Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
Researchers from North America and Europe have solved the first trillion cases of an ancient mathematics problem on congruent numbers, discovering over 3148 billion new solutions. The breakthrough was achieved through a complex technique for multiplying large numbers.
A study of over 20,000 young drivers found that those living in rural areas are more likely to be involved in serious crashes than urban counterparts. Rural roads pose significant risks due to curved sections and speeding.
Two Australian research studies reveal that 50% of people over 30 do not have sufficient risk factor information recorded, and only 20% with high risk receive all recommended treatments. Indigenous healthcare sites show better patient management, with 44% prescribed appropriate medicines.
A study by Pascale Quester and Alexandre Steyer found that consumers seek variety initially, then conform to group norms, before re-embracing individuality when a choice becomes dominant. In a restaurant setting, this pattern was observed with customers opting for alternative drinks when others chose the same option.
Research shows that spontaneous preterm birth rates are rising alongside medically-induced preterm births in Scotland, with maternal complications playing a decreasing role. The study suggests that reducing both types of preterm births is crucial for improving infant survival rates.
Wealthier countries use less energy in buildings due to rating systems, but design challenges remain. Implementing similar programs can create 'green' jobs in the US, according to a new RAND Corporation study.
A new study found that people who start drinking at an early age are more likely to develop alcohol dependence. The study suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of AD symptoms, particularly in those who begin drinking before age 15.
A team of scientists used cameras to capture fireballs streaking across the night sky, calculating its orbit and asteroid origin. The rare achondrite meteorite is from the inner asteroid belt, providing valuable insights into the solar system's evolution.
Chronic pain affects 80% of those living with it, and up to 10% gain access to effective treatments; a national strategy is long overdue to address the issue's significant economic and personal burden.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that 29% of chronic angina patients experience angina chest pain at least once a week. Despite treatment options, many patients report limited enjoyment of life due to the symptom.
The CSIRO has chosen 10 major science projects for its Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope, which will tackle astrophysical issues and advance the field of astronomy. The projects include a deep survey for star-forming galaxies and a survey for galaxies containing neutral hydrogen gas.
A study found that 50% of families with a genetic risk of bowel cancer declined genetic testing due to fear of insurance rejection. Researchers urge the Australian government and insurance industry to reconsider their stance on genetic information, which can reduce morbidity and mortality.
A new study by Queensland University of Technology found that hospital infections cost the Australian healthcare system over 850,000 lost bed days annually. Reducing these rates could release up to 150,158 bed days, allowing for an estimated 38,500 additional admissions.
Researchers created a new gene therapy vector that uses the same machinery as viruses to deliver therapeutic genes into cells' nuclei. This breakthrough improves efficiency and specificity of human gene therapy, paving the way for clinical applications.
New research suggests that pollution from Asia, Europe and North America may contribute to recent Australian rainfall changes. Human-generated aerosols from the northern hemisphere are thought to drive changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation, leading to increased rainfall in north-western and central Australia.
A new analysis of 30 years of on-ground and satellite observations reveals the onset of water scarcity in southeast Australia around 1993-1996. This finding underscores the importance of good water information for water resource planning and highlights the impact of climate change on the country's current water resources.
Researchers aim to discover proteins that cause MS, a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide. The nationwide project could lead to effective treatments and cures.
Anton Y. Peleg receives the American Society for Microbiology's ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking work on carbapenemase genes, tigecycline resistance, and prokaryote-eukaryote interactions in multidrug-resistant bacteria.
A collaborative doctor-pharmacist partnership reduces hospitalizations for heart failure patients by cutting medication misuse and improving adherence. The Australian model, which includes home visits and follow-up appointments, results in a significant reduction in hospitalization rates.
A CSIRO-led study is investigating the use of a rust fungus to control Cape tulip weeds in Australian pastures. The research aims to determine the aggressiveness of the rust on Cape tulips and its potential for biological control, with initial results promising.
Experts from Germany are sharing their butterfly monitoring methods with China, Australia, and Israel to track changes in butterfly populations. The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research has been working with butterflies for years, using them as indicators of habitat health.
