Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
A new study found that suspending students for marijuana use can lead to more pot use among their classmates, but counseling is a more effective means of combating marijuana use. Schools with suspension policies had a 1.6 times higher rate of marijuana use among students compared to those without such policies.
Standardized packaging with large graphic health warnings was associated with increased thoughts of quitting and quit attempts among adult smokers. The study found that smokers were more likely to report intentions to try to quit, conceal their packs from view, and stub out cigarettes prematurely during the introduction period.
Tropical Cyclone Nathan strengthened with powerful thunderstorms known as 'hot towers', indicating a significant increase in intensity. The cyclone made landfall north of Cairns on March 19, bringing heavy rainfall and storm surges to the Cape York Peninsula.
Standardized packaging in Australia has been associated with increased thinking about quitting and quit attempts, as well as a decrease in appeal among school children. In contrast, retail prices for cigarettes have increased across the board, despite no evidence of an increase in illicit cigarette consumption.
Tropical Cyclone Nathan is expected to make landfall in Queensland, Australia on March 20, bringing heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms. NASA's Aqua satellite captured data showing temperatures near -63F/-52C, indicating strong storms with potential for heavy rainfall.
Tropical Cyclone Olwyn made landfall near Cape Cuvier in Western Australia, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing an image of the storm shortly after landfall. The cyclone was located about 43.5 miles southeast of Denham, moving south-southeast at 16 mph.
Tropical Cyclone Nathan is moving east and will track over warm water, leading to intensification in the next two days. The cyclone has slowed down and continued hugging the eastern coast of Queensland's Cape York Peninsula.
Tropical Cyclone Olwyn is predicted to make landfall near Cape Cuvier, Western Australia, bringing sustained winds of 20-25 meters per second. The cyclone's maximum sustained winds were reported as 65 knots on March 12, making it a Category one hurricane.
Tropical Cyclone Nathan's sustained winds reached over 30 meters per second, making it a strong tropical storm. The cyclone's center was near the Lockhart River south to Cape Flattery in the Coral Sea.
Tropical Cyclone Olwyn has formed in the Southern Indian Ocean and is forecast to make landfall near Cape Cuvier in Western Australia. The cyclone is intensifying and moving south-southwest at 12 knots, with maximum sustained winds of 55 knots.
NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of Tropical Cyclone Nathan as it formed a cyclonic loop near the eastern coast of Queensland's Cape York Peninsula. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next day and a half due to decreasing vertical wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures.
A QUT study found that 59% of students perceived traditional bullying as worse than cyberbullying, citing physical harm and emotional impact. The research aims to raise awareness about the importance of involving students in anti-bullying programs.
A recent study examines reasons people refuse vaccines and highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing measles outbreaks. The study found that vaccine refusal can lead to unnecessary risk to children, with cases reporting complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
A new study published in the Review of Financial Studies suggests that regulating CEO payments and performance bonuses can lead to more profitable companies in the long term. The research found that relying on bonuses can encourage CEOs to pursue short-term gains, leading to poor strategic decisions.
A study by Deakin University found that many Australian online health information is too difficult to read, leading to potential misinterpretation and inappropriate healthcare decisions. The researchers suggest that websites need to be assessed for readability and changes made to improve accessibility.
A new study from Australia found that decreased sexual activity and desire in older men may be a cause, not an effect, of low circulating testosterone levels. Over two years, men with declining serum testosterone were more likely to experience a significant decrease in their sexual activity.
A new study suggests using a Long Distance Commuter lane (LDC) on the M1 Motorway in Australia could accommodate up to 3000 vehicles per hour while minimizing bottlenecks. The LDC concept has potential for commuter travel between other cities in Australia and worldwide.
A new study found that mothers who smoke during pregnancy are putting their daughters at a greater risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer later in life. Early menarche, triggered by smoking, increases the number of ovulation cycles, leading to increased exposure to hormones like oestrogen.
Researchers at Australian National University have made a breakthrough in boosting the sluggish activity of Rubisco, a crucial enzyme for plant growth. By introducing a modified version of RAF1, scientists successfully doubled Rubisco levels in leaves, leading to increased photosynthesis and plant growth.
