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Misinformation: Psychological Science shows why it sticks and how to fix it

A new report highlights the cognitive factors that make misinformation sticky, including the need for cognitive effort to reject information. Effective strategies for debunking or counteracting erroneous beliefs include providing alternative narratives, focusing on facts rather than myths, and considering audience beliefs. Research has...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateSep 19, 2012
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Aussie wasp on the hunt for redback spiders

Researchers have discovered a small wasp that hunts and paralyses redback spiders, reducing their population. The Agenioideus nigricornis wasp, previously forgotten for over 200 years, is widespread across Australia and plays a crucial role in controlling the redback spider population.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian Journal of Entomology·DateSep 11, 2012

Southeast Asian ovalocytosis protects against P. vivax malaria

A multinational group of authors has found a strong association between Southeast Asian ovalocytosis and protection against malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax. The study suggests that P. vivax malaria may have contributed to shaping the unique host genetic adaptations in Asian and Oceanic populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 4, 2012

Smokers who value the future are more likely to quit

Researchers at Newcastle University analyzed data from over 7,000 Australian households and found that smokers with a longer time horizon were more likely to quit smoking by 2008. Seventy-six percent of quitters fell into this category compared to 66% of those who continued to smoke.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateSep 4, 2012

Australian shipping emissions identified

A recent study by CSIRO and Australian Maritime College reveals that ship engine exhaust emissions account for over a quarter of nitrogen oxide emissions in the Australian region. These non-greenhouse gases can affect air quality near coastal regions and have consequences for human health and amenity.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateSep 3, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Even in normal range, high blood sugar linked to brain shrinkage

A study of 249 people aged 60-64 found that those with high fasting blood sugar levels within the normal range experienced greater brain shrinkage than those with lower levels. Brain volume loss was particularly pronounced in areas involved in memory and cognitive skills, such as the hippocampus and amygdala.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 3, 2012

Soil Science Society of America presents 2012 class of fellows

The Soil Science Society of America has announced its 2012 class of fellows, comprising 26 soil scientists from around the world. These distinguished professionals have made significant contributions to the field of soil science through their research, teaching, and extension work.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateAug 30, 2012

Millipede family added to Australian fauna

A group of Pyrgodesmidae millipedes previously unknown in Australia has been discovered on museum shelves. The study reveals dozens of native species across over 2000 km of eastern Australia's warm forests.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateAug 30, 2012

Adelaide joins with Italy to develop 'super spaghetti'

Researchers in Adelaide and Italy are working on projects to improve the quality of pasta by increasing dietary fiber and starch levels. The goal is to create 'super spaghetti' that offers potential health benefits, such as reducing heart disease risk or colorectal cancer risk.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateAug 29, 2012
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Eyeless Australian fish have closest relatives in Madagascar

Two groups of blind cave fishes from Australia and Madagascar are each other's closest relatives, descending from a common ancestor separated by continental drift nearly 100 million years ago. The study identifies new species that add to existing biological evidence for the existence of Gondwana.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2012

Botany student proves 'New England Banksia' a distinct species

A botany student has confirmed the existence of a new species, New England Banksia, previously classified as a variety of the Hairpin Banksia. The study, published in PhytoKeys, used molecular evidence to support the distinct species status of New England Banksia.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateAug 28, 2012
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Thinking about kids? Man, you gotta shed the kilos

Research reveals that paternal obesity negatively impacts fetal development, resulting in smaller fetuses and poor pregnancy success. Men are advised to get match fit before conceiving to support healthy fetal growth and reduce long-term health risks for the offspring

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·DateAug 22, 2012

Big Bang theory challenged by big chill

Researchers propose a new concept called Quantum Graphity, suggesting that space is composed of tiny indivisible blocks similar to pixels. This idea challenges the traditional Big Bang theory and offers a potential explanation for the nature of space.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPhysical Review D·DateAug 20, 2012

Report card shows Australia's oceans are changing

The 2012 Marine Climate Change in Australia Report Card reveals climate change is altering the country's marine ecosystems. Key findings indicate warming sea temperatures are influencing species distribution and foraging patterns of seabirds.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateAug 16, 2012
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Australia creates world's first continental-scale mineral maps

The Australian government has created the world's first continent-wide mineral maps using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection (ASTER) data. These maps provide highly accurate information on rock and soil mineral components, revolutionizing the search for mineral deposits.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateAug 13, 2012

