Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered the bioelectric mechanism behind craniofacial defects in Andersen-Tawil syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The finding may also shed light on fetal alcohol syndrome and other conditions.
Scientists have discovered two new giant bent-toed gecko species in New Guinea, one of which reaches up to 17 cm in length, making it the largest of its kind. The geckos, named 'king' and 'knight', exhibit unique characteristics such as dark grey-brown markings and alternating regions of coloration.
Scientists dated fossilized pollen to show the Nullarbor Plain was once home to gum and eucalyptus trees before a dramatic climate shift. The region's history reveals a rainfall increase of up to four times higher than today, contradicting its modern arid conditions.
Scientists have developed a minimally-invasive brain-machine interface to control an exoskeleton with the power of thought. The stentrode device can record high-quality signals emitted from the brain's motor cortex without open brain surgery.
A new study found that New Zealand's little penguin species is a recently introduced Australian invader, replacing the native species that was hunted by early human settlers and introduced predators. The Australian penguins arrived in Otago between 1500 and 1900 AD.
Tropical Cyclone Stan weakened to a remnant low pressure area after landfall in Western Australia on January 30, 2016. The system dropped significant rainfall, with 77.8 mm recorded at Menzies and 40.4mm at Red Rocks Point.
A promising new cancer drug developed by CSIRO's Cancer Therapeutics CRC has been licensed to US pharmaceutical company Merck in a $730 million deal. The drug targets the protein PRMT5, associated with various cancers, and may also provide disease-modifying treatment options for blood disorders.
Tropical Cyclone Stan is intensifying off Western Australia's coast, expected to make landfall on Saturday afternoon. The system will track steadily south-southeast and reach category 3 status before crossing the coast.
A CU-Boulder study reveals burned eggshell fragments indicate humans were collecting and cooking the eggs of now-extinct giant Australian bird Genyornis newtoni. The findings suggest early human predation played a substantial role in the species' extinction, contradicting climate change theories.
A developing tropical low pressure area, System 92S, is expected to become a depression in the next day or two off Australia's northwestern coast. NASA's GPM satellite gathered data indicating rain falling at rates of up to 96.7 mm/h and storm tops reaching altitudes of over 16 km.
A new US study reveals a persistent link between low birth weights and income levels, contrasting with other developed countries. The research found that disparities in birth weights were most pronounced in the US, where birth weights dropped consistently with income level.
More than three quarters of Australians consider the Great Barrier Reef part of their national identity, and nearly 90% believe it is under threat from climate change. The survey also found that many Australians feel personally connected to the reef's protection.
The study found that the US, China, India, and Brazil are responsible for 46% of global nitrogen emissions, while developing countries export large amounts of nitrogen through food, textiles, and clothing. The results highlight the need for policies to reduce nitrogen pollution globally.
A team of scientists has discovered twenty-four new beetle species in Australian rainforests, shedding light on the conservation of highly localized species. The newly described weevils are thought to have originated in Australia, with some species found only in a single locality.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that regional temperature extremes may exceed a 2°C rise by as much as 6°C in certain areas. This means that even if global average temperatures reach 2°C, local temperatures could be significantly higher, with potential impacts on sea-level rise and methane releases.
Researchers discovered that certain sea slugs selectively store the toxin Latrunculin A, which is more toxic to cancer cell lines than other compounds. Bright colours and chemical defences are used by these creatures to warn potential predators away.
A year-long intervention in 21 Australian towns showed a significant reduction in weight gain among women, with an average loss of nearly 0.44 kg compared to +0.44 kg in the control group. The study suggests that simple health messages can be an effective strategy for preventing weight gain in rural communities.
Researchers estimate that approximately one-third of British ancestors were Anglo-Saxon immigrants, who mixed with the native population. Genome sequences from ancient skeletons and modern-day DNA data reveal integrated communities and support a long-standing debate among historians and archaeologists.
A team of researchers has discovered living fossils, rare corals, and diverse ecosystems in the deep waters of the Coral Sea. The expedition found golden corals, precious red coral, glass sponges, and ancient species like the chambered nautilus.
