Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
A recent study by University of Queensland researchers has tracked the re-emergence of scarlet fever-causing bacteria, resulting in a significant increase in cases worldwide. The rise in scarlet fever could pre-empt a future rise in rheumatic heart disease, highlighting the need for swift identification and treatment.
QUT scientists have discovered a gene in the Pitjuri plant that allows it to rapidly grow and survive in harsh conditions, including space. This discovery could lead to growing food in space and has implications for future genetic research.
New data suggests that ancient humans played a role in the extinction of large mammals, birds and lizards in Australia. The study's findings place human predation as the most likely cause, with a 10,000-year lag between human arrival and impact on megafauna.
An international team proposes a method for countries to choose their own 'fair' emissions cuts, paving the way for a global consensus. The approach requires one major power to set an ambitious target, with others following suit and choosing their own justice model.
Researchers at Australian National University and Genentech have identified a gene, Gasdermin-D, that triggers the inflammatory condition leading to sepsis. The discovery could lead to new treatments for this deadly disease, which kills an estimated one million people in the US each year.
Researchers identified GlycA, a molecular byproduct of inflammation, as a predictor of premature death due to infections. High GlycA levels indicate chronic inflammation, which damages the body and increases susceptibility to severe infections.
A new study reveals that horses with race-winning parents are more likely to have a champion career, including factors like career length and disease susceptibility. The research, led by Dr. Natasha Hamilton, sheds light on the genetic influence of durability and health-related traits.
A team of researchers argues that certain countries are misinterpreting the term 'rational use' as a license for unrestricted fishing. The study's authors claim this interpretation is not supported by international accords, and argue that sustainable fishing practices should be prioritized instead.
A Griffith University PhD candidate has discovered that up to 40% of Indian Mynas in eastern Australia carry avian malaria parasites, posing a significant threat to native wildlife. The spread of these invasive birds could expose native birds such as parrots and magpies to new diseases.
Low-impact development technologies, such as green roofs and rainwater tanks, can help reduce waste and protect natural stream ecosystems. Researchers propose a shift towards distributed infrastructure to capture and reuse stormwater runoff, offering a solution to California's drought and environmental challenges.
A new study by the University of New South Wales found that passport officers using face recognition software are 20% more accurate when paired with staff naturally skilled at face recognition. The researchers tested untrained students, non-expert passport officers, and specialist facial examiners, finding that those with natural talen...
A team of Australian scientists developed a precision laser device to measure temperature with high accuracy. The breakthrough enables any laboratory worldwide to accurately measure temperature, bringing a universally agreed temperature scale to the globe.
Researchers identified key locations for sampling and managing insect and fungal problems along US and Australian rail routes. The analysis revealed that North Dakota, Illinois, Kansas, and Nebraska are critical hubs linking states together.
Brian G. Ferguson has been awarded the Acoustical Society of America's Silver Medal in Signal Processing in Acoustics for his work on in-air and in-water acoustic classification, localization, and tracking. He is recognized for his research accomplishments in acoustics, which have defense and national security applications.
Researchers have created the first three-dimensional image of the Trib1 protein, which plays a vital role in controlling protein degradation and balancing levels in cells. This discovery could help develop new drugs to treat cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia by blocking overproduction of Trib1.
Researchers at University of New South Wales have developed a simple online climate model that allows anyone to explore Earth's atmosphere and environment. The model enables users to compare how the world would change with different climate scenarios, making complex concepts clearer for students and the general public.
The analysis reveals that modern oceans have a unique and unparalleled biodiversity, with numerous species coexisting due to the fossil record's large Internet database. Human impacts on the environment could lead to a decline in biodiversity.
Monash University researchers have discovered the mechanism behind how proteins enter mitochondria, a crucial step in cellular energy production. The breakthrough uses novel technology to visualize the process at an atomic level, enabling scientists to study fundamental biological pathways.
Researchers have found evidence of giant killer lizards coexisting with early Australian humans around 50,000 years ago. The discovery sheds light on the potential drivers of megafauna extinction during this period.
A large meta-analysis found that restricting access to means, encouraging help-seeking, and increasing third-party intervention significantly lower the number of deaths at high-risk locations. Interventions reduced annual suicides by over half when combined with other approaches.