Wastewater key to quenching global thirst, UCI-led review finds

A UCI-led review reveals creative methods for capturing liquid sewage, highway runoff, and household water to supplement drinking water. The study concludes that transforming individual habits and adopting sustainable practices are crucial to breaking the cycle of waste and over-reliance on freshwater resources.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2012

Doctors often don't disclose all possible risks to patients before treatment

A study analyzing malpractice claims in Australia found that doctors often fail to disclose significant risks to patients before treatment. The authors argue that this can lead to factual disagreements and disputes over informed consent, highlighting the need for improved communication between healthcare providers and patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 7, 2012
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Patients want more risks disclosed before treatment

A study by University of Melbourne researchers found that doctors often fail to warn patients of risks affecting quality of life, particularly chronic pain and sexual dysfunction. To avoid 'he said/she said' disputes, keeping a clear record of consent discussions is key.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 7, 2012

New bat virus could hold key to Hendra virus

Australian scientists have discovered a new bat virus, Cedar, which is closely related to deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses. The virus does not cause illness in several animal species normally susceptible to Hendra and Nipah, providing a surprising key difference.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 2, 2012

Skin cancer identified for the first time in wild fish populations

Research reveals widespread skin cancer in wild coral trout populations, caused by UV radiation, affecting three species on the Great Barrier Reef. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for continued conservation and management of reefs and their inhabitants.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 1, 2012

2-virus link to prostate cancer

A new study found that over half of malignant prostate cancers have both high-risk HPV 18 and EBV, with HPV alone present in 70% of the cancers. The research suggests a potential collaboration between the two viruses to promote cancer cell survival.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Prostate·DateJul 31, 2012
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease among Olympic athletes

A study by the University of Western Australia has identified 8% of Olympic athletes with asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness, with summer sports showing a higher prevalence. Intense training may be a contributing factor, while genetic aspects also play a role in airway damage.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJul 31, 2012

Coral reef thriving in sediment-laden waters

A new study has discovered that Middle Reef, part of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has grown more rapidly than other reefs in areas with lower levels of sediment stress. The reef thrives in water with high levels of sediment, which had previously been believed to be detrimental to growth.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGeology·DateJul 31, 2012

New discovery of how carbon is stored in the Southern Ocean

Researchers found that localized pathways created by winds, currents, and eddies draw waters down into the deep ocean, locking away carbon from the atmosphere. This improved understanding helps predict effects of climate change on ocean carbon absorption.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 29, 2012
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New discovery of how carbon is stored in the Southern Ocean

A team of scientists has discovered a method of how carbon is drawn down from the surface of the Southern Ocean to deep waters, utilizing winds, currents, and eddies. This understanding improves knowledge of climate change effects on ocean carbon absorption.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 29, 2012

Research discoveries to find commercial reality

The newly established Therapeutic Innovation Australia Queensland Node will provide a testing model to speed up the movement of inventions from laboratory to therapeutic products. The Node will focus on four initial projects, including migraine prevention and diabetes management, aiming to deliver tangible commercial returns within fiv...

SourceGriffith University·DateJul 24, 2012

DNA analysis of ancient remains to uncover origin mysteries

Griffith University researchers analyze ancient human remains to determine the origins of people in South-east Asia and Australia. The study identifies two waves of human migration through Asia and detects historic patterns of interbreeding among early people.

SourceGriffith University·DateJul 17, 2012

Trials involving switching HIV drugs may not be beneficial to participants

A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that non-inferiority trials, which involve switching HIV patients to a new antiretroviral therapy, may not be beneficial to participants. The authors argue that these trials often enroll patients who cannot benefit from the switch and do not capture or report all potential risks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 17, 2012
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

'We can still save our reefs:' Coral scientist

Despite grim scientific evidence, coral scientist John Pandolfi believes it's possible to save 60-70% of the world's coral reefs. The key to success lies in reducing local stresses from pollution, runoff, and overfishing, as well as aggressively reducing CO2 emissions.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateJul 9, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Belching black hole proves a biggie

Astronomers have confirmed the first known 'middleweight' black hole, HLX-1, using observations with CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array. The black hole is estimated to be around 20,000 to 90,000 times the mass of the Sun and lies in a galaxy called ESO 243-49.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2012

Technology deal for next generation production of 'green whistle'

Medical Developments International (MDI) has signed a technology deal with CSIRO to develop a new production process for the pain-relieving drug Penthrox, known as the green whistle. The partnership aims to reduce production costs and enable large-scale production for global sales in the UK and Europe.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateJul 8, 2012