Researchers used magnetotelluric sounding to detect large amounts of water in New Zealand's crust, revealing three processes that help deform the crust above it. The study found water is released at varying depths, contributing to earthquake generation and faulting in the region.
Researchers found platinum content in komatiites gradually increased from 3.5 billion years ago to 2.9 billion years ago, indicating the deep source of komatiite was gaining platinum over time. This discovery has significant implications for understanding mantle processes and plate tectonics.
A study reveals that the lesser short-tailed bat's walking ability evolved in an ancient Australian lineage, contradicting previous assumptions. The bat's unique adaptations, such as adhesive grooves and extra talons, have advantages only in specific circumstances, not due to competition from other mammals.
A landmark study reveals a worsening picture of biodiversity loss in Oceania, with habitat destruction and invasive species posing major threats. The report calls for urgent government action to address the extinction crisis, including increased protected areas and better ecosystem management of fisheries.
A study published in Neurology found that people over 60 with high blood pressure are more likely to experience silent strokes. High blood pressure increases the risk by 60%, while white matter hyperintensities nearly double the likelihood of silent strokes.
Genetic analysis reveals Australian Aborigines originated from south Asia, tracing back to Indian populations with exclusive mutations. This discovery supports archeological evidence of human occupation in Australia dating back to approximately 45 thousand years ago.
A Swedish researcher has discovered a bony clasper in a primitive fossil fish, completing the picture of placoderm reproduction and providing a 400-million-year pedigree for modern sharks' reproductive biology. The finding sheds light on how sharks reproduce, with the clasper serving as an extension of the pelvic fin.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that encouraging the use of pedometers and promoting physical activity through mass media campaigns are the most cost-effective interventions. These programs can reduce death and illness from heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, with an overall cost-saving for the health sector.
Australia's top scientists will present on using mathematical models to understand complex systems, including climate change and agricultural sustainability. The conference will feature models assessing water availability, predicting aircraft distances for safer skies, and evaluating coral bleaching impacts.
Paleontologist Anthony Martin's discovery of dinosaur burrows in Victoria, Australia, suggests that burrowing behaviors were shared by different species across hemispheres and spanned millions of years. The findings indicate that small ornithopod dinosaurs may have dug into river banks to survive extreme environments.
Researchers use GM technique to contain salt in plant parts, reducing damage and increasing tolerance. The technology holds promise for crops like rice, wheat, and barley, improving global food security.
PEDF, secreted by fat cells, leads to insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Blocking PEDF action may reverse health complications associated with obesity.
Scientists at QIMR have discovered two genes that significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma in people with multiple moles. This groundbreaking research will help develop new screening techniques and potentially lead to new therapies for this deadly skin cancer.
The health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is attributed to cultural loss, poverty, and colonialism. The authors highlight the importance of addressing social determinants of health and promoting Indigenous wellbeing through cultural revitalization and community-based strategies.
The review highlights the alarming burden of disease on Indigenous infants and children, with vaccine-preventable diseases still prevalent in many groups. Chronic diseases related to lifestyle factors have also surged, with diabetes rates 18 times higher among Aboriginal children than non-Indigenous counterparts.
Researchers have discovered a molecular tool that selectively attacks human cancer cells, showing promise in treating human acute myeloid leukemia. The therapeutic approach exploits the high expression of CD123 on leukemia stem cells, targeting these critical cells to improve survival rates.
The University of Adelaide's new Centre of Clinical Research Excellence for Oral Health will investigate the interaction between systemic health and oral disease. The centre will focus on improving dental treatments to manage other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
A study found that El Nino years favor the Australian team's success in the Ashes series held in Australia, while La Nina years benefit England. The research analyzed Ashes matches from 1882-2007 and showed a strong correlation between ENSO phases and team performance.
A comprehensive review of studies on young offenders' health highlights the need for prioritizing mental and physical health for successful rehabilitation. The review found that young offenders often experience poor health due to factors such as substance abuse, trauma, and social disadvantage.
Scientists have discovered a natural deep earth pump that plays a crucial role in forming ore deposits and earthquakes. The process, called creep cavitation, involves fluid being pumped through pores in deformed rock, contributing to tectonic plate movement and mantle degassing.