The Queensland University of Technology has created a virtual dinosaur zoo featuring five iconic Australian species, including Australovenator and Muttaburrasaurus. The interactive learning display allows for realistic movements and behaviors, backed by the latest research and evidence.
Researchers at James Cook University have developed a new method using household vinegar to kill the Crown of Thorns Starfish, a major contributor to coral reef decline. The treatment shows a 100% kill rate and is significantly cheaper than existing methods.
New research from Monash University finds that Australian children and adolescents receive millions of exposures to alcohol advertising during daytime TV viewing of AFL, NRL, and Cricket. The study suggests removing a clause allowing alcohol advertising during daytime in sport could halve children's exposure.
A reexamination of digger wasps in Australia has led to the discovery of 11 new species, bringing the total count to 34. The study, published in ZooKeys, provides an updated identification key and morphological characteristics for each species.
The study introduces a new Barcoding of Life project, AUSBS, to identify Australian native bees. Four new species were recognized as part of the largest Australian nature discovery project Bush Blitz, using molecular and morphological evidence.
Researchers have identified a 2,000-kilometer-long chain of volcanoes running from the Whitsundays to near Melbourne. The volcanic chain was created over the past 33 million years as Australia moved northwards over a hotspot in the Earth's mantle.
A study by the University of Queensland found that over half the world's sea turtles have eaten debris, including plastics and other human waste. This poses a significant threat to their survival due to blockages or toxic chemical releases.
A 25-year analysis of global cause-of-death data reveals that dietary risks and high blood pressure have replaced child and maternal malnutrition as leading causes of death. The study highlights the importance of preventing avoidable risks like smoking, poor diet, and environmental hazards.
A new UNSW report shows that frozen embryo IVF cycles are just as successful as fresh embryo cycles, with a 23-27.5% birth rate. The report also found a significant increase in the use of frozen embryos and improvements in techniques such as vitrification and blastocyst culturing.
A groundbreaking Australian pilot project, led by Martina McGrath, will provide a unique, non-clinical approach to care for suicidal persons. The Suicide Attempt Survivors Support Group will inject hope, connectedness, inclusion, and purpose into the lives of those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
The trend of modern audiences getting involved in theater productions is explored in a new book by Caroline Heim. Audiences are increasingly exuberant participants, participating in actions like screaming, taking photos, and drinking during performances.
A recent study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society found that trained volunteers can identify jets shooting from massive black holes and match them to their host galaxies with high accuracy. The project, Radio Galaxy Zoo, uses online tutorials to teach volunteers how to spot black holes and other objects emit...
A new study has found that children with coeliac disease react to the same key toxic proteins in gluten as adults, suggesting a potential breakthrough in treatments. The research supports the use of existing treatments and diagnostic tests for adults with coeliac disease for children.
A team of researchers from the USA, England, Australia, and Germany will collaborate on a three-year project to better understand the information processing in germinal centres of lymph nodes. The goal is to gain insights into antibody formation and develop targeted therapeutics for infections.
A new study by Rice University and Australian National University found that employees who build nonredundant ties in their social networks are more creative. These ties connect to indirect networks beyond an individual's direct network, offering the greatest efficiency for gathering novel information.
Scientists at Australian National University discovered three previously undiscovered fungi causing the disease, which affects Southern Queensland and South Australia's wheat crops. The finding provides growers with confidence in managing the disease, crucial for a $6 billion industry.
Scientists at Australian National University have developed a world-first radio-tracking drone to locate radio-tagged wildlife. The system has successfully detected tiny radio transmitters and has been tested by tracking bettongs at the Mulligan's Flat woodland sanctuary.
A new study by Alexander Simms and colleagues reveals that uplift rates across the Pacific Coast have been overestimated by an average of 40%, implying a slower rate of shoreline rise. This finding has important implications for coastal management, including earthquake hazards and sea-level rise impacts.
The study assesses two methods for aging nestlings: one based on physical appearance changes and the other on folded wing length measurements. Accurate aging is essential for population dynamics and conservation planning. The researchers found that measuring folded wing length is more accurate than observing size and feathers changes.
A new study found that the US had a disproportionate number of public mass shooters, with 31% of global incidents occurring on American soil. The study suggests that civilian firearm ownership rates are a strong predictor of a nation's number of public mass shooters.
