Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Scientists used rediscovered Apollo data to determine lunar dust accumulation rate, finding it builds up 10 times faster than previous estimates. The high rate poses a significant problem for solar cells, which could diminish power supply output.
A study published by The Endocrine Society found that older men with optimal testosterone levels lived longer, while those with high or low levels had a higher mortality risk. Higher DHT levels were also associated with reduced ischemic heart disease mortality.
Research published in the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology's journal Human Reproduction found a significant association between casual employment and delayed childbirth. Women who spent more time in temporary jobs were less likely to have their first child by age 35, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
The study found that varespladib, an enzyme inhibitor, did not significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients treated with varespladib had a higher risk of heart attack compared to those receiving placebo.
Researchers found that individuals with less experience in holding power tend to seek revenge more than those who feel more self-assured. The study also showed that body posture can affect revenge tendencies, with expansive postures leading to greater vengeance among those new to power.
A comprehensive study analyzing over 3,800 cerebral palsy cases and 1.7 million healthy children found no link between cesarean delivery and reduced risk of cerebral palsy. The causes of cerebral palsy are believed to lie elsewhere, with research focusing on genetic origins and environmental triggers.
A team of researchers from Australia has discovered a high-altitude species of sedge in Tasmania, Lepidosperma monticola, which is unique to alpine vegetation and the smallest known species of the genus. The new species grows on mountains at elevations above 700m and can be distinguished by its fruit morphology.
Three researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have been awarded ARC Future Fellowships to study how the body controls errant immune cells causing type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease. They aim to develop new treatments using cell signalling pathways and targeted vaccines or drugs.
A team of scientists discovered well-preserved remnants of a complex ecosystem in nearly 3.5 billion-year-old sedimentary rock sequence in Western Australia. Advanced chemical analyses point to a biological origin of the material, suggesting that complex mat-forming microbial communities likely existed almost 3.5 billion years ago.
Research finds that horse manure disperses non-native weed seeds, including 16 noxious weeds in Australia and 105 invasive species in North America. Habitat disturbance from trampling also facilitates seed germination.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected multiple bushfires in Wollemi National Park, located northwest of Sydney, on November 4. The MODIS instrument captured images showing a large area of smoke and heat from the fires.
Research led by ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young uses satellite data to track wave decay and develop a mathematical formula for predicting swell action. The study provides comprehensive data on the rate of decay, which will increase the accuracy of wave predictions for industries such as shipping and surfing.
A study by Griffith University found that smart water meters can reduce post-meter water loss in households by up to 91% by identifying leaks and repairing them. The project identified 4% of households with suspected leaks, leading to cost savings for customers.
A new, giant species of extinct platypus, Obdurodon tharalkooschild, has been discovered in Australia. The estimated length of the species is nearly a meter, twice that of the modern platypus. The fossil record suggests that platypuses became smaller and reduced their teeth through time.
The supposedly widespread liverwort species was found to be a complex of geographically restricted species, with implications for biogeography studies. The study's results also highlight the importance of accurately identifying plant species, as it can lead to the discovery of new bioactive compounds.
A team of scientists isolated a live virus from horseshoe bats in China, confirming them as the origin of the SARS-CoV. The discovery will help governments design effective prevention strategies for similar epidemics.
Professor Speed has developed tools to help biologists analyze and explain their results, making it possible to look at hundreds of genes in a DNA sequence at once to understand genetic changes involved in complicated diseases. He is also working on determining the genetic traits that make normal and cancerous cells different.
A team of researchers has identified a new species of humpback dolphin swimming in the waters off northern Australia. The study, published in Molecular Ecology, analyzed physical features and genetic data to determine that the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin includes at least four member species, one of which is completely new to science.
A Griffith University-led study has found that ocean acidification may inhibit the development of juvenile Irukandji jellyfish, potentially providing some protection for South East Queenslanders. The research also highlights the risk of Irukandji expansion into new areas due to climate change.
A new approach to analyzing paleo-climate reconstructions reveals that El Niño activity during the 20th century was unusually high compared to past 600 years. The study found ENSO activity to be more active between 1979-2009 than any 30-year period in the past 600 years.
