Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Tropical Cyclone Wallace has a more circular appearance, with an eye starting to emerge according to Australian Bureau of Meteorology. The system is forecast to strengthen over the next day or two before weakening below tropical cyclone intensity.
Tropical Cyclone 23S has developed north of the Kimberley coast and generated warnings in Western Australia. The cyclone is expected to move west-southwest while intensifying over the next four days, with a slight risk that it could approach the west Pilbara coast.
Researchers found that subterranean beetles breathe through their skin, absorbing oxygen from the surrounding water, which limits their size. This discovery sheds light on the unique adaptations of these tiny creatures living in underground aquifers.
A recent study found that psychostimulants, particularly methamphetamine, play a major role in fatal strokes among young adults. The study analyzed national data and found that nearly a fifth of fatal strokes in adults aged 15-44 were attributed to psychostimulant use.
New research reveals that global warming has made it difficult for coral reefs to recover, with a 89% decline in adult corals and a 93% drop in coral replenishment. The study's findings indicate that the Great Barrier Reef's resilience is now severely compromised by global warming.
In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the University of Sydney observed a normally live-bearing Australian lizard lay eggs and then weeks later, give birth to a live baby from the same pregnancy. This unusual reproductive trait is known as bimodality, where some individuals lay eggs while others give birth to live young.
A new book argues that the Australian government has reshaped Anzac history at memorial sites in France to serve political and commercial agendas. The glorification of Anzac is showcased by expensive museums and memorials that prioritize Australian nationalism over joint efforts with other nations.
A study by QUT researchers found that women caring for children experience a negative impact on their research output, visibility, and ability to network. Institutions should adjust publication and citation benchmarks to cater for women who have cared for children to ensure fair career advancement and funding opportunities.
A global study found that a fungal disease has caused dramatic population declines in more than 500 amphibian species, resulting in 90 extinctions. Chytridiomycosis is present in over 60 countries and is considered one of the most damaging invasive species worldwide.
A global-scale analysis reveals that chytrid fungus has caused dramatic population declines in over 500 amphibian species, including 90 extinctions, within the past 50 years. The study suggests that conservation efforts can help target future research to prevent extinctions.
Tropical Cyclone Veronica weakened due to strong vertical wind shear, causing its center to clear of clouds. The storm rapidly deteriorated and is expected to dissipate by the end of March 26.
Researchers at the Centenary Institute discovered that the tuberculosis bacterium hijacks platelets from the body's blood clotting system to weaken immune systems. Using anti-platelet drugs like aspirin, they were able to prevent hijacking and allow the body to control infection better.
Tropical Cyclone Veronica is moving slowly west southwest along the Australian coast, with its eye just off the coast. The storm is expected to weaken below tropical cyclone intensity early Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and hazardous road conditions.
A new study from Australia found that older men with higher levels of sex hormones, particularly estradiol, have lower biological age. This association remained true even after adjusting for age, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions.
A QUT-led study found a significant increase in 'technoference' over the past 13 years, with 24% of women and 15% of men identified as problematic mobile phone users. The survey also revealed correlations between problem phone use off the road and on the road, as well as increased risk-taking behaviors.
Researchers found that a diet high in antioxidants from foods like citrus fruits, capsicum, and dark green vegetables can delay the onset of age-related cataracts. The study suggests that such a diet could halve the number of people requiring cataract surgery.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Veronica is a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 175 km/h, moving slowly southwards towards the Pilbara coast. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for the region, predicting a severe coastal impact late Saturday or Sunday.
Research reveals that smokers using plain-packaged cigarettes are more likely to notice and read health warnings, think about the risks, and consider quitting due to the appearance of the pack. The study supports standardised packaging as an effective measure in reducing tobacco appeal and promoting public health.
Tropical Cyclone Trevor filled up Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria, as revealed in a NASA image. The cyclone brought severe weather conditions, including destructive winds and very heavy rainfall.
Tropical Cyclone Veronica, a Category 4 system, is moving slowly towards the Pilbara coast of Western Australia. The cyclone is expected to make landfall on March 24, near Whim Creek, with severe coastal impact likely.
Tropical Cyclone Trevor has re-emerged in the Gulf of Carpentaria after crossing Cape York Peninsula. The cyclone is expected to intensify further and make landfall near Borroloola as a category 4 severe tropical cyclone.
