Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Research reveals giant sthenurine kangaroos had skull adaptations to withstand powerful bites, allowing them to eat tough foods like mature leaves and stems. Their skull structure is similar to that of modern-day giant pandas, which also consume tough bamboo.
The quantum technology company Q-CTRL has secured a $15 million funding round led by Square Peg Capital, placing it among the top 10 global quantum start-ups. The investment will support major growth for the company and geographic expansion to include a new office in Los Angeles.
Jacques Miller's discovery of immune cells T and B cells has had a profound impact on modern medicine, underpinning innovations in vaccine development, organ transplants, and cancer treatment. The Lasker Award recognizes his seminal work, which has also been recognized as a predictor of Nobel Prize success.
A new study from the University of Technology Sydney reveals that heat is a greater killer in Australia than cold, with up to 9% of deaths linked to heat in warmer regions. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat-related mortality.
Researchers have detected a 10-fold improvement in data gathered by the Murchison Widefield Array, bringing them closer to understanding the life and death of the earliest stars. The signal is more than 12 billion years old and was refined using new techniques to exclude sources of contamination.
A University of Queensland-led study reveals critical failures in Australia's environmental protection laws, with over 7.7 million hectares of threatened species habitat destroyed between 2000 and 2017.
A world-first study is being conducted to explore novel weight loss regimes for night shift workers in Australia, where irregular hours disrupt normal eating and sleeping patterns. Researchers hope to guide night shift workers to better health with the findings of this study.
Researchers found high levels of bacterial DNA and opportunistic pathogens in source water from remote bores in Northern Australia. The study suggests that managing groundwater quality is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water supplies in these communities.
A recent study from the University of South Australia has found a causal relationship between depression and 20 distinct diseases, including respiratory, heart, and digestive issues. This research can help detect and manage high rates of physical illnesses in people diagnosed with depression.
A new study led by Flinders University Professor Derek Chew has shown that up to 70% of patients presenting to Australian emergency departments with chest pain can be safely discharged in less time under a new protocol. The trial involved over 3000 patients and found that those receiving rapid troponin testing spent an average of one h...
A new study has found that habitat loss is a major concern for hundreds of Australian bird species, particularly those in south-eastern Australia. The research, led by the University of Queensland, used the Loss Index to quantify the impact of habitat destruction on native bird populations.
The HELP-AF study found that home-based education reduced total unplanned hospitalisations by 26%, atrial fibrillation-related hospitalisations by 31%, and other cardiovascular hospitalisations by 49%. The intervention also showed gradual improvement in quality of life measures over time.
Researchers at Flinders University have isolated a compound from the Australian white rock sea snail with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as important anti-cancer effects. The compound, part of the indole class, shows promise for preventing colon cancer tumor formation.
A human infective nematode has been identified in canine carriers for the first time in remote northern Australia. The study suggests that dogs may represent a potential reservoir of human strongyloidiasis in these communities.
A new international study found a link between air pollution and increased mortality rates, particularly among Australians who are more sensitive to particulate matter. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, analyzed data from 652 cities across 24 countries and regions.
A new study measures life expectancy based on historical mortality conditions, revealing Australian men live to 74.1 years, surpassing other countries like Japan and the Nordic nations. This achievement is attributed to Australia's long history of stability and high standard of living, which have contributed to better health outcomes.
The UK topped the charts with an average Health Star Rating of 2.83, followed by the US and Australia. Meanwhile, China's packaged foods scored lowest due to high levels of saturated fat and sugar.
A tiny lab-on-a-chip can screen hundreds of drug compounds in just a few hours, revealing their effect on blood and quickly identifying those with potential clinical use. The technology accelerates the discovery and development of new anti-clotting therapies, potentially improving heart attack and stroke prevention.
Researchers are searching for genetic links to stuttering through a global study recruiting Australian stutterers aged seven and older. The study aims to develop treatments targeting the disorder's underlying cause, rather than just symptoms, with potential benefits for better treatment and prevention of stuttering.
A new Australian study found that treating insomnia separately can significantly improve symptoms of both conditions. People with co-occurring insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea reported great improvement to their sleep and health after six months, with about 50% improvement in global insomnia severity.
