Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
A mysterious line dividing two millipede species in northwest Tasmania reveals a 'border control' mechanism that surpasses human capabilities. The boundary is approximately 230 km long and meets at only one point, with the millipedes rarely entering each other's territory.
A longitudinal study found that young children whose mothers frequently discuss people's thoughts and feelings tend to have better perspective-taking skills. This suggests that mothers' language use can influence their children's cognitive flexibility and theory of mind development.
Researchers studied Onthophagus beetles, finding that male and female genitalia evolve rapidly in concert, often before size changes. This codivergence occurs more quickly for shape than size, suggesting that reproductive isolation can be established faster than previously assumed.
Cancer incidence rates have increased while deaths have decreased in Australia over the past quarter century. The study found that Indigenous Australians face higher death rates due to disparities in cancer diagnoses, treatments, and other illnesses.
Cyclone Alenga's maximum sustained winds reached 90 knots on Dec. 8, making it a more powerful storm. The storm is expected to weaken due to wind shear, dry air, and cooler sea surface temperatures.
A review of child maltreatment trends and policies across six countries found no clear evidence of a decrease in child maltreatment rates. Rates of violent deaths and injuries remained stable in most settings, but out-of-home placements increased, particularly in infants.
Researchers found highly acute vision in Anomalocaris, rivalling that of modern insects and crustaceans. The giant marine predator's compound eyes were exceptionally preserved, with each eye containing over 16,000 lenses.
A recent Lancet comment proposes that Catholic nuns consider taking the contraceptive pill for health reasons, citing reduced mortality and cancer risks. Studies have shown a significant decrease in ovarian and endometrial cancer rates among pill users, with long-term benefits persisting for up to 20 years.
A new study shows that radiation can effectively sterilize the light brown apple moth (LBAM), an insect pest found in California. The method involves using a 250 Gy irradiation dose on pupae to induce over 95% sterility in females and males, reducing the need for pesticides.
A University of Adelaide scientist highlights the potential of freely available software tools to predict the spread of diseases in Australian wildlife and commercial stock. The team used these tools to estimate that up to 100,000 buffalo would need to be culled annually for 15 years to reduce TB prevalence near zero.
A collaborative study from the International Stem Cell Initiative analyzed human pluripotent stem cells' genetic stability and found that 75% remained normal after prolonged culture. However, researchers detected genetic changes similar to those seen in human cancers, highlighting the need for detecting and eliminating abnormal cells.
Experts from leading science organisations have released a blueprint for urgent action to address the global challenge of feeding the world in the face of climate change. The report recommends climate-resilient agricultural production, efficient resource use, and low-waste supply chains.
The report presents the most comprehensive scientific analysis of climate change in the Pacific region, indicating warmer temperatures, ocean acidification, and increased extreme weather events. Future projections suggest decreased droughts and tropical cyclone frequencies, but increased extreme rainfall and sea-level rise.
The 'Pollen Under the Microscope' exhibition showcases stunning images of pollens from Australia and overseas, using cutting-edge technology to rapidly identify pollen grains. Pollen is vital for human life, agriculture, and biodiversity, and this technology aims to aid conservation and ecology by providing more accessible information.
DNA barcoding technology is being deployed to identify quack herbal medicines, reveal ancient Arctic life and expose what eats what in nature. The technique has sparked US Congressional hearings by exposing widespread 'fish fraud' and will be used to halt agricultural and forestry pests at borders.
Researchers have developed a promising replacement for plastics using amorphous bulk metallic glass (ABM) alloys. These alloys offer excellent electron emission properties and robust thermal stability, making them suitable for various applications such as field emission devices, electron microscopes, and modern display devices.
Professor Doug Hilton has received the 2011 Research Australia Leadership and Innovation Award for his pioneering work on blood formation and signalling. His efforts led to thousands of Australians attending 'Rallies for Research' in support of maintaining medical research funding, ultimately protecting public health care.
A new study found that having a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini stroke, can reduce life expectancy by 20 percent. Patients experiencing a TIA have a high risk of early stroke and an increased risk of future problems that may reduce life expectancy.
A new report highlights the difficulties faced by prospective adoptive parents in Victoria, with many describing lengthy application processes and a perceived anti-adoption culture. The study recommends reviewing current processes and providing additional training and support for all parties involved.
