Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
A network of nine reference sites off Australia's coast provides multi-decadal data on the country's coastal waters. The network, known as IMOS National Reference Stations, allows scientists to track changes in oceanography and ecosystems.
A study in Victoria, Australia found that towns with lower average incomes have a higher density of alcohol outlets, exposing residents to increased risk. This is consistent with retail market dynamics and the flow of populations between towns.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that losing 10 kilograms of fat requires 29 kilograms of oxygen to be inhaled, producing 28 kilograms of carbon dioxide and 11 kilograms of water. Most doctors, dieticians, and personal trainers incorrectly believe that the missing mass is converted into energy or heat.
A 10-week cooking skills program in Australia resulted in sustained changes in participants' food purchasing behaviors, knowledge, and social interactions. Participants reported increased confidence in cooking and eating healthier meals together as a family.
Rates of intracerebral haemorrhage in Australia have declined by an average of 1.6% per year over eight years, according to a large retrospective study. The study found that better recognition and management of blood pressure, as well as improved stroke care, contributed to the decline in fatality rates.
Historical records describe the intense Kamikaze typhoons that struck Japan in 1274 and 1281, preventing a Mongol conquest. A new sedimentary reconstruction reveals these storms were more frequent during this time period, supporting their significant role in shaping Japan's geopolitics.
UNSW researchers have successfully converted over 40% of sunlight into electricity, exceeding previous records. The breakthrough is made possible by a custom optical bandpass filter that captures wasted sunlight and converts it at a higher efficiency than commercial solar cells.
A study found that koalas selectively eat eucalyptus leaves with higher available nitrogen, indicating a preference for nutritious food. The researchers suggest that access to quality food plays a crucial role in shaping the distribution of koala populations in habitats with low nutritional value.
A study of over 2,700 Australians found that many people with tooth loss do not need dentures as long as they have a sufficient number and type of remaining teeth. The researchers suggest allocating resources to prevent further tooth loss, diagnostic services, and follow-up care instead.
The Monash Vision Group has received a significant boost in funding for its Bionic Eye project, which aims to restore vision to millions globally. With $3 million in philanthropic donations, the project is now on track for human trials next year and could change tens of thousands of lives.
Researchers have discovered that the region's first people brought a rich art practice to Southeast Asia, resulting in naturalistic images of wild animals and hand stencils. The oldest paintings, dating back 35,000-40,000 years, have been found in rock shelters across several countries.
A new underwater robot has enabled scientists to create detailed, high-resolution 3D maps of Antarctic sea ice, providing accurate measurements of ice thickness and volume. The technology, known as SeaBED, fills a gap in data collection by allowing researchers to measure thicker areas of sea ice.
Australian average incomes have been declining over the past decade, with a recent study revealing a per capita drop of $250 over ten quarters. The economy's growth is largely driven by population expansion, but investment earnings are flowing out to overseas investors, exacerbating the issue.
The G20 summit attracted a massive Twitter presence, with the US and its leaders dominating conversations. Dr Peta Mitchell's interactive map revealed over 19,000 geo-referenced tweets within Brisbane's declared zones, showcasing the event's global reach and public engagement.
Researchers have identified key components in oats that trigger an immune response in some people with coeliac disease, potentially leading to better tests and new treatments.
A systematic review found that computerized cognitive training (CCT) has a small overall effect on performance of cognitive tests, particularly for nonverbal and verbal skills. Training completed under supervision showed positive outcomes, while training alone was ineffective.
Researchers analyzed thousands of newspaper articles to reveal a significant decline in Queensland's pink snapper fishery catch rates, from hundreds of fish per hour to just one-ninth of historical levels. This study provides unparalleled insights into the history of the fishery and helps understand changes over time.
Researchers have found that selenium and selenoproteins are at elevated levels in large, healthy ovarian follicles, playing a critical role as an antioxidant during follicle development. This discovery could lead to better understanding of how to optimize selenium levels to improve women's chances of conceiving.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation has awarded young investigators from four countries for their groundbreaking studies on bone health. Researchers have shed light on the impact of sedentary time, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and body weight change on bone strength in adolescent girls.
