Articles tagged with Australia
A new hedging strategy for coral restoration balances species diversity and ecosystem benefits by selecting key species that maintain critical functions. The approach considers a range of local species and ecological characteristics to ensure the most effective restoration outcomes.
Researchers found that while parents and educators recognize the benefits of nature play, they struggle with certain aspects, particularly risk. A key move will be to boost educators' knowledge about nature-based learning to promote enabling factors.
A recent study analyzing data from 63 foraging societies worldwide reveals that women hunt in at least 79 percent of these societies, targeting game of all sizes. Women's involvement in teaching hunting practices and employing diverse weapon choices also challenges the long-held perception of men as primary hunters.
A University of Queensland developed vaccine will protect farmed saltwater crocodiles from West Nile virus (WNV), providing economic benefits worth $10million per year. The vaccine is the first of its kind to achieve proven safety and efficacy in crocodiles, with a robust immune response induced after two doses.
A new discovery of ancient stone artefacts at an underwater spring off the WA Pilbara coast has confirmed the location is a submerged archaeological site with more artefacts likely hidden beneath the sea. The findings call for protection in line with UNESCO Convention on the protection of underwater cultural heritage.
A recent study published in the CABI journal Human-Animal Interactions found that only 30% of show horse owners in Australia agreed with a ban on facial hair trimming prior to its implementation in July 2022. The study also revealed that most disciplines broadly agreed on banning facial hair trimming, except for showing, where only 22....
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that wearable activity trackers improve patient activity, reduce sedentary behavior, and enhance physical function, supporting faster recovery in hospitalized adults. The study examined 15 studies with a combined total of 1911 patients and found significant improvements in clinical outcomes.
Researchers have discovered how Golden staph, a common bacterial infection, hides inside human cells to avoid detection. The study used InToxSa, a new methodology that enables the study of Golden staph behavior on a large scale.
Research at University of South Australia finds that concussions can lead to a significant increased risk of future injury, even after recovery. The study suggests longer recovery times may be needed for youth athletes suffering from head trauma.
Scientists discover that warmer temperatures cause sea sponges to lose essential microbes, leading to tissue poisoning and necrosis. This study highlights the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and the potential loss of medicinal molecules.
A new study found that elevated Lipoprotein(a) levels are a significant predictor of recurrent coronary heart disease (CHD) in people over 60. The study suggests current cholesterol-lowering medications may not be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent CHD, highlighting the need for novel therapeutics to target elevated Lp(a).
Scientists at the University of Queensland are working on a new method for artificial insemination in sheep, aiming to boost pregnancy success rates. The research could lead to significant improvements in wool and meat production, as well as enhance animal welfare.
Scientists at Rice University found a natural 150-day cycle in the north-south oscillation of atmospheric pressure patterns, influencing hemispheric-scale precipitation and ocean surface wind stress. This discovery challenges conventional wisdom about atmospheric organization and has implications for climate modeling.
Research by Flinders University shows that young red kangaroos in Australia grow faster when exposed to dingoes and inside the dingo-proof fence have slower growth rates. This suggests that the fence may impact different aspects of the kangaroo's life cycle, including population demographics.
A new study maps Australia's terrestrial and blue carbon soils, revealing the continent holds 27.9 gigatonnes of carbon, equivalent to 700 times annual electricity emissions. The research emphasizes the need to protect key ecosystems threatened by human activities and climate change.
Researchers at Flinders University identified rare images of Moluccan vessels in NT rock art paintings, potentially providing evidence of visitors from Southeast Asia to northern Australia. The depictions feature distinctive shape and configuration, indicating a degree of intimate knowledge of the craft.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that polar fish reproduce later and produce more eggs than tropical fish, confirming model predictions. As a result, polar fishes tend to produce more eggs than tropical fishes.
Scientists developed a new diagnostic test for chytridiomycosis, identifying previously undetected strains and detecting pathogens in amphibians worldwide. The test's success verified its affordability as an alternative for widespread surveillance, addressing the urgent need for rapid detection of the disease.
A new study from the University of South Australia shows that the Mediterranean diet is not only good for health but also for your weekly budget. Compared to the typical Australian Western diet, the Mediterranean diet costs less, with a family of four saving $28 per week and nearly $1500 per year
A non-toxic method using wheat germ oil has been shown to reduce seed loss by up to 74 percent, even during mouse plagues. The technique works by camouflaging the seed odour, making it hard for mice to find food.
