Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
The United States and Venezuela lead the world in national pride, with Americans scoring 17.7 out of 25 and Venezuelans scoring 18.4. Both countries formed their identities through conflicts that bound their people together, creating a shared sense of patriotism.
A recent study recommends a large-scale test of speed camera networks in the US to curb road deaths. Small increases in travel speeds resulted in over 42,000 annual road deaths in the 1990s. Implementing speed control policies like those in the UK could have reduced US road deaths by 16-25%.
Climate change is already affecting human health, with increased duration of heatwaves in various regions and potential impacts on infectious diseases. Additionally, global warming may lead to regional food yields and water supplies, compromising health outcomes.
A Hebrew University researcher found genetic differences in 85 dancers and advanced students, affecting serotonin and vasopressin receptors. These variations were also reflected in questionnaire results, highlighting a 'dancer type' with heightened communication and spiritual traits.
A collaboration between Centre for Eye Research Australia and Pfizer Australia has led to a breakthrough in predicting cardiovascular disease through retinal analysis. The research uses advanced imaging software to identify subtle damage in blood vessels, which can predict stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure.
Australian researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in stem cell research, producing the country's first human embryonic stem cell line without using animal products. The new line, named 'Endeavour 1', has the potential to lead to safer treatments for conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers precisely measured the mass of a millisecond pulsar, PSR J1909-3744, using precise pulse arrival time measurements and disentangled the Shapiro delay effect from Roemer delay. The result reveals the white dwarf companion's mass to be 1.44 times that of the sun with an uncertainty of 0.02 solar masses.
A review of 56 studies found that liquid-based cytology did not detect more high-grade lesions and had equivalent performance to conventional Pap smear. However, the technique may have other advantages such as concurrent HPV DNA testing or reduced reading times.
Top-ranked pharmaceutical companies, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck and Bristol Myers Squibb, demonstrate a genuine commitment to ethics through their actions. The ranking highlights the importance of human development criteria, including labour standards, waste management, and product social utility.
Melbourne-based researchers Dr Anthony Hannan and Dr Stephen Nutt have won $1 million Pfizer Fellowships to investigate environmental factors affecting brain diseases and blood cell development. Their work aims to develop new therapeutic approaches for devastating conditions like Huntington's disease, schizophrenia, and leukaemia.
Researchers found that red-headed Gouldian finches are more aggressive and dominant than black-headed and yellow-headed peers. The study suggests that the birds' bright red head color serves as a signal of dominance, allowing them to out-compete others for limited resources.
Dr Anthony Hannan from the Howard Florey Institute has won a $1 million Pfizer Australia Research Fellowship to study environmental factors that delay degenerative brain diseases. His recent work showed that mental and physical exercise can slow down HD progression in mice, challenging genetic determinism.
A new study reveals that reliable resources like salmon, high population densities, and the defense of territories were crucial for the development of marked inequality in North America. Conversely, Australian Aboriginal societies on the tropical northern coast exhibited 'transient inequality' due to polygyny and high resource availabi...
A $1.75 million grant will establish the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank, a nationally coordinated facility to support schizophrenia research. The bank will provide access to comprehensive, cross-referenced data on over 3,000 participants with schizophrenia and their families.
Seven Australian scientists have been awarded $1m Pfizer Australia Research Fellowships to explore critical fields like brain stem cell activity, HIV, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The grants will support research into the genetic inheritance of glaucoma and the replication of HIV pathogens.
A study found that positive parenting programs, such as Group Triple P, are highly effective in reducing behavior problems and improving family relationships. The program reduced clinically significant behavior problems by 36% among four-year-old children.
A study by Research Australia highlights the importance of commitment, funding, and collaboration in sustaining primary health care programs. The research examined five regional programs across Australia, finding that effective partnerships between organisations, leadership, and financial sustainability are crucial for long-term success.
The Australian healthcare system is expected to face significant challenges in the coming years due to an aging population and chronic conditions. To address this, experts are calling for urgent changes in training models to prioritize team-based care and primary care training.
Dr. Anstey, a fellow at Australian National University, has been awarded the prestigious 2005 Margret M. Baltes Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her groundbreaking work on cognitive aging. The award recognizes her significant contributions to advancing our understanding of this critical aspect of human development.