A new study found that Aboriginal Australians have low forced vital capacity due to environmental and socioeconomic factors. This discovery challenges the previous notion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) being more common among Aboriginal Australians.
A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that Australia's mental health care system is multi-tiered rather than universal, with those living in disadvantaged areas receiving fewer services and from less highly trained providers. The research highlights a disparity in access to psychiatric and clinical psychologis...
A team of researchers launched the world's first permanent ship-based labs on board CSIRO's Investigator research vessel, collecting data on atmospheric particles and gases in the Southern Ocean. The labs aim to improve climate modeling and predict future changes to Australian weather and climate.
A new study reveals that up to two-thirds of Australian smokers can expect to die from their habit if they don't quit, with a three times higher risk than non-smokers. The research found that smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and cancer, highlighting the need for continued tobacco control efforts.
A large Australian study confirms that up to two-thirds of smokers will die from their habit if they continue smoking. The study found that smokers have a three-fold risk of premature death compared to non-smokers.
Tropical Cyclone Marcia caused significant flooding and damage in eastern Queensland with rainfall totals reaching up to 300-350mm. The merged precipitation analysis from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center indicates heaviest rainfall areas were off-shore from Lismore, Byron Bay, and Mackay.
A team of researchers found that T-helper cells can retain information on the specific cytokine needed to produce in response to an infection. This memory allows them to activate and release the pre-determined quantity of cytokine when faced with a new infection.
Tropical Cyclone Lam made landfall in Australia's Northern Territory, with NASA satellites and instruments gathering data on the storm's structure and behavior before and after landfall. The storm was characterized by sustained winds of up to 90 knots (103.6 mph) and heavy rainfall rates of almost 55 mm per hour.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on Tropical Cyclone Lam, revealing a large area of strong thunderstorms circling the center of the storm. The system is expected to intensify to Category one hurricane status, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds to northern Australia.
Tropical cyclone Marcia has consolidated and organized within a day, intensifying to near 45 knots with sustained winds of 40 mph. The storm is forecast to make landfall in southern Queensland on Feb. 19, posing a threat to eastern coast regions.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a new species of seadragon, the 'Ruby Seadragon,' through DNA and anatomical research. The species, Phyllopteryx dewysea, has bright red coloration and is believed to inhabit deeper waters.
Tropical Cyclone Lam formed in the northern Gulf of Carpentaria on Feb. 17, with NASA satellites capturing its cloud extent and rainfall rates. The storm is expected to intensify and make landfall into Arnhem Land before weakening.
The study suggests reintroducing dingoes to Sturt National Park in NSW, Australia, to control invasive predators and native herbivores that degrade rangeland. By monitoring the results, researchers hope to address a national and international issue of significant concern.
Research suggests that any potential health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption may only apply to women over 65, and even then, the evidence is limited. High alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 conditions and costs £55bn annually in England.
A new study reveals that simplifying the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant application process did not reduce application time for Australian researchers. Despite the streamlined process, applicants still spent a collective 614 working years on their applications in 2014 compared to 574 years in 2012.
In the Early Triassic period, a prolonged period of delayed ecological recovery led to the widespread production and preservation of vertebrate swim tracks. This was due to minimal sediment mixing in stressful environments, which created firm-ground substrates ideal for recording subaqueous trace fossils.
A joint QUT, Cancer Council Queensland, and University of Queensland study tested the impact of SMS-delivered messages on skin cancer prevention and promotion. The Healthy Text trial found that texting improved self-reported sun protection habits and increased skin self-examination among participants.
The NASA OMPS team detected a moderate to high aerosol index off the southwestern coast of Western Australia, indicating intense smoke from bushfires. The satellite captured data on February 4, 2015, showing a plume of smoke that reached up to 9.3, prompting emergency warnings and alerts.
Researchers have visualized the molecular process behind a protein that punches holes into cancer cells, using edible oyster mushrooms as inspiration. The findings could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases, malaria, and pests in agriculture, while also introducing a powerful tool against infectious diseases.
Researchers analyzed the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption to understand the dynamics of gravitational instabilities and particle aggregation. They found that these phenomena can significantly reduce fine-ash lifetime in the atmosphere, highlighting their importance in improving ash dispersal forecasting.
