Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
A new study found extensive loss of branching corals and changes in coral community structure on the Palm Islands over the past century. The area's hard coral cover is declining, with recovery severely lagging behind predictions.
For the first time, astronomers have measured how a galaxy's spin affects its shape, finding that faster-spinning galaxies are flatter and spiral galaxies with faster spins have more circular disks. The study used a new instrument, SAMI, to analyze data from 845 galaxies.
A new Australian study reveals hip fractures are a major public health issue with high morbidity and mortality rates. The research found that individuals with hip fractures were 3.5 times more likely to die within 12 months compared to non-injured counterparts, with excess mortality risk higher in males than females.
A new QUT study reveals that drivers find it difficult to ignore a ringing phone but do ignore the dangers, with 45% believing locating and answering is not as risky as talking or texting. Drivers underestimate the distracting dangers of passive phone use, adapting their behavior only when actively using their phone.
A new study using old nautical charts and satellite data found that more than half of the coral reef habitat mapped in the 1770s was no longer there, with some areas experiencing up to 90% loss. The research has important conservation implications and highlights the need for a shifted spatial baseline.
The Australian arts sector faces significant challenges, including a lack of national cultural policy and disruption from changing governments. Experts suggest talent development, audience engagement, innovation, and new income streams are key to reinvigorating the sector.
An Australian anthropologist believes a 1818 Indian newspaper article reveals the fate of La Pérouse's crew, who survived shipwreck on the Great Barrier Reef near Murray Island. The crew spent several months building a small vessel to return to France before being forgotten.
Researchers at James Cook University found sophisticated tactics being used to smuggle illicit alcohol into remote Indigenous communities. Sly grog traders sell alcohol for inflated prices, often up to 11 times its retail value. The study highlights the need for collaborative responses involving law enforcement and social services.
Researchers have discovered that Australian tiger snake venom is highly conserved across species, making the corresponding antivenom effective against many other snake bites. This finding has significant human medical benefits and upends a long-held theory on venom evolution.
A new international collaboration aims to identify common neurodevelopmental pathways and probable environmental triggers for cerebral palsy. The group is pooling data from genetically and clinically characterized cases to lay the groundwork for clinical trials and better management of the condition.
Researchers from Australian National University discovered ancient sedimentary rocks revealing molecular fossils that indicate the emergence of algae, a pivotal moment in ecosystems. This event led to the evolution of complex life, including humans.
The discovery of two new beetle genera and four new species from the Australopacific Region highlights the diversity of saprinine hister beetles. The newly described insects feature interesting morphologies and ecologies, with some species dependent on ants or termites for survival.
Researchers found that high levels of silicon concentrations decrease insect growth and root consumption by up to 71%. Silicon helps plants build phytoliths, making them less digestible to insects, and triggering an immune system response. This natural defense mechanism could provide a sustainable solution for crop protection.
Research finds that human activities such as urbanization and forest fragmentation alter fruit bat habitats, increasing the risk of Hendra virus transmission to humans. The study highlights the importance of preserving ecosystem integrity and habitat suitability to mitigate this risk.
Researchers studied viruses from different eras to understand how they evade the host's immune response. Viruses collected in the 1990s are more effective at suppressing immune systems than those from the 1950s, leading to severe symptoms and high mortality rates.
A study by University of Queensland researchers has confirmed that microbial communities necessary for plant development have a significant impact on crop and plant yields. The study also found that plants' limited ability to vertically transmit microorganisms between generations is a key factor in their relationship with microbes.
Researchers have discovered evidence of modern human presence in West Sumatra, dating back to 73,000 years ago, suggesting a possible early migration to Australia. The findings, published in Nature, shed new light on the origins of humans in Southeast Asia and challenge the current timeline.
A study of over 300 galaxies found that heavier galaxies spin more slowly due to their mass, contradicting earlier theories. The research used the Sydney-AAO Multi-object Integral field spectrograph to measure galaxy rotation rates.
A study of over 3000 asthma patients in Australia and New Zealand found that while more expensive medication was used in Australia, similar treatment outcomes were achieved despite better adherence to medication in the cheaper-medicine country. The findings suggest that policy differences play a significant role in asthma management.
