Articles tagged with Australia
A study found that parthenogenetic Bynoe's geckos, a hybrid species, can reproduce without sex and outperform their sexual counterparts in endurance tests. The geckos' 'clonal' way of reproducing allows them to be genetically identical to their mother, and research suggests they are super tough and robust.
A joint paper from Research Australia calls on the Federal Government to boost its investment in health and medical research, following a review that showed significant healthcare and economic successes. The organization argues that continued growth of Commonwealth funding is essential to stay in the global race and attract top talent.
A new study reveals Canada's inadequate caregiver support system, with only tax relief and short-term paid work leave available. The UK recently introduced a state pension for low-income caregivers, highlighting the need for immediate and long-term financial assistance.
Scientists analyzed data from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, revealing a catastrophic event that highlights the need for more extreme worst-case seismic forecasts. The earthquake's impact was exacerbated by its location, which coincided with a popular holiday and high tide, resulting in widespread damage and loss of life.
A study found that repeated exposure to misinformation can create false memories, while skepticism plays a crucial role in discounting incorrect information. Researchers investigated the effects of retractions and disconfirmations on people's memory of war-related events.
A study of 11,800 adults found that genetic screening for haemochromatosis was well-received by participants, with low anxiety levels and no discrimination from insurance companies. The authors argue that the benefits of screening outweigh the risks, making it a cost-effective option for preventing iron accumulation.
Researchers discovered that yellow-beaked cleaner shrimp perform a specialized dance, the 'rocking dance,' to attract hungry client fish. This signaling allows both species to benefit from non-predatory cleaning interactions.
Researchers discovered two most chemically primitive stars, HE0107-5240 and HE1327-2326, offering insights into the universe's early stages. These unevolved dwarf stars have iron contents significantly lower than previously known stars, providing a glimpse into the elements produced during supernova explosions.
A study suggests that community acquired MRSA has evolved from a 1950s pandemic-causing strain, developing resistance to treatment by powerful antibiotics. The new strain shares the same highly-virulent toxin and poses a serious public health challenge.
Eating seafood containing toxic substances like tetrodotoxin and ciguatera can cause severe neurological effects. Shellfish poisoning is a common type of food-borne illness affecting the USA with symptoms including numbness, slurred speech, and paralysis. Prevention is key to avoiding life-threatening poisoning.
Coral reef ecosystems in Hawaii and Florida are facing ecological degradation due to pollution, overfishing, disease, and climate change. Researchers recommend managing coral reefs as whole ecosystems, reducing terrestrial runoff and investing in infrastructure to prevent further decline.
The World Health Organization is launching an independent Commission on Social Determinants of Health to review evidence and recommend policies to improve health globally. The commission aims to address the social factors that contribute to ill health, including poverty, education, housing, and economics.
Professor Johnson is awarded the IADR Oral Medicine and Pathology Research Award for his significant contributions to dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancer research. He has also made a notable impact on oral cancer prevention through his advocacy.
A UK study found that only 5% of internet users visited the House of Commons website in the past year, while 40% visit news and current affairs websites. The telephone remains the preferred method for conveying views to MPs, with e-mail gaining popularity among younger generations.
Paleontologists discovered a prehistoric jawbone that suggests the transformation of bones from the jaw into middle ear bones occurred at least twice in living mammal lines. The evidence supports independent origins of this adaptation in monotremes and placentals, contradicting previous doubts.
The Pew Institute for Ocean Science has selected 89 international Pew Fellows from over 20 countries who have completed conservation projects across the globe. The fellowships aim to protect ocean environments through education, collaboration, and research.
Chemists in Australia have created a molecule called the 'superbowl' that can carry large molecules of medicinal value, including painkillers and chemotherapy drugs, to specific areas of the body. The molecule shows promise for precision drug delivery and may one day improve medical treatments and save lives.
A new study suggests that ancient humans' systematic burning of Australia's interior led to the desertification of the region. The research indicates that this burning altered the flora enough to decrease the exchange of water vapor between the biosphere and atmosphere, causing the failure of the Australian Monsoon over the interior.
Researchers found that small male cuttlefish that change their appearance to look like females are successful in fertilizing eggs at a rate of 60 percent. The study used DNA fingerprinting and observed the cuttlefish's behavior over ten days, revealing this unique mating strategy
Researchers at McMaster University have used ancient DNA to study the evolution of the Haast's eagle, a giant bird that once ruled New Zealand. The study found that the species is related to one of the world's smallest eagles, with an estimated common ancestor living less than a million years ago.
