Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Certain Australian native flowers have shifted from using insects as pollinators and evolved flower colour to the red hues favoured by birds. The study found that bird-pollinated flowers have spectral signatures that are best discriminated by those birds.
A new study has found a significant prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among refugees arriving in Australia. The research highlights the importance of regular screening to prevent severe malnourishment and its consequences, including developmental defects in unborn children.
NASA's Aqua satellite data reveals Tropical Cyclone 18S continues to experience wind shear, pushing precipitation away from its center. The storm's main convection is being hindered by strong easterly vertical wind shear, affecting its ability to consolidate and intensify.
Cyclone Rusty intensified as it approached landfall in Western Australia, with NASA satellites observing increased power and cloud height. The storm's slow movement meant more rainfall, flooding potential, and rough surf along the Pilbara coast.
Tropical Storm 18S formed over the weekend of Feb. 23-24 with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots (40 mph) and powerful thunderstorms around its core. The storm is currently headed in a similar direction to Cyclone Rusty, which is nearing landfall in northwestern West Australia.
Cyclone Rusty is a large tropical cyclone approaching Western Australia, causing warnings and alerts for residents. The storm's slow movement will result in higher than usual rainfall and flooding, as well as very rough surf and coastal erosion.
A unique study highlights the importance of universal newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a life-threatening disorder affecting cortisol production. Screening improves survival in both boys and girls, contradicting previous beliefs that boys were at higher risk of delayed diagnosis.
The Asia Pacific region is experiencing a creeping epidemic of obesity, with quadrupled rates in China and increased prevalence among countries such as Japan and Australia. Experts attribute the rise to sedentary lifestyles, Westernized diets, and cultural attitudes that prioritize food as a way of showing hospitality.
Mari Uchimoto's award-winning presentation at ANZFSS International Symposium showcased a new method to identify body fluids using microRNA analysis, potentially aiding rape cases. This technique can distinguish between different bodily fluids, providing vital evidence for prosecutions or defenses.
A new report from Griffith University shows that most households did not make any changes to reduce their flood vulnerability despite lessons learned from the 2010-11 Australian floods. The research found that residents prioritized general home improvements over resilience measures, and insurers often only paid to replace like-for-like.
Researchers found that most tough-leaved shrubs and trees in South East Australia went extinct during the ice ages, contradicting the long-held theory that evolution drives biodiversity. The study suggests that extinction is equally important to diversity as evolution.
A large study of nearly 60,000 patients found that stage at diagnosis only partly explains the wide variation in lung cancer survival rates among different developed countries. Treatment differences also played a key role, with some countries experiencing lower survival rates due to delays in diagnosis or suboptimal staging.
Fishing communities in Indonesian Coral Triangle's Karimunjawa National Park have improved their social well-being while reducing reliance on marine biodiversity. The co-management approach has stabilized reef fish biomass and empowered participant communities, ensuring sustainable development.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are working to improve construction safety in the US by studying Australian practices. They've found that eliminating hazards at the design stage and promoting communication between constructors and designers can significantly reduce injury rates.
A new study reveals awareness, perceptions, and usage patterns of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among current and former cigarette smokers in four countries. The study found that nearly 47% of respondents were aware of ENDS, with higher levels of awareness among younger populations.
A large study found that erectile dysfunction severity corresponds to increased risk of cardiovascular disease hospitalization and all-cause mortality in men. The study analyzed data from over 95,000 men and found significant associations between ED severity and CVD risk, even among those without known CVD.
Cyclone Oswald's remnants continue to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to eastern Queensland, Australia. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology reports rainfall totals exceeding 700 mm in less than 2 days, leading to rapid river rises.
NASA's satellite imagery reveals a powerful band of thunderstorms east of Oswald's center, with temperatures as cold as -63 Fahrenheit (-52 Celsius). The low-level circulation center has become well-defined, triggering severe weather warnings for destructive winds and heavy rainfall across parts of Australia.
Tropical Storm Peta formed off the coast of Port Hedland, Australia on January 22, 2013, with rain rates reaching up to 94 mm per hour. The storm strengthened into a tropical depression before making landfall and dissipating over land, weakening its structure.
Tropical Storm Oswald brought extreme rainfall to northern Queensland, with NASA's TRMM satellite measuring over 600mm of rain in some areas. The storm caused severe flooding, cutting off communities and forcing travelers to cancel plans.