A UNSW-led study demonstrates long-term control of cane toads by erecting fences around dams, effectively converting their invasion refuges into ecological traps. The approach could work on a large scale to halt the spread of these toxic amphibians across Australia.
A severe bushfire burned in southwestern Australia, covering an area of 70 square miles. Residents were forced to evacuate due to the high risk of fire spreading.
Researchers have discovered that water helps melt rock and speed up the transport of magma to the surface. The Lau Basin in the South Pacific, where water content is highest, surprisingly shows less magma than expected.
A study suggests some galaxies may shoot out gas early, causing them to redden and die prematurely. Researchers found that four galaxies approaching the end of star formation had expelled most of their gas.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are twice as likely to be hospitalized for reasons unrelated to reproductive health or injury. The study, which examined health records of over 2,500 women with PCOS, also foun...
Researchers found that prescriptions for quinine and Google searches for leg cramps peak during the summer months. This seasonality could lead to a 'quinine holiday' during colder months for patients taking the medication.
UCI professors have developed a device that can restore molecular proteins in egg whites after they have been boiled, potentially slashing biotechnology costs. This innovation could transform industrial and research production of proteins, making cancer treatments more affordable and improving protein manufacturing efficiency.
A study by James Cook University highlights the growing demand for skin-whitening products in Australia, particularly among Indian women. The marketing of these products perpetuates social and professional success with lighter skin tone, raising moral concerns about cultural values and ethnic stereotypes.
An international team of astronomers has observed a fast radio burst happening live for the first time, providing new insights into this mysterious phenomenon. The burst is believed to have originated up to 5.5 billion light years away, making it an extremely bright and potentially useful tool for understanding our universe.
A landmark study in remote Fitzroy Valley communities in Western Australia found that one in eight children have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, a preventable condition. The research, led by Aboriginal community leaders, provides Australia's first comprehensive data on the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in remote communities.
Researchers found that water depth and reef structure can predict coral reef recovery with 98% confidence. The study used nearly 20 years of coral reef data from the Seychelles to identify thresholds for these factors. This prediction can help reef management plan strategies to improve the outlook for reefs.
Scientists successfully extracted DNA from Australia's extinct giant kangaroos, confirming their close relationship with modern macropods. The study also sheds light on the distinct lineage of short-faced kangaroos and highlights the importance of conservation for endangered species like the banded hare-wallaby.
A recent study found that trying to suppress anger about crucial negotiation topics can lead negotiators to lose focus. In contrast, bottling up emotions related to incidental matters does not negatively impact performance.
Across Australia, severe winter temperatures are a bigger risk to health than sweltering summer heat. Death rates in cities like Brisbane were up to 30% higher in winter than summer. The study found that Australians may be more vulnerable to cold weather due to lack of preparation and focus on public health campaigns.
The Adelaide Hills bushfire in Australia destroyed or damaged 26 homes as of January 5, 2015. Firefighters are concerned about worsening conditions due to forecasted temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius.
Tropical Cyclone Kate experienced rapid weakening after passing over NASA's Aqua satellite on December 31. The storm lost significant cloud cover in the northern and eastern quadrants due to northeasterly wind shear.
Researchers found that a new malaria treatment combination of artemisinin-naphthoquine was non-inferior to existing therapy for uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, but more effective against another species. The study suggests this regimen could be considered for children in settings with multiple parasite species.
The TRMM satellite measured the heaviest rainfall rate of about 1.2 inches per hour north of Tropical Cyclone Kate's eye, with weaker rates around its center. The storm strengthened since Dec. 29 and developed an eye, moving southwest through the Southern Indian Ocean.
Tropical Cyclone Kate formed over the Indian Ocean on Dec. 24, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its visible image. The storm is expected to bring strong winds and rough seas to the Cocos Keeling Islands on Dec. 25 and 26.
Researchers created an oil palm system model using APSIM framework to help growers maximize yields while reducing environmental harm. The model accounts for soil, climate, and management factors to evaluate water balance, nutrient balance, and greenhouse gas emissions.
New research solves decades-old mystery of silent cell death, revealing how dying cells hide from the immune system. The study identified the role of caspases in suppressing interferon release, providing insights into links between cell death, the immune system and disease.