Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
The International Diabetes Federation is funding the STOP Diabetes project to address lifestyle-related metabolic diseases and promote healthy behaviors. The project aims to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in women by encouraging healthy behaviors.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that men are overrepresented in research on conditions affecting both sexes, while women are underrepresented. The authors recommend standardizing mechanisms for sex-specific reporting and analysis in publications.
Australian researchers have achieved a major advance by accumulating 30% of an unusual fatty acid (UFA) in the model plant Arabidopsis. This breakthrough could lead to the production of biofactories capable of producing oils for replacing petrochemicals used in plastics, paints, and cosmetics.
A recent Australian study found that part-time and casual work among new mothers has a significantly negative impact on breastfeeding rates, almost as big as returning to full-time work. The lack of paid maternity leave and workplace support for breastfeeding are cited as major factors contributing to this finding.
In polyandrous female Australian painted dragon lizards, sperm from different males compete to fertilize eggs. Females prefer mating with mixed-color pairs of males, suggesting a strategy to ensure genetic diversity. This unique behavior may contribute to the persistence of both male types in the population.
The CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility will use a high-speed link to collaborate with international researchers on e-VLBI experiments. The technique enables telescopes hundreds of kilometers apart to observe the same region of sky simultaneously, generating high-resolution images of cosmic objects.
Research highlights importance of targeting stigma associated with depression, particularly among less-educated men and those born overseas. Personal stigma is lower among those with depression, while higher education levels and depression knowledge reduce stigmatizing attitudes.
A recent investigation found that coral species have recovered from the atomic blast, with diverse and abundant marine life observed. However, some species are locally extinct due to the bomb's effects on water temperatures and nutrient levels.
Scientists from CSIRO tracked and mapped the habitats of 50 gulper sharks, swellsharks, and green eye dogfish near Port Lincoln, South Australia. The research aimed to evaluate the conservation value of closed areas designed to protect vulnerable shark species.
Research reveals female vets exposed to x-rays, anaesthetic gases, and pesticides are twice as likely to miscarry during pregnancy. The study emphasizes the need for veterinarians to prioritize preventive measures and use protective devices at work.
A recent study reveals a drastic decline in shorebird populations over the past 25 years, with migratory species suffering a 73% drop and resident shorebirds declining by 81%. The loss of wetlands and habitats is a significant contributor to this decline, highlighting the need for improved conservation efforts.
A landmark observational study is tracking the management of osteoporosis in 60,000 postmenopausal women from around the world. The Global Longitudinal Registry of Osteoporosis in Women (GLOW) aims to improve diagnosis and treatment standards, with data collected over five years.
Margaret Munro won the David Perlman Award for her article on the collapse of a Canadian ice shelf, while Dr. Richard Smith received the Walter Sullivan Award for his documentary film 'Crude'. The awards recognize outstanding science journalism with deadline pressure and lead time.
A study found that only 16% of Australians who started using asthma preventer medications regularly, while most new users stopped filling prescriptions after two years. The research highlights a significant gap between guidelines and real-world use.
A new study confirms Djarthia, Australia's earliest known marsupial, is a primitive relative of the Monito del Monte, a South American marsupial also believed to be a living fossil. The findings suggest the Monito del Monte may have returned to Australia from South America before Gondwana broke up.
CSIRO welcomes Boeing's establishment of Phantom Works, a branch of its advanced research organization, to foster innovation and growth. The partnership aims to develop breakthrough technologies in aerospace solutions, including lightweight composite materials and intelligent vehicle health monitoring.
Myopia research reveals no link between glasses-wearing and introversion, but a small association with Agreeableness; good eye care is key, dispelling preconceived notions about wearing glasses
Researchers discover ancient organism with multiple reproductive strategies, including sexual reproduction, dating back to the Neoproterozoic era. The findings suggest that ecosystems were complex and interconnected hundreds of millions of years ago, providing insights into early life evolution and potential extraterrestrial life.
A study of Australian men's attitudes towards health reveals that they are not the disinterested pub-goers often stereotyped. Instead, they proactively monitor their health and seek medical attention only when necessary. The researchers identified four key factors influencing men's help-seeking decisions.
A recent study suggests that current FPG thresholds for diagnosing diabetes may not accurately detect diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness. The researchers found that over 60% of retinopathy cases were missed by the widely used diabetes cutoff of 7.0mmol/L.