Researchers from UT Tyler and Sugar Research Australia used TACC supercomputers to analyze genetic data from affected and unaffected plants. They created a reference genome for sugarcane's transcriptome, allowing them to explore gene expression related to the disease.
Marriages with significant spousal age gaps experience declining marital satisfaction over time, particularly after 6-10 years. Couples with large age gaps are more susceptible to economic shocks, leading to increased marital dissatisfaction.
A team of researchers found that the Kangaroo Island trapdoor spider belongs to a genus only found in South Africa, but migrated to Australia across the Indian Ocean. The study suggests that the spiders used land 'rafts' to cross the ocean, rewriting the history of arachnid dispersal.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that an Australian trapdoor spider diverged from its African relatives two million years ago, contradicting the theory of geographical separation. The researchers propose that long-distance dispersal across the ocean may have played a key role in the spider's evolutionary history.
Scientists have identified over 17,000 protein coding genes in the genomes of two closely related megapests, providing a detailed understanding of their genetics and potential weaknesses. This information could lead to the development of new pest management strategies and reduce control costs by billions of dollars annually.
Researchers will drill into the seafloor of Zealandia, examining a shift in plate movement that occurred 50 million years ago. The expedition aims to understand the timing and causes of this change, which led to the development of new volcanoes and changes in ocean circulation patterns.
The University of Sydney and Microsoft have partnered to create a premier centre for quantum computing, focusing on scaling up the technology and its applications. The partnership aims to build a rich and robust local quantum economy, attracting skilled people and investing in new equipment.
Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena reconstructed a 300 million-year-old beetle from Australia, shedding new light on the earliest developments in beetles. The 'Bad Boy' exhibits an unorthodox mix of ancestral and modern characteristics, challenging traditional beetle classification.
A recent study found that parents have a significant impact on their teenagers' decisions regarding alcohol, with parental behavior and attitudes being key factors in preventing or delaying underage drinking. The study suggests that parents should discuss alcohol use with their children, set clear expectations, and avoid binge drinking.
A major stormfront study reveals shifting storms bring unprecedented danger from climate change, damaging waterfront areas once thought safe. The study found 11.5 million cubic metres of sand eroded in just three days, equivalent to filling the Melbourne Cricket Ground seven times.
A study of preoperative patients for rhinoplasty found that poor mental well-being and low self-esteem are associated with poorer perceptions of nasal function. Patients with good mental health reported better nasal function, regardless of body dysmorphic concerns.
A team of archaeologists has confirmed the existence of Aboriginal people in Australia for at least 65,000 years, significantly earlier than previously believed. The discovery reveals a sophisticated toolkit and evidence of ochre processing techniques, shedding new light on local customs and lifestyle.
Researchers have found and dated artifacts in northern Australia indicating human arrival around 65,000 years ago. This new date calls into question the argument that humans caused the extinction of unique megafauna, suggesting a coexistence view of early humans and wildlife.
Expedition 371 investigates shift in Pacific Plate movement, which formed subduction zone and altered ocean circulation patterns. Cores collected at six Tasman Sea sites will help scientists understand timing and causes of these changes and their impact on Earth's climate.
Researchers at James Cook University found that a specific sound frequency and pulse rate attract more reproductive female cane toads, making it easier to control the population. This technique may be used for large-scale eradication of island populations but not mainland Australia.
Researchers found a clear correlation between winter temperatures and beak size, with the coldest winters associated with the smallest beaks. This study challenges previous theories on the driving forces behind beak evolution and provides new insights into the relationship between climate and morphological traits.
Researchers discovered ancient plankton-like microfossils in South African and Australian rocks, dating back 3.4 billion years. The fossils' unique morphology and carbon isotope values suggest they had planktonic stages in their life cycles.
A new technique allows users to hide both data and program from the quantum computer, even with classical communication. The scheme uses entangled qubits and measurement-based computing to create ambiguity, making it difficult for the computer to determine the true calculation.
Scientists identify a protein that suppresses the body's key antiviral reaction, leading to stronger or more virulent disease. A new prototype drug has been found effective in suppressing disease caused by influenza infection.
A study found that phthalates, widely used in consumer products, are linked to cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and high blood pressure in men. Higher phthalate levels were also associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers.
