Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Tropical Cyclone Iris is weakening and moving away from the Queensland coast as it continues to move southeast. The cyclone's wind speeds decreased to 52 mph near its center, with cloud top temperatures indicating potential for heavy rainfall.
Astronomers have discovered an isolated neutron star with low magnetic field located beyond our Milky Way galaxy using the MUSE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope in Chile. The neutron star is surrounded by a ring of gas that includes neon and oxygen.
Research found that Australian offshore island emus were smaller versions of their mainland relatives and their body size correlated to the size of their inhabited islands. The study analyzed DNA and bone measurements of extinct small emus on King Island, Tasmania, and Kangaroo Island.
A tropical cyclone weakened to a low pressure area off Queensland's coast but strengthened into a Category 1 storm on April 2. NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of the storm, showing a thick band of thunderstorms surrounding its center.
The introduction of tamper-resistant oxycodone in Australia led to a decrease in dispensing rates for higher-strength formulations among people under 65 years old. However, poisonings from injected oxycodone remained unchanged despite this shift.
A study found that 90% of coastal freshwater turtle species will be affected by sea level rise by 2100, with some species losing up to 30% of their range. Researchers warn that turtles may not be able to adapt quickly enough to changing environments, threatening their survival.
Tropical Cyclone Nora strengthened into a hurricane as observed by NASA satellite imagery, with an eye forming and powerful thunderstorms wrapping around it. The cyclone is forecast to continue intensifying and making landfall in southwestern Queensland on March 27.
Tropical Cyclone 16P has developed over the Arafura Sea, located between Australia's north coast and New Guinea. The storm is moving east at 4.6 mph and is expected to intensify as it enters the Gulf of Carpentaria.
A series of papers warns that low back pain is a major health burden globally, with over 540 million people affected. The condition is poorly understood and being mismanaged medically, leading to unnecessary harm and costly treatments.
A new Series in The Lancet highlights the extent to which low back pain is mistreated, with patients often receiving education and advice instead of evidence-based treatments. Key findings include high rates of opioid prescription and limited exercise prescriptions, even in countries with high-income counterparts.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of 57 platypuses across Eastern Australia and Tasmania, establishing a family history and kinship in unprecedented detail. The study provides insights into population structure, diversity, and evolutionary forces at work, shedding light on the conservation challenges facing this unique species.
The World Mosquito Program launches a self-sustaining program in La Paz, Mexico, using Wolbachia mosquitoes to provide long-lasting protection against dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. The initiative aims to strengthen community resilience against emerging health threats.
The VIIRS instrument aboard NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a true-color image of Tropical Cyclone Marcus on March 18, 2018. The storm brought hurricane-force wind gusts to Darwin, Australia, and was moving west at 16 mph per hour.
Tropical Cyclone Marcus has developed off Australia's Northern Territory coast, with NASA's Aqua satellite providing a visible light image of the storm. The cyclone is expected to move southwest, gradually turning to the west and affecting Darwin and eastern parts of Melville Island.
A study of over 10,000 Australian students found that those who were older for their grade had higher academic self-confidence and were more likely to enroll in college. The study suggests that strict regulations on school starting ages may have unintended consequences for younger students.
Astronomers have discovered that all galaxies rotate at the same rate, with a sharp edge containing older stars, gas, and young stars. This regularity helps understand galaxy mechanics, enabling more efficient observations and reduced processing power.
New research published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that gun laws in Australia stopped mass shootings altogether between 1996 and 2018, with no incidents reported during this period.
Researchers from ANU have created a comprehensive study on the origins of people in Vanuatu, using DNA analyses and archaeological evidence. The results confirm that Vanuatu's first people arrived 3,000 years ago from South East Asia, with Papuan arrivals following shortly after.
A recent study found that 49% of patients on cholesterol medications did not receive the recommended annual HDL-C test, while 19% received more tests than needed. The study estimates that this leads to a yearly expenditure of A$4.3 million due to overutilisation and A$11.3 million in cost savings from underutilisation.
The special issue presents 13 research papers by 35 authors on contemporary myriapod research, including new species discoveries and molecular phylogenetic studies. The collection also includes an editorial and a paper on the online platform VIRMISCO.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have successfully observed controllable interactions between two atom qubits made of phosphorus atoms in a silicon chip. The discovery is a significant milestone for building a quantum computer, as it demonstrates the ability to manipulate the spin correlations of electrons in these tiny devices.
