions associated with both thirst and drinking behavior.
A study by the University of Surrey and Australian partners highlights the importance of adequate ventilation in indoor environments to prevent airborne transmission of COVID-19. Improving building ventilation is proposed as a key strategy to reduce the risk of infection, particularly in areas with high population densities.
Researchers at University of Queensland are studying bacteria and fungi in sheep faeces and pastures to discover new natural antiparasitics. The goal is to prevent multi-drug resistance and safeguard livestock, with potential benefits for the environment and farming industry.
Research reveals that cyclones can cause significant damage to coral reefs as far as 1000 kilometres away from their paths. The study found that Scott Reef lost 50% of its Porites corals and virtually all its Acropora coral species due to Cyclone Lua's high seas.
Researchers have found all of the missing 'normal' matter in the vast space between stars and galaxies, using fast radio bursts. The phenomenon allowed them to directly detect the missing matter, which is equivalent to only one or two atoms in a room the size of an average office.
Australian archaeologists have discovered rare, small-scale rock art in the form of miniature stencils in a rockshelter traditionally owned by the Marra people. The discovery adds another dimension to the Australian and global rock art record, highlighting the use of beeswax as a material for making these tiny artworks.
Mangga transitioned to an extra-tropical storm, losing tropical characteristics and retaining hurricane-force winds. The system brought damaging winds and high tides to Western Australia.
Astronomers have captured an image of a super-rare type of galaxy with a 'ring of fire' structure, existing 11 billion years ago. This discovery is expected to shake up theories about the earliest formation of galactic structures and how they evolve.
Researchers from Monash, Swinburne and RMIT universities recorded Australia's fastest internet data speed and the world's from a single optical chip, capable of supporting 1.8 million households' high-speed connections. The technology has the potential to scale up existing infrastructure and enable ultra-high speed communications.
A University of South Australia research project aims to use digital technologies such as apps, wearables, and social media to improve people's behaviors and create lasting lifestyle changes that can ward off chronic disease. The goal is to make accessible and affordable health solutions for all Australians.
A new study reveals that children in Australia are at low risk of contracting COVID-19, with none requiring hospitalization. The research, led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, analyzed 434 patients and found only four positive cases, highlighting the success of outpatient management for COVID-19 positive patients.
A University of Melbourne study finds that parts of the Eastern Highlands in Victoria may be as young as 5 million years, contradicting previous estimates of 90 million years. The team used speleothem dating to determine the age of stalagmites and flowstones in nearby caves.
A study by Kris Karnauskas found that a marine heatwave followed by a terrestrial one, exacerbated by global warming, led to the massive coral bleaching event. The warm water persisted for months, causing extensive damage to the ecosystem and drastically changing species composition.
Researchers discovered 188 engravings in a remote South Australian rockshelter that reveal traumatic period of European invasion and ongoing impacts of colonial settlement. A swastika symbol was found, etched in 1932, marking the first acts of trespass and desecration by police parties.
A study using fish poo and gut contents found that 18 coral reef fish species consume young or adult crown-of-thorns starfish on the reef. This discovery could help control destructive pest populations and shed light on why some reef areas have fewer starfish than others.
Recent Australian wildfires highlight the need for new fire, resource, and conservation policies to reduce megafires and alter timber production. Researchers suggest protecting unburnt areas and expanding conservation zones to restore repeatedly damaged ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered a new kind of rubber and catalyst that can be used to make flexible, repairable, sustainable objects. The new rubber material can be completely repaired and returned to its original strength in minutes, even at room temperature, with an amine catalyst.
A new study found that online symptom checkers are only accurate about a third of the time, and 'Dr. Google' is often incorrect in its diagnoses. The research also found that triage advice provided more accurate results, but lacked quality control and transparency.
A study found that 82.7% of female university students had engaged in Drunkorexic behaviors, including skipping meals and exercising after drinking to reduce calorie intake from alcohol. Researchers identified two key social norms driving these behaviors: consuming alcohol and thinness.
