Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
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.
A large study published in CMAJ found that back pain symptoms improve significantly in the first six weeks, but pain and disability may persist even after one year. Patients with acute low-back pain experience a 90% reduction in pain intensity at one year, while those with persistent low-back pain see only a 50% improvement.
EMBO welcomed 55 new members, including 13 female scientists, representing a broad cross-section of life sciences. The selected researchers will contribute to the direction of life sciences in Europe and beyond through their involvement with EMBO activities.
Researchers highlight the importance of dry river ecology, which is under-researched but provides essential habitats for biota. Human societies use these areas for agriculture, recreation, and resource extraction, emphasizing the need to study intermittent river systems.
A tidal wave of myopia is sweeping across East Asian countries, with up to 90% of school-leavers affected. Lack of outdoor exposure is thought to be the major cause, while increased schooling and environmental factors also play a role.
Researchers from CSIRO Australia found that consuming resistant starch can lead to positive changes in the bowel and may reduce genetic damage implicated in bowel cancer. The recommended daily intake of resistant starch is around 20 grams, equivalent to eating three cups of cooked lentils.
Research suggests that health warnings on cigarette packs can deter relapse in ex-smokers. The study, which monitored responses from almost 2,000 recent ex-smokers, found that those who actively used the warnings were less likely to start smoking again.
A review of eight studies suggests that fish oil supplementation can improve clinical measures of periodontitis, particularly when combined with aspirin. Intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids is recommended for general health benefits beyond oral care.
Researchers found male bowerbirds growing fruit-bearing plants around their bowers to attract females, using these fruits for decoration. The birds' preferred color of the fruit led to changes in plant selection over time.
Satellite data indicates that System 99P is likely to continue struggling due to weak organization and dry air. Despite sufficient moisture available for tropical cyclone development, the system's low-level circulation remains weak.
A systematic analysis of prison populations worldwide shows that female prisoners are more obese than the general female population apart from in the UK, while male prisoners are slimmer. The study highlights the importance of addressing public health risk factors in vulnerable populations.
A team of international scientists has confirmed that the extinct Tasmanian Tiger had limited genetic diversity prior to its extinction. The study reveals that the thylacine's genetic health may have been affected by geographic isolation from mainland Australia approximately 10-13 thousand years ago.
Scientists sequenced the Tasmanian tiger genome, revealing extremely low genetic variability due to geographical isolation. This limited genetic makeup makes the species highly susceptible to diseases and extinction.
The study used DNA sequencing to analyze 15 samples of traditional Chinese medicines, revealing potentially toxic plant ingredients, allergens, and endangered animals. The results highlight the need for regulation and enforcement in the industry.
A study by Aaron Sell explores how fighting ability drives men's behavior and attitudes, including political orientation. Physically strong men are more likely to support the Republican position on foreign policy.
Researchers found that older adults who experienced moderate psychological distress were seven times more likely to experience functional limitation than those without distress. Engaging in physical activity can help achieve greater independence and positive health gains for active older adults.
The Atlas of Living Australia has added over half a million records, including those from 17th-century Dutch navigators, to reach its 30-millionth species occurrence record. This milestone is made possible through collaborative efforts between museums, universities, and the CSIRO.
A new sorghum plant has been developed that can withstand drought and produce toxins without harming animals. The breakthrough is expected to provide farmers with a reliable source of food during droughts, saving hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Researchers have generated a 65-year record of Southern Hemisphere nitrous oxide measurements to better understand the long-lived greenhouse gas's impact on climate and stratospheric ozone depletion. The study found a 20% increase in atmospheric nitrous oxide since 1750, largely attributed to agricultural sources.
Australians and Koreans have linked their radio telescopes for the first time, creating a gigantic telescope spanning over 8,000 km. The combined system has 100 times the resolving power of the Hubble Space Telescope, enabling scientists to study distant galaxies in unprecedented detail.
The Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has awarded five research scientists from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute with prestigious accolades. The institute's director, Professor Doug Hilton, received the Lemberg Medal for his seminal contributions to blood cell production research.
A recent study published by The Endocrine Society reveals that heavier female babies are more likely to develop diabetes and related metabolic risks when they grow up compared to their male counterparts. The study found a significant association between birth weight and body fat distribution in early childhood with future metabolic ris...
