Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
A newly discovered Australian plant species has been named Solanum ossicruentum, based on characteristics of its unripened and mature fruits. The name was chosen from essay submissions by a class of US 7th graders who participated in the research project.
A study by the University of Adelaide found that 45% of children's daily energy intake came from discretionary foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. The research also revealed inadequate fiber and dairy intakes, as well as excessive salt consumption among boys and girls.
A team at the University of New South Wales has achieved the world's highest efficiency rating for a full-sized thin-film solar cell using CZTS technology. The innovation uses abundant materials and is non-toxic, making it suitable for widespread use in buildings.
Researchers from RMIT University and NSW Department of Primary Industries define processing conditions that increase micronutrient retention in white rice. Soaking in water at 90°C followed by steaming proves most effective for retaining nutrients, with potential to address iron deficiency and malnutrition worldwide.
Scientists describe a new Australian land snail species using micro-computed tomography, creating a 3D model of the genitalia without damaging the specimen. The novel method allows for species delimitation and identification of molluscs with reduced dissection, highlighting its potential as an alternative approach.
A new study provides insights into the evolutionary trajectory of penguins in Australia, revealing a 20-million-year history of species dispersals. The research suggests that ancestors of modern little penguins arrived in Australia with the help of a strengthened Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
Researchers at UNSW Australia have demonstrated that individual atoms placed precisely in silicon can act as a quantum simulator, mimicking the weird interactions of electrons in materials. The study allows for the simulation of complex quantum systems and has the potential to design new exotic materials and test fundamental aspects of...
A comprehensive report by the University of Melbourne-led study assesses health and wellbeing data from over 154 million Indigenous people globally. Key findings include poor health outcomes, limited economic status, and inadequate access to healthcare services across nations.
Researchers manipulated video footage to study male jumping spiders' behavior, finding that size assessment influences their decision-making. Larger spiders are less likely to approach smaller opponents, while smaller spiders can't scare away larger opponents.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide used ancient DNA to study the evolution of giant bears in both North and South America. The study found that these bears belonged to a distinct subfamily (Tremarctinae) and had independently evolved from small herbivorous bears.
A new study published in Nutrients found that high-fat diets are associated with increased risk of daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality in Australian men. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,800 men aged 35-80, also linked high fat intake to a higher incidence of sleep apnea.
The Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (AINST) has been officially opened, featuring a $150m Sydney Nanoscience Hub. The facility is expected to deliver real-world solutions in areas such as energy, health, and security.
Microsoft is partnering with the Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (AINST) at the University of Sydney to advance quantum computing research. Professor David Reilly's team will focus on scaling up electronic systems to build reliable quantum machines.
A new study shows a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened drinks could reduce annual health expenditure by up to $29 million. The tax would also result in an estimated 800 fewer new Type 2 diabetes cases each year.
A study found that only 37 countries provide low-risk drinking guidelines, with inconsistent standards and varying definitions of a standard drink. The size of a standard drink varies by 250%, from 8g in Iceland to 20g in Austria.
A new study found that low-risk drinking guidelines differ significantly across countries, reflecting varying attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Different countries assign distinct daily or weekly limits for men and women, leading to confusion among researchers and the public.
Researchers developed mathematical models to identify areas in Australia with high potential for fossil discovery. The models combined factors such as species distribution, geological suitability, and ease of discovery to predict ideal locations for fossil hunting.
Researchers at RMIT University have created a breakthrough chip that enables unparalleled control over the angular momentum of light, paving the way for next-generation optical technologies. The discovery could lead to new applications in ultra-high definition display, optical communication, and ultra-secure encryption.
Research by Queensland University of Technology found that children who spend more time outdoors have slower eye growth and reduced myopia progression. The study recommends at least two hours of outdoor light exposure per day to help prevent myopia from developing and progressing.
Two new studies found that life expectancy for people with type 1 diabetes has not decreased compared to the general population over the past few decades. The gap in life expectancy remained constant, with an estimated 12-13 years less life expectancy at birth for those with T1D.
A Kansas State University study finds a naturally occurring mutation in the myxoma virus weakens it and allows rabbits to resist infection. The researchers hope this discovery will aid in understanding pathogen evolution and predicting which viruses pose threats to humans.