Tropical Storm Oswald weakened over land in the southwestern Cape York Peninsula of Queenstown, Australia, with maximum sustained winds dropping from 35 knots to 25 knots. The storm brought thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusts up to 90 kph, posing a threat to locations including Aurukun, Weipa, and Cooktown.
Researchers at UCSF and the Australian Joint Registry expose loopholes in the 510(k) clearance process that allow untested high-risk medical devices to reach the market. The devices have failed at a dangerously high rate, requiring multiple surgeries and posing unknown risks to patients.
A study of over 2,300 participants found that regular aspirin use was associated with a higher risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Aspirin use increased the risk by 1.9% at 15 years compared to non-users.
A landmark study found gastric banding to be an effective long-term strategy for managing obesity, with 78% of patients maintaining significant weight loss after 10-15 years. The procedure has lasting benefits, including improved health and longer lifespan, as well as effective control of type 2 diabetes.
HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has been announced as patron of the Australian Twin Registry, a pioneer in twin medical research. The registry's work has contributed to breakthroughs in understanding human development and aging, including serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
Cyclone Narelle's intensity has steadily weakened as it moved southward towards Western Australia. TRMM satellite data showed falling cloud heights and weaker rainfall, indicating a significant decrease in the storm's power.
Tropical Storm Narelle is weakening as it moves south along Western Australia's coast, according to NASA. The storm's rainfall rates have decreased, and its eye has become cloud-filled.
A recent study published in PNAS found evidence of gene flow from India to Australia around 4,230 years ago, challenging the notion that Australia remained isolated between initial colonization and European arrival. This migration also shares a common origin with populations from New Guinea and the Philippines.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle has formed a well-formed storm center with an approximately 15 nautical mile-wide eye, according to NASA's Terra satellite. The cyclone's maximum sustained winds have increased to 115 knots, making it a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle is gaining strength as it approaches the northern coast of Western Australia, with NASA tracking its movement and expected impact. The cyclone is predicted to bring heavy rainfall and rough seas, posing a threat to coastal communities and causing erosion and flooding.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle is intensifying as it moves southwest paralleling the Western Australian coastline, according to NASA satellite imagery. The cyclone is expected to strengthen over the next two days, bringing gales with gusts of up to 100 kph and heavy rainfall along the Pilbara coastline.
Researchers have captured the intricate mechanism of insulin binding to cells, a crucial step in glucose uptake. This breakthrough could lead to novel insulins with improved properties, such as longer activity and reduced degradation.
Researchers found that embryonic sharks can detect electric fields emitted by potential predators and respond by reducing respiratory movements. This innate avoidance response allows them to recognize dangers and try to escape, even in vulnerable egg cases.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle intensified into a tropical storm after NASA's TRMM satellite detected strong thunderstorms and 'hot towers' indicating intensification. The storm is expected to continue intensifying, potentially reaching wind speeds of 130 knots in three days.
Scientists re-examined a specimen stored in the Natural History Museum in London, which showed evidence of wild collection in northwestern Australia in 1901. The discovery challenges previous thinking about the species' recent distribution and offers insight into its possible ongoing presence in Australia.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology has discovered the role of ELF5 in aggressive breast cancer subtypes and its potential to overcome anti-estrogen therapies. The research suggests that manipulating ELF5 levels could lead to new treatment strategies for breast cancer patients.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that removing around 100 artificial waterbodies can prevent toads from occupying 268,000 square kilometres of land. This could protect numerous species, including northern Quolls and goannas and snakes, badly affected by toad invasions.
Bright areas in Western Australia are caused by wildfires, confirmed by satellite data and composite imaging. The fires, detected over nine days in April and 13 days in October, appear as a massive blaze due to cumulative lighting.
The world's largest living organisms are facing an alarming decline in death rates among trees 100-300 years old. The study highlights the critical role of large old trees in regulating ecosystems, storing carbon, and supporting biodiversity. Researchers call for urgent action to identify causes and develop strategies for conservation.
Scientists have created a network map of genes involved in pain perception, showing remarkable similarity between humans and fruit flies. The map includes hundreds of known genes and dozens of new ones, highlighting the importance of phospholipid signaling in pain processing.