Researchers at Centenary Institute found prostate cancer cells have more pumps than normal, allowing them to take in leucine and outgrow normal cells. Disrupting these pumps slowed cancer growth by as much as 50%, offering hope for a treatment that slows tumor growth without surgical removal.
A new international study found that women without genetic mutations but closely related to those who do have them are at an average risk of developing breast cancer. This contradicts previous claims that all women in such families share a high risk, according to Professor John Hopper from the University of Melbourne.
A recent study on Australian herbarium records found that up to 25% of temperate seaweed species may be headed to extinction due to ocean warming. The research reveals significant changes in seaweed communities over the past 50 years, with many species retreating south towards the Australian south coast.
A comprehensive review of emission scenarios suggests that countries' current pledges are insufficient to meet the economically optimal milestone by 2020. To stay below a global warming of 2 degrees, countries must honour the higher end of their pledges and take decisive action this decade.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that a 2cm excision margin for skin melanomas thicker than 2mm is safe and effective, with similar levels of recurrence and death compared to a larger 4cm margin. This finding challenges current recommendations and may lead to changes in treatment guidelines.
A new treatment for the deadly Hendra virus has proven successful in primate tests, with all 12 treated animals surviving after infection. The antibody m102.4 has shown strong activity against both Hendra and Nipah viruses.
A neutralizing human monoclonal antibody, m102.4, has been developed to protect against Hendra virus infection, showing promise as a potential treatment for severe illness and death in humans. The antibody attacks a critical component of the virus, preventing its infection of cells.
Researchers found that consuming more protein leads to increased energy intake and snacking, but only up to a certain threshold. The study suggests proper protein intake can help moderate energy consumption and reduce obesity risk in lean individuals.
A multidisciplinary intervention targeting fever, hyperglycaemia, and swallowing management in acute stroke units improves 90-day survival rates and physical functioning. The study found that implementing this strategy can significantly better post-discharge outcomes for stroke patients.
Professor Hilton's receipt of the award recognises his research into how cytokines signal between cells, including the discovery of many molecules involved in this process. He has made significant contributions to our understanding of cytokine biology and its applications in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune conditions.
Researchers focus on Northern Bettong to understand climate change impact. Short-term weather events reveal clearer insights into animal movements and range boundaries than gradual climate changes.
Researchers studied lungfish to understand pelvic fin muscle development and its connection to the emergence of hind legs. The team found a transitional mechanism in bony fish that paved the way for tetrapod physiology, highlighting the importance of understanding evolutionary pathways in land adaptation.
A study of 2,200 Australian youths aged 9-16 found that those who went to bed early and woke up early had lower risks of obesity and were more physically active. In contrast, late-nighters were more likely to engage in sedentary behaviors and have higher body mass indexes.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that consuming brassica vegetables and apples may lower the risk of proximal colon cancer. In contrast, increasing fruit juice consumption was associated with an increased risk of rectal cancer.
Research by Queensland University of Technology found that large dust particles can coagulate with ultrafine vehicle emissions particles, making the latter nearly invisible in their presence. This process reduces the risk of respiratory problems associated with ultrafine particle pollution.
Researchers have sequenced the Aboriginal Australian genome, demonstrating that they descended directly from an early human expansion into Asia around 70,000 years ago. This study provides new insights into the dispersal of the first humans to leave Africa and re-writes the story of their journey to Australia.
The study demonstrates that Aboriginal Australians descend directly from an early human expansion into Asia around 70,000 years ago. The results show that modern day Aboriginal Australians are the direct descendants of the first people who arrived in Australia as early as 50,000 years ago.
Researchers sequenced the genome of a man who was an Aboriginal Australian, showing they are direct descendants of the first people to arrive on the continent 50,000 years ago. This challenges the prevailing theory of human migration, suggesting that Aboriginal Australians migrated to Australia earlier than previously thought.
Dr Nick Graham, a young researcher at James Cook University, has won the Scopus Young Researcher of the Year Award for his work on predicting fish populations in coral reefs. His research uses satellite data to study the architecture of coral reefs from space, providing valuable insights into how degraded reefs can recover.
TheSkyNet project allows public to contribute spare computing power to radio astronomy data processing. The initiative aims to complement primary data processing work of supercomputing facilities, generating real outcomes for scientific research.
Benjamin P. Howden, a leading expert in S. aureus and E. faecium research, receives the award for his groundbreaking work on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and virulence. His research has led to new insights into vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus and reduced linezolid susceptibility.