Research by NICM Health Research Institute and Western Sydney University finds effective childbirth education programmes can reduce caesarean births, saving the healthcare system millions annually. The study suggests antenatal education could reduce birth-related healthcare costs by up to nine percent.
Scientists warn that introducing a virus to control the common carp population may harm ecosystems. The Australian government's plan is based on limited data and may not be effective in reducing carp populations without causing environmental damage.
A study found that self-compassion can weaken the link between perfectionism and depression in both adolescents and adults. The research suggests that self-compassion interventions could help mitigate the negative effects of perfectionism, paving the way for future experimental studies.
A new model based on ground-running birds can predict the locomotion of bipedal dinosaurs by analyzing their speed and body size. The BIRDS Model uses just two inputs to estimate stride length and force exerted per step, providing insights into extinct theropod dinosaur movement.
Tropical Storm 10S has formed about 50 miles west of Broome, Australia, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is expected to strengthen rapidly and make landfall between Broome and Port Hedland on Sunday, Feb. 18.
A study published in PLOS ONE has identified two new muscles in the horseshoe crab's pushing leg and male pedipalp using CT scans, expanding our understanding of this iconic creature's anatomy.
A new systematic review of eleven clinical trials involving nearly 500 participants found that cupping therapy has a high risk of bias and inconsistent results. The authors concluded that no conclusive recommendations for or against the use of cupping in sports performance can be made until further trials are carried out.
A new study reveals that efforts to discourage benzodiazepine use among older adults are showing progress, with prescription rates declining by seven percentage points since 2010. However, many prescriptions are still being written, highlighting the need for continued education and alternative treatments.
A new study suggests adapting the WHO eradication strategy for yaws by implementing multiple rounds of mass drug administration and targeting a broader geographic area. The research found that this approach can capture those not present during the first round and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.
A multinational research team led by Army scientists successfully induced a controlled release of stored isotopic energy using a physical effect involving atomic electrons. This achievement marks a step in the Army's quest for alternative energy sources for new types of batteries.
Scientists found wild Australian magpies from larger groups showed increased intelligence and produced more offspring. The research suggests that living in complex social groups may drive the evolution of intelligence.
A new hypertension disease gene has been identified by Ute Scholl's team, which alters blood pressure regulation. The study focused on familial hyperaldosteronism type II, an inherited condition causing high blood pressure due to overproduction of aldosterone.
A new research from the University of Sydney suggests that athletes who delay specialising until later years may be more successful. The study found that younger swimmers were over-represented at lower age categories but relatively older swimmers excelled at higher levels.
A six-year study found no benefits or protective effects of giving teenagers alcohol when compared to those not given alcohol. Parental provision was associated with increased likelihood of accessing alcohol through other sources. The study advises against supplying alcohol to teenagers to reduce risk of alcohol-related harms.
A recent study by UCI researchers found that the severity of hottest days has increased faster than global average temperature rise, with cities amplifying heat island effects. The accelerated growth in short-term extreme-heat events has severe human tolls, including lost lives and damage to infrastructure.
Researchers found that invasive cane toads can rapidly adjust their thermal tolerance in response to cool conditions, a trait present in two cool-climate populations from Australia and Hawaii. This discovery has significant implications for predicting the spread of invasive species.
Wild Australian rice's unique genetics hold the key to improving drought tolerance, pest resistance, and nutritional benefits in commercial rice production. The study reveals that northern Australia's wild rices contain valuable genetic diversity closely related to domesticated rice, which can be cross-bred for improved crop resilience.
A large-scale study has shown that steroid treatment can reduce the duration of septic shock and time spent on life support therapy, but not necessarily lead to fewer deaths. The trial involved 3800 patients across five countries and found that steroids led to a more rapid resolution of shock and earlier discharge from intensive care.
A new study found that some building blocks of the Pentagon and Empire State Building were made by microbes up to 340 million years ago. The material, oolitic limestone, is composed of concentric layers of mineralized microbes debunking the popular snowball theory.
Research by Anglia Ruskin University reveals female fiddler crabs prioritize accelerating courtship displays over constant or slowing ones. The findings suggest that females value males' quality based on their ability to perform demanding activities, conserving energy until necessary.
