Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
A study from the University of Sydney reveals a 61% decrease in genital wart management among young women since the introduction of the free HPV vaccination program. The vaccine has been effective in reducing genital warts and their treatment costs, with no significant change in other sexually transmitted infections.
Scientists have identified two new species of sea-dwelling, mushroom-shaped organisms in the deep sea. The organisms, belonging to the family Dendrogrammatidae, share characteristics with ancient life forms and potentially belong to the Ctenophora or Cnidaria phyla.
A new study reveals nearly half of Galapagos Island's canopy is comprised of non-native trees, shrubs, and grasses, competing with native species for resources. The research provides a map and database to help managers prioritize invasive species control efforts.
The XVIII International Botanical Congress meeting in Melbourne made significant decisions to update the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. The changes include electronic-only publication and use of English as an alternative to Latin in formal descriptions.
The 'anger face' is a cross-culturally universal facial expression that employs seven distinct muscle groups to signal the emotional state of anger. Researchers found that each component of the face makes an individual appear physically stronger, suggesting it evolved as a threat display to intimidate others.
A recent study in Australia found no evidence to support industry claims that plain cigarette packs would harm small retailers or increase the trade in illicit tobacco. The research surveyed over 2000 smokers and found no change in their purchasing habits between 2011 and 2013.
Aconite poisoning cases have surged in Australia due to increased use of Chinese herbal medicines. A recent case highlighted the potentially lethal nature of aconite, with symptoms including facial numbness, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Renowned Monash rheologist Professor Tam Sridhar has been awarded the ASR Medallion for his distinguished contributions to rheology science and technology. He is the fifth recipient of this award in the past 20 years, recognizing his exceptional service to the field.
A 15-year study has revealed astonishing cryptic diversity in the New Zealand kanuka genus Kunzea, with 10 new species identified. The discovery challenges a long-held assumption that a single species was mistakenly merged with Australian relatives.
A new study by psychologists from Aberdeen, York, and Sydney found that Australian passport office staff have a 15% error rate in matching people to their photos, equivalent to several thousand fake passports. The researchers suggest that security measures would be enhanced if passports carried multiple images of a person.
Fenofibrate cuts cardiovascular disease risks by 30 per cent in women with type-2 diabetes, a five-year study reveals. The drug also reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease or having a stroke by 30 per cent in women and 13 per cent in men.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that passport officers struggled with face matching tasks, making errors comparable to those of untrained university students. The researchers suggest that selecting staff based on their aptitude for visual tasks could significantly improve security checks.
A new study reveals that only five percent of the world's pre-agricultural primary forest cover is found in protected areas, with most forests under threat from industrial logging, mining, and agriculture. Experts call for international policies to reduce pressure on primary forests, preserving their biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Researchers link tree height to climate conditions, finding hydraulic limitation constrains maximum tree height under drier conditions, while resource allocation constrains it in moist areas. The study, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Thomas Givnish, examined Eucalyptus species in Victoria state, Australia.
Scientists at ANU have created a technique to control water flow patterns with simple wave generators, enabling them to move floating objects. The team discovered complex three-dimensional waves generate flow patterns on the surface of the water.
Researchers emphasize the need for enhanced international cooperation in Antarctica to address key scientific questions and environmental concerns.
A study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that nutrition was not given enough priority in national Aboriginal health policy between 2000 and 2012. The research identified a significant gap in life expectancy, with Indigenous Australians living 11.5 years less than non-Aboriginal Australians.
The study found that Australian Twitter adoption grew slowly in early days before peaking at 100,000 new registrations per month in 2009. By August 2013, the monthly growth rate averaged 45,000 accounts, reaching 80,000. This trend suggests a steady influx of new Australian Twitter accounts.
A new species of cetacean, the Australian humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis), has been officially named by researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society and Clymene Enterprises. The discovery provides taxonomic clarity to a previously taxonomically confused group of marine mammals.
Scientists found industrial lead pollution in Antarctic ice cores from 1600 to 2010 A.D., with peak concentrations in 1900 and remaining high until the late 1920s. Lead contamination persisted despite mitigation efforts and still affects the continent today.
Researchers found that cells are constantly fighting herpes virus, even in dormant phase, leading to potential new treatments. The study used genetically modified cells and viruses to measure virus activity, revealing varying levels of infection across different cells.