The Earthbyte group presents GPlates, a new software for analyzing geological and geophysical data sets in tectonic reconstructions. The tool allows users to rapidly visualize diverse constraints, enabling informed choices between different models and data.
Corals infected with Black Band Disease experience phototrophic zone and anoxic lower zone in tissue, leading to rapid lesion spread. Sulfide concentration and oxygen penetration determine disease progression.
A study of over 200,000 people found that adults who sat for 11 hours or more per day had a 40% increased risk of dying in the next three years. Regular physical activity can still reduce this risk, but avoiding prolonged sitting is also crucial.
A new genotype of the Bordetella pertussis bacterium has been identified as responsible for a sharp rise in whooping cough cases in Australia. The strain is believed to be evading the current acellular vaccine's protective effects, leading to an increase in life-threatening respiratory illness.
Cyclone Lua brought intense winds and heavy rainfall to northern Australia, with NASA satellites tracking rainfall totals. The storm generated up to 20 inches of rain just off the coast before making landfall, with amounts dropping drastically after the cyclone hit.
Cyclone Lua is strengthening as it approaches the Pilbara coast in Northern Australia, with forecasters predicting a landfall on March 17. The storm's cloud top temperatures indicate signs of strengthening, including compact clouds and tropical storm-force winds extending out to 160 nautical miles.
Cyclone Lua is consolidating and has tightly-curved bands of thunderstorms wrapping into its center. The storm is expected to continue strengthening to as much as 95 knots (109 mph/ 176 kph) before making landfall in the vicinity of Port Hedland on March 17 around mid-day local time.
Tropical Storm Lua formed in the Indian Ocean off Australia's northwestern coast, causing moderate rainfall and strong thunderstorms. The storm prompted a Cyclone Watch from Cape Leveque to Mardie, Western Australia, and is expected to strengthen into a cyclone before landfall.
Scientists have attributed early grape ripening in wine grapes to climate warming and soil water content declines. The study reveals that management factors also influence the shift, providing opportunities for growers to develop adaptation strategies. Human-induced climate change is a key driver of this trend.
Tropical Cyclone Lua has strengthened to a minimum tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots, while System 96P is getting organized in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Both systems are affecting coastal areas in northern Australia and are expected to bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and rough surf.
A study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that women who have a previous caesarean section may benefit from a planned repeat caesarean section in terms of reduced bleeding and infant mortality. The research found that elective repeat caesarean sections were associated with lower risks of severe bleeding and serious infant morbidity.
A major study led by the University of Adelaide found that women who had one prior cesarean can lower the risk of death and serious complications for their next baby. Infants born to these women had a significantly lower risk of serious complications compared to those born after a vaginal birth following a prior cesarean.
The draft TPPA threatens progressive public health policies by shifting the balance of power in favour of transnational corporate interests. The agreement aims to set a 'gold standard' for removing barriers to the global alcohol and tobacco industries, posing minimal impediments to global strategies.
A team of Australian scientists has bred salt tolerance into a variety of durum wheat, showing improved grain yield by 25% on salty soils. The research uses non-GM crop breeding techniques and introduces a salt-tolerant gene that works by excluding sodium from the leaves.
Researchers have solved the atomic structure of closed plasminogen, a key player in the clot-busting process, revealing an 'Achilles' heel' that proteins bind to when it opens up. This discovery may lead to more effective clot-busting drugs for treating heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers have found the oldest organism with a skeleton, Coronacollina acula, which lived between 560-550 million years ago. The discovery provides insight into early life on Earth and may help scientists recognize life elsewhere in the universe.
Research found that women who had two or more pregnancies had a significantly reduced risk of developing MS symptoms, while men showed no association between children and MS risk. This study suggests a possible link between delayed motherhood and increased MS cases in women.
The team discovered the most distant cluster of red galaxies, 30 galaxies packed together, 10.5 billion light years away, and formed the earliest known 'galaxy city' in the universe. The findings revealed a conspicuous concentration of galaxies that existed three billion years ago, providing insights into galaxy evolution and assembly.
