Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
The Food Agility CRC will focus on developing digital solutions to simplify the jobs of growers, processors, and retailers. By integrating sensing, communications, and data analysis technologies, the CRC hopes to create simple, user-friendly tools that help businesses make quick decisions and tap into more data streams.
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.
Research by Professor Anne Steinemann found that one-third of Australians suffer from health problems when exposed to common fragranced products. The study revealed 33% of Australians experience breathing difficulties, headaches, and other physical symptoms due to fragrance exposure.
Scientists have discovered a network of chemical conversations between different types of cells that influence T cell specialisation in the immune system. They also identified genes involved in controlling antibody production during malaria infection, such as Galectin 1, which may be targeted by drugs to boost immunity.
Researchers uncovered evidence of life at least 3,770 million years old from iron-rich deep-sea hydrothermal vents on Earth. The discovery provides direct proof of one of the oldest life forms on the planet.
A new report highlights a significant gender divide in the screening of patients for cardiovascular disease, with women being less likely to receive targeted screenings and treatments. The study found that younger women at high risk of CVD were 37% less likely than their male counterparts to have appropriate medications prescribed.
A new study by MIT scholars found that voters in the US heavily rely on their pre-existing views when deciding if politicians' statements are true or not. The study used Trump's statements during the 2016 presidential primaries to examine how partisanship and prior beliefs interact with evaluations of objective fact.
Research at the University of Sydney found that back pain is linked to a 13% increased risk of death in older Australians. The study controlled for shared genetic factors and suggests that spinal pain may be part of a pattern of poor health, increasing mortality risk.
Researchers explored growing cool season crops in California, finding canola achieved high yields and seed oil content, while camelina displayed greater cold and drought tolerance. The study recommends further research on more varieties of both crops for optimal growing conditions.
Australian cathedral termites evolved from wood-feeding ancestors that migrated over vast distances and adapted to changing environments. Their massive mounds house millions of termites, showcasing remarkable engineering feats.
Researchers discovered termites can detect predatory ants through subtle substrate vibrations, allowing them to evade danger. This unique ability could lead to advances in technologies based on acoustic signatures and potentially revolutionize pest control methods.
A new study suggests that the virus may have been circulating silently in the South Pacific since a large epidemic in 1979-80. Researchers found that many people born after the epidemic had antibodies to the virus, indicating local transmission.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, showing half the storm over land and half in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The cyclone developed from a tropical low pressure area and made landfall near the Queensland-Northern Territory border, weakening to a remnant low pressure area.
A genetic study has sequenced the genomes of 50 top Brahman bulls in Australia to understand how genes from temperate cattle have influenced production traits. The research found that these genes, which account for 7-10% of the breed's genome, may be associated with fertility, growth and temperament.
A new study suggests that implementing taxes on unhealthy foods like sugar, salt, and saturated fats could save Australia $3.4 billion in healthcare costs over the lifetime of its population. The study found that combining these taxes with subsidies on fruits and vegetables would lead to significant health gains and cost savings.
A team of international researchers used a form of simulation modeling to study the processes shaping language diversity patterns in Australia. They found strong evidence that rainfall and limits to group size shaped both the total number of languages and the geographic patterns of language diversity on the continent. This study provid...
A longitudinal study of 3,425 German students found that emotions influenced math achievement over time. Students with higher intelligence and those who enjoyed math had better grades and test scores. In contrast, students experiencing negative emotions like anxiety and shame suffered from lower achievement.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that doubling dialysis hours did not improve overall quality of life for patients with kidney failure. However, some intermediate outcomes improved, such as blood pressure parameters and biochemistry measurements.
A study found that young Indigenous people's biological stress response is linked to the racism they experience, with impaired cortisol levels leading to a higher risk of poor mental health. The researchers suggest that this could be used to predict the development of mental health problems in First Nations' people.
Researchers found that using the 25th and 85th centile ranges instead of the traditional 10th and 90th percentiles could prevent one fatal event by offering delivery to women outside these ranges. This expansion may require an additional 1143 deliveries to be made.