The technology uses metamaterials to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in higher-resolution images and faster scanning times. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics, particularly in cancer detection and tissue analysis.
Researchers discovered a link between babies with hyperactive immune cells at birth and the development of food allergies in early life. Monocytes activated immune cells encouraged allergic reactions to common foods.
A recent study found that chromium supplements can partially convert into a carcinogenic form when entering cells, raising concerns over their long-term use. The research suggests that exposure to high doses of chromium may increase cancer risk, particularly for individuals taking large amounts of chromium-containing supplements.
Charging patients for GP consultations could raise much-needed funds for the NHS, according to some. However, critics warn that this approach may lead to increased costs, reduced access to care, and decreased health outcomes.
The University of Melbourne has uncovered twenty new freshwater fish species in the remote Kimberley region, increasing Australia's total known species by almost ten percent. The discovery highlights the hidden wealth of biodiversity within the Kimberley and has major implications for conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in West Australian starlings that has led to a significant increase in population within five years. The study found the mutation was beneficial to the birds and provided a potential mechanism for understanding how mitochondrial DNA mutations affect individuals and populations.
A study found that plain packaging decreased overall perceptions of healthier tobacco brands by 12%, as well as reduced prestige perceptions among young Indigenous smokers. The findings support the effectiveness of health warnings in reducing global tobacco use, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its international travel grants to attend the 60th Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, California. The recipients are chosen based on scientific merit and their proposed presentation at the meeting.
A new international study developed a framework to explain Earth's diverse plant growth forms, functions, and ecological roles. The framework predicts plant population responses to environmental change, offering insights into land recovery projects.
Scientists have discovered two critically endangered species of sea snakes off the coast of Western Australia, including the short-nosed and leaf-scaled sea snakes. The discoveries were made in Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay, raising hopes for conservation efforts to protect these unique species.
A recent study by the University of Melbourne found that every Australian city and town has threatened species. The study highlights the importance of planning and managing cities for conservation as well as human wellbeing.
Researchers have identified two distinct species of little blue penguins in Australia and New Zealand, based on genetic analysis. The study reveals that the birds' calls and mating habits differ between the two populations.
Researchers discovered that Australian blue-banded bees use high-speed headbanging to pollinate flowers, releasing pollen into the air similar to a salt and pepper shaker. This technique allows for more efficient pollination, with the bee vibrating the flower up to 350 times per second.
New fossil evidence reveals that Australia's fire-prone shrubland open vegetation originated at least 70 million years ago. This finding rejects the previous notion that rainforests covered Australia until 40 million years ago and instead suggests that native vegetation types evolved under the influence of fires on a drying continent.
A rapid molecular assay using RNA biomarkers in blood can differentiate sepsis from infection-negative systemic inflammation more accurately and quickly than traditional methods. The assay, known as SeptiCyte Lab, was validated in independent cohorts and showed high sensitivity and specificity.
A new lifestyle risk score has identified two new risk factors: sedentary behavior and sleep. Higher scores were associated with greater risk of mortality, with a population attributable risk of 31.3%. The findings reaffirm the importance of healthy lifestyles for adults aged 45 and older.
Entomologists from the University of California, Riverside, discovered a new genus of plant bug, Restiophylus, and four new species from Australia. The new species are closely associated with Australian restiid clade (Poales). Detailed information on the insects is provided in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America.
Research on invasive yellow crazy ants found they are more likely to attack native cruiser butterfly caterpillars than green tree ants. The study suggests a potential eradication program could mitigate ecological damage, but federal support is uncertain without state and local backing.
A recent study from Australia found that urban environments contain disproportionately more threatened protected species in a given area than non-urban environments. Cities consistently supported a greater number of protected species than other areas, showcasing the importance of cities in tackling biodiversity loss.
Researchers found that feral cats in Australia originated from European settlers' pets, introducing a damaging invasive species. The study's findings have implications for managing invasive species, as they determined a specific time frame for cat introduction linked to native species decline.