Researchers at the University of Sydney found evidence linking kava to liver damage, revealing changes in liver tissue structure and impacting immune system function. The study's findings support earlier literature observations on kava's adverse effects on the liver, highlighting the need for further investigations.
High-income countries like UK, USA, and Australia sustain their high physician-to-population ratio by recruiting medical graduates from developing regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Over half of these African countries do not meet the minimum acceptable PPR, with Tanzania having just 0.02 doctors per 1000 population.
Australian researchers have discovered ancient crayfish fossils, providing evidence that the crustaceans existed on the continent as far back as the Mesozoic Era. The finds offer insights into the ecology of southern Australia during this period, which saw diverse plants and dinosaurs in prolonged polar darkness.
A new arenavirus has been discovered in three transplant recipients who died in Victoria, Australia in April 2007. The virus was identified through rapid sequencing technology and subsequent characterization, revealing a strain sufficiently different from existing screening methods.
A new research tool, OWNFOR, will enable scientists to study how tiny coral reef fish larvae locate their habitat across vast expanses of water. The system uses a drifting observational device with an infrared camera to observe marine larvae naturally influenced by ocean currents.
The marsupial lion's 'bolt-cutter' type teeth allowed for rapid killing of prey, while African lions used a 'clamp and hold' technique that could take up to 15 minutes. Research suggests the marsupial lion was an efficient predator that could inflict mortal wounds on large prey.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund found that the US ranks last among 19 industrialized countries in preventable deaths. If the US had performed as well as France, Japan, and Australia, there would have been 101,000 fewer deaths annually by the end of the study period.
The US ranks last among 19 industrialized countries on preventable deaths, with a 4% decline compared to an average of 16% for other nations. If the US had performed as well as top performers France, Japan, and Australia, there would have been 101,000 fewer deaths annually.
A new study suggests whale shark populations are healthy and growing in Ningaloo Reef due to regulated ecotourism. The research used computer-assisted photographic identification to track individual sharks and found two-thirds of the sharks were repeat visitors.
Researchers found that anastomotic leakage rates were similar between patients with and without preoperative mechanical bowel preparation. However, patients who had mechanical bowel prep had fewer abscesses after anastomotic leakage. The authors advise abandoning mechanical bowel preparation due to potential drawbacks.
The Queensland Government's decision will ensure 80% of residents drink fluoridated water within two years and over 90% by 2012. Fluoride introduction is expected to reduce dental decay by up to 65% compared to non-fluoridated areas.
Citrus growers in eastern Australia can now export to Japan with greater market flexibility thanks to the development of cold storage regimes effective against fruit fly. The new method kills Queensland Fruit Fly in citrus stored for 14-16 days at temperatures of 2° or 3°C, reducing damage and improving fruit quality.
The CSIRO report found that biodiesel produced from used cooking oil can reduce emissions by up to 87%, while palm oil sourced from pre-1990 plantations can achieve an 80% emission reduction. This could lead to improved air quality and reduced health risks.
The Australian health system is facing significant challenges, including inadequate funding and poor access to care for Indigenous populations. The Editorial argues that a substantial reform program is needed to achieve better health outcomes for all, building on Labor's vision for New Directions in Australian Health.
Researchers found that older sand filters with established biofilms effectively remove geosmin and MIB, reducing the earthy taste in tap water. The study suggests using biologically active sand filters can improve water purification, making water safer for consumption.
Researchers at Griffith University develop a technique to measure microscopic distances with unparalleled accuracy, using single photons as a ruler. The team achieves measurement errors less than one ten thousandth of the width of a human hair, paving the way for breakthroughs in medical research and new technologies.
Jurors presented with gruesome evidence are more likely to convict, a study finds. The evidence can influence jurors' decisions at an unconscious level, leading to unfair outcomes for defendants.
A meta-analysis of four clinical trials found that patients taking rimonabant experienced a 4.7kg greater weight reduction but were at a 40% higher risk of adverse events. Rimonabant also increased the likelihood of discontinuation due to depressive disorders and anxiety.
A Chinese-Australian research team studied the whitefly Bemisia tabaci's invasive behavior, discovering that it breeds more when interacting with native populations and suppresses their reproduction rates. This asymmetrical mating interaction drives the widespread invasion and displacement of native species.