Researchers discovered significantly smaller eyes and tails in fish from coral reefs subjected to intense commercial shark fishing, highlighting the impact of human-driven shark declines on marine ecosystems. This finding underscores the urgent need to understand the consequences of shark removals on ecosystem dynamics.
A study found that US naturalization rates are lower compared to countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK. Low-income immigrant applicants often face challenges due to the high cost of naturalization fees, hindering their ability to become citizens.
Tropical Cyclone Joyce made landfall along the Pilbara Coast in Western Australia, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots. The cyclone is expected to weaken as it tracks southwest through the region, but will continue to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
NASA's JPSS-1 satellite captured visible images of Tropical Cyclone Joyce as it moved south along the northwestern Australian coast on January 11. The cyclone had maximum sustained winds near 45 knots and was forecast to make landfall near Wallal Downs mid-day local time on January 12.
A new study by Dartmouth College researchers reveals that at least 1% of U.S. voting-age adults change their partisan preference from Democrat to Republican on rainy election days, attributing this shift to a psychological behavior where voters are more averse to risk during poor weather conditions.
A new study in The Lancet Psychiatry found that tamper-resistant oxycodone tablets had no significant effect on rates of opioid use or harms at a population level. However, the study did find that people who inject drugs were less likely to tamper with the tablets, suggesting a potential benefit for this group.
A new species of turkey-sized herbivorous dinosaur, Diluvicursor pickeringi, has been discovered in 113 million year old rocks in southeastern Australia. The fossilized tail and foot bones provide significant information about the diversity of small, bipedal ornithopods that roamed the Australian-Antarctic rift valley.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found that frozen embryos can lead to the same number of live births as fresh embryos in IVF. Researchers investigated 800 infertile women and found equivalent pregnancy and live birth rates between frozen and fresh embryo groups.
Tropical Depression 5S formed with sustained winds of 30 knots and was consolidating off Western Australia's coast. NASA satellite data showed a band of thunderstorms with temperatures as low as -90 degrees Celsius, capable of producing heavy rainfall.
A new study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that more than 80% of bone loss in post-menopausal women is due to cortical bone, not trabecular. Cortical bone loss is likely to contribute to the occurrence of fractures in these women.
Restasis, approved by FDA in 2003, shows no direct improvement in symptoms but is marketed as treatment for chronic dry eye disease. The drug's extensive marketing campaign created a perceived need, driving $8.8 billion in US sales between 2009 and 2015.
Tropical Cyclone Hilda formed near Australia's northwest coast, with NASA's GPM satellite detecting heavy precipitation. The storm intensified to a tropical storm before dissipating over land, bringing a Tropical Cyclone Warning to the region.
Scientists have discovered a new species of marine spider in Australia, Desis bobmarleyi, which has adapted to underwater life by hiding in barnacle shells and building air chambers from silk. The species is characterized by its predominantly red-brown colors and orange-brown legs with dark grey hair-like structures.
The collision produced gravitational waves and detected radio waves, which led to the discovery of a 'cocoon', a broader outflow of radio-emitting material, rather than a fast-moving jet. This finding provides more insight into short gamma-ray bursts.
Researchers uncovered 28 rock art sites on the island of Kisar, measuring just 81 square kilometers, with images depicting boats, dogs, horses, people holding shields, and playing drums. The discovery suggests a stronger shared history between Kisar and neighboring Timor.
The new chip design enables millions of qubits to be integrated and processed simultaneously, solving complex problems exponentially faster than conventional computers. The UNSW-led team's innovative approach incorporates error-correcting codes and sophisticated protocols to control the vast array of quantum bits.
Archaeologist Sue O'Connor discovered the world's oldest known fish-hooks placed in a burial ritual on Alor Island, Indonesia. The five hooks date back to the Pleistocene era and provide evidence that fishing equipment was viewed as essential for transition to the afterlife.
A new study of 25,348 individuals in the UK and 9,206 in Australia found similar levels of relationship quality among gay/lesbian couples as heterosexual counterparts. The study provides evidence against common misconceptions about same-sex relationships being conflictual or unhappy.
The current flu vaccine is predicted to be effective against the majority of H3N2 flu viruses in the US, but may not protect against minority groups. Scientists have identified a mutation that can shift the vaccine virus to the minority group, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.