A new study finds that more than 17,000 marine species worldwide remain largely unprotected. Nations like the US, Canada, and Brazil have large gaps in their protected areas, highlighting opportunities to achieve global biodiversity goals by 2020.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals that cancer drug prices vary significantly between European countries, with some nations paying up to 388% more than others for the same medication. The UK and Mediterranean countries have the lowest average unit manufacturer prices for a group of 31 originator cancer drugs, while German...
Research found that corals from the Kimberley region in north Western Australia are sensitive to heat stress and bleaching, despite their natural tolerance to temperature fluctuations. Massive corals had a better chance of surviving and recovering from bleaching than branching corals.
The 13th biennial Congress of the International Xenotransplantation Association showcased significant breakthroughs in xenotransplantation, including the survival of cardiac, kidney, and pancreatic islet cell xenografts for extended periods. New technology to improve animal donor safety was also presented.
A network of immune cells helps the appendix maintain digestive system health by preventing damage and inflammation during bacterial attacks. This discovery suggests the appendix may be more relevant to our health than previously thought, potentially even serving as a natural reservoir for 'good' bacteria.
A new boron nitride nanosheet material can absorb up to 33 times its weight in oils and organic solvents, offering a promising solution for quickly mitigating massive oil spills. The material is the result of two years of refinement and was supported by the Australian Research Council.
A team of scientists has discovered a hungry black hole swallowing a star at the centre of a nearby galaxy. The discovery confirms their theories about the nature of black holes and reveals faint jets of material shooting out from the supermassive black hole.
Researchers develop algorithm to identify and block falsified feedback, ensuring ecommerce trust management systems' integrity. The algorithm uses a clustering approach to group similar ratings together and determine the credibility of individual ratings.
Research reveals widespread use of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in the Australian Defence Force, with men and women making requests for flexibility in equal proportions. FWAs are valued by personnel across all ranks, with 78% of requests fully granted.
Researchers identify sport shoppers as female customers who seek thrills in finding discounts, remembering stories behind bargain items and employing strategy to optimize shopping trips. This new profile provides valuable insight for retailers to target this distinct customer segment.
A QUT survey found young people struggle with managing car loans, credit cards, and mobile phone deals. Experts urge educators to include financial literacy workshops in schools before students leave.
A recent study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers reveals that long-term ocean warming significantly increased the risk of devastating floods in northeast Australia during the 2010/2011 event. The study found that warmer sea surface temperatures contributed to record-breaking rainfall and extreme weather conditions.
Researchers have discovered a new virus, Parramatta River virus, carried by saltmarsh Aedes vigilax mosquitoes, which do not pose direct health risks to humans. The discovery may lead to stopping outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases by preventing the spread of 'bad' viruses.
Researchers at CSIRO Australia have developed a new coating using prebiotic compounds from primordial goo, which can be used to improve the performance and acceptance of medical implants. The coating is bio-friendly, cells readily grow on it, and has potential applications in reducing infection risk.
A recent study published in Psychology and Aging suggests that depressive symptoms continue to increase throughout old age, contrary to previous studies which only examined the issue up to age 85. The research found that levels of physical impairment, medical conditions, and death's approach significantly contribute to these increases.
A QUT study found that men with these traits were more likely to be chosen as sperm donors. The research also showed that women kept in touch with their donor children through various means.
A gene, Lr67, has been identified to prevent important wheat diseases such as rust and powdery mildew. The discovery holds potential to save over $1.5 billion annually in Australian wheat production.
A team of scientists has discovered the first oceanic microplate in the Indian Ocean, helping identify when the initial collision between India and Eurasia occurred. The collision is believed to have led to the formation of the Himalayan Mountain Range at a precise age of 47 million years ago.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology are investigating innovation systems to guide businesses and stimulate economic growth. The project aims to develop a theory of innovation systems to analyse which processes are most beneficial for organisations.
Researchers have uncovered fossils of seven giant rat species in East Timor, with the largest weighing around 5 kilos. The discovery sheds light on human migration and its impact on ecosystems, as humans are believed to have driven the rats to extinction around 1,000 years ago.
QUT research has received a $1M funding boost to explore the use of Australian plants in combating golden staph infections, healing chronic wounds, and treating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The project aims to improve treatment options for millions of people worldwide suffering from these conditions.