Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Researchers used two radio telescopes and several optical telescopes to study the complex mechanisms fueling jets in Centaurus A, a nearby radio galaxy. They found evidence of a galactic wind and stars existing further out than previously thought.
A research team has developed a model that predicts biodiversity on the Antarctic seafloor using satellite data and ocean currents. The model's predictions have been verified by physical sampling of seafloor sediments, providing valuable insights for conservation and management.
A new review article challenges current methods for forecasting the persistence of slow-growing species, finding that reproductive success is a more reliable predictor. Researchers argue that conservation planners often get it wrong and suggest alternative tools based on realistic parameters.
Seemingly identical sea snake populations revealed to be genetically distinct, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity. Targeted research on habitat and diet requirements is crucial to understanding the sudden disappearance of sea snakes from Australian reefs.
Maintaining at least low levels of physical activity throughout middle age was associated with lower prevalence and incidence of joint symptoms later in life. The potential protective effect of physical activity on joint symptoms was stronger in obese women than in under or normal weight women.
A new species of extinct marsupial lion, Wakaleo schouteni, has been discovered in Australia, weighing around 23 kilograms. This finding provides insights into the evolutionary relationships of marsupial lions and raises questions about their diversity.
Genetic research reveals swamp wallabies are part of the Macropus genus, which includes grey and red kangaroos. The study found shared retrotransposons with woodland wallabies, indicating a common ancestry around five to seven million years ago.
A new study finds that while the US consistently provides more funding for development assistance for health than any other country, some high-income European nations have surpassed the US's assistance in per capita and expenditure measurements. The US ranking fifth at $714 contributed to DAH for every $1 million in national income.
A study by Australian researchers demonstrates that PSMA PET scans can identify prostate cancer patients who would benefit from salvage radiation treatment. The study shows an overall treatment response of 72 percent, with men having negative or fossa-confined PSMA having the highest treatment response to SRT.
Tropical Depression Dahlia's center was found to be devoid of rainfall by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission. The storm was weakening and moving south at 10 knots, with cooler sea surface temperatures and wind shear expected to lead to its dissipation.
Australian scientist Dr. Tobias Westmeier has created the most detailed map ever of high-velocity gas clouds in the Universe, revealing over 13% of the sky is covered by these mysterious clouds. The map shows gas clouds moving at speeds of up to a few hundred kilometers per second and provides new clues about their origin.
Australian researchers have developed a new risk scoring system for children with leukaemia based on missing DNA fragments or 'microdeletions'. The study tested 475 patients and found that the new score is more accurate than the current approach, allowing doctors to better predict relapse risk.
Tropical Storm Dahlia formed under strong vertical wind shear, displacing its clouds north of the center. Infrared imagery revealed strongest thunderstorms north of the center, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
A new study led by Professor Robbie Wilson found that a player's skill is the most important factor in soccer success. Higher skill allows players to have a greater impact on the game.
A recent Australian discovery identified genes expressed in grapevine roots that limit sodium uptake, leading to more robust salt-tolerant rootstocks. This breakthrough allows for early screening of new genotypes at the seedling stage, supporting the local wine sector's sustainability.
Researchers found that providing real-time cues about sold items and current stock levels can be a viable strategy for offline merchants. Consumers tend to choose products with lower sales and fewer copies remaining in stock. However, when brand familiarity is factored in, the impact of stock level data diminishes.
Experts utilize cutting-edge imaging techniques to create a 3D virtual model of cells, enabling scientists, students, and the public to explore and interact with 'real' cell data. This approach may improve understanding of cellular processes and enhance learning, research, and public engagement.
A randomized controlled trial found that text message reminders increased vaccine uptake among eligible patients, with the greatest effect seen in children under five years old. The study suggests cost-efficient strategies to improve vaccine uptake, particularly for vulnerable populations.
A QUT study has identified social factors such as overseas arrivals, rainwater tanks, and economic status as potential dengue risk factors. The study suggests increasing surveillance and monitoring of travellers arriving in Australia to control the importation and transmission of dengue virus.