The study found that registration of small and medium breeds increased by 4.2% and 5.3% relative to large breeds over a 28-year period. Brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, are increasingly popular due to their short, wide heads, which may be linked to changes in human lifestyle and living space.
University of Washington researchers found that official Twitter accounts can correct misinformation and slow the spread of rumors, using cases involving alleged police raids in Australia and a WestJet flight hijacking. The study suggests empowering social media managers to respond quickly to crises with verified information.
A new study found that conservation research is predominantly conducted in less biodiverse countries, exacerbating the global biodiversity crisis. The study suggests that biases in the field of conservation science must be addressed to meet international targets.
A team of researchers at Ben-Gurion University and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found that fairy circles occur due to the way plants organize themselves in response to water shortage. The study, published in PNAS journal, provides new evidence on the cause of these barren circular patches of land.
A high-throughput RNA interference screen identified fibrillarin as a crucial host protein required for live henipavirus infection in human cells. This discovery suggests that methyltransferase enzymes, including fibrillarin, represent a potential target for the development of anti-henipavirus drugs.
Researchers identified a human enzyme called fibrillarin as crucial for henipavirus infection, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target. The study's findings have implications for the development of an anti-henipavirus drug, and may also offer broader use against other paramyxoviruses.
Research published in Sports Medicine suggests that adopting a reversed stance provides technical advantages, allowing the dominant hand to control the bat's path. The study found that half of Australian batsmen and 40% of English batsmen use this stance, giving them an edge in international competitions.
Two experts argue over whether doctors should boycott working in Australia's immigration detention centers, with one advocating for a firm stance against supporting torture and the other suggesting that physicians should focus on providing adequate care while promoting redress through other means.
Researchers found that plants' water-use strategies significantly impact temperature increase, with needleleaf forests and agricultural land experiencing the largest changes. The study's results are more than half the change forecast by the IPCC under a business-as-usual model.
Researchers have found that bacteria play a crucial role in the dispersion and re-concentration of platinum group elements in surface environments. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, suggests that bacterial processes can reform nuggets of platinum at the surface, shedding new light on the formation of these valuable metals.
A new smart vest developed at RMIT University uses sensors to measure body temperature and heart rate, sending data wirelessly to a smartphone app. This innovation aims to prevent heat-related accidents on construction sites, where workers are at higher risk of death or injury than in many other occupations.
Tropical Cyclone 16P formed in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria on March 16 with NASA's Aqua satellite capture. The storm is predicted to make landfall near the mouth of the Gilbert River in Queensland, Australia, due to expected heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
Research finds that boat mooring chains in Western Australia's Rottnest Island are destroying seagrass meadows at an alarming rate. The seagrass absorbs carbon dioxide at a faster rate than tropical rainforests, making its destruction a significant threat to the environment.
Researchers have found evidence supporting the theory that barren areas in grasslands arise from plant competition for water. The study suggests that plants organize themselves in a six-sided structure, resulting in gaps with regular patterns.
A global study has identified hundreds of genes associated with 5 common inflammatory diseases, paving the way for new treatments. The research found that these conditions share similar genetic backgrounds and can occur together due to shared risk factors.
Researchers used high-performance computing to investigate the cause of Mount Kosciuszko's formation. They found that the mountain range was uplifted twice due to a combination of gravitational forces and mantle movements, resulting in the iconic Australian Alps.
A study by Australian doctors found that using iPads to present surgical information improves patient understanding, with 71% preferring video delivery. The use of portable media devices can help enhance informed consent, allowing patients to better cope with procedures and make informed decisions.
A landmark study by the University of Sydney found that retirement leads to positive lifestyle changes, including increased physical activity levels, reduced sitting time, healthier sleep patterns, and lower rates of smoking. Retirees were more likely to engage in physical activity and pursue healthier habits after leaving work.
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers develop new class of PRMT5 inhibitors to treat cancer and certain blood disorders, leading to a major licensing agreement with Merck. The deal includes an initial payment of $US15 million and paves the way for further research into new treatments.