A new Australian drug trial has achieved a remarkable result, clearing the bone marrow of leukemia in almost 60% of patients. The combination therapy, combining venetoclax with LDAC, led to a 54% response rate and half the study population surviving longer than 10 months.
Tropical Cyclone Trevor is slowly moving just south of Lockhart River, with maximum sustained winds near the center reaching 130 kilometers per hour. The cyclone is expected to weaken as it crosses the northern Peninsula but re-intensify rapidly once it enters the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Tropical Cyclone Veronica developed off Western Australia's northern coast, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing its visible image on March 20, 2019. The system intensified over the next two days, adopting a more southerly track towards the Pilbara coast.
A new study found that the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report underestimated the threats of climate change by overemphasizing uncertainty. The report suggests that the agency's language is too cautious, hiding the true extent of human impact on the environment.
Tropical Cyclone Trevor has triggered warnings in Queensland, Australia, with NASA's Terra satellite analysis suggesting strong storm conditions. The storm is expected to reach hurricane-force and make landfall near the Queensland/Northern Territories border, prompting forecasts of heavy rainfall.
A new Australian study found that mothers who breastfeed are 34 percent less likely to die of heart disease than those who don't. Women who breastfed for up to 12 months had a lower risk of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease, with significant findings independent of socio-economic status and overall health-related lifestyle.
A recent study by Professor Andreas Lopata found that consuming certain types of n-3 fatty acids from marine oils can decrease asthma risk by up to 62%, while high n-6 consumption increases risk by up to 67%. This research suggests a potential link between fish consumption and reduced asthma severity.
Researchers used HBV genome sequences to infer ancient human migration into Australia, revealing unique viral strain and geographical connections. The study adds weight to the theory of mainland Aboriginal population separation at least 59 thousand years ago.
A new study from ANU found that 2D materials can thrive in harsh space conditions, with one material even improving its properties after exposure to intense gamma radiation. This could lead to the development of lighter and more efficient solar cells, satellite electronics, and quantum light sources.
Researchers found that increased access to e-cigarettes containing nicotine could lead to a significant health benefit, equivalent to adding 19 healthy days to the life of each living New Zealander. The study suggests that this could result in cost savings of NZ$3.4 billion due to reduced tobacco-related diseases.
A global study reveals that modern coal-fired power stations emit more ultrafine dust particles than road traffic, modifying and redistributing rainfall patterns on local to regional scales. This can lead to extreme weather events, including intense rain and dry conditions.
A new, wallaby-sized herbivorous dinosaur named Galleonosaurus dorisae has been identified from five fossilized upper jaws found in 125 million-year-old rocks in southeastern Australia. The discovery confirms that the diversity of small-bodied dinosaurs was unusually high in the ancient rift valley.
A QUT-led study found that improved hospital cleaning practices reduced healthcare-associated infections by 37% and decreased overall infection rates by 5.8%. The cleaning bundle was successful in improving thoroughness and showed promise in reducing vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections.
A study published in PLOS ONE shows that specialist clinics are the most cost-effective route for chronic wound care, with an average saving of $3,947 per patient. The research also highlights improved quality of life for patients, suggesting a more efficient use of healthcare resources.
Coastal wetlands worldwide store more carbon than forests and can double their capacity when faced with rising seas. The study found that carbon concentrations in top soil layers increased by 2-4 times, while deeper layers saw a 5-9 times increase.
A new study confirms dingoes are a distinct species in Australia, with specific characteristics that differentiate them from domestic dogs and other wild canids. The finding highlights the importance of preserving dingo populations for their ecological role in managing invasive predators.
A large-scale observational study found no association between conceiving within a year of stillbirth and increased risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, or small-for-gestational-age birth in the following pregnancy. The study included nearly 14,500 births from Australia, Finland, and Norway.
A new study finds that shark attack rates have doubled over the past 20 years in highly populated regions like the US East Coast and Southern Australia. However, the overall risk of a shark attack is still extremely low, with one in several million chances
Research tracked drinking habits of over 4,000 people from teens to thirties and found most mothers returned to pre-pregnancy drinking patterns within five years. The study also reported that 15% of mothers with a child aged five or older reported binge drinking in the past week.
