Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Researchers at RMIT University and the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, have developed a novel approach to produce graphene using eucalyptus bark extract. This method is cheaper and more sustainable than current synthesis methods, reducing production costs from $100 per gram to just 50 cents per gram.
Researchers used sophisticated modelling to determine the likely routes travelled by Aboriginal people tens of thousands of years ago and the sizes of groups required for survival. The simulations indicate that at least 1300 people arrived in a single migration event or smaller waves, averaging 130 people every 70 years over 700 years.
A study of young gay and bisexual men found little evidence of addiction or psychosocial problems associated with alkyl nitrite use. Poppers are now available over-the-counter in pharmacies with safety standards to be met.
Newell Johnson, a renowned researcher, has been awarded the 2019 Global Oral Health Research Award by the International Association for Dental Research. Johnson's extensive work on epidemiology, aetiology, and management of common and serious oral diseases has addressed inequalities in global oral health.
A new plant species discovered in Australia exhibits unusual fluidity in its flower form, defying the traditional concept of binary sexuality. The species, Solanum plastisexum, is one of few plants that display a range of sexual forms, including unisexual flowers and bisexual blossoms.
Researchers developed a new type of nuclear medicine scan that quickly and precisely diagnoses inflammation in IBD using monoclonal antibodies directed against specific innate immune cell markers. The immuno-PET scan has high potential for theranostic diagnosis and precision treatment of IBD and other inflammatory diseases.
A study by James Cook University researcher Jemma King found that a lack of suitable roads is a major reason for low cycling participation rates in Australia and Queensland. Key findings include the majority of non-cyclists citing ill-health, age or lack of time as reasons, while rural residents often cite environmental concerns.
A new species of trilobite, Redlichia rex, has been found in Australia, providing insights into the Cambrian 'explosion' and the evolution of defence mechanisms. The discovery reveals a giant size and formidable legs, suggesting an 'arms race' with predators.
Researchers found that nearly half of those rescued were close family or friends, while under 10-year-olds were also common victims. Meanwhile, most rescuers who drowned were male and between 25-44 years old, emphasizing the need for better training in water rescue skills.
Male dolphins in Shark Bay form strong bonds based on shared foraging techniques, exhibiting homophilous behavior that benefits mating success. This study provides new insight into the social habits of tool-using dolphins, challenging long-held assumptions about their solitary nature.
The sixth National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health found 47% of sexually active respondents had engaged in intercourse, with 76% having sex at home. The survey also showed that young Australians have good knowledge of sexual health, are behaving responsibly, and are actively seeking out trusted sources of info...
Adrift visualizes the conditions faced by drifting marine microbes, providing clues about their capacity to adapt to human-induced changes. The online platform engages citizens and researchers in exploring ocean's unseen heroes.
A new study published by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that removing excess fluid too quickly from critically ill patients with failing kidneys increases the likelihood of death. For every 0.5 milliliter increase in fluid removed per kilogram of patient weight per hour, risk of death increases.
A new polymer has been discovered that can effectively remove PFAS from water, reducing the risk of contamination in drinking water sources. The low-cost and environmentally friendly method uses waste cooking oil and powdered activated carbon to purify thousands of liters of water.
A team of scientists has developed a 5-step program to keep New Guinea's frogs safe from the species-destroying chytrid fungus. The plan, published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, aims to prevent the fungus from reaching the island while building local capacity for science and disease surveillance.
A recent study found that regulatory bodies in Australia are not seeking to blame doctors for patient deaths when opioids are administered, alleviating fears of professional ruin. Doctors should prescribe minimum doses to alleviate suffering and respect clinical practice.
A new study from the Australian National University found that spending half an hour a day outside in the sun can lower the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by almost 20%, including Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. Short periods of sun exposure also showed significant benefits.
Engineers have released a freely available quality-controlled dataset from 1,287 residential installations across Australia to improve solar forecasting and grid management. The dataset provides six months' worth of measurements from three different cities, allowing for controlled analysis and spatial analysis.
A new study reveals that Asia-Africa-Australia monsoon and arid regions evolved differently over time, influenced by continental drift and the Tibetan Plateau. The research found distinct formation patterns for different monsoons and arid regions in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Researchers identified a common gene signature in almost all global Strep A strains through genomic sequencing of thousands of genomes from over 20 countries. This finding has the potential to aid in the development of an effective global vaccine, which could combat the bacterial pathogen responsible for millions of deaths annually.