Industrial air pollution from smelting and mining activities arrived at the South Pole in the late 19th century, decades before Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen's historic visit in 1911. The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows that lead concentrations peaked in 1900 and remained high until the 1920s.
A team of Australian astronomers has created a 'Google Street View' of the cosmos using a novel optical-fibre instrument. By analysing light spectra from 60 points in each galaxy, they can study gas and star movement, young star formation, and old star populations, gaining insights into how galaxies change over time.
Researchers from Monash University studied how riders' drag is affected by the relative position of multiple cyclists in a breakaway group. They found that drafting can significantly reduce drag, with up to 49% drop for trailing riders and 5% for lead riders.
Researchers found that job seekers are more likely to move for work if offered long-term contracts with training opportunities. Women, married individuals, and homeowners require higher wage premiums to accept regional jobs.
A new study by the University of Sydney found that GP visits and initial assessments for back problems drive a significant rise in diagnostic imaging tests. Most imaging tests comply with guidelines, but GPs are twice as likely to order tests during first consultations.
A new study led by Old Dominion University and the University of Colorado Boulder found sea levels are rising in the tropical Pacific off the coasts of the Philippines and northeastern Australia. The research team estimated that areas near these regions are being raised by about 1 centimeter per year due to anthropogenic warming.
A new big data model developed by UC Berkeley biologist Brent Mishler and colleagues leverages digitized museum data to help pinpoint best areas for preservation and understand evolutionary history. The model considers variation among species, geographic rarity, and endemism to identify areas worthy of conservation.
Scientists applied a new method to Australia's Acacia genus, revealing biologically important but currently unprotected areas. The study confirmed the Wet Tropics rainforests' importance and identified places of 'super-endemism', where old and new species co-exist.
Researchers from RAND Corporation and Institute for Mobility Research found that government policies, road systems, and population dispersion are key influencers on automobile travel in developing countries. The study concludes that income is not the only factor determining a nation's demand for cars.
New research suggests that combining energy drinks with alcohol can increase the urge to keep drinking. Study participants who consumed A+EDs had higher ratings of liking and wanting to drink more than those in an alcohol-only condition. The findings highlight concerns about energy drink consumption among young adults.
A new NOAA climate model reveals southwestern Australia's long-term decline in fall and winter rainfall is primarily driven by manmade increases in greenhouse gases and ozone depletion. The study projects a continued decline in winter rainfall throughout the 21st century, with significant implications for regional water resources.
On July 11, 2014, NASA's Aqua satellite captured a natural-color visible image of the region showing smoke from various fires. The NSW Rural Fire Service was tracking 29 active fires in eastern New South Wales.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a biological tactic to protect crops from insect plagues using specific spider toxins. The study found that naturally occurring insect toxins can be lethal for one species and harmless for a closely related one, suggesting the development of more species-specific insecticides.
A survey of thousands of adult smokers in four countries found that larger, more graphic warning labels on cigarette packs increase the likelihood of quitting. Smokers who notice the warnings regularly are more likely to attempt to quit, even when trying to avoid seeing them.
A study led by Michigan State University found a positive economic impact of the Travel Promotion Act, increasing the value of the hospitality industry by $1 billion. The program is associated with an increase in hotel firm values and may lead to expansion and job creation.
Astronomers have discovered that ALESS65 galaxy is running out of gas at an alarming rate, with only tens of millions of years left, much faster than the Milky Way's 5 billion years. The team found similar characteristics to nearby 'starbursting' galaxies in terms of UV radiation, suggesting a unique star formation process.
A new study by Monash University found that implementing efficiency measures addressing climate change can reduce water consumption. Energy efficiency measures, such as wind power and solar photovoltaics, were identified as key options for saving water while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Australian scientists discovered different species of frogs adopt distinct jumping styles depending on their environment. Frogs from various habitats exhibit unique shapes, such as burrowing frogs having squat bodies and aquatic frogs having streamlined bodies with longer limbs.
Australian researchers advise incorporating water use into climate change policies, as energy-efficient technologies can also reduce water consumption. The study analyzed 74 options and found that renewable options and energy efficiency measures can help save nearly 100 Mmᶾ of water in Australia annually.
