Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Researchers found a high-volume perennial spring on Ellesmere Island that flows year-round despite extreme cold temperatures. The spring's unique geochemistry suggests a more active hydrogeological system in polar regions than previously thought, potentially driven by glacial meltwater.
Scientists analyzed coyote and red fox fur trapping records to show the 'wolf effect' favoring red foxes in wolf presence and coyotes elsewhere. The balance between species shifts dramatically with wolf abundance, providing insights for Australian wildlife management.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a copper compound that significantly extends the lifespan and improves locomotor function of transgenic mice with ALS. By delivering copper selectively to spinal cord cells, scientists aim to stabilize superoxide dismutase and improve mitochondrial function.
Researchers are developing new models to analyze sedimentary basins, combining geological data with complex simulations to better understand their formation and changes over time. The Basin GENESIS Hub aims to improve resource estimates and exploration targets in deep basins, particularly in remote regions of Australia.
A VicHealth-funded survey found that nearly all Aboriginal Australians experienced racism in the past year, with racism in healthcare settings linked to high psychological distress. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address racism in healthcare and promote better mental health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
Dr. Herndon has made significant contributions to burn care, including discoveries related to metabolic responses and increased caloric needs after burns. He is recognized as one of the elite surgeons globally, with numerous publications and a prestigious award from the International Burn Foundation.
Researchers have found that cancer cells decide whether to live or die after a short period of intense exposure to targeted therapy. This discovery presents a new treatment strategy with significant potential for reducing side effects in patients.
A recent study published in Menopause found that low doses of testosterone cream for women after menopause can bring their testosterone levels back to normal. The study tested two doses of the AndroFeme product, with the 5-mg dose being sufficient to restore premenopausal levels.
Researchers found that despite similarities in body forms, look-alike snakes from the two continents differ dramatically in diet. Australian elapid snakes specialize in lizards and other snakes as prey, while their North American counterparts focus on invertebrates such as insects and spiders.
The completed sheep genome sequencing has led to an advanced understanding of genes involved in making sheep unique. The study identified a new pathway for lipid metabolism in sheep skin, which may play a role in wool development and efficient grease production.
Researchers found koalas in Australia's tropical northeast choose trees with trunks over 5°C cooler than air temperature to rest and cool down. This behavior helps reduce heat stress, with access to these trees saving about half the water a koala needs on hot days.
Boron Molecular secures rights to mass-manufacture and sell RAFT chain transfer agents globally for R&D and commercial purposes. CSIRO's reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) technology enables users to tailor polymer properties with unprecedented control.
Associate Professor David Newman is a world leader in aviation medicine, receiving the 2014 John Paul Stapp Award for his work in aerospace biomechanics. He has made significant contributions to the field of aviation safety, focusing on pilot fitness and aviation-related health issues.
A Curtin University researcher has discovered that volcanic eruptions in Australia 510 million years ago led to the first known mass extinction of complex life. The study found a correlation between large volcanic province eruptions and climate shifts, resulting in mass extinctions over the last 550 million years.
The study found that Australian sweet cherry varieties 'Sweetheart' and 'Kordia' have different chill hour requirements. The researchers concluded that regions in Western Australia and Queensland will become marginal for 'Kordia', while 'Sweetheart' can still thrive with increased winter temperatures.
Paul Glasziou argues that open access models can reduce research waste and improve the quality of medical research. He suggests that charities and governments should publish funded work in open access to make it more effective, as $100 billion of pre- and post-publication research is wasted annually.
A new study by the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA has solved a 150-year-old evolutionary mystery about the origins of giant flightless birds. The research found that the kiwi is most closely related to the extinct Madagascan elephant bird, contrary to previous claims.
Researchers have discovered an ancient Hawaiian volcano, named Ka'ena, which is believed to be the first building block for the island of O'ahu. The study provides compelling evidence that Ka'ena's lava chemistry and volcanic evolution played a crucial role in shaping the island's landscape.
A new Australian study reveals that individuals who consume energy drinks with alcohol are more likely to experience negative outcomes such as aggression, violence, and injury. Hedonistic motives related to pleasure and sensation are highly implicated in A+ED consumption.
A new study suggests that reducing medical resident duty hours in Canada may have unforeseen consequences, including the need for a longer residency period or a shift towards competency-based training. The study's author argues that residents' work hours must be carefully managed to ensure both patient safety and resident well-being.
