Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
A team of archaeologists and palaeontologists discovered prehistoric human faces in Lene Hara Cave, dated to the late Pleistocene era. The 'sun ray' face has been confirmed to be around 10,000 to 12,000 years old, while other faces are likely to be equally ancient.
Infrared imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite shows strong convection and thunderstorms in System 96S, indicating potential for strengthening. The system is located in warm sea surface temperatures, ideal for intensification.
The Avogadro project has achieved a milestone in measuring the Avogadro constant with unprecedented precision, using a highly enriched single crystal of silicon-28. The measurement uncertainty has been reduced to 3 × 10^(-22), enabling a more accurate definition of the kilogram based on fundamental constants.
A recent study revealed that more than one in three hospital patients are malnourished, with rates as high as 70% in residential aged care. Malnutrition increases hospital length of stay and health care costs. Experts call for better education and screening to address this issue.
A study published in Neurology found that people with higher sun exposure and vitamin D levels were less likely to develop multiple sclerosis. The researchers also discovered that increased UV light exposure and skin damage from sun exposure reduced the risk of developing the disease.
A CSIRO study found that mining by-products can effectively remove phosphorus and nitrogen from water, reducing the risk of algal blooms. The research suggests using these by-products as a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution for treating wastewater.
Professor Darren Crowdy, a leading expert in complex analysis, has won the Cherry Ripe Prize for his work on applying mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems. He will be giving a series of public talks in Australia, highlighting the importance of complex numbers in science and engineering.
NASA utilized its TRMM satellite to gather data on the rainfall rates of Tropical Cyclone Yasi as it moved through inland Queensland. The storm dropped moderate to heavy rainfall over an area southeast of the Gulf of Carpentaria, posing flash flooding and damaging winds risks.
A recent study found that people taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis treatment live an extra five years compared to those not receiving the medication. This significant benefit is attributed to bisphosphonates' ability to reduce toxic metal release, which may contribute to improved health outcomes.
Cyclone Yasi made landfall in Queensland, Australia, bringing heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge. The satellite imagery captured a clear eye of the cyclone before it made landfall.
A study published in Alcohol and Alcoholism found that sportspeople receiving alcohol industry sponsorship had higher drinking levels compared to those with non-alcohol sponsorships. The research suggests a link between the financial resources provided by alcohol companies and increased drinking habits.
NASA satellites reveal Cyclone Yasi's heaviest rainfall falling at a rate of about 2 inches per hour on the south and eastern sides, with frigid temperatures in its thunderstorms. The storm is expected to make landfall near Cairns in Queensland by Wednesday at a projected strength of 130 knots.
NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Cyclone Yasi on Jan. 30 at 23:20 UTC, revealing a well-formed storm that appears to be strengthening. The cyclone is forecast to continue intensifying over the next 36 hours and make landfall just south of Cairns as a large system.
Tropical Depression Anthony, weakened but still forecasted to strengthen, is moving west toward Queensland, Australia. The storm's convection is currently weak, but may change in the next 24-36 hours as it moves into a more favorable area.
Tropical Storm Bianca intensified into a storm just off the northern coast of Western Australia, with NASA's TRMM satellite capturing moderate to heavy rainfall rates. The storm is expected to curve to the southeast and weaken as it enters cooler waters.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared image of Tropical Storm 10S, showing very cold clouds and powerful thunderstorms over the Southern Indian Ocean. The storm quickly strengthened into a tropical storm and affects Western Australia's northern coast.
The February issue of Geology explores Patagonian glaciations, the Younger Dryas cold period, and ancient megalakes in Australia. The study provides new insights into the Rio Grande Rift's seismic activity to gain insights into past climate changes.
Male splendid fairy-wrens sing a special song after hearing a predator call, which attracts female attention and potentially leads to mating. The study found that females become more attentive to the male's song when preceded by a butcherbird call.
Tropical Storm Vince is expected to U-turn and take a westward track away from Western Australia due to high pressure. The storm's maximum sustained winds were down to 39 mph on January 14, with moderate vertical wind shear affecting its organization.
A low-pressure system with signs of tropical development has been observed in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia, according to NASA's Aqua satellite. The system, known as System 94P, is expected to track towards Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, over the next couple of days.