Researchers have identified 20 major European carp breeding hot spots in Australia's Murray Darling Basin, which could be targeted for control measures to reduce carp numbers in regional waterways. The study found that heavy rain and floods enable the carp to disperse their larvae, supporting the larval drift theory.
UK government's focus on cannabis reclassification may divert attention from more pressing health concerns. Experts argue that increasing penalties have limited impact on cannabis use and harm, highlighting the need for better public communication about the risks of substance abuse.
The Lancet report highlights Australia's poor indigenous health statistics, including a 17-year gap in life expectancy between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Improving access to quality care, prevention strategies, and increasing the number of indigenous health workers are key recommendations.
A research team led by Dr. Michael Starnbach is using genetically engineered mice to study the immune system's response to Chlamydia infections. They aim to understand which components of the immune system need to be stimulated to fight the infection, with the ultimate goal of developing a vaccine for adolescent girls.
A Comment in The Lancet calls for global investment in civil registration to improve data on population and health trends. This would enable countries to make informed decisions on governance and healthcare policies.
Coral reefs face irreversible destruction due to global warming, with scientists urging immediate action to reduce emissions and implement no-fishing reserves. The Great Barrier Reef alone generates $6.9 billion annually in economic activity, supporting over 65,000 jobs.
Paleontologists from Emory University have discovered large carnivorous dinosaur tracks in Victoria, Australia, revealing that these dinosaurs roamed a polar environment. The tracks are estimated to be around 115 million years old and suggest that dinosaurs were larger than previously thought.
Researchers found that pitrakinra significantly reduced asthma symptoms in patients, with a maximum decrease of 17.1% in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) compared to placebo groups. The study suggests that pitrakinra may be an effective treatment option for asthma, offering promising results.
New projections for Australia's changing climate indicate rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns. By 2030, temperatures are expected to increase by about 1ºC, with a 10-20% chance of exceeding this threshold in coastal areas.
A study published in SLEEP found that combining low-dose alcohol with moderate sleep restriction significantly impaired young men's subjective alertness and driving performance. Steering deviation increased significantly with the combination, suggesting a reduced threshold for safe driving.
Astronomers have detected a huge burst of radio energy from the distant universe, suggesting a new area of study in astrophysics. The burst was so bright that it saturated equipment and could be equivalent to a large power station running for two billion years.
Traces of oxygen appeared in Earth's atmosphere 2.5 billion years ago, 50-100 million years before the Great Oxidation Event. The discovery was made by analyzing a drill core from Western Australia and provides new insights into the history of atmospheric oxygen.
Two teams of scientists found evidence of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere 2.5 billion years ago, 100 million years before the Great Oxidation Event, which marked the rise of animal life. This discovery suggests that the evolution of life on Earth was more complex and occurred earlier than previously believed.
Researchers developed a simplified protocol to teach growers how to convert complex yield and soil data into pertinent information, enabling site-specific management decisions. By using this protocol, Australian growers improved their field management, including implementing site-specific nutrient and pest management treatments.
A three-year QUT study will guide schools on policies and practices to protect victims, educate students and families, and prevent liability. The research team will work with focus groups of students, teachers, principals, and parents to explore the incidence and consequences of cyber bullying.
A satellite tracking study by The University of Queensland, Australia Zoo and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service found that saltwater crocodiles can swim long distances for days on end. Three relocated crocodiles were tracked swimming between 10 and 30 km per day.
A new technique using a corneal confocal microscope may enable the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy, a nerve disorder affecting up to 50% of diabetic patients. This instant, non-invasive test could lead to earlier treatment and improved health outcomes for millions of Australians.
Indigenous Australians face a greater burden of ill health, lower access to health services, more disability, and lower life expectancy. The Howard Government's pledge to improve indigenous health remains unmet, and the Editorial argues that the latest approach will not fulfil its promise.
A study by researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Florence, and Western Australia found that children with autism don't update their facial perceptions as readily as typically developing children do. As a result, they struggle to recognize faces belonging to different teams or individuals, which can contribute to social problems.
The emergence of oxygen-producing cyanobacteria released oxygen at levels similar to today, but it had nowhere to go. Terrestrial volcanoes later arose and dominated, increasing oxygen levels in the atmosphere.
Researchers have created a biological detergent that can be turned on and off depending on its application, offering potential solutions for improving laundry efficiency and reducing irritation in eye care products. The 'switchable' detergent has broad applications across various industries, including personal care and oil extraction.