Researchers estimate that Australian smokers will lose an estimated 2.9 million years of life and 2.7 million years of productive years, resulting in a significant impact on the country's economy. The study highlights the importance of smoking prevention and the need to address this issue.
A new study indicates that the common eastern froglet can carry infections without experiencing mortality, which hinders efforts to reintroduce threatened species. The frog's wide distribution and high densities suggest it plays a key role in maintaining disease levels within ecosystems.
Over 15,000 scientists from 184 countries co-signed a warning letter highlighting the need for urgent action to avoid substantial and irreversible harm to the Earth. The letter notes that only one of nine areas has improved, including ozone depletion, forest loss, climate change, and human population growth.
A recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that Australia's highly successful HPV vaccination program has led to a significant decline in cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, an uncommon and difficult-to-treat childhood respiratory disease. As a result, medical costs related to the disease have decre...
The study found significant bleaching in Kimberley region and mild bleaching at Rottnest Island. Ningaloo Reef escaped bleaching, but experienced temperature-related coral mortality.
A comprehensive study reveals that displaying calories on menus reduces consumer calorie intake by 27 calories per meal, while retailers respond by offering more low-calorie options.
A recent study by QUT-led researchers found that only 21% of Australia's tourism strategies mention climate change, with most simply acknowledging it as an issue. The study suggests that the industry has significant room to improve and step up action on addressing climate change.
Scientists have identified a new species of orangutan, the Tapanuli orangutan, with only around 800 individuals remaining due to habitat loss and hunting. The discovery highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this critically endangered species.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that incorporating citizen science into undergraduate education significantly improves student engagement and knowledge of environmental issues. Students participating in the ClimateWatch program collected data on plant and animal life cycles, contributing valuable phenological records.
A landmark study published in The Lancet Public Health has found a link between living in houses with loose-fill asbestos insulation and an increased risk of mesothelioma and colorectal cancer. Men were 2.5 times more likely to develop mesothelioma, while rates of colorectal cancer were higher in both men and women who had lived in con...
Q-Ctrl, founded by University of Sydney's Professor Michael Biercuk, aims to provide trusted quantum control solutions for various industries. The company has attracted multimillion-dollar investments and is focused on reducing qubit errors to improve the performance of quantum devices.
Climate change poses a major threat to desert wildlife in central Australia, with feral animals such as cats and foxes exacerbating the issue. Removing introduced predators could boost rodent populations by nearly one in 10, according to new research from the University of Sydney.
Australia is currently on track to eliminate hepatitis C due to its efforts in enabling population-wide access to treatment. However, maintaining high annual treatment numbers is crucial to meet the 2030 elimination target. For hepatitis B, progress is slower, and a significant commitment is needed to achieve the elimination goals.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that removing weekend allied health services from hospitals had no significant effect on patients' length of stay or adverse events. In fact, having no services was associated with a 2% reduction in length of stay and a 3% decrease in adverse events.
A new study of over 80,000 adults found that strength-based exercise reduced the risk of premature death by 23% and cancer-related death by 31%. The research suggests that governments and public health authorities should promote strength-based guidelines to encourage long-term health and wellbeing.
A systematic review of 18 trials found that delayed clamping reduced hospital mortality by a third and increased neonatal hematocrit, confirming placental transfusion. Delayed clamping can save up to 100 additional lives per thousand very preterm babies born prematurely.
Researchers have produced a 3D map of SgK223, a molecular scaffold that plays a critical role in the development and spread of aggressive breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers. The map will enable targeting of specific regions critical for its function, potentially leading to novel strategies for cancer treatment.
A genetic study of dingoes found the species likely migrated to Australia in two separate waves via a former land bridge with Papua New Guinea. The study recommends treating genetically distinct populations as different groups for management and conservation purposes.
Researchers are developing customized 3D implants that can be printed in real-time during tumor surgery, allowing for more precise treatment of bone cancer. This innovative technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes and expand surgical options.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Monash University uncover the basis for T cell receptor autoreactivity to self-phospholipids, with implications for psoriasis, contact hypersensitivities, and allergies. The study highlights the physical structures that enable lipid recognition by T cells.