A recent genetic study published in Genes journal found no detectable common DNA between domestic and wild Australian dogs, contradicting myths that kelpies originated from dingos. The research characterized gene variants of both kelpie types and compared them with those in sequenced Australian dingoes.
Researchers sequenced DNA of over 2,000 Group A Streptococcus samples from 22 countries to identify common genetic targets for a global vaccine. The study reveals that current vaccine candidates may have limited coverage in low-income areas where Strep A is most prevalent.
Research reveals humans are more sensitive to evening light than previously thought, with large individual differences in sensitivity. Exposure to light after dusk can disrupt the circadian rhythm, leading to potential health consequences.
Researchers discovered that tiny fish living in the gaps of coral reefs play a crucial role in sustaining the ecosystem. These 'cryptobenthics,' which include species like gobies and blennies, reproduce rapidly and are consumed by other animals, providing a vital food supply for larger species.
A new study by an international team of scientists identified a significant increase in CFC-11 emissions in eastern China since 2013, posing a threat to the recovery of the stratospheric ozone layer. The findings suggest that new production of CFC-11 has taken place in the region, primarily for building insulation and refrigerators.
Sperm banks in the UK and Australia have used marketing strategies that rely on masculine archetypes to create value for a commodity they cannot legally buy. The use of these archetypes, such as the 'soldier' and 'everyday hero', has helped resolve donor shortages and procure sperm for free.
Researchers discover potential way to wake up 'sleeping' genes that cause Prader-Willi syndrome, a devastating and incurable genetic condition. The approach aims to reduce severe symptoms such as obesity, developmental delays, and hormone dysfunction by targeting the genetic cause of the condition.
Research finds Australia's life expectancy at birth has slowed, requiring better control of health risk factors like obesity to achieve future increases. The rate of growth in Australia is now falling behind most other high-income nations.
Tropical Cyclone Ann is a category 1 storm with sustained winds of 40 knots (46 mph) near its center. The cyclone is expected to make landfall on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland on May 15 as a category 1 system.
A new study by Australian National University found that the death of a close friend can significantly impact a person's physical health, mental wellbeing, and social life for up to four years. The researchers warn that inadequate support during this time is leading to poor health outcomes.
The study reveals that complex interactions dominate credit default swaps, with neither strictly positive nor negative effects. Researchers use a new method to detect causal relationships between financial assets and find that these interactions are not always linear.
A new study published in Agricultural and Forest Meteorology successfully predicts Australian wheat yield two months before the crop matures using a combination of climate and satellite data. The researchers achieved an accuracy rate of approximately 75% in their predictions, outperforming traditional statistical methods.
A study of gay and bisexual men in Melbourne found that kissing, with or without sex, was associated with a higher risk of throat gonorrhoea. The researchers suggest that this may be an important route of transmission, potentially leading to new preventive options.
Tropical Cyclone Lili forms in the Southern Indian Ocean, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its formation. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph/74 kph) and is expected to strengthen slightly before weakening towards Timor.
Research from the University of South Australia reveals that circus skills programs deliver significant mental health benefits for Australian children, with a 7:1 return on investment. Children participating in these programs showed improvements in stress relief, self-esteem, confidence, and socialization.
A recent study found that Australian potato cyst nematodes have a single origin, suggesting effective quarantine control measures. Historical specimens were analyzed using modern technologies to determine the pest's introduction and spread in Victoria, Australia.
A large study found Australian doctors are overprescribing flu antivirals to patients at low risk of complications, putting them at risk of unnecessary side effects. The indiscriminate use of antivirals can lead to increased risk of antimicrobial resistance, researchers say.
The Australian Centre for Innovative Manufacturing (ACIM) at Flinders University aims to create jobs and promote growth in strategic industries. The facility will explore the application of advanced technologies like automation, robotics, and digital assembly.
A 15 million-year-old fossil discovery reveals the ancient Egernia gillespieae was remarkably similar to modern lizards, equipped with a robust crushing jaw. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of Australia's bluetongue lizards and social skinks.