Researchers expose burrowing bettongs to feral cats, observing improved evasion behaviors and increased vigilance. The study suggests this technique could aid the reintroduction of threatened Australian mammals onto the mainland.
Researchers warn of increased risk of cryptosporidiosis due to drought conditions and inadequate water storage. Collaboration is key to reducing infection cases, say experts from the Australian National University.
The discovery of Nataliyamalikite reveals insights into metals extraction and geological processes. The new mineral's crystal structure was determined using advanced microscopy techniques, shedding light on its properties.
Researchers at Australian National University (ANU) have designed a new nano material that can reflect or transmit light on demand with temperature control. This innovation offers potential protection for astronauts in space from harmful radiation, increasing resistance threshold against radiation compared to current technologies.
A new bush tomato species has been discovered in Limmen National Park, and named after Senior Botanist Peter Jobson. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting natural areas and supporting conservation efforts.
A new global health trial found that family-led stroke rehabilitation is ineffective in reducing disability and improving recovery outcomes. The ATTEND trial, published in The Lancet, suggests that effective rehabilitation requires professionals with years of training and specialized expertise.
Research highlights common factors and advantages between human-animal co-sleeping and adult-child co-sleeping. Co-sleeping has been practiced across cultures, but its benefits and drawbacks are often overlooked, according to Australian researchers.
A genetic study suggests that human genes for coronary artery disease contribute to greater numbers of children, providing an evolutionary trade-off between early-life reproductive benefits and later-life disease costs. The study uses genome-wide scans and lifetime reproductive data to identify genetic variation linked to the disease.
A new guide, Ensuring a Smooth Journey, aims to make air travel simpler and less stressful for people with dementia. The guide provides step-by-step advice on navigating Brisbane Airport's terminals, including planning and preparing for trips, managing at the airport, and choosing seats.
New fossil research from the University of Adelaide suggests that the ancestors of the iconic New Zealand Christmas Tree, P?hutukawa, may have originated in Australia. The fossils, found near St Helens, East Coast Tasmania, date back to around 25 million years ago and describe two new species of Metrosideros.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that T-cells in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) are exhausted, leading to reduced responsiveness and secretion of mediators. This finding may help distinguish between different types of IBS and improve diagnosis and treatment options.
Griffith University researchers used Australia's fastest camera to measure the time it takes for molecules to break apart, achieving a record-breaking 15 millionth of a billionth of a second. This breakthrough could help design new molecules for materials science and drug discovery.
Twenty PhD candidates from four universities in Singapore compete at Nanyang Technological University for the main prize of EUR 2,000 to attend the Asia-Pacific 3MT event. The 3MT competition aims to hone communication and presentation skills among young researchers.
Researchers are developing new approach to computer technology, using mechanical vibrations for computations in aerospace applications. This method makes the computers more robust to radiation exposure and has potential for future commercial impacts.
Researchers at Australian National University have developed a new treatment for acute myeloid leukemia that reduces cancer cells and cancer stem cells. This innovative approach uses a compound called CX-5461 to target protein-making processes within cancer cells, leading to promising preclinical results.
A study by the University of Adelaide found that wine label descriptions alter consumer emotions, increase wine liking, and encourage higher prices. Elaborate descriptions evoke more positive emotions, improving quality perception and willingness to pay.
Researchers have discovered the oldest securely aged fossil evidence of modern humans in Africa, pushing back their origins by 100,000 years. The findings from Jebel Irhoud, Morocco, reveal a complex evolutionary history of mankind that likely involved the entire African continent.
Professor Coaldrake was recognised for his role in helping turn Brisbane into an international creative hub for education, innovation and knowledge. He has overseen the development of QUT's Learning Potential Fund, which provides scholarships and bursaries for students from low SES backgrounds.
A 30-year study of Murray-Darling Basin wetlands reveals a 72% decline in waterbird numbers due to dam construction and water diversion. Reduced water flow has significant implications for river management worldwide.
A recent study investigates the association between prenatal alcohol exposure and child craniofacial shape at 12 months, emphasizing the need for safe drinking habits during pregnancy. The research underscores the risks of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and provides guidance for pregnant women and their families.
An international team of researchers detected gravitational waves from a binary black hole system, providing evidence that black holes in binary systems may not be aligned. The discovery highlights the need for further improvements in detector sensitivity to explore the universe.