A University of Queensland scientist cautions against shark culling, citing challenges in managing populations and predicting long-term ecological impact. The expert's research uses DNA analysis to estimate shark numbers and predict population trends.
Australian and Chinese researchers have made significant progress in determining the causes of soil acidification. By examining a massive transect of land in China, they found different drivers of soil acidification processes in various types of soils.
A three-year study led by QUT found that controlling feral pigs is the most cost-effective strategy to conserve 148 endangered plant and animal species in the Lake Eyre Basin. Implementing these strategies could increase food production by up to 10% and save the Australian economy $5 billion annually.
Researchers measured energy generated within space more precisely than ever before, discovering the Universe is slowly dying. The Galaxy and Mass Assembly project used seven powerful telescopes to observe 200,000 galaxies at 21 wavelengths.
A comprehensive analysis found that time since introduction is the most useful measurement in predicting non-native species' global ranges. The study highlights the importance of careful vigilance at sites receiving high numbers of potential invasive species delivery vectors.
A new UNSW Australia study suggests that reintroducing Tasmanian devils to the mainland could restore ecosystem health by controlling red foxes and feral cats. The devil's presence would also benefit small and medium-sized animals, such as bandicoots and ringtail possums.
The University of Sydney has created a digital map of the seafloor's geology, covering 70% of the Earth's surface, after 40 years without update. The map provides key findings on diatom accumulations and their relationship with ocean carbon cycle.
Australian scientists predict that many tropical mountain plant species will be unable to survive their current locations by 2080 due to high-altitude climate changes. The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in Queensland is at risk of losing its endemic plants.
Researchers reconstruct Pangea's plate thickness before its break-up, finding a boomerang-shaped arc formed by thick plates. The study reveals the boomerang's shape is controlled by plate thickness and deformation.
A recent study suggests that Australian humpback whales should be downlisted from threatened species status due to remarkable population growth rates. The East and West Coast populations have increased by 63% and 90%, respectively, since the whaling era.
A new species of insect has been discovered in South East Queensland, exhibiting sexual dichronism and intersexual phoresy. The newly recognized species, Cystococcus campanidorsalis, was identified by a University of Queensland graduate through physical characteristics and DNA sequence data.
Researchers urge caution when using biodiversity offsets to compensate for development damage, as it can lead to 'stealth' reneging on existing conservation goals. Properly designed offsets can help reconcile development with conservation, but improper use can cause more harm than good.
A clinical trial conducted by Griffith University found that an elderberry supplement can provide some protection from cold and flu-like symptoms following long-haul flights. The study involved 312 economy class passengers who completed a daily diary and surveys before, during, and after travel.
A global study found that large animals consume a broader range of seed sizes than previously thought, posing a risk to smaller plant species. The research, led by UNSW Australia scientists, analyzed over 13,000 animal-seed interactions and showed that even small seeds are vulnerable if large animals disappear.
Researchers found that galaxies in the Coma Cluster could have as much as 100 times more dark matter than visible matter, allowing them to survive and thrive. The study used computer simulations to model how these 'dead' galaxies evolved into their current state.
A study of over 20,000 merging galaxies found that when two galaxies collide, the larger one can stop the smaller one from forming new stars. However, when two galaxies of similar mass collide, they both increase their stellar birth rate.
Research published in Cell Metabolism reveals that ancestral undernutrition can lead to obesity and metabolic disorders, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. A study on rats found that descendants of undernourished ancestors were eight times more likely to develop diabetes when switched to a normal diet.
Researchers tracked male koala interactions using GPS collars, finding they bellowed to avoid confrontation with competitors. Meanwhile, females spent more time together during the mating season, suggesting female mate choice plays a role in koala social dynamics.
Research published in BMJ Quality & Safety found a heightened risk of death after hospital admission at weekends in several developed countries. Patients admitted for planned surgery were more likely to die within 30 days, with a 'Friday effect' observed in Dutch hospitals.
A study of nearly 18,000 women in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand found that 20-80% drank during pregnancy, with higher rates among smokers. The prevalence of binge drinking was also common, particularly before pregnancy. Factors associated with lower risk included age, ethnicity, education level, and body weight.