Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Researchers at Griffith University are developing highly sensitive nanoscale sensors to monitor strain, pressure, flow rate, magnetic field and temperature in harsh environments. The project aims to improve the safety and efficiency of oil and gas delivery systems in Australia.
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.
Researchers discovered that microorganisms initiate beachrock formation, providing a natural coastline stabilisation strategy for vulnerable sandy beaches on coral reef cays. This finding could help protect unique habitats and prevent erosion of these critical ecosystems.
A QUT study found that drivers can respond safely to emergency situations despite multiple road signs displayed at the same location. Drivers correctly chose their destination regardless of single or multiple signs, and reaction times were not significantly affected.
A recent study reveals a 400% surge in premature and potentially preventable deaths of Australian nursing home residents over the past decade. Falls and choking were responsible for most unintentional deaths, with a smaller number attributed to clinical care complications or intentional acts such as suicide and assault.
The UK's two-tier system balances individual concerns about genetic discrimination with insurer needs, while Australia and Canada face challenges in regulating insurers' use of genetic information. A comparative study found that the UK's moratorium on predictive genetic test results for life insurance policies below £500,000 helps main...
Extreme rainfall in northeastern Australia exceeded 374 mm near Queensland coast, with storms associated with a low-pressure trough. The heavy rainfall was the heaviest since tropical cyclone Debbie hit Queensland in late March.
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) has successfully detected its first fast radio burst (FRB), marking a major breakthrough in this elusive field of astronomy. The detection was made using an innovative strategy, allowing the telescope to scan a larger area of the sky and increasing its chances of finding FRBs.
Researchers use computational fluid dynamics to analyze Parvancorina's shape and movement, finding evidence of rheotaxis and suggesting a more active lifestyle. The study challenges the conventional view of ancient ocean life and suggests that strong currents played a major role in shaping these enigmatic organisms.
Next-generation rechargeable batteries require high energy density and cost efficiency. Functional membrane separators improve cycling stability in various battery systems. Smart and sustainable separators enhance safety performance by creating homogeneous environments for lithium deposition.
A new study by Deakin University found that removing full sugar soft drinks from sports centers led to a significant decrease in sales volume of 'red' ready-to-drink beverages and an increase in sales volume of 'green' (healthy) drinks. Overall sales remained unchanged, but the proportion of green drinks sold increased.
A new study by Dr John Dwyer and Professor Daniel Laughlin has improved understanding of how climatic stress controls plant diversity in Australian wildflower communities. The research found that species with different combinations of traits can grow together in certain environments, but are likely to struggle under climate change.
New research examines the global phenomenon of toy unboxing on social media platforms, revealing both empowering and exploitative aspects. The study suggests that while some argue for strict regulation, others see it as an educational tool and business opportunity.
Researchers from Netherlands Institute of Ecology launch a new approach to studying extreme climatic events and their long-term impact on nature. The study highlights the difficulty in predicting consequences due to varying species responses, but also identifies key areas for future research.
Researchers found a significant association between respiratory infections and increased heart attack risk, with a 17-fold increase in the seven days following an infection. The study suggests that even mild upper respiratory tract infections can elevate the risk of heart attacks.
Research suggests that a 1.5C temperature increase will lead to twice as many extreme ocean heat events like the 2016 Great Barrier Reef damage, while a 2C rise triples the odds of mass bleaching. The study models thousands of years under different scenarios and finds keeping temperatures below 1.5C reduces extreme events and costs.
A new study links high-altitude cooling around Antarctica to climate change in the subtropics, affecting Southeast Asia's rainfall patterns. The research uses sediment cores from the Australian continental shelf, providing a long-term history of climate changes.
Scientists discovered fossil evidence of early life in ancient hot spring deposits in Western Australia, pushing back the earliest known existence of inhabited terrestrial hot springs by 3 billion years. The discovery has implications for the origin of life and its potential preservation on Mars.
A new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology has found that energy drinks can trigger serious cardiac events, including arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, in individuals with congenital long QT syndrome. The researchers warn young patients with this genetic condition to exercise caution when consuming energy drinks.
Scientists at ANU analyzed ancient zircon mineral grains to reconstruct the early Earth's surface. The study reveals that the planet remained relatively quiet and calm for its first 700 million years, with no major mountain-building events or continental collisions.