A new study by The George Institute for International Health found Tai Chi to have positive effects on improving pain and disability among arthritis sufferers. Researchers are now conducting a trial to establish if similar benefits can be seen in people with chronic low back pain.
Researchers have identified two new genetic locations linked to Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The discovery offers promising targets for disease susceptibility and may lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
Scientists have compiled the first ever growth ring chronology from tropical Australia, revealing that tree growth depends mainly on annual precipitation. The analysis suggests that growth rings are a more suitable proxy data for registering precipitation dynamics in Australia than current methods based on ENSO and IPO.
Research shows that in one lizard species, bigger eggs tend to produce females and smaller eggs tend to produce males. This discovery contradicts the long-held assumption that genetic factors control sex determination in reptiles.
Dr. Peter Sale, a renowned Canadian-based UN coral reef specialist, received the Pieter Bleeker Award for his major contributions to world knowledge of fish communities, particularly those in coral reefs. He was recognized for his work on reef fish ecology and behavior, shedding light on sustainable management of marine environments.
Researchers analyzed thousands of surveys to find coral reefs dominated by macroalgae globally are less common than assumed, with only 4% of reefs showing significant coverage. The study suggests no recent trend toward coral-algal phase shifts worldwide.
Researchers observe transformation of an ordinary, slow-rotating pulsar into a superfast millisecond pulsar with an almost infinitely extended lifespan. The discovery provides direct evidence for the process of cosmic recycling, where matter from a companion star falls into a pulsar's gravity well, increasing its rotation speed.
The new children's book, Polar Eyes, explores Antarctica's diverse science program through Tanya Patrick's journey. The book features hands-on activities, quizzes, and odd facts to engage young minds, including the penguins' dance destination.
The collaboration aims to better understand the industry's needs and ensure expertise and capabilities are used effectively. BHP Billiton plans to relocate 15 researchers to the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies from July 2009.
A network of 120 sensors is monitoring Lake Wivenhoe's environmental conditions in real-time, enabling early detection of contaminants and high rainfall events. The system uses CSIRO's FLECK smart wireless sensor technology to collect detailed data on water quality, event flows, and weather patterns.
Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that a traditional kava extract is an effective treatment option for chronic anxiety and depression. The study found significant reductions in anxiety levels among participants taking kava tablets, with improvements also seen in depression.
A team of scientists has proposed six 'rules of thumb' to help save the world's imperiled coral reefs. The key to saving threatened coral ecosystems is maintaining links between reefs, allowing larvae to flow between them and re-stock depleted areas.
Researchers found that traffic light nutrition labels are more effective than percentage daily intake labels in helping consumers identify healthier foods. The study, which tested four different approaches on 790 Australians, recommended mandatory traffic light labelling regulation to improve nutrition information and promote healthier...
A new study suggests that human behavior, such as installing large domestic water tanks, may enable the dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti to re-emerge in Australia and expand its range of possible infections. By 2050, the risk of dengue fever is expected to be high in all capital cities around the country.
Researchers discovered a genetic variant that can predict patients' risk of developing shock and kidney failure after heart surgery. Patients with the 'LL' gene variant are more likely to experience these complications and may not respond well to standard treatments, highlighting the potential benefits of personalized medicine.
Patients with cardiac health problems are trialing a new, home-based rehabilitation system that uses mobile phone and web technology to promote healthy lifestyles. The program aims to improve access and completion rates for cardiac rehabilitation, with personalized goals and support via text messages and video conferencing.
New research reveals that methane clathrate stores beneath the ocean and in permafrost are more stable than previously thought, reducing concerns over climate change. A 10% release of methane would have an equivalent impact on global warming as a ten-fold increase in carbon dioxide concentration.
A new report reveals that fire influences global warming more than previously thought, with human-caused fires contributing significantly to the greenhouse effect. The study estimates that deforestation due to burning by humans releases an amount of carbon dioxide equal to 50% of fossil fuel combustion.
A new Australian study reveals a significant rise in neonatal withdrawal syndrome among newborns, with 906 cases diagnosed between 1980 and 2005. The research highlights the need for early identification and intervention to prevent abuse and neglect.