The Global Matrix, a first-of-its-kind report, assesses 15 countries' physical activity levels in children. Scotland ranks poorly in two categories: overall physical activity and sedentary behavior, with grades of F.
A recent study assembled a large dataset using ancient moa DNA and found convincing evidence that tinamous are closely related to extinct moas, leading to independent loss of flight. Morphological characters of ratites were mostly convergent, evolving independently as adaptations to a cursorial lifestyle.
Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics has partnered with Sugar Research Australia to develop technologies for the Australian sugar industry, focusing on improving raw sugar quality. The collaboration aims to apply glycoscience expertise in disease prevention and cure to help manage aspects of raw sugar quality.
Researchers found that stronger westerly winds are delivering rain to southern Australia while pushing colder air towards Antarctica. This explains why Antarctica is not warming as much as other continents and why Australia faces more droughts.
Researchers have developed a new method to analyze sea level records, revealing substantial evidence for global and regional sea level acceleration. By 2020-2030, there will be statistical certainty of what the sea level rise situation will look like for the end of the century.
Research finds inactivity surpasses other known risk factors like overweight for heart disease risk in women from age 30 onwards. Regular exercise can save over 2000 women's lives each year in Australia by reducing this risk.
Researchers found that SOCS4-deficient mice exhibited abnormally high levels of cytokines and chemokines, similar to a 'cytokine storm', which contributed to severe symptoms and slower viral clearance. The study suggests SOCS4 plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response against influenza virus.
Researchers used the interstellar medium as a lens to magnify and observe radio wave emission from a small rotating neutron star, achieving highest resolution ever measured. This technique allowed them to study pulsars, which emit pulsed radio waves, and potentially unlock new insights into their physics.
A revised Australian tsunami database, updated by UNSW researchers, has revealed up to 145 possible tsunamis since prehistoric times, with 11 reported deaths in Australia. The database indicates the east coast faces the most significant risk from tsunamis.
Researchers identify AHDC1 gene as cause of newly recognized genetic syndrome with symptoms of sleep apnea, delayed speech and hyptonia. The study analyzed DNA sequences from patients and their families, revealing damaging mutations in the same gene across multiple cases.
The Apodanthaceae family comprises 10 species of endo-parasitic plants, specialized to parasitize legumes or willow family species. The study provides a key, distribution map, and color photos of most species, shedding light on their ecology and evolution.
Monash University is set to lead initiatives in Indonesia and China through the Australian Centre for Indonesia Studies and Shenzhen-Monash Cooperation Agreement. The university aims to drive health-related research and commercial partnerships with these countries.
A team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin captured a drop of pitch on camera for the first time, generating over two million YouTube views. The attention came from their short and quirky story, which also sparked human interest due to a dramatic sequence of events related to an Australian experiment.
Researchers tracked over 70 flatback sea turtles using satellite tracking systems to identify a high-value migratory corridor within Australia's newly established marine parks. The study reveals the turtles' transit passage falls mostly within these protected areas, providing crucial insights for conservation planning.
A new study tracks over 70 flatbacks off north-west Australia's coastline using satellites, revealing a 1,000km-long migratory corridor within the Commonwealth Marine Reserve network. The research also identifies common migration routes among whales, sharks, and turtles.
Researchers from Australian National University developed a simple and cheap way to make high-powered lenses that can transform smartphones into high-resolution microscopes. The lenses are made by using the natural shape of liquid droplets, promising revolution in science and medicine in developing countries and remote areas.
A study in Australia found that patients from more affluent areas were less likely to use home dialysis and more likely to use in-center hemodialysis. Rural areas had higher rates of peritoneal dialysis, while private hospitals rarely used home dialysis.
Researchers at UNSW Australia have successfully regrown auditory nerves using bionic ear technology and gene therapy, potentially improving outcomes for people with cochlear implants. The technique delivers neurotrophins to cells near the implant electrodes, promoting nerve regeneration.
A study by Sarah Crowley reveals the complex history of camels in Australia, from their role in infrastructure development to their current status as 'humped pests.' The estimated 1 million-strong population poses a significant environmental threat, causing damage to agriculture and water resources.
A UNSW-led study found that 80% of 2012 Australian whooping cough cases were caused by pertactin-free strains, which may evade vaccine antibodies. The shift could reduce the vaccine's effectiveness in Australia.