Single embryo transfer reduces the risk of perinatal mortality in IVF

A policy of single embryo transfer (SET) has been associated with a reduction in overall perinatal mortality for IVF and ICSI babies. SET has also been linked to lower risks of preterm birth and low birth weight, as well as sequelae such as prematurity and neonatal complications.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 4, 2012

Shrinking leaves point to climate change

Researchers analyzed leaves from herbarium specimens and found a 2mm decrease in leaf width over 127 years. This response highlights the impact of climate change on Australian plant species, with Narrow-leaf Hopbush exhibiting narrower leaves in warmer temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 3, 2012

Storm researcher calls for new air safety guidelines

New research highlights the impact of atmospheric gravity waves caused by thunderstorms on air safety, leading to a call for rewritten guidelines. The study reveals that thunderstorms can produce unexpected turbulence more than 100km away from storm cells, posing risks to passengers.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJun 26, 2012
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

The downstream consequences of depleting groundwater

Depleting groundwater can reduce surface-water flows, harming fisheries and wetland habitats. Creative groundwater management solutions are being adopted by western states and Australia to minimize economic disruption during droughts.

SourceStanford University·DateJun 11, 2012

The American Society for Microbiology honors Aaron R. Jex

Aaron R. Jex has made significant contributions to the study of parasitic species, developing molecular-based tools for detection and identification. His research also focuses on exploring the genomics and transcriptomics of parasites of global socioeconomic importance.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 6, 2012

Life expectancy prolonged for esophageal cancer patients

Research shows that PET/CT imaging can change management plans for 34% of esophageal cancer patients, leading to improved survival rates. The technique provides powerful prognostic stratification and should be incorporated into routine clinical practice.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 4, 2012

Griffith University tackles deadly Hendra virus

Researchers at Griffith University are on the brink of an effective human treatment for the deadly Hendra virus, which has killed over 200 people in South East Asia. The therapy attacks the virus by turning off a vital gene and is highly effective in very low doses.

SourceGriffith University·DateJun 3, 2012
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Fantasizing about your dream vacation could lead to poor decision-making

Research suggests that fantasizing about idealized future scenarios can influence people's preferences for learning about the positives over negatives. This can impact decision-making, even for those considering careful deliberations. Positive fantasies can mimic the effects of intentions and lead to biased information acquisition.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMay 31, 2012

Genetic discovery unlocks biosynthesis of medicinal compound in poppy

Researchers at University of York and GlaxoSmithKline have identified a complex gene cluster responsible for producing the medicinal compound noscapine. This discovery will accelerate breeding of high-noscapine poppy varieties, which could provide a reliable source of this valuable medicine.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2012
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Research from University of East Anglia shows fine wine investors should diversify

A recent study published in International Review of Financial Analysis warns fine wine investors not to put all their eggs in one basket by focusing on French wines. Diversification across Italian, Australian, and Portuguese wines could prove a shrewd move for investors looking to minimize risk.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Review of Financial Analysis·DateMay 30, 2012

Where not to have a heart attack in Australia

A new index reveals that 71% of Australians live near specialist hospital care and four types of aftercare within an hour's drive. However, rural and remote communities face significant challenges in accessing cardiac care, with Indigenous people living at a lower rate than non-Indigenous Australians.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalCirculation·DateMay 29, 2012

Drug allergy discovery

A research team at the University of Melbourne has discovered the biological mechanisms behind drug hypersensitivities, revealing how the immune system perceives the body's own tissues as foreign. The finding could lead to the development of a diagnostic test to determine drug hypersensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2012
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Infections may be deadly for many dialysis patients

A recent study suggests that peritonitis, a common infection in dialysis patients on peritoneal dialysis, may be linked to premature death. Researchers found that patients were more likely to develop peritonitis during the final month before their death, and even six times more so during the 30 days prior to their death.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 24, 2012

Supercharged safflower

A new 'super-high' oleic safflower has been developed by CSIRO, with the potential to provide over 100,000 hectares of sustainable plant oils. The oil contains over 90% of valuable oleic acid, making it suitable for industrial chemical production and direct use in lubricants.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMay 20, 2012
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

1,000 years of climate data confirms Australia's warming

A new study reconstructed Australasian temperatures over the last millennium using natural climate records, revealing no warmer periods since 1950. The results support human-caused climate change as the primary driver of recent warming in the region.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMay 16, 2012