A world-first study found social venture start-ups create more jobs than previously thought, with an average job creation effect per firm larger than for commercial counterparts. Social ventures address underserved markets and offer a growth advantage due to lower costs and tax breaks.
A recent study found that excessive coffee consumption can increase the risk of osteoarthritis, arthropathy, and obesity. The research analyzed data from over 300,000 participants and used a genetic approach to establish true effects on various diseases.
Researchers have successfully developed heat-resistant coral by bolstering the heat tolerance of its microalgal symbionts, potentially reducing the impact of reef bleaching from marine heat waves. The breakthrough provides a novel tool to increase coral tolerance and is a great win for Australian science.
Analysis of data from 147 countries found a strong association between rising incomes and increasing obesity rates, with an average increase in obesity rates for every 1% rise in GDP per capita. The study suggests that policy initiatives may be necessary to combat obesity in low- and middle-income countries undergoing income growth.
Researchers have found that South Australia's Grey-headed flying fox population has developed antibodies for Hendra, Cedar and Tioman viruses, indicating exposure. No evidence of Australian bat lyssavirus transmission was found, reducing the risk to humans in the region.
Researchers have developed a novel magnetic nanotechnology that quickly and efficiently removes haze-forming proteins in white wine. The technology shows promise as a valuable and sustainable alternative to conventional bentonite fining treatments, potentially saving the wine industry millions annually.
Researchers identify thousands of previously rare bouts of extreme heat and humidity worldwide, particularly in the US Gulf Coast region. The study found that these conditions are already appearing, with outbreaks increasing in frequency and intensity, surpassing human survivability limits.
Women have a good chance of having a second child with IVF, according to new study. The chances of a second ART baby decrease with maternal age, but successful pregnancies are more likely if treatment is continued and frozen embryos are used.
Researchers discovered significant antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition in various culinary herbs, including rosemary, oregano, and lemon myrtle. These findings suggest that these herbs may have preventive effects on cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, as well as cognitive decline.
New research suggests that logging of native forests significantly increases fire risk and severity, exacerbating Australia's recent catastrophic bushfires. The study highlights the importance of preventing logging in moist forests and reducing forest fragmentation to mitigate future wildfires.
A stranded seal was found with multiple facial wounds inflicted by fish, which researchers attribute to the animal's attempt to defend itself. The study suggests that similar injuries may be more common than previously thought, highlighting the dangers faced by marine mammals in their quest for food.
A $10 million grant enables the Murdoch Children's Research Institute's clinical trial of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19 to expand to 10,000 healthcare workers across Australia and Europe. The BRACE trial aims to test whether the BCG vaccine can protect those exposed to SARS-CoV-2 from developing severe symptoms.
A UniSA-led study found that combining varenicline tartrate with Quitline counselling significantly increases smoking cessation rates, with nearly 30% of participants remaining smoke-free after two years. The treatment has shown a six-fold increase in quitting rates compared to those without support.
A 20-year study by the Endocrine Society found that cardiovascular complications among individuals with diabetes have declined. Meanwhile, mortality rates remain higher than those in the general population, highlighting ongoing concerns about cancer and dementia risks for people with diabetes.
Scientists have successfully matched unique whistles to individual bottlenose dolphins in Western Australia's Swan River. The study's findings could revolutionize dolphin tracking and conservation by relying on acoustic recordings rather than visual surveys.
A new wearable smart patch is being developed to help people personalize their diets and reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The device will measure key dietary biomarkers and send the information to an app, enabling users to precisely track how their bodies respond to different foods.
A team of QUT researchers is developing advanced robotic systems to gather data on the Antarctic environment, informing scientific models of climate change responses. The Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future program will provide practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.
Researchers are developing innovative solutions to increase crop production under climate change conditions, including improving photosynthesis and making crops more resistant to drought. The goal is to double cereal production by 2050 to ensure global food security.