A growing number of people worldwide will be affected by low back pain by 2050, with Australia facing a nearly 50% increase. The study highlights the need for effective prevention and management strategies to address this growing burden.
A new supply chain model has been developed to guide the transportation of hydrogen and its embodied energy, enabling more efficient exports of renewable energy. The model suggests that methanol shows great promise as a chemical carrier for exporting renewable energy from Australia at low costs.
A new holistic framework evaluates mental and psychological wellbeing in wild animals, including physical and behavioral indicators for positive and negative experiences. This approach has the potential to provide crucial early warning signals about species challenges and population declines.
The European Space Agency has commissioned an engineering study to test the reliability of meta-optical elements in space. The collaboration aims to advance remote sensing systems while overcoming size and weight constraints, enabling innovative applications for Earth observation data.
Coral reef fish larvae undergo significant physiological changes as they transition from open ocean swimming to settling on the reef floor. The study found that gene activity changes play a crucial role in adapting to hypoxic environments at night, allowing the fish to survive and thrive.
Researchers discovered that Obamus coronatus, a half-inch long Ediacaran animal, preferred to live on specific parts of the sea floor in the company of other Obamus. This finding shows that even without modern descendants, ancient animals could exhibit sophisticated behavior and habitat selection.
Scientists have used sub-surface imaging and aerial surveys to uncover the Red Lily Lagoon area in West Arnhem Land, revealing significant implications for understanding the First Australians. The study provides a new way to understand the rock art in the region, which is recognized globally for its significance and distinctive style.
Researchers have identified 11 somatic mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway that contribute to treatment-resistant adult epilepsy, suggesting the potential for repurposed anti-cancer agents as new treatments. This study provides insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying this form of epilepsy and opens up new avenues for targeted ther...
Two contagious cancers, devil facial tumour 1 (DFT1) and 2 (DFT2), affecting Tasmanian devils have been tracked to understand their origins and evolution. Researchers found DFT2 is a faster-growing cancer with rapid mutations, posing a significant threat to the species.
Australian geoscientists discovered how long ago the Nullarbor plain dried out using iron-rich layers formed in ancient sediments. This finding provides a clearer timeframe for understanding the impact of ancient climate change on Australia's diverse flora and fauna.
A study in Nature Communications Earth and Environment shows progress in Australia's nature-based rehabilitation efforts for sustainable environmental restoration. The research highlights the importance of adopting UN environmental goals as principles in river management to conserve river health and improve resilience.
A study in Auckland, New Zealand has detected methamphetamine and other substances in the air for the first time in Oceania. The largest concentration of methamphetamine was found to be 104 picograms per cubic meter, highlighting the need for better air quality monitoring.
Researchers developed a model that predicts which species are at risk of becoming threatened or extinct based on climate change, human population growth, and land use patterns. The study aims to shift conservation efforts from reactive to proactive, enabling the protection of species before they reach threatened status.
A fasting diet that focuses on early eating has been shown to reduce the risk markers of type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that participants who followed a time-restricted, intermittent fasting diet experienced greater tolerance to glucose and reduced blood lipids compared to those on a daily, low-calorie diet.
Researchers found a therapy for babies with early autism signs can reduce long-term disability and associated costs, saving $10,695 per child by age 13. Early intervention may also alleviate strain on health, education, and family systems.
Researchers from Heidelberg University discovered CO2 pulses in Australian atmosphere at end of dry season, triggered by soil microorganisms activated by heavy rainfall. This finding suggests dry regions have a significant influence on the global carbon cycle, contributing to climate modelling and understanding.
A new study by the University of South Australia found that dedicated nature play areas are underutilized at schools, with most being used for play instead of learning. Researchers are encouraging teachers to incorporate more outdoor learning to boost student wellbeing and development.
Researchers discovered that as magma production decreased, volcanoes became increasingly complex, with internal magma pockets and reservoirs forming. The study provides insights into volcanic eruption processes and can inform our understanding of active continental hotspot volcanoes globally.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have built and tested a full-scale bushfire safe room that demonstrates excellent heat resistance. The results suggest the shelter could keep people alive for up to two hours in extreme conditions, but further testing is needed to confirm human survivability.