Researchers at La Trobe University and CSIRO found that early sowing of winter wheats can increase Australian wheat crop yields and global food security. The approach could add $1.8 billion to the national economy, with potential yield increases of 20%.
A collection of articles from leading researchers worldwide provides an unprecedented view of the global quantum technology landscape. The articles discuss the history of supporting research in quantum technology, the timing of heavy investment, and future outlooks for each region.
A new study suggests that social connectedness can act as a protective buffer against the negative mental health effects of cyberbullying. The findings indicate that individuals with stronger social connections are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress due to cybervictimization.
The study found that Australian fairy circles were formed by physical processes such as weathering of the soil by heavy rainfall, extreme heat, and evaporation. The researchers also discovered that there is no causal relationship between termites and fairy circles.
Tropical Cyclone Oma is a large hurricane with a well-defined eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The system struggled to intensify due to its large size, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Researchers found elevated levels of enteroviruses in the intestinal tracts of children with islet autoimmunity, a precursor to Type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that these viruses may spread from the gut into the pancreas and trigger autoimmune responses.
A new special issue of JACM reports on recent naturopathy research advancements, exploring the effectiveness of whole-foods-based nutrition education and traditional knowledge in naturopathic education. The studies collectively demonstrate the potential benefits of multimodal, whole-person approaches for chronic conditions.
A new report reveals that over 1.2 million Australians with heart disease are at high risk of future events, emphasizing the need for improved secondary prevention strategies. The 'No Second Chances' report proposes pathways to enhance patient care, including a secondary prevention campaign and increased focus on cardiac rehabilitation.
Research suggests that indigenous hunters play a crucial role in maintaining food webs in the Australian desert. The absence of human activity allowed invasive species to flourish, leading to extinctions of native animals. Traditional landscape burning practices also had a significant impact on the ecosystem.
Researchers discovered that some Australian sea snakes can sense light on their tail skin, prompting them to withdraw their tails under shelter. This unique ability, found in only six species of sea snakes, helps protect their vulnerable paddle-shaped tails from predators.
Scientists sequenced DNA from nearly 200 rabbits spanning 150 years and found that modern rabbits in Australia, the UK, and France have acquired resistance to myxomatosis through cumulative genetic changes. The team also discovered that this resistance relies on multiple mutations of different genes.
Researchers found that genetic variation in immune systems of rabbits allowed them to rapidly evolve resistance to the myxoma virus. The study discovered a multi-gene basis for this resistance, which emerged similarly in populations across Australia, France, and the UK.
A new study published in The Lancet found that one brief exposure to general anesthesia does not result in measurable neurodevelopmental or behavioral problems up to the age of 5 years. However, more research is needed to confirm the findings in girls and children with multiple and prolonged exposure to anesthesia.
A team of Australian scientists has discovered that the cassowary's distinctive helmet-like structure acts as a thermal window to regulate body temperature. The research provides new insights into the bird's ability to cope with high temperatures, and may have implications for our understanding of dinosaur physiology.
Researchers at Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies and Australian Centre for Robotic Vision unveiled guiding principles for grasp type choice during object handover, facilitating human-robot cooperation. The study demonstrates that humans intuitively leave handles unobstructed to facilitate subsequent tasks.
A study by Flinders University found that middle-aged Australian women are not aware of the link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of breast cancer. The study suggests targeted messages addressing short-term risks caused by alcohol will be most effective in reducing current consumption levels.
A WVU geographer and her team will study the movement of a westerly wind belt circling Antarctica that influences Southern Hemisphere climate, carbon, and heat uptake. The project utilizes data from tree rings in Tasmania and ice cores from Antarctica to reconstruct the history of this wind belt over the last 2,000 years.
A recent study from the University of South Australia found that watching TV is strongly associated with obesity in children, even more so than other types of sitting. The research also revealed differences between boys' and girls' sedentary behaviors, with boys spending more time playing video games and having higher body fat.
A study of 190 Australian women found that workplace sexism is associated with a poorer sense of belonging, leading to poorer mental health and job satisfaction. Integrated strategies can improve mental health but better addressing sexism is key
A study published in Nature Communications found that the Great Dying, a massive extinction event 252 million years ago, likely targeted plant life before animal species. The research team discovered high concentrations of nickel in Australian sediment, which may have been released from Siberian volcanoes and poisoned plant life.