The Great Barrier Reef is under severe threat due to the combined effects of natural El Nino phase, anthropogenic climate change and coastal development. The reef's resilience will be significantly impacted by degraded conditions caused by dredging activity and river runoff.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide have identified specific genes in wheat that enable tolerance to boron toxicity, a significant yield-limiting soil condition. This discovery will help plant breeders develop new varieties with increased yields to feed the growing world population.
A recent genetic study found that northwest dolphins in Australia are more vulnerable to environmental change and localised extinctions due to their isolated populations. The researchers urge management agencies to preserve corridors for individuals to travel between populations.
A new study by the University of Manchester and Monash University found a strong link between alcohol industry sponsorship and hazardous drinking among UK athletes. The research revealed that athletes receiving sponsorships from beer and pub industries were more likely to exhibit high levels of alcohol consumption.
Leading scientists warn that tropical coastal waters are under pressure due to growing populations and climate change, highlighting the need for holistic management approaches. They advocate for expanded use of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to balance competing demands from fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, and other human activities.
A QUT study found that friends are the strongest influence on young people's intentions to drink walk, a behavior linked to increased risk of injury and fatality. Young males were particularly at risk due to their perception of drink walking as a low-risk activity.
A new study involving CU-Boulder reveals that red kangaroos use their tails as a powerful fifth leg to support and propel motion while grazing on all fours. The study, published in Biology Letters, shows that the kangaroo tail performs as much mechanical work as one of its legs.
A new classification system can predict hunting behaviors of mammals from forelimb bone measurements. The system distinguishes between ambush predators, pursuit predators, and pouncing predators with high accuracy. It was developed based on analysis of 62 specimens of 37 species, including the Thylacine.
Three previously unrecorded volcanoes have been found in southeastern Australia, adding to the Newer Volcanics Province's 400 volcanoes. The discovery provides new insights into an area of volcanic centres already known to geologists.
A study found that non-surgical gum disease treatment significantly reduced carotid artery thickening, a risk factor for heart disease. The treatment's systemic impact may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in high-risk populations like Indigenous Australians.
A study of Australian mothers and daughters found that alcohol consumption increased significantly over a generation, with daughters between 18-25 years old consuming more alcohol than their mothers. Higher education had no effect on consumption levels.
A new study refines a test for tracing food-borne illnesses to their source, providing clearer guidance on interpreting DNA sequence changes. The findings suggest that isolates with certain variations in bacterial DNA can be linked together, helping investigators pinpoint outbreaks more accurately.
A law introduced in Victoria, Australia in 2005 made life jacket wear compulsory for all recreational boaters, resulting in a significant decline in drowning deaths. The study found that the odds of wearing a life jacket rose eight-fold, and the number of drownings fell from 59 to 16 in six years.
A study in Australia discovered that some nutritional sports supplements marketed to athletes are secretly fortified with androgens, which are banned from use in sports. The presence of these substances poses recognized health risks to both athletes and the general public.
A study published by the Endocrine Society found that low testosterone levels are linked to a higher risk of declining physical function in older men. The researchers also discovered that muscle weakness, possibly caused by decreased testosterone levels, may explain most of this relationship.
A new study finds that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, regardless of their body mass index (BMI). The study analyzed data from over 6,000 women and found that PCOS was associated with a five-fold increased risk of T2DM.
Scientists have developed a technique to control the population of the Australian sheep blowfly by genetically modifying female flies to require a common antibiotic to survive. This approach allows for the separation of male and female larvae, enabling the use of male-only genetic control programs to reduce blowfly populations.
Research reveals a large diversity of spiders engaging in fish predation globally, with semi-aquatic species catching small freshwater fish. Spiders use powerful neurotoxins and enzymes to kill and digest fish, providing an occasional nutrient-rich prey item.
The e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) initiative aims to train primary health practitioners in the use of e-mental health services, promoting access to e-health for people with mental health-related conditions. The program seeks to increase users of e-mental health services by at least 20% by 2016.
A new study finds that most protected areas in Antarctica are at high risk for biological invasions, with five eco regions having no protected areas. The continent's biodiversity is vulnerable to invasion by exotic species, threatening its unique wildlife and plants.