Researchers from Flinders University uncover the fossilized remains of Australia's largest eagle, Dynatoaetus gaffae, a bird with a wingspan twice that of the modern-day wedge-tailed eagle. The discovery sheds light on the continent's megafauna extinction and highlights the importance of raptors in the region.
A world-first study from the University of South Australia is providing valuable insights into how young people understand chronic pain, potentially helping thousands of sufferers to better manage their symptoms and long-term wellbeing. Researchers found that young people tend to make sense of chronic pain by explaining it as a softwar...
A study of 318 mothers found significant associations between antenatal COVID-19-related stress and poor postpartum maternal mental health outcomes. Infants also showed increased negative affectivity, highlighting the need for public health prioritization of pregnant individuals during pandemics.
Researchers found that girls generally fared better than boys in terms of wellbeing, but boys tended to improve when returning to school. The study also showed that children with lower family support scores suffered more from the lockdowns.
Despite centuries of documentation, many native Australian plant species remain unphotographed. Citizen scientists can contribute to filling this gap using digital cameras, helping researchers identify species and support conservation. The study highlights the importance of photographic records in protecting threatened plant species.
A new MIT study reveals that smoke particles from Australian wildfires can trigger chemical reactions that erode the protective ozone layer. The research found a 3-5% depletion of total ozone at mid-latitudes and widened the Antarctic ozone hole by 10% in 2020.
New research reveals that gender targets in the Australian public service do not lead to expected improvements in gender equity for women in leadership. The study suggests that effective policies, such as having at least two women on shortlists and leadership training, are crucial to increasing female representation in senior roles.
Researchers at Flinders University discovered a previously unknown whale behavior, which may have been described in ancient Norse manuscripts. The
A new cell therapy has demonstrated significant benefits in improving the heart's pumping ability and reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke in patients with chronic heart failure. The therapy, using mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs), also showed a strong signal in reducing inflammation and improving microv...
A recent study from the University of South Australia found that teenagers with a 'late sleep chronotype' who use technology before bed on weekends are at greater risk of disturbed sleep. This can lead to a serious sleep deficit, negatively impacting their daily tasks and wellbeing.
Leading addiction scientists criticize Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for its 2022 statement on e-cigarettes, which they say selectively cites evidence and relies on flawed analysis. The critique argues that the NHMRC statement confuses association with causation and adopts a double standard.
Researchers from the University of Queensland found that humpback whales have shifted their mating behaviour, with males giving up singing and instead fighting for dominance. This change is believed to be due to the increased population size after whaling cessation, as larger groups may deter other males from approaching potential mates.
Researchers found that the feathers of large seabirds contained nutrients from multiple ocean basins, while smaller birds had elements matching their local foraging environments. This discovery may explain the long-distance migrations of threatened species.
A recent study by Crystal Lim found that obesity prevention programs combining nutrition and exercise components over an extended period had the most success in changing students' daily behaviors. Successful programs also included evidence-based strategies like goal setting, problem solving, and self-regulation techniques.
A new study suggests that virtual reality exercises can reduce pelvic pain in women with endometriosis, offering a potential digital health solution. The study found that VR and telehealth exercise sessions provided immediate relief from pain, similar to traditional supervised exercise sessions.
A single test can now identify all three genotypes of the Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV), a deadly virus that primarily affects fish. The development of this test has significant implications for fisheries and aquaculture, as ISKNV poses a substantial threat to these industries.
Researchers used sophisticated models to estimate the peopling of Sahul, revealing a 10,000-year journey across the continent. The ancestors of Aboriginal people first entered the continent 75,000-50,000 years ago from Timor, expanding southward and northward to settle all parts of New Guinea and Australia.
Researchers at the University of South Australia are developing new biomarkers to improve melanoma detection and avoid delayed treatment. The current markers used in clinical practice are not always sensitive or specific, leading to fatal consequences if cancerous cells are missed.
A new field campaign will provide crucial details on cloud and precipitation properties in the Southern Ocean. Scientists aim to improve climate models' accuracy with data from this region.
The Australian black swan's genetic makeup makes it highly susceptible to viral illnesses like avian flu. Without common immune genes found in other waterfowl, the species is at risk of decimation if HPAI enters its native habitat.
Researchers have created a genetic map to identify important genes causing sarcoma, a common childhood cancer. The study found that one in 14 individuals with sarcoma carries a clinically significant gene, offering hope for earlier diagnosis and treatment.