A monitor lizard species from the island of New Ireland in northern Papua New Guinea has been re-described and found to be a separate species from the common mangrove monitor. The species, Varanus douarrha, was lost in a shipwreck over 180 years ago.
Tropical cyclone Frances strengthened in the western Timor Sea, with NASA satellites capturing visible and rainfall data. The storm's maximum sustained winds were estimated at 50 knots (57.5 mph), with strong convective storms near the center dropping rain at a rate of over 70 mm per hour.
Researchers at the Australian National University have identified two rare plant species, Daviesia schwarzenegger and Daviesia devito, named after the iconic movie duo. The plants are found in South Eastern Australia and are ecologically important nitrogen fixers, but are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss.
Tropical Storm Frances has formed in the Beagle Gulf, east of Darwin, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing clear images of the storm. The storm is expected to intensify as it moves southwest through the Timor Sea and may develop into a Category 2 system early on Friday.
Researchers from Australian National University have found that parturition scars on skeletal remains are not a reliable indicator of childbirth. The technique has been used in police investigations to narrow down identities, but it could lead to complications or delays if incorrectly applied.
Researchers have developed a new theoretical framework to identify computations that occupy the 'quantum frontier', the boundary between problems solvable by classical and quantum computers. The study shows that these computations can be performed with near-term, intermediate quantum computers.
Peter Coaldrake, QUT Vice-Chancellor, receives CASE Asia-Pacific Leadership Award for his inspirational guidance and development of a strong culture of advancement at QUT. The university has reimagined courses, established research institutes, and grown its philanthropic culture under his leadership.
New research suggests that Australia's desert region has huge potential for growth and development, particularly with investments in renewable energy, housing, and transport. The team aims to create a more livable and prosperous area for existing and new residents, in concert with the preferred lifestyles of Aboriginal peoples.
Researchers at University of Washington and Texas A&M University discovered a new genus and species of clingfish using digital scans. The duckbilled clingfish has an impressive number of tiny, conical teeth, estimated to be 10 times what all other known clingfish have.
Researchers identified a new form of blackhat search engine optimization targeting local listing services like Google Maps. Scammers exploit location-based search to make fake businesses appear in users' searches.
Two extra-tropical cyclones caused widespread flooding in New Zealand, with Cyclone Cook adding to the heavy rainfall. IMERG data shows that over 80 mm of rain fell in many areas, with some receiving heavy downpours, and thousands of residents were evacuated due to extreme weather.
A study published in Nature Communications found that migratory shorebirds are declining due to dependence on mudflats in the Yellow Sea. The researchers analyzed citizen science data and found that even brief visits to the mudflats were crucial for population trends.
A wild-born dingo named Sandy Maliki won the World's Most Interesting Genome competition with 41% of international votes. The UNSW-led project aims to sequence Sandy's genome and uncover genes related to temperament and behavior, shedding light on the transition from wild animals to domestic pets.
Tropical Cyclone Ernie strengthened into a hurricane with an eye forming in visible images captured by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm was located near Western Australia, moving south at 5 knots with maximum sustained winds of 109 mph.
Researchers used a unique wave tank to study wind-generated waves and found that rogue waves are more likely than expected. The experiment provided crucial information on the mathematical likelihood of these extreme events.
A popular online game's data suggests linguistic and cultural factors influence language accuracy. Players were better at identifying languages geographically far apart and with distinct sounds. Cultural associations also play a role in correct identifications.
A study found that sustained smoking abstinence with e-cigarettes was more likely in countries with fewer restrictions on their sale and use. In the US and UK, 73% of EC users reported sustained cigarette abstinence, compared to 32% in Canada and Australia.
The African Plant Biosecurity Network has gained strong commitments from members, partners, and regional agencies to ensure its long-term success. The network aims to improve national and regional quarantine and plant protection capacity, lifting crop yields and enabling safe regional trade.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that most Airbnb hosts in Manhattan make less than $10,000 a year, with nearly two-thirds of listings booked less than 30 days. Meanwhile, a small share of hosts generates the majority of the revenue, with top earners capturing 80% of all revenue.
New research finds that lead bullets used at shooting ranges can cause serious health problems, particularly for women of child-bearing age. The study suggests a transition to copper bullets and lead-free primers is necessary to mitigate these risks.
A team of researchers has discovered a unique assemblage of prehistoric artefacts, including disc-shaped beads and pendant objects, dated to between 30,000 to 22,000 years ago. The findings challenge the theory that Pleistocene human culture declined in sophistication as Homo sapiens ventured beyond India into Southeast Asia.