An international team has discovered a previously undescribed Jurassic volcanic landscape in central Australia, revealing around 100 ancient volcanoes and magma chambers. The research uses advanced subsurface imaging techniques to identify the volcanic craters and lava flows, challenging previous understanding of Earth's past processes.
A retrospective cohort study in Australia found that areas with a higher number of fast food restaurants have more heart attacks. The study also found a strong association between the density of fast food outlets and the incidence of heart attack, with each additional outlet linked to four additional heart attacks per 100,000 people.
A team of Australia-UK researchers identified the molecular machinery used by bacteria to resist chemicals, which could be repurposed to produce precursors for new polymers like nylon. This discovery sheds light on how bacteria develop resistance and may lead to the development of new antimicrobial agents.
Researcher Dr Frank Ainsworth reviews international studies on parental licensing, highlighting its potential flaws and limitations. He argues that the scheme could disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities and may not be effective in addressing child neglect.
A new study found that consuming a snack reduces the impact of sleepiness and fatigue on night shift workers, compared to eating a meal or no food at all. The study's lead researcher hopes the findings will inform strategic eating patterns to help thousands of shift workers stay alert and healthy.
Researchers found that severe marine heatwaves lead to immediate coral mortality and rapid decay, not just bleaching. This phenomenon is distinct from coral bleaching and will likely become more frequent as temperatures rise.
A new blood test for coeliac disease has been developed, detecting inflammatory markers in the blood within hours of gluten consumption. This potential diagnostic test could improve upon current methods requiring patients to consume gluten for weeks or months.
A global study found that frailty affects 4.3% of people over 60 annually, with women more likely to develop the condition. Interventions like muscle strength training and protein supplementation may help prevent or delay frailty progression.
Researchers found that mature AML cells can become immature again, challenging traditional therapeutic strategies. This discovery highlights the need to eradicate all tumour cells, regardless of maturation state.
A newly discovered ancient star contains a record-low amount of iron, hinting at the nature of the first stars in the Universe. The ultra-metal-poor red giant star has iron levels 1.5 million times lower than that of the Sun.
A UBC-led study found that Indigenous-managed lands have the highest levels of biodiversity worldwide, with even protected areas coming in second. The research highlights the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities to protect species and conserving biodiversity beyond traditional conservation boundaries.
A study of 174 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand reveals that the rate of cardiac device complications varies significantly, with some hospitals reporting much lower complication rates than others. The study suggests that improving quality of care is crucial to reducing these complications.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a simple pressure pump made from balloons and nylon stockings that can be used to test water contaminants and blood samples. The low-cost device has been tested in various experiments, including detecting aquatic parasites and cancer cells.
A new study published in Papillomavirus Research found that one dose of HPV vaccine lowers the chance of having a pre-cancerous lesion detected at cervical screening in women vaccinated at a young age. The data supports the possibility that one dose may be sufficient for protection, simplifying vaccination and potentially benefiting co...
Repetitive knee stress and inadequate rest are key factors behind the rapid rise in ACL injuries, which can lead to chronic health conditions like osteoarthritis. The study provides new evidence that submaximal forces can cause damage to the ACL, contradicting the common view of single force events.
Researchers found male cane toads have smaller testes at the invasion front due to prioritizing dispersal over sex. This leads to less investment in sperm production and more energy for traveling, allowing them to stay ahead of competitors.
A large-scale analysis found that women and those aged less than 45 years were more likely to be under-treated compared to men and older people with CHD. Women were also less likely to be prescribed the recommended medications for daily use.
A study by Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that the quantity and variety of snacks, not plate size, influence children's snacking behavior. The research suggests reducing snack food options and energy density may help combat obesity in children.
A team of researchers led by Professor Michelle Simmons has achieved a major milestone in building an atom-scale quantum computer, demonstrating the fastest two-qubit gate in silicon. The breakthrough involves placing two atom qubits closer together than ever before and controlling their spin states in real-time.
A new study found that only four countries (USA, Australia, South Africa, and Canada) dominated private land conservation research, with half of articles failing to report stakeholder engagement. The study calls for better understanding of socio-ecological systems and diverse cultural contexts in future research.