Researchers have created a 'network map' of genes involved in pain perception, identifying hundreds of potential therapeutic targets. The study provides a valuable tool for predicting pain genes in people and has the potential to lead to the development of new analgesic drugs.
Researchers used a super-resolution microscope to study protein distribution in human T-cells, revealing the dynamic opening and closing process of kinase molecules. This discovery could provide insights into immune disorders and cancer by understanding how signaling processes are controlled.
A new study suggests that the human mind can cope with a maximum of four chunks of information before confusion sets in. Professor Gordon Parker from the University of New South Wales re-analyzed experiments and found that this number is more accurate than previously thought.
The Hinode spacecraft observed two solar eclipses in 2012 and 2013, capturing distinct views of total and partial eclipses. The mission provided valuable insights into the Sun's surface magnetism, shedding light on sunspot activity.
A narrow corridor in the southern hemisphere experienced a total solar eclipse on Nov. 13, 2012, with observers in northern Australia witnessing dim structures around the sun's edge. The corona, made of electrified gas and plasma, was observed to be constantly moving in response to magnetic fields.
The Hinode mission will coordinate with ground-based observations during the November 13, 2012, total solar eclipse to produce a combined dataset. This study will focus on the sun's corona, including its temperature distribution and magnetic fields.
The article assesses Australia's giant eucalyptus trees' classification as rainforest species, sparked by their unique relationship with fire. The study finds that despite being dependent on fire for regeneration, these trees coexist on the margins of rainforests and should be considered part of the ecosystem.
A national research effort is underway to monitor antibiotic resistance in Australian livestock and companion animals. The study aims to provide a clearer picture of the state of Australian livestock and inform mitigation strategies.
A large-scale study has defined the complexity of underlying mutations responsible for pancreatic cancers, revealing that 'pancreatic cancer' is not one disease but many. The analysis found over 2,000 mutated genes, with some associated with poorer outcomes.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that female Komodo Dragons live significantly shorter lives than males, with an average lifespan of 32 years compared to 60 years. The research suggests that females invest excessive energy in building nests and guarding eggs for up to six months, leading to reduced body size and weight.
Researchers discovered that immune cells use vitamin B products to recognize bacterial infections, triggering an immune response. This finding opens up potential targets for improving treatments or developing a vaccine for tuberculosis.
A study found that vigorous physical activity increases the risk of bleeding in children with moderate or severe hemophilia A or B. Most bleeds associated with physical activity occur within an hour of activity, and the absolute increase in risk may be small.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that the Canadian C-spine rule is more accurate than NEXUS in diagnosing important cervical spine injuries. The rule's better diagnostic accuracy and lower rate of false negatives make it a preferable choice for assessing cervical spine imaging needs.
Researchers have identified a molecule that plays a crucial role in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) in MS animal models. Blocking this molecule reduces inflammation and reverses clinical signs of the disease.
Research by CSIRO scientists reveals a southward shift in the subtropical dry-zone is driving autumn rainfall decline across south-eastern Australia. The expansion also affects southern-coastal Chile and southern Africa, with some regions experiencing increased rainfall during April-May.
Leading doctors challenge the assumption that more is better in US healthcare, citing $800bn annual cost due to unnecessary care. They identify factors such as malpractice fears, biased research, and financial conflicts of guideline writers contributing to overtreatment.
A study analyzing DNA from museum koala skins found that a retrovirus has infected koalas for at least 120 years, primarily in northern Australia. The virus, known as KoRV, is linked to increased susceptibility to diseases such as Chlamydia and leukemia.
The Great Barrier Reef is experiencing significant changes in sea surface temperatures and seasonal patterns over the past 25 years. Water temperatures have increased by an average of 0.2 degrees, with more pronounced warming in certain areas. This shift affects marine life and poses challenges for managing protected areas.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that replacing intravenous catheters only when clinically necessary is safe and could save millions. This policy change would prevent up to 6 million unnecessary catheter insertions and save about $60 million annually in health costs, according to the research.
A new study at the International Water Association Conference has made significant breakthroughs in reducing sewer gas emissions. The treatment, called Cloevis, uses a magic mix of chemicals to stop 99% of hydrogen sulphide emitted from sewers, significantly decreasing bad smells and their impact on corroding pipes.