A study found that mating induces sexual inhibition in female jumping spiders, causing them to reject subsequent male suitors. Females commonly store sperm from their first mating and can use it for the rest of their lives.
A team of Australian researchers has confirmed the detection of radio waves from a gravitational wave event, providing new insights into massive bodies like black holes. The discovery was made using the CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array and marks a significant contribution to the global discovery of gravitational waves.
A QUT study found that humorous driver sleepiness advertisements can be ineffective due to drivers' expectations of shocking messages. Young Australian drivers prefer serious road safety topics over lighthearted approaches.
Scientists detected 10 key odorants in Wagyu beef, including a previously associated compound with cooked chicken, and unsaturated fatty acids play a crucial role in its aromatic process
Australian researchers have identified a gene that allows for cross-pollination in wheat, enabling the production of high-yielding hybrid wheats. This breakthrough could help meet the increased food demand predicted by 2050 and improve yield stability in challenging growing regions.
Web-based treatments have been found to significantly increase employment rates among individuals with severe mental illness. The studies show that participants worked for three times the number of hours and earned almost $2000 more than the control group.
A study of Dutch children who lost a parent to intimate partner homicide found that two-thirds had experienced violence at home before the incident. The children were often not previously known to mental health and social services, highlighting a need for better support.
Researchers analyzed 156 men's basketball games from last four Olympics to identify key factors contributing to success. The winning formula centers on field-goal percentage and defensive rebounds, with the latter providing a 93% probability of victory.
A new study maps the mysterious loss of the Tasmanian tiger from mainland Australia, tracing its history over 30,000 years. Climate change and increased human activity are found to be key causes of extinction, with a large population of thylacines living in western regions until around 3000 years ago.
A landmark trial found that older stored red blood cells are safe and associated with fewer side effects, including transfusion reactions. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, challenged common practice of allocating the oldest available compatible blood.
Fires have broken out in areas previously burned by previous fires, highlighting the ongoing risk of wildfires in Australia. Heavy rainfall and overgrowth have created fire conditions that can spread quickly, putting new areas at risk.
QUT researchers have developed Australia's first pilot facility to produce commercial grade lithium-ion batteries, utilizing processes that enable extremely safe and efficient batteries. The facility can rapidly prototype new battery formulations and cell types, potentially kick-starting an Australian battery manufacturing industry.
Scientists have discovered 74 new species of 'furnace ants' in Australia, including a bizarre species with protruding eyes. The discovery reveals an incredible diversity within the Melophorus genus, which is estimated to have arisen around 35 million years ago.
Researchers found that children can learn how to solve a puzzle on a tablet computer and transfer this learning to the same problem in the physical world. The study contradicts most previous research and suggests different screen learning media have varying effects on skill transfer.
A study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology reveals that hundreds of male frog species undergo temporary color changes during their breeding season. These color changes serve as a signal to other males, indicating which frogs are suitable partners and improving chances of successful pairings.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that HPV testing detects a higher number of precancerous cervical lesions compared to cytology-based Pap smears in women offered HPV vaccination. The study showed significant improvements in detection rates for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) with HPV testing.
Laws designed to stop terrorism are often too vague, leading to uncertainty in charities' everyday operations. Charities may be forced to change their ways due to unclear legislation, potentially discouraging worthwhile activities.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism that may explain how temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere spiked several degrees centigrade during the last global ice age. The study suggests Antarctica plays a role too, and linked melting ice there to rapid atmospheric warming in the North Atlantic.
Branching Acropora corals, once a dominant reef-building species, now represent less than 5% of living corals on the Great Barrier Reef. The decline in resilience is linked to discrete disturbances during the early to mid-20th century.
A new site in Australia has revealed up to 15 gloomy octopuses communicating and interacting with each other, challenging the idea that octopuses are solitary creatures. The discovery supports the notion that octopuses can congregate and socialize under certain conditions.
Researchers have uncovered a wealth of information about ancient wetlands on North Stradbroke Island, which offer never-before-seen insights into climate change since the last ice age. The discovery provides a unique window into past climate and environments, shedding light on how plants and animals survived in a dry climate.