A study suggests that high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere led to rapid cooling and the formation of Antarctica's ice sheet. Fossil evidence from deep-sea core samples indicates cold-loving plankton were present in the waters east of Antarctica, contradicting theories that warm ocean currents kept the continent ice-free.
Male crickets fed high protein diets engage in more sexual calling and die sooner than those on low protein diets. This is because they spend extra resources on mating behavior, shortening their lifespan. In contrast, males on low protein diets tend to delay calling until later in life, maintaining their body weight for longer.
A study published in The Lancet found an underlying autoimmune process linked to narcolepsy in people with a certain genetic profile. This breakthrough could lead to improved disease treatment and earlier diagnosis using a clinically useful assay.
A new study contradicts previous predictions that coral reefs will suffer large declines by 2100 due to ocean warming. Instead, the research finds that coral reef calcification rates may increase by up to 35% by 2100, potentially exceeding pre-industrial levels.
A study of over 2700 children found repeated prenatal ultrasounds during pregnancy had no long-term impact on growth or development. Physical and developmental assessments showed similar outcomes between children exposed to multiple ultrasounds and those with a single scan.
Research suggests that teenage hormone therapy to reduce adult height in tall girls is linked to impaired fertility later in life. Women who received oestrogen therapy were more likely to experience difficulty becoming pregnant and had a lower per cycle rate of conception.
The Online Journal of Nanotechnology at AZoNano.com provides free access to high-quality articles on all aspects of nanotechnology. The revenue from advertising and sponsorship will be distributed among authors, peer reviewers, and site administrators, ensuring inclusive access to knowledge.
Researchers found complete pain relief in 76% of patients treated with low-dose ketamine infusions, with some experiencing relief lasting over three years. The study's findings suggest a novel approach to treating complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
A new study suggests that providing air rather than 100% oxygen for newborn babies requiring ventilation after delivery can reduce infant mortality. The findings are based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of five trials, which found that 5% fewer babies given air died compared to those given 100% oxygen.
A 56-year-old man with a cancer-induced jawbone removal underwent a new bone grafting procedure, resulting in successful bone remodelling and mineralisation. He regained the ability to chew and enjoyed his first solid meal in 9 years after transplantation.
A new energy source harnessing solar power could revolutionize the way we generate electricity, offering a cheap, clean, and abundant alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The technology uses special titanium oxide ceramics to split water into hydrogen fuel, producing only oxygen and water as by-products.
Researchers found that individuals in a positive mood tend to have unreliable memories and poor critical thinking skills, while those in a negative mood provide more accurate eyewitness accounts. In contrast, a negative mood state triggers more systematic information processing, leading to superior thinking and communication skills.
A new project led by Newcastle University aims to examine the ecosystem consequences of bleaching on coral reefs. The research team will analyze changes in reef fish assemblages over five to 15 year time scales at sites in the Western Indian Ocean and Australia.
Research by Barker and colleagues revealed that all songbirds, including robins and crows, share a common origin in Australasia and New Guinea. The Passerida group, comprising 3,477 species, made it out of Australasia onto the Asian mainland before the Corvida group did, about 20 million years ago.
A new vaccine has induced antibodies and T cells targeting a specific cancer antigen, showing promise in delaying cancer recurrence. The NY-ESO-1/ISCOMATRIXTM vaccine demonstrated stronger responses compared to placebo or NY-ESO-1 protein alone.
A study of 1423 women aged 18-75 reveals that DHEAS, total testosterone, and free testosterone levels decline sharply in the early reproductive years. In contrast, androgen levels do not change during natural menopause. The findings highlight the importance of understanding hormone levels in women across all ages.
Researchers found a strong correlation between low DHEAS levels and reduced desire, arousal, and responsiveness in women under 45. The study suggests that low DHEAS may be a more accurate indicator of low libido than testosterone levels.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring can significantly reduce the incidence of awareness during surgery. By using BIS-guided anaesthesia, patients at risk experienced only two cases of awareness compared to 11 reported cases with standard care.
Research from Newcastle University and Australia finds young adults worried about their teeth due to celebrity beauty standards. The study, published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, reveals younger generations are more likely to complain about dental problems than older adults.