Rainfall totals of close to 300 mm were estimated along Australia's northwest coast using NASA's IMERG product. The analysis was conducted on the remnant low pressure area that formed from Tropical Cyclone 03S, which moved into the Indian Ocean on January 27, 2017.
A University of Queensland-led study has highlighted the minute details of how plant immune systems lead to resistance against diseases. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the interactions between immune receptors and their signals, which are crucial for plant resistance.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone 03S has transformed into a frontal system in the Southern Indian Ocean, showing an elongated shape and strong wind shear. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for heavy rain and cold temperatures.
Tropical Cyclone 3S formed after heavy rainfall in a tropical low pressure system consolidated and strengthened over northwestern Australia. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center confirmed the cyclone's development on January 27.
A new study suggests that climate change played a significant role in the extinction of giant Ice Age animals in Australia. The analysis of fossil teeth found that as the climate dried out and became more arid, the diets of these megafaunal herbivores shifted dramatically, reducing their ability to consume certain types of plants.
Healthcare professionals have high variation in judgement when assessing the same claimant for disability benefits. The use of standardised approaches to guide judgment is strongly associated with higher agreement, highlighting the need for more research and improved assessment methods.
Two groups of jumping spiders, Habronattus and Maratus, have evolved rare color vision to see reds, yellows and oranges. They use different mechanisms, with Habronattus employing a red filter and Maratus relying on ultraviolet, blue and green sensitive cells.
A southern hemisphere moth species has been found to be resident in central Portugal, with a possible link to imported timber from South America. The species, Borkhausenia crimnodes, is likely to feed on decomposed plants and may exhibit invasive behavior.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that current Australian nature reserves are unsuitable for the critically endangered Leadbeater's Possum but may compromise on habitat for other forest-dependent species. Expanded reserve systems could provide higher habitat suitability values, but at a cost to other species.
Women who started their periods before age 12 have an increased risk of premature menopause, with no children amplifying the risk further. The study found that these women are up to five times more likely to experience premature or early menopause.
A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that humans, not climate change, led to the extinction of Australian megafauna around 45,000 years ago. The researchers analyzed ancient poop and sediment cores, finding a significant decline in megafaunal populations during this period.
A national analysis of 13 years' data reveals that Australia's venomous creatures pose a significant public health threat. Bees and wasps are responsible for the most hospital admissions, followed by spider bites and snake bites, with anaphylactic shock being a major contributor to fatalities.
New research predicts a 11.3-30% intensification of rainfall from extreme precipitation events in Australia with a 2°C rise in global temperatures. This will occur despite some areas becoming increasingly drought-prone, highlighting the need for infrastructure adaptation to extreme rainfall events.
Researchers identify three critical areas for climate research to tackle new frontiers of climate study. They include understanding the fate of carbon in the atmosphere and accurately modeling regional climate changes. These efforts require international collaboration and significant computational resources.
Diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity are identified as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease among Chinese Australians. The study found a 25% higher prevalence of diabetes, a 22% higher prevalence of smoking, and a 45% higher prevalence of physical inactivity compared to non-Chinese Australians.
Scientists found that top-level predator fish like Snapper and Grouper are easily overfished in heavily-fished areas, altering the food chain. In contrast, lightly fished coral reefs support a rapidly passing energy flow from bottom to top of the food web.
Researchers discover Ruby Seadragons lack ornate leaf-like appendages, a feature previously considered distinguishing to all seadragon species. They also found that the fish have prehensile, curled tails, similar to those of seahorses and pipefish, which may aid in holding on to objects in high-surge waters.
Researchers have discovered a new species of ruby seadragon in the wild, showcasing its intense red color and distinctive features. The fish lives at depths of over 50 meters, beyond recreational diving limits, and relies on its red color for effective camouflage.
A study by QUT researchers found that online daters tend to contact people with similar education levels, especially as they get older. The research analyzed over 41,000 Australian online dating interactions and revealed that younger men are more likely to choose less-educated partners.
The study identifies seven scenarios of pathogen movement and disease epidemics, posing significant threats to economically important eucalypt plantations and native ecosystems. Biosecurity failures are linked to poorly controlled germplasm movement, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance and regulation.