A study of over 550 Australian children found that girls were 19% less active than boys, with lower fitness levels and weaker home and school support. The authors suggest strategies to increase physical activity for girls should focus on home, school, and extracurricular activities
Research published in Evolutionary Biology has found that dingoes are resistant to changes in their skull shape resulting from cross-breeding with domestic dogs. The study used CT scans and 3D shape analyses to determine that hybrid skulls are indistinguishable from those of pure dingoes.
A new study reveals that human-induced climate change has triggered the last 16 record-breaking hot years globally, with an impact dating back to 1937. The researchers found that industrial aerosols masked this effect in many areas until recently.
Researchers at Cornell University found that fairy-wren pairs who sing duets are less likely to mate with other males, resulting in higher rates of their own genetic offspring. The strong duet-singing response also reduces cuckoldry in these pairs.
Sub-tropical Storm Winston was weakening in the South Pacific when NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite passed over it on Feb. 25. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center issued its final bulletin, stating that Winston was threatening Norfolk Island with tropical-storm-force winds.
A new Australian bush tomato species, Solanum watneyi, has been discovered and named after the botanist character in the book and film adaptation of The Martian. The plant was identified as a relative of the potato and its discovery has sparked recognition from the botanical community.
A study reveals a deep indigenous genetic history tracing back to the initial settlement of Australia 50 thousand years ago, challenging previous theories about an influx of people from India. The findings show a long and independent genetic history in Australia.
A study published in Nature Communications has discovered that genes can move from chlamydia strains in the eye to sexually transmitted strains, allowing them to infect the eye and cause Trachoma. This revelation challenges previous beliefs about Chlamydia evolution and highlights the potential for new variant Trachoma strains to emerge.
A new study reveals that pancreatic cancer is composed of four distinct subtypes, each with its own unique genetic profile and treatment possibilities. These findings have significant implications for diagnosis and treatment, potentially allowing for more accurate prognoses and targeted therapies.
A team of scientists has confirmed that a 'fast radio burst' originates in the distant universe, using CSIRO radio telescopes and the National Astronomical Observatory's Subaru telescope. The breakthrough allows researchers to weigh the normal matter in the universe, confirming the presence of missing ordinary matter.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found ketamine to be an effective and safe sedation agent for patients with acute behavioral disturbances who do not respond to traditional methods. Only 10% of patients treated with ketamine required additional sedation or failed to achieve sedation within a set time frame.
Bats have a unique ability to carry but remain unaffected by lethal diseases due to their constant immune response. The Australian black flying fox has only three interferons, which is a fraction of the number found in people, yet it can control viral infections that are lethal in humans.
A University of Queensland-led study has discovered two new species of extinct kangaroos that couldn't hop but may be ancestral to modern wallabies and kangaroos. The ancient creatures lived around 15-23 million years ago in a densely forested landscape, outcompeting their fanged cousins.
Astronomers have found a massive tail of hydrogen gas extending from a nearby galaxy, measuring five times longer than the galaxy itself. The discovery suggests that this phenomenon is common in galaxy clusters, and could be indicative of many other galaxies having similar features.
A doctor is calling for the removal of provisions that can imprison doctors who prioritize patient care over government instructions. The move follows a high-profile case where paediatricians refused to discharge a baby facing deportation, highlighting the 'impossible ethical and legal position' faced by doctors in Australia.
A new planning algorithm generates backup plans efficiently and provides mathematical guarantees on its risk of failure, while also identifying conditions that trigger a switch to a particular contingency plan. The algorithm uses probabilistic pruning and optimistic heuristics to make the problem tractable.
A special issue of Family Medicine and Community Health explores care, disease management and sociobehavioral interventions in China and Australia. The featured work includes an original research article on the critical importance of sense-making and values-congruent partnerships between GPs and patients following stroke.
Researchers identified the genetic 'map' of the human parasitic scabies mite using cutting-edge genome technologies, which could lead to new ways of preventing and treating scabies infestations. The study also found that certain animal strains of mites may infect humans, with major implications for disease control programs.
RapidScat measures surface winds in intensifying tropical cyclone Tatiana, providing forecasters with pinpoint data to track strongest winds. The storm is currently well offshore and poses no immediate threat to the Queensland coast.
Researchers reconstructed what wasps see during learning flights, revealing how they monitor changing views and rely on familiar sights. The study sheds light on the insects' remarkable navigation abilities, which may inspire new approaches to robotics and ecological neuroscience.