Researchers at University of Sydney have discovered an antidote to the deadly Australian box jellyfish sting, blocking necrosis, skin scarring and pain. The medicine was developed using CRISPR genome editing techniques, which identified a pathway in human cells that can be targeted by a known cholesterol-blocking drug.
The system will feature a shallow and deep water vehicle designed to connect with disabled submarines, allowing for the rescue of people trapped on board. The remotely operated submarine rescue vehicle is designed to prevent decompression sickness by matching the pressure of the disabled submarine.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that genetic makeup does not predispose people to tooth decay, but children with overweight mothers are more likely to develop cavities. The research suggests that environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle play a significant role in dental health.
A new international study found that regulators in four countries - including Canada - were only consistent in the decision to warn about potential drug safety risks 10% of the time. This lack of consistency highlights a need for better communication of important drug safety notices.
Conservationists analyzed a controversial Australian goat removal program to develop a framework for evaluating intervention options. The study highlights the importance of considering community values, avoiding assumptions, and being logically sound in conservation decisions. It recommends key attributes such as clarity, transparency,...
James Cook University scientists found that ignoring recovery between endurance and resistance training can impair endurance development. The team suggests prioritizing recovery periods and adjusting training variables such as intensity and volume to minimize fatigue between modes of training.
A randomized crossover trial found time-restricted eating improved glucose control, regardless of when the men chose to stop eating. The study's results suggest modulating meal times can improve glucose control and may lead to weight loss.
The dengue mosquito is the primary transmitter of Zika virus in Queensland, with a 50-60% transmission rate. The discovery suggests that Zika could persist in mosquito populations, posing a risk to human health.
A La Trobe University study has found that wildlife restores itself after bushfires, but the surrounding habitat determines which species survive. The research highlights the importance of considering landscape context when planning strategic burns to protect native wildlife.
A large Australian study has identified key factors contributing to poor mental health among bisexual individuals, including relationships with straight partners and negative self-perceptions. The research highlights a significant need for support and education to improve the mental well-being of bisexual Australians.
The study examined the privacy practices of popular apps for depression and smoking cessation, assessing both policy disclosures and actual data sharing. Researchers found that 36 apps shared user data with commercial third parties despite inadequate privacy policies.
A new study found that 10% of Australians drink an average of six standard drinks per day, consuming 54.4% of all alcohol consumed in the country. This group is more likely to drink cheap alcohol and experience negative health effects.
Australia has launched a $245 million national research hub to develop new generation satellite technologies, projected to boost its space industry from $3 billion to $12 billion by 2030, generating 20,000 jobs.
The National Australian Hand Hygiene Initiative has seen significant improvements in hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers, resulting in reduced risks of Staphylococcus aureus infection. The initiative's success is attributed to promoting WHO's '5 Moments for Hand Hygiene', leading to a decline in S. aureus bloodstream infec...
Researchers found commercially available fish preparations for skin prick testing varied greatly in allergen content, leading to false negative results and potential life-threatening consequences. The team is working on advanced diagnostics and therapy for seafood allergy.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Wallace as it continued to weaken off the coast of Western Australia. Wind shear has pushed the bulk of the system's clouds southeast, tearing the storm apart.
Researchers have uncovered the remains of a new species of human, Homo luzonensis, in the Philippines. The fossil discovery provides significant insights into human evolution across Southeast Asia, with unique skeletal features compared to other known hominin species.
Tropical Cyclone Wallace was sheared apart by northwesterly winds, causing its clouds to spread far inland. The storm's rotation was weakened due to wind shear, a phenomenon where winds at different altitudes push against the rotating cylinder of winds.
The study analyzed data from nearly 3,000 gay and bisexual men in Australia who received daily HIV PrEP, revealing an association between bacterial STIs and specific risk behaviors. The findings suggest that PrEP users are at higher risk of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis diagnoses.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide named ten new parasitic wasp species inspired by everyday objects like chocolate biscuits and Doctor Who aliens. The discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy in understanding and documenting ecosystems.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has recognized Greg Lyubomirsky and Radmila Matijevic for their contributions to IOF and dedication to advancing education and awareness of osteoporosis. The award is presented annually to individuals representing IOF member societies, highlighting their exceptional commitment to the field.