Monash University has received $32 million in ARC funding for diverse research projects, including investigating immunity and infection control. The university's Civil Engineering department will use the grant to predict and reduce water and gas leakage in underground pipes.
The University of Queensland is leading a world-first consortium to create an Australian Minerals Science Research Institute, funded by a $8.6 million ARC grant. The five-year research program will focus on sustainable mining and mineral processing, with potential applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food production.
A PhD study found that younger people are more likely to change their bodies to prevent age-related stigma, while older individuals redefine themselves through non-physical means. As the population ages, this trend has significant implications for how we perceive and treat older adults.
A prestigious team of international editors led by Professor Donnan is launching the International Journal of Stroke, focusing on clinical aspects of stroke and providing regional news, world press reports, and topical reviews. The journal aims to reduce the burden of stroke worldwide through research and debate.
Researchers found that reestablished contact between two isolated green-eyed tree frog populations led to the emergence of a new species due to females' preference for mates from their own lineage. This preference resulted in reproductive isolation and accelerated evolution, ultimately giving rise to a distinct species.
Researchers urge Australia to issue compulsory licences, enabling local generic manufacturers to produce antiviral therapies at lower costs. This move would enhance the country's preparedness for pandemics, particularly in high-risk regions like Indonesia.
Researchers discovered that Australians with small blood vessel changes in their eyes were 70% more likely to experience a stroke over seven years. The study's findings suggest that eye examinations could help predict stroke risk, providing a potential window for early intervention.
This study explores the function of dreams during significant life changes, as reported by indigenous Surinamese and Australian tribes. The research findings suggest that dreams can provide comfort and guidance during difficult decisions and transitions, such as coming to terms with death or spiritual initiation.
Research Australia highlights 12 pressing health concerns affecting Australian children, including rising obesity rates, asthma, and increasing cases of child abuse. The list aims to raise awareness about these issues and promote action from researchers to improve children's health.
Research shows that Viagra reduced demand for seals, sea horses, and tigers used in TCM treatments. The study surveyed 256 Chinese men aged 50-76, finding more men previously used TCM treatments than current users.
Researchers found that POZ parties in New York City attracted predominantly white, over-30 men with varying lengths of HIV infection. The parties' mix of unprotected sex and multiple partners raises concerns about the spread of treatment-resistant strains of HIV.
Dr Frederic Meunier's research explores how powerful nerve toxins like Botox selectively dissect basic nerve cell processes, leading to a novel angle in understanding neuronal diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. He has also discovered that Botox-intoxicated nerve cells can recover by emitting little sprouts.
A new study found that horses with exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) trail the winner by an average of 14 feet after intense exercise. Horses with mild EIPH perform just as well as those without the disorder, but severe cases significantly hinder performance.
A team of international scientists are conducting a three-day simulation at Sandia National Laboratories to prepare for the Tropical Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment. The experiment aims to collect detailed data sets on tropical convection and improve computer models simulating clouds and climate.
A new study found that people aged 65-93 were more likely to ask personal questions in public, despite agreeing that such behavior is socially inappropriate. This may be due to weakening inhibitory control related to normal aging, according to Associate Professor Bill von Hippel.
A new research project will look at the Australian healthcare system's performance and identify areas for improvement. The study aims to create a more accessible and sustainable primary healthcare system, especially for people with chronic illnesses.
A new study aims to develop models of care that address socio-economic and environmental issues threatening the health of Aboriginal children. The research will investigate successful models of care in rural and remote areas, with a goal of establishing an evidence-base for future use.
The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute (APHCRI) has funded 12 projects across NSW, focusing on primary care models, integration of care, and chronic disease management. The research aims to improve health care outcomes for Australians through collaborative efforts between researchers and policy makers.
The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute funds three South Australian projects to enhance healthcare communication and address chronic disease management. Researchers will investigate best practices in general practice, rural health care, and mild chronic lung disease management.
Research Australia-funded project explores ways to tackle childhood obesity in Australia, focusing on parental involvement and early intervention. The study aims to identify effective models for reducing overweight and obesity in young children.
Researchers found a significant drop in biomass burning methane emissions from 1500 to 1600 due to indigenous population decline in South and Central America. Methane levels have increased by nearly 300% since the Industrial Revolution, with human activities accounting for 60% of atmospheric emissions.