A new study using coral samples from a remote Pacific island in Kiribati reveals the ocean has warmed over the last sixty years, priming it for stronger El Niáo events. This warming trend could have a major impact on Australia's weather, particularly during El Niáo events when warm waters move eastward and bring droughts.
Researchers have developed an optical oscilloscope with 20 times the resolution of conventional electronics, enabling low-power, high-speed processing on compact chips. The technology is made possible by a collaboration between industry partners Alnair Labs Corporation and Australian academia.
The $2.5 million grant will support the establishment of the ACRF Breakthrough Technologies Laboratory, enabling research into common and deadly cancers. The laboratory will utilize CRISPR-Cas9 technology to modify specific genes in cancer cells, providing insights into cancer development and treatment resistance.
Dr Marc Pellegrini has been awarded a $1.225 million fellowship to focus on progressing his research into chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and tuberculosis. The grant will enable him to explore how microbes evade the immune system and apply these discoveries to eradicate these diseases.
Weeds introduced to the UK centuries ago are still adapting and changing, with some species showing significant increases in leaf area and plant height. Researchers found that 70% of weeds in New South Wales have undergone substantial changes since introduction.
Researchers have used radio telescopes in Australia and Chile to observe the remnant of Supernova 1987A, providing insights into the explosion's aftermath. The team has also developed a three-dimensional simulation that reproduces observed features, including the persistent one-sidedness in radio images.
A Queensland University of Technology study found that over 70% of people in two Chinese cities are unaware of the blood alcohol limits for driving. The new laws have led to a drop in alcohol-related crashes, but limited awareness may contribute to offending rates.
Support for plain packs increased significantly after implementation, rising from 28.2% to 49%, with those who wanted to quit being more likely to accept them. Smokers with a higher desire to quit and low heavy smoking index were also more supportive of plain packs.
Researchers found evidence of ancient sulfur-dependent life forms in 2.5-billion-year-old rocks from Brazil, suggesting these organisms could have existed in shallow water environments with high sulfate concentrations. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of life on early Earth.
Research shows a recent increase in atmospheric hydrogen chloride, linked to ozone layer destruction, but experts say the Montreal Protocol is still on track for recovery. The study attributes the anomaly to temporary changes in atmospheric circulation, not rogue emissions.
Allocating $45-76 billion to protected areas annually could help manage them effectively, ensuring their contribution to the planet's well-being is met. Many threatened species and plants rely on well-managed protected areas for survival.
Researchers found a significant association between low birth weight and preterm birth with an increased incidence of hip arthroplasty independent of age, sex, BMI, education level, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and physical activity. No significant association was found with knee replacement surgery.
Researchers have discovered a molecule, IGF-1, that can induce the production of T-reg cells, suppressing symptoms of autoimmune diseases. The findings confirm IGF-1's direct action on T-reg cells, making it a promising therapeutic option for conditions like type-1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers have solved a long-standing mystery surrounding Australia's only active volcanic area, which spans over 500 kilometers and has seen more than 400 volcanic events in the last four million years.
A 15-year study found thousands of birds are attracted to artificial lights during their first flights, leading to high mortality rates. Turning street lights off decreased the number of grounded fledglings, suggesting a link between light pollution and bird deaths.
Vetulicolians are a group of 500-million-year-old blind water creatures that have been confirmed as distant relatives of humans. The discovery reveals the high diversity of life during the Cambrian period.
Researchers found a potential early detection window for pancreatic cancer in people with a family history of the disease. The study suggests that identifying susceptibility genes and designing risk management programs can help detect the disease earlier, improving outcomes.
Despite ongoing calls for improvement, many Australians are unprepared for dying with dignity. Only 14% of the population has an Advance Directive outlining their preferred end-of-life treatment and care options.
Prescribed burns in Western Australia help reduce flammable fuel loads, protect lives and property, and maintain biodiversity. The practice is also used to rehabilitate vegetation after disturbance and undertake research on fire's interaction with the environment.
Two research teams at UNSW Australia have developed high-accuracy quantum bits in silicon, surpassing 99% accuracy. The breakthroughs are published simultaneously in Nature Nanotechnology and aim to build powerful quantum computers.
Griffith University and the Menzies Foundation have collaborated to create a national Menzies Health Institute Queensland, enhancing research excellence in allied health. The new institute will focus on addressing healthcare challenges and opportunities globally.