Fossilized footprints found at Dinosaur Cove in Victoria, Australia, reveal the oldest known bird tracks in the country, dating back to the Early Cretaceous period. The analysis, led by paleontologist Anthony Martin, sheds light on the evolution of flight and the connection between birds and non-avian dinosaurs.
Bushfires continued raging in New South Wales, with over 116,000 hectares burned. The MODIS instrument on NASA's Terra satellite detected heat from the fires and showed a large area of smoke in the Wollemi National Park.
Researchers have discovered coral animals produce dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP), a molecule that helps protect them against heat stress and influences cloud formation. This finding could be crucial for regulating local climate and mitigating the effects of rising seawater temperatures.
Scientists from CSIRO discovered that eucalyptus trees can act as a hydraulic pump, drawing up water containing gold particles from the earth and depositing them into their leaves and branches. This innovative technique could provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to search for minerals such as zinc and copper.
Researchers suggest that Denisovans, an ancient human relative, successfully crossed Wallace's Line, a powerful marine current, to interbreed with modern humans. This finding opens up questions about the behaviors and capabilities of this group and how far they could have spread.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) awarded five people Advocacy Travel Awards to support their attendance at the 2013 World Conference on Lung Cancer in Sydney. The awards provide conference registration, accommodations, a free IASLC Membership, and a travel stipend.
The World Heart Federation is publishing a special issue to raise awareness about rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which is highly preventable but remains neglected globally. The special issue explores the burden of RHD, current challenges, and innovative solutions for prevention and treatment.
Australian researchers have developed a breakthrough 3D mapping system, Zebedee, which enables the creation of detailed maps of complex sites like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The technology has been used to produce the first comprehensive 3D map of the tower's interior, capturing small details in the stairs and stonework.
During the Last Glacial Maximum, extreme climate change led to massive changes in Australia's landscape and human populations. Aboriginal communities contracted into localized 'refuges' with reliable water and food supplies.
A decline in shark populations leads to a decrease in herbivorous fishes, promoting algae growth on coral reefs. This study highlights the critical role sharks play in maintaining reef health and underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect these apex predators.
A study suggests that shark populations are declining due to commercial fishing, leading to a decrease in herbivorous fish that promote reef health. This has fundamental effects on the structure of food chains and ecosystem resilience.
A study by James Cook University found that early publication is a key factor in predicting success in scientific research. Women face disadvantages due to language barriers and family responsibilities, hindering their progress. Publishing early and often helps scientists gain a competitive edge and become superstars in their field.
A new protein in Australian tarantula venom has been found to be highly toxic to the cotton bollworm, a major pest affecting crop yields. The orally active insecticidal peptide-1 (OAIP-1) shows potency similar to synthetic insecticides, offering potential for bioinsecticide applications.
A new study by QUT researcher Associate Professor Anna Hawkes found that regular telephone support improved physical activity, weight management and diet among bowel cancer survivors. The CanChange program showed significant positive effects on health behaviors after a 12-month trial.
A University of Adelaide study finds that Aboriginal populations and climate change were more likely responsible for the extinction of Tasmanian tigers and devils on the mainland. The research used complex models to recreate the dynamic interaction between dingoes, climate, and human populations.
A joint Australian-German research team has created the highest-resolution maps of Earth's gravity field, showing variations up to 40 percent larger than previously assumed. The new maps were calculated at three billion points and will improve civil engineering projects such as building canals, bridges, and tunnels.
A recent study published in The Economic and Labour Relations Review reveals the exploitation of Indian immigrant workers in Australia on 457 visas. The researchers found that workers are often forced to work long hours for low pay under substandard conditions, with little choice but to sign revised contracts or face deportation.
A recent study using DNA barcodes identified two distinct species of diamondback moths in Australia, one of which is the well-known pest and the other a newly discovered species named Plutella australiana. The discovery highlights the complexity of this global pest and its ability to evolve resistance to control methods.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic approach combining antibody and genetic tests to detect coeliac disease in Australians. The study found that more than half of the population has genetic risk factors for developing coeliac disease.