The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of self-help and information technology in delivering better services for people with mental health problems. It is part of a larger funding round aimed at improving primary health care policy.
The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute has funded 12 projects to improve healthcare delivery, governance, and policy formulation. The projects aim to enhance the collaboration between hospitals, general practice, and community care organisations to provide better health outcomes for Australians.
The ACRF Dynamic Imaging Facility for Cancer Biology will enable cutting-edge research into cancer biology using two technologically advanced microscope systems. The facility is part of the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and aims to improve Queensland's capacity for internationally competitive research.
Researchers propose a two-stage screening approach to identify individuals with low bone mineral density and increased risk of osteoporotic fractures. This could lead to improved cost-effectiveness in treatment, reducing the economic burden of fractures on individuals and society.
UQ researchers received top honors in e-research grants, developing AI for breast cancer detection and improving data management. The university's initiative aims to overcome barriers to E-Research adoption.
A new project in Australia is exploring the economic benefits of treating depression in employees. The WORC Project has surveyed 80,000 employees and found that treating depression can recoup $338 per employee per year, improving morale and reducing costs associated with absenteeism and work under-productivity.
Researchers demonstrated that birds can be trained to respond to a magnetic direction and found that the ability to orient with magnetic cues is present in an ancient avian lineage. The new approach uses a social stimulus, unlike most previous attempts which relied on food rewards.
A UTD-led research team has produced strong, transparent carbon nanotube sheets with exceptional mechanical and electronic properties. These sheets have numerous applications, including organic light-emitting displays, low-noise electronic sensors, and artificial muscles.
Major ecological societies, including ESA and BES, commit to developing concrete ways to support ecologists in developing countries. The meeting aims to build infrastructure and tools to tackle environmental challenges worldwide.
The media's role in spreading health messages is being reevaluated by experts. Journalists have a responsibility to mirror society's needs and issues comprehensively and proportionally. They must investigate and report possible conflicts of interest among sources, citing earlier research and seeking independent expert opinions.
The Australasian Kidney Trials Network will focus on new and innovative clinical research to provide better treatments and outcomes for patients. The network aims to address the growing health issue of chronic kidney disease affecting one in seven Australian adults.
The mosquito fish's reproductive habits rely on male coercion, which is affected by environmental temperatures. Females select for strong male genes and adapt their behavior to optimal temperatures.
Researchers found a sudden shift in plant type after humans arrived in Australia, leading to extinctions of large birds like Genyornis. The study used ancient wombat teeth and bird eggshells to analyze carbon isotopes, showing that human-induced vegetation change was the best explanation for the ecological transition.
A new study by University of Colorado at Boulder-led researchers found that ancient birds in Australia's interior changed their diet drastically after human arrival, pointing to large-scale ecosystem changes. The shift was linked to the extinction of large terrestrial mammals and other species.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has selected 42 biomedical scientists from around the world to receive international research grants. These awardees will contribute to advancing global health and medical innovation through their research projects, with a focus on infectious diseases, parasitology, and immunology.
A $1.84 million NHMRC grant will enable the development of a secure, efficient national online database for cancer clinical trials. This system aims to revolutionize data management and increase patient access to trials, ultimately saving lives by accelerating evidence-based treatments.
A recent study found that 33% of people over 55 had undiagnosed asthma, with severe symptoms affecting their quality of life. The lack of specific asthma management plans for older people has significant implications for the growing Australian population living with asthma.
A new research project aims to introduce the Wolbachia bacteria into mosquitoes that carry the deadly dengue virus, reducing its lifespan and transmission. The five-year study, led by UQ, seeks to develop a cost-effective, self-perpetuating control strategy for large regional areas.
Researchers found that nearly 60% of patients with a minor ischaemic stroke died within 10 years, and 54% experienced at least one new vascular event. Event-free survival after 10 years was just 48%. The risk of vascular events decreased over time, but continued secondary prevention is crucial.
Scientists investigated Antarctic icebergs' detachment from the main continental ice sheet, finding that ice fracturing occurs in episodes and may be tied to seasonal changes. The studies used satellite data, GPS equipment, and seismometers to monitor rifts on East Antarctica's Amery Ice Shelf.