Researchers have discovered a small molecule that prevents necroptosis, a recently discovered cell death pathway linked to immune disorders. The compound 'jams the switch' on MLKL, a protein that triggers cell death, thereby preventing inflammation and promoting new treatments for inflammatory diseases.
A University of Alberta researcher has found that frailty among critically ill adults is surprisingly common and associated with higher mortality rates and poorer quality of life. The study aims to provide clinicians with a bedside tool to assess frailty and improve patient care.
Researchers found that big-headed ant colonies produce larger soldiers when they encounter aggressive competitor ants, leading to a three-fold increase in size. Genetic analysis ruled out long-term evolutionary change, suggesting the ants adapt quickly to new environments.
A six-year study in Australia and New Zealand found mortality rates for sepsis were nearly 15% despite aggressive treatment. The results suggest the high standard of care, rather than Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT), is responsible for the low survival rates.
Australia's lack of preparedness for Ebola is highlighted by experts who call for a national disease control centre to coordinate risk assessments and response plans. The current outbreak in multiple regions of five countries underscores the need for such a centre.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that increasing pollution levels just below the current 'safe' standards would cause an estimated 6,000 extra deaths annually in Australia. The health statistician calls for thorough cost-benefit analyses to inform decision-making on new infrastructure projects.
A QUT expert warns Australian governments that increasing pollution to just below existing standards would cause thousands of additional deaths each year. The health statistician's analysis reveals the devastating impact of pollution on human life, highlighting the need for thorough cost-benefit analyses in environmental studies.
Research from ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science highlights Australia's climate as heavily influenced by global warming. Global warming doubled the chance of intense heat waves, tripled the likelihood of heatwave events and increased extreme summer temperatures across the country.
Researchers developed a portable device to measure eccentric hamstring strength, finding that higher levels of strength can dramatically reduce hamstring injury risk. The study's results could have significant implications for football codes, with potential benefits for players and teams.
Australian researchers successfully treated 12 participants with celiac disease using hookworms, increasing gluten tolerance by a factor of 60. The study suggests a potential new treatment for inflammatory diseases, including asthma and Crohn's disease.
Research suggests that sponsorship of nutritional supplements and sports drinks at sporting events may be misleading the public about their health benefits. The lack of strong scientific evidence for these products' effectiveness raises concerns about their value and cost.
Astronomers using Hubble have found the smallest known galaxy with a supermassive black hole at its center. The galaxy, M60-UCD1, has a diameter of just 300 light-years and contains 140 million stars, yet it harbors a massive black hole weighing five times that of the Milky Way's central black hole.
The Great Barrier Reef is an effective wave absorber, driving currents that transport nutrients and larvae. Wave reduction also has implications for shoreline stability. The reef's porosity varies by location, influencing wave height reduction.
Researchers found that coral growth rates in Australia's Great Barrier Reef have declined by 40% since the mid-1970s. Ocean acidification is suspected to be a major contributor to this decline, as increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere damage coral reefs.
A randomized trial found that radiation therapy (RT) alone is as effective in reducing dysphagia as chemoradiotherapy (CRT), allowing patients to forgo chemotherapy. The study also demonstrated comparable survival prognosis between the two groups, highlighting a potential simpler treatment option.
A new study reveals climate change's complex effects on land and water, contradicting the 'DDWW' principle. While some regions become drier or wetter, others experience no trends, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of climate change.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that sharks thrive in healthy coral reefs with no fishing zones. The research revealed a significant increase in shark abundance in non-fished areas of the Great Barrier Reef, emphasizing the importance of preserving coral health for shark conservation.
A new citizen science model proposes empowering sailors worldwide to gather basic ocean data, significantly improving the accuracy of climate models and weather forecasts. Bacterioplankton sampling and ocean physics measurements can be deployed by sailors with simple instruments and basic training.
Brown dwarf W0855, located just four light-years from our Sun, exhibits frozen clouds of sulfide and water in its atmosphere. This breakthrough finding, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, provides crucial insights into the atmospheric composition of exoplanet candidates.
An Australian study found that belly dancers have a more positive body image than college students, focusing on the experience rather than appearance. This embodying activity allows women to feel good about themselves and explore their sensual selves in a safe and creative way.