The TRMM satellite provided near-real time precipitation data for Tropical Cyclone Ita, estimating rainfall totals of up to 400 mm in northeastern Australia. The satellite also captured a 3-D image of the storm's structure, showing that some clouds were reaching heights of over 13 km.
Tropical Cyclone Ita weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall in northeastern Queensland, Australia. NASA's TRMM and Suomi NPP satellites captured imagery of the storm's elongating structure and heavy rainfall rates.
Researchers have discovered 10 new parasite species in Australian cuttlefish, revealing complex life cycles and infection patterns. The parasites' ability to reinfect hosts independently suggests a high degree of specificity, making them potential biological tags for assessing population structures.
The percentage of Australian adolescents who don't drink alcohol has surged from 33% in 2001 to over 50% in 2010. This trend is linked to deep cultural beliefs and increasing public concerns about adolescent drinking.
Tropical Cyclone Ita has intensified to a Category Four hurricane with winds near 132 mph, threatening catastrophic damage and power outages in Queensland. NASA's Terra satellite captured visible images of the storm, revealing powerful thunderstorms and heavy rainfall rates reaching up to 163 mm/h.
Tropical Cyclone Ita intensified with a large eye feature and sustained winds of 65 knots/75 mph. Rainfall analysis revealed rain falling at over 99 mm/h within its feeder bands.
A new species of freshwater crayfish has been discovered in the swamps of coastal eastern Australia, belonging to the genus Gramastacus. The species, found in lowland habitats surrounding coastal lakes and lagoons, is highly fragmented due to human development, posing a threat to its survival.
Tropical Cyclone Ita developed near the Solomon Islands and strengthened into a tropical storm on April 5. NASA satellite imagery revealed strong convection and thunderstorms surrounding its center of circulation near Papua New Guinea.
New research finds that increased scientific uncertainty in the climate system necessitates even greater action to mitigate climate change. The study shows that as uncertainty in temperature increase expected with a doubling of CO2 rises, so do economic damages and likelihood of exceeding safe temperature limits.
A new study published in The Lancet found that expensive, intense physiotherapy sessions do not provide additional benefits over a single session of education and advice with phone follow-up. The study supports previous claims that longer physiotherapy programmes offer minimal added benefit for acute whiplash-associated disorders.
Researchers have identified a precise biochemical key that activates immune cells called MAITs, which defend against bacterial and fungal invaders. The breakthrough has potential applications in treating inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcers, and tuberculosis.
Scientists have discovered a late Triassic tectono-thermal event in southern Mexico, synchronous with a magmatic arc hiatus, suggesting flat-slab subduction. Additionally, research has found evidence of giant mantle plume activity in ancient Australia and Argentina, providing insight into the Earth's thermal structure.
Unplanned pregnancies remain high despite high contraceptive use and emergency contraception availability. Inadequate knowledge about the emergency contraceptive pill usage and access contributes to this issue.
Researchers found Gen X has significantly poorer health status, higher obesity rates, and no difference in physical activity compared to Baby Boomers. The study suggests drastic lifestyle changes, such as increased sedentary behavior and access to unhealthy food, contribute to earlier development of age-related conditions.
A team of scientists used computer modeling to reveal how giant swirls form during plate collision, explaining the origin of curved mountain chains along subduction zones. The model suggests that parts of the subducted slab sweep around behind the collision, pushing continental material into the mountain belt.
Tropical Cyclone Gillian has re-formed just south of Java, Indonesia, with improved central convection and symmetric shape. The cyclone is expected to intensify to hurricane-force over the Southern Indian Ocean.
Tropical Cyclone Gillian has returned to a remnant low status after passing north of Australia's Top End. The system is surrounded by dry air, sapping its ability to generate thunderstorms.
TRMM satellite data shows heavy rainfall rates and powerful thunderstorms in the northeast Gulf of Carpentaria, indicating a potential rebirth of Tropical Cyclone Gillian. The system is expected to intensify over the next 24-36 hours, posing gusty winds and heavy rainfall to coastal communities.
A new study found that every 15-minute delay in treating ischemic stroke can result in losing a month of disability-free life. On the other hand, speeding up treatment by just one minute can save patients around 1.8 days of healthy life.
Tropical Cyclone Gillian weakened to a remnant low pressure area after landfall in Queensland, but satellite data indicates it may be intensifying. A compact storm system is forming, with thunderstorms developing along the southern quadrant, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center has upgraded its chances of re-forming.