A new gamma-activation analysis (GAA) technique can detect gold more accurately and quickly than traditional methods, allowing mining companies to recover small traces of gold worth millions of dollars. This could save the Australian mining industry hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
A new book by CSIRO Publishing sheds light on the critical role of Aboriginal people in the exploration of Australia during the Burke and Wills expedition. The book highlights the cross-cultural differences and perspectives between European explorers and Indigenous inhabitants.
A rare combination of atmospheric patterns drove heavy rains over Australia in 2010-11, causing seas to drop measurably. The event, linked to La Niña and the Southern Annular Mode, was a unique complex pattern that temporarily halted rising sea levels caused by climate change.
Researchers discovered that small damsel fish grow larger 'eye' spots near their tail and reduce the size of their real eyes when threatened with predation. This allows them to distract predators and increase their chances of survival.
A study found that 75% of expert panel members had industry ties, with median seven companies represented, and 76% of recent guideline publications had a similar proportion. The study highlights the potential impact of conflicts on disease definition changes, sparking concerns about current processes.
A new study reveals that Australian soils are losing significant amounts of carbon to wind erosion, with an estimated 1.6 million tonnes lost annually. This loss affects not only agricultural productivity but also the country's carbon accounts and climate change projections.
A new study defines the aerosol climatology of Northern Australia's savanna, providing a crucial piece for climate modeling. The findings show that fine particles generated by burning have significant impacts on regional climate and air quality.
CSIRO and Larissa Bright Australia develop world's first coral-based sunscreen filters offering unparalleled UVA/UVB resistance. The breakthrough technology has the potential to set a new standard in broad-spectrum sunscreens, providing clear, colourless protection for consumers worldwide.
Australian researchers have developed a food additive that can be used to improve the growth rate, health and sustainability of farmed prawns. The Novacq feed additive has been shown to promote faster growth, reduce reliance on wild fishery resources and produce high-quality products.
Research highlights the connection between atmospheric rivers and severe precipitation in Western Europe. A study found that these rivers are also responsible for high precipitation events in mountainous areas, with significant impacts felt as far inland as Germany and Poland.
The NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center captured a true-color image of the region's hotspots and smoke plumes on July 23, 2013. The image revealed large fires in the Northern Territory, with temperatures higher than background detected by thermal sensors.
Scientists from CSIRO and the University of NSW attribute rapid ocean warming to global greenhouse gas emissions and aerosol decline. Models show a 30-year delay in Indian Ocean warming due to aerosol levels, highlighting human-emitted aerosols' significant impact on remote ocean temperatures.
A study of 536 smokers in Australia found that plain packaging makes cigarettes less appealing and increases the urgency to quit. This is significant as it can help curb tobacco's appeal and boost thoughts of quitting among smokers.
Studies show that human-animal interaction boosts social skills in adolescents, provides mental health support for people with dementia, and improves social relationships and physical activity among pet owners. Positive effects are attributed to structured interactions with animals.
Researchers found that urban heat island effect combined with global warming could increase Sydney's temperatures by up to 3.7°C by 2050. Green spaces and bodies of water can help reduce the impact, with studies showing a marked effect on reducing the urban heat island effect.
Researchers have found that increased carbon dioxide levels are causing an 11% increase in foliage cover across parts of the world's arid regions. This 'CO2 fertilization' effect enables plants to extract more carbon from the air or lose less water, leading to changes in leaf cover detected by satellite.
Scientists have discovered brief, intense radio bursts from the distant Universe using CSIRO's Parkes telescope. The flashes are believed to originate from up to 11 billion light-years away and could be detected every ten seconds.
Researchers developed equations governing trajectory of spinning ball as it moves through air in presence of wind. The study reveals how cross-wind affects spin-bowler's delivery, changing pitch point on wicket.
Researchers used a computer program to recreate the ancient supercontinent Gondwana by aligning geological boundaries across Australia, India and Antarctica. The study improves understanding of plate tectonics and its impact on oil and gas deposits.
A team of international researchers discovered four fast radio bursts from cosmological distances, suggesting they originate from extreme events involving relativistic objects. The findings provide a way to study space between galaxies and understand the properties of missing matter in the Universe.
A recent study found that human influences through global warming increased the chances of Australians experiencing record hot summers like 2013 by more than five times. The research suggests that greenhouse gas emissions will lead to even more frequent and severe extreme heat events in the future.