A 125-mile-wide crater off Australia's coast has been linked to the Great Dying, a period when 90% of marine life and 80% of land life became extinct. Researchers found evidence of shock quartz and melt layers in ancient cores drilled by oil companies, matching the timeline of the end-Permian era.
A study of police officers in Australia found that they rate the accuracy of a profile more when they think it was written by a professional profiler, regardless of its actual content. The researchers suggest that this bias can lead to false positives and undermine the effectiveness of profiling.
Players suffered from infections by Aeromonas hydrophila after playing in mud prepared with stagnant river water. Organizers advised precautions to protect players against infection, including using treated water and disinfectants.
UK public health experts warn that Britain is not doing enough to stop people from smoking, with nearly a third of adults still smoking compared to 20% in Australia. The UK has yet to adopt comprehensive tobacco control strategies like smoke-free policies in public places and workplaces.
Researchers developed a method to estimate background levels of heavy metals in soil, allowing for the estimation of manmade contamination worldwide. A new analysis of satellite data provided detailed information on tropical Atlantic surface current variability, which can be used to infer global ocean patterns. Additionally, a simple m...
The Roche Organ Transplantation Research Foundation has awarded 11 new grants totaling 2 million Swiss francs, focusing on the understanding of rejection responses and inflammation. The grants aim to improve long-term organ survival and help more people with solid organ transplants live longer and healthier lives.
Researchers have successfully created a new kind of mouse by replacing its genetic material with that from another species, paving the way for studies on mitochondrial medicine. The goal is to improve treatment options for people with currently untreatable diseases, such as infertility, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Simulated driving performance was unaffected by opiate treatment, but impaired after alcohol consumption. The effects of alcohol in reducing performance were similar across all groups, challenging the need for restricted driving standards.
A new study reveals that vitamin D levels predict the risk of falls among women, with 45% of nursing home residents suffering from deficiency. Vitamin D supplements are proposed as a solution to prevent falls and related health issues.
A new research project has set up houses with various termite defence systems in Arnhem Land to curb $780 million damage caused by termites each year. The project is using novel preservatives and chemical barriers to protect timber, and learning from the Yolngu people about termite behaviour and biology.
A study published in The Lancet found that medium-firm mattresses can significantly improve symptoms of low back pain, including reductions in pain while lying down and getting out of bed. Participants who used medium-firm mattresses reported twice the improvements compared to those using firm mattresses.
A report by U of T professors Anthony Doob and Cheryl Webster finds that harsher sentences do not reduce crime, citing the likelihood of apprehension as a key factor. The researchers argue that more resources are needed for social and educational programs to help children and youth thrive in school and prevent crime.
Scientists found that galaxies and extremely massive black holes seem to grow together, with rapidly growing black holes fueling faster galaxy growth. This discovery sheds light on an astrophysical mystery and reveals a crucial link between the two cosmic phenomena.
A team of researchers has discovered twenty gassy galaxies with vast discs of hydrogen weighing over a billion suns. The galaxies have few stars, and scientists are unsure why they haven't transformed their gas into stars like other galaxies.
A University of Melbourne postdoctoral student will develop computer software agents for Britain's Ministry of Defence to model real human behaviour. The agents will aim to inject life-like behaviour into computer-generated forces, improving training and analysis.
The new test uses PAP smears to isolate and genetically identify foetal cells, allowing for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal and single gene disorders. This reduces the risk of miscarriage associated with invasive tests and increases accessibility to prenatal testing for all pregnant women.
A Fulbright scholar will study nano-sized polymer magnetic complexes at the University of Western Australia. The research aims to develop new technologies for localizing high concentrations of drugs at a tumor site, potentially reducing extreme side effects with systemic cancer therapies.
Research suggests that undernutrition in pregnant women can lead to premature birth, with fetuses having accelerated adrenal gland maturation and premature delivery. Despite this, lambs born prematurely were not underweight or small for their gestational age.
The International Congress of Genetics will consider the implications of the genetics revolution on global food security, health care, and social justice. The event aims to provide representation from developing countries, which have the most to gain and lose from genetic advancements.
A recent study found that 95% of skin penetration operators believe guidelines are needed, but only half follow them. Tattoo shop operators were more knowledgeable about infection control than others. Barriers to compliance include client perceptions and busy schedules.
A University of Melbourne-led team has reached a broad agreement on the ages of Lake Mungo remains, painting a new picture of human and climatic history in Australia. The research boosts the age of Mungo Lady's cremation by 10,000 years, placing both at 40,000 years old.