A recent study published in PNAS has confirmed that elephant fish, a shark cousin, share a common genetic process with mammals to form skeletal gill covers. The precise timing of gene expression during embryonic development produces dramatic anatomical differences between the two species.
Researchers develop method to treat stormwater in constructed wetland and store it in an aquifer, producing near potable water after treatment. The study demonstrates potential for sustainable water recycling through managed aquifer recharge schemes.
Women undergoing gastric band surgery reported significant improvements in urinary function and quality of life, while men experienced worsening erectile function. The study highlights the need for further research into the effects of weight loss surgery on urinary and sexual function.
Researchers studied ancient rain, microbial life, and ocean islands to understand uplift and climate change. They found that the North American Cordillera was uplifted by ancient rain, while microbial life existed inside fluid inclusions in modern and ancient salt crystals.
A tropical cyclone system, System 98S, is bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the northwestern coast of Western Australia. The NASA TRMM satellite has captured images of moderate to heavy rainfall in the system, with areas near Kununurra experiencing light to moderate rainfall.
Australian researchers found that as fatigue progresses, speech slows and variations in pitch increase, indicating a loss of control over the muscles producing speech. The study provides a novel method for analyzing the effects of fatigue on the central nervous system through acoustic analysis.
A team of researchers has determined that overexpression of the Sox3 gene in mice causes frequent XX male sex reversal. Genomic rearrangements in the human SOX3 gene have been found in three patients with XX male sex reversal, suggesting a significant cause for this condition.
A new study found that most Australians reject sex-selection practices like IVF for selecting a child's sex. The majority of respondents disapproved IVF use for sex selection, with only 11% supporting the legalization of hypothetical blue and pink pills.
System 91S made landfall in Western Australia on Dec 16 with a large area of strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The remnants of the low continued to bring rain to inland areas until Sunday December 18, causing flash flooding and rising streams.
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Experimental Particle Physics at the Terascale will probe particle interactions at higher energies, revealing secrets about the early stages of the universe after the big bang. Scientists hope to discover elusive Higgs Boson particles and new physics such as extra dimensions and super symmetry.
A study of 3610 Australian women found that social norms play a significant role in promoting physical activity and healthy eating behaviors. Women who surrounded themselves with friends who engaged in healthy behaviors were more likely to adopt similar habits.
Researchers identified top 100 known insect pests most likely to establish in the US and individual states, finding that many pests are missing from neighboring states. The study found significant negative relationships between state size, biodiversity, domestic air passengers, and GDP and absent pest species.
A team of Australian researchers has identified a new, critically endangered species of ground parrot in Western Australia, using DNA from museum specimens up to 160 years old. The discovery highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect the remaining 110 birds in the wild, which are confined to a single national park.
Scientists urge increased focus and better management for reefs south of the Great Barrier Reef and WA tropical coral zone, critical refuges for northern tropical marine life. The Coffs Harbour Declaration highlights seven priorities to improve subtropical marine environment management.
The US stands out for highest out-of-pocket costs and most complex health insurance among 11 industrialized nations. Adults with lower incomes face significant challenges in accessing healthcare and affording medical bills.
Dr. Benjamin Kile received the Science Minister's prize for his innovative research into cancer, stem cells and blood cell production. His discoveries have transformed our understanding of platelet biology and hold promise for developing new treatments for life-threatening conditions.
A new study finds that consumers are often confused by zero values when comparing products, leading to unexpected choices. The Zero-Comparison Effect reveals how relative differences matter more than absolute ones in decision-making.
Dr Guillaume Lessene has been awarded the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute's inaugural de Burgh Fellowship to translate research findings into new cancer treatments. The $AUD150,000 fellowship supports his work on developing inhibitors for Bcl-2 proteins and other targets, with the goal of treating various types of cancer.
Researchers at Monash University discovered that male Australian desert goby fish are strategic in their courtship, adapting to the frequency of female encounters. When females are scarce, males become less discriminating and court any female they find, regardless of size.
A team of international experts has discovered the world's oldest ground-edge stone tool in northern Australia, dated to 35,000 years ago. The find provides evidence of modern human technology and innovation dating back to this period, challenging previous estimates of axe use among early hominid ancestors.