A recent study by UNLV researchers found that players cannot reliably detect differences in how much and often a slot machine pays, despite common perceptions. The study used two identical machines with varying payouts over nine months, showing no statistically significant indication of play migration from higher to lower payout games.
A study reconstructs a severe megadrought interval in Australia between 1891 and 1903, revealing widespread ecosystem impacts. The findings suggest that record rainfall deficiencies can lead to mass mortality and ecosystem collapse, with over 60 genera experiencing severe stress.
Researchers found baby eastern blue-tongue lizards learn at adult levels from a young age, outperforming their adults in cognitive tasks.
A new type of UV detection sticker has been shown to effectively remind people to reapply sunscreen during outdoor events. The study found that 80% of participants with the stickers reapplied sunscreen within a day, compared to 68% in the control group. The stickers were well-received by fans and may help reduce sunburn cases in Queens...
A Queensland University of Technology observational study found nearly half of shared e-scooters being ridden without helmets, on roads or carrying passengers. The study calls for improved helmet availability and police enforcement to address safety risks.
Scientists at FLEET discovered novel magnetic properties in 2D structures with potential for ultra-high speed and low-energy electronic devices. The study reveals antisymmetric giant magnetoresistance in van der Waals Fe3GeTe2/graphite/Fe3GeTe2 tri-layer heterostructures.
Researchers observe native ferroelectric metal in bulk crystalline tungsten ditelluride at room temperature. The material exhibits bistable and electrically switchable spontaneous polarization states, enabling potential applications in nano-electronics.
A novel surgical technique connects functioning nerves with injured nerves to restore power in paralyzed muscles, enabling participants to perform everyday tasks independently. The study suggests that nerve transfers can achieve similar functional improvements to traditional tendon transfers, with the benefit of smaller incisions and s...
Shortness of breath and cough/wheeze in smokers reduce life expectancy, while mild respiratory symptoms warrant further investigation
A new study by Australian National University found that smoking harms all of the cardiovascular system, including the heart and major blood vessels. Quitting smoking markedly reduces risk of heart attacks, strokes, and dying from cardiovascular disease.
A recent study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation found nearly half of Mount Lofty Ranges koalas positive for Chlamydia DNA, while all Kangaroo Island koalas were free from the disease. The team's results suggest that Kangaroo Island may be a safeguard against further losses and even extinction due to chlamydial disease.
A new species of jumping spider was named Jotus karllagerfeldiI after Karl Lagerfeld due to its distinctive black-and-white colors resembling the designer's style. The species was discovered in the Godeffroy Collection, alongside seven other new species found across Australia.
A La Trobe University study found that peer-led support programs for carers significantly improved carer well-being, reducing psychological distress by 8.6% and increasing positive feelings by 7.6%. The program also increased carers' knowledge of mental health conditions and improved communication with the person they care for.
A University of Queensland researcher calls for the PBS to update its restrictions on anti-epileptic drugs to ensure safe and up-to-date clinical practice. The current system fosters outdated prescribing practice and suboptimal care.
A study of 561 healthy adults found an average of five unidentified health problems per person, including undiagnosed high blood pressure and hearing loss. Regular health checks can help identify these issues and improve health outcomes through individualized screening and self-management recommendations.
New research published in Journal of Business Finance & Accounting reveals a link between non-compliance with securities laws and future GAAP violations. Firms that breach non-accounting related laws are more likely to report multiple accounting restatements.
Researchers have experimentally verified a 70-year-old theory of turbulence, shedding light on large-scale vortices in 2D fluid flow. The studies, published in Science, offer promise for future research on emergent structures in interacting quantum systems.
A team of astronomers successfully confirmed the distance to a galaxy hosting an intense radio burst that flashed only once, lasting a thousandth of a second. The Gemini South telescope played a crucial role in verifying that the burst occurred 4 billion years ago.
In a world first, an Australian-led team of astronomers has determined the exact location of a powerful one-off burst of cosmic radio waves using CSIRO's ASKAP radio telescope in Western Australia. The galaxy from which the burst originated was imaged by three of the world's largest optical telescopes and published in the journal Science.
A novel, low-cost device successfully propogsates coral on high-value sections of the GBR, with government funding increased to take the project further. The device enables rapid coral out-planting and 'reef gardening', a global practice to aid local reef management.