The remnant clouds and showers associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie were slowly moving off the coasts of Queensland and New South Wales. Heavy rainfall generated by Debbie continues to trigger warnings for rivers, with several flood warnings still in effect.
NASA analyzed heavy rainfall from ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie using the Terra satellite, finding totals exceeded 500 mm (~ 20 inches) along parts of its track. Rainfall intensities dropped rapidly as the storm moved over land, with the most extreme falls recorded along the coast where it made landfall.
Researchers propose a smart system to reduce long queues at certain roundabout approaches, using magnetic detection devices under the road surface to activate traffic metering signals. The system can delay and length of vehicle lines up by up to 60% while also reducing pollutant emissions as motorists stop less frequently.
A mathematical model suggests that slime molds can find an optimal physical distribution through a maze when exposed to intermittent light, which mimics real-world changing conditions. This finding aligns with properties of self-organized systems and may influence adaptive abilities in biological systems.
A PhD student is conducting research on the Australian night parrot, a cryptic and nocturnal species from arid Australia. Preliminary data suggests low breeding success rates, but the project aims to improve conservation efforts through studies of ecology and survival in arid landscapes.
Tropical Cyclone Debbie intensified into a powerful hurricane affecting eastern Queensland's coast, with NASA capturing its eye and strongest storms on March 27, 2017. The storm is forecast to make landfall between Ayr and Cape Hillsborough, prompting severe warnings for residents.
Tropical Cyclone Debbie has formed and strengthened in the Southern Pacific Ocean, threatening eastern Queensland, Australia. Powerful thunderstorms have developed around the center of circulation, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong uplift and heavy rain potential.
A team of palaeontologists has discovered an unprecedented 21 different types of dinosaur tracks on the Dampier Peninsula coastline. The diversity of these tracks makes the area globally unparalleled and provides a unique glimpse into Australia's dinosaur fauna during the Early Cretaceous Period.
A new species of hard coral, Cyphastrea salae, has been discovered on Lord Howe Island, Australia, using modern genetic techniques. The discovery highlights the unique fauna of this isolated location in the Tasman Sea and increases the conservation significance of Lord Howe Island.
A randomized trial found that prenatal DHA supplementation had no effect on cognitive, language, and motor development in children at 7 years of age. The study also revealed a possible negative impact on parent-rated behavior and executive functioning.
Researchers developed a new way to visualize cholesterol distribution on cells and tissues using NanoSIMS imaging. The study found that accessible cholesterol is highly enriched on microvilli, supporting the idea that they play a role in regulating cholesterol production and unload surplus cholesterol.
A new study has estimated that one in four Australian women over 70 will develop dementia. Researchers used a unique technique called capture-recapture to provide an up-to-date estimate for dementia in the Australian population.
Coral bleaching reappears on the Great Barrier Reef for the second year in a row, with scientists conducting aerial and underwater surveys to measure damage. The study reveals that past exposure to bleaching does not make corals more tolerant, and global warming is the primary threat to the Reef's resilience.
Researchers found high-quality surf breaks increase local economic growth significantly, particularly after recent discoveries and during El Niño years. Destruction of surf breaks led to reduced economic growth in nearby areas.
Astronomers have found evidence of a star that whips around a likely black hole twice an hour, marking the tightest orbital dance ever seen by a black hole and a companion star in our own Milky Way galaxy. The stellar couple is located in the globular cluster 47 Tucanae, about 14,800 light years away from Earth.
Researchers found unprecedented dieback of 7400 hectares of mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria due to prolonged drought, record-breaking heatwaves, and a 20cm sea level drop. This discovery highlights mangroves' vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events.
A study published in Nature found that Aboriginal populations have been continuously present in the same regions for up to 50,000 years, supporting their cultural connection to country. The research analyzed mitochondrial DNA from hair samples collected during anthropological expeditions across Australia and revealed a single founding ...
Native animals are declining on Melville Island due to reduced habitat and increased cat populations. Rangers are using fire management techniques to create more habitat for native wildlife by burning vegetation in the early season.
The iMOVE CRC will focus on reducing congestion, fuel use and emissions, improving freight coordination, productivity and international competitiveness. QUT researchers will contribute to the development of smart solutions, including connected autonomous vehicles and traffic management.