Researchers used selective breeding of mice to identify a novel gene, AK005651, associated with type 1 diabetes susceptibility. A recombination hotspot helped stack the DNA deck in favor of finding this gene, revealing new clues about genomic mechanisms underlying T1D.
A 20 million-year-old fossil discovery in Australia's rainforests sheds light on the origins of marsupial moles. The find suggests that these animals evolved from a common ancestor with placental mammals, such as rats and humans, through a unique evolutionary pathway.
Researchers have successfully visualized the human immune system's assassin protein perforin, revealing how it punches holes in cancerous or infected cells. The study provides insights into the protein's structure and function, which could lead to new ways of fighting cancer, malaria, and diabetes.
CSIRO has upgraded a radio telescope at the University of Sydney, boosting its sensitivity and bandwidth to three times more than before. The upgrade demonstrates Australia's technological capabilities and will inform the design of the country's own ASKAP telescope.
The new IMOS ocean-observing array will use advanced technologies like autonomous floats, marine mammals with satellite tags, and underwater gliders to study the open ocean. This data will help scientists understand how the ocean's physical properties influence the marine ecosystem.
Researchers found that cataract surgery significantly reduces the frequency of all car crashes, with a 12.6% decrease in crash rates after accounting for other factors. The study also found cost savings of AUD $4.3 million, with each operation saving approximately $150 in crash costs.
Researchers have developed techniques to permanently bind antibacterial coatings to medical devices, aiming to prevent the formation of biofilms that can cause infection. The new coatings use a plasma polymer layer and novel diterpene compounds derived from Australian plants to effectively target bacteria.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a protein called pre-T alpha that guides the correct expression of T cell receptors, enabling the immune system to effectively destroy harmful viruses and bacteria. The finding has significant implications for understanding immune development and potential treatments for childhood leukemia.
The Lancet Review found mass media campaigns to be effective in reducing smoking prevalence and increasing seat-belt use. Campaigns also improved healthy food selection, boosted low-fat milk consumption, and increased physical activity. However, some campaigns backfired, such as those targeting alcohol and illicit drugs.
Marine scientists urge urgent action to save coral reefs from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. They propose management advice to empower local communities and control human impacts.
A team of researchers found that speed cameras decrease crashes involving injury and fatalities by reducing average speed and speeding violations. The study compiled data from 35 relevant studies, concluding that the cameras are effective in preventing road accidents.
Australian blind computer programmers James Teh and Michael Curran developed NVDA, a synthetic voice program that reads computer screen words as the cursor moves. The free software has been downloaded over 50,000 times and is available in 27 languages.
A study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that physical attractiveness is linked to evolutionary, social, and economic success. Young, tall, and long-armed women were rated as the most attractive, with narrow waists and a low BMI also contributing to their appeal.
Significant changes in coastal fish species distribution are observed in south-eastern Australia, partly due to climate change. The study identified 43 species exhibiting shifts thought to be climate-related, including warm temperate surf-zone species and range increases for Snapper and Rock Flathead.
CSIRO has partnered with German organizations to develop low-energy electron beam processing technology, preserving food's flavor, odor, and nutrients without heat or chemicals. The technology has been successfully applied to Stahmann Farms, Australia's largest pecan nut processor.
A team from UNSW has created a single electron reader, a crucial component needed to build a quantum computer using silicon. This breakthrough opens the path to constructing simpler and more scalable quantum computers.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute are investigating different aspects of parasite biology, with a focus on developing new treatments. Dr Chris Tonkin is studying Apicomplexan parasites to understand their invasion mechanisms and identify potential targets for drugs.
Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified a protein called PU.1 as essential for the development of dendritic cells, which are key players in the immune response. By regulating PU.1 expression, Flt3 can control DC development, revealing a crucial role for this protein in immune system function.
The University of Southampton is leading a £600,000 project to study and revive medieval conductus music. Researchers will examine centuries-old manuscripts and create sound recordings of the genre, making it accessible to modern audiences.
Researchers identified a gene network tied to high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B levels, which predict downstream cardiovascular disease. The study exposes potential targets for the treatment of heart disease and highlights the importance of understanding biological networks in disease prevention.