Scientists have tracked water from Bass Strait to the Indian Ocean using ocean gliders, revealing a 200-metre tall wall of water and discovering undiluted Bass Strait water hundreds of kilometres away. The study showcases the benefits of Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System.
Low pressure centers have drenched northeastern Australia, causing severe flooding and displacing thousands of people. The TRMM satellite measured extreme rainfall amounts, with totals over 520 mm (~20.5 inches) reported in the Gulf of Carpentaria region.
A study in Respirology found that high levels of soft drink consumption are associated with an increased risk of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers discovered a dose-response relationship between soft drink intake and the likelihood of developing these conditions.
Tropical Depression Iggy is being battered by wind shear, causing its strongest thunderstorms to be pushed away from the center. This leads to the storm's collapse, as convection must be stacked like a haystack to maintain the cyclone's structure.
A recent study found humpback whales on opposite sides of the southern Indian Ocean singing unique songs, with only one shared theme. The results suggest limited exchange between regions and shed light on how whale culture spreads.
The study found that commercial electronic prescribing systems substantially reduced procedural prescribing error rates in hospital patients, with a significant decline in serious clinical errors. However, the introduction of new system-related errors requiring close attention from designers and users.
People living in poor neighborhoods are 42% more at risk of developing arthritis, according to a new study. The research found that socially disadvantaged areas had over 30% of residents reporting arthritis, compared to 18.5% in more affluent areas.
A new study published in Pain found that individuals retiring early due to back problems have significantly lower wealth accumulation and lower annuity values compared to those who retired for other health conditions. By age 65, only 75-85% of those out of the labor force due to back problems will have accumulated some wealth.
The 93.6-meter vessel will enable advanced atmospheric research and map the seafloor up to six kilometers below the surface. CSIRO will operate the vessel, replacing the 40-year-old Southern Surveyor, and make it available to all Australian marine scientists.
The Tasman Sea has become a global warming hotspot, with ocean temperatures rising two degrees warmer than 60 years ago due to intensified east-west winds and greenhouse gas emissions. A long-term monitoring network is needed to track these changes.
Tropical Cyclone Iggy is expected to strengthen as it approaches the Australian coastline due to low wind shear and warm waters. The cyclone has already triggered warnings and watches along coastal areas, with a Blue Alert posted for communities in Western Australia.
Tropical storm Iggy is growing in strength due to cloud top temperatures over -63F (-51.7C), indicating heavy rainfall and gusty winds along Western Australia's coast. Iggy is forecast to reach cyclone strength before moving south, with sea surface temperatures supporting further development.
Tropical Storm 09S has developed in the southern Indian Ocean with strong thunderstorms and high cloud tops indicating uplift and heavy rainfall. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts it to move eastward toward Western Australia and potentially reach cyclone status over the next couple of days.
Research found that clearing trees and shrubs within 40 meters of houses afforded the greatest protection against house loss during Black Saturday fires. However, intensive fuel reduction can be expensive and have environmental impacts, and is not a guarantee of safety.
A new species of horse fly, Scaptia (Plinthina) beyonceae, has been discovered in Australia and named after Beyoncé. The fly's golden abdomen makes it a unique specimen. Horse flies are important pollinators of plants, acting like hummingbirds during the day.
NASA's Aqua and TRMM satellites provided critical data on Tropical Storm Heidi's temperature, cloud heights and rainfall, enabling forecasters to predict its strengthening before landfall. The data revealed warm sea surface temperatures, intensifying rainfall, and high cloud heights, all indicative of a tropical storm gaining strength.
Researchers discovered African bats have antibodies that can neutralise deadly viruses known in Australia and Asia. This finding provides valuable insights for understanding how viruses persist in bat populations.
Tropical Storm Heidi is forecast to make landfall today along Western Australia's Pilbara coast, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The storm's center is still north of the coast, with maximum sustained winds increasing to 63 mph.
Around 200 million people worldwide use illicit drugs each year, with the highest rates in developed countries. The global burden of disease due to drug use is similar to that caused by alcohol consumption in these nations.
A QUT research team is developing a GPS-based system to aid Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in making safer emergency landings. The system will incorporate a camera to pinpoint safe landing options, such as fields or roads, and help pilots navigate away from populated areas.