Two studies examine the Jemez-Embudo Accommodation Zone in New Mexico and the Tennessee Salient in Appalachia, shedding light on tectonic processes. Geodynamic models and paleomagnetic data reveal no statistically significant rotation in the Rio Grande Rift and indicate a more complex history of curvature formation.
Researchers developed an improved algorithm to tailor asthma treatment during pregnancy based on actual airway inflammation measures. The study found a significant reduction in asthma exacerbation rates among pregnant women using this approach.
Eight young investigators from Australia, China, India, and Japan received IOF Young Investigator Awards for their exceptional work on bone health. The award winners presented their research at the joint Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis and Bone Meeting & ANZBMS Annual Meeting.
Astronomers found a small, half-Jupiter-sized planet with a diameter of 60,000 kilometres orbiting an extremely dense pulsar, suggesting a unique formation process. The discovery reveals the possibility of a diamond-like structure in the planet's core due to its incredibly high density.
Depressed cardiac patients show significant improvements in physical activity levels and HDL cholesterol after an 8-week combined group therapy program. The program, which incorporates principles of cognitive behaviour therapy, helps patients reframe their thoughts about heart conditions and adopt healthier behaviours.
A new study found that cumulative benefits of physical activity across adulthood are associated with improved midlife physical performance and strength. Leisure time physical activity is crucial for maintaining physical performance and muscle strength in older adults, promoting functional health and quality of life.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association has funded 40 new research initiatives targeting nearly two dozen progressive neuromuscular diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). New projects are underway in the US and internationally to find effective treatments for these diseases.
The global obesity epidemic has grown over four decades, with high-income countries experiencing a rise in the 1970s and 80s. Low-income and middle-income countries are now also affected, particularly women from wealthy urban environments. The authors argue that policy-led solutions, such as government regulations and healthy public se...
Astronomers have detected a planet orbiting a rapidly spinning pulsar, dubbed PSR J1719-1438. The discovery suggests that the planet is composed primarily of carbon and oxygen, likely forming a diamond-like material due to its high density.
Researchers have successfully controlled Dengue fever in northern Australia by releasing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, which suppress the virus and prevent transmission. The study demonstrates a promising approach to eliminating this disease, with potential applications in other regions.
The tammar wallaby genome sequence provides valuable information on the evolution of mammalian reproduction, development, and fascinating biological characteristics. Researchers discovered genes responsible for the kangaroo's characteristic hop, excellent sense of smell, and antibiotics in mother's milk to protect newborns from harm.
Watching TV for six hours a day may shorten life expectancy by almost five years, according to research. Sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of death from heart attack or stroke, and TV viewing accounts for substantial sedentary activity.
Paleontologists have found over 20 polar dinosaur tracks in Victoria, Australia, offering insights into the animals' behavior during a period of pronounced global warming. The tracks belong to three different sizes of small theropods and may have been made by three species.
A new network of deep-ocean moorings is being deployed in the Indonesia Archipelago to measure changes in ocean currents between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The moorings will help scientists understand the impact of these currents on Australia's climate, including tropical weather patterns and seasonal rainfall.
CSIRO scientists rely on international cooperation to deploy Argo ocean and climate monitoring instruments, as Somali pirates operate in the region. The program offers crucial data for understanding Australian and south Asian weather patterns.
New research shows that Australian women who experience gender-based violence have a higher lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders, dysfunction, and disability. Around 15% of women report sexual assault, with those experiencing multiple types of violence facing even higher rates of mental illness.
A national study in Australia found that most people would radically change their behavior if they knew they had a genetic susceptibility to depression. The survey suggests there would be widespread community support for genetic screening as a valuable tool for early intervention in high-risk groups.
A growing number of countries are supporting Australia's trailblazing stance on plain packaging, while others align themselves with the tobacco industry. The legislation aims to break the affiliation smokers have with a particular brand, helping them quit and prevent teenagers from becoming smokers.
A study published in PhytoKeys has sorted out the names of three Australian Cucurbitaceae species collected in 1856, which are distinct from each other and one is closest to the honeymelon. Molecular data link herbarium science with molecular results to resolve economically important group identities.
Two major reviews published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing explored clinical and non-clinical factors affecting vaginal birth after caesarean section. Key findings included guidelines, audit and feedback impacting VBAC rates, and private health insurance not being a barrier to successful VBACs.