Researchers discovered a strong link between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and an increased risk of infectious gastroenteritis. People taking PPIs are up to 70% more likely to be hospitalized for this illness. The study used data from the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study to examine cases in Australians over 45.
Research reveals weather plays no part in the symptoms associated with back pain and osteoarthritis, contrary to long-held beliefs. Higher temperatures slightly increase lower back pain risk but not clinically important.
The 'Right Care Series' highlights the extent of overuse and underuse of healthcare services worldwide. Both issues are widespread and often coexist, causing harm to patients and wasting resources. By tackling these problems together, countries can achieve sustainable universal health coverage and ensure that healthcare is a human right.
Researchers found no direct association between hot weather and increased Salmonella prevalence at free range egg production farms. The study emphasizes the critical role of hand hygiene in reducing food poisoning from eggs.
Feral cat population in Australia is estimated to be around 2-6.3 million, with densities higher on islands and in inland areas with low rainfall. The research also found that feral cats are undermining conservation efforts, driving species extinctions across the country.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its international travel grants to attend its annual meeting in New Orleans, USA. The recipients are scientists from around the world who will present their research on biophysics and related fields.
Tropical Storm Yvette was battered by vertical wind shear, with the majority of clouds and thunderstorms being pushed north and west of its center. The storm made landfall on Christmas Day south of Broome, Western Australia.
Researchers found a 4.2% increase in heart-related deaths during the Christmas period, with average age of cardiac death being 76.2 years. The study suggests that patients may hold back seeking medical care due to travel, geographic isolation, and emotional stress associated with holidays.
Tropical Cyclone Yvette formed in the Indian Ocean with intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall rates of over 127 mm per hour. The GPM satellite revealed the 3D structure of precipitation in storms near the center of circulation, with some storm tops reaching altitudes above 17 km.
Tropical Cyclone 02S has developed strong thunderstorms, with cold cloud top temperatures near -63°F (-53°C), according to NASA's Aqua satellite data. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts the storm will curve toward the southeast and make landfall south of Broome on Dec. 25.
A team of astronomers from ANU has found a massive galaxy supercluster near the Milky Way, which influences the motion of our Galaxy. The Vela supercluster is one of the largest concentrations of galaxies in the Universe, and further studies will confirm its size.
Researchers found that adults with lower levels of education are more likely to experience a heart attack. The study analyzed data from over 267,000 men and women in New South Wales and found that those with no university degree were around 150% more likely to have a heart attack than those with a degree.
Researchers urge environmental movement to proactively seize opportunities under a Trump presidency, citing China and other countries' plans to implement the Paris climate treaty regardless of US involvement. The next four years will be challenging, but proactive action can strengthen the movement beyond the Trump presidency.
A new study found that trauma patients define successful outcomes as returning to work, resuming family roles, achieving independence, recapturing normality, and achieving comfort. The study highlights the importance of understanding different perceptions of injury recovery among patients, family members, and clinicians.
A landmark study shows treating adults alongside children with intestinal worms can improve health outcomes for millions of kids worldwide. The research suggests a community-wide deworming approach is more effective than targeting only children.
Researchers identify molecule that inhibits protein responsible for converting touch to pain receptors in skin, paving way for new drug development to treat diabetic neuropathy and other nerve damage-related pain. The study shows promising results with minimal impact on non-pain related touch sensitivity.
A team of scientists at Australian National University has successfully created a diamond that is predicted to be harder than regular diamonds. The new material, called nano-crystalline hexagonal diamond, was made using a high-pressure diamond anvil and has the potential to be used in mining sites to cut through ultra-solid materials.
A significant decline in trapdoor spider populations has been reported across southern Australia, with some areas showing almost complete absence of the species. The decline is linked to intensive land clearing and soil disturbance around their burrows.
Scientists at ANU have designed a nano crystal that turns darkness into visible light, enabling the creation of lightweight night-vision glasses. This innovation has potential applications in anti-counterfeit devices, medical imaging, and holographic displays.
A study found that young women's perception of their mathematical abilities significantly influences their decisions to pursue STEM careers. Mothers' biases towards sons also impact career choices